A drive-by-wire controller satisfying a multiple outlet mode

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of HVAC control equipment technology and discloses a wired controller that satisfies multiple wiring methods, including a front shell, a middle and rear cover, and a rear cover. The middle and rear cover are stacked on the rear side of the front shell, and the rear cover is stacked on the side of the middle and rear cover opposite to the front shell. The middle and rear cover has a first notch, and a wire groove extending outward from the first notch is provided on the side of the middle and rear cover opposite to the front shell. The side wall of the front shell has a wire exit notch, and the end of the wire groove away from the first notch corresponds to the position of the wire exit notch. The rear cover has a second notch, and the second notch corresponds to the position of the first notch. By setting the first notch of the middle and rear cover and the wire groove to cooperate with the second notch of the rear cover, this invention allows the connecting wire to flexibly choose to exit along the wire groove of the middle and rear cover through the tail of the wire exit notch, or directly pass through the middle of the notch of the rear cover and hide the wire exit, thereby meeting the needs of various installation scenarios such as surface mounting and concealed mounting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of HVAC control equipment technology, specifically to a wired controller that meets multiple wiring methods. Background Technology

[0002] Wired controllers, serving as control terminals for HVAC equipment such as air conditioners, fresh air systems, and underfloor heating, are typically installed on easily accessible wall surfaces or in pre-embedded 86-type junction boxes. In existing technology, to adapt to different installation scenarios, wired controllers require pre-designed channels for connecting wires. A common practice is to create a fixed outlet on the rear casing or side wall of the controller, allowing the internal control board's connecting wires to pass through and connect to external power and communication lines. When the wired controller is surface-mounted, the connecting wires are generally led out from the cable tray at the bottom or side of the casing and run along the wall. When the wired controller needs to be recessed into an 86-type junction box, the connecting wires must pass directly into the junction box from the middle of the rear casing to achieve concealed wiring. Therefore, the design of the cable outlet structure becomes crucial if the same model of wired controller needs to be compatible with both surface-mounted and recessed mounting methods.

[0003] However, existing wired controllers have significant shortcomings when dealing with multiple cable exit requirements. Firstly, most wired controllers are designed with only a fixed cable exit port in a single direction, unable to flexibly switch cable paths, resulting in the same product being suitable only for one installation method. Forcibly changing the cable exit direction often requires damaging the casing or creating a new external opening, affecting not only the product's appearance but also potentially damaging internal components. Secondly, while some products can achieve cable exit direction switching by adding independent accessories, this solution increases the number of parts, raising manufacturing costs and assembly complexity. Furthermore, these independent accessories are easily lost at the installation site, causing inconvenience during construction. Thirdly, the cable exit sealing of existing wired controllers typically relies on additional rubber plugs or sponge gaskets. These seals are prone to aging and detachment after long-term use, allowing dust or moisture to penetrate the casing, affecting the reliability and lifespan of the circuit board. Therefore, the industry urgently needs an adaptive wired controller structural design that can flexibly achieve at least two cable exit methods without adding additional accessories or sacrificing sealing performance and overall aesthetics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing wired controller cable exit structure mentioned in the background art during use, the present invention provides a wired controller that meets multiple cable exit methods. It has the advantages of flexibly switching between tail cable exit and middle cable exit without additional parts, passive and reliable sealing through a double-layer shell structure, convenient disassembly and assembly, and a neat appearance, thus solving the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a wired controller that satisfies multiple cable exit methods, comprising a front shell, a middle and rear cover, and a rear cover. The middle and rear cover are stacked on the rear side of the front shell, and the rear cover is stacked on the side of the middle and rear cover opposite to the front shell. The middle and rear cover has a first notch, and the rear cover has a second notch, the second notch corresponding to the first notch. The middle and rear cover and the rear cover are both snapped and fixed to the front shell, and the middle and rear cover and the rear cover are respectively snapped with different snap-fit ​​positions of the first snap-fit ​​part provided on the inner wall of the front shell, so that after the rear cover is removed from the front shell, the middle and rear cover still maintains the snap-fit ​​fixed state with the front shell. The middle and rear cover has a groove extending outward from the first notch on the side facing the front shell. The side wall of the front shell has a wire outlet notch. The end of the groove away from the first notch corresponds to the position of the wire outlet notch. The depth of the groove cavity is such that the outer diameter of the connecting wire contained therein does not exceed the outer surface of the middle and rear cover, so that when the rear cover and the middle and rear cover are fitted together, the connecting wire is not clamped between the two.

[0006] Preferably, the first latching part is a double-layer latch integrally formed on the inner wall of the front shell. The double-layer latch has a lower latching position and an upper latching position. The edge of the middle and rear cover is provided with a first latching part that latches with the lower latching position, and the edge of the rear cover is provided with a second latching part that latches with the upper latching position. The lower latching position and the upper latching position are spatially independent and do not interfere with each other in terms of mechanical transmission.

[0007] Preferably, the number of the first latching parts is at least three. The first latching part and the second latching part are respectively provided on the middle rear cover and the rear cover. The bottom of the front shell is provided with a front section of the disassembly notch, and the bottom of the rear cover is provided with a rear section of the disassembly notch. The front section of the disassembly notch and the rear section of the disassembly notch are joined together in the assembled state to form a disassembly notch that allows tools to be inserted.

[0008] Preferably, the groove is a recess formed on the surface of the middle and rear cover, one end of the groove is connected to the first notch, and the other end extends to the edge of the middle and rear cover and is aligned with the wire outlet notch.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a control board, which is fixed inside the front housing. The connecting wire of the control board passes through the first notch and can selectively be led out from the wire outlet notch along the wire groove to form a tail wire outlet path, or led out from the second notch to form a middle wire outlet path.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a touch screen display, which is fixed to the front side of the front housing and electrically connected to the control board.

[0011] Preferably, the rear cover is provided with mounting holes, and the rear cover is fixed to the mounting surface by screws passing through the mounting holes.

[0012] Preferably, the middle rear cover and the rear cover form a double-layer rear cover structure, the first notch is covered by the rear cover, and the wire groove is closed by the inner wall of the front shell, forming a maze-like protective structure with staggered front and rear and double-layer superposition, so as to cover the components inside the front shell without relying on elastic seals.

[0013] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By setting the first notch and the wire groove of the middle and rear cover to cooperate with the second notch of the rear cover, the connecting wire can flexibly choose to exit along the wire groove of the middle and rear cover through the end of the wire exit notch, or directly pass through the middle of the notch of the rear cover to hide the wire exit, thereby meeting the needs of various installation scenarios such as surface mounting and concealed mounting in 86 boxes.

[0014] 2. This invention forms a double-layer back cover structure by stacking the middle and rear covers, which can effectively shield the control board and other components inside the front shell. It can achieve reliable passive sealing protection without additional sealing components, and at the same time, there are no extra openings in the appearance, which improves the overall aesthetics of the product.

[0015] 3. By setting an integrally formed double-layer buckle on the inner wall of the front shell, which is respectively engaged with the locking parts of the middle and rear covers, the double-layer rear cover can be fixed in layers and disassembled in steps. This not only ensures the structural stability after assembly, but also provides a convenient disassembly path for daily maintenance.

[0016] 4. By setting corresponding disassembly notches at the bottom of the front shell and the rear cover, the present invention enables repair tools to be precisely inserted and force applied to easily pry open the rear cover, avoiding damage to the shell by violent disassembly, and significantly improving disassembly efficiency and operational safety.

[0017] 5. By designing the cable groove of the middle and rear cover as a continuous groove extending from the first notch to the edge, the present invention can ensure that the connecting wire is neatly constrained in the groove when it exits at the tail, preventing the cable from being compressed or the wiring from being messy, ensuring that the internal wiring is neat and the assembly process is smooth and reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional disassembly and assembly diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Front cover; 11. First snap-fit ​​part; 12. Front section of the disassembly / reassembly notch; 13. Cable exit notch; 2. Middle and rear cover; 21. First notch; 22. Cable channel; 23. First snap-fit ​​part; 3. Rear cover; 31. Second notch; 32. Second snap-fit ​​part; 33. Mounting hole; 34. Rear section of the disassembly / reassembly notch; 4. Screw; 5. Touch screen; 6. Control board; 7. Connecting cable. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 The system includes a front cover 1, a middle and rear cover 2, a rear cover 3, a control board 6 housed within the front cover 1, and a touch screen 5 located on the front side of the front cover 1. The touch screen 5 is electrically connected to the control board 6 for human-machine interaction. The middle and rear cover 2 is stacked on the rear side of the front cover 1, and the rear cover 3 is stacked on the side of the middle and rear cover 2 opposite to the front cover 1. The middle and rear cover 2 and the rear cover 3 together form an integrated and fixed double-layer rear cover structure. Both are pre-assembled on the front cover 1 as fixed components of the wired controller and are not removable or replaceable after leaving the factory, thus concealing the components inside the front cover 1. Therefore, installers do not need to temporarily select or replace any parts according to the installation scenario; they only need to change the wiring path to switch the wiring method, avoiding the risk of lost or incorrectly installed parts on site.

[0022] Please see Figure 2The inner wall of the front shell 1 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part 11, which is a double-layer snap-fit ​​integrally formed on the inner wall of the front shell 1. It has two spatially independent snap-fit ​​surfaces: a lower snap-fit ​​position and an upper snap-fit ​​position, and the number of these surfaces is at least three. In this embodiment, a total of six sets of first snap-fit ​​parts 11 are provided on the inner walls of the four sides of the front shell 1, with two sets on the top and bottom and one set on the left and right sides, respectively, to ensure a stable snap-fit. The edge of the middle and rear cover 2 is provided with a first engaging part 23 that engages with the lower snap-fit ​​position of the first snap-fit ​​part 11, and the edge of the rear cover 3 is provided with a second engaging part 32 that engages with the upper snap-fit ​​position of the first snap-fit ​​part 11. The lower snap-fit ​​position and the upper snap-fit ​​position do not interfere with each other in terms of force transmission, so that the disassembly and assembly operations of the middle and rear cover 2 and the rear cover 3 are independent and the force path is clear. When disassembling the rear cover 3 for maintenance, only the upper locking mechanism is separated by force, while the lower locking mechanism and the middle rear cover 2 remain firmly engaged with the front shell 1. The internal control panel 6 remains concealed by the middle rear cover 2, avoiding the risk of accidental activation by fully exposing the control panel upon removing the rear cover. The first engaging part 23 and the second engaging part 32 can be slots or protrusions, as long as they can form a reliable engaging fit with the double-layer buckles. The bottom of the front shell 1 is provided with a disassembly notch front section 12, and the bottom of the rear cover 3 is correspondingly provided with a disassembly notch rear section 34. The disassembly notch front section 12 and the disassembly notch rear section 34 are assembled together in the assembled state to form a disassembly notch for inserting a flathead screwdriver.

[0023] A first notch 21 is provided on the middle rear cover 2, which is located in the middle area of ​​the middle rear cover 2. A wire groove 22 extending outward from the first notch 21 is provided on the side surface of the middle rear cover 2 opposite to the front shell 1. The wire groove 22 is a recessed groove on the surface of the middle rear cover 2, one end of which communicates with the first notch 21, and the other end extends to the edge of the middle rear cover 2. The wire groove 22 is completely located inside the assembled shell, and its cavity depth is sufficient to accommodate the connecting wire 7, so that the outer diameter of the connecting wire 7 does not exceed the outer surface plane of the middle rear cover 2. Therefore, when the rear cover 3 and the middle rear cover 2 are fitted together, the connecting wire 7 will not be clamped between the two, ensuring that the locking stroke and locking force of the rear cover are completely consistent under the two wire exit methods. Specifically, the side wall of the front shell 1, specifically the bottom side wall, has a wire exit notch 13. The end of the wire groove 22 away from the first notch 21 is aligned with the position of the wire exit notch 13 in the assembled state. The back cover 3 has a second notch 31, the position of which corresponds to the position of the first notch 21, so that the connecting wire can pass through from there.

[0024] Please see Figure 4The control board 6 is fixedly installed inside the front cover 1. The connecting wire 7 leading out from the control board 6 first starts from the interface of the control board 6 and passes through the first notch 21 of the middle rear cover 2. Depending on the actual use, the connecting wire 7 can be selectively led out in two paths: when the tail exit method is adopted, the connecting wire 7 passes out from the first notch 21, is laid along the wire groove 22 on the surface of the middle rear cover 2, and is constrained in the cavity of the wire groove 22 until it is led out from the exit notch 13, forming the tail exit path; when the middle exit method is adopted, the connecting wire 7 directly passes out from the first notch 21, then passes through the second notch 31 on the rear cover 3, and is introduced into the concealed box in the wall from the middle of the wired controller, forming the middle hidden exit path. Regardless of the wiring method used, after the connecting wire 7 passes through, the first notch 21 is covered by the rear cover 3, and the wire groove 22 is also sealed by the inner wall of the front shell 1, forming a maze-like protective structure with staggered front and rear and double-layer superposition. External dust and moisture cannot directly invade the cavity where the control board 6 is located in a straight line, and this protective effect does not depend on any elastic seals and will not fail due to the aging of seals.

[0025] The back cover 3 has a mounting hole 33, through which the screw 4 can pass to fix the back cover 3 to the required mounting surface, which can be a wall surface or a pre-embedded 86 box.

[0026] The installation method for this wired controller in practical applications is as follows: Please see Figure 3 1. When using the center-outlet method (the connecting wire is led out from the center of the back cover, suitable for concealed installation in the 86 box), first insert a flathead screwdriver into the disassembly notch formed by the front section 12 and the rear section 34 of the disassembly notch, and rotate the screwdriver to disengage the second engaging part 32 at the bottom of the back cover 3 from the upper locking position of the first engaging part 11. Then, pry open the second engaging parts 32 on both sides in sequence to remove the back cover 3 from the front shell 1. At this time, the middle back cover 2 is still engaged with the lower locking position of the first engaging part 11 through the first engaging part 23, continuing to cover the control board 6. Subsequently, use screws 4 to pass through the mounting holes 33 of the back cover 3 to fix the back cover 3 to the pre-embedded 86 box, and let the connecting wire 7 of the control board 6 pass through the second notch 31 of the back cover 3 into the 86 box. Finally, the front shell 1, which has been assembled with the touch screen 5, control board 6 and middle and rear cover 2, is used as the main body of the wired controller. The connecting wire 7 is aligned with the second notch 31, and the main body of the wired controller is pressed against the rear cover 3, so that the second engaging part 32 on the rear cover 3 is re-engaged into the upper slot of the first engaging part 11 on the front shell 1, thus completing the assembly and fixing.

[0027] 2. When using the tail-end cable exit method (the connecting cable is led out from the notch on the side wall of the front shell, suitable for surface mounting), first remove the rear cover 3 and fix it to the wall surface using screws 4. Next, pass the connecting cable 7 through the first notch 21 and arrange it along the cable groove 22 on the middle rear cover 2, so that the connecting cable 7 is embedded in the cavity of the cable groove 22, and the end of the connecting cable 7 is led out from the cable exit notch 13. Finally, press the wired controller body into the fixed rear cover 3, so that the second engaging part 32 engages with the upper locking position of the first engaging part 11, thus completing the assembly.

[0028] When disassembly and repair are required, the operation sequence is the reverse of the above: First, use the disassembly notch to pry open the rear cover 3, causing the second latching part 32 of the rear cover 3 to disengage from the first latching part 11. Next, insert a flathead screwdriver again into the cavity formed between the bottom edge of the middle rear cover 2 and the front section 12 of the exposed front housing 1 disassembly notch, and press down to pry open the first latching part 23 on the middle rear cover 2, causing it to disengage from the lower latching position of the first latching part 11. Then, pry open the first latching parts 23 on both sides in sequence, and flip the middle rear cover 2 upwards to remove it from the front housing 1. At this time, the control panel 6 is fully exposed and can be repaired or replaced.

[0029] With the above structure, the present invention utilizes an integrated, fixed double-layer rear cover and its notch to cooperate with the wire groove, achieving free switching between tail-end and middle-end wire exit modes without adding extra parts or relying on independent seals. At the same time, the labyrinthine physical shielding formed by the double-layer shell reliably shields the internal components, and the sealing and protection performance will not decay throughout the product's entire life cycle, ensuring the overall sealing performance and neat appearance of the wired controller.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0031] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wired controller with multiple outgoing cable modes, comprising a front shell (1), a middle rear cover (2), and a rear cover (3), wherein the middle rear cover (2) is stacked on the rear side of the front shell (1), and the rear cover (3) is stacked on the side of the middle rear cover (2) away from the front shell (1), wherein the middle rear cover (2) has a first notch (21), and the rear cover (3) has a second notch (31), wherein the second notch (31) corresponds to the position of the first notch (21), characterized in that: The middle and rear cover (2) and the rear cover (3) are both snapped and fixed to the front shell (1), and the middle and rear cover (2) and the rear cover (3) are respectively snapped to different snapping positions of the first snapping part (11) provided on the inner wall of the front shell (1), so that after the rear cover (3) is removed from the front shell (1), the middle and rear cover (2) still remains snapped and fixed to the front shell (1); The middle and rear cover (2) is provided with a wire groove (22) extending outward from the first notch (21) on the side facing the front shell (1). The side wall of the front shell (1) is provided with a wire outlet notch (13). The end of the wire groove (22) away from the first notch (21) corresponds to the position of the wire outlet notch (13). The depth of the cavity of the wire groove (22) is such that the outer diameter of the connecting wire (7) contained therein does not exceed the outer surface of the middle and rear cover (2), so that when the rear cover (3) and the middle and rear cover (2) are fitted together, the connecting wire (7) is not clamped between the two.

2. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first snap-fit ​​part (11) is a double-layer snap-fit ​​integrally formed on the inner wall of the front shell (1). The double-layer snap-fit ​​has a lower snap-fit ​​position and an upper snap-fit ​​position. The edge of the middle rear cover (2) is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part (23) that snaps into the lower snap-fit ​​position. The edge of the rear cover (3) is provided with a second snap-fit ​​part (32) that snaps into the upper snap-fit ​​position. The lower snap-fit ​​position and the upper snap-fit ​​position are independent of each other in space and do not interfere with each other in terms of mechanical transmission.

3. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the first snap-fit ​​part (11) is at least three. The first snap-fit ​​part (23) and the second snap-fit ​​part (32) are respectively provided on the middle rear cover (2) and the rear cover (3). The bottom of the front shell (1) is provided with a front section (12) of the disassembly notch, and the bottom of the rear cover (3) is provided with a rear section (34) of the disassembly notch. The front section (12) of the disassembly notch and the rear section (34) of the disassembly notch are joined together in the assembled state to form a disassembly notch that can be inserted by tools.

4. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The groove (22) is a groove formed on the surface of the middle and rear cover (2). One end of the groove (22) is connected to the first notch (21), and the other end extends to the edge of the middle and rear cover (2) and is aligned with the wire outlet notch (13).

5. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control board (6), which is fixed inside the front shell (1). The connecting line (7) of the control board (6) passes through the first notch (21) and can selectively lead out from the outlet notch (13) along the line groove (22) to form a tail outlet path, or lead out from the second notch (31) to form a middle outlet path.

6. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a touch screen (5), which is fixed to the front side of the front shell (1) and electrically connected to the control board (6).

7. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rear cover (3) is provided with mounting holes (33), and the rear cover (3) is fixed to the mounting surface by screws (4) passing through the mounting holes (33).

8. A wired controller satisfying multiple outgoing line modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle rear cover (2) and the rear cover (3) form a double-layer rear cover structure. The first notch (21) is covered by the rear cover (3), and the wire groove (22) is closed by the inner wall of the front shell (1), forming a maze-like protective structure with front and rear misalignment and double-layer superposition, so as to cover the components inside the front shell (1) without relying on elastic seals.

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