Data acquisition station and docking station for data acquisition station

Abstract

The utility model provides a data acquisition station and a docking station used for the data acquisition station, the docking station comprises a docking station body and at least one chamber arranged in the docking station body, a bin box is placed in the chamber, and the docking station body is plugged with the bin box through a first socket for electrical connection and / or data transmission. Compared with the prior art, the docking station has the advantages that the docking station body is in plugging connection with the bin box through the first socket, cable dragging plugging is avoided, the plugging design facilitates mounting and dismounting operation of the bin box, the bin box can be mounted or dismounted without dismounting the whole docking station, and the maintenance cost is remarkably reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of data acquisition technology, and in particular to a data acquisition station and an expansion dock for the data acquisition station. Background Technology

[0002] The data acquisition station provides charging and data collection services for peripheral acquisition devices. The data acquisition station includes a host computer and multi-level expansion docks cascaded with the host. Each expansion dock contains a storage compartment that provides charging and data uploading environments for the peripheral acquisition devices.

[0003] Currently, in the market, docking stations typically connect to their compartments via cables. If a compartment or cable is damaged during use, the entire unit must be repaired. For example, replacing a cable or disassembling a compartment requires removing screws from the front, disassembling the back structure to unplug the cable, reinstalling, and then plugging it back in. Then the back structure must be reassembled, and the unit hung on the wall or placed back in its original position. This necessitates moving the entire unit during repairs. Disassembling the entire docking station for repairs is complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, and it can also affect the functionality of the entire device.

[0004] Therefore, how to reduce the maintenance cost of docking stations is a topic that the industry is considering.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this utility model, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the problems in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a data acquisition station and an expansion dock for the data acquisition station, which overcomes the difficulties of the prior art and can reduce the maintenance cost of the expansion dock.

[0007] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an expansion dock for a data acquisition station. The expansion dock includes an expansion dock body and at least one compartment disposed in the expansion dock body. A compartment box is placed in the compartment. The expansion dock body is plugged into the compartment box via a first socket for electrical connection and / or data transmission.

[0008] In some embodiments, the docking station body is provided with a first high-speed connector as the first socket, and the compartment is provided with gold fingers that are inserted into the first high-speed connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the container has a first back plate facing the inner wall of the container along the depth direction of the container, a through hole is provided in the first back plate, a fixing hole is provided in the inner wall of the container aligned with the through hole, and a connector is provided to be detachably fixedly installed through the through hole and the fixing hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the docking station body is further provided with a second socket for connecting peripheral acquisition devices. The second socket is fixed on the docking station PCB board, and a notch is reserved at a corresponding position on the compartment. The second socket extends into the compartment through the notch, and the docking station PCB board is formed on the docking station body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the compartment includes a box body and a compartment door installed with the box body; the box body is provided with an electronic lock at its opening, and the expansion dock body is electrically connected to the electronic lock through the first socket.

[0012] In some embodiments, a physical lock is also provided between the box body and the compartment door.

[0013] In some embodiments, a display module is provided at the base of the box, and the expansion dock body is connected to the display module through the first socket. The display module is used to display the operating data of the compartment where the box is located.

[0014] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a data acquisition station, which includes a host and multiple expansion docks as described in any of the above embodiments for data acquisition stations; the host is configured with a storage disk for storing data uploaded by the expansion dock, and the storage disk is fixed in a disk compartment within the host.

[0015] In some embodiments, a guide rail and an interface are provided in the disk compartment, the storage disk is inserted into the disk compartment along the guide rail and connected to the interface; a locking mechanism is provided between the storage disk and the disk compartment.

[0016] In some embodiments, the host is equipped with a fan mounted on the side of the host, and an air outlet panel is mounted on the side of the host.

[0017] The data acquisition station and the expansion dock for the data acquisition station provided in this disclosure have the following characteristics:

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] A compartment housing the expansion dock provides a physical installation environment and a stable operating environment for the compartment. The expansion dock itself connects to the compartment via a first socket for electrical connection and / or data transmission. Unlike existing related technologies, this embodiment of the expansion dock forms a plug-in connection with the compartment via the first socket, avoiding cable tangling during plugging and unplugging. The plug-in design facilitates the installation and removal of the compartment, allowing for installation or removal of the compartment without completely disassembling the expansion dock itself, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a data acquisition station provided for an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view of the expansion dock in the data acquisition station shown;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial exploded view of the expansion dock shown.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial view of the interior of the expansion dock shown.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A perspective view of the rear of the compartment configured in the expansion dock shown.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A perspective view of the front of the compartment configured in the expansion dock shown.

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The main view of the host in the data acquisition station shown.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a partial exploded view of the host computer.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The image shown is one of the exploded 3D views of a partially exploded view.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 8The exploded view shown is the second partial exploded view. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0033] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0034] Furthermore, the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to define the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, this disclosure provides a data acquisition station, which includes a host 1 and at least one primary expansion dock 2. Exemplarily, Figure 1 The multi-level expansion dock 2 is shown to be cascaded sequentially. At the same time, each expansion dock 2 is cascaded to the host 1.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the docking station 2 includes a docking station body 20 and at least one compartment 2a disposed in the docking station body 20. Multiple compartments 2a are shown exemplarily. A housing 3 is placed in the compartment 2a, and the compartment 2a provides a physical installation environment and a stable operating environment for the housing 3, including physical space, power supply and communication interface.

[0037] Specifically, the docking station body 20 is plugged into the compartment 3 via the first socket 21, thus enabling electrical connection and / or data transmission between the docking station body 20 and the compartment 3 through the first socket 21. Combined with... Figure 4 As shown, the expansion dock body 20 is also provided with a second socket 22 for connecting external acquisition devices, and the second socket 22 extends into the compartment 3.

[0038] Unlike existing related technologies, the expansion dock body 20 of this embodiment forms a plug-in connection with the compartment 3 through the first socket 21, avoiding cable entanglement during plugging and unplugging. The plug-in design facilitates the installation and removal of the compartment 3, and the compartment 3 can be installed or removed without disassembling the entire expansion dock body 20, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0039] It's important to note that the compartment 3 is designed to house peripheral data acquisition devices, providing a stable location for them and enabling charging and data retrieval. Its design allows users to easily insert and remove these devices. The docking station itself 20 provides expanded power and data interfaces, and supports simultaneous charging and operation of multiple peripheral data acquisition devices.

[0040] In one usage scenario, the 3 can be installed from the front of the compartment 2a into the compartment 2a of the expansion dock 2, and the fixing direction can also be operated from the front of the expansion dock 2. Thus, during use, the compartment 3 can be disassembled and maintained from the front of the expansion dock 2, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly and reduces labor costs.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the docking station body 20 is provided with a first high-speed connector as the first socket 21 ( Figure 5 (Not shown in the text). Combined Figure 5 As shown, the housing 3 is provided with gold fingers 3d that plug into the first high-speed connector. In this way, the first high-speed connector and the gold fingers 3d are physically connected, and electrical connection and data transmission are achieved through the physical connection.

[0042] In this embodiment, the high-speed connector enables high-speed signal transmission.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the gold fingers 3D are formed on the printed circuit board (PCB) of the housing 3. The wiring formed on the PCB is used to transmit signals, realizing the electrical connection between the housing 3 and the first high-speed connector 21. In this embodiment, the physical and electrical connection is achieved through the gold fingers 3D and the first high-speed connector, avoiding cable tangling and improving product integration.

[0044] In this way, the docking station 2 allows for the replacement of charging cables as needed, improving product flexibility and reducing potential maintenance costs later on.

[0045] In this embodiment, reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The storage box 3 is detachably connected to the storage compartment 2a. Specifically, the storage box 3 has a first back plate 33 facing the inner wall 23 of the storage compartment 2a along its depth direction. A through hole 3a is provided in the first back plate 33, and a fixing hole 2a1 aligned with the through hole 3a is provided in the inner wall 23 of the storage compartment. A connector (not shown in the figure) passes through the through hole 3a and is detachably fixed to the fixing hole 2a1. This detachable connection serves to fix the storage box 3, for example, by fixing the storage box 3 in the storage compartment 2a with screws, and also facilitates disassembly and installation.

[0046] In particular, when it is necessary to replace compartment 3, the connector can be removed from the front to easily disassemble the damaged compartment 3. Moreover, the replacement and installation are also performed from the front, which greatly enhances the ease of operation and reduces maintenance costs.

[0047] In one embodiment, the connector can be a screw, and the corresponding fixing hole 2a1 can be a threaded hole. Installation and disassembly can be easily achieved by screwing the screw from the front.

[0048] refer to Figure 5 The storage box 3 includes a box body 31, which has a cable management hole 3b. When the cable interferes with the peripheral acquisition device, a cable management clip can be used to help fix the charging cable. The cable management clip can be fixed at the cable management hole 3b.

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second socket 22 is fixed to the PCB board (not shown) of the docking station body 20. A notch 3c is reserved at the corresponding position on the compartment 3, and the second socket 22 extends into the compartment 3 through the notch 3c. The second socket 22 can be a USB socket, which is fixed on the PCB board.

[0050] When the storage box 3 is fixedly installed in the storage chamber 2a, the second socket 22 extends into the storage box 3 from the notch 3c to connect the external acquisition device for charging the external acquisition device and receiving data from the external acquisition device.

[0051] The second socket 22 can also be a USB socket, providing charging and data transfer functions. During use, the charging cable of the peripheral acquisition device is directly connected to this USB socket.

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the compartment 3 also includes a compartment door 32 installed with the compartment body 31. The external data acquisition device is placed in the compartment 3. Closing the compartment door 32 can protect the internal charging device and prevent it from being accidentally operated.

[0053] like Figure 6As shown, the compartment 3 is equipped with an electronic lock 34, and the docking station body 20 is connected to the first socket 21 (as shown). Figure 4 (As shown) is electrically connected to the electronic lock 34, and the electrical signal of the electronic lock 34 comes from the expansion dock body 20 (e.g. Figure 2 (As shown). In one usage scenario, the docking station 20 controls the power supply and switch on / off of the electronic lock 34 via the first socket 21. For example, when a user operates the host, the host sends a corresponding signal to the docking station 20 in response to the user's operation. The docking station 20 then sends a control signal to the electronic lock 34 via the first socket 21, triggering the electronic lock to open. In other embodiments, a corresponding button or identification device can be provided on the compartment door. When the user operates the corresponding button on the compartment door 32 or the identification is successful, the electronic lock 34 is triggered to open. Furthermore, in an optional embodiment, when the compartment door 32 is opened, the power supply to the compartment door 32 can be turned off to avoid prolonged power consumption.

[0054] Alternatively, a physical lock (not shown in the figure) can be provided between the box body 31 and the compartment door 32. The physical lock can ensure that the compartment door can be physically forced open in case of failure, allowing the compartment to be disassembled from the front for easy maintenance.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the base 310 of the box 31 is equipped with a display module 35. The expansion dock body 20 is connected to the display module 35 through the first socket 21. The display module 35 is used to display the operating data of the compartment 2a where the box 3 is located. The operating data includes user information of the peripheral acquisition device, charging status, device data transmission progress and other information. In this way, the user can clearly understand the charging status of the device and identify the location of the compartment where their device is placed.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the display module 35 is specifically a display screen, located below the compartment door 32, i.e., on the base 310. The compartment 3 also has a light guide column 36, which uses indicator lights of different colors to indicate the status of the data acquisition device, such as its presence or charging status. For example, it can be used to observe whether the peripheral acquisition device is fully charged. Lighting effects can include flashing, breathing, etc. Different lighting effects indicate different device statuses in a simple and eye-catching manner. Alternatively, the light guide column 36 can use different light colors or flashing modes to indicate the current compartment 2a of the docking station 2 (see reference). Figure 3 The light guide column 36 can change its operating status (e.g., normal, warning, fault). Alternatively, it can dynamically flash as the user interacts or the docking station switches tasks, such as when the USB port of the peripheral acquisition device is plugged in or unplugged. If the control system of the docking station 2 detects an anomaly (e.g., overcurrent, overvoltage), the light guide column 36 can provide a visual warning by rapidly flashing or changing color.

[0057] Alternatively, the light guide column 36 can be implemented using an LED light strip.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the side of the expansion dock body 20 is provided with guide pins 24, which are used to provide installation guidance for fixing the expansion dock 2 to other devices (such as host or other expansion docks), and the expansion dock connector 25 is used to fix the communication between the expansion dock and other devices.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, host 1 is provided. (Reference) Figure 8 Host 1 is configured for storing docking station 2 (e.g., Figure 1 The storage disk 10 (shown) uploads data and is fixed in the disk compartment 1a inside the host 1. In use, the host 1 is connected to the expansion dock 2, and the host 1 sends control signals to the expansion dock 2. The expansion dock 2 is connected to the compartment via a first socket to control the compartment door, door lock, display screen, LED light strip, etc. The expansion dock body 20 in the expansion dock 2 is connected to the peripheral acquisition device via a second socket. The peripheral acquisition device uploads data to the expansion dock 2 via the second socket, and the data is ultimately transmitted to the host 1 and stored on the storage disk 10.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the storage disk 10 is pluggable to the disk compartment 1a. In this embodiment, the storage disk 10 is independently installed and supports plugging and unplugging from outside the host 1. This means that users can directly operate the storage disk 10 from outside the host 1 without disassembling the host 1 casing or performing complex internal operations, thus reducing maintenance costs.

[0061] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, a panel 4 is provided on the outside of the host 1. The panel 4 can be installed on the housing of the host 1 by screws to avoid accidentally touching the storage disk 10 and to make it convenient for users to easily plug and unplug the storage disk 10 when needed.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the disk compartment 1a is equipped with a guide rail 11 and an interface 15a. The storage disk 10 is inserted into the disk compartment 1a along the guide rail 11 and connected to the interface to achieve communication. The storage disk 10 is designed as an independent component, which can be inserted and removed by the user through external operation. The guide rail 11 plays a guiding role to ensure stable insertion and removal of the storage disk 10. The interface design ensures a stable connection with the host 1, while also allowing for easy removal for maintenance or replacement.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown, the storage disk 10 is fixed on the connecting bracket 12 and connected to the handle 14 via the shaft pin 13. The handle 14 facilitates user operation. The interface can be set on the second back plate 15 of the disk compartment 1a. After the storage disk 10 is installed in place, it connects to the interface on the second back plate 15 for data communication, etc.

[0064] like Figure 9 As shown, a locking mechanism 16 is provided between the storage disk 10 and the disk compartment 1a. Exemplarily, the locking mechanism 16 includes a buckle 16a provided on the storage disk 10 and a locking hole 16b provided on the guide rail 11. When the storage disk 10 is installed in place, the buckle 16a springs into the locking hole 16b to fix it in place.

[0065] For example, the buckle 16a is secured to the handle 14.

[0066] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 The host unit 1 is equipped with a display screen 17, which is used to display the operating data of the compartment where the compartment is located. The operating data includes the user information of the compartment corresponding to the compartment, the power of the peripheral data acquisition device connected through the second socket, the file upload progress, and other information. In addition, the display screen 17 can be selected as a touch screen to receive user operations and open or close a compartment 2a in response to user operations.

[0067] For example, the display screen 17 is fixed to the display screen base 18, and then fixed as a whole to the main unit housing 19. During fixing, it is connected to the display screen base mounting hole 18a through the main unit mounting hole 1b. For example, screws are used to screw it through the display screen base mounting hole 18a and the main unit mounting hole 1b.

[0068] Through the above implementation method, the display screen 17 and the host 1 are detachably connected, and the display screen 17 is independently designed, which facilitates the maintenance of the display screen 17.

[0069] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 The host unit 1 is also equipped with a biometric data acquisition module, which, exemplarily, includes a camera 5 and a fingerprint scanner 6. The camera 5 is used to collect the user's facial information for identity verification and unlocking, and after successful verification, controls the door lock of the corresponding compartment 3 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown) Open, and / or allow the user to insert or remove the storage disk 10 or the tray 3 (as shown) Figure 3 Maintenance (as shown). The fingerprint collector 6 is used to collect the user's fingerprint for fingerprint verification and unlocks the device after successful verification.

[0070] Therefore, the aforementioned biometric acquisition module is used to collect user identity information and use that information for unlocking verification. This improves the ease of unlocking both host 1 and docking station 2.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, the host unit 1 is equipped with a fan 7, which is mounted on the side of the host unit 1. An air inlet / outlet panel 4 is installed on the outside of the fan 7. The panel 4 protects the fan 7, prevents debris from entering through the top of the host unit 1, and ensures the long-term reliability of the host unit 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, the fan 7 is located on the side of the host 1, and the independent structural design of the display screen 17 can improve the long-term reliability of the product and reduce the screen maintenance costs that may be encountered in the later stages of the device.

[0073] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A docking station for a data acquisition station, characterized in that, The expansion dock includes an expansion dock body and at least one compartment disposed in the expansion dock body. A compartment box is placed in the compartment. The expansion dock body is plugged into the compartment box through a first socket for electrical connection and / or data transmission.

2. The expansion dock for a data acquisition station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion dock body is provided with a first high-speed connector as the first socket, and the compartment is provided with gold fingers that are inserted into the first high-speed connector.

3. The expansion dock for a data acquisition station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compartment has a first back plate facing the inner wall of the compartment along the depth direction of the compartment. A through hole is provided in the first back plate. A fixing hole aligned with the through hole is provided in the inner wall of the compartment. A connector is provided and detachably fixed to the fixing hole through the through hole.

4. The expansion dock for a data acquisition station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion dock body is also provided with a second socket for connecting peripheral acquisition devices. The second socket is fixed on the expansion dock PCB board. A notch is reserved at a corresponding position on the compartment. The second socket extends into the compartment from the notch. The expansion dock PCB board is formed on the expansion dock body.

5. The expansion dock for a data acquisition station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compartment includes a box body and a compartment door installed with the box body; the box body is provided with an electronic lock at its opening position, and the expansion dock body is electrically connected to the electronic lock through the first socket.

6. The expansion dock for a data acquisition station according to claim 5, characterized in that, A physical lock is also provided between the box body and the compartment door.

7. The expansion dock for a data acquisition station according to claim 5, characterized in that, A display module is provided at the base of the box, and the expansion dock body is connected to the display module through the first socket. The display module is used to display the operating data of the compartment where the box is located.

8. A data acquisition station, characterized in that, The system includes a host and an expansion dock for a data acquisition station as described in any one of claims 1-7; the host is configured with a storage disk for storing data uploaded by the expansion dock, and the storage disk is fixed in a disk compartment within the host.

9. The data acquisition station according to claim 8, characterized in that, The disk compartment is provided with guide rails and interfaces. The storage disk is inserted into the disk compartment along the guide rails and connected to the interfaces. A locking mechanism is provided between the storage disk and the disk compartment.

10. The data acquisition station according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main unit is equipped with a fan, which is mounted on the side of the main unit, and an air outlet panel is mounted on the side of the main unit.

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