Controller structure capable of being superposed and expanded

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of controllers, and discloses a controller structure capable of being overlaid and expanded, which comprises a shell, a main control board and a plurality of expansion boards, and is characterized in that each expansion board comprises a circuit board main body, at least one output interface and at least one trigger interface, the circuit board main bodies on the plurality of expansion boards are electrically connected with the main control board, and the output interface and the trigger interface are exposed outwards relative to the shell; according to the scheme, the plurality of expansion boards are arranged, and the expansion boards are integrated with the output interfaces used for supplying power to the electric appliances and the trigger interfaces used for triggering the electric appliances to be turned on or turned off, so that when more electric appliances need to be controlled, a user only needs to increase the number of the expansion boards in the shell, and the newly added expansion boards are electrically connected with the main control board; according to the scheme, the use requirement of a user for controlling more electric appliances through rapid expansion in a low-cost mode can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of controllers, and more particularly to a controller structure that can be stacked and expanded. Background Technology

[0002] Existing controllers typically include output and trigger interfaces. Taking a controller for controlling a light source as an example, the output interface powers the light source, while the internal main control board uses signals from the trigger interface to turn the light source on or off. Some main control boards can also synchronize other devices (such as cameras, light sources, and PLCs) based on signals from the trigger interface. Furthermore, the internal main control board generally controls the brightness of the light source. However, existing controllers have a limited number of output and trigger interfaces, thus limiting their ability to control a limited number of electrical appliances. As the number of appliances increases, an additional controller or a larger controller with more interfaces is required, undoubtedly increasing costs for users and failing to meet their need for low-cost, rapid expansion to control more appliances.

[0003] Therefore, improvements to existing technologies are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a stackable and expandable controller structure, which mainly solves the technical problem that the limited number of output interfaces and trigger interfaces of existing controllers prevents expansion and thus makes it impossible to control more electrical appliances.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A stackable and expandable controller structure includes a housing, a main control board housed within the housing, and multiple expansion boards. Each expansion board includes a circuit board body and at least one output interface and at least one trigger interface electrically connected to the circuit board body. The circuit board bodies on the multiple expansion boards are all electrically connected to the main control board, and the output interface and the trigger interface are exposed outward relative to the housing.

[0007] In one technical solution, a connector is fixed on the circuit board body. The connector includes a male end protruding from the side of the circuit board body and a female end protruding from the other side of the circuit board body. The output interface and the trigger interface are both electrically connected to the connector through the circuit board body. The main control board is electrically connected to one of the expansion boards through the connector. Two adjacent expansion boards are connected in parallel by plugging and connecting the connectors, so that the circuit board bodies on the multiple expansion boards can be electrically connected to the main control board respectively.

[0008] In one of the technical solutions, the main control board is also connected to the connector, and the main control board is electrically connected to one of the expansion boards by plugging in through the connector.

[0009] In one of the technical solutions, multiple screw posts are connected between two adjacent expansion boards and between the main control board and the outermost expansion board.

[0010] In one of the technical solutions, the controller structure further includes multiple heat sinks, which are fixedly connected one-to-one with the circuit board bodies on the multiple expansion boards, and all of the heat sinks are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing.

[0011] In one of the technical solutions, the expansion board includes multiple output interfaces and multiple trigger interfaces. Within each expansion board, the number of output interfaces and trigger interfaces is the same, and the trigger interfaces and output interfaces have a one-to-one control relationship.

[0012] In one of the technical solutions, the outer casing includes a main casing and a left panel, a right panel, and a front panel that are fixedly connected to the main casing respectively;

[0013] The main housing is a profile structure with a first opening at the front end, a second opening at the left end, and a third opening at the right end. The front panel covers the first opening, the left panel covers the second opening, and the right panel covers the third opening. The output interface and the trigger interface are both exposed outward relative to the front panel.

[0014] In one of the technical solutions, multiple expansion boards are fixedly connected to the rear wall of the main housing facing the front panel via heat sinks. The top of the main housing has an air outlet that extends into the interior, and the rear wall or bottom of the main housing has an air inlet that extends into the interior. A fan is fixed to the main housing at the position corresponding to the air outlet.

[0015] In one of the technical solutions, the controller structure further includes a display and control module fixed to the front panel. The display and control module includes a display screen and a control knob, both electrically connected to the main control board and exposed relative to the front panel. The display screen is used to display the name and output intensity of the currently controllable output interface. The control knob is used to switch the output interface to be controlled and control the output intensity of the output interface.

[0016] In one of the technical solutions, the controller structure also includes an Ethernet interface and a serial communication interface, both exposed relative to the front panel and electrically connected to the main control board.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the stackable and expandable controller structure provided by this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This solution incorporates multiple expansion boards, each integrating an output interface for powering electrical appliances and a trigger interface for turning appliances on or off. This allows users to easily control more appliances simply by adding more expansion boards to the enclosure and electrically connecting them to the main control board. This solution enables users to quickly expand their control of more appliances at low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a stackable and expandable controller structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure behind the hidden outer shell.

[0022] Figure 3 An exploded view of a superimposed and expandable controller structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the assembled structure of the main control board and multiple expansion boards provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure from another angle.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1. Outer shell; 11. Main shell; 111. First opening; 112. Second opening; 113. Third opening; 114. Air outlet; 115. Air inlet; 12. Left panel; 13. Right panel; 14. Front panel; 2. Main control board; 3. Expansion board; 31. Circuit board body; 32. Output interface; 33. Trigger interface; 34. Connector; 341. Male end; 342. Female end; 35. Screw post; 4. Heat sink; 5. Fan; 6. Display and control module; 61. Display screen; 62. Control knob; 7. Ethernet interface; 8. Serial communication interface. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0029] It should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5This utility model embodiment provides a stackable and expandable controller structure, mainly including a housing 1, a main control board 2, and multiple expansion boards 3. The main control board 2 and the multiple expansion boards 3 are all housed inside the housing 1. Specifically, each expansion board 3 includes a circuit board body 31, at least one output interface 32, and at least one trigger interface 33. The output interface 32 and the trigger interface 33 are integrated on the circuit board body 31 to establish an electrical connection with the circuit board body 31. Moreover, the main control board 2 is electrically connected to the circuit board body 31 on each of the multiple expansion boards 3. In fact, each output interface 32 and each trigger interface 33 is electrically connected to the main control board 2 through conductive lines on the circuit board body 31. In addition, all output interfaces 32 and trigger interfaces 33 are exposed outward relative to the housing 1. The controller structure in this embodiment takes the control of a light source as a specific example. The output interface 32 is generally identified by CH, and the trigger interface 33 is generally identified by TRIG. In use, the main control board 2 controls the light source to turn on or off according to the signal from the trigger interface 33 (such as the signal from the sensor). Some main control boards 2 can also synchronize other devices (such as cameras, light sources, and PLCs) according to the signal from the trigger interface 33. In fact, the light source is connected to the output interface 32 through a cable, and the main control board 2 outputs electrical energy to the corresponding light source through the output interface 32. In addition, the internal main control board 2 can generally also control the brightness of the light source.

[0033] Specifically, this solution sets up multiple expansion boards 3, and the expansion boards 3 are configured to integrate an output interface 32 for powering electrical appliances and a trigger interface 33 for triggering the opening or closing of electrical appliances. This allows users to control more electrical appliances simply by adding more expansion boards 3 inside the housing 1 and electrically connecting the new expansion boards 3 to the main control board 2. This enables the control of more electrical appliances. By adopting this solution, users can meet their needs for rapid expansion to control more electrical appliances in a low-cost manner.

[0034] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5A connector 34 is fixed on the circuit board body 31. The connector 34 includes a male end 341 protruding from the side of the circuit board body 31 and a female end 342 protruding from the other side of the circuit board body 31. The output interface 32 and the trigger interface 33 are both electrically connected to this connector 34 through the circuit board body 31. Adjacent expansion boards 3 are connected in parallel by interlocking the connectors 34. The main control board 2 is electrically connected to the connector 34 on one of the expansion boards 3, so that the circuit board bodies 31 on multiple expansion boards 3 can establish an electrical connection with the main control board 2 respectively. By setting on each expansion board 3 Connector 34 is provided, and adjacent expansion boards 3 are designed to be connected in parallel by interlocking with each other through connector 34. This allows the user to control more electrical appliances simply by connecting a new expansion board 3 to an existing one via connector 34. All output interfaces 32 and trigger interfaces 33 on the new expansion board 3 can then be electrically connected to the main control board 2. This enables the main control board 2 to collect trigger signals from any expansion board 3 and control the corresponding external electrical appliance through that expansion board 3, thereby improving the efficiency of extended control. Preferably, connector 34 is also connected to the main control board 2. The main control board 2 is electrically connected to an expansion board 3 located on one side via connector 34. This design allows the main control board 2 to be electrically connected to multiple expansion boards 3 through each connector 34 in a simple structural manner. Furthermore, it allows the main control board 2 and the multiple expansion boards 3 to form a relatively fixed whole, making it easier to fix the main control board 2 and the multiple expansion boards 3 within the housing 1. More preferably, multiple screw posts 35 are connected between two adjacent expansion boards 3 and between the main control board 2 and the outermost expansion board 3, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the main control board 2 and the outermost expansion board 3 through the connector 34, and improving the reliability of the electrical connection between two adjacent expansion boards 3 through the connector 34.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 5 The controller structure in this embodiment also includes multiple heat sinks 4. The number of heat sinks 4 and expansion boards 3 is preferably the same. The circuit board bodies 31 on the multiple heat sinks 4 and the multiple expansion boards 3 are fixed in a one-to-one correspondence. Moreover, all heat sinks 4 are fixed on the inner wall of the outer shell 1. By setting multiple heat sinks 4, on the one hand, the heat of each expansion board 3 can be dissipated to the outside through the outer shell 1 to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the controller structure. On the other hand, the heat sinks 4 also serve to fix the expansion boards 3 inside the outer shell 1, strengthening the stability of each expansion board 3 inside the outer shell 1.

[0036] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4The expansion board 3 preferably includes multiple output interfaces 32 and multiple trigger interfaces 33. Moreover, the number of output interfaces 32 and trigger interfaces 33 in each expansion board 3 is the same. In addition, each trigger interface 33 and output interface 32 have a one-to-one control relationship, which ensures that the brightness and trigger conditions of each light source channel can be adjusted independently, improving the flexibility and accuracy of the light source controller. It is suitable for multi-light source, high-precision, and complex timing application scenarios (such as machine vision and automated detection).

[0037] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 The outer casing 1 mainly includes a main casing 11, a left panel 12, a right panel 13, and a front panel 14. The main casing 11 has a first opening 111 at its front end, a second opening 112 at its left end, and a third opening 113 at its right end. The front panel 14 is fixed to the front end of the outer casing 1 and covers the first opening 111. The left panel 12 is fixed to the left end of the main casing 11 and covers the second opening 112. The right panel 13 is fixed to the right end of the main casing 11 and covers the third opening 113. This design of the outer casing 1 facilitates the pre-fixing of the main control board 2 and multiple expansion boards 3 externally, forming a whole, and then housing them within the outer casing 1. It also facilitates the exposure of all output interfaces 32 and all trigger interfaces 33 from the front panel 14. Furthermore, the main casing 11 is preferably a profile structure, the length of which can be freely cut to quickly meet the needs of using different numbers of expansion boards 3.

[0038] Please refer to them again. Figures 1 to 3 The multiple expansion boards 3 are preferably fixedly connected to the rear wall of the main housing 11 facing the front panel 14 via heat sinks 4. Based on the structure using heat sinks 4, the top of the main housing 11 has an air outlet 114 extending into the interior, and the rear wall or bottom of the main housing 11 has an air inlet 115 extending into the interior. A fan 5 is fixed to the main housing 11 at the position corresponding to the air outlet 114. During operation, the fan 5 blows air outward, and the cool air from outside will automatically enter the controller structure from the air inlet 115 and carry away the heat of the main control board 2 and the multiple expansion boards 3 before being discharged outward from the air outlet 114, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the controller structure.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4The controller structure of this embodiment also includes a display and control module 6 fixed on the front panel 14. The display and control module 6 includes a display screen 61 and a control knob 62. Both the display screen 61 and the control knob 62 are electrically connected to the main control board 2 and are exposed relative to the front panel 14. The display screen 61 is used to display the name of the currently controllable output interface 32 and the current output intensity. By pressing the control knob 62, the desired output interface 32 can be switched. That is, by pressing the control knob 62, the desired electrical appliance can be switched. Rotating the control knob 62 controls the intensity of the output from the output interface 32. That is, rotating the control knob 62 adjusts the lighting intensity of the light source. In addition, the controller structure of this embodiment also includes an Ethernet interface 7 and a serial communication interface 8, both exposed relative to the front panel 14 and electrically connected to the main control board 2. By setting the Ethernet interface 7, the controller structure can support communication with a host computer or other devices via Ethernet protocols (such as TCP / IP), thereby facilitating remote control, data transmission, or multi-device networking. By setting up serial communication interface 8, data can be exchanged with a host computer (such as a PC or PLC) via serial communication. It typically supports sending control commands (such as adjusting the brightness of the light source and setting triggers) and receiving status information (such as fault alarms).

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and only specifically describe the technical principles of the present utility model. These descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model in any way. Based on this explanation, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model, as well as other specific embodiments of the present utility model that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without creative effort, should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A stackable and expandable controller structure, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a main control board housed within the housing, and multiple expansion boards. Each expansion board includes a circuit board body and at least one output interface and at least one trigger interface electrically connected to the circuit board body. The circuit board bodies on the multiple expansion boards are all electrically connected to the main control board, and the output interface and the trigger interface are exposed outward relative to the housing.

2. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A connector is fixed on the circuit board body. The connector includes a male end protruding from one side of the circuit board body and a female end protruding from the other side of the circuit board body. The output interface and the trigger interface are both electrically connected to the connector through the circuit board body. The main control board is electrically connected to one of the expansion boards through the connector. Two adjacent expansion boards are connected in parallel by plugging and inserting the connectors, so that the circuit board bodies on the multiple expansion boards can be electrically connected to the main control board respectively.

3. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main control board is also connected to the connector, and the main control board is electrically connected to one of the expansion boards by plugging in through the connector.

4. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple screw posts are connected between two adjacent expansion boards and between the main control board and the outermost expansion board.

5. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The controller structure also includes multiple heat sinks, which are fixedly connected one-to-one with the circuit board bodies on the multiple expansion boards, and all of the heat sinks are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer casing.

6. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion board includes multiple output interfaces and multiple trigger interfaces. In each expansion board, the number of output interfaces and trigger interfaces is the same, and the trigger interfaces and output interfaces have a one-to-one control relationship.

7. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a main casing and a left panel, a right panel, and a front panel that are fixedly connected to the main casing. The main housing is a profile structure with a first opening at the front end, a second opening at the left end, and a third opening at the right end. The front panel covers the first opening, the left panel covers the second opening, and the right panel covers the third opening. The output interface and the trigger interface are both exposed outward relative to the front panel.

8. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Multiple expansion plates are fixedly connected to the rear wall of the main housing facing the front panel via heat sinks. The top of the main housing has an air outlet that extends into the interior, and the rear wall or bottom of the main housing has an air inlet that extends into the interior. A fan is fixed to the main housing at the position corresponding to the air outlet.

9. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The controller structure also includes a display and control module fixed to the front panel. The display and control module includes a display screen and a control knob, both electrically connected to the main control board and exposed relative to the front panel. The display screen is used to display the name and output intensity of the currently controllable output interface. The control knob is used to switch the output interface to be controlled and control the output intensity of the output interface.

10. The stackable and expandable controller structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The controller structure also includes an Ethernet interface and a serial communication interface, both exposed relative to the front panel and electrically connected to the main control board.

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