Communication gateway convenient to install

Abstract

The utility model discloses a communication gateway convenient to install. The communication gateway comprises a bearing base, a communication gateway body and an internal function module. The function module realizes data transmission and power supply connection through a modular interface, and comprises a communication unit, a power supply unit and an expansion interface. The input end of the communication unit is connected with the expansion interface through the flexible circuit board, and the output end outputs signals through the signal connector. The power supply unit is in butt joint with the power interface through the contact type connector. The bottom of the communication gateway body is provided with a positioning pin hole, and the positioning pin hole is matched with a columnar positioning pin on the bearing base to achieve rapid positioning installation. The expansion interface adopts a sliding slot design, and the expansion module is inserted through a guide structure and is connected with the flexible circuit board. The communication unit adopts a double-layer circuit board design, the power supply unit is provided with an energy storage battery and heat dissipation fins, and the signal connector has waterproof performance. According to the utility model, the installation process is simplified, the environmental adaptability and the maintenance convenience are improved, and the device is suitable for various complex scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication equipment technology, and more specifically, to a communication gateway that is easy to install. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication gateway technology, various types of communication gateways have been widely used in industrial control, smart homes, energy management, and other fields. However, in practical use, existing communication gateways still have many shortcomings in terms of ease of installation. For example, communication gateways on the market usually adopt a fixed structure design, requiring complex wiring and configuration operations during installation, resulting in low installation efficiency and requiring high professional skills from installers. In addition, some communication gateways have poor adaptability to external environments, making rapid deployment difficult in specific scenarios (such as confined spaces or complex outdoor environments).

[0003] A search revealed a communication gateway with publication number CN115412402B, published on March 26, 2024. This patent proposes a communication gateway with bidirectional data transmission capabilities. It uses a first and a second transmission channel for data interaction between different systems, and controls the on / off state of the corresponding channels according to communication needs to improve data transmission flexibility and security. While this method enhances the system's communication freedom, its overall structure is relatively complex. In particular, the dual-channel physical interface design increases the workload of on-site wiring and debugging, hindering rapid installation and subsequent maintenance.

[0004] A search revealed a patent for an elevator communication gateway, publication number CN105959039B, published on April 30, 2021. This patent provides a multi-interface communication gateway suitable for elevator systems, integrating multiple access methods such as cellular communication and wired telephone communication, capable of meeting various communication needs between elevator equipment and call centers and third-party devices. While this solution offers advantages in communication compatibility and remote response, its high modular integration makes it highly dependent on external power supply and signal coverage. Therefore, additional power supply and antenna devices are required during installation, reducing ease of installation, especially in situations with limited construction conditions.

[0005] In summary, existing communication gateways do not adequately meet users' needs for rapid deployment, easy debugging, and low environmental dependence in terms of ease of installation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an easy-to-install communication gateway to overcome these problems and provide a more flexible, user-friendly, and widely applicable next-generation solution. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a communication gateway that is easy to install, mainly to solve the shortcomings of existing communication gateways in terms of ease of installation, structural complexity and environmental adaptability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] An easy-to-install communication gateway includes a support base fixed to an external mounting platform, a communication gateway body quickly positioned and installed on the support base, and a functional module disposed inside the communication gateway body and realizing data transmission and power connection through a modular interface. The functional module includes a communication unit embedded inside the communication gateway body, a power supply unit electrically connected to the communication unit, and an expansion interface for realizing rapid access to external devices. The input end of the communication unit is connected to the expansion interface via a flexible circuit board, and the output end outputs signals to external devices via a signal connector. The power supply unit mates with the power interface inside the communication gateway body via a contact connector. The contact connector has spherical protrusions on both sides, which cooperate with the metal layer inside the power interface to achieve power supply.

[0009] Furthermore, in this utility model, the bottom of the communication gateway body is provided with a plurality of positioning pin holes, and the corresponding position on the bearing base is provided with a columnar positioning pin that matches the positioning pin hole; the inner wall of the positioning pin hole is designed as a polygonal structure, and the outer contour of the columnar positioning pin is consistent with the shape of the inner wall of the positioning pin hole.

[0010] Furthermore, in this utility model, the expansion interface includes a sliding slot disposed on the inner wall of one side of the communication gateway body, and an expansion module inserted into the sliding slot by sliding; the inner side wall of the sliding slot is designed with a guide protrusion, and the outer side wall of the expansion module is provided with a guide groove at a corresponding position. The guide protrusion and the guide groove cooperate to guide the expansion module to slide along a predetermined trajectory; the end of the expansion module is designed with an elastic metal sheet, and the elastic metal sheet contacts and connects with the conductive contacts of the flexible circuit board at the end of the sliding slot to realize signal transmission; wherein, the flexible circuit board is disposed on the rear side wall of the communication gateway body and electrically connected to the communication unit.

[0011] Furthermore, in this utility model, the communication unit includes a double-layer circuit board disposed inside the communication gateway body. A first communication chip is disposed on the upper layer of the double-layer circuit board, and a second communication chip is disposed on the lower layer. The first communication chip and the second communication chip are electrically connected through metallized through holes penetrating the double-layer circuit board. Multiple U-shaped limiting grooves are designed on the edge of the double-layer circuit board, and limiting ribs inside the communication gateway body are embedded in the U-shaped limiting grooves to fix the position of the double-layer circuit board.

[0012] Furthermore, in this utility model, the power supply unit includes a battery compartment disposed at the bottom of the communication gateway body, and an energy storage battery disposed inside the battery compartment; the side wall of the battery compartment is designed with heat dissipation fins, and the surface of the heat dissipation fins is coated with a thermally conductive coating; a snap-fit ​​side cover is provided on one side of the battery compartment, and the snap-fit ​​side cover is snapped onto the communication gateway body by interference fit.

[0013] Furthermore, in this utility model, the signal connector includes a waterproof connector disposed within the communication gateway body, and a metal contact embedded inside the waterproof connector; the waterproof connector is designed with a threaded hole at the corresponding position, and the end of the metal contact is designed with a spherical structure, which forms a point contact when it is connected to an external device.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] (1) This utility model simplifies the installation process of the communication gateway by using a quick positioning and installation structure with a support base and columnar positioning pins, and reduces the requirements for the professional skills of the installers; the modular design enhances the flexibility of the communication gateway and facilitates later maintenance, upgrades and functional expansion.

[0016] (2) The design of the flexible circuit board and contact connector of this utility model realizes efficient data transmission and stable power connection, while reducing wiring complexity; the sliding slot and guide structure ensure that the expansion module can be stably inserted and realize reliable signal transmission, improving the system's compatibility and scalability.

[0017] (3) The battery compartment of this utility model is equipped with an energy storage battery and heat dissipation fins, and is protected by a snap-fit ​​side cover to ensure stable power supply and easy maintenance; the design of waterproof connectors and metal contacts improves the reliability of the communication gateway in harsh environments and meets the needs of complex outdoor scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the extended module of this utility model.

[0021] The names corresponding to the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0022] 1. Support base; 2. Communication gateway body; 3. Expansion interface; 4. Flexible circuit board; 5. Contact connector; 6. Power interface; 7. Spherical protrusion; 8. Positioning pin hole; 9. Columnar positioning pin; 10. Sliding slot; 11. Expansion module; 12. Guide protrusion; 13. Guide groove; 14. Elastic metal sheet; 15. Conductive contact; 16. Double-layer circuit board; 17. Limiting rib; 18. Battery compartment; 19. Energy storage battery; 20. Snap-on side cover; 21. Waterproof connector; 22. Metal contact; 23. Threaded connection hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0024] Example

[0025] This utility model discloses a communication gateway that is easy to install, the overall structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the communication gateway includes a support base 1, a communication gateway body 2, and functional modules disposed inside the communication gateway body 2. The functional modules achieve data transmission and power connection through modular interfaces. Each functional module further includes a communication unit embedded inside the communication gateway body 2, a power supply unit electrically connected to the communication unit, and an expansion interface 3 for enabling rapid access to external devices. The input end of the communication unit is connected to the expansion interface 3 via a flexible circuit board 4, and the output end outputs signals to external devices via a signal connector. The power supply unit mates with the power interface 6 inside the communication gateway body 2 via a contact connector 5. The contact connector 5 has spherical protrusions 7 on both sides, which cooperate with the metal layer inside the power interface 6 to achieve a stable power supply.

[0026] In practical applications, the installation process of the communication gateway begins with the support base 1. The support base 1 is fixed to an external mounting platform, such as a wall or equipment bracket. The communication gateway body 2 is quickly positioned and installed by several positioning pin holes 8 on its bottom and aligning with columnar positioning pins 9 on the support base 1. The inner wall of the positioning pin holes 8 is designed with a polygonal structure, and the outer contour of the columnar positioning pins 9 matches the shape of the inner wall of the positioning pin holes 8. This design ensures that the communication gateway body 2 can be quickly aligned and fixed during installation, avoiding complex adjustment and calibration operations. After aligning the positioning pin holes 8 of the communication gateway body 2 with the columnar positioning pins 9 on the support base 1 and inserting them, the communication gateway body 2 is securely fixed to the support base 1. This installation method significantly improves installation efficiency and reduces the professional skills required of the installers.

[0027] The connection between the communication gateway body 2 and the expansion interface 3 is as follows: Figure 2As shown, the expansion interface 3 includes a sliding slot 10 and an expansion module 11. The expansion module 11 is inserted into the sliding slot 10 by sliding. The inner wall of the sliding slot 10 is designed with a guide protrusion 12, and the corresponding position of the outer wall of the expansion module 11 is provided with a guide groove 13. The guide protrusion 12 and the guide groove 13 cooperate to guide the expansion module 11 to slide smoothly along a predetermined trajectory. The end of the expansion module 11 is designed with an elastic metal piece 14. When the expansion module 11 is fully inserted into the sliding slot 10, the elastic metal piece 14 contacts and connects with the conductive contact 15 on the flexible circuit board 4 at the end of the sliding slot 10, thereby realizing signal transmission. The flexible circuit board 4 is disposed on the rear side wall of the communication gateway body 2 and is electrically connected to the communication unit to ensure that the signal can be transmitted to the communication unit efficiently. The insertion and removal of the expansion module 11 is simple, while ensuring the reliability of signal transmission. This design not only improves the compatibility and scalability of the system, but also simplifies the maintenance and upgrade process.

[0028] The communication unit includes a double-layer circuit board 16, with a first communication chip on the upper layer and a second communication chip on the lower layer. In this embodiment, the communication unit is laterally snapped into the communication gateway body 2, and the first and second communication chips are electrically connected through metallized through-holes penetrating the double-layer circuit board 16. The edges of the double-layer circuit board 16 are designed with multiple U-shaped limiting grooves, and limiting ribs 17 inside the communication gateway body 2 are embedded in the U-shaped limiting grooves to fix the position of the double-layer circuit board 16. The design of the double-layer circuit board 16 makes the assembly and disassembly of the communication unit more convenient, while also improving the vibration resistance of the circuit board. This structure is particularly important in industrial environments, effectively preventing connection loosening or malfunctions caused by vibration.

[0029] The design of the power supply unit also reflects the innovation of this utility model, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the power supply unit includes a battery compartment 18 and an energy storage battery 19. The battery compartment 18 is located at the bottom of the communication gateway body 2, and its side walls are designed with heat dissipation fins coated with a thermally conductive coating to improve heat dissipation. A snap-fit ​​side cover 20 is provided on one side of the battery compartment 18, which is interlocked with the communication gateway body 2, facilitating the replacement and maintenance of the energy storage battery 19. The energy storage battery 19 connects to the power interface 6 inside the communication gateway body 2 via a contact connector 5. The spherical protrusion 7 of the contact connector 5 engages with the metal layer inside the power interface 6 to achieve stable power supply. The replacement process of the energy storage battery 19 is simple and quick; only the snap-fit ​​side cover 20 needs to be opened to remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, without the need for additional tools or complex operations. This design significantly improves the reliability and maintenance convenience of the power supply unit.

[0030] The design of the signal connector further optimizes the performance and applicability of the communication gateway, such as... Figure 2As shown, the signal connector includes a waterproof connector 21 and a metal contact 22 embedded inside the waterproof connector 21. A threaded hole 23 is designed at a corresponding position on the waterproof connector 21, allowing external devices to connect to the waterproof connector 21 via the threaded hole 23. The end of the metal contact 22 is designed with a spherical structure, forming a point contact when the metal contact 22 connects to an external device. This design ensures that the signal connector maintains stable signal transmission performance even in harsh environments, while also providing excellent waterproof capabilities. The design of the waterproof connector 21 and the metal contact 22 is particularly suitable for complex outdoor scenarios, meeting the usage requirements of communication gateways under various environmental conditions.

[0031] In practical applications, the communication gateway of this invention can be widely used in industrial control, smart homes, energy management, and other fields. For example, in a smart home system, the communication gateway body 2 is fixed to the center of the home network via a support base 1. The expansion module 11 can be flexibly configured according to user needs, such as connecting a Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, or other communication protocol modules. The S6 communication unit receives signals from the expansion module 11 via a flexible circuit board 4 and transmits the signals to external devices, such as smart home appliances or remote control terminals, via a signal connector. The energy storage battery 19 in the power supply unit provides stable power support for the entire communication gateway, maintaining normal operation for a period of time even in the event of a power outage. In addition, the design of the waterproof connector 21 and the metal contacts 22 enables the communication gateway to maintain reliable performance in humid or dusty environments.

[0032] The technical solution of this utility model simplifies the installation process of the communication gateway through a quick-positioning installation structure using a support base 1 and columnar positioning pins 9; the modular design enhances the flexibility of the communication gateway, facilitating later maintenance, upgrades, and functional expansion; the design of the flexible circuit board 4 and contact connector 5 achieves efficient data transmission and stable power connection, while reducing wiring complexity; the sliding slot 10 and guide structure ensure that the expansion module 11 can be stably inserted and achieve reliable signal transmission; the battery compartment 18 is equipped with an energy storage battery 19 and heat dissipation fins, and is protected by a snap-fit ​​side cover 20, ensuring stable power supply and easy maintenance; the design of the waterproof connector 21 and metal contacts 22 improves the reliability of the communication gateway in harsh environments. These technical features collectively solve the problems of inconvenient installation, complex structure, and poor environmental adaptability in the prior art, and have significant practical application value.

[0033] In summary, this utility model provides a communication gateway that is easy to install, flexible to use, and widely applicable. Its detailed embodiments have been fully described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Through the above description of specific embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand the technical solution and implementation process of this utility model, ensuring that this utility model can be effectively implemented in practical applications.

[0034] The above embodiments are merely one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications or refinements made to the main design concept and spirit of this utility model that are not of substantial significance, but solve the same technical problem as this utility model, should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A communication gateway that is easy to install, characterized in that, The system includes a support base (1) fixed to an external mounting platform, a communication gateway body (2) quickly positioned and installed on the support base (1), and a functional module set inside the communication gateway body (2) and realizing data transmission and power connection through a modular interface. The functional module includes a communication unit embedded inside the communication gateway body (2), a power supply unit electrically connected to the communication unit, and an expansion interface (3) for realizing quick access to external devices. The input end of the communication unit is connected to the expansion interface (3) through a flexible circuit board (4), and the output end outputs signals to external devices through a signal connector. The power supply unit is connected to the power interface (6) inside the communication gateway body (2) through a contact connector (5). The contact connector (5) has spherical protrusions (7) on both sides, and the spherical protrusions (7) cooperate with the metal layer inside the power interface (6) to realize power supply.

2. The easy-to-install communication gateway according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the communication gateway body (2) is provided with several positioning pin holes (8), and the corresponding position on the bearing base (1) is provided with columnar positioning pins (9) that match the positioning pin holes (8); the inner wall of the positioning pin hole (8) is designed as a polygonal structure, and the outer contour of the columnar positioning pin (9) is consistent with the shape of the inner wall of the positioning pin hole (8).

3. The easy-to-install communication gateway according to claim 2, characterized in that, The expansion interface (3) includes a sliding slot (10) disposed on the inner wall of one side of the communication gateway body (2), and an expansion module (11) inserted into the sliding slot (10) by sliding. The inner wall of the sliding slot (10) is designed with a guide protrusion (12), and the outer wall of the expansion module (11) is provided with a guide groove (13) at the corresponding position. The guide protrusion (12) and the guide groove (13) cooperate to guide the expansion module (11) to slide along a predetermined trajectory. The end of the expansion module (11) is designed with an elastic metal sheet (14), and the elastic metal sheet (14) is connected to the conductive contact (15) of the flexible circuit board at the end of the sliding slot (10) to realize signal transmission. The flexible circuit board (4) is disposed on the rear side wall of the communication gateway body (2) and electrically connected to the communication unit.

4. The easy-to-install communication gateway according to claim 3, characterized in that, The communication unit includes a double-layer circuit board (16) disposed inside the communication gateway body (2). The upper layer of the double-layer circuit board (16) is provided with a first communication chip, and the lower layer is provided with a second communication chip. The first communication chip and the second communication chip are electrically connected through metallized through holes penetrating the double-layer circuit board. The edge of the double-layer circuit board is designed with multiple U-shaped limiting grooves. The limiting ribs (17) inside the communication gateway body (2) are embedded in the U-shaped limiting grooves to fix the position of the double-layer circuit board (16).

5. A communication gateway that is easy to install according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power supply unit includes a battery compartment (18) located at the bottom of the communication gateway body (2) and an energy storage battery (19) located inside the battery compartment; the side wall of the battery compartment is designed with heat dissipation fins, and the surface of the heat dissipation fins is coated with a thermally conductive coating; a snap-fit ​​side cover (20) is provided on one side of the battery compartment, and the snap-fit ​​side cover (20) is snapped onto the communication gateway body (2) by interference fit.

6. The easy-to-install communication gateway according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signal connector includes a waterproof connector (21) disposed in the communication gateway body (2) and a metal contact (22) embedded in the waterproof connector (21); the waterproof connector is designed with a threaded hole (23) at the corresponding position, and the end of the metal contact is designed with a spherical structure, which forms a point contact when it is connected to an external device.

Images