An internet of things gateway with pluggable positioning module

Abstract

This utility model discloses an IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module, comprising: a gateway control box and a positioning module. The gateway control box contains a fixing module and a communication module. The fixing module includes a slot into which the positioning module can be inserted. Buckles are provided on both sides of the positioning module. A fixing panel is provided inside the slot, and a slot is provided on the panel. The buckles can be inserted into the slot to lock the positioning module in place. Several configuration pins are provided on the contact surface between the slot and the positioning module. Several contact points are provided on the bottom of the positioning module. The number and size of the contact points and configuration pins are matched, and the configuration pins can connect to the contact points. The communication control module includes a GPS antenna cavity and a 4G antenna cavity. An isolation plate is provided between the GPS antenna cavity and the 4G antenna cavity. The configuration pin and buckle design effectively prevents incorrect insertion and loosening of the module, improves connection stability, and ensures the reliability and safety of the electrical connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gateway access, and in particular to an Internet of Things gateway with a pluggable positioning module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, IoT gateways typically need to integrate positioning functions (such as GPS, BeiDou, and LBS base station positioning) to support applications such as asset tracking, vehicle monitoring, and smart agriculture. Existing IoT gateway technologies generally employ the following methods:

[0003] (1) Built-in fixed positioning module: The GPS / BeiDou module is directly soldered onto the gateway motherboard, and the antenna is integrated inside the casing or connected via an external SMA interface. The positioning chip and the main control chip (such as 4G / NB-IoT) share PCB space. The disadvantages are that maintenance is difficult. If the positioning module is damaged, it needs to be disassembled and replaced or even returned to the factory for repair, which is costly. Upgrading is also inconvenient, and it is not possible to flexibly replace it with a different standard (such as GPS→BeiDou) or a higher performance positioning module. In addition, it will cause signal interference: when the antenna is close to the Wi-Fi / 4G module, the metal casing or internal circuit may shield the satellite signal.

[0004] (2) External independent positioning device (non-integrated solution): The gateway connects to an independent GPS receiver via USB, RS232, or RS485 interface, and then the location data is parsed by software. The disadvantages are that it is bulky, requires additional equipment, occupies space, is not suitable for compact gateways, has complex wiring, adds power and data cables, is prone to loosening or poor contact, and is costly, requiring separate purchase and installation of external equipment.

[0005] (3) General modular design (non-dedicated positioning solution): Some industrial gateways use MiniPCIe or M2 interfaces to support expansion modules, but are not optimized for positioning functions. The disadvantages are poor compatibility: the interface does not consider the antenna connection requirements of the positioning module (such as impedance matching), there is no anti-interference design, there is no shielding layer between the module and the motherboard, making it susceptible to electromagnetic interference. The structure is unreliable, and ordinary slots are prone to loosening in vibration environments, leading to interruption of the positioning signal.

[0006] In summary, traditional gateways suffer from the following problems: First, the module interfaces lack effective anti-misinsertion and anti-loosening designs, easily leading to poor contact, misinsertion, and damage. Second, unreasonable antenna layouts cause interference between antennas of different frequency bands, resulting in unstable signal transmission. Third, during hot-swapping, instantaneous current surges can easily occur, damaging the modules and circuits. Therefore, the design of modular interfaces directly affects the maintainability and expandability of the device, while the rationality of antenna layout is crucial to signal transmission quality.

[0007] Therefore, an IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module is proposed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides an Internet of Things gateway with a pluggable positioning module.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: an IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module, comprising: a gateway control box and a positioning module, wherein the gateway control box is provided with a fixing module and a communication module; the fixing module includes a slot, the positioning module can be inserted into the slot, the positioning module is provided with buckles on both sides, the slot is provided with a fixing panel, the panel is provided with a slot, the buckles can be inserted into the slot to lock the positioning module in the slot;

[0010] The slot and the positioning module contact surface are provided with a plurality of configuration pins, and the bottom of the positioning module is provided with a plurality of contact points. The number and size of the contact points and the configuration pins are adapted to each other, and the configuration pins can be connected to the contact points.

[0011] The communication control module includes a GPS antenna cavity and a 4G antenna cavity, and an isolation plate is provided between the GPS antenna cavity and the 4G antenna cavity.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the positioning module is provided with an electronic control component, which includes a micro switch, an RC delay circuit, a MOS transistor switch, and a magnetic nail. The micro switch is electrically connected to the RC delay circuit and the MOS transistor switch, and the magnetic nail is electrically connected to the RC delay circuit. When the micro switch is connected, the MOS transistor switch is connected, and the magnetic nail is charged to generate magnetic force.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a needle holder is provided on the slot, the configuration needle is disposed in the needle holder, and an insulating material is disposed in the needle holder.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, there are four configuration pins arranged in a diamond shape, and the four configuration pins are VCC configuration pin, GND configuration pin, TXD configuration pin and RXD configuration pin.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the contact point is a circular structure with a radius of 1.5-2.5 mm.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the contact point is made of copper foil, and the surface of the copper foil is plated with a metal film.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the isolation plate has a thickness of ≥1mm, and the isolation plate is welded to the bottom of the gateway control box and grounded.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a GPS antenna is disposed in the GPS antenna cavity, the GPS antenna is installed in the middle of the GPS antenna cavity, and the distance between the GPS antenna and the isolation plate is ≥10mm.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a circular or square radiation window with a diameter of 20-30mm is opened at the top of the GPS antenna cavity, and the window is covered with a dielectric wave-transmitting material.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a shielding layer is provided on the inner wall of the 4G antenna cavity, the shielding layer having a thickness of 0.1-0.2mm, and a connecting piece is provided at the bottom of the shielding layer, the connecting piece being connected to the ground wire.

[0021] This utility model solves the defects existing in the background technology, and has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] (1) High reliability interface: The diamond-shaped arrangement of configuration pins and buckle design effectively prevents incorrect insertion and loosening of modules, improving connection stability. The physical isolation power supply design of gold-plated copper foil contacts, long / short contacts, and flexible power-off arm ensures the reliability and safety of electrical connection.

[0023] (2) Optimize antenna layout: Independent cavity and isolation plate design to achieve physical isolation between GPS antenna and 4G antenna and reduce signal interference; GPS antenna is installed in the middle of GPS antenna cavity and at a certain distance from isolation plate to ensure signal reception quality; 4G antenna cavity is equipped with shielding layer, and the shielding layer is grounded to enhance electromagnetic shielding effect.

[0024] (3) Safe hot-swap function: Through the cooperation of micro switches, RC delay circuits, MOSFETs and magnetic pins, delayed power supply and power-off protection are realized during the hot-swap process of the module, avoiding instantaneous current surges and extending the service life of the module and circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gateway control box structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3This is a circuit diagram of the electronic control component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Gateway control box; 10. GPS antenna cavity; 100. Radiation window; 101. GPS antenna; 11. 4G antenna cavity; 110. 4G antenna; 12. Isolation plate; 13. Gateway motherboard;

[0030] 2. Positioning module; 20. Buckle; 21. Contact point; 22. Micro switch; 23. RC delay circuit; 24. MOSFET switch; 25. Magnetic pin; 26. Anti-reverse insertion structure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be fixed through another intermediate component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be fixed through another intermediate component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be set directly on the other component or it may be set through another intermediate component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, an IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module 2 includes: a gateway control box 1 and a positioning module 2. The gateway control box 1 is equipped with a fixed module and a communication module. The fixed module includes a slot into which the positioning module 2 can be inserted. Preferably, the positioning module 2 is provided with an anti-reverse insertion structure 26. The positioning module 2 is provided with buckles 20 on both sides. The slot is provided with a fixed panel with a slot. The buckles 20 can be inserted into the slot to lock the positioning module 2 in the slot. Specifically, after the positioning module 2 is inserted into the slot, it is automatically locked by the connection between the buckles 20 and the slot to ensure a stable connection and prevent loosening. When the positioning module 2 needs to be removed, it can be released by pressing the buckles 20 on both sides. This facilitates the replacement and repair of the positioning module 2 when it is damaged. At the same time, it can also flexibly replace the positioning module 2 with different types (such as GPS → Beidou).

[0035] The positioning module 2 is equipped with an electronic control component, which includes a micro switch 22, an RC delay circuit 23 (composed of resistors and capacitors), a MOSFET switch 24 (using an AO3400 MOSFET to control the main power supply), and a magnetic pin 25. The micro switch 22 is electrically connected to the RC delay circuit 23 and the MOSFET switch 24, and the magnetic pin 25 is electrically connected to the RC delay circuit 23. When the micro switch 22 is activated, the MOSFET switch 24 is activated, and the magnetic pin 25 is energized and generates magnetic force. Specifically, the micro switch 22 is installed at the entrance of the module slot. When the positioning module 2 is inserted into the slot but not fully inserted, the micro switch 22 is activated. The RC circuit begins charging. When the positioning module 2 is fully inserted and the physical latch 20 is triggered to lock, the voltage of the RC circuit reaches the turn-on threshold of the MOSFET, the MOSFET switch 24 turns on, and the main power supply is turned on. At the same time, the magnetic pin 25 is charged and generates magnetic force, attracting the positioning module 2 to descend. When the positioning module 2 is pulled out, the magnetic pin 25 is de-energized, the magnetism disappears, the mechanical switch is turned off first, and the capacitor quickly releases the charge through the discharge resistor R2 to avoid instantaneous current surge. A long / short contact design is adopted, with the power contact being shorter than the signal contact. When the positioning module 2 is inserted, the signal ground wire is connected first, and then the power supply is connected. When it is not fully inserted, it is physically isolated, further ensuring the electrical safety of the positioning module 2 during hot-swapping.

[0036] The slot and positioning module 2 have several configuration pins on their contact surface. Preferably, the configuration pins are spring pins. The bottom of the positioning module 2 has several contact points 21. The number and size of the contact points 21 are compatible with the configuration pins, and the configuration pins can connect to the contact points 21. Preferably, there are 4 configuration pins arranged in a diamond shape. The 4 configuration pins are VCC, GND, TXD, and RXD configuration pins. The contact points 21 are circular with a radius of 1.5-2.5mm. The contact points 21 are made of copper foil, and the surface of the copper foil is plated with a metal film. The diamond-shaped arrangement of the configuration pins effectively prevents incorrect insertion and loosening of the module, improving connection stability. The physical isolation power supply design of the gold-plated copper foil contacts, long / short contacts, and elastic power-off arm ensures the reliability and safety of the electrical connection.

[0037] Preferably, the slot is provided with a needle holder, the configuration needle is disposed in the needle holder, the needle holder is provided with insulating material, and the needle holder is embedded in high temperature resistant and aging resistant insulating engineering plastic, which ensures electrical insulation performance and service life.

[0038] The communication control module includes a GPS antenna 101 cavity 10 and a 4G antenna 110 cavity 11. An isolation plate 12 is provided between the GPS antenna 101 cavity 10 and the 4G antenna 110 cavity 11. Specifically, the isolation plate 12 has a thickness of ≥1mm. The isolation plate 12 is welded to the bottom of the gateway control box 1 and grounded. The independent cavity and isolation plate 12 design realizes the physical isolation between the GPS antenna 101 and the 4G antenna 110, reducing signal interference. Preferably, the isolation plate 12 is a metal isolation plate, specifically aluminum plate or galvanized steel plate.

[0039] The GPS antenna 101 is installed inside the cavity 10. The GPS antenna 101 is installed in the middle of the cavity 10. Specifically, the GPS antenna 101 is fixed to the center of the cavity with nylon screws, and the distance between it and the isolation plate 12 is ≥10mm to avoid short circuit.

[0040] The GPS antenna 101 cavity 10 has a circular or square radiation window 100 with a diameter of 20-30mm on the top. The window is covered with a dielectric wave-transmitting material, which can prevent dust from entering without affecting signal penetration.

[0041] The inner wall of the cavity 11 of the 4G antenna 110 is provided with a shielding layer with a thickness of 0.1-0.2mm. A connecting piece is provided at the bottom of the shielding layer, which is connected to the ground wire. Specifically, a copper foil tape with a thickness of 0.1mm is pasted on the inner wall of the cavity 11 of the 4G antenna 110 to completely cover the inner surface and form a metal shielding layer. The copper foil is connected to the ground wire of the gateway motherboard 13 through four symmetrically distributed phosphor bronze spring metal pieces at the bottom to ensure low impedance grounding, further enhance the electromagnetic shielding effect, and reduce signal interference.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the outer shell of the gateway control box 1 is made of aluminum alloy in one piece. The internal cavity isolation plate 12 and the outer shell are milled into an integral structure to ensure mechanical strength and electromagnetic shielding performance. At the same time, the seams of the outer shell are filled with conductive foam with a thickness of 2mm to ensure good electromagnetic sealing and prevent electromagnetic leakage.

[0043] When this invention is in use, when the positioning module 2 is inserted into the slot but not fully inserted, the micro switch 22 is turned on, and the RC circuit begins to charge. When the positioning module 2 is fully inserted and the physical latch 20 is triggered to lock, the voltage of the RC circuit reaches the MOSFET turn-on threshold, the MOSFET switch 24 turns on, the main power supply is turned on, and at the same time, the magnetic pin 25 is charged and generates magnetic force, attracting the positioning module 2 to descend. When the positioning module 2 is pulled out, the micro switch 22 turns off and the MOSFET switch 24 turns off. At this time, the magnetic pin 25 is de-energized, the magnetism disappears, and the positioning module 2 is popped up. The mechanical switch is disconnected first, and the capacitor quickly releases the charge through the discharge resistor R2 to avoid instantaneous current surge. At the same time, a long / short contact design is adopted, with the power contact being shorter than the signal contact. When the positioning module 2 is inserted, the signal ground wire is connected first, and then the power supply is connected. When it is not fully inserted, it is physically isolated, further ensuring the electrical safety of the positioning module 2 during hot-swapping.

[0044] The above embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of this utility model. These are all equivalent modifications and improvements made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of this utility model, and all of these fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module, comprising: A gateway control box and a positioning module, characterized in that the gateway control box is equipped with a fixing module and a communication module; The fixing module includes a slot, the positioning module can be inserted into the slot, the positioning module is provided with buckles on both sides, the slot is provided with a fixing panel, the panel is provided with a slot, the buckles can be inserted into the slot to lock the positioning module in the slot; The slot and the positioning module contact surface are provided with a plurality of configuration pins, and the bottom of the positioning module is provided with a plurality of contact points. The number and size of the contact points and the configuration pins are adapted to each other, and the configuration pins can be connected to the contact points. The communication control module includes a GPS antenna cavity and a 4G antenna cavity, and an isolation plate is provided between the GPS antenna cavity and the 4G antenna cavity.

2. The IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning module is equipped with an electronic control component, which includes a micro switch, an RC delay circuit, a MOSFET switch, and a magnetic pin. The micro switch is electrically connected to the RC delay circuit and the MOSFET switch, and the magnetic pin is electrically connected to the RC delay circuit. When the micro switch is connected, the MOSFET switch is connected, and the magnetic pin is charged to generate magnetic force.

3. The IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slot is provided with a needle holder, the configuration needle is disposed in the needle holder, and the needle holder is provided with insulating material.

4. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are four configuration pins arranged in a diamond shape. The four configuration pins are VCC configuration pin, GND configuration pin, TXD configuration pin and RXD configuration pin.

5. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact point is a circular structure with a radius of 1.5-2.5 mm.

6. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact point is made of copper foil, and the surface of the copper foil is plated with a metal film.

7. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation plate is ≥1mm thick, and the isolation plate is welded to the bottom of the gateway control box and grounded.

8. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A GPS antenna is installed inside the GPS antenna cavity, and the GPS antenna is installed in the middle of the GPS antenna cavity, with a distance of ≥10mm from the isolation plate.

9. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The GPS antenna cavity has a circular or square radiation window with a diameter of 20-30mm at the top, and the window is covered with a dielectric wave-transparent material.

10. An IoT gateway with a pluggable positioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 4G antenna cavity has a shielding layer on its inner wall with a thickness of 0.1-0.2 mm. A connecting piece is provided at the bottom of the shielding layer and is connected to the ground wire.

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