Modular device

Abstract

To provide a modular device which can be used for various purposes and can be installed in various places.SOLUTION: The modular device 1 includes a main body portion 10 in which a sensor, a battery, or a communication unit is embedded or to which a sensor or a battery is externally attached, a first hook portion 40 which is fixed to a rear end on a lower surface side of the main body portion 10, and a movable second hook portion 50 which is provided at a front end on the lower surface side of the main body portion 10. In addition, the modular device 1 includes the first coupling rod 20 at the rear end on the upper surface side of the main body portion 10 and the second coupling rod 30 (31,32) at the front end, and the first protrusion portion 611,612 protruding rearward and supporting both ends of the first coupling rod 20 is provided at the rear end on the upper surface side of the main body portion 10, and the second protrusion portion 621,622,623,624 protruding forward and supporting both ends of the second coupling rod 30 (31,32) is provided at the front end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of IoT (Internet of Things), the installation of communication networks, both wired and wireless, has progressed not only in companies and facilities but also in ordinary homes. As a result, the equipment and devices used to build communication networks for companies and other facilities have become well known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information communication device for indoor communication, which aims to perform communication effectively by optimally arranging an antenna element for wireless communication in the casing of a main unit. This information communication device includes a main unit installed with at least a portion embedded in a wall W, a first antenna unit 400, and a second antenna unit 500. The housing of the main unit has a front cover 200 and a rear cover 300. The front cover 200 is hat-shaped and has a top surface 210, a first side surface 220 formed from the top surface 210, a second side surface 230 opposing the first side surface 220, a third surface 260 connected to the first side surface 220 formed by the brim of the hat shape, and a fourth surface 270 connected to the second side surface 230 (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-038130 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the information communication device described in Patent Document 1 is capable of wireless communication because the antenna element for wireless communication is arranged in the casing of the main unit, but cannot be used for purposes other than wireless communication. Also, the information communication device described in Patent Document 1 cannot be installed in places other than a wall because part of the main unit is embedded in the wall.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modular device that can be used for a variety of purposes and can be installed in a variety of locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The modular device of the present invention has a main body portion that incorporates a sensor, battery, or communication means, or to which a sensor or battery is externally attached, a first hook portion fixed to the rear end of the bottom surface of the main body portion, and a movable second hook portion provided at the front end of the bottom surface of the main body portion.

[0008] This allows the modular device to be attached to any location using the first hook portion and the second hook portion, along with the main body portion having a built-in sensor or the like or an external sensor or the like.

[0009] In particular, it is preferable that the modular device has a first connecting rod at the rear end of the upper surface of the main body, a second connecting rod at the front end of the upper surface of the main body, a first protrusion at the rear end of the upper surface of the main body that protrudes rearward and supports both ends of the first connecting rod, and a second protrusion at the front end of the upper surface of the main body that protrudes forward and supports both ends of the second connecting rod. Furthermore, it is further preferable that the modular device be connectable to another modular device by having the first hook portion engage with the first connecting rod of the other modular device and the second hook portion engage with the second connecting rod of the other modular device, and that the modular device be configured to have a port for connecting to the other modular device via a wired connection.

[0010] This allows the modular device to be attached to a wall, rack, etc. by securing the first or second connecting rod with a hook or cable tie (Insulock (registered trademark)). In addition, modular devices can be linked together by engaging the first and second connecting rods of one modular device with the first and second hook portions of another modular device, and these can be connected by wire via ports.

[0011] It is preferable that the modular device has a top plate attached to the top surface of the main body, a bottom plate attached to the bottom surface of the main body, and a base fixed to the object, and that the base is composed of the top plate, the bottom plate, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod.

[0012] This allows the base to be fixed to the object, and the modular device body to be attached to the base.

[0013] Additionally, the modular device preferably has a fixture for securing the base to an object, the fixture including one or more of a T-slot fixture, an erector fixture, a DIN rail fixture, tape, screws, and a magnet.

[0014] This allows the base to be mounted in various locations, such as a T-slot, erector, DIN rail, wall, or rack, using fixtures such as T-slot fixtures. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The modular device of the present invention has such a configuration that it can be freely selected depending on the application, either having a main body with a built-in sensor, battery, or communication means, or having a main body to which a sensor or battery is externally attached, and can be installed in a variety of locations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a modular device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a front, left side, and top perspective view, and (B) is a front, right side, and top perspective view. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] (A) is a front view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a rear view. [Figure 4] (A) is a plan view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a bottom view. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which modular devices according to the first embodiment are stacked on each other. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (A) is a front view of the modular device shown in FIG. 6, and (B) is a rear view. [Figure 8] (A) is a plan view of the modular device shown in FIG. 6, and (B) is a bottom view. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which modular devices according to a second embodiment are stacked on each other. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the modular device according to the first embodiment is attached to a base. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the modular device according to the first embodiment is attached to a T-slot. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the modular device according to the first embodiment is attached to an erector. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the base is attached to the erector. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the base is attached to a DIN rail. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of the modular device according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 16]1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of the modular device according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of the modular device according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a local network constructed using modular devices according to the first and second embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention. However, the description of the constituent elements described below is an example (representative example) of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following content unless the gist of the present invention is changed.

[0018] [Modular Device According to the First Embodiment] First, a modular device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the modular device of the present invention is a device that is connected by wire or wireless to a modular device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention that functions as a router, or to an HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication) slave device, etc., to construct a local network LNW, as exemplified in Fig. 18. As will be described later, modular devices are also connected to each other by wire or wireless, and can communicate with each other.

[0019] The modular device 1 has a main body 10 that incorporates a sensor, a battery, or a communication means, or to which a sensor or a battery is attached externally. The size of the main body 10 in this embodiment is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches (approximately 50 mm by 50 mm) in length and width when viewed from above (see FIG. 4(A)), but this can be modified as needed. The height of the main body 10 in this embodiment is approximately 1 inch (approximately 25 mm). An upper plate 10U is attached to the top surface of the main body 10, and a bottom plate 10D is attached to the bottom surface of the main body 10 with screws S (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0020] The sensors include optical sensors, distance sensors, acceleration sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, and air pressure sensors, and of course various types of sensors other than those exemplified can also be used. Modular devices 1 with sensors built into the main body 10 and modular devices 1 with sensors externally attached to the main body 10 function as sensors that acquire various data about the location where they are installed. On the other hand, a modular device 1 with built-in communication means acts as a router, so to speak, and a modular device 1 with a built-in or external battery acts as a power source that supplies power to other modular devices.

[0021] In particular, when the sensor is large, the modular device 1 is configured so that the sensor is externally attached to the main body 10. Furthermore, when the sensor is placed in a harsh sensing environment, such as exposed to wind, rain, or direct sunlight, or in high or low temperatures, attaching the sensor externally using a cable of about 5 m can prevent breakdowns or deterioration of the main body 10 (control circuit, described later) and the like. In addition to sensors, the main body 10 also has a built-in control circuit (microcomputer) for controlling the operation of the modular device 1 and for controlling the sending and receiving of data using various communication protocols, whether wired or wireless.

[0022] The modular device 1 also has a first connecting rod 20 at the rear end on the top surface side, and a second connecting rod 30 (31, 32) at the front end on the top surface side. In this embodiment, first protrusions 611, 612 protruding rearward are provided at the rear end on the top surface side, and these support both ends of the first connecting rod 20. Meanwhile, second protrusions 621, 622, 623, 624 protruding forward are provided at the front end on the top surface side, and the second protrusions 621, 622 support both ends of the second connecting rod 31, and the second protrusions 623, 624 support both ends of the second connecting rod 32.

[0023] Furthermore, the modular device 1 has a wide first hook portion 40 at the rear end of the bottom surface that is fixed to the main body 10 and the bottom plate 10D, while the modular device 1 has a wide second hook portion 50 at the front end of the bottom surface that is movable relative to the main body 10 and the bottom plate 10D.

[0024] In this embodiment, third protrusions 631, 632 protruding rearward are provided at the rear end of the bottom surface, and the first hook portion 40 is fixed to a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by these protrusions. Meanwhile, fourth protrusions 641, 642, 643, 644 protruding forward are also provided at the front end of the bottom surface, and the second hook portion 50 is movably attached to a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 641, 642 and a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 643, 644. The second hook portion 50 can move up and down as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and (B).

[0025] The rods to which the first hook portion 40 and the second hook portion 50 are attached can have the same configuration as the first connecting rod 20 and the second connecting rod 30 in terms of thickness, length, material, etc.

[0026] 5, the modular devices 1 are configured to be connectable to each other. Specifically, the first hook portion 40 of the modular device 1A engages with the first connecting rod 20 of the modular device 1B, and the second hook portion 50 of the modular device 1A engages with the second connecting rod 30 (31, 32) of the modular device 1B, thereby allowing the modular device 1A to be stacked on the modular device 1B.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first hook portion 40 and the second hook portion 50 are designed so that the positions of their lower ends are approximately horizontal, as shown in Fig. 2. Here, the second hook portion 50 is movable, but when it is moved to a position where its lower end is approximately horizontal with the lower end of the first hook portion 40, the lower end of the second hook portion 50 is wide. Therefore, when the modular device 1 is placed on a desk or floor in the state shown in Fig. 2, the lower end of the second hook portion 50 makes contact with a wide area of ​​the installation surface. In addition, because the positions of the lower ends of the first hook portion 40 and the second hook portion 50 are approximately horizontal, the modular device 1 can be placed stably without tilting.

[0028] The modular device 1 has ports for connecting to other modular devices or sensors via wires. For example, in this embodiment, port P1 is a port for power input. Port P2 is a port for USB connection or Ethernet connection. Port 3 is a port for I2C connection or SPI connection. By connecting to other modular devices or sensors via such ports with cables, the modular device 1 can send and receive data to and from them. Of course, the number and types of ports that the modular device of the present invention has, as well as the locations at which the ports are provided, are not limited to those illustrated, and the modular device of the present invention can be compatible with various communication standards other than those illustrated, such as UART.

[0029] [Construction example] Because the modular device 1 has such a configuration, it is possible to construct a local network LNW suited to a variety of uses. (1) For example, as shown in Figure 5(B), modular devices 1A and 1B are linked together and connected by relay via an I2C cable. Modular device 1B is further connected to an external device such as a router via an I2C cable. By incorporating an optical sensor in modular device 1A and a temperature and humidity sensor in modular device 1B, data acquired by modular devices 1A and 1B can be collected via the router, and based on this data, entry and exit management and temperature and humidity management for the room in which modular devices 1A and 1B are installed can be performed.

[0030] (2) Alternatively, if modular devices 1A and 1B are connected and one of the modular devices is equipped with a circuit having wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth, data acquired by the other modular device can be collected by wireless communication means.

[0031] (3) Alternatively, by connecting modular devices 1A and 1B and incorporating a battery into one of the modular devices, power can be supplied from the modular device with the built-in battery to the other modular device. This makes it possible to install modular devices in places where it is difficult to supply power, such as when there is a long distance from an outlet or when there is no outlet at all.

[0032] Of course, it is also possible to connect three, four, or more modular devices 1. Therefore, by connecting multiple modular devices with different functions, it is possible to build a local network LNW that suits a variety of purposes.

[0033] [Modular Device According to Second Embodiment] Next, a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Like modular device 1, modular device 2 has a main body 10, an upper panel 10U, a bottom panel 10D, a first connecting rod 20, a second connecting rod 30, a first hook portion 40, and a second hook portion 50, and has the same functions as modular device 1, but the size of main body 10 of modular device 2 is approximately 2 inches by 4 inches (approximately 50 mm by 100 mm) in length and width when viewed in plan (see FIG. 8(A)). The height of main body 10 is approximately 1 inch (approximately 25 mm), like modular device 1, and these dimensions can be changed as needed.

[0034] In other words, it is wider than the modular device 1. Therefore, the configuration of the connecting rod and hook portion of the modular device 2 is adapted to this wider configuration. For example, first protrusions 611, 612, and 613 that protrude rearward are provided at the rear end of the upper surface of the modular device 2, and these support both ends of the first connecting rods 21 and 22, respectively.

[0035] On the other hand, second protrusions 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, and 626 that protrude forward are provided at the front end of the upper surface, and the second protrusions 621 and 622 support both ends of the second connecting rod 31, the second protrusions 623 and 624 support both ends of the second connecting rod 32, and the second protrusions 625 and 626 support both ends of the second connecting rod 33.

[0036] In addition, third protrusions 631, 632, 633 that protrude toward the rear are provided at the rear end of the bottom side, and the first hook portion 41 is fixed to a rod (not shown) whose both ends are supported by the third protrusions 631, 632, and the first hook portion 42 is fixed to a rod (not shown) whose both ends are supported by the third protrusions 632, 633.

[0037] In addition, the front end of the bottom side is provided with fourth protrusions 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, and 646 that protrude forward, and the second hook portion 50 is movably attached to a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 641 and 642, a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 643 and 644, and a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 645 and 646.

[0038] The modular devices 2 are also configured to be connectable to each other. Specifically, the first hook portions 41 and 42 of the modular device 2A engage with the first connecting rods 21 and 22 of the modular device 2B, and the second hook portion 50 of the modular device 2A engages with the second connecting rod 30 (31, 32, 33) of the modular device 2B, thereby allowing the modular device 2A to be stacked on the modular device 2B (see FIG. 9).

[0039] As mentioned above, the main body 10 of the modular device 2 is twice the size of the main body 10 of the modular device 1, so the modular device 2 can incorporate more sensors and have more ports than the modular device 1. Users can then use the modular devices 1 and 2 according to their intended use, or use them together to build a local network LNW.

[0040] [pedestal] Next, the base and other components of the modular device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. In this description, the base 70 of the modular device 1 will be described. The base 70 is composed of an upper plate 10U, a bottom plate 10D, a first connecting rod 20, and a second connecting rod 30 (31, 32) (see FIG. 10(A)).

[0041] In other words, the base 70 is assembled from the parts that make up the modular device 1. In other words, the base 70 can be made simply by combining (screwing together) the top plate 10U and the bottom plate 10D. This eliminates the need to separately design the base or make a mold, which reduces costs.

[0042] Furthermore, with this configuration of the base 70, the modular device 1 can be easily attached to the base 70 with a single touch by engaging the first hook portion 40 of the modular device 1 with the first connecting rod 20 of the base 70 and engaging the second hook portion 50 of the modular device 1 with the second connecting rods 31, 32 of the base 70 (see Figure 10).

[0043] The base 70 is fixed to an object by a fixture. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 10, a magnet 71 is attached to one surface of the base as a fixture (see Fig. 10(A)). Therefore, the base 70 having the magnet 71 allows the modular device 1 to be attached to an object such as a wall or a rack.

[0044] 11, a T-slot fixture 72 is attached to one surface of the base as a fixture (see FIG. 11(A)). Therefore, the modular device 1 can be attached to the T-slot 81 by using the base 70 having the T-slot fixture 72.

[0045] 12, an erector fixture 73 is attached to one surface of the base 70 as a fixture (see FIG. 12(A)). Therefore, the modular device 1 can be attached to the erector 82 by the base 70 having the erector fixture 73.

[0046] 13, a cable tie 74 such as Insulok (registered trademark) and a cable tie fixture 75 can be used as the erector fixture. Specifically, the cable tie fixture 75 is attached to one surface of the base 70, and the cable tie 74 is passed through an opening of the cable tie fixture 75 (see FIG. 13(A)). Therefore, although FIG. 13 does not show the modular device attached to the base 70, the modular device 1 can be attached to the erector 82 by attaching the base 70 to the erector 82 with the cable tie 74 (see FIG. 13(B)).

[0047] 14, a DIN rail fixture 76 is attached to one surface of the base 70 as a fixture (see FIG. 14(A)). Therefore, although the modular device attached to the base 70 is not shown in FIG. 14, the modular device 1 can be attached to a DIN rail 83 by using the base 70 having the DIN rail fixture 76 (see FIG. 14(B)).

[0048] In addition, although not shown, the base 70 has fasteners such as tape (double-sided tape), screws, and magnets (magnetic plates and magnetic tape). Therefore, the base 70 having tape, screws, etc. allows the modular device 1 to be attached to various places and objects.

[0049] If a modular device is attached directly to an object using tape or screws, when replacing a faulty or defective modular device or rearranging it (changing the physical network configuration), it will be necessary to remove the screws using a tool such as a screwdriver, and the tape will not come off cleanly, leaving tape marks on the object. However, by having a base 70 of this configuration, the modular device 1 can be easily removed from the object (base 70) without using tools and without leaving any marks, even when replacing or rearranging the modular device 1.

[0050] The modular device 2 also has a base with the same configuration as the base of the modular device 1, and the modular device 2 can be attached to various objects via this base.

[0051] [Application example] Finally, application examples of the modular device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a base 70 (see FIG. 11(A)) having a T-slot fixture 72 is fixed to a T-slot 81, and the modular device 2 is attached to the base 70 (see FIG. 15).

[0052] Then, the first hook portion 40 of the modular device 1 is engaged with the first connecting rod 22 of the modular device 2 (see Figure 15), and the second hook portion 50 of the modular device 1 is connected to the second connecting rods 32, 33 of the modular device 2, thereby connecting the modular device 1 to the modular device 2 (see Figures 16 and 17).

[0053] In this way, stacked modular devices 1 and 2 can also be attached to the T-slot 81. Of course, it is also possible to attach another modular device 1 to the modular device 2, or to stack a modular device 2 on top of two modular devices 1 that are arranged side by side.

[0054] The modular device described above is merely an example of one embodiment, and the design can be modified as appropriate as long as the gist of the device is not changed. For example, there are no limitations on the type or form of a network constructed using the modular device of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations of the first and second connecting rods, the first and second hook portions, or the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions of the modular devices 1 and 2 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, as long as they allow for easy connection between modular devices or between the modular devices 1 and 2. Furthermore, the main body 10 may be configured with an erector fixture (cable tie), a T-slot fixture, or the like, to secure the modular devices 1 and 2 to an object.

[0055] Additionally, because the modular device of the present invention is capable of both wired and wireless communication, a control circuit built into the main body 10 can be configured to automatically switch to wireless mode when power is supplied from an external source, and to automatically switch to wired mode when a cable is connected to the port. The modular device of the present invention can also perform NFC authentication with a router using the control circuit. Furthermore, the modular device can be equipped with a microphone and speaker function, or a voice authentication function, so that audio guidance can be used instead of a paper manual when the user performs initial setup, or the aforementioned wireless / wired mode switching and authentication can be triggered by the user's voice. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The present invention is a modular device that can be used for a variety of purposes and installed in a variety of locations, and is industrially useful because it allows local networks that meet the needs of users to be constructed without restrictions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1,2,1A,1B,2A,2B Modular Devices 10 Main body 10U top plate 10D bottom plate 20, 21, 22 First connecting rod 30, 31, 32, 33 Second connecting rod 40, 41, 42 First hook part 50 Second hook part 611,612,613 First protrusion 621,622,623,624,625,626 Second protrusion 631,632,633 Third protrusion 641,642,643,644,645,646 Fourth protrusion 70 pedestal 71 Magnet 72 T-slot fixture 73 Erector fixing device 74 Erector fixing device (cable tie) 75 Erector Fixing Device (Cable Tie Fixing Device) 76 DIN rail fixture 81 T-slot 82 Erector 83 DIN rail S screw P1, P2, P3 ports LNW Local Network

Claims

1. a main body part that incorporates a sensor, a battery, or a communication means, or to which a sensor or a battery is externally attached; a first hook portion fixed to a rear end of the bottom surface of the main body portion; a second hook portion provided at the front end of the bottom surface of the main body portion and movable thereon.

2. a first connecting rod at a rear end of the upper surface of the main body; a second connecting rod at a front end of the upper surface of the main body; a first protrusion that protrudes rearward and supports both ends of the first connecting rod is provided at a rear end of an upper surface of the main body; The modular device according to claim 1 , wherein a second protrusion is provided at the front end of the upper surface of the main body, protruding forward and supporting both ends of the second connecting rod.

3. the first hook portion engages with the first connecting rod of another modular device; the second hook portion is engaged with the second connecting rod of the other modular device, thereby enabling connection to the other modular device; 10. The modular device of claim 1, further comprising a port for connecting to another modular device via a wire.

4. an upper surface plate attached to an upper surface of the main body; a bottom plate attached to the bottom surface of the main body; a base that is fixed to the object; The modular device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base is composed of the top plate, the bottom plate, the first connecting rod, and the second connecting rod.

5. 5. The modular device of claim 4, further comprising a fastener for fastening the base to the object, the fastener comprising one or more of a T-slot fastener, an erector fastener, a DIN rail fastener, tape, a screw, and a magnet.

Images