Wireless communication assembly and wireless communication unit

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication assembly that can improve heat dissipation. [Solution] The wireless communication assembly comprises a base unit having a first connector and mounted on the ceiling, and a wireless communication unit having a second connector that is detachably configured to be attached to the base unit and connects to the first connector when mounted on the base unit, and which operates by power supplied through the first and second connectors, wherein the base unit is mounted on the edge of a hole formed in the ceiling, and at least a portion of the wireless communication unit is located inside the hole in the ceiling when mounted on the base unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication assembly and a wireless communication unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication network connection method including a rosette that is a wiring device for attaching to a ceiling and supplying power to a lighting fixture, and a network adapter device that operates by being supplied with power from the rosette.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the heat generation amount of wireless communication devices increases with the improvement of performance, and the need for heat dissipation is increasing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main object is to provide a wireless communication assembly and a wireless communication unit capable of improving heat dissipation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a wireless communication assembly according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a base unit having a first connector and mounted on a ceiling, and a wireless communication unit having a second connector that is detachably configured to be attached to the base unit and connected to the first connector when mounted on the base unit, and which operates by power supplied through the first and second connectors, wherein the base unit is mounted on the edge of a hole formed in the ceiling, and at least a portion of the wireless communication unit is located inside the hole in the ceiling when mounted on the base unit. This makes it possible to improve heat dissipation.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication unit may be connected to the wired network by data transmission through the first connector and the second connector. This allows both power supply and data transmission to be performed through the connector, making it possible to facilitate the construction of a wireless communication area.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the base unit may have an insertion hole located inside the hole in the ceiling, and the wireless communication unit may have an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion hole. This makes it possible to improve heat dissipation by inserting the insertion portion into the insertion hole.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the insertion hole of the base unit and the insertion portion of the wireless communication unit may have a shape that is symmetrical by 1 rotation around the insertion direction. This makes it possible to suppress incorrect insertion.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the connection direction of the first connector and the second connector may be the same as the insertion direction of the insertion hole in the base unit and the insertion portion of the wireless communication unit. This makes it possible to complete the connection of the connectors when the insertion portion is inserted.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication unit may have a wider portion that is not inserted into the insertion hole and is wider than the insertion portion. This makes it possible to position the wider portion on the room side relative to the ceiling.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the wide portion may house an antenna. This makes it possible to provide relatively strong radio waves to the indoor space.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the second connector may be arranged in the wide portion, and the power supplied through the second connector may be supplied to the antenna housed in the wide portion via the insertion portion. This makes it possible to supply power to the antenna from the second connector located in the wide portion via the insertion portion.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication unit may have an operable portion provided on the wide portion and a claw portion provided on the insertion portion that releases engagement with the base unit in response to an operation on the operable portion. This makes it possible to easily remove the wireless communication unit.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication unit may have a light-emitting unit that emits light toward the ceiling. This makes it possible to display information using the light emitted toward the ceiling.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the base unit has a protrusion that projects into the insertion hole, and the wireless communication unit has a recess in the insertion portion corresponding to the protrusion, and the first connector and the second connector may be arranged on the surfaces of the protrusion and the recess facing each other in the insertion direction. This makes it possible to connect the first connector and the second connector while suppressing incorrect insertion.

[0017] In addition, a wireless communication unit according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to be detachable from a base unit attached to a ceiling, and has a second connector that is connected to a first connector of the base unit when mounted on the base unit, and is a wireless communication unit that operates by power supply through the first connector and the second connector. The base unit is attached to an edge of a hole formed in the ceiling, and at least a part of the wireless communication unit is located inside the hole in the ceiling when mounted on the base unit. According to this, it becomes possible to improve heat dissipation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to improve heat dissipation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 7] It is a bottom view showing an example of a wireless communication unit. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing an example of a wireless communication unit. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing an example of a wireless communication unit. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing a modified example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 12]This is an exploded perspective view showing a modified version of a wireless communication assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those described above in relation to previously shown drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing an example of a wireless communication assembly 100. Figures 3 through 6 are exploded perspective views showing an example of a wireless communication assembly 100. Figures 7 and 8 are a bottom view and a side view showing an example of a wireless communication assembly 100. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a wireless communication unit 1.

[0022] In the diagram, the X1 direction is forward, and the X2 direction is backward. The Y1 direction is to the right, and the Y2 direction is to the left. The X1, X2, Y1, or Y2 directions are also called lateral directions. The Z1 direction is upward, and the Z2 direction is downward.

[0023] The wireless communication assembly 100 comprises a wireless communication unit 1 and a base unit 2. The base unit 2 is a unit that is mounted on the ceiling CL (see Figure 8). The wireless communication unit 1 is a unit that is detachably attached to the base unit 2.

[0024] The wireless communication unit 1 is a unit that enables wireless LAN communication according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, for example. The wireless communication unit 1 is mounted on the base unit 2 installed on the ceiling CL and contributes to the construction or expansion of the communication area.

[0025] The base unit 2 is attached to the edge PH of the hole formed in the ceiling CL. The ceiling CL is a panel wall located in the upper part of the room. Above the ceiling CL is the space above the ceiling AC, and below the ceiling CL is the room space RM (see Figure 8).

[0026] The base unit 2 is formed in a ring shape and has an insertion hole 2a. When the base unit 2 is attached to the edge PH of the hole in the ceiling CL, the insertion hole 2a is located inside the hole in the ceiling CL.

[0027] The base unit 2 comprises a pair of arc-shaped band portions 21, a pair of box portions 22 and 23 connected to the ends of the band portions 21, and a flange portion 24 that extends outward.

[0028] The band portion 21 is a band-shaped section that extends in an arc shape in a plan view, with the vertical direction being the width direction. One end of the band portion 21 is connected to the box portion 22, and the other end is connected to the box portion 23. The pair of band portions 21 face each other with the insertion hole 2a in between.

[0029] The box portions 22 and 23 are columnar parts formed in a bow shape in plan view, with a circumferential surface on the outside and a flat surface on the inside, and they protrude upward from the band portion 21. The box portions 22 and 23 face each other with the insertion hole 2a in between.

[0030] The box sections 22 and 23 are of different sizes. Hereinafter, the smaller box section 22 will also be referred to as the "small box section 22," and the larger box section 23 will also be referred to as the "large box section 23."

[0031] The outer surfaces of the band portion 21 and the box portions 22 and 23 form a circumferential surface, which is inserted into the circular hole in the ceiling CL and contacts the edge PH of the hole.

[0032] The inner surfaces of the band portion 21 and the box portions 22 and 23 form insertion holes 2a, and the insertion holes 2a have an asymmetrical shape that combines a curved surface and a flat surface. Specifically, the insertion holes 2a have a shape that is 360 degrees symmetric around the vertical direction.

[0033] The flange portion 24 protrudes outward from the lower ends of the band portion 21 and the box portions 22 and 23. Since the flange portion 24 is larger than the hole in the ceiling CL, it is not inserted into the hole in the ceiling CL but is positioned on the interior space RM side.

[0034] The large box section 23, although not shown, houses communication equipment for connecting to a wired LAN, and a LAN cable laid in the ceiling space AC is connected to it. However, the communication equipment may also be housed in the small box section 22.

[0035] While power cables may be connected to the large box section 23, electrical work can be omitted by using PoE (Power over Ethernet) compatible equipment that can supply power via LAN cables to the communication equipment housed in the large box section 23 and the higher-level communication equipment (e.g., a switching hub).

[0036] A connector 25 is provided on the lower surface of the large box section 23. The connector 25 is a female connector and has an opening formed on its lower surface. The connector 25 is, for example, a USB connector (in this example, a USB Type-C connector). The connector 25 may also be a male connector.

[0037] The base unit 2 may be fixed to the ceiling CL by, for example, screwing the flange portion 24, or by using an adhesive, or by using rod-shaped members such as bolts that protrude outward from the box portions 22 and 23.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 1 includes an insertion portion 11 that is inserted into the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, and a wide portion 12 that is located below the insertion portion 11 and is not inserted into the insertion hole 2a, and is wider than the insertion portion 11.

[0039] When the wireless communication unit 1 is mounted on the base unit 2, at least a portion of it is located inside the hole in the ceiling CL. Specifically, when the wireless communication unit 1 is mounted on the base unit 2, the upper half of the insertion portion 11 is housed in the ceiling space AC (see Figure 8).

[0040] In this way, by attaching the wireless communication unit 1 to the base unit 2 which is attached to the edge PH of the hole in the ceiling CL, and positioning the upper part of the wireless communication unit 1 in the ceiling space AC, it becomes possible to dissipate the heat generated by the wireless communication unit 1 into the ceiling space AC.

[0041] The side surface of the insertion portion 11 includes a pair of curved portions 141 and a pair of flat portions 142 and 143 connected to the ends of the curved portions 141. These correspond to a pair of arc-shaped band portions 21 of the base unit 2 and a pair of box portions 22 and 23 connected to the ends of the band portions 21.

[0042] The planar sections 142 and 143 have different sizes. Hereinafter, the smaller of the two planar sections 142 and 143 will also be referred to as the "small planar section 142," and the larger planar section 143 will also be referred to as the "large planar section 143."

[0043] The side surface of the insertion portion 11 has an asymmetrical shape corresponding to the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, which is a combination of a curved portion 141 and flat portions 142, 143. Specifically, the insertion portion 11 has a shape that is symmetrical by 1 rotation around the insertion direction (vertical direction).

[0044] In other words, the insertion portion 11 will not overlap itself unless it is rotated 360 degrees around the insertion direction. This uniquely determines the rotation angle of the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1 that can be inserted into the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, thereby preventing incorrect insertion.

[0045] Note that the shapes of the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2 and the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1 are not limited to the illustrated example. They are not particularly limited as long as they are asymmetrical in a way that prevents incorrect insertion.

[0046] Since the wide section 12 is larger than the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, it is not inserted into the insertion hole 2a and is positioned on the indoor space RM side. Multiple antennas 32 are housed in the wide section 12 (see Figures 7 and 9). This makes it possible to provide relatively strong radio waves to the indoor space RM.

[0047] A connector 15 is provided on the upper surface of the wide section 12. Specifically, the connector 15 is provided in the area of ​​the upper surface of the wide section 12 adjacent to the large flat section 143 of the insertion section 11.

[0048] Connector 15 is a male connector and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the wide portion 12. Connector 15 is, for example, a USB connector (in this example, a USB Type-C connector). Connector 15 may also be a female connector.

[0049] The connector 15 of the wireless communication unit 1 is connected to the connector 25 of the base unit 2 when the wireless communication unit 1 is mounted on the base unit 2. The wireless communication unit 1 transmits data through the connectors 15 and 25 and operates by receiving power through the connectors 15 and 25.

[0050] Specifically, the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1 is inserted from below into the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, and as the upper surface of the wide portion 12 reaches the lower surface of the base unit 2, the connector 15 protruding upward from the upper surface of the wide portion 12 is inserted into the connector 25 formed on the lower surface of the base unit 2.

[0051] According to this, since the connection direction of connectors 15 and 25 is the same as the insertion direction of the insertion part 11 of the wireless communication unit 1 and the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, the connectors 15 and 25 can be connected at the same time as the operation of attaching the wireless communication unit 1 to the base unit 2.

[0052] The side surface of the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1 is provided with a claw portion 18 for engaging with the base unit 2. The side surface of the wide portion 12 is provided with an operated portion 19 that is in conjunction with the claw portion 18.

[0053] The claw portion 18 is provided on the curved portion 141 of the insertion portion 11 and engages with the band portion 21 of the base unit 2. The claw portion 18 is biased outward by a spring (not shown) located on the inside and displaces in response to operation on the operated portion 19.

[0054] During the process of inserting the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1 into the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2, the claw portion 18 is pushed inward by the band portion 21. However, once insertion is complete, the claw portion 18 moves over the band portion 21 and returns to the outside, thereby engaging the claw portion 18 and the band portion 21.

[0055] On the other hand, when the operated portion 19 is pressed in by a person's finger or the like, the claw portion 18 is displaced inward, thereby releasing the engagement between the claw portion 18 and the strap portion 21, making it possible to remove the wireless communication unit 1 from the base unit 2.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the wireless communication unit 1 houses a wireless communication module 31 in the insertion section 11 and multiple antennas 32 in the wide section 12. Power supplied through the connector 15 provided on the upper surface of the wide section 12 is supplied to the antennas 32 housed in the wide section 12 via the wireless communication module 31 housed in the insertion section 11.

[0057] The wireless communication unit 1 functions as an access point or a repeater (so-called repeater) by switching modes.

[0058] In access point mode (hereinafter also referred to as AP mode), the wireless communication unit 1 provides a wired LAN connection to a wireless communication terminal (not shown). In AP mode, the wireless communication unit 1 also functions as a mesh master.

[0059] In repeater mode, the wireless communication unit 1 relays wireless communication between an access point (not shown) and a wireless communication terminal (not shown). In repeater mode, the wireless communication unit 1 also functions as a mesh slave unit.

[0060] When base unit 2 is connected to a wired LAN, wireless communication unit 1 operates in AP mode; when base unit 2 is not connected to a wired LAN, wireless communication unit 1 operates in repeater mode.

[0061] Furthermore, the wide section 12 may also house a light-emitting unit 33 connected to the wireless communication module 31, which displays information such as power status and communication status using light. The light-emitting unit 33 may be positioned to illuminate the ceiling, which would allow information such as power status and communication status to be displayed using indirect lighting.

[0062] Figures 10 to 12 are perspective views and exploded perspective views showing a modified wireless communication assembly 100A. For components that overlap with the above embodiment, the same numbering may be used to omit detailed explanations.

[0063] The base unit 2A comprises an arc-shaped band 26 and a straight band 29 surrounding the insertion hole 2a. The band 26 has an engagement hole 26a into which the claw portion 18 provided on the wireless communication unit 1A engages.

[0064] Furthermore, the base unit 2A has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped protrusion 27 that projects from the band portion 29 into the insertion hole 2a. The protrusion 27 houses communication equipment for connecting to a wired LAN, and the outer surface of the band portion 29 is provided with a connection hole 51 to which a LAN cable is connected.

[0065] A connector 28 is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion 27. The connector 28 is a male connector and protrudes downward. The connector 28 is, for example, a USB connector (in this example, a USB Type-C connector). The connector 28 may also be a female connector.

[0066] The side surface of the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1A includes a curved portion 146 and a flat portion 148. These correspond to the arc-shaped band portion 26 and the straight band portion 29 of the base unit 2A, respectively.

[0067] Furthermore, the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1A has a recess 112 that corresponds to the protrusion 27 of the base unit 2A. The recess 112 is open to an upper portion 149 and a flat portion 148, and the protrusion 27 of the base unit 2A can be inserted or fitted into it.

[0068] A connector 18 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 112. The connector 18 is a female connector and has an opening formed on its bottom surface. The connector 18 is, for example, a USB connector (in this example, a USB Type-C connector). The connector 18 may also be a male connector.

[0069] The connector 18 of the wireless communication unit 1A is connected to the connector 28 of the base unit 2A when the wireless communication unit 1A is mounted on the base unit 2A and the protrusion 27 is inserted into the recess 112.

[0070] Specifically, the insertion portion 11 of the wireless communication unit 1A is inserted from below into the insertion hole 2a of the base unit 2A, and as the bottom surface of the recess 112 reaches the bottom surface of the protrusion 27, the connector 18, which protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the protrusion 27, is inserted into the connector 18 formed on the bottom surface of the recess 112.

[0071] In the wireless communication unit 1A, by placing the connector 18 in the recess 112 of the insertion section 11 instead of the wide section 12, it becomes possible to make the wide section 12 thinner.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are of course possible for those skilled in the art.

[0073] The following lists representative embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] (1) A base unit having a first connector, which is mounted on the ceiling, A wireless communication unit is configured to be detachably attached to the base unit and has a second connector that connects to the first connector when mounted on the base unit, and operates by power supplied through the first connector and the second connector, Equipped with, The base unit is attached to the edge of the hole formed in the ceiling. The wireless communication unit, when mounted on the base unit, has at least a portion of it positioned inside the hole in the ceiling. Wireless communication assembly.

[0075] (2) The wireless communication unit is connected to the wired network by data transmission through the first connector and the second connector. (1) The wireless communication assembly described above.

[0076] (3) The base unit has an insertion hole located inside the hole in the ceiling, The wireless communication unit has an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion hole, (1) or (2) the wireless communication assembly described above.

[0077] (4) The insertion hole of the base unit and the insertion portion of the wireless communication unit have a shape that is symmetrical by 1 rotation around the insertion direction. (3) Wireless communication assembly as described above.

[0078] (5) The connection direction of the first connector and the second connector is the same as the insertion direction of the insertion hole in the base unit and the insertion portion of the wireless communication unit. (3) or (4) the wireless communication assembly described above.

[0079] (6) The wireless communication unit has a wide portion that is wider than the insertion portion and is not inserted into the insertion hole. A wireless communication assembly as described in any of (3) to (5).

[0080] (7) The wide section houses the antenna. (6) The wireless communication assembly described above.

[0081] (8) The second connector is positioned in the wide portion. The power supplied through the second connector is supplied to the antenna housed in the wide section via the insertion section. (7) The wireless communication assembly described above.

[0082] (9) The aforementioned wireless communication unit is The wide portion is provided with an operable portion, A claw portion is provided in the insertion portion and releases engagement with the base unit in response to an operation on the operated portion, Having, A wireless communication assembly as described in any of (6) to (8).

[0083] (10) The wireless communication unit has a light-emitting section that emits light toward the ceiling, A wireless communication assembly as described in any of (6) through (9).

[0084] (11) The base unit has a protrusion that extends into the insertion hole, The wireless communication unit has a recess in the insertion portion corresponding to the protrusion, The first connector and the second connector are arranged on the surfaces of the convex portion and the concave portion facing each other in the insertion direction. A wireless communication assembly as described in any of (3) through (10).

[0085] (12) A wireless communication unit that is configured to be detachably attached to a base unit mounted on the ceiling, has a second connector that connects to a first connector of the base unit when attached to the base unit, and operates by power supplied through the first and second connectors, The base unit is attached to the edge of the hole formed in the ceiling. The wireless communication unit, when mounted on the base unit, has at least a portion of it positioned inside the hole in the ceiling. Wireless communication unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1 Wireless communication unit, 11 Insertion part, 12 Wide part, 141 Curved part, 142, 143 Flat part, 15 Connector, 18 Claw part, 19 Operated part, 2 Base unit, 21 Band part, 22, 23 Box part, 25 Connector, 2a Insertion hole, 31 Wireless communication module, 32 Antenna, 100 Wireless communication assembly, CL Ceiling, PH Edge, AC Ceiling space, RM Interior space

Claims

1. A base unit having a first connector, which is mounted on the ceiling, A wireless communication unit is configured to be detachably attached to the base unit and has a second connector that is connected to the first connector when mounted on the base unit, and operates by power supplied through the first connector and the second connector, Equipped with, The base unit is attached to the edge of the hole formed in the ceiling. The wireless communication unit, when mounted on the base unit, has at least a portion of it positioned inside the hole in the ceiling. Wireless communication assembly.

2. The wireless communication unit is connected to the wired network by data transmission through the first connector and the second connector. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 1.

3. The base unit has an insertion hole located inside the hole in the ceiling, The wireless communication unit has an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion hole, The wireless communication assembly according to claim 1.

4. The insertion hole of the base unit and the insertion portion of the wireless communication unit have a shape that is symmetrical by one rotation around the insertion direction. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 3.

5. The connection direction of the first connector and the second connector is the same as the insertion direction of the insertion hole in the base unit and the insertion portion of the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 3.

6. The wireless communication unit has a wide portion that is wider than the insertion portion and is not inserted into the insertion hole. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 3.

7. The wide section houses the antenna. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 6.

8. The second connector is positioned in the wide portion. The power supplied through the second connector is supplied to the antenna housed in the wide section via the insertion section. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned wireless communication unit is The wide portion is provided with an operable portion, A claw portion is provided in the insertion portion and releases engagement with the base unit in response to an operation on the operated portion, Having, The wireless communication assembly according to claim 6.

10. The wireless communication unit has a light-emitting section that emits light toward the ceiling, The wireless communication assembly according to claim 6.

11. The base unit has a protrusion that protrudes into the insertion hole, The wireless communication unit has a recess in the insertion portion corresponding to the protrusion, The first connector and the second connector are arranged on the surfaces of the convex portion and the concave portion facing each other in the insertion direction. The wireless communication assembly according to claim 3.

12. A wireless communication unit that is configured to be detachably attached to a base unit mounted on the ceiling, has a second connector that connects to a first connector of the base unit when attached to the base unit, and operates by power supplied through the first and second connectors, The base unit is attached to the edge of the hole formed in the ceiling. The wireless communication unit, when mounted on the base unit, has at least a portion of it positioned inside the hole in the ceiling. Wireless communication unit.

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