Modular Devices

Abstract

To provide a modular device that can be used for various purposes and installed in various places. [Solution] 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 externally attached, a first hook portion 40 fixed to the rear end of the lower surface of the main body 10, and a movable second hook portion 50 provided at the front end of the lower surface of the main body 10. The modular device 1 also has a first connecting rod 20 at the rear end of the upper surface of the main body 10 and a second connecting rod 30 (31, 32) at the front end, and the rear end of the upper surface of the main body 10 is provided with first protrusions 611, 612 that protrude rearward and support both ends of the first connecting rod 20, and the front end is provided with second protrusions 621, 622, 623, 624 that protrude forward and support both ends of the second connecting rod 30 (31, 32).

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), communication networks, both wired and wireless, are being installed not only in companies and facilities but also in ordinary homes. As a result, equipment and devices for building communication networks in companies and other places are becoming known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information communication device for indoor communication, which is aimed at optimally performing communication by optimally arranging an antenna element for wireless communication in the casing of the main unit. This information communication device includes a main unit installed with at least a part 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, and 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 facing the first side surface 220, a third surface 260 connected to the first side surface 220 consisting of a brim portion 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] 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 an antenna element for wireless communication is disposed 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 attached to any place other than a wall because a part of the main unit is embedded in the wall.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT 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 side of the main body portion, and a movable second hook portion provided at the front end of the bottom side of the main body portion.

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

[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 and a second connecting rod at the front end of the upper surface of the main body, the rear end of the upper surface of the main body being provided with a first protrusion that protrudes rearward and supports both ends of the first connecting rod, and the front end of the upper surface of the main body being provided with a second protrusion that protrudes forward and supports both ends of the second connecting rod. Furthermore, it is further preferable that the device be connectable to another modular device by engaging the first hook portion with the first connecting rod of the other modular device and the second hook portion with the second connecting rod of the other modular device, and that the 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 fixing the first connecting rod or the second connecting rod using a hook or a cable tie (Insulock (registered trademark)), etc. In addition, modular devices can be linked to each other by engaging the first hook portion and second hook portion of another modular device with the first connecting rod and second connecting rod of the modular device, and the devices 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 an 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 an object and the modular device body to be attached to the base.

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

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

[0015] According to the modular device of the present invention, with such a configuration, a device having a main body with a built-in sensor, battery, or communication means, or a main body to which a sensor or battery is externally attached, can be selected arbitrarily depending on the application, and the device can be installed in various locations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a front, left side and top perspective view, and (B) is a front, right side and top perspective view. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2(A) is a front view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a rear view. [Figure 4] FIG. 2A is a plan view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a bottom view. [Diagram 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. 11 is a perspective view of a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a front view of the modular device shown in FIG. 6, and (B) is a rear view. [Figure 8] 7A is a plan view of the modular device shown in FIG. 6, and (B) is a bottom view. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which modular devices according to the 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. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the base is attached to the erector. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the base is attached to the DIN rail. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of use of the modular device according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 16]1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of use of the modular device according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of use of the modular device according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 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 PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail. The description of the components 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 a HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication) slave device, as exemplified in Fig. 18, to construct a local network LNW. 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 approximately 2 inches (approximately 50 mm by approximately 50 mm) in length and width when viewed in a plan view (see FIG. 4(A)), but the design can be changed as appropriate. 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 upper 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 measuring sensors, acceleration sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, and air pressure sensors, and of course various sensors other than those exemplified can also be used. The modular device 1 having a built-in sensor in the main body 10 and the modular device 1 having an external sensor attached to the main body 10 act as sensors that acquire various data about the place 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 being exposed to rain, wind, or direct sunlight, or in high temperature or low temperature, the sensor can be attached externally using a cable of about 5 m to prevent failure or deterioration of the main body 10 (a 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 has a first connecting rod 20 at the rear end on the upper surface side, and a second connecting rod 30 (31, 32) at the front end on the upper surface side. In this embodiment, first protrusions 611, 612 protruding rearward are provided at the rear end on the upper 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 upper 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 fixed to the main body 10 and the bottom plate 10D at the rear end on the bottom side, while the modular device 1 has a wide second hook portion 50 movable relative to the main body 10 and the bottom plate 10D at the front end on the bottom side.

[0024] In this embodiment, third protrusions 631, 632 protruding backward are provided at the rear end of the bottom surface side, 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 side, 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 the lower ends are substantially horizontal, as shown in Fig. 2. Here, the second hook portion 50 is movable, and when the lower end of the second hook portion 50 is moved to a position where it is substantially horizontal with the lower end of the first hook portion 40, the lower end of the second hook portion 50 is wide, so that 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 the installation surface widely, and the positions of the lower ends of the first hook portion 40 and the second hook portion 50 are substantially horizontal, so that the modular device 1 can be placed in a stable state without being tilted.

[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. The modular device 1 can be connected to other modular devices or sensors via such ports with cables to transmit and receive data to and from them. Of course, the number and types of ports that the modular device of the present invention has, and 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] [Example] Because the modular device 1 has such a configuration, it is possible to construct local networks LNW suited to a variety of uses. (1) For example, modular devices 1A and 1B are linked as shown in Fig. 5(B) and are relay-connected 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 entrance and exit management and temperature and humidity management of the room in which modular devices 1A and 1B are installed can be performed based on the data.

[0030] (2) Alternatively, by connecting modular devices 1A and 1B and incorporating a circuit having wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth into one of the modular devices, data acquired by the other modular device can be collected via wireless communication means.

[0031] (3) Alternatively, by connecting the modular devices 1A and 1B and incorporating a battery in one of the modular devices, it is possible to supply power 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 the modular device is far from an electrical outlet or when there is no electrical 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 configure a local network LNW suited to various purposes.

[0033] [Modular device according to the second embodiment] Next, a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The 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, similar to the modular device 1, and has the same functions as the modular device 1, but the size of the main body 10 of the modular device 2 is approximately 2 inches by approximately 4 inches (approximately 50 mm by approximately 100 mm) in length and width when viewed in a plan view (see FIG. 8(A)). The height of the main body 10 is approximately 1 inch (approximately 25 mm), similar to the modular device 1, and these sizes can be appropriately changed in design.

[0034] In other words, it is wider than the modular device 1. Therefore, the configurations of the connecting rods and hooks of the modular device 2 are 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 protruding forward are provided at the front end of the upper surface, and the second protrusions 621, 622 support both ends of the second connecting rod 31, the second protrusions 623, 624 support both ends of the second connecting rod 32, and the second protrusions 625, 626 support both ends of the second connecting rod 33.

[0036] In addition, third protrusions 631, 632, 633 protruding 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) supported at both ends by the third protrusions 631, 632, and the first hook portion 42 is fixed to a rod (not shown) supported at both ends 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, 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, 642, a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 643, 644, and a rod (not shown) supported at both ends by the fourth protrusions 645, 646.

[0038] The modular devices 2 are also configured to be connectable to each other. Specifically, the first hook portions 41, 42 of the modular device 2A engage with the first connecting rods 21, 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 described above, the main body 10 of the modular device 2 is twice as large as 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 use the modular devices 1 and 2 differently depending on the purpose, or use them together to build a local network LNW.

[0040] [pedestal] Next, the base and the like 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 manufactured simply by combining (screwing) the top plate 10U and the bottom plate 10D. This eliminates the need to separately design the base or manufacture a mold, thereby reducing costs.

[0042] Furthermore, with such a 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 fixing device. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 10, a magnet 71 is attached to one surface of the base as a fixing device (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 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] As shown in Fig. 13, a cable tie 74 such as Insulock (registered trademark) and a cable tie fixture 75 can be used as a fixture for the erector. 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)). Thus, although the illustration of the modular device attached to the base 70 is omitted in Fig. 13, 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] In the example shown in Fig. 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 also omitted in Fig. 14, the modular device 1 can be attached to a DIN rail 83 by 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 plate and magnetic tape). Therefore, the base 70 having tape, screws, etc. allows the modular device 1 to be attached to various locations and objects.

[0049] If a modular device is directly attached to an object with 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 configured in this manner, 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 having a configuration similar to that of 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 having a T-slot fixture 72 (see FIG. 11A) 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 arranged side by side.

[0054] The modular device described above is merely one embodiment, and the design can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, there is no limitation on the type or form of a network constructed using the modular device of the present invention. Also, the configurations of the first and second connecting rods of the modular devices 1 and 2, the configurations of the first and second hook portions, or the configurations of the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions are not limited to those shown in the drawings, as long as they are capable of easily connecting the modular devices to each other or the modular devices 1 and 2. Note that the main body 10 may be configured to include an erector fixing device (cable tie) or a T-slot fixing device in order to fix the modular devices 1 and 2 to an object.

[0055] In addition, since the modular device of the present invention is capable of both wired and wireless communication, the control circuit built into the main body 10 can be configured to automatically switch to wireless mode when power is supplied from the outside, 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 provided with a microphone function, a speaker function, or a voice authentication function, so that the user can be guided by voice instead of a paper manual when performing initial settings, or the switching between wireless mode and wired mode and authentication as described above 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 can build a local network that meets the needs of the user without any 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 Fixture for erector 74 Fixing device for erector (cable tie) 75 Fixture for erector (cable tie fixture) 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 having a built-in 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 a front end of the bottom surface side of the main body portion and movable; A first connecting rod is provided at a rear end of the upper surface side of the main body, A second connecting rod is provided at a front end of the upper surface side of the main body, a first protrusion protruding rearward is provided at a rear end of an upper surface of the main body and supporting both ends of the first connecting rod; A modular device in which 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.

2. 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.

3. An upper surface plate attached to an upper surface of the main body; A bottom plate attached to a bottom surface of the main body; A base that is fixed to an object, The modular device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base is comprised of the top plate, the bottom plate, the first connecting rod, and the second connecting rod.

4. 4. The modular device of claim 3, further comprising fasteners for fastening the base to the object, the fasteners including one or more of T-slot fasteners, erector fasteners, DIN rail fasteners, tape, screws, and magnets.

Images