Expandable genderless connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector and, more specifically, to an expandable genderless connector comprising a first module and a second module that are coupled facing each other, wherein each of the first module and the second module includes: a body part provided on the front; a replaceable connector module that is disposed around the body part and transmits at least one of signals or power between the first module and the second module; and a fixing means for fixing the first module and the second module to each other.

Description

Expandable, genderless connector

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection connector composed of two modules, and more particularly, to an expandable, genderless connection connector capable of combining the modules regardless of gender, allowing easy replacement of connectors as needed, and recognizing the direction of combination.

[0002]

[0003] Recently, many industrial robots and machines with various functions and complex structures are being developed.

[0004] These robots or mechanical devices are manufactured with the main body, actuator, and other moving parts integrated into one unit. Furthermore, even if the moving parts are not manufactured as one unit, they are typically structured to prevent easy separation using fasteners such as bolts.

[0005] To solve the above problems, modular robots or mechanical devices that can easily be installed or disassembled into the main body have been developed.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,605,914 discloses a pivot mechanism for mechanically and electrically connecting each module. The pivot mechanisms are installed separately in each adjacent module, and the modules are joined together by joining the pivot mechanisms together.

[0007] However, the above-described prior art suffers from the potential for unstable electrical connections due to poor contact between terminals. Furthermore, because the power module is embedded as a battery and the number of terminals transmitting signals between modules is limited, it is difficult to fully achieve electrical asexuality.

[0008] To solve this problem, a prior art, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0000488, was developed. The prior art is characterized by including a substrate on which a plurality of terminals for transmitting power and signals between a first module and a second module are installed, a hollow carrier having a bracket arranged to surround the substrate and having wing screw threads formed on an outer surface, and a fixed ring having ring screw threads formed on an inner surface thereof to engage with the wing screw threads, the ring screw threads rotating while engaging with the wing screw threads to move to cover the outer surface of the hollow carrier.

[0009] However, the above conventional technology has the inconvenience of requiring disassembly when partially repairing or replacing parts because the signal-transmitting substrate is located inside the first module and the second module when combined.

[0010] Additionally, when combining the first and second modules, if the direction is not correct, they must be separated again, and there is a problem in that partial configurations cannot be added.

[0011]

[0012] <Prior Art Literature>

[0013] (Patent Document 1) U.S. Registered Patent US6605914

[0014] (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0000488

[0015]

[0016] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a connection connector that can stably form a fastening structure, facilitate module replacement, and efficiently recognize the coupling direction between modules.

[0017] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a connection connector that recognizes the directionality of the modules by a sensor while connecting them regardless of the gender of the modules, and transmits the direction of the connection between the modules to the user or recognizes it by the connection connector.

[0018] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0019]

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, the expandable, genderless connector of the present invention may include a first module and a second module that face each other and are coupled, wherein each of the first module and the second module includes: a body portion provided on a front surface; a replaceable connector module that is arranged around the periphery of the body portion and transmits at least one of a signal and power between the first module and the second module; and a fixing means that fixes the first module and the second module to each other.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing means may be characterized by including: a plurality of fixing holes formed through the body portion; a plurality of fixing chucks provided through the plurality of fixing holes; and a hooking means for hooking the fixing chucks to the fixing holes.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engaging means may be disposed at the rear of the body portion and include a rotating plate having a spiral protrusion, an end of the fixed chuck slides relative to the spiral protrusion, and the fixing hole may be characterized in that it extends in the radial direction of the rotating plate.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, a hook is provided at an end of the fixed chuck, and when the rotary plate rotates, the fixed chuck moves to the outside of the fixed hole so that the hook is hooked to the inner wall of the fixed hole.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be characterized by further including a plurality of detection blocks for detecting the combination of the first module and the second module.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection block may be characterized by including: a body block equipped with a detection sensor that detects the coupling direction of the first module and the second module; and a protrusion provided with a detection mark that is detected by the detection sensor by protruding a portion of the body block.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be characterized in that the identification marks of the plurality of detection blocks are each formed differently.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the replaceable connector module may be formed to be detachable from the body portion.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the replaceable connector module may be characterized by having a substrate that transmits power and electrical signals.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the replaceable connector module may be characterized by having a pipe for transmitting hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the replaceable connector module may be characterized by being composed of modules with different roles.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical device may be characterized by including an expandable connection connector.

[0032]

[0033] The effect of the present invention according to the above configuration is that the first module and the second module can be easily combined without distinction between male and female.

[0034] And when the above modules are combined, the direction can be recognized and the problem of some of the modules malfunctioning can be solved through notification and posture correction.

[0035] Additionally, it has the advantage of being more efficient and easier to replace, as the necessary connectors can be easily separated depending on the situation.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the relationship of a connection connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is a front view of the first module and the second module among the above connection connectors.

[0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view and a front view showing a fixing means, which is a part of the connection connector of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view and a front view of a catch means, which is a part of the fixing means.

[0042] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship in which the first module and the second module are connected by a fixing means.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first module and the second module combined.

[0044] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the detection sensor and identification mark of the first module and the second module.

[0045] Figure 8 is a front view showing the contact surfaces of the first module and the second module, respectively.

[0046] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a replaceable connector module.

[0047]

[0048] A most preferred embodiment according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a first module and a second module that are coupled to face each other, wherein each of the first module and the second module includes: a body portion provided on the front; a replaceable connector module arranged around the periphery of the body portion and transmitting at least one of a signal and power between the first module and the second module; and a fixing means for fixing the first module and the second module to each other.

[0049]

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0051] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected (connected, contacted, or coupled)" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected," but also cases where it is "indirectly connected" with another part in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0052] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Additionally, terms such as “... part,” “... unit,” and “... module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0054] Additionally, when a step is said to be located "before" or "after" another step in this specification, this includes not only cases where the step is in a direct time-series relationship with the other step, but also cases where the two steps are in an indirect time-series relationship where the time-series order may be changed, such as a mixing step after each step.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the components of a connection connector (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a first module (100A) and a second module (100B) of the connection connector (100), FIG. 3 is a perspective view and a front view showing a fixing means which is a part of the connection connector (100) of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a front view of a catching means which is a part of the fixing means, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship in which the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are coupled by the fixing means, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are coupled.

[0058]

[0059] The connection connector (100) of the present invention can be used in various fields such as robots, mechanical devices, or modular toys.

[0060]

[0061] The connection connector (100) of the present invention comprises a first module (100A) and a second module (100B), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0062] Each of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) includes a body (110), a replaceable connector module (120), and a fixing means.

[0063] The above body part (110) is provided on the front of the first and second modules (100A, 100B), and a fixing means is provided on the body part (110) of the first and second modules (100A, 100B) so that the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) come into contact with each other when combined. For reference, the front of the first and second modules (100A, 100B) refers to the surface in the direction in which each module faces.

[0064] The above replaceable connector module (120) is arranged around the periphery of the body portion (110) and transmits at least one of a signal and power between the first module (100A) and the second module (100B).

[0065] These replaceable connector modules (120) are positioned so as to be exposed around the body (110), thereby enabling the means for transmitting power or the means for transmitting power and signals, etc. to be replaced and functionally expanded as needed.

[0066] The above fixing means serves to fix the combined state of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B). For example, when the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are electrically connected, fixing can be performed automatically, and when the electrical connection is not established, fixing can be performed manually.

[0067]

[0068] These fixing means, as shown in Fig. 3, include a fixing hole (111), a fixing chuck (131), and a hooking means.

[0069] The above-mentioned fixing hole (111) is formed by penetrating the body part (110). There may be a plurality of fixing holes (111), and preferably, there may be four as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0070] The above fixed chuck (131) is provided by penetrating the fixed hole (111). The above fixed chuck (131) may be formed in multiple pieces like the fixed hole (111) and is provided to correspond to the fixed hole (111).

[0071] Accordingly, the fixed chuck (131) of the first module (100A) is inserted into the fixed hole (111) of the second module (100B), and the fixed chuck (131) of the second module is inserted into the fixed hole (111) of the first module (100A), so that when the first and second modules (100A, 100B) come into contact, they are fixed by the engaging means.

[0072] The above-mentioned locking means is used to fix the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) when they come into contact with each other, and the fixing chuck (131) of the first and second modules (100A, 100B) is inserted into the fixing hole (111) and is locked to fix them.

[0073]

[0074] The above-mentioned hooking means may include a rotating plate (132), as illustrated in Fig. 4. The rotating plate (132) is positioned at the rear of the body part (110), and a spiral-shaped protrusion (132a) is provided on the front of the rotating plate (132).

[0075] The end of the fixed chuck (131) is formed to be slidable relative to the spiral protrusion (132a). Accordingly, when the rotary plate (132) rotates, the end of the fixed chuck (131) slides along the spiral protrusion (132a) and moves along the fixed hole (111).

[0076] In addition, in order for the fixed chuck (131) to move so as to be caught in the fixed hole (111), the fixed hole (111) is formed to extend in the radial direction of the rotating plate (132).

[0077] Accordingly, when the rotary plates (132) of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) rotate in one direction, each fixed chuck (131) slides to the outside of the rotary plate (132) along the fixed hole (111) by the spiral protrusion (132a) of the rotary plate (132) and is caught in the fixed hole (111).

[0078] For this purpose, a catch (131a) may be further provided at the end of the fixed chuck (131).

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the rotary plate (132) rotates while the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are in contact, each of the fixed chucks (131) moves outward, and the catch (131a) catches on the inner wall of the fixed hole (111), i.e., one surface of the detection block (140).

[0080] At this time, in order for the fixed chuck (131) to move along the protruding piece (132a) of the rotating plate (132), one end of the fixed chuck (131) may further be provided with a catch piece (131b) that fits into the protruding piece (132a).

[0081] Therefore, when the turntable (132) rotates, the catch (132b) slides along the fixing hole (111) in a fitted state.

[0082]

[0083] The connection connector (100) of the present invention may further include a plurality of detection blocks (140).

[0084] The above detection block (140) detects the coupling direction of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B), and may be composed of multiple blocks, and preferably, may be composed of four blocks as shown in FIG. 1, etc.

[0085] The above detection block (140) may be formed by including a body block (141) and a protrusion (142).

[0086] The above body block (141) detects the coupling direction of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B), and the body block (141) is equipped with one or more detection sensors (141a).

[0087] The above protrusion (142) is formed by protruding a part of the body block (141), and is provided so that the identification mark (142a) detected by the detection sensor (141a) corresponds to the detection sensor (141a).

[0088] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are combined, the body block (141) of the first module (100A) comes into contact with the protrusion (142) of the second block, and similarly, the body block (141) of the second module (100B) comes into contact with the protrusion (142) of the first module (100A).

[0089]

[0090] The identification marks (142a) of the above plurality of detection blocks (140) can be formed differently.

[0091] Taking Fig. 2 as an example, looking at the four detection blocks (140) provided in the first module (100A), each of the body blocks (141) is provided with two detection sensors (141a), and each of the protrusions (142) is provided with a different type of identification mark (142a). In addition, looking at the four detection blocks (140) provided in the second module (100B), the detection sensors (141a) and identification marks (142a) corresponding to the detection sensors (141a) and identification marks (142a) of the first module (100A) are provided.

[0092]

[0093] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B), and Figure 8 is a front view showing the contact surfaces of the first module (100A) and the second module, respectively.

[0094] The above detection block (140) is provided with a first detection block (140A) on the upper side of the first module (100A) based on (a) of FIG. 7, a second detection block (140B) on the right side, a third detection block (140C) on the lower side, and a fourth detection block (140D) on the left side.

[0095] In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7, the second module (100B) is provided with detection blocks (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D) corresponding to each detection block (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D) of the first module (100A).

[0096] Accordingly, as shown in (a) of Fig. 8, when the corresponding identification mark (142a) and the detection sensor (141a) are positioned at the same position and brought into contact with each other, the detection sensor (141a) recognizes that the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are symmetrically coupled, and the second module (100B) and the first module (100A) are coupled.

[0097] And as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when the first detection block (140A) of the first module (100A) comes into contact with the fourth detection block (140D) of the second module (100B) at a position where it is in contact, the detection sensors (141a) and identification marks (142a) of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) recognize that the second module (100B) is coupled by rotating 90 degrees clockwise in a symmetrical structure.

[0098] Accordingly, the above detection sensor (141a) and the identification mark (142a) can send a notification or message to the worker regarding the direction of combination of the two modules, thereby allowing the worker to recognize the direction of combination, and can also be used in a robot arm system by the detection sensor (141a) that recognizes the combination state.

[0099] That is, the connection connector (100) of the present invention can determine in which direction the second module (100B) and the first module (100A) are connected by the detection sensor (141a) and the identification mark (142a), and can notify the worker of this or transmit it to the robot arm system so that it can be reflected in the operation of a machine or robot, etc.

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a replaceable connector module (120). FIG. 9 (a) is a perspective view of a replaceable connector module (120) provided with a substrate (121), and FIG. 9 (b) is a perspective view of a replaceable connector module (120) provided with a substrate (121) and a pipe (122).

[0102] The above replaceable connector module (120) may have a substrate (121) that transmits power and electrical signals, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9.

[0103] The replaceable connector module (120) equipped with the above substrate (121) can be connected to the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) by installing a configuration on the substrate (121) that transmits power according to the required power, and can also be connected to the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) by installing a configuration on the substrate (121) that transmits a signal according to the required power.

[0104] In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, when manufacturing the replaceable connector module (120), a substrate (121) having a configuration for transmitting power and signals is formed in a portion, and a pipe (122) for transmitting power using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is formed in the remaining portion, thereby expanding the usable range and enabling the use of multiple functions together.

[0105] Additionally, the replaceable connector module (120) may be equipped with a pipe (122) that transmits hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

[0106] Therefore, the connection connector (100) of the present invention can transmit power through hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure by installing a pipe (122) in the replaceable connector module (120) for power required for a machine device or robot, etc.

[0107]

[0108] The above replaceable connector module (120) can be composed of modules with different roles.

[0109] Accordingly, depending on the needs of a machine device or robot, a replaceable connector module (120) equipped with a substrate (121) or a pipe (122) can be installed and used in correspondence with the first module (100A) and the second module (100B).

[0110] In addition, when operating a machine or robot, etc., when a circuit board (121) or a pipe (122) breaks down or needs to be replaced, the work can be easily accomplished by simply detaching the replaceable connector module (120) exposed to the outside and reattaching the replaceable connector module (120) equipped with the circuit board (121) or the pipe (122).

[0111]

[0112] In summary, when using the expandable connection connector (100) of the present invention, since the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) are formed in the same shape, the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) can be easily combined without distinguishing between male and female.

[0113] And the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) can be stably connected by a fixing means.

[0114] Additionally, the coupling direction of the first module (100A) and the second module (100B) can be detected by the detection block.

[0115] Since the replaceable connector module (120) is located around the periphery of the body (110), it can be easily replaced or repaired.

[0116] As a result, it is possible to facilitate assembly and repair of machinery, robots, etc. including such expandable connection connectors (100).

[0117]

[0118] Although the description of the present invention has been illustrated with limited drawings, it is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single component may be implemented in a distributed manner, and likewise, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form. Furthermore, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than the described method.

[0119]

[0120] <Explanation of symbols>

[0121] 100: Connection connector

[0122] 100A: Module 1

[0123] 100B: Module 2

[0124] 110: Body

[0125] 111: Fixed hole

[0126] 120: Replaceable connector module

[0127] 121: Substrate

[0128] 122: Plumbing

[0129] 131: Fixed

[0130] 131a: stumbling block

[0131] 132: Turntable

[0132] 132a: Protrusion

[0133] 140: Detection block

[0134] 140A: First detection block

[0135] 140B: Second detection block

[0136] 140C: Third detection block

[0137] 140D: 4th detection block

[0138] 141: Body block

[0139] 141a: Detection sensor

[0140] 142: Protrusion

[0141] 142a: Identification Mark

Claims

1. Including a first module and a second module that face each other and are combined, Each of the above first and second modules, Body part equipped on the front; A replaceable connector module arranged around the periphery of the body portion and transmitting at least one of a signal and power between the first module and the second module; and An expandable, non-sexible connection connector, characterized by including a fixing means for fixing the first module and the second module to each other.

2. In paragraph 1, The above fixing means is, A plurality of fixing holes formed through the above body portion; A plurality of fixed chucks provided by penetrating the plurality of fixed holes; and An expandable, non-sexible connection connector characterized by including a catch means for catch-connecting the fixed chuck to the fixing hole.

3. In paragraph 2, The above means of hanging is, It is positioned at the rear of the above body part and includes a rotating plate having a spiral protrusion, The end of the above fixed chuck slides against the spiral projection, An expandable, non-slip connection connector characterized in that the above-mentioned fixing hole extends in the radial direction of the rotating plate.

4. In paragraph 3, The end of the above fixed chuck is provided with a catch, An expandable, non-slip connection connector characterized in that when the turntable rotates, the fixed chuck moves to the outside of the fixed hole so that the catch is caught on the inner wall of the fixed hole.

5. In paragraph 1, An expandable, non-sexible connection connector, characterized in that it further includes a plurality of detection blocks for detecting the coupling direction of the first module and the second module.

6. In paragraph 5, The above detection block is, A body block equipped with a detection sensor that detects the coupling direction of the first module and the second module; An expandable, non-slip connection connector characterized by including a protrusion provided with an identification mark that is detected by a detection sensor, wherein a portion of the body block protrudes.

7. In paragraph 6, An expandable, genderless connection connector, characterized in that the identification marks of the plurality of detection blocks are each formed differently.

8. In paragraph 1, An expandable, non-sexible connection connector, characterized in that the above-mentioned replaceable connector module is formed detachably with respect to the body part.

9. In paragraph 1, An expandable, genderless connection connector characterized in that the above-mentioned replaceable connector module has a substrate for transmitting power and electrical signals.

10. In paragraph 1, An expandable, non-gendered connection connector characterized in that the above-mentioned replaceable connector module has a piping for transmitting hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

11. In paragraph 1, The above replaceable connector module is an expandable, genderless connection connector characterized by being composed of modules with different roles.

12. A mechanical device comprising an expandable connection connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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