Modular device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a modular device which can be used in various applications and can be installed in various locations.　This modular device 1 comprises: a body 10 which incorporates a sensor, a battery, or a communication means, or to which a sensor and a battery are externally attached; a first hook part 40 fixed to the rear end of a lower surface side of the body 10; and a second hook part 50 which is provided at the front end of the lower surface side of the body 10 and is movable. In addition, in the modular device 1, a first connection rod 20 is provided at the upper-surface-side rear end of the body 10, and a second connection rod 30 (31, 32) is provided at the front end. First projection parts 611, 612 projecting backward and supporting both ends of the first connection rod 20 are provided at the upper-surface-side rear end of the body 10, and second projection parts 621, 622, 623, 624 projecting forward and supporting both ends of the second connection rod 30 (31, 32) are provided at the front end.

Description

Modular Devices

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

[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, there are many devices and equipment for building communication networks for companies and other facilities.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102663) describes an information and communication device for indoor communication, which aims to achieve optimal communication by optimally arranging a wireless communication antenna element on the casing of a main unit. This information and 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 main unit housing includes 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 opposite the first side surface 220, a third surface 260 connected to the first side surface 220, and a fourth surface 270 connected to the second side surface 230 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0004] Patent Publication No. 2022-038130

[0005] However, the information communication device described in Patent Document 1 is capable of wireless communication because the 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 installed in a location 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.

[0007] The modular device of the present invention has a main body portion 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 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 externally attached sensor or the like.

[0009] In particular, the modular device preferably 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 protruding rearward from the rear end of the upper surface of the main body and supporting both ends of the first connecting rod, and a second protrusion protruding forward from the front end of the upper surface of the main body and supporting both ends of the second connecting rod.Furthermore, it is further preferable that the modular 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 modular device have a port for connecting to the other modular device via a wire.

[0010] This allows the modular device to be attached to a wall, rack, etc. by fastening the first or second connecting rod with a hook or cable tie (Insulok (registered trademark)). Also, by engaging the first and second connecting rods of a modular device with the first and second hook portions of another modular device, modular devices can be linked together and 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 fasteners, including one or more of T-slot fasteners, erector fasteners, DIN rail fasteners, tape, screws, and magnets, for securing the base to an object.

[0014] This allows the base to be attached to various locations such as a T-slot, erector, DIN rail, wall, or rack using a fixture such as a T-slot fixture.

[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.

[0016] 6A and 6B are perspective views 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. FIG. 6B is a right side view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6A is a front view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a rear view. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the modular device shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a bottom view. FIG. 6B is a view showing a state in which modular devices according to the first embodiment are stacked together. FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a front view of the modular device shown in FIG. 6B, and (B) is a rear view. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the modular device shown in FIG. 6B, and (B) is a bottom view. FIG. 6C is a view showing a state in which modular devices according to the second embodiment are stacked together. FIG. 6D is a view showing a state in which the modular device according to the first embodiment is attached to a base. FIG. 6D is a view showing a state in which the modular device according to the first embodiment is attached to a T-slot. FIG. 6E is a view showing a state in which the modular device according to the first embodiment is attached to an erector. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a base is attached to an erector; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a base is attached to a DIN rail; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of a modular device according to the first and second embodiments; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of a modular device according to the first and second embodiments; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a local network constructed using modular devices according to the first and second embodiments.

[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 First Embodiment] First, a modular device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Here, the modular device according to the present invention is a device that is connected by wire or wirelessly 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 Figure 18. As will be described later, modular devices are also connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, 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 externally attached. 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. 4A), but this can be modified as needed. The height of the main body 10 in this embodiment is approximately 1 inch (approximately 25 mm). A top 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, each 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, modular devices 1 with built-in communication means function as a router, so to speak, and modular devices 1 with built-in or external batteries function 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 (the control circuit described below). In addition to the sensor, the main body 10 also contains a built-in control circuit (microcomputer) for controlling the operation of the modular device 1 and for controlling the transmission and reception 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 that protrude 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 that protrude 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. 5A and 5B.

[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 substantially 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 substantially 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 substantially horizontal, the modular device 1 can be placed stably without tilting.

[0028] The modular device 1 has ports for wired connection to other modular devices or sensors. 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 cables via these ports, the modular device 1 can transmit and receive data to and from these devices. Of course, the number and types of ports provided in the modular device of the present invention, 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 support various communication standards other than those illustrated, such as UART.

[0029] [Configuration Example] Because the modular device 1 has this configuration, it is possible to configure a local network LNW suitable for a variety of applications. (1) For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, modular devices 1A and 1B are linked together and connected via a relay using 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 this data can be used to manage entry and exit and temperature and humidity in the room where modular devices 1A and 1B are installed.

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

[0031] (3) Alternatively, by connecting the modular devices 1A and 1B and installing 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 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 is suited to a variety of uses.

[0033] Modular Device According to a Second Embodiment Next, a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Like the modular device 1, 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, and has the same functions as the modular device 1. However, the size of the main body 10 of the modular device 2 is approximately 2 inches by 4 inches (approximately 50 mm by 100 mm) in length and width in a plan view (see Figure 8(A)). The height of the main body 10 is approximately 1 inch (approximately 25 mm), like the modular device 1, and these dimensions can be changed as appropriate.

[0034] In other words, it is wider than the modular device 1. Therefore, the configuration of the connecting rods and hooks of the modular device 2 is adapted to this wider configuration. For example, the rear end of the upper surface of the modular device 2 is provided with first protrusions 611, 612, and 613 that protrude rearward, 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, and 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 and 632, and the first hook portion 42 is fixed to a rod (not shown) whose both ends are supported by the third protrusions 632 and 633.

[0037] In addition, the front end of the bottom surface 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] [Base] 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 a top plate 10U, a bottom plate 10D, a first connecting rod 20, and a second connecting rod 30 (31, 32) (see Figure 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 a base or make a mold, thereby reducing 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 (see FIG. 11A). 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 in the cable tie fixture 75 (see FIG. 13A). Thus, although 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. 13B).

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

[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. can be used to attach the modular device 1 to various locations and objects.

[0049] If the modular device were directly attached to the object with tape, screws, etc., when replacing a faulty or defective modular device or rearranging (changing the physical network configuration), it would be necessary to remove the screws using a tool such as a screwdriver, or the tape would not come off cleanly and would leave tape marks on the object. However, by having a base 70 configured in this way, the modular device 1 can be easily removed from the object (base 70) without using tools and without leaving 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] 15 to 17, application examples of the modular device of the present invention will be described. First, a base 70 (see FIG. 11A) 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 its design can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, there are no limitations on the type or configuration of the 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, and 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 the modular devices or between the modular devices 1 and 2. Furthermore, the main body 10 may be configured with an erector fixture (cable tie) or a T-slot fixture, etc., 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 unit 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 users can be guided by voice instead of a paper manual when performing initial setup, or the aforementioned wireless / wired mode switching and authentication can be triggered by the user's voice.

[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.

[0057] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B Modular device 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 portion 50 Second hook portion 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 Base 71 Magnet 72 T-slot fixing device 73 Erector fixing device 74 Erector fixing device (cable tie) 75 Fixture for erector (cable tie fixture) 76 Fixture for DIN rail 81 T-slot 82 Erector 83 DIN rail S Screw P1, P2, P3 Port LNW Local network

Claims

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

2. A modular device as described in claim 1, having 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.

3. The modular device according to claim 1, which can be connected 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 which has a port for connecting to the other modular device via a wire.

4. A modular device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a top plate attached to the top surface of said main body; a bottom plate attached to the bottom surface of said main body; and a base fixed to an object, said base being composed of said top plate, said bottom plate, said first connecting rod, and said second connecting rod.

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

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