GB2248523A - Connector arrangement for a modular system - Google Patents

Abstract

A sound reproduction system comprises a series of modules wherein each adjacent module slidably inter-locks with an adjacent module via a beam 7, 7'' having a uniform transverse section of symmetrically double-headed shape; and one of a pair of grooves being provided in each of the adjacent faces of the pair of adjacent modular units and shaped to receive one of the two heads of the double-headed beam, to slidably inter-lock the modular units. The modules may alternatively be stacked, grooves 8, 8'' being provided in the top and bottom faces of the modules. Faulty modules may be individually fitted to a test unit (15) (Fig. 3). <IMAGE>

Description

CONNECTOR FOR AMODULAR SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector for a modular system and, more particularly, to a connector for slidably inter-locking adjacent modules of a modular sound reproduction system.

Review of most relevant Prior Art known to the ApDllcant Sound reproduction systems which, in elementary terms, take an input from a source of audio information and output sound from a speaker, exist in a variety of forms. These range from a simple transistor radio which consists of a single cabinet housing a tuner, amplifier and speaker to complex modular audio or audiovisual entertainment systems comprising a number of modules housed in individual cabinets. Such modular systems include the ubiquitous "midi" stack "hi- fi" system, comprising individually housed speakers and tuner, amplifier, gramophone, compact disc player and audio tape player modules, where the modules are stacked one upon another and the speakers are placed to each side of the stack of modules.

In the majority of these systems the modules are functionally inter-connected by a plethora of audio and power leads. In some systems, the modules are also physically inter-locked, for example, by snap-locking joints or by fitment into a shelved cabinet for housing the whole system.

A recent development in modular sound reproduction systems, disclosed in the co-pending British Patent Application No 89 02422.8 (which is incorporated herein by reference and to which the reader is directed for further details) is the production of systems in which the modules are lain on edge and assembled in a row with their faces of largest area touching. In contrast to many of the prior vertically stacked systems, the modules of these rowarranged systems are more manipulable and the systems more compact. Individual modules are closely packed but may, for example, be withdrawn or replaced in the row more easily than from the foot of a stack of modules.

Firm inter-locking of the modules is important to counter the greater instability of. the "book-wise" row-arrangement of modules.

GB-A-89 02422.8 describes inter-locking of the adjacent (i.e.

opposing and potentially abutting) faces of adjacent modules by mortice or dove-tail joints. This means of inter-locking the modules enables the modules to pack tightly together. However, to join modules together one of the pair to be joined must be supported in such a manner that the opposing members to be engaged to form the joint are aligned. In practise, this will commonly necessitate raising of the add-on module whilst it is being appropriately aligned and slid into place.

Summary of the Tnvention A connector system for slidably inter-locking a pair of adjacent modules of a modular sound reproduction system, comprising: a beam having a uniform transverse section of symmetrically doubleheaded shape; and a pair of grooves, one of said pair of grooves being provided in each of the adjacent faces of the pair of adjacent modular units and being shaped to receive one of the two heads of the double-headed beam, to slidably inter-lock the said modular units.

A sound reproduction system comprising a series of modules including, amongst others: a power module for providing a power supply; an amplifier and control module; at least one speaker; and at least one audio input means for taking a source of audio information and feeding the signals to the amplifier module; in which each module is housed in a substantially cuboid box having rectangular faces where two opposing faces have an area larger than the area of the other faces and where the area of the faces of largest cross-section of each respective module is similar; each module being adapted, in use, to stand upright with its faces of largest cross-section substantially vertical so that the modules may be placed in a row with adjacent vertical sides touching for storage; and with each module being adapted to slidably inter-lock with an adjacent module by the inter-locking system of the invention Preferably the double-headed beam is '11"-shaped in cross-section.

It is also preferred that the grooves extend substantially horizontally, in use.

Preferably each groove extend fully from the front end of each module to the rear end thereof, enabling one head of the doubleheaded beam to be inserted into groove at either end of the module.

Advantageously, the adjacent modules are inter-connected functionally by ribbon connector cable.

Brief Descrittion of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of part of a modular sound reproduction system, and illustrates a connector system embodying the invention used to inter-lock the modules of the sound reproduction system.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a tuner module.

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a test unit, and illustrates the fitting of a module to the test unit.

DescrlPtlon of the Preferred Embod#ment Referring to Figure 1, there is shown part of a modular sound reproduction system comprising at least three modules 2,3,4 interlocked in a row with a further module 1 being fitted to or removed from the row. Each module comprises a substantially cuboid box of which two opposing faces 3,4 each have an area larger than the area of each of the other faces. In normal use and when arranged in a row, the modules 1-4 are stood with their faces of largest area 5,6 substantially vertical. These faces 5,6 represent the sides of each module, in use. When arranged in a row, the modules lie side-by-side.

The adjacent side faces 5,6 of adjacent modules 1-4 in the row are inter-locked to prevent any of the modules from toppling-over and provide integrity to the system. The means by which adjacent modules are inter-locked comprise double-headed beams 7,7', each beam 7,7' being simultaneously insertable into a groove in each of the adjacent faces 5,6 of the adjacent modules. The beams 7,7' may conveniently be formed of plastics material moulded to have a uniform symmetrically double-headed cross-section. As illustrated, the beams 7,7' each have a uniform "I"-shaped cross-section comprising two parallel "heads" 9,10 linked by a cross member 11.

A pair of grooves 8,8' each shaped to receive one of the heads 9,10 of a beam 7,7' is provided in each of the adjacent (side) faces 5,6 of the modules 1-4. The pair of grooves 8,8' of each module side face 5,6 are substantially parallel and extend horizontally across the face 5,6, in use. Corresponding ones of the pairs of grooves 8,8' of each module 1-4 are located at a standard height from the, in use, base of each module.

To inter-lock two modules, the modules are first placed side-byside on a suitable resting surface. The modules are then, with minimal effort, slid into alignment with one another such that corresponding grooves 8,8' of the adjacent faces 5,6 of the modules are brought together to form a single groove "I"-shaped in cross-section. One beam 7,7' is then inserted into each of the "I"-shaped grooves formed between the two modules. The heads 9,10 of each beam 7,7' are each constrained within a groove 8 of a respective one of the adjacent faces 5,6. The cross member 11 of each beam 7,7' thus ties the adjacent modules together. The length of each beam 7,7' may be varied to suit the opposing requirements of quick or thorough connection. Short sections of beam 7,7' may be used to facilitate connection.The size of the cross member 11 separating the heads 9,10 of the beam 7,7' may be chosen to give a preferred degree of separation between the adjacent faces 5,6.

Once inter-locked, the adjacent modules are functionally interconnected by ribbon connector cable 12. Connector cable 12 is typically of 2 x 96 way type and plugs 14 of the cable each fit over two PCB edge connectors 13. The carrying capacity of the cable enables data and control signals to be passed sequentially along the row of inter-connected modules 1-4, in either direction.

Thus, for example, signals from a control unit near one end of the row of modules may be transmitted to a tuner module near the other end of the row. Power is distributed to each of the modules by more substantial power cables.

The sequential nature of signal transmission along the row of modules gives rise to a situation where it is advantageous to provide a fault diagnostic unit (not shown) to cover one end of the row of modules. The fault diagnostic end of line unit may be narrower than the other modules and also differ in having grooves 8,8' provided in only one side. Detailed testing of the modules may be carried out by a specially provided test unit 15.

This unit 15 is not normally fitted to the row of modules. Faulty modules are individually fitted to the test unit by sliding the grooves 8,8' of the module over mortice projections 17,17' provided on the test unit 15. Electrical connection is made up by plugs 16 similar to those of the ribbon connector cable being provided on the test unit 15.

Although the present invention has been described above with respect to one preferred embodiment, alternative embodiments and modifications are possible. For example, the number and shape of the double-headed connector beams 7,7' may be varied. Also, the orientation and relative positioning of the grooves 8,8' may be varied. The connector system of the present invention may be used with advantage to connect the modules of more conventional sound reproduction systems which are stacked, in use. In such cases, the grooves 8,8' would be provided in the, in use, top and bottom faces of the modules.

Whilst one method of inter-locking the modules of a system, by aligning the modules and then inserting the double-headed beams 7,7', has been described above, the beams 7,7' may, alternatively be fitted to the modules prior to alignment of the modules for inter-locking. This may be desirable where, for example, for neatness of appearance, or otherwise, the grooves 8,8' do not extend into the front faces of the modules. In this case, preinsertion of beams t1,7 into the grooves 8,8' of one module will enable another module to be fitted thereto from the front thereof.

Claims (7)

1. A connector system for slidably inter-locking a pair of adjacent modules of a modular sound reproduction system, comprising: a beam having a uniform transverse section of symmetrically double-headed shape; and a pair of grooves, one of said pair of grooves being provided in each of the adjacent faces of the pair of adjacent modular units and being shaped to receive one of the two heads of the double-headed beam, to slidably inter-lock the said modular units.

2. A system according to Claim 1 and in which the double-headed beam is "I"-shaped in cross-section.

3. A system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 and in which the grooves extend substantially horizontally, in use.

4. A system according to any of the preceding Claims and in which each groove extends fully from the front end of each module to the rear end thereof in a way which enables one head of the double-headed beam to be inserted into the groove at either end of the module.

5. A system according to any of the preceding Claims and in which the adjacent modules are inter-connected functionally by ribbon connector cable.

6. A connector system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

7. A sound reproduction system comprising a series of modules including, amongst others: a power module for providing a power supply; an amplifier and control module; at least ~ one speaker; and at least one audio input means for taking a source of audio information and feeding the signals to the amplifier module; in which each module is housed in a substantially cuboid box having rectangular faces where two opposing faces have an area larger than the area of the other faces and where the area of the faces of largest cross-section of each respective module is similar; each module being adapted, in use, to stand upright with its faces of largest cross-section substantially vertical so that the modules may be placed in a row with adjacent vertical sides touching for storage; and with each module being adapted to -slidably inter-lock with an adjacent module by a connector system in accordance with any of the preceding Claims.