RU189823U1 - Enclosure module - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of computing devices. The declared case of a computing device module contains lateral faces, lower and upper, as well as an internal cavity, while the internal cavity is formed by interconnecting modules 1-3, which have corners rounded on the outer side and interconnected with using the interface connectors located on contiguous internal surfaces, so that the modules on the side surfaces are flush with each other, forming a single block, while The module is configured for autotuning, and on its outer side it is possible to locate USB connectors, control elements and information display elements. The technical result is to ensure accurate positioning and installation of modules, as well as to provide enhanced electrical safety by excluding user access to group contacts power supply and informational contacts, as a tight fit of the modules, and the use of special connectors - interfaces

Description

Currently, there is a need for computing devices that have a modular structure that allows the user of such a device to increase its functionality as needed, taking into account the emergence of new features of technology by simply adding new functional modules that would recognize each other automatically, without requiring This additional expertise from the users.

From the patent for the invention of US 5,602,721 A1 (published Feb. 11, 1997), an extensible modular computer system is known, in which each of the modules can interact with an adjacent module. However, the modules of this computer system together need to be mechanically connected to each other with the help of special guides and connectors, that is, they require additional skills in the field of installation and customization by users.

From the patent for the invention of US 5909357 A1 (published on June 1, 1999) a computer is known that is folded vertically from the modular parts of a certain geometrical configuration. However, the modules of this computer have protruding connecting elements that can be damaged by an inexperienced user or during operation, which forces them to use the top cover to protect them and create an aesthetic appearance. Adding modules requires additional skills in the field of installation and configuration by users.

From the patent for invention US 7815264 B2 (published on 10/19/2010) a modular personal computer is known, consisting of successively assembled frames with fasteners - clips and special holes in the bottoms of frames for the passage of electrical wires, which are necessary for the operation of the modules. Thus, changing the configuration of the modules requires mechanical disassembly of the housing and connecting electrical wires, which is a significant drawback.

From the patent for the invention of US 8169777 B2 (published on May 1, 2012) a modular computer is known, assembled with the help of special fasteners. This invention assumes that the assembly of modules of this computer is carried out using special fasteners, which requires additional tools and certain user skills.

The objective of the claimed utility model is to create a modular device housing, which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art.

The technical result is to ensure the accuracy of positioning and installation of modules, as well as to provide increased electrical safety by excluding user access to power group contacts and information contacts, both by tight fitting of modules and by using special connectors - interfaces

The task is solved, and the technical result is achieved through the case of the computing device module, which contains the side faces, the lower and the upper, as well as the internal cavity, while the internal cavity is formed by interconnecting the modules 1-3, which have corners rounded on the outside and interconnected using the interface connectors located on contiguous inner surfaces, so that the modules on the side surfaces are flush with each other, forming a single unit, with The module is configured for autotuning, and on its outer side it is possible to arrange USB connectors, controls and information display controls.

The modules of the computing device in its main version are the router, set-top box and information storage device, which are designed to transmit and receive audio, video, television, voice, data, text and / or graphics, to process and display them on the TV or monitor which are interconnected without requiring the user to have special knowledge to connect and configure the modules, while also having enhanced information and electrical safety parameters.

Connector - the interface is a structure that consists of two parts, commonly referred to as "father" and "mother", which is designed to transmit power and information between modules. In the split state, the contacts of the universal connector - the interface is not accessible to the user in order to ensure protection against unauthorized access and electric shock. This problem is solved with the help of a moving element of the “father” part, which ensures the extension of the connector contacts under the action of a system of built-in electromagnets.

The connector functionally consists of two parts: the first is for supplying power from the lower module to the upper module, the second for information interaction between the upper and lower modules.

The proposed modular computing device is illustrated by drawings, where FIG. 1 depicts the proposed modular computing device, the order of connecting modules and the layout of their rear panels;

FIG. 2 depicts the one shown in FIG. 1 device in the assembled state;

FIG. 3 explains the achieved level of technology in the part concerning the universal connector - interface;

FIG. 4 explains the technical solution of the lower part of the universal connector - interface;

FIG. 5 shows the lower part of the universal connector - the interface in the on and off state;

FIG. 6 explains the technical solution of the upper part of the universal connector - interface;

FIG. 7 explains the interaction of the lower and upper parts of the universal connector - the interface in the on state;

FIG. 8 shows a universal connector - an interface consisting of two contact groups;

FIG. 9 describes the algorithm of interaction between modules, providing automatic recognition;

Shown in FIG. 1-9 nodes and parts have the same designation.

FIG. 1 shows the modules (A), (B) and (C) of the proposed modular computing device and the order in which the modules are interconnected. Module (A) is a router, module (B) is a set-top box, module (C) is an information storage device, module (A) also contains a power supply cord (4). In the folded state shown in FIG. 2, the modules fit snugly together. Universal connector - interface (500) is designed to interface the modules with each other. The rear panels of the modules closed on this type, as well as the USB control connectors placed on them, are shown on callouts (1), (2) and (3). Modules 1-3 have corners that are specifically rounded on the outside, which prevents the user from installing modules incorrectly.

FIG. 3 shows the main structural elements of the most common existing magnetic connectors and the principle of their work. Elements of the type "mother" (301) and the type of "father" (304) contain flat contacts (302) located on the surface of the element (301) and convex contacts (305) located inside the element (304). The contacts (302) are fixed, the contacts (305) are movable and can move inside the element (304), being spring-loaded inside this element (not shown). Elements (301) and (304) contain flat permanent magnets (303) and (306), whose poles S and N are located on opposite edges of the elements. When elements (301) and (304) approach each other during connection, the opposite poles S and N of the permanent magnets begin to interact and mutually attract elements (301) and (304) to each other. The physical properties of the magnets should not allow the elements (301) and (304) to be connected if the polarity is not observed.

FIG. 4 shows a fragment of the lower part of the connector - an interface that does not have these disadvantages, in the "off" state. The fragment of the lower part of the connector shown in FIG. 4, is designed to supply power from the bottom to the top of the module. The connector consists of two dielectric elements, movable (402) and stationary (401), located in a common housing (400). Elements (402) and (401) are interconnected by axes (405), the lower part of which is fixed in the element (402), and the upper part can freely move inside the element (401) in blind holes. The springs (406) are located on the axes, holding the element (402) in the lower position in the “off” state, that is, when DC1 is not applied to the electromagnet (403). Retractable terminals (407), fixed in the element (402), securely hidden in the through holes of the element (401). Wires are connected to the withdrawable terminals (407) with a sufficient margin of length, along which power will be supplied to the upper module. When the DC1 voltage is turned on, the electromagnet (403) attracts the metal insert (404) located in the element (402), simultaneously attracting the entire element (402), overcoming the resistance of the springs (406). The terminals (407) extend some distance from the element (401), coming into contact with the receiving terminals of the upper part of the connector. The information part of the connector works in the same way.

FIG. 5 shows the lower part of the connector in positions (1) "off" and (2) "on". The sliding terminals (407) in the “on” position are located at some distance from the lower module case, which is sufficient to ensure contact with the terminals (602) of the upper module, equipped with the upper part of the connector and shown in FIG. 6

FIG. 6 shows the upper part of the connector - interface. The upper part of the connector consists of a housing (600) in which a dielectric element (601) is fixed. Receiving terminals (602) are hidden in the holes of the element (601), are located inside the cavities of the element (601) and are held in the lower position by means of springs (603), which provide a reliable connection when extending the terminals (407) and in contact with the terminals (602). The power supply wires of the upper module are connected to the terminals (602) with a sufficient margin of length.

FIG. 7 shows the interaction of the upper and lower parts of the connector - the interface in the "on" position.

FIG. 8 shows a connector - an interface consisting of two fragments - contact groups for 3 (A) POWER and 8 (B) INFO contacts, the connection control of which is carried out using two independent electromagnets. The number of INFO contacts is determined by the most common Ethernet standard today. Similarly, you can create contact groups, fields and matrices of any desired configuration.

FIG. 9 shows a typical algorithm for the interaction of modules when placing the top module on the bottom. The auto-tuning algorithm is based on the use of passive NFC tags, which are equipped with modules (B) and (C). Module (A) is equipped with an NFC tag reader.

FIG. 10 shows the functional - electrical diagram of the interaction of modules (A) and (B) when installing a module (B) on a module (A). The NFC tag of the module (B) falls within the range of the reader of the NFC tag of the module (A). The reader transmits the NFC tag information of the module (B) to the module processor (A). The processor of the module (A) according to this information determines the module (A) as permitted for use by the communication operator and transmits a command to the actuator to turn on the power supply of the electromagnets. The operation of the electromagnets leads to the supply of power to the module (B) and the connection of the module (B) via Ethernet. Modules are ready to go. Similarly, the module (C) is installed on the module (B).

The modular computing device has additional advantages due to the presence of a single power cord and the lack of cable connections, which improves the consumer properties of the device. The device can be expanded by any additional modules, such as batteries, modules for reading from storage media, modules with a permanent storage device, modules for receiving radio or other devices.

Claims (1)

The case of the module of the computing device, containing side faces, lower and upper, as well as the internal cavity, characterized in that the internal cavity is formed by interconnecting several modules having corners rounded on the outside and interconnected by electromagnets located on contiguous internal surfaces positioning connectors - interfaces, so that the modules on the side surfaces lie flush against each other, forming a single unit, connector we are designed in such a way that one of them is designed to supply power from the lower module to the upper module, and the second to the information interaction of the upper and lower modules, the flat fixed contacts of the connectors of these modules are located on one surface, and the convex contacts are made movable and located on the other surfaces that can be moved inside the corresponding module, while ensuring the possibility of autotune by supplying power to the specified electromagnets, and on the outside The module provides the possibility of the location of USB connectors, controls and display units.

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