JP2001102136A - Connector of an electronic apparatus, usb connector device, and an electronic apparatus having a connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a USB connector device for connecting various electronic peripheral devices including the USB hub connected via the USB interface without using cables. SOLUTION: A first type connector 30 is mounted on a first surface of a case 12a, and a second type connector 20 on a second surface of the case opposite to the first surface. The connectors 20 and 30 are connected by means of a USB hub circuit arranged in the case. The USB connector device 12 is so designed that the first type connector 30 of one USB connector device may be connected to the second type connector 20 of another USB connector device, and the second type connector 20 of the one USB connector to the first type connector 30 of the another USB connector device when a plurality of USB connector devices 12 are connected overlapped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection device for an electronic device, a USB connection device, and an electronic device with a coupling mechanism.
In particular, the present invention relates to a connection device of an electronic device, a USB connection device, and an electronic device with a coupling mechanism for electrically connecting or mechanically connecting electronic devices when electronic devices such as a USB interface are used in an overlapping manner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a personal computer, for example, a USB standard interface (hereinafter referred to as a USB interface) has been adopted as a common interface for connecting various peripheral devices, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, etc., to the personal computer body. ing.

[0003] Then, a plurality of U
To connect various peripheral devices of SB interface,
USB with multiple USB interface connectors
Hubs (electronic devices) are used.

Here, the USB interface uses a cable in which two signal lines and two power lines are put together, and it is possible to supply power to various peripheral devices from each USB port via a USB hub. It is possible.

[0005] Such a USB hub is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0006] In FIG. 36, a USB hub 1 has a first U-connector formed of one USB connector provided in a case 2.
An SB port 3, a second USB port 4 including a plurality of (four in the illustrated case) USB connectors provided in the case 2, and a USB hub circuit 5 built in the case 2
And the first USB port 3 is US
Connected to the host side of the B hub circuit 5, and each second U
The SB ports 4 are connected to lower layers of the USB hub circuit 5, respectively.

According to the USB hub 1 having such a configuration,
As shown in FIG. 37, a personal computer PC is connected to the first USB port 3 and each second USB port 4
Has a USB compatible keyboard 6, mouse 7
And a printer 8, a scanner 9, and the like.

As a result, a USB-compatible keyboard 6, mouse 7, printer 8, scanner 9, and the like connected via the USB hub 1 can be used from the personal computer PC.

Further, such USB hubs 1 are hierarchically connected, so that, for example, 127 peripheral devices can be used in six layers, and the USB hubs 1 can be connected as they are live. (So-called hot plug), the convenience of a personal computer or the like is further improved.

[0010]

According to the USB hub 1 described above, various peripheral devices of the USB interface are connected to the USB hub 1 via respective cables, and the USB hub 1 is connected to the peripheral device. Is connected to the personal computer via a cable.

Therefore, a plurality of cables are connected to the USB hub 1, so that a space for the cables is required around the USB hub 1, and the cables become complicated. There was a problem.

As a means for solving this problem,
Utilizing the fact that USB hubs can be connected hierarchically, it is conceivable that a plurality of USB hubs are stacked to form a laminated structure. With this structure, a large number of cables can be connected to the USB hub in a small space. At this time, when the superposed USB hubs are moved when the cable is attached to and detached from the USB hub, the operability is reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the superposed USB hubs from moving with each other.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a USB connection device which can connect various peripheral devices including a USB hub connected via a USB interface without using a cable. It is intended to provide.

It is another object of the present invention to reliably stack a plurality of electronic devices with a simple configuration.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of electronic devices are overlapped with each other, an electronic device for electrically connecting the plurality of electronic devices to each other is provided. A connection device, wherein a first type connector is provided on a first surface of a case of the electronic device, and an arrangement position of the first type connector is provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface. A connector of the second type is provided at a position corresponding to and, when the plurality of electronic devices are stacked on each other, at least one of the connectors of the first or second type provided on the stacked electronic device. This is achieved by a connection device for an electronic device, wherein one type of connector is connected to a connector of a different type from the one type of connector provided on another electronic device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector of the first type provided on a first surface of a case and a second type of connector opposite to the first surface of the case. A second type of connector provided, a USB hub circuit provided in the case to interconnect these connectors,
Wherein the first type and the second type connectors are of a type that can be connected to each other, and when a plurality of USB connection devices are connected to each other, the first type of the USB connection device A connector of a type is connected to a connector of a second type of another USB connection device, and a connector of the second type is connected to a first connector of another USB connection device. This is achieved by a USB connection device.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector of a first type provided on a first surface of a case, and a USB connected to the connector of the first type.
And a device unit, and when a connection is made with another USB connection device superimposed on the first surface, a connector of a first type of the USB connection device is connected to a second type of another USB connection device. This is achieved by a USB connection device, which is connected to a connector.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector of a second type provided on a second surface of a case, a USB port on an upper layer provided on the case, A USB hub circuit provided in a case to connect these connectors and USB ports to each other, wherein the second type of connector is provided on a first surface of a case of another USB connection device. A connector of the first type provided and a type that can be connected to each other, and when the USB connection device is connected to another USB connection device on the second surface,
This is achieved by a USB connection device, characterized in that a second type of connector of the connection device is connected to a first type of connector of another USB connection device.

Further, in the USB connection device according to the present invention, the terminal of the first type is formed on a substrate provided in the case and is exposed from a window provided on a first surface of the case. Wherein the connector of the second type is
It is preferable that the contact portion protrudes from the second surface of the case and that the terminal portion and the contact portion come into contact with each other at the time of connection to be electrically connected.

In the USB connection device according to the present invention, the connector of the first type is a contact portion protruding from the first surface of the case, and the connector of the second type is provided in the case. It is a terminal portion formed on the substrate and exposed from a window portion provided on the second surface of the case, and it is preferable that the contact portion and the terminal portion are electrically connected to each other when they are connected. .

Further, the USB connection device according to the present invention is provided with rib receivers projecting inward from each other on both sides of the window for exposing the terminal portion, and outwardly on both sides of the contact portion. With protruding ribs,
It is preferable that mutual positioning of the terminal portion and the contact portion is performed by engaging the rib with the rib receiver.

In the USB connection device according to the present invention, it is preferable that when the terminal is not used, a cover is mounted on the rib receiver to cover the window.

In the USB connection device according to the present invention, the contact portion is rotatably supported with respect to the case, and when the contact portion is not used, the contact portion is rotated with respect to the case and the contact portion is rotated. It is preferable to be housed inside.

Further, the USB connection device according to the present invention has an engagement concave portion or an engagement convex portion on a first surface provided with a first type connector, and a second type provided with a second type connector. It is preferable that two surfaces are provided with an engagement protrusion or an engagement recess, and that the engagement protrusion engage with the engagement recess during connection.

Further, the USB connection device according to the present invention is provided with a guide groove or a guide protrusion extending in one direction on a first surface provided with a connector of the first type. The provided second surface is provided with a guide protrusion or a guide groove extending in one direction, and when connected, the guide protrusion slides in the guide groove to provide a USB.
It is preferable that the position in the lateral direction perpendicular to the one direction between the connection devices is regulated, and the engagement protrusion engages with the engagement recess at the end position of the sliding.

Further, the USB connection device according to the present invention comprises a first surface provided with a first type connector, a projection or a concave portion for positioning, and a second type provided with a second type connector. The surface is provided with a concave portion or a convex portion for positioning, and at the time of connection, when the convex portion engages with the concave portion while the engaging convex portion is engaged with the concave portion, the USB connection devices are connected to each other. Is preferably half-locked.

The USB connection device according to the present invention preferably has at least one USB port on the outer surface of the case, and this USB port is preferably connected to a USB hub circuit.

The USB connection device according to the present invention
The SB device unit can be an auxiliary storage device.

Also, the USB connection device according to the present invention
The SB device section can be a USB port.

Further, the USB connection device according to the present invention
The SB device unit may be a power supply battery.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling mechanism having a coupling mechanism for mechanically coupling a plurality of electronic devices when the plurality of electronic devices are stacked on each other. Electronic device, wherein the coupling mechanism, when the other electronic device is stacked on the one electronic device, the convex portion disposed in the case of one of the plurality of electronic devices, The one electronic device and the other electronic device are disposed on a case surface of the other electronic device facing the case surface on which the convex portion of the one electronic device is formed, and are engaged with the convex portion. The present invention is achieved by an electronic device having a coupling mechanism, which is configured by a concave portion that mechanically couples the electronic device.

Also, in the electronic device with the coupling mechanism according to the present invention, the convex portion and the concave portion are provided on the same case surface of the electronic device, and the positional relationship between the convex portion and the concave portion is determined by the case. It is preferable to configure so as to be symmetrical with respect to the center position of the surface.

In the electronic device with the coupling mechanism according to the present invention, the convex portion can be moved relative to a case of the electronic device, and the projecting portion projects from the case surface and the projecting portion does not project from the case surface. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which it moves between a storage position where it is stored.

In the electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to the present invention, it is preferable that the projection is configured to be rotatable with respect to a case of the electronic device.

Further, the electronic device with the coupling mechanism according to the present invention is configured such that the convex portion and the concave portion are engaged by relatively sliding the one electronic device with respect to the other electronic device. Is preferred.

Further, in the electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion has a hook shape.

[0037] In the electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to the present invention, it is preferable that a protrusion protruding toward the outside of the case is formed at the protrusion at the protrusion.

Further, in the electronic device with the coupling mechanism according to the present invention, it is preferable that the electronic device is a USB connection device provided with a USB port.

Each of the above-described inventions operates as follows.

According to the first configuration, a plurality of electronic devices are stacked on each other to form a first type connector provided on a case surface of one electronic device and another connector facing the case surface. The second type of connector provided on the case surface of the electronic device is connected to each other, and thus the stacked plurality of electronic devices are electrically connected to each other sequentially by the first and second connectors.

Further, according to the second configuration, a plurality of USB connection devices are overlapped with each other, so that a first type connector provided on the first surface of one USB connection device, A plurality of USB connection devices are sequentially connected to each other by connecting the second type connector provided on the second surface of another adjacent USB connection device to each other.

According to the third configuration, the present USB
The first type connector provided on the first surface of the USB connection device by overlapping the connection device with the USB connection device according to the first configuration of the present invention or the USB connection device according to the third configuration described later. And the second type of connector provided on the second surface of the USB connection device having the first or second configuration adjacent thereto are connected to each other, whereby a plurality of USB connection devices are sequentially connected to each other. Will be connected.

According to the fourth configuration, the present USB
US according to the first or second aspect of the present invention
By being overlapped with the B connection device, the first type connector provided on the first surface of the USB connection device according to the first or third configuration and the second type of the USB connection device adjacent to the first type connector are provided. By connecting the provided second type connector to each other, a plurality of USB connection devices are sequentially connected to each other.

As described above, the electronic devices or USB connection devices according to the first to fourth configurations can be directly connected to each other without using a cable. Therefore,
This eliminates the need for cable space for connection,
Wiring can be efficiently simplified and connected.

The connector of the first type is a terminal portion formed on a substrate provided in the case and exposed from a window provided on a first surface of the case. The connector is a contact portion protruding from the second surface of the case, when the terminal portion and the contact portion contact each other at the time of connection, when electrically connected,
The terminal of the first type connector comes into contact with the contact portion of the second type connector, so that the first type connector provided on the first surface of one USB connection device is adjacent to the other type. The second type of connector provided on the second surface of the USB connection device of the present invention can be electrically connected to each other.

The connector of the first type is a contact portion protruding from the first surface of the case, and the connector of the second type is formed on a substrate provided in the case and is connected to the case. When the terminal portion is exposed from the window provided on the second surface, and at the time of connection, the contact portion and the terminal portion are in contact with each other, when electrically connected,
The contact portion of the first type connector comes into contact with the terminal portion of the second type connector, so that the first type connector provided on the first surface of one USB connection device is adjacent to the other type. The second type of connector provided on the second surface of the USB connection device of the present invention can be electrically connected to each other.

In addition, on both sides of the window for exposing the terminal portion, there are provided rib receivers projecting inward from each other, and on both sides of the contact portion, there are provided ribs projecting outward. In the case where the positioning of the terminal portion and the contact portion relative to each other is performed by the engagement of the rib with the rib receiving portion, the mutual engagement of the terminal portion and the contact portion is performed by engaging the rib with the rib receiving portion. Can be easily and accurately positioned.

When the terminal is not used, the cover is mounted on the rib receiver, and when the window is covered, the window is covered by the cover, so that the unused terminal is placed in the case. And unused terminal portions can be protected.

The contact portion is rotatably supported with respect to the case. When the contact portion is not used, the contact portion is rotated with respect to the case, and the contact portion is stored in the case. In this case, the unused contact portion can be protected by rotating the contact portion to be stored in the case.

The first surface provided with the connector of the first type is provided with an engagement concave portion or an engagement protrusion, and the second surface provided with the connector of the second type is provided with an engagement protrusion. Or, when an engagement concave portion is provided, and when the engagement convex portion engages with the engagement concave portion at the time of connection, the engagement convex portion and the corresponding engagement concave portion are engaged with each other. Thereby, the cases of the plurality of USB connection devices can be securely fixed and held to each other.

The first surface provided with the connector of the first type is provided with a guide groove or a protrusion for guiding extending in one direction, and the second surface provided with the connector of the second type is provided with a guide. A guide groove or a guide groove extending in one direction, and at the time of connection, the guide protrusion slides in the guide groove, thereby forming a lateral direction perpendicular to the one direction between the USB connection devices. When the engaging projections engage with the engaging recesses at the end position of the sliding, the guide projections slide in the guide grooves. In addition, the cases of the plurality of USB connection devices can be guided to the fixed position by the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess without being displaced from each other in the lateral direction.

Also, the first surface provided with the first type of connector is provided with positioning protrusions or recesses, and the second surface provided with the second type of connector is provided with positioning recesses or When the USB connection devices are half-locked by engaging the concave portion with the convex portion engaged with the concave portion at the time of connection when the convex portion is provided with the convex portion. By engaging these projections with the recesses, the cases of the plurality of USB connection devices can be positioned at the above-mentioned fixed positions.

[0053] At least one USB port is provided on the outer surface of the case.
When connected to a hub circuit, the USB connection device can be used similarly to a conventional USB hub device.

When the USB device section is an auxiliary storage device, various auxiliary storage devices such as a CompactFlash (registered trademark) card and a memory stick of the USB interface standard are directly connected to the USB depending on the case.
B connection will be possible.

When the USB device section is a USB port, various USB devices are connected to the USB connection device via a cable in the same manner as in the related art.
Various peripheral devices of the SB interface can be connected.

When the USB device section is a battery for power supply, another battery is supplied from the battery for power supply via a connector of the first type and a connector of the second type of another USB connection device. Power is supplied to another USB connection device that is sequentially connected to the USB connection device.

Further, according to the fifth configuration, a coupling mechanism for mechanically coupling a plurality of electronic devices is provided with a projection provided on a case of one electronic device, and a coupling mechanism provided on the one electronic device. When another electronic device is overlaid, the one electronic device has a concave portion provided on the case surface of the other electronic device facing the case surface on which the convex portion is formed, and the convex portion and the concave portion are related to each other. By combining, one electronic device and another electronic device are mechanically coupled, so that one electronic device and another electronic device can be coupled in a stacked state with a simple configuration. . Further, space saving can be achieved as compared with a configuration in which a plurality of electronic devices are arranged in a plane. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of positional displacement between the electronic devices as compared with a configuration in which the electronic devices are simply stacked.

Further, the projection and the recess are provided on the same case surface of the electronic device, and the positional relationship between the projection and the recess is symmetric with respect to the center position of the case surface. By simply inverting one electronic device to the opposite side with respect to the other and facing each case surface having the convex portion and the concave portion formed thereon, the convex portion of one electronic device is formed into the concave portion of the other electronic device. In addition, the concave portion of one electronic device can be engaged with the convex portion of another electronic device.

Further, the projection is configured to be movable with respect to the case of the electronic device, and is configured to move between a projecting position projecting from the case surface and a storage position stored in the case surface in a non-projecting state. As a result, the convex portion does not protrude from the case when not in use, so that portability can be improved.

Further, the configuration in which the convex portion is rotatable with respect to the case of the electronic device by being rotatable with respect to the case of the electronic device makes it possible to move the convex portion linearly. The moving space of the electronic device can be reduced, and the size of the electronic device can be reduced. Moreover, the operation of moving the convex portion to the projecting position can be easily performed as compared with the configuration in which the convex portion slides linearly.

[0061] In addition, the configuration is such that the projection and the recess are engaged by sliding one electronic device relative to the other electronic device, so that the operator holds the electronic device while holding the electronic device. Since the engaging operation of the recess can be performed, the engaging operation can be facilitated.

In addition, since at least one of the projection and the recess has a hook shape, the engagement force between the projection and the recess at the time of engagement can be increased, and the electronic device can be securely stacked. can do.

Further, since the projection is formed with a projection projecting outward from the case at the projection position, an inward force acts on the projection when engaged with the recess. The projection can be prevented from falling down toward the storage position.

Further, when the electronic apparatus is applied to a USB connection device provided with a USB port, a large number of connected wires can be efficiently and simply connected.

[0065]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a laminated unit having a configuration in which a plurality of electronic devices according to the present invention are stacked. In this embodiment, an example in which a USB connection device is used as an electronic device will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a USB connection system 10 in which a plurality of USB connection devices 11, 12, 13, 14 configured according to the present invention are stacked (laminated). A plurality of U constituting the USB connection system 10
Among the SB connection devices 11, 12, 13, and 14, the USB connection device 11 is the first embodiment of the present invention, and is configured as a so-called main USB hub. The USB connection device 11 is connected to a host such as a personal computer via a USB cable.

Further, the USB connection device 12 is the second embodiment of the present invention.
This is an embodiment, and is a so-called optional USB hub connected to the main USB hub. The USB connection device 13 is a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a compact flash card reader as an auxiliary storage device. Further, the USB connection device 14 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is a power supply battery (for example, a power supply device containing a battery) for a USB interface.

The USB connection devices 11, 12, 13, 1
4 other than the uppermost USB connection device 11
Each of the B connection devices 12, 13, and 14 has a contact portion 20 as a first type connector on an upper surface as a first surface. On the other hand, the USB connection device 11,
12, 13, and 14, the lowest USB connection device 14
The other USB connection devices 11, 12, and 13 have terminal portions 30 as second-type connectors on the lower surface as the second surfaces, respectively (FIGS. 3C, 4, and 6). ,
12 and 13).

Here, the USB connection device 12 provided with the contact portion 20 and the terminal portion 30 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the USB connection device 12 is configured as a USB hub, and has a flat rectangular parallelepiped case 12a, a contact portion 20 provided on the upper surface of the case 12a, and a case. And a terminal portion 30 provided on the lower surface of 12a.

The contact portion 20 is connected as a so-called upper-layer USB port to a chip-shaped USB hub circuit mounted on a board (not shown) provided therein. Further, two types of USB are provided on the front side of the case 12a.
Ports 12b and 12c are provided. The USB ports 12b and 12c and the terminal unit 30 are connected to the lower layer USB.
The port is similarly connected to a USB hub circuit.

The USB connection device 12 is
Connection portions 40 and 50 for positioning and fixing with another USB connection device are provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of a, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 5, the connecting portion 40 includes two pairs of hooks 41 as engagement protrusions provided near both side edges on the upper surface of the case 12 a, and a contact portion. 20
, And a pair of positioning projections 43 provided on an extension of one side of the guide projections 42.

The hook 41 extends upward and then forms a hook claw 41a outward.
It extends in an inverted L-shape and is formed integrally with the case 12a. The guide protrusions 42 extend in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the case 12a and in parallel with each other.
It is molded integrally with 2a. The positioning projection 43 is formed to have a slight height, for example, a semicircular shape in the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, the connecting portion 50 is formed as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, two pairs of hook holes 51 provided near both side edges on the lower surface of the case 12a and the terminal portion 30 are provided.
, And a pair of positioning recesses 53 provided on an extension of one side of the guide grooves 52.

The hook hole 51 is provided at a position corresponding to the hook 41, extends in the front-rear direction, and has a rear end formed to be wide so that the hook claw 41a can be inserted and removed. But the front end is hook claw 41a
Are selected to be narrow so as to engage with.

Note that an oblique notch 51a (see FIG. 6) is provided on the back side of the step in the width direction of the hook hole 51 in order to easily and surely fix and hold the sliding of the hook claw 41a. .

The guide groove 52 is formed in the guide protrusion 4.
2 and is formed integrally with the case 12a so as to extend in the front-rear direction and parallel to each other on the lower surface of the case 12a. The positioning recess 53 is provided at a position corresponding to the positioning recess 43.

Here, the contact portion 20 is formed as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and 11, case 1
A main body 21 rotatably supported with respect to the main body 2a;
It comprises a plurality (four in the illustrated case) of contacts 22 arranged in parallel with each other on one surface, a rotating shaft 23 protruding from both side surfaces of the main body 21, and a rotation stopping projection 24. .

The main body 21 is made of, for example, plastic, and the contacts 22 are integrally incorporated by, for example, insert molding. The contact 22 is made of a conductive elastic material. When one end 22a of the contact 22 contacts the contact of the terminal portion 30, the contact 22 is deformed by elastic deformation as shown in FIG. And the other end 22 b protrudes from the outer surface of the main body 21.

At the time of assembling, the contact portion 20 having such a configuration is assembled as shown in FIG. That is, after the other end 22b of each contact 22 is electrically connected to the connection pattern on the substrate 25 accommodated in the case 12a via the lead wire 26, the bearing portion 12b provided on the case 12a is provided. , The rotating shaft 23 of the main body 21 of the contact portion 20
Is inserted and held by the fixing member 27, and the case 12
By closing a, assembly of the contact portion 20 is completed.

According to the contact portion 20 having such a configuration, at normal times (ie, when the contact portion 20 is used), FIGS.
As shown in (A), the contact portion 20 is located at a contact exposure position where the contact 22 is completely exposed from the cutout portion 12d provided at the rear end edge of the upper surface of the case 12a. However,
By rotating around the rotation shaft 23 from the contact exposure position, the contact portion 20 is sequentially turned to the positions shown in FIGS.
After passing through the slightly rotated state shown in (A) and the further rotated state shown in FIGS. 9 (C) and 10 (B), finally, the anti-rotation projection 24 becomes the front peripheral edge of the notch 12d ( That is, by abutting on the case 12a), FIG.
(C) and reaches the contact storage position shown in FIG.

The contact portion 20 is locked at the contact storage position by engaging a slight protrusion 28 formed on the side surface of the main body 21 with the rear edge of the notch 12d, that is, the surface of the case 12a. It has become so. Also, the contact portion 20
Has ribs 21a that protrude left and right on both sides of the upper surface of the main body 21 at the contact exposure position.

On the other hand, the terminal portion 30 is composed of a plurality of (four in the illustrated case) terminals 31 made of a conductive pattern formed on a substrate in the case 12a, and a case that defines each terminal 31. Frame 32 formed in window 12e of 12a
And a cover 33 detachably attached to the window 12e so as to close the window 12e. The terminal portion 30 is configured to be exposed in a window portion 12e provided on the rear edge of the lower surface of the case 12a.

Each terminal 31 has a vertical distance from the lower surface of the case 12a corresponding to the corresponding contact 2 of the contact portion 20 described above.
The height is selected to be smaller than the height from the upper surface of the second case 12a. In addition, since the lower surface of the frame 32 is formed below the surface of the terminal 31 between the terminals 31, that is, formed in a protruding rib, the hand of the terminal 32 may be erroneously touched. Not to be.

The cover 33 has, on both sides thereof, front portions formed as independent ribs 33b by slits 33a, and has an engaging portion 33c protruding downward at the tip thereof.

On the other hand, the window 1 of the case 12a
2e has ribs 34 projecting inward from the front portions on both sides. The rib 34 engages with the rib 33b of the cover 33 to guide the cover 33 in the horizontal direction, and when the cover 33 completely closes the window 12e, the front end of the rib 34 and the front end of the window 12e. The cover 33 can be locked by fitting the engagement portion 33c into the gap 35 between the cover 33 and the cover 33.

Next, a description will be given of a USB connection device 11 according to a second embodiment.

The USB connection device 11 serves as a main USB hub, and as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a flat rectangular parallelepiped case 11a, a terminal portion 30 provided on the lower surface of the case 11a, and a connecting portion. 50 and the like.

A chip-shaped USB hub circuit is mounted on a board (not shown) provided in the case 11a, and two kinds of USB hubs are mounted on the front side of the case 11a.
Ports 11b and 11c are provided. The USB ports 11b and 11c and the terminal unit 30 are connected to the lower layer USB.
The port is connected to the USB hub circuit.

Further, on the rear side surface of the case 11a, two upper-layer USB ports 11d and 11e are provided, and these USB ports 11d and 11e are selectively switched by a changeover switch 11f. It has become. Further, a power terminal 1 is provided on the rear side of the case 11a.
1g and a power switch 11h are provided. Power is supplied to the power terminal 11g from the outside, and power is turned on / off by the power switch 11h.

Since the terminal 30 and the connecting portion 50 have the same configuration as the terminal 30 and the connecting portion 50 provided in the USB connection device 12 according to the first embodiment described above, the description thereof is omitted. It shall be.

Next, a description will be given of a USB connection device 13 according to a third embodiment.

The USB connection device 13 is configured as a compact flash card reader as an auxiliary recording device. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a flat rectangular parallelepiped case 13a and a top surface of the case 13a are provided. The contact portion 20 and the connecting portion 40, the terminal portion 30 and the connecting portion 50 provided on the lower surface of the case 13a, and the like are provided.

The contact portion 20 is connected as a so-called upper-layer USB port to a chip-shaped USB hub circuit mounted on a board (not shown) provided therein. Further, an insertion slot 13b for a compact flash card is provided on the front side of the case 13a, and a connector and a control circuit to be connected to a connector section of the compact flash card are provided behind the insertion slot 13b. (Not shown) are mounted on the substrate. The control circuit and the terminal unit 30 are similarly connected to a USB hub circuit as a lower-layer USB port.

The contact part 20, the terminal part 30, and the connecting part 40
And the connecting portion 50 is the US according to the first embodiment described above.
The configuration is the same as that of the contact part 20, the terminal part 30, the connecting part 40, and the connecting part 50 in the B connection device 12, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a USB connection device 14 according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

The USB connection device 14 is used as a power supply device for power supply for a USB interface. As shown in FIG. 18, a flat rectangular parallelepiped case 14a and an upper surface of the case 14a are provided. And a power supply battery and a power supply circuit (not shown) incorporated in the case 14a.

Since the contact portion 20 and the connecting portion 40 have the same configuration as the contact portion 20 and the connecting portion 40 in the USB connection device 12 according to the first embodiment described above, the description thereof will be omitted. I do.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a modification of the USB connection device 13 according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS.

19 and 20, the USB connection device 15 is configured as a memory stick as an auxiliary recording device, and includes a flat rectangular parallelepiped case 15a,
The contact part 20 and the connection part 40 provided on the upper surface of the case 15a and the terminal part 30 and the connection part 50 provided on the lower surface of the case 15a are provided.

The contact section 20 is connected as a so-called upper-layer USB port to a chip-shaped USB hub circuit mounted on a board (not shown) provided therein. Further, an insertion slot 15b for a memory stick is provided on the right side surface of the case 15a, and a connector and a control circuit (see FIG. (Not shown) is mounted on the substrate. And
The control circuit and the terminal unit 30 are similarly connected to a USB hub circuit as a lower-layer USB port.

The contact part 20, the terminal part 30, and the connecting part 40
And the connecting portion 50 is the US according to the first embodiment described above.
The configuration is the same as that of the contact part 20, the terminal part 30, the connecting part 40, and the connecting part 50 in the B connection device 12, and the description thereof is omitted.

The USB connection system 10 comprises the USB connection devices 11 to 14 according to the above-described embodiments, and when used, a plurality of USB connection devices 11 to 14 as shown in FIG. Are laminated and fixedly held together. Here, a case where the USB connection devices 11 and 12 are combined will be described. USB connection device 11,
In order to combine the two, first, as shown in FIG. 21, the upper USB connection device 11 is disposed so as to be slightly above the lower USB connection device 12.
At this time, the wide portion of the hook hole 51 provided on the lower surface of the case 11a of the upper USB connection device 11 faces the hook 41 provided on the upper surface of the case 12a of the lower USB connection device 12 (FIG. 3). , FIG. 5 and FIG. 5).

Next, as shown in FIG. 22A, the upper USB connection device 11 is moved downward, and the lower surface of the case 11a of the USB connection device 11 is placed on the upper surface of the case 12a of the USB connection device 12. Abut

At this time, as shown in FIG.
In the wide portion of the hook hole 51 of the SB connection device 11, US
While the hook 41 of the B connection device 12 is inserted, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2D, the guide protrusion 42 of the USB connection device 12 is inserted into the guide groove 52 of the USB connection device 11. As shown in FIG. 22C, a window 11 provided on the lower surface of the case 11a of the USB connection device 11 is provided.
d (12d), the case 12a of the USB connection device 12
Body 21 of contact portion 20 and each contact 2 projecting from the upper surface of
2 enters, each contact 22 comes into contact with the corresponding terminal 31 (see FIGS. 12 and 13), and is pressed downward, thereby being elastically deformed as shown in FIG. Will come into elastic contact.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
The cases 11a and 12a of the USB connection devices 11 and 12 are aligned by moving the B connection device 11 backward (to the right in the figure) with respect to the USB connection device 12.

At this time, the case 11 of the USB connection device 11
As for a, since the guide projection 52 of the USB connection device 12 is engaged in the guide groove 42, the lateral displacement is prevented. Also, the USB connection device 12
23 moves within the hook hole 51 of the USB connection device 11, and the hook claw 41a of the hook 41 engages with the back side of the narrow portion of the hook hole 51 as shown in FIG. . As a result, the case 11a and the case 12a are fixedly held to each other.

When the hook 41 is moved in the hook hole 51, the hook hole 51 is provided with the oblique notch 51a, so that the hook claw 41a of the hook 41 can smoothly move in the width of the hook hole 51. To be engaged with the back side of the narrow portion.

Further, as shown in FIG.
By fitting the positioning projection 43 of the USB connection device 12 into the positioning recess 53 of the connection device 11, the case 11a and the case 12a are half-locked to each other and locked in the front-rear direction. You.

Here, as shown in FIG.
The contact portion 20 of the B connection device 12 is configured such that the ribs 21 a projecting to both sides from the main body 21 engage with the ribs 34 projecting inward from the window portion of the terminal portion 30 of the USB connection device 11, and 20 is positioned in the lateral direction with respect to the terminal portion 30 (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 12). Thus, the USB connection device 11 and the USB
The combination with the B connection device 12 is completed.

Similarly, the USB connection devices 12, 13,
14 are sequentially combined with each other, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the USB connection devices 11, 12, 13,.
14 are combined with each other and the USB connection system 10
Is configured. Thus, each USB connection device 11, 1
2, 13, 14 are combined (overlaid) U
The pair of USB connection devices can be engaged simply by relatively sliding the pair of SB connection devices and performing the engagement operation, thereby facilitating the engagement operation.

The USB connection system 1 of such a combination
According to 0, a personal computer is connected via a USB cable to USB ports 11d and 11e on an upper layer side of the USB connection device 11 as a main USB hub, and a lower layer of the USB connection devices 11 and 12 is connected. When various peripheral devices of a USB interface such as a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, and a scanner, and a USB hub are connected to the USB ports 11b, 11c, 12c, and 12b on the side, a personal computer is connected via the USB interface. Can use various peripheral devices.

At this time, each of the USB connection devices 11, 12, 1
The cases are connected to each other by connecting the cases without connecting a USB cable between the contacts 3 and 14.
Also, since it is electrically connected directly via the terminal portion 30 opposed thereto, a USB cable and a connection space for the USB cable are not required, the connection is simplified, and the space can be reduced.

The USB port 1 of the USB connection device 11
1d and 11e are switched by the changeover switch 11f, so that the two personal computers connected to the USB ports 11d and 11e are switched by the changeover switch 11f to connect the two personal computers by the USB connection system 10. The various peripheral devices thus selected can be selectively used.

When the number of peripheral devices of the USB interface used by the USB connection system 10 increases, power supply from a personal computer alone may be insufficient, but power is supplied by a power supply battery built in the USB connection device 14. Thus, power can be sufficiently supplied to various peripheral devices of the USB interface connected to the USB connection system 10.

Further, the USB connection system 1 shown in FIG.
0, the USB connection device 13 can be combined with the USB connection device 15 configured as a memory stick reader shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 in place of the USB connection device 13.
Between the B connection device 13 and the USB connection device 14, or U
Between the SB connection device 12 and the USB connection device 13,
It is also possible to incorporate the B connection device 15.

As described above, according to the USB connection devices 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 according to the present invention, each USB
Using the various peripheral devices of the USB interface from the personal computer by configuring the USB connection system 10 by appropriately combining the connection devices 11 to 15 and making a USB connection to, for example, a personal computer via the USB connection device 11 And U
The USB connection between the SB connection devices 11 to 15 is a USB connection.
By being directly connected without using a cable,
The space for the SB cable is not required, and the wiring can be simplified.

Further, when the contact portion 20 is not used,
By rotating the main body 21 around the rotation shaft 23,
By being brought to the contact storage position, each contact 22 is not exposed to the outside and can be protected.

On the other hand, since the terminal portion 30 has the frame 32 defined by a part of the case between the terminals 31, the terminal portion 30 is erroneously handed to each terminal 31 during handling. When the cover 33 is attached to the window, the window is completely closed, so that the terminal 31 inside can be surely protected.

In the above-described embodiment, each US
Various peripheral devices connected to the B ports 11b, 11c, 12c, 12b include a keyboard, a mouse, a printer,
Although a scanner is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and other peripheral devices such as a USB-compatible terminal adapter and a CD-R
Obviously, a (recordable CD) drive, a music performance device, and the like can also be connected.

In the above embodiment, the US
Each of the B connection devices 11 and 12 has two types of USBs.
Although the ports 11b, 11c, 12b, and 12c are provided, the invention is not limited thereto, and only one type of USB port may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the US
The B connection devices 13 to 15 are not provided with a USB port, but are not limited to this, and may be provided with at least one USB port.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 show a fifth embodiment U
The SB connection device 61 is shown. FIG. 24 is a six-sided view showing the appearance of the USB connection device 61, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. US according to the present embodiment
The B connection device 61 is configured to be usable as the USB system 60 by being stacked as in the above-described embodiments (see FIGS. 33 to 35).

The USB connection device 61 is roughly composed of a case 62, an upper layer USB port 63, lower layer USB ports 64-1A to 64-4A, a power supply terminal 65, and a hook portion 66 (the convex portion described in the claims). ), An engaging portion 67, an insertion recess 69 (corresponding to a recess in the claims), and the like. Note that the hook portion 66 and the insertion concave portion 69 (including the engaging portion 67) cooperate to constitute a coupling mechanism described in the claims.

The case 62 is composed of a pair of case halves 62A and 62B formed of resin. As shown in FIG. 26 in addition to FIGS. 24 and 25, the case half 62A has a housing recess 68 and various recesses 64-1A to 64-4A, 71.
A, 72A, a locking claw 73, a shaft pressing portion 74, and the like are formed. The storage recess 68 is a recess in which the hook 66 described later is stored, and the case half 6
26A is formed at the center of the side surface on one short side (FIG. 26).
(D)).

The port recesses 64-1A to 64-4A are formed corresponding to the positions of the lower-layer USB ports 64-1 to 64-4. That is, the lower layer side USB port 64-
A port recess 64-1A is formed at one location, and a port recess 64-2A is similarly located at the lower layer USB port 64-2, and a lower layer USB port 64-3 is located. A port recess 64-3A is formed at the installation position, and a port recess 64-4A is formed at the lower layer side USB port 64-4 arrangement position. Further, the power supply terminal concave portion 71A is formed at the position where the power supply terminal 65 is provided, and the port concave portion 72A is formed.
A is provided at the position where the upper layer side USB port 63 is formed.

The locking claw 73 is provided with a case half 62B to be described later.
Is formed so as to engage with a hook claw 76 formed at the bottom. The pair of case halves 62 </ b> A and 62 </ b> B are joined to form the case 62 by the engagement between the hook claws 76 and the locking claws 73.

The shaft holding portions 74 are formed on both sides of the storage recess 68. The shaft pressing portion 74 is configured to press the shaft portion 81 of the hook portion 66 that is rotatably attached to the case half body 62B as described later when the pair of case halves 62A and 62B are coupled. . Thereby, the rotation of the hook portion 66 is facilitated.

On the other hand, the case half 62B is
In addition to the above, as shown in FIG.
4B, 71B, 72B, engagement portion 67, hook mounting recess 7
5, a hook claw 76, a bearing 77, and the like.

The port recesses 64-1B to 64-4B are formed corresponding to the positions of the lower-layer USB ports 64-1 to 64-4. That is, a port recess 64-1B is formed at the position where the lower layer USB port 64-1 is provided, and similarly, the port recess 64-2B is provided at the position where the lower layer USB port 64-2 is provided. A port recess 64-3B is provided at the lower layer side USB port 64-3 at the lower layer side USB port 64-4.
Port arrangement recesses 64-4B are respectively formed at the disposition positions. Further, the power supply terminal concave portion 71B is formed at the position where the power supply terminal 65 is disposed, and the port concave portion 72B is disposed at the position where the upper layer side USB port 63 is formed.

The hook claws 76 are formed so as to project from the case half 62B, and are configured to engage with the locking claws 73 formed on the case half 62A. Therefore, the engagement between the locking claw 73 and the hook claw 76 as described above
The pair of case halves 62A and 62B are joined to form a case 62.
Is formed.

The hook mounting recess 75 is a recess provided for mounting the hook 66, and the case half 62 is provided.
B is formed at the center of the side surface on one short side (FIG. 27)
(See (B) and (C)). The hook mounting recess 75 is
In a state where the pair of case halves 62A and 62B are combined to form the case 62, the case half 62A described above is formed.
Is configured to communicate with the storage recess 68.

FIG. 28 shows a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 27 (C). As shown in the drawing, bearing portions 77 for bearing the shaft portion 81 of the hook portion 66 are formed on both sides of the case half 62B where the hook portion mounting concave portion 75 is formed. Accordingly, the hook portion 66 is supported by the shaft portion 81 on the bearing portion 77, so that the case half 62B
(That is, the case 62) is rotatable.

As described above, the shaft holding portion 74 formed on the case half 62A is provided with a pair of case halves 62A.
Since the shaft portion 81 of the hook portion 66 is pressed by the connection of A and 62B, the hook portion 66 can rotate with respect to the case 62 without rattling.

The hook 66 will now be described with reference to FIGS. The hook portion 66 is integrally formed of resin, and as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, the hook portion main body 80, the shaft portion 81, and the projection portion 82.
And the like.

The hook portion main body 80 is formed in a flat plate shape, and shaft flanges 84 are formed on both sides thereof. The shaft portion 81 is formed so as to protrude outside the shaft flange 84. A projection 82 is formed inside the hook body 80 (the right side in FIG. 30B is inside). As a result, the hook body 8
0 has a configuration having a hook shape. Further, ribs 83 are formed on both sides of the hook portion main body 80.

The hook 66 is mounted in the hook mounting recess 75 of the case half 62B as described above. At this time, since the shaft 81 is supported by bearings 77 formed on both sides of the hook mounting recess 75, the hook 66 is configured to be rotatable in the directions of arrows D1 and D2 in each drawing.

FIG. 30 shows a state in which the hook portion 66 has been rotated to the limit in the direction of arrow D2 in the figure. In this state, the hook part 66 is in the state shown in FIGS. 25 and 24, and the hook part main body 80 is housed in the hook part mounting recessed part 75 formed in the case half 62A (hereinafter, FIG. 2 of the hook part 66).
5, the positions shown in FIGS. 24 and 30 are referred to as storage positions).

Further, the hook portion 66 is shifted from the state shown in FIG.
When is rotated in the direction of arrow D1 in the figure, the state shown in FIG. 32 is reached via the position shown in FIG. 31 (a position rotated 90 degrees from the storage position). FIG. 32 shows a state in which the hook portion 66 has been rotated by 180 degrees from the storage position. In this state, the hook body 80 is connected to the inner wall 8 of the hook mounting recess 75.
5 (see FIGS. 27 (C) and 27 (E)), and further rotation is restricted.

The state in which the hook 66 is rotated by 180 degrees from the storage position is the state shown in FIGS. 33 to 35. In this state, the hook main body 80 of the hook 66 protrudes from the case surfaces 86A, 86B of the case half 62 (62A, 62B) (hereinafter, the position of the hook 66 shown in FIGS. 32 to 35). Is called a protruding position).

Here, returning to FIG. 27 again, the case half 6
The description of 2B will be continued. The case half 62B is provided with an engaging portion 67 and an insertion recess 69 in addition to the above-described components. The insertion concave portion 69 is disposed at a position symmetrical with respect to the center position of the case half 62B with respect to the position at which the above-described hook portion mounting concave portion 75 is disposed (that is, the position at which the hook portion 66 is disposed). Specifically, it is formed at the center position of the short side different from the short side where the hook mounting concave portion 75 of the case half 62A is formed.

The engagement portion 67 is formed so as to extend into an insertion recess 69 formed in the case half 62B. The insertion concave portion 69 is a portion into which the hook portion 66 at the projecting position is inserted, as described later.

[0146] The engaging portion 67 is provided with a pair of arm portions 87.
A and 87B, and a communication portion 78 that communicates the ends of the pair of arm portions 87A and 87B. FIG.
9 is an enlarged view of the engaging portion 67, and FIG.
It is a cross section along the CC line in (C). As shown in FIG. 29, the arm 87A (the arm 87B is
The end on the side different from the formation position of the communication portion 78) is integrally connected to a rib 70 formed on the case half 62B.

Therefore, the engaging portion 67 is configured to be flexible with respect to the rib 70 in the direction indicated by the arrow B in the figure. The communication portion 78 is integrally formed with a protrusion 79 projecting inward. The engaging portion 67 having the above configuration
Is a case where the case half 62B is viewed from the rear side (FIG. 27E).
), And located inside the insertion recess 69.

Next, a procedure for stacking the USB connection devices 61 having the above-described configuration to configure the USB system 60 will be described.

The USB connection device 61 according to this embodiment can be used alone or as a USB system 60 by stacking. When the USB connection device 61 is used alone, the hook 66 is rotated to the limit in the direction of the arrow D2 as shown in FIG.

As a result, the hook 66 is housed in the housing recess 68 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, and does not protrude from the case 62. Therefore,
When carrying the USB connection device 61, portability can be improved. When the hook portion 66 is located at the storage position, the ribs 83 formed on both sides of the hook portion main body 80 press against the inner wall of the hook portion mounting concave portion 75. Thus, the hook portion 66 does not deviate from the storage position even when being carried, thereby improving portability.

When the USB connection device 61 is used on a desk, it is possible to prevent the cable connected to the USB connection device 61 from being hooked on the hook 66. Further, as described above, since the engaging portion 67 is located in the insertion concave portion 69, the engaging portion 67 does not protrude from the case 62, so that the portability can be improved and the cable can be connected for the same reason as described above. It can prevent catching.

In the present embodiment, the hook 66 is rotatable with respect to the case 62 so as to move between the protruding position and the storage position. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it can be moved. However, in the configuration in which the hook portion is moved linearly, the moving space required for the movement of the hook portion becomes wider and the operability is deteriorated as compared with the present embodiment. On the other hand, when the hook portion 66 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the case 62 as in the present embodiment, the hook portion 66
The movement space of the USB connection device 61 can be reduced in size, and the operation of moving the hook 66 can be easily performed.

On the other hand, the USB connection devices 61 are stacked and
When used as the SB system 60, first, the hook portions 66 respectively provided on the pair of USB connection devices 61 to be overlapped are turned to the projecting position, and the pair of USB connection devices 61 are moved to the positions shown in FIGS. It is arranged as shown at 34.

For convenience of explanation and illustration, in FIG. 33 to FIG. 35, the upper portion of the USB connection device 61 and the reference numerals of its main components are denoted by “A”, and the lower portion of the USB connection device 61 and its "B" is the code for the main component
Will be described additionally.

To stack the pair of USB connection devices 61A and 61B, one USB connection device 61A is inverted with respect to the other USB connection device 61B (upside down). In the USB connection device 61A, a hook 66A is provided.
The insertion recess 69A is provided on the case surface 86A, and the hook portion 66B in the USB connection device 61B.
The insertion recess 69B is provided on the case surface 86B. Further, in each of the case surfaces 86A and 86B, the hook portions 66A and 66B and the insertion concave portions 69A and 69B are disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of each of the case surfaces 86A and 86B.

Therefore, only one USB connection device 61A
Is turned to the opposite side with respect to the other USB connection device 61B, the case surfaces 86A and 86B face each other, and the hook 66A of the USB connection device 61A faces the insertion recess 69B of the case half 62B. USB connection device 6
The insertion recess 69A of 1A is connected to the hook 6 of the case half 62B.
6B (see FIG. 33).

Subsequently, the USB connection devices 61A, 61A,
61B is overlapped. Thereby, the USB connection device 6
The hook portion main body 80 of the hook portion 66A protruding from the case surface 86A (case half body 62B) of 1A is inserted into an insertion recess 69B provided in the USB connection device 61B.
Similarly, the hook portion main body 80 of the hook portion 66B protruding from the case surface 86B (the case half 62B) of the USB connection device 61B is inserted into the insertion concave portion 69A provided in the USB connection device 61A.

As described above, the engaging portions 67A, 67 are formed in the insertion recesses 69A, 69 so as to extend in a tongue shape, and are flexible in the direction shown by the arrow B in FIG. It has a configuration. Further, a projecting portion 79 protruding inward is formed on the communication portion 78 forming the engaging portions 67A, 67.

Therefore, the hook portion main body 80 of the hook portion 66A having the hook shape formed by having the protrusion portion 82 is inserted into the insertion concave portion 69B, so that the protrusion portion 82 is formed.
Engages with the projection 79 of the engagement portion 67B. Similarly, when the hook main body 80 of the hook portion 66B having the hook shape is inserted into the insertion recess 69A, the projection 82 engages with the projection 79 of the engagement portion 67A. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 35, the USB connection device 61A and the USB connection device 61B are connected, and the USB system 60 is configured.

As described above, the USB connection device 61A and the USB
In a state where the B connection device 61B is coupled, each of the protrusions 7
Since the projection 9 and the projection 9 are engaged with each other, the coupling force between the two 79 and 82 is high, so that the USB connection devices 61A and 61B can be reliably maintained in a stacked state.

In this embodiment, since the projection 82 is formed so as to protrude toward the outside of the case 62 with respect to the hook main body 80, the hook main body 80 is inserted into the insertion recesses 69A and 69A.
In a state where the hook portion main body 80 is inserted into the hook portion 9B, the hook portion main body 80 is biased inward (the force indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 35).
Occurs. Since this force F acts as a force for pressing the hook portion main body 80 against the inner wall 85 of the hook portion mounting concave portion 75, it is possible to prevent the hook portions 66A and 66B from falling down toward the storage position during the engagement. it can.

As described above, in this embodiment, the USB system 60 can be configured by stacking the USB connection devices 61A and 61B with a simple configuration. USB in this way
By stacking the connection devices 61A and 61B, each of the USB connection devices 61A and 61B is similar to the above-described embodiments.
Space can be saved as compared with a configuration in which the USB connection devices are arranged in a plane, and the wires connected to the USB connection devices 61A and 61B can be efficiently simplified and connected.
Further, compared to a configuration in which the USB connection devices are simply stacked without providing the coupling mechanism (the hook portions 66A, 66B and the insertion concave portions 69A, 69B), the USB connection devices 61A, 61
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a displacement between 1B.

In the USB system 60 shown in FIG. 35, the electrical connection between the USB connection device 61A and the USB connection device 61B is established by the lower-layer USB port 64-4 provided in each of the USB connection devices 61A and 61B. The connection is made by connecting them with a USB cable.

In each of the above embodiments, a USB connection device has been described as an example of an electronic device. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to a USB connection device, and various electronic devices used in a stack can be used. Applicable to equipment.

[0165]

As described above, according to the present invention, an electronic device (USB connection device) is provided in one electronic device (USB connection device) without using a cable when being stacked. Contact point and adjacent electronic device (USB
Since the opposing contact portions provided on the connection device) are directly connected to each other, a space for a cable for connection is not required, and the wiring can be simplified.

Further, a coupling mechanism for mechanically coupling a plurality of electronic devices is provided by using a projection provided in a case of one electronic device and a structure in which another electronic device is superimposed on the one electronic device. The electronic device comprises a concave portion disposed on the case surface of the other electronic device facing the case surface on which the convex portion of the electronic device is formed,
With the configuration in which one electronic device and another electronic device are mechanically coupled by the engagement of the convex portion and the concave portion, one electronic device and another electronic device are stacked with a simple configuration. Can be combined with the state. Further, space saving can be achieved as compared with a configuration in which a plurality of electronic devices are arranged in a plane. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of positional displacement between the electronic devices as compared with a configuration in which the electronic devices are simply stacked.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of a USB connection system in which a USB connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is combined.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a state before combination of the USB connection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a USB used in the USB connection system of FIG. 1;
2A shows a configuration of a connection device (electronic device), FIG.
(B) is a front view, and (C) is a bottom view.

4A and 4B show the USB connection device of FIG. 3; FIG. 4A is a rear view, FIG. 4B is a right side view, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3, and FIG. -B line sectional view, and (E) is C-
It is a C line sectional view.

5A and 5B show the USB connection device of FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 5A is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right rear, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right front.

6A and 6B show the USB connection device of FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 6A is a perspective view seen from the lower right rear, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view seen from the lower right front.

7 shows a contact portion in the USB connection device of FIG. 3,
(A) is a front view, (B) is a right side view, (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD, and (D) is a cross-sectional view in a state where the contact is elastically deformed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing assembling of a contact portion in FIG. 7;

9 (A) to 9 (D) are cross-sectional views sequentially showing from a contact exposure state due to the rotation of the contact portion of FIG. 7 to a contact storage state.

FIGS. 10A to 10C are perspective views sequentially showing from a contact exposure state to a contact storage state due to the rotation of the contact portion in FIG. 7;

11A and 11B show the USB connection device in a contact storage state of the contact portion, wherein FIG. 11A is a plan view and FIG. 11B is a front view.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views showing a state in which a cover of a terminal portion of the USB connection device in FIG. 3 is removed.

FIG. 13 is a partial bottom view showing a state where a cover of a terminal unit is removed in the USB connection device of FIG. 3;

14A and 14B show a USB connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 14A is a perspective view seen from the upper right rear, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view seen from the upper right front.

15A and 15B show the USB connection device of FIG. 14, wherein FIG. 15A is a perspective view as viewed from the lower right rear, and FIG. 15B is a perspective view as viewed from the lower right front.

16A and 16B show a USB connection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 16A is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right rear, and FIG. 16B is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right front.

17A and 17B show the USB connection device of FIG. 16, wherein FIG. 17A is a perspective view seen from the lower right rear, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view seen from the lower right front.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show a USB connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 18A is a perspective view seen from the upper right front, and FIG. 18B is a perspective view seen from the upper right rear.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a USB connection device as a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 19A is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right rear, and FIG. 19B is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right front. .

20A and 20B show the USB connection device of FIG. 19, wherein FIG. 20A is a perspective view seen from the lower right rear, and FIG. 20B is a perspective view seen from the lower right front.

FIG. 21 shows the USB connection device shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG.
4A and 4B show a state before combination of the USB connection devices shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, wherein FIG. 4A is a right side view, FIG. 4B is a sectional view at a hook hole, FIG. 4C is a sectional view at a terminal portion, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a guide groove.

FIG. 22 shows the USB connection device shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG.
4A and 4B show a contact state of the USB connection device shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, wherein FIG. 4A is a right side view, FIG. 4B is a sectional view at a hook hole, FIG. 4C is a sectional view at a terminal portion, and FIG. It is sectional drawing in a guide groove.

FIG. 23 shows the USB connection device shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG.
4A and 4B show a combined state of the USB connection devices shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, wherein FIG. 4A is a right side view, FIG. 4B is a sectional view at a hook hole, FIG. 4C is a sectional view at a terminal portion, and FIG. It is sectional drawing in a groove | channel.

24A and 24B show a USB connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 24A is a plan view, FIG.
(C) is a front view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a rear view,
(F) is a bottom view.

25 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

26A and 26B show a case half of a USB connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG.
(B) is a left side view, (C) is a front view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a rear view, and (F) is a bottom view.

FIGS. 27A and 27B show a case half of a USB connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG.
(B) is a left side view, (C) is a front view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a rear view, and (F) is a bottom view.

28 is an enlarged sectional view showing the vicinity of a bearing portion of the half case shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged sectional view showing the vicinity of an engaging portion of the case half shown in FIG. 27;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are enlarged views of a hook part of the USB connection device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 30A and 30B are views showing a state where the hook part is in a storage position. is there.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are enlarged views of a hook portion constituting a USB connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 31A and 31B are diagrams each showing the hook portion turned 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the state where it moved.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are enlarged views of a hook part of the USB connection device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIGS. 32A and 32B show a state in which the hook part has been rotated to a protruding position. FIG.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a pair of USB connection devices according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are connected.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a state before a pair of USB connection devices according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are connected.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pair of USB connection devices according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are combined to form a USB connection system.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional USB hub.

FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing a usage example of the USB hub of FIG. 36;

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 60 USB connection system 11 USB connection device (main USB hub) 12 USB connection device (optional USB hub) 12a, 62 Case 13 USB connection device (compact flash card reader) 14 USB connection device (power supply device) 15 USB connection device (Memory stick reader) 20 Contact part 21 Main body 22 Contact 23 Rotation axis 24 Detent for rotation prevention 25 Board 26 Lead wire 27 Fixing member 30 Terminal part 31 Terminal 32 Frame 33 Cover 33a Slit 33b Rib 33c Engagement part 34 Rib 40 Connection Part 41 Hook 41a, 76 Hook claw 42 Guide convex part 43 Positioning convex part 50 Connecting part 51 Hook hole 51a Diagonal notch 52 Guide groove 53 Positioning concave part 61, 61A, 61B USB connection device 63, 64-1 , 64- , 64-3, 64-4 Upper layer side USB port 65 Power supply terminal 66, 66A, 66B Hook part 67, 67A, 67B Engagement part 68 Storage concave part 69, 69A, 69B Insertion concave part 73 Locking claw 74 Shaft holding part 75 Hook mounting concave part 77 Bearing part 78 Communication part 79 Projection part 80 Hook part main body 81 Shaft part 82 Projection part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Karahashi 1297 Motoyoshida-cho, Mito-city, Ibaraki Pref.

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. When a plurality of electronic devices are stacked on each other,
A connection device for an electronic device that electrically connects the plurality of electronic devices, wherein a connector of a first type is provided on a first surface of a case of the electronic device, and a connector of a first type opposite to the first surface is provided. On two surfaces, a connector of the second type is provided at a position corresponding to the arrangement position of the connector of the first type, and when the plurality of electronic devices are stacked on each other, the connector is provided on one of the stacked electronic devices. Out of the first or second type of connector, at least one type of connector is connected to a different type of connector from the one type of connector provided in another electronic device. Characteristic electronic device connection device. 2. A connector of a first type provided on a first surface of the case, a connector of a second type provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the case, and these connectors And a USB hub circuit provided in the case so as to connect to each other, wherein the first type and the second type of connectors are mutually connectable types, and a plurality of USB connections are provided. When the devices are connected one on top of the other,
The first type of connector of the USB connection device is
A USB connection device, wherein the USB connection device is connected to a second type connector of the SB connection device, and the second type connector is connected to a first connector of another USB connection device. 3. A first type connector provided on a first surface of the case, and a USB device connected to the first type connector, wherein the first surface has another USB device. A USB connection device, wherein a connector of a first type of the USB connection device is connected to a connector of a second type of another USB connection device when the connection devices are overlapped. 4. A connector of a second type provided on a second surface of the case, a USB port of an upper layer provided on the case, and a connector inside the case connected to the connector and the USB port. And a USB hub circuit provided in the second type, wherein the second type connector is mutually connectable with a first type connector provided on a first surface of a case of another USB connection device. And a second type connector of the USB connection device is connected to a first type connector of the other USB connection device at the time of connection in which another USB connection device is overlaid on the second surface. A USB connection device, characterized in that: 5. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector of the first type is a terminal formed on a substrate provided in the case and exposed from a window provided on a first surface of the case. Wherein the connector is a contact portion protruding from the second surface of the case, and is electrically connected when the terminal portion and the contact portion come into contact with each other at the time of connection. USB according to any one of 4.
Connection device. 6. The connector of the first type is a contact portion protruding from a first surface of the case, and the connector of the second type is formed on a substrate provided in the case and is connected to the case. A terminal portion exposed from a window portion provided on a second surface, wherein the contact portion and the terminal portion are in contact with each other to be electrically connected at the time of connection. 4. The USB connection device according to any one of 4. 7. On both sides of a window for exposing the terminal,
A rib receiver protruding inward from each other is provided, and a rib protruding outward is provided on both sides of the contact portion. 7. The USB connection device according to claim 5, wherein mutual positioning with the contact portion is performed. 8. The USB connection device according to claim 7, wherein when the terminal portion is not used, a cover is attached to the rib receiver and a window portion is covered. 9. The contact portion is rotatably supported with respect to the case. When the contact portion is not used, the contact portion is rotated with respect to the case, and the contact portion is stored in the case. The USB connection device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: 10. A first surface provided with a connector of the first type having an engagement recess or an engagement protrusion, and a second surface provided with a connector of the second type is provided with an engagement protrusion. 10. The U according to claim 2, further comprising an engagement recess, wherein the engagement projection engages with the engagement recess during connection. 11.
SB connection device. 11. A first surface provided with a connector of the first type has a guide groove or a projection for guiding extending in one direction, and a second surface provided with a connector of the second type has a guide. And a guide groove extending in one direction. During connection, the guide protrusion slides in the guide groove, thereby forming a lateral direction perpendicular to the one direction between the USB connection devices. 11. The USB connection device according to claim 10, wherein the position of the USB connection device is regulated, and the engagement protrusion engages with the engagement recess at the end position of the sliding. 12. A first surface provided with a connector of the first type has a convex portion or a concave portion for positioning, and a second surface provided with a connector of the second type has a concave portion or a concave portion for positioning. A projection, and in a state where the engagement projection is engaged with the engagement recess at the time of connection,
11. The USB connection device is half-locked with each other by engaging the convex portion with the concave portion.
Or the USB connection device according to 11. 13. At least one U is provided on an outer surface of the case.
The USB connection device according to claim 2, further comprising an SB port, wherein the USB port is connected to a USB hub circuit. 14. The USB connection device according to claim 3, wherein the USB device unit is an auxiliary storage device. 15. The USB connection device according to claim 3, wherein the USB device section is a USB port. 16. The USB connection device according to claim 3, wherein the USB device unit is a power supply battery. 17. An electronic device with a coupling mechanism having a coupling mechanism for mechanically coupling the plurality of electronic devices when the plurality of electronic devices are stacked on each other, wherein the coupling mechanism includes the plurality of electronic devices. Among the devices, a convex portion provided on a case of one electronic device, and a case surface on which the convex portion of the one electronic device is formed when another electronic device is stacked on the one electronic device The other electronic device is arranged on a case surface facing the other electronic device, and is configured by a concave portion that mechanically couples the one electronic device and the other electronic device by engaging with the convex portion. An electronic device with a coupling mechanism, characterized in that: 18. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are provided on the same case surface of the electronic device, and a positional relationship between the convex portion and the concave portion is symmetric with respect to a center position of the case surface. The electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the electronic device is configured as described above. 19. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the convex portion is configured to be movable with respect to a case of the electronic device, and moves between a projecting position protruding from the case surface and a storage position accommodated in the case surface in a non-projecting state. The electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the electronic device is configured to perform the following. 20. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the projection is rotatable with respect to a case of the electronic device.
An electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to claim 9. 21. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are engaged by sliding the one electronic device relative to the other electronic device. 19. The electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to 18. 22. The electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion has a hook shape. 23. The electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to claim 20, wherein a protrusion protruding toward the outside of the case is formed at the protrusion at the protrusion. 24. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a USB connection device provided with a USB port.
24. The electronic device with a coupling mechanism according to any one of 7 to 23.