Electrical connectors – Connector movable between accessible and inaccessible positions
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-17
2001-11-13
Paumen, Gary (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Connector movable between accessible and inaccessible positions
C439S172000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315582
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electronic devices such as Universal Serial Buss (USB) type devices for connecting various USB interface equipments, and, more particularly, to a structure of a contact point unit exposed through the surface of the casing of a USB-type connecting device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, USB-type interfaces (hereinafter referred to as “USB interfaces”) have been employed as common interfaces for connecting various peripheral equipments, such as keyboard, mouse, and printer, to a personal computer.
In order to connect a plurality of USB interface peripheral equipments to a personal computer, a USB hub provided with a plurality of USB interface connectors is used.
In a USB interface, a cable made up of two signal lines and two power lines is used, so that power can be supplied to the peripheral equipments from each USB port via the USB hub.
FIG. 1
is a schematic view of the structure of a USB hub
1
.
The USB hub
1
comprises a casing
2
, a first USB port
3
formed by a USB connector disposed on the casing
2
, second USB ports
4
formed by a plurality (four in
FIG. 1
) of USB connectors disposed on the casing
2
, and a USB hub circuit
5
installed in the casing
2
. The first USB port
3
is connected to the host of the USB hub circuit
5
, and each of the second USB ports
4
is connected to the lower layer side of the USB hub circuit
5
.
As shown in
FIG.2
, a personal computer
100
is connected to the first USB port
3
, while a keyboard
6
, a mouse
7
, a printer
8
, and a scanner
9
, each of which is suitable for USB connection, are connected to the second USB ports
4
.
With this structure, the keyboard
6
, the mouse
7
, the printer
8
, and the scanner
9
can be used through the personal computer via the USB hub
1
.
Furthermore, the USB hub
1
has a layer structure. Also, such a layer-structured USB hub can be connected by a hot-line connection (i.e., hot plugs). Thus, the usefulness of a personal computer can be increased further.
However, the USB hub
1
has disadvantages in that peripheral equipments are connected to the USB hub
1
via cables, and that the USB hub
1
is connected to a personal computer via a cable. Accordingly, a plurality of cables are required for the USB hub
1
, and a large enough space for accommodating the cables is needed. Also, the arrangement of the cables becomes complicated.
To eliminate the above disadvantages, the USB hub
1
can be provided with a contact point unit exposed through the surface of the casing
2
, so that the USB hub
1
can be connected to peripheral equipments without cables.
However, such an exposed contact point unit can be easily deformed by an inadvertent touch. When the contact point unit is not used, it is necessary to cover the contact point unit with a cap for protection, which only results in a higher cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device having a contact point unit that protrudes from the casing and is protected without a cap.
The object of the present invention is achieved by an electronic device comprising:
a casing; and
a contact point unit that includes a main body rotatable supported by a rotational axis extending between both side surfaces of the casing, and one or more contact points attached to a surface of the main body;
wherein
the main body is rotatively moved between a position where the one or more contact points are exposed and a position where the one or more contact points are accommodated in the casing, and
when the contact point unit is not used, the main body of the contact point unit is rotatively moved so that the one or more contact points are accommodated in the casing.
When the contact point unit is used, the contact points are exposed through the surface of the casing. On the other hand, when the contact point unit is not used, the main body is rotatively moved around the rotational axis, so that the contact points on the surface of the main body are accommodated in the casing. Thus, the contact points are hidden and protected. With this structure, no one can inadvertently touch and deform the contact points.
In the electronic device of the present invention, the one or more contact points are collectively molded with the main body of the contact point unit, and are each bent in a U-shape. When the one or more contact points are pressed by a terminal of a mating connector, a contact portion of the one or more contact points is elastically deformed.
With this structure, each of the contact points can be elastically in contact with each corresponding terminal of a mating connector. Thus, electrical connection can be surely carried out.
In the electronic device of the present invention, the rotational axis substantially extends from the center of each side surface of the main body.
With this structure, when the main body is rotatively moved from the contact point exposing position to the contact point accommodating position, the gap between the main body and the casing is narrow enough to protect the casing from dust and dirt.
In the electronic device of the present invention, the main body of the contact point unit is provided with a rotation stopper that is brought into contact with an upper surface of the casing when the main body is rotatively moved to the position where the one or more contact points are accommodated in the casing.
With this structure, the rotation stopper is in contact with one end periphery of the casing, when the main body of the contact point unit is located at the contact point exposing position. The rotation stopper is in contact with the other end periphery of the casing, when the main body is located at the contact point accommodating position. Thus, the rotation of the main body is restricted within the range from the contact point exposing position and the contact point accommodating position.
In the electronic device of the present invention, the main body has a cylindrical shape, with the rotational axis being the center, except for a region of the one or more contact points.
With this structure, when the main body of the contact point unit is rotatively moved from the contact point exposing position to the contact point accommodating position, there is only a very narrow gap between the main body and the casing. Thus, the casing can be more effectively protected form dust and dirt.
As described above, the contact point unit of the electronic device of the present invention is rotatably supported, and is rotatively moved between the contact point exposing position and the contact point accommodating position. When the contact point unit is used, the main body is carried to the contact point exposing position, so that the contact points can be brought into contact with the contact points of a mating connector. When the contact point unit is not used, the main body is carried to the contact point accommodating position, thereby protecting the contact points.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5308260 (1994-05-01), Johnston et al.
patent: 5967807 (1999-10-01), Wu
patent: 6089922 (2000-07-01), Glad et al.
patent: 6191553 (2001-02-01), Feng-Jung
Hori Katsuhiro
Karahashi Satoru
Kikuchi Yoshiyuki
Nishio Atsushi
Figueroa Felix O.
Ladas & Parry
Mitsumi Electric Co. Ltd.
Paumen Gary
LandOfFree
Electronic device for connecting universal serial buss... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electronic device for connecting universal serial buss..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electronic device for connecting universal serial buss... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2571579