Patent Application
20170271806
The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-050451, filed on Mar. 15, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-198738, filed on Oct. 7, 2016, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The present invention relates to a plug unit including a plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors, and a receptacle unit including a plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors.
Portable terminal devices such as a tablet type PC and the like are used while being docked with peripheral equipment such as a keyboard, a mouse or the like in more and more cases. In such a case, in order to realize high-speed transmission, it is demanded to mount a docking connector including more contacts on a portable terminal device and peripheral equipment. For example, Patent Literature 1 recites a docking connector including a pair of connectors each having numerous contacts aligned, in which one connector is docked with the other connector.
Patent Literature 1: JP H11-288760 A
In the docking connector recited in JP H11-288760 A, one connector can be docked only with the other connector. Specifically, peripheral equipment with one connector mounted thereon can be docked with a portable terminal device with the other connector mounted thereon, but not with peripheral equipment mounted with other connector than the other connector.
Thus, use of a docking connector has been studied which includes two or more connectors conforming to the standard specification (hereinafter, referred to as a predetermined standard connector) such as the USB Type-C or the like. For example, a portable terminal device mounted with a receptacle side docking connector as a receptacle unit including two predetermined standard receptacle connectors can be docked not only with peripheral equipment mounted with a plug side docking connector as a plug unit including two predetermined standard plug connectors but also with peripheral equipment mounted with one predetermined standard plug connector. In other words, one of the two predetermined standard receptacle connectors provided in the receptacle side docking connector on the side of the portable terminal device can be docked with the peripheral equipment mounted with one predetermined standard plug connector. Further, the other of the two predetermined standard receptacle connectors provided in the above receptacle side docking connector can be connected with other peripheral equipment mounted with one predetermined standard plug connector as well.
However, in a step of assembling such a docking connector as described above, it is difficult to mount two predetermined standard connectors at an accurate position and in an accurate posture. When positions and postures of the two predetermined standard connectors deviate from each other during mounting, connection of the predetermined standard connector with a partner connector might develop a failure, or engagement of a predetermined standard connector with a partner connector might cause breakage.
Additionally, in order to realize higher speed transmission by increasing the number of contacts, it is demanded to mount an additional connector on a docking connector including two or more of such predetermined standard connectors as described above. However, mounting an additional connector increases a docking connector in size.
An object of the present invention is to provide a plug unit and a receptacle unit which enable a tolerance to be minimized and enable size reduction.
A plug unit of the present invention includes a plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors, the predetermined standard plug connectors each including a contact that connects with a connection terminal of a predetermined standard receptacle connector, and the plug unit includes one insulator which holds the contact that each of the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors has and which defines an interval between the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors and a posture of the predetermined standard plug connectors.
Additionally, the plug unit of the present invention includes a guide portion to be inserted, when docking with a receptacle unit including the plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors, before the predetermined standard plug connectors engage with the predetermined standard receptacle connectors, into a guide insertion portion of the receptacle unit.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the guide portion includes a first additional connector.
Additionally, the plug unit of the present invention includes a plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors, and a cover which covers the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors, and the plug unit includes a guide portion to be inserted, when docking with a receptacle unit including a plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors, before the predetermined standard plug connectors engage with the plug unit, into a guide insertion portion of the receptacle unit, wherein the guide portion is formed integrally with the cover.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the cover has an opening portion for exposing an engagement portion in which the predetermined standard plug connector engages with the predetermined standard receptacle connector, and between an outer wall portion of the predetermined standard plug connector and a wall portion forming the opening portion, a predetermined space is formed such that the predetermined standard plug connectors can move on a cross plane crossing an engagement direction of engagement with the predetermined standard receptacle connectors, and the plug unit includes a control portion which controls, relative to the opening portion, at least either one of a position and a posture of at least one of the predetermined standard plug connectors.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the guide portion and the cover are formed of resin, and the guide portion has metal incorporated therein.
Additionally, the plug unit of the present invention includes a first additional connector arranged in the guide portion.
Additionally, a plug unit of the present invention, which is a plug unit including a plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors, includes a guide portion which is inserted into a guide insertion portion of a receptacle unit having a plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors when docking with the receptacle unit, before the predetermined standard plug connector engages with the predetermined standard receptacle connector, and includes a first additional connector arranged in the guide portion.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the predetermined standard plug connectors include contacts to be connected with connection terminals of the predetermined standard receptacle connectors, and one insulator is provided which holds the contacts that the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors respectively have and which defines respective intervals between the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors and postures of the predetermined standard plug connectors.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the guide portion is formed in the periphery of the predetermined standard plug connector.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the guide portion is formed between the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the guide portion is formed of metal.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, a width of the guide portion in a direction orthogonal to an alignment direction in which the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors is aligned is not less than an internal diameter width of an internal diameter of the predetermined standard receptacle connector in the direction orthogonal to the alignment direction.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the guide portion has an arrangement portion in which the first additional connector is arranged.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the first additional connector includes a first contact having a connection surface which connects with a connection terminal of a second additional connector, and the connection surface of the first contact is arranged on a top surface of the guide portion.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors is a reversible connector.
Additionally, the plug unit of the present invention includes at least two first additional connectors, and the receptacle unit includes at least one second additional connector connectable with the one first additional connector and the other first additional connector.
Additionally, in the plug unit of the present invention, the predetermined standard plug connector is of USB Type-C.
A receptacle unit of the present invention includes a plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors and is mounted on an electronic apparatus, and includes at least one guide reception portion which, when docking with a plug unit including a plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors, before the predetermined standard receptacle connectors engage with the predetermined standard plug connectors, receives a guide portion of the plug unit, wherein at least one predetermined standard receptacle connector of the plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors is mounted on a board independently of at least one other of the predetermined standard receptacle connectors, when at least two of the guide reception portions are provided, the at least two guide reception portions are integrally formed, and the guide reception portion is fixed to the board after the predetermined standard receptacle connectors are mounted on the board.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the guide reception portion includes a second additional connector.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the second additional connector includes a second contact, one end portion of which second contact is electrically connected with a first contact of the first additional connector and the other end portion of which second contact is electrically connected with a wire.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the second additional connector includes a first engagement portion which engages with the first additional connector, and a second engagement portion which engages with a connector mounted on the board.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the guide reception portion covers the predetermined standard receptacle connectors, and the guide reception portion and a shell of the predetermined standard receptacle connectors electrically conduct with each other.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the guide reception portion includes a fixing portion to be fixed to the board, the fixing portion being arranged in the vicinity of the second additional connector and between the plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the guide reception portion is fixed to a casing of the electronic apparatus together with the board.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the predetermined standard receptacle connectors are mounted on a mounting surface of the board such that an engagement direction of engagement with the predetermined standard plug connectors is parallel to the mounting surface, and the guide reception portion is fixed to the board from a position opposed to the mounting surface.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the guide reception portion supports the predetermined standard receptacle connector in an insertion direction in which the guide portion of the plug unit is inserted into the guide reception portion.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the electronic apparatus is a portable terminal device.
Additionally, in the receptacle unit of the present invention, the predetermined standard receptacle connector is of USB Type-C.
According to the present invention, a plug unit and a receptacle unit can be provided which enable a tolerance to be minimized and realize size reduction.
In the following, with reference to the drawings, a docking connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Additionally, in the following, with an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system set as shown in
The plurality of contacts 12a and 12b are held by an insert housing 16 formed of one insulator. Similarly, the plurality of contacts 14a and 14b are held by an insert housing 18 formed of one insulator. The insert housings 16 and 18 define an interval between the plug connectors 4a and 4b, and postures of the plug connectors 4a and 4b. Defining the interval between the plug connectors 4a and 4b, and thus an interval between the contacts 12a and 12b and an interval between the contacts 14a and 14b enables the contacts 12a and 12b to be securely connected with the contacts not shown of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b, and the contacts 14a and 14b to be securely connected with the contacts 49a and 49b (see
Additionally, the plug connector 4a has a ground plate 20a between the contacts 12a and 14a, and the plug connector 4b includes a ground plate 20b between the contacts 12b and 14b, with the ground plates 20a and 20b being coupled by a coupling portion 22. Additionally, the plug connector 4a includes two ground contacts 24a and 26a, and the plug connector 4b includes two ground contacts 24b and 26b. The ground contact 24a is arranged on the −Y direction side of the plug connector 4a, and the ground contact 26a is arranged on the +Y direction side of the plug connector 4a, with the ground contacts 24a and 26a being connected with the ground plate 20a. The ground contact 24b is arranged on the −Y direction side of the plug connector 4b, and the ground contact 26b is arranged on the +Y direction side of the plug connector 4b, with the ground contacts 24b and 26b being connected with the ground plate 20b.
Additionally, the plug connector 4a has a housing 28a in which housing 28a, the plurality of contacts 12a held by the insert housing 16, the plurality of contacts 14a held by the insert housing 18, the ground plate 20a, and the two ground contacts 24a and 26a are arranged. Additionally, the housing 28a holds the ground plate contacts 30a and 31a.
The ground plate contact 30a is arranged on the +X direction side of the housing 28a. The ground plate contact 30a is connected with a receptacle ground shell not shown of the receptacle connector 44a when the plug connector 4a engages with the receptacle connector 44a (see
Similarly, the plug connector 4b has a housing 28b, in which housing 28b, the plurality of contacts 12b held by the insert housing 16, the plurality of contacts 14b held by the insert housing 18, the ground plate 20b, and the two ground contacts 24b and 26b are arranged. Additionally, the housing 28b holds ground plate contacts 30b and 31b.
The ground plate contact 30b is arranged on the +X direction side of the housing 28b. When the plug connector 4b engages with the receptacle connector 44b (see
Additionally, the plug connector 4a has a shell 32a, which shell 32a covers an outer circumference of the housing 28a, a side on which the plurality of contacts 12a of the insert housing 16 is held (the −Y direction side), and a side on which the plurality of contacts 14a of the insert housing 18 is held (the −Y direction side). Similarly, the plug connector 4b has a shell 32b, which shell 32b covers an outer circumference of the housing 28b, a side on which the plurality of contacts 12b of the insert housing 16 is held (the +Y direction side), and a side on which the plurality of contacts 14b of the insert housing 18 is held (the +Y direction side).
In the guide 8a, an opening 33a is formed in which the additional connector 6a fits, as an arrangement portion in which the additional connector 6a is arranged. Similarly, in the guides 8b to 8d, openings 33b to 33d are formed in which the additional connectors 6b to 6d fit, as arrangement portions in which the additional connectors 6b to 6d are arranged. The arrangement portions can be configured to be provided with, other than openings, concaves in which the additional connectors 6a to 6d fit.
Additionally, front end portions on the +Z direction side of the guides 8a to 8d protrude more in the +Z direction than front end portions on the +Z direction side of the plug connectors 4a and 4b. Specifically, the guides 8a to 8d protrude more than the plug connectors 4a and 4b to a side of an insertion direction (the +Z direction) in which the guides 8a to 8d are inserted into the guide insertion portions 48a to 48d (see
As shown in
The additional plug connector 6b is arranged in the opening 33b of the guide 8b, and includes a plurality (five in the first embodiment) of contacts 34b, and a housing 36b which holds the plurality of contacts 34b. The contacts 34b each have a connection surface 35b which connects with a connection terminal 58b (see
The additional plug connector 6c is arranged in the opening 33c of the guide 8c and includes a plurality of contacts (not shown), and a housing 36c which holds the plurality of contacts. The additional plug connector 6d is arranged in an opening 33d of the guide 8d and includes a plurality of contacts (not shown), and a housing 36d which holds the plurality of contacts.
Next, description will be made of a docking connector on a receptacle side (hereinafter, referred to as a receptacle docking connector) as a receptacle unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.
Additionally, the receptacle connector 44a includes the receptacle ground shell 52a, and a receptacle ground shell not shown. The receptacle ground shell 52a is arranged on the −X direction side of the receptacle connector 44a, and the receptacle ground shell not shown is arranged on the +X direction side of the receptacle connector 44a. When the receptacle connector 44a engages with the plug connector 4a, the receptacle ground shell 52a connects with the ground plate contact 31a. When the receptacle connector 44a engages with the plug connector 4a, the receptacle ground shell not shown connects with the ground plate contact 30a.
The receptacle connector 44b includes the receptacle ground shell 52b and a receptacle ground shell not shown. The receptacle ground shell 52b is arranged on the −X direction side of the receptacle connector 44b, and the receptacle ground shell not shown is arranged on the +X direction side of the receptacle connector 44a. When the receptacle connector 44b engages with the plug connector 4b, the receptacle ground shell 52b connects with the ground plate contact 31b. When the receptacle connector 44b engages with the plug connector 4b, the receptacle ground shell not shown connects with the ground plate contact 30b.
The plurality of contacts 49a and 49b, a plurality of contacts not shown of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b, the receptacle ground shells 52a and 52b, and receptacle ground shells not shown of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b are held by a receptacle housing 54 formed of one insulator. The receptacle housing 54 defines an interval between the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b, and postures of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b. Defining the interval between the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b, and thus an interval between the contacts 49a and 49b enables the contacts 49a and 49b to be securely connected with the contacts 14a and 14b of the plug connectors 4a and 4b. Similarly, defining an interval between contacts not shown of the receptacle connector 44a and contacts not shown of the receptacle connector 44b enables the contacts not shown of the receptacle connector 44a and the contacts not shown of the receptacle connector 44b to be securely connected with the contacts 12a and 12b of the plug connectors 4a and 4b. Additionally, defining the postures of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b, i.e. defining an inclination on the XY plane, and a position and an inclination in the Z axis direction enables the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b to be securely engaged with the plug connectors 4a and 4b without damages.
The guide shell 50 covers an outer circumference of the receptacle housing 54 (the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b) and holds the two receptacle connectors 44a and 44b by holding the receptacle housing 54. The guide shell 50 includes the four guide insertion portions 48a to 48d, which are formed in the periphery of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b. Specifically, the guide insertion portion 48a is formed on the +X direction side and on the −Y direction side of the receptacle connector 44a, the guide insertion portion 48b is formed on the +X direction side and on the +Y direction side of the receptacle connector 44b, the guide insertion portion 48c is formed on the −X direction side and the −Y direction side of the receptacle connector 44a, and the guide insertion portion 48d is formed on the −X direction side and on the +Y direction side of the receptacle connector 44b.
Additionally, insertion ports of the guide insertion portions 48a to 48d protrude more in the −Z direction side than front end portions of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b on the −Z direction side. Accordingly, when the receptacle docking connector 42 docks with the plug docking connector 2, the guide insertion portions 48a to 48d receive the guides 8a to 8d of the plug docking connector 2 before the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b start engaging with the plug connectors 4a and 4b.
As shown in
As shown in
In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in
A plurality of contacts not shown of the additional plug connector 6c each have a connection surface which connects with the connection terminal 58b of the contact 56b of the additional receptacle connector 46b. The connection surface is arranged on a plane substantially flush with a guide surface (not shown) as a top surface of the guide 8c. Similarly, a plurality of contacts not shown of the additional plug connector 6d each have a connection surface which connects with the connection terminal 58a of the contact 56a of the additional receptacle connector 46a. The connection surface is arranged on a plane substantially flush with a guide surface (not shown) as a top surface of the guide 8d.
With the plug docking connector 2 according to the first embodiment, since the plurality of contacts 12a and 12b is held by the insert housing 16 formed of one insulator, and the plurality of contacts 14a and 14b is held by the insert housing 18 formed of one insulator, an interval between the plug connectors 4a and 4b and postures of the plug connectors 4a and 4b are defined. Accordingly, a tolerance can be minimized to enable the contacts 12a and 12b to be securely connected with the contacts not shown of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b, and the contacts 14a and 14b to be securely connected with the contacts 49a and 49b. Additionally, the plug connectors 4a and 4b can be securely engaged with the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b without damages.
Additionally, with the receptacle docking connector 42 according to the first embodiment, since the contacts 49a and 49b and the like are held by the receptacle housing 54 formed of one insulator, an interval between the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b and postures of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b are defined. Accordingly, a tolerance can be minimized to enable the contacts not shown of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b to be securely connected with the contacts 12a and 12b, and the contacts 49a and 49b to be securely connected with the contacts 14a and 14b. Additionally, the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b can be securely engaged with the plug connectors 4a and 4b without damages.
Additionally, although when a connector is further added to a docking connector having predetermined standard connectors such as a plurality of connectors conforming to the standard specification, there occurs a problem of an increase in the docking connector, with the plug docking connector 2 according to the first embodiment, since the additional plug connectors 6a to 6d are arranged in the guides 8a to 8d, the plug docking connector 2 can be reduced in size. Similarly, with the receptacle docking connector 42 according to the first embodiment, since the additional receptacle connectors 46a and 46b are arranged in the guide insertion portions 48a and 48b, the receptacle docking.
Although the above plug docking connector 2 according to the first embodiment has been described with respect to a case where the guide surfaces 9a and 9b of the guides 8a and 8b are plane surfaces, the present invention is applicable also to a case where the guide surfaces are curved surfaces. Even when the guide surfaces are curved surfaces, the connection surfaces 35a and 35b can be arranged on a plane substantially flush with the guide surfaces. Similarly, guide surfaces not shown of the guides 8c and 8d are also plane surfaces or curved surfaces, and connection surfaces not shown of the additional connectors 6c and 6d are arranged on a plane substantially flush with the guide surfaces not shown of the guides 8c and 8d.
Additionally, although the above plug docking connector 2 according to the first embodiment is provided with the four additional plug connectors 6a to 6d, only at least two additional plug connectors need to be provided. Additionally, although the above receptacle docking connector 42 according to the embodiment is provided with the two additional receptacle connectors 46a and 46b, only at least one additional receptacle connector need to be provided.
Additionally, in the above plug docking connector 2 according to the first embodiment, the front end portions of the guides 8a to 8d in the +Z direction protrude more than the front end portions of the plug connectors 4a and 4b, and the insertion ports of the guide insertion portions 48a to 48d of the receptacle docking connector 42 protrude more than the front end portions of the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b. However, only at least either one of the front end portions of the guides 8a to 8d and the insertion ports of the guide insertion portions 48a to 48d need to protrude. Specifically, the configuration need only allow the guides 8a to 8d to be inserted into the guide insertion portions 48a to 48d before the plug connectors 4a and 4b start engaging with the receptacle connectors 44a and 44b.
Additionally, although in the above plug docking connector 2 according to the first embodiment, the guides 8a to 8d are formed around the plug connectors 4a and 4b, a guide 66 can be formed between the plug connectors 4a and 4b, for example, such a plug docking connector 64 as shown in
The guide 66 shown in
Next, a docking connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Additionally, in the following, with an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system set as shown in
When docking with the receptacle docking connector 73 including two USB Type-C receptacle connectors (hereinafter, referred to simply as receptacle connectors) 113a and 113b (see
The guide portion 78a has a member 95a with a high strength (metal in this embodiment) insert-molded therein. Similarly, the guide portion 78b has a member 95b with a high strength (metal in this embodiment) insert-molded therein. Insert-molding of the metals 95a and 95b in the guide portions 78a and 78b enables an increase in the guide portions 78a and 78b in strength, and enables breakage of the guide portions 78a and 78b to be prevented when the guide portions 78a and 78b are inserted into the guide reception portions 102a and 102b of the receptacle docking connector 73. The metals 95a and 95b can be incorporated into the guide portions 78a and 78b by fitting-in, embedding and the like other than by insert-molding.
Additionally, front end portions on the +Y direction side of the guide portions 78a and 78b protrude more in the +Y direction than front end portions on the +Y direction side of the plug connectors 76a and 76b. Specifically, the guide portions 78a and 78b protrude more than the plug connectors 76a and 76b to a side of an insertion direction (the +Y direction) in which the guide portions 78a and 78b are inserted into the guide reception portions 102a and 102b of the receptacle docking connector 73. Accordingly, when the plug docking connector 75 docks with the receptacle docking connector 73, the guide portions 78a and 78b are inserted into the guide reception portions 102a and 102b of the receptacle docking connector 73 before the plug connectors 76a and 76b fit in the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b.
Additionally, a width W (mm) of each of the guide portions 78a and 78b in a direction (Z direction) orthogonal to a direction in which the plug connectors 76a and 76b are aligned is equal to or more than an internal diameter width D (mm) in the Z direction of an internal diameter of each of the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b. The width W (mm) of each of the guide portions 78a and 78b preferably satisfies D□W□(D+0.6) and more preferably satisfies D□W□(D+1). Accordingly, when the plug docking connector 75 docks with the receptacle docking connector 73, erroneous insertion of the guide portions 78a and 78b into the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b can be prevented.
Additionally, the guide portion 78a has the additional plug connector 77a arranged therein, i.e., incorporated, and the additional plug connector 77a includes a plurality of contacts 116a as shown in
Additionally, the guide portion 78b has the additional plug connector 77b arranged therein, i.e., incorporated, and the additional plug connector 77b includes a plurality of contacts 116b as shown in
Additionally, on the −X direction side between the guide portion 78a and the guide portion 78b of the front cover 79, an opening portion 86a is formed which covers the plug connector 76a and is for exposing a fit-in portion 80a at which the plug connector 76a fits in the receptacle connector 113a (see
Additionally, in the front cover 79 (the rear of a surface on which the guide portions 78a and 78b are formed), as shown in
Further, in the front cover 79 (the rear of a surface on which the guide portions 78a and 78b are formed), as shown in
Additionally, between an outer wall portion of the plug connector 76a, i.e., a plug shell 65a which will be described later, and a wall portion 87a formed on the +Y direction side of the opening portion 86a, a predetermined space is formed such that on a surface on which the opening portion 86a is formed (ZX plane), the plug connector 76a can move relative to the front cover 79 (the rear cover 81 fixed to the front cover 79) as shown in
Between the outer wall portion of the plug connector 76a and the front cover 79 (a wall portion 88a formed on the −Y direction side of the opening portion 86a), a control portion 89a is provided.
The control portion 89a controls a position of the plug connector 76a in the Z direction relative to the opening portion 86a by using elastic forces of the Z side elastic portions 90a and 91a. For example, when a force in the −Z direction is applied to the plug connector 76a, the Z side elastic portion 90a extends in the −Z direction and the Z side elastic portion 91a contracts in the −Z direction. Accordingly, the plug connector 76a moves in the −Z direction within a predetermined space formed between the outer wall portion of the plug connector 76a and the wall portion 88a. When a force in the +Z direction is applied to the plug connector 76a, the Z side elastic portion 90a contracts in the +Z direction, and the Z side elastic portion 91a extends in the +Z direction. Accordingly, the plug connector 76a moves in the +Z direction within the predetermined space formed between the outer wall portion of the plug connector 76a and the wall portion 88a.
Additionally, on the +X direction side of the control portion 89a, as shown in
The control portion 89a controls a position of the plug connector 76a in the X direction relative to the opening portion 86a by using elastic forces of the X side elastic portions 92a and 93a. For example, when a force in the −X direction is applied to the plug connector 76a, the X side elastic portion 92a extends in the −X direction, and the X side elastic portion 93a contracts in the −X direction. Accordingly, the plug connector 76a moves in the −X direction within the predetermined space formed between the outer wall portion of the plug connector 76a and the wall portion 88a. When a force in the +X direction is applied to the plug connector 76a, the X side elastic portion 92a contracts in the +X direction, and the X side elastic portion 93a extends in the +X direction. Accordingly, the plug connector 76a moves in the +X direction within the predetermined space formed between the outer wall portion of the plug connector 76a and the wall portion 88a.
Additionally, on the +Y direction side of the control portion 89a, as shown in
Additionally, between the outer wall portion of the plug connector 76b and the front cover 79 (a wall portion 88b formed on the −Y direction side of the opening portion 86b), a control portion 89b is provided. The control portion 89b is formed of a conductive member, e.g., metal, and is incorporated in the opening portion 86b. On the +Z direction side of the control portion 89b, four Z side elastic portions are formed which have the same function and effect as those of the Z side elastic portion 90a of the control portion 89a. Additionally, on the −Z direction side of the control portion 89b, four Z side elastic portions are formed which have the same function and effect as those of the Z side elastic portion 91a of the control portion 89a.
Additionally, on the +X direction side of the control portion 89b, two X side elastic portions are formed which have the same function and effect as those of the X side elastic portion 92a of the control portion 89a. Additionally, on the −X direction side of the control portion 89b, two X side elastic portions are formed which have the same function and effect as those of the X side elastic portion 93a of the control portion 89a. Additionally, on the +Y direction side of the control portion 89b, four Y side elastic portions are formed which have the same function and effect as those of the Y side elastic portion 94a of the control portion 89a. Since position control and posture control of the plug connector 76b of the control portion 89b are the same as the position control and the posture control of the plug connector 76a in the control portion 89a, no description will be made thereof.
Next, a configuration of the plug connector 76a will be described.
Additionally, on the +Z direction side of the circuit board 82a, one end of each of the plurality of cables 83a is fixed by soldering or the like. Each of the plurality of cables 83a is electrically connected with each of the plurality of contacts 85a arranged on the +Z direction side of the plug connector 76a via the circuit board 82a. Additionally, to the −Z direction side of the circuit board 82a, one end of each of the plurality of cables 84a is fixed by soldering or the like. Each of the plurality of cables 84a is electrically connected with each of the plurality of contacts 59a arranged on the −Z direction side of the plug connector 76a via the circuit board 82a.
Next, a configuration of the plug connector 76b will be described. The plug connector 76b is mounted on a circuit board 82b as shown in
Here, the circuit boards 82a and 82b on which the plug connectors 76a and 76b are mounted function as first holding portions which hold one ends of the plurality of cables 83a and 83b, respectively, because one ends of the plurality of cables 83a and 83b are fixed to the circuit boards 82a and 82b, respectively. The first holding portion will be detailed later.
Next, a configuration of the rear cover 81 will be described. As shown in
Additionally, on a surface on the +Y direction side of the rear cover 81, the convex portion 67a as a part of the configuration of the control portion 89a, and a convex portion 67b as a part of the configuration of the control portion 89b are formed. The two convex portions 67a and 67b each have a convex surface on the +Y direction side, and the convex portion 67a is arranged on the +X direction side of the rear cover 81 to support the plug connector 76a in the +Y direction. The convex portion 67b is arranged on the −X direction side of the rear cover 81 to support the plug connector 76b in the +Y direction.
Using the Y side elastic portion 94a (see
Additionally, in the rear cover 81, on a side portion on the +Z direction side, the cable holding portions 69a and 69b are formed, and on a side portion on the −Z direction side, the cable holding portions 71a and 71b are formed as shown in
In the second embodiment, the cable 83a (see
Provision of the flexible portion, the first holding portion and the second holding portion allows the plug connector 76a to move relative to the front cover 79 and the rear cover 81 without being restricted by other member. The flexible portion need not necessarily to be the cable 83a and can be the contact 85a of the plug connector 76a, for example. Additionally, the first holding portion need not to be the circuit board 82a and can be the plug connector 76a, for example.
Next, description will be made of a docking connector on a receptacle side (hereinafter, referred to as a receptacle docking connector) as a receptacle unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.
The receptacle connectors 113a and 113b are mounted on a mounting surface (a surface on the +Z direction side) of a board 106 such that an engagement direction (Y direction) as a direction of engagement with the plug connectors 76a and 76b and the mounting surface are parallel to each other. Additionally, the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b are mounted on the board 106 individually. Specifically, the receptacle connector 113a is mounted on the board 106 independently of the receptacle connector 113b. Although in the second embodiment, the two receptacle connectors 113a and 113b are provided, three or more receptacle connectors can be provided. Additionally, when three or more receptacle connectors are provided, at least one receptacle connector of the three or more receptacle connectors is mounted on the board 106 independently of at least one other receptacle connector. For example, when three receptacle connectors are provided, each receptacle connector is individually mounted on the board 106, or two receptacle connectors are integrally mounted on the board 106 and one receptacle connector is mounted on the board 106 independently of the other two receptacle connectors.
The additional receptacle connector 103a is located on the −X direction side of the receptacle docking connector 73 and is arranged within the guide reception portion 102a as shown in
The additional receptacle connector 103b is located on the +X direction side of the receptacle docking connector 73 and is arranged within the guide reception portion 102b as shown in
In the above second embodiment, description has been made of a case where the plug connector 76a is engaged with the receptacle connector 113a and the plug connector 76b is engaged with the receptacle connector 113b. In this case, the additional receptacle connector 103a engages with the additional plug connector 77a, and the additional receptacle connector 103b engages with the additional plug connector 77b. However, the plug docking connector 75 and the receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment are reversible connectors, and also the receptacle connector 113a can be engaged with the plug connector 76b and the receptacle connector 113b can be engaged with the plug connector 76a. In this case, the additional receptacle connector 103a and the additional plug connector 77b engage with each other and the additional receptacle connector 103b engages with the additional plug connector 77a.
Next, a configuration of the guide shell 104 will be described. The guide shell 104 is formed of metal or the like and includes the guide reception portion 102a and the additional receptacle connector 103a arranged in the −X direction side, and the guide reception portion 102b and the additional receptacle connector 103b arranged in the +X direction side. Specifically, the guide reception portions 102a and 102b integrally formed. As shown in
Additionally, as shown in
Additionally, the guide shell 104 is provided with a hole 111a for allowing a screw to pass to the −X direction side in the vicinity of the additional receptacle connector 103a, and a hole 111b for allowing a screw to pass to the +X direction side in the vicinity of the additional receptacle connector 103b. Additionally, the guide shell 104 is provided with a hole 114a for allowing a screw to be inserted between the additional receptacle connector 103a and the receptacle connector 113a, a hole 114b for allowing a screw to be inserted between the receptacle connector 113a and the receptacle connector 113b, and a hole 114c for allowing a screw to be inserted between the receptacle connector 113b and the additional receptacle connector 103b. The holes 111a, 111b, and 114a to 114c function as fixing portions for fixing the guide shell 104 to a casing of a portable terminal device. The guide shell 104 and the board 106 are screwed to the casing (not shown) of the portable terminal device by inserting a screw into the hole 111a and a hole 112a formed in the board 106, inserting a screw into the hole 111b and a hole 112b formed in the board 106, inserting a screw into the hole 114a and a hole 115a formed in the board 106, inserting a screw into the hole 114b and a hole 115b formed in the board 106, and inserting a screw into the hole 114c and a hole 115c formed in the board 106. Specifically, the guide shell 104 is fixed to the casing together with the board 106 after the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b are mounted on the board 106. At this time, the guide shell 104 is attached to the casing of the portable terminal device from a position (the +Z direction side) opposed to the mounting surface (the surface on the +Z direction side) of the board 106.
With the plug docking connector 75 according to the second embodiment provided with the guide portions 78a and 78b, the guide portions 78a and 78b are inserted into the guide reception portions 102a and 102b of the receptacle docking connector 73 before the plug connectors 76a and 76b engage with the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b. Accordingly, the plug connectors 76a and 76b can be securely engaged with the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b without damages.
Additionally, with the plug docking connector 75 according to the second embodiment provided with the control portions 89a and 89b, the plug connectors 76a and 76b are connected with the cables 83a, 83b, 84a, and 84b (flexible portions) via the circuit boards 82a and 82b, and the flexible portion is held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion. Accordingly, the positions and the postures of the plug connectors 76a and 76b can be controlled. Specifically, since the plug connectors 76a and 76b are configured to be movable within a predetermined space, a tolerance can be minimized and the plug connectors 76a and 76b can be securely engaged with the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b without damages. Additionally, when not engaged with the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b, the plug connectors 76a and 76b can be maintained at a predetermined position and in a predetermined posture by position control and posture control by the control portions 89a and 89b. Specifically, deviation in a position and a posture of the plug connectors 76a and 76b at the time of mounting can be securely absorbed.
Additionally, with the receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment provided with the guide reception portions 102a and 102b, the guide portions 78a and 78b are inserted into the guide reception portions 102a and 102b before the plug connectors 76a and 76b engage with the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b. Accordingly, the plug connectors 76a and 76b can be securely engaged with the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b without damages.
Additionally, with the receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment, the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b are individually mounted on the board 106 and thereafter, at the time of attaching the board 106 to the casing of the portable terminal device, the guide shell 104 is attached together with the board 106. Accordingly, flatness (coplanarity) of the receptacle docking connector 73 with respect to the mounting surface of the board 106 can be excellently maintained to prevent a soldering failure due to poor flatness.
Additionally, with the receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment, the guide shell 104 covers the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b, and the guide shell 104 and the receptacle shells 105a and 105b electrically conduct with each other. Accordingly, while the receptacle shells 105a and 105b function as inner shells of the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b, the guide shell 104 is allowed to function as an outer shell of the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b. Additionally, since the guide shell 104 covers the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b, and is fixed to the board 106, coming-off of the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b from the board 106 must be prevented.
Additionally, although when a connector is further added to a docking connector having predetermined standard connectors such as a plurality of connectors conforming to the standard specification, there occurs a problem of increasing the docking connector in size, the plug docking connector 75 according to the second embodiment enables down-sizing thereof because the additional plug connectors 77a and 77b are arranged in the guide portions 78a and 78b. Similarly, the receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment enables down-sizing thereof because the additional receptacle connectors 103a and 103b are arranged in the guide reception portions 102a and 102b.
In the above plug docking connector 75 according to the second embodiment, the plug connectors 76a and 76b are mounted on the circuit boards 82a and 82b, and the contacts 85a, 59a, and 85b of the plug connectors 76a and 76b, and the cables 83a, 83b, 84a, and 84b are electrically connected with each other via the circuit boards 82a and 82b. However, in place of such a configuration, for example, a plug docking connector 117 as shown in
As shown in
Additionally, although in the above plug docking connector 75 according to the second embodiment, the control portion 89a controls a position and a posture of the plug connector 76a, and the control portion 89b controls a position and a posture of the plug connector 76b, the plug docking connector can be configured to include only the control portion 89a, or only the control portion 89b. When only the control portion 89a (or 89b) is provided, a position and a posture of the plug connector 76b (or 76a) are defined in advance, and only a position and a posture of the plug connector 76a (or 76b) are controlled.
Additionally, although in the above plug docking connector 75 according to the second embodiment, the control portions 89a and 89b control the postures of the plug connectors 76a and 76b by using the Y side elastic portion 94a and the convex portions 67a and 67b of the rear cover 81, a posture control portion having an elastic portion and a convex portion can be provided between the circuit boards 82a and 82b and the rear cover 81, so that the posture control portion controls the postures of the plug connectors 76a and 76b.
Additionally, although in the above receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment, as shown in
Additionally, although in the above receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment, as shown in
Additionally, although the above receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment includes the two guide reception portions 102a and 102b, one guide reception portion, or three or more guide reception portions may be provided. Even when three or more guide reception portions are provided, the guide reception portions are formed integrally.
Additionally, although the receptacle docking connector 73 according to the second embodiment, which is a reversible connector, includes the two additional receptacle connectors 103a and 103b, one additional receptacle connector may be provided. In this case, when the plug connector 76a engages with the receptacle connector 113a, the additional plug connector 77a engages with the additional receptacle connector, and when the plug connector 76b engages with the receptacle connector 113b, the additional plug connector 77b engages with the additional receptacle connector.
Additionally, although in the above second embodiment, only the front end portions of the guide portions 78a and 78b protrude more than the front end portions of the plug connectors 76a and 76b, only front end portions of the guide reception portions 102a and 102b may protrude more than front end portions of the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b. Additionally, the front end portions of the guide portions 78a and 78b may protrude more than the front end portions of the plug connectors 76a and 76b, and the front end portions of the guide reception portions 102a and 102b may protrude more than the front end portions of the receptacle connectors 113a and 113b.
Although the above plug docking connectors according to the respective embodiments are each provided with two USB Type-C plug connectors, the plug docking connector may be provided with three or more USB Type-C plug connectors. Additionally, a USB Type-C plug connector may be replaced by other plurality of plug connectors conforming to the standard specification than a USB Type-C plug connector. Additionally, a plurality of predetermined standard plug connectors having a predetermined standard may be provided other than the plug connectors conforming to the standard specification.
Similarly, although the above receptacle docking connectors according to the respective embodiments are each provided with two USB Type-C receptacle connectors, the receptacle docking connector may be provided with three or more USB Type-C receptacle connectors. Additionally, a USB Type-C receptacle connector may be replaced by other plurality of receptacle connectors conforming to the standard specification than a USB Type-C receptacle connector. Additionally, a plurality of predetermined standard receptacle connectors having a predetermined standard may be provided other than the receptacle connectors conforming to the standard specification.
Additionally, although the above respective embodiments are configured such that a position and a posture of the plug connector are controlled, the embodiments may be configured such that only a position of the plug connector is controlled, or such that only a posture of the plug connector is controlled.
Additionally, although the above plug docking connectors according to the respective embodiments are each provided with two or four additional plug connectors, the plug docking connector may be provided with one, or three, or five or more additional plug connectors. Similarly, although the above receptacle docking connectors according to the respective embodiments are each provided with two or four additional receptacle connectors, the receptacle docking connector may be provided with one, or three, or five or more additional receptacle connectors.
The foregoing described embodiments are recited for facilitating understanding of the present invention and not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Accordingly, each element disclosed in the above embodiments intends to include all design changes and equivalents within a technical range of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-050451 | Mar 2016 | JP | national |
| 2016-198738 | Oct 2016 | JP | national |
