port replicator

Abstract

A port replicating device includes a main body portion having an opening, a terminal housed in the main body portion and exposed from the opening, a shaft portion provided to the main body portion, a holding portion holding the main body portion to be rotatable with the shaft portion as a rotation axis, and one or more elastic bodies installed to the main body portion to apply a force to the main body portion in a prescribed rotation direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a port replicator. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to charge a battery built in an electronic device or expand a function, an electronic device such as a notebook PC or a tablet PC is sometimes connected with an expansion unit called a port replicator.

[0003] For example, in the expansion unit described in Patent Literature 1, a connector for connecting an electronic device with a housing is provided.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-89851 SUMMARY

[0007] The expansion unit described in Patent Literature 1 has a problem that a plurality of electronic devices of different kinds cannot be connected.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a port replicator capable of connecting a plurality of electronic devices of different kinds.

[0009] The port replicator of the present application comprises:

[0010] a main body portion having an opening;

[0011] a terminal housed in the main body portion and exposed from the opening;

[0012] a shaft portion provided to the main body portion;

[0013] a holding portion holding the main body portion so as to be rotatable with the shaft portion as a rotation axis; and

[0014] one or more elastic bodies installed to the main body portion and applying a force to the main body portion in a prescribed rotation direction.

[0015] According to the present application, a port replicator capable of connecting a plurality of electronic devices of different kinds can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a port replicator of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a connector portion of the port replicator of Figure 1

[0018] Figure 3 is a view showing Figure 2 ​Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, viewed from another direction. Figure 3

[0020] Figure 5 Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, viewed from the back. Figure 1

[0021] Figure 6 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a notebook PC 2 connected to the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment. Figure 1

[0022] Figure 7 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a tablet PC 3 connected to the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment. Figure 1

[0023] Figure 8 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, to which a notebook-use accessory 4 is attached. Figure 1

[0024] Figure 9 Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, to which the notebook-use accessory 4 is attached, when the notebook PC 2 is attached thereto. Figure 6

[0025] Figure 10 Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, to which a tablet-use accessory 5 is attached. Figure 1

[0026] Figure 11 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, to which the tablet-use accessory 5 is attached, when the tablet PC 3 is attached thereto. Figure 10

[0027] Figure 12 Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the area A surrounded by a broken line in the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment. Figure 1

[0028] Figure 13 Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the elastic body disposed in the connector section of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 14 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, taken along the line B-B. Figure 12

[0030] Figure 15 Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, taken along the line C-C. Figure 12

[0031] Figure 16 Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the port replicator 1 of the present embodiment, taken along the line D-D. Figure 12 ​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0032] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a port replicator for a notebook type accessory equipped with Figure 8 .

[0033] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a port replicator for a tablet type accessory equipped with Figure 10 .

[0034] Figure 19 is a view of a state in which a cover covers a terminal on the basis of the cross-sectional view of Figure 18 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] (Source of completion of the present invention)

[0036] An expansion unit called a port replicator that connects to an electronic device such as a notebook PC or a tablet PC and can enhance input and output terminals and the like is known. For example, the expansion unit described in Patent Document 1 has an expansion unit side connector that connects to a main body side connector provided to the bottom surface of a notebook personal computer. By placing the personal computer on the housing of the expansion unit, the main body side connector is connected to the expansion unit side connector. Thus, input and output terminals and the like provided to the expansion unit are electrically connected to the personal computer.

[0037] In recent years, in addition to notebook PCs, tablet PCs are also becoming widespread. In the case of a tablet PC, it is more convenient to connect to a port replicator in a state in which the display portion of the tablet PC is tilted so as to be easily viewed when displaying. In addition, in the case of a notebook PC, the terminals for connection to a port replicator are often provided to the bottom surface, but in the case of a tablet PC, the terminals for connection are often provided to the side surface.

[0038] Thus, depending on the type of electronic device, the shape or the position of the terminals and the like are different. It is necessary to change the angle of the terminals on the port replicator side and the like depending on the type of electronic device, and even in the case in which a notebook PC and a tablet PC have the same shape of terminals, it is necessary to prepare a port replicator dedicated to each electronic device.

[0039] Among the components that constitute a port replicator, the cost of the terminals is particularly high, and thus there is a demand to connect multiple electronic devices with one port replicator.

[0040] Therefore, the present inventors and others have researched a port replicator that can connect multiple electronic devices of different types, and have completed the following invention.

[0041] A port replicator according to one aspect of the present invention includes:

[0042] a terminal;

[0043] a main body portion that houses the terminal and is provided with an opening through which the terminal is exposed;

[0044] a shaft portion provided to the main body portion;

[0045] a holding portion that holds the main body portion so as to be rotatable with the shaft portion as a rotation axis; and

[0046] one or more elastic bodies that are installed to the main body portion and apply a force to the main body portion in a prescribed rotation direction.

[0047] According to this structure, a port replicator that can connect a plurality of electronic devices of different kinds can be provided.

[0048] The port replicator can further include a protruding member that is disposed to the main body portion and protrudes outward from the main body portion in the prescribed rotation direction,

[0049] The main body portion is rotated in a direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction by applying a force to the protruding member.

[0050] According to this structure, by rotating the main body portion, the connection portion of the terminal can be oriented in any direction.

[0051] The port replicator can further include a stopper that comes into contact with the protruding member when the protruding member is rotated in a direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction,

[0052] The rotation of the main body portion in a direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction is limited by the protruding member coming into contact with the stopper.

[0053] According to this structure, by limiting the rotation of the main body portion, the stability of the connection can be improved.

[0054] The protruding member can include a plurality of positioning pins that extend in a direction in which the terminal is exposed from the opening of the main body portion.

[0055] According to this structure, the assembly of the electronic device is facilitated by the positioning pins, and the stability of the connection after assembly can be improved.

[0056] The plurality of positioning pins can be formed of metal.

[0057] According to this structure, the strength of the positioning pins that are easily subjected to a load can be improved.

[0058] The port replicator can further include a plurality of installation portions that are provided to the main body portion and are located on the rotation axis,

[0059] The terminal is arranged between the plurality of mounting portions,

[0060] The plurality of elastic bodies are respectively mounted to the plurality of mounting portions.

[0061] According to this structure, the elastic body is arranged at both ends of the terminal, so that the body portion can be stably rotated.

[0062] The port replicator can further include:

[0063] a cover covering the terminal; and

[0064] a pressing member supporting the cover so as to be rotatable,

[0065] The pressing member is mounted to the body portion,

[0066] The cover covers the terminal when the pressing member is not pressed,

[0067] The cover is rotated to expose the terminal when the pressing member is pressed.

[0068] According to this structure, the terminal can be protected by the cover when not in use.

[0069] The port replicator can further include a gap formed between the cover and the body portion when the body portion and the pressing member are rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction.

[0070] According to this structure, the stroke of the pressing member when the cover is opened by pressing the pressing member can be shortened, which is helpful for thinning the port replicator.

[0071] The port replicator can further include a housing accommodating the terminal, the body portion, the shaft portion, the holding portion, and one or more elastic bodies.

[0072] The one or more elastic bodies apply a force to the body portion in the predetermined rotation direction by abutting against the housing.

[0073] According to this structure, the electronic device can be placed on the housing.

[0074] The port replicator can further include an accessory mounted to the housing in a detachable manner.

[0075] According to this structure, various shapes of electronic devices can be connected to the port replicator by adding or changing the accessory to the housing.

[0076] The accessory can have a pressing portion rotating the body portion in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction.

[0077] According to this structure, the angle of the main body portion can be changed by fitting the fitting.

[0078] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described based on the drawings.

[0079] (Embodiment 1)

[0080] [Overall Structure]

[0081] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the connector portion 3 of the port replicator 1 of Figure 1 Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which the cover 9 of the connector portion 3 of Figure 2 Figure 4 is a view of the connector portion 3 of Figure 3 from another direction. Figure 5 is a view of the port replicator 1 of Figure 1 from the back. Figure 6 is a view showing an example of a notebook PC 30 connected to the port replicator 1 of Figure 1 Figure 7 is a view showing an example of a tablet PC 40 connected to the port replicator 1 of Figure 1 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of Figure 1 with the notebook-use fitting 2a fitted thereto. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of Figure 6 with the notebook-use fitting 2a fitted thereto, fitted with the notebook PC 30. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of Figure 1 with the tablet-use fitting 2b fitted thereto. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the port replicator 1 of Figure 10 with the tablet-use fitting 2b fitted thereto, fitted with the tablet PC 40.

[0082] Note that, in the following description, the X direction in each drawing is sometimes referred to as the width direction, the Y direction as the thickness direction, and the Z direction as the depth direction.

[0083] In the port replicator 1 of Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 1 , the connector portion 3 is housed in the housing 2. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the connector portion 3 is provided with the terminal 4, the main body portion 5, the shaft portion 6, the holding portions 7a, 7b (see Figure 15 and Figure 16 ​​​​) and two elastic bodies 8. Note that the housing 2 is not an essential structure.

[0084] In addition, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the connector section 3 is provided with a cover 9 that covers the terminals 4 and a presser 10 that supports the cover 9 so as to be able to rotate. The cover 9 rotates when the presser 10 is pressed in the -Y direction in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , causing the terminals 4 to be exposed. On the other hand, the cover 9 has a function of protecting the terminals 4 by covering the terminals 4 when the presser 10 is not pressed. Note that the cover 9 and the presser 10 are not essential structures.

[0085] In addition, as shown in Figure 4 , the connector section 3 can also be provided with a protruding member 11 that is arranged on the main body section 5. In addition, the protruding member 11 can also have a plurality of positioning pins 12.

[0086] In addition, as shown in Figure 1 , the port replicator 1 can also have a ground pin 13 that is connected to the ground.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5 , the port replicator 1 is provided with input and output terminals such as a DC jack 21, a LAN port 22, a USB port 23, an HDMI (registered trademark) port 24, a VGA terminal 25, a serial port 26, and the like on the housing 2. For example, by connecting an electronic device such as a notebook PC 30 shown in Figure 6 or a tablet PC 40 shown in Figure 7 and the like to the port replicator 1, charging of a battery of the electronic device, or connection of the electronic device to an external device connected to the input and output terminals can be performed.

[0088] For example, in the case where the notebook PC 30 is connected to the port replicator 1, a notebook PC accessory 2a shown in Figure 8 may be attached to the port replicator 1. In this case, the notebook PC 30 is attached to the port replicator 1 as shown in Figure 9 .

[0089] In addition, for example, in the case where the tablet PC 40 is connected to the port replicator 1, a tablet PC accessory 2b shown in Figure 10 may be attached to the port replicator 1. In this case, the tablet PC 40 is attached to the port replicator 1 as shown in Figure 11 .

[0090] <Connector Section>

[0091] Figure 12 is a connector section 3 that is connected to the main body section 5. Figure 1An enlarged view of the area A surrounded by a broken line of the port replicator 1. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the state in which the presser 10 is pressed and the cover 9 is opened is shown in Figure 12 Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the elastic body 8 disposed to the connector section 3. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the port replicator 1 taken along the B-B line. Figure 12 Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the port replicator 1 taken along the C-C line. Figure 12 Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the port replicator 1 taken along the D-D line. Figure 12

[0092] As shown in Figure 1 , the connector section 3 is housed in the housing 2. As described above, the connector section 3 includes the terminal 4, the main body section 5, the shaft section 6, the holding sections 7a and 7b, and the two elastic bodies 8. The following describes each of the constituent elements included in the connector section 3.

[0093] <terminal>

[0094] The terminal 4 is, for example, a terminal for connecting an electronic device such as a notebook PC 30 or a tablet PC 40 to the port replicator 1. The terminal 4 is connected to an electronic device side terminal (omitted from illustration) disposed to the notebook PC 30 or the tablet PC 40. As shown in Figure 3 , the terminal 4 is housed in the main body section 5 and exposed from an opening 5a provided to the main body section 5. The terminal 4 has a rectangular shape in the present embodiment, but may, for example, be a circular shape or another shape such as a polygonal shape.

[0095] <main body section>

[0096] The main body section 5 houses the terminal 4. Alternatively, the main body section 5 is provided with the opening 5a that exposes the terminal 4. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a first housing section 51, two mounting sections 52, two second housing sections 53, and the two shaft sections 6 are integrally formed in the main body section 5. The first housing section 51 is a structure that houses the terminal 4 and is provided with a hole that houses the terminal 4. In the present embodiment, the terminal 4 has a rectangular shape, and therefore the first housing section 51 has a shape with a long side direction. The two mounting sections 52 respectively mount the two elastic bodies 8 described later. The two second housing sections 53 are respectively provided with holes that house the two pressers 10 described later. The two shaft sections 6 are provided to both ends of the main body section 5. The main body section 5 can be formed of, for example, synthetic resin or the like.

[0097] ​​​​The main body 5 rotates about the shaft 6 as the axis of rotation AX in a predetermined rotational direction. The main body 5 is subjected to force by the elastic body 8 in the predetermined rotational direction. Here, the predetermined rotational direction is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the width direction (+X direction), and is sometimes referred to as the first rotational direction below. In addition, the direction opposite to the first rotational direction is sometimes referred to as the second rotational direction.

[0098] The main body 5 is restricted from rotating in the first rotation direction by contacting the housing 2. The main body 5 is configured such that, when the accessory or electronic device is not connected to the port replicator 1, the connection portion of the terminal 4 that connects to the electronic device side terminal faces the mounting surface 20 perpendicular to the housing 2 (see reference). Figure 12 The main body 5 can rotate by an angle θ (refer to) from the state where the connection part of the terminal 4 is perpendicular to the mounting surface 20 to the second rotation direction. Figure 18 Angle θ can be set to, for example, above 30 degrees and below 60 degrees.

[0099] <Elastomers>

[0100] The main body 5 is restricted from rotating in the first rotational direction by two elastic bodies 8. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, two mounting portions 52 are provided at both ends of the long side of the first receiving portion 51 on the main body 5. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 52 is a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the first receiving portion 51. The shape of the mounting portion 52 can also be changed according to the shape of the elastic body 8, etc. The mounting portions 52 are respectively located on the rotation axis AX of the shaft portion 6.

[0101] Installation Department

[0102] An elastomer 8 is installed in each of the two mounting portions 52. For example, the two elastomers 8 can be... Figure 13 The torsion coil spring shown is used. The elastic body 8 is mounted on the mounting portion 52 by inserting the coil portion 8b of the torsion coil spring. One arm 8a of the torsion coil spring is supported on the main body 5, and the other arm 8c is fixed to the housing 2. The arm 8c fixed to the housing 2 becomes a fulcrum, and the elastic body 8 applies a force to the main body 5 in a first rotational direction. The elastic body 8 is not limited to a torsion coil spring; for example, it can be a leaf spring or a compression coil spring.

[0103] In this embodiment, two elastomers 8 are respectively mounted on two mounting portions 52, and a terminal 4 is disposed between the two mounting portions 52. It should be noted that there can be one or more elastomers 8 and mounting portions 52.

[0104] <Shaft>

[0105] The shaft portions 6 are provided to the main body portion 5. Specifically, the shaft portions 6 are provided to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 5. In the present embodiment, two shaft portions 6 are provided to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 5, but the position and number of the shaft portions 6 are not limited thereto.

[0106] <holding portion>

[0107] A portion of the cradle 7 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) provided to the main body portion 5 is bent to form two first holding portions 7a that hold the two shaft portions 6, respectively. In addition, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 , a second holding portion 7b is formed by forming a groove in a portion of the inner wall of the housing 2. The shaft portions 6 are held by the first holding portions 7a and the second holding portion 7b. That is, the "holding portion" of the present application is a structure in which the first holding portions 7a and the second holding portion 7b are combined. The shape of the holding portion is not limited thereto, and is only required to be a shape in which the main body portion 5 can be held so as to be rotatable with the shaft portions 6 as the rotation axis.

[0108] <protruding member>

[0109] Returning to Figure 4 , a protruding member 11 can also be provided to the main body portion 5. The protruding member 11 is a plate-shaped member provided to the main body portion 5 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting portion of the terminal 4 is directed, and is bent in the second rotation direction (refer to Figure 17 ). The protruding member 11 is provided so as to protrude to the outside in the rotation direction of the main body portion 5. By applying a force to the protruding member 11, the main body portion 5 can be rotated in the second rotation direction, which is the opposite direction to the prescribed rotation direction.

[0110] As shown in Figure 17 to Figure 19 described later, a portion of the fitting 2b contacts the protruding member 11, and when a force is applied to the protruding member 11, the main body portion 5 rotates in the second rotation direction together with the protruding member 11. By adjusting the rotation of the protruding member 11, the rotation angle of the main body portion 5 can be changed.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the protruding member 11 is formed in a plate shape, but the shape of the protruding member 11 is not limited thereto.

[0112] <positioning pin>

[0113] The protruding member 11 has two positioning pins 12 that extend in the direction in which the terminal 4 protrudes from the opening 5a of the main body portion 5. In other words, the protruding member 11 has two positioning pins 12 that extend in the direction in which the connecting portion of the terminal 4 is directed from the opening 5a of the main body portion 5, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the placement surface 20 (refer to Figure 2 to Figure 4An insertion hole (not shown) is formed near the side terminal of an electronic device such as a notebook PC30 or a tablet PC40 for inserting a positioning pin 12. Inserting the positioning pin 12 into the insertion hole of the electronic device facilitates positioning when connecting the electronic device to the port replicator 1. It should be noted that the positioning pin 12 is not a necessary component.

[0114] The locating pin 12 is preferably formed of a metal such as a magnesium alloy. In this embodiment, the protruding member 11 and the locating pin 12 are integrally formed of a magnesium alloy. However, the locating pin 12 formed of metal may also be disposed on the protruding member 11 formed of a synthetic resin or the like. It should be noted that the metal forming the locating pin 12 is not limited to a magnesium alloy.

[0115] <Mask>

[0116] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a cover 9 is provided with a covering terminal 4. The cover 9 is supported by two pressing members 10 that are respectively inserted into the holes of the two second receiving portions 53 of the main body portion 5, allowing it to rotate. Each of the two pressing members 10 has a recess (not shown) supporting both ends of the cover 9. The ends of the cover 9 contact the recessed surfaces of the pressing members 10, thereby supporting the cover 9 by the pressing members 10. Figure 2 As shown, when the pressing member 10 is not pressed, the cover 9 covers the terminal 4. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the pressing member 10 is pressed, the cover 9 rotates in the opposite direction to the first rotation direction, exposing the terminal 4. It should be noted that the cover 9 is not linked to the rotation of the main body 5.

[0117] <Pressing component>

[0118] When the electronic device is connected to the port replicator 1, the pressing member 10 is pressed down due to contact between the electronic device and the pressing member 10. Therefore, when the electronic device is connected to the port replicator 1, the cover 9 opens, thereby enabling the terminal 4 to be connected to the terminal on the side of the electronic device.

[0119] Furthermore, when no electronic equipment is connected to the port replicator 1, the pressing member 10 is not pressed and the cover 9 covers the terminal 4. Therefore, when the terminal 4 is not in use, the cover 9 can protect the terminal 4.

[0120] <Shell>

[0121] The housing 2 houses the connector portion 3 and can mount electronic equipment. As described above, the two elastic bodies 8 abut against the housing 2, applying force to the main body portion 5 in a first rotational direction. At this time, the main body portion 5 contacts the housing 2, thereby restricting rotation in the first rotational direction. When no force is applied to the protruding member 11, the connection portion of the terminal 4 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 20 of the housing 2.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the housing 2 has a placement surface 20 of an electronic device. When no force is applied to the protruding member 11, the connection portion of the terminal 4 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the placement surface 20 (see Figure 12 ).

[0123] <accessory>

[0124] The accessories 2a, 2b can be attached to and detached from the housing 2.

[0125] The notebook-use accessory 2a is an accessory for a notebook PC 30, and can extend the placement surface 20 of the housing 2 and improve the stability of the connection of the notebook PC 30 to the port replicator 1. When the notebook PC 30 is connected to the port replicator 1 to which the notebook-use accessory 2a is attached, as shown in Figure 9 , the notebook PC 30 is placed on the port replicator 1 with the bottom surface 31a in contact with the placement surface 20. The user can perform the operation of the notebook PC 30 by opening the notebook PC 30 and tilting the display portion (not shown) to a desired angle.

[0126] Note that the notebook PC 30 can be connected to the port replicator 1 even without the notebook-use accessory 2a attached.

[0127] The tablet-use accessory 2b is an accessory for a tablet PC 40. The tablet PC 40 is a plate-shaped electronic device unlike the notebook PC 30. Therefore, if the tablet PC 40 is connected to the port replicator 1 in a state where the display portion 41a maintains a desired angle, the user's convenience is good.

[0128] As shown in Figure 10 , the tablet-use accessory 2b is provided with a guide portion 20a into which the tablet PC 40 is inserted. When the tablet PC 40 is inserted into the guide portion 20a, as shown in Figure 11 , the tablet PC 40 is connected to the port replicator 1 in a state where the display portion 41a (see Figure 7 ) maintains a desired angle. The desired angle is, for example, an angle θ of a surface on which the display portion 41a is disposed with respect to the XY plane, as shown in Figure 11 . The angle θ can be set to an arbitrary value depending on the type or shape of the electronic device.

[0129] The tablet-use accessory 2b is provided with a pressing portion 11a (see Figure 18 and Figure 19 ). The pressing portion 11a is a plate-shaped member extending from the accessory 2b. By bringing the pressing portion 11a into contact with the protruding member 11, the main body portion 5 can be rotated in the second rotation direction.

[0130] When the flat-type accessory 2b is assembled into the housing 2 of the port replicator 1, the pressing part 11a contacts the protruding member 11 of the connector part 3. Through the pressing part 11a, the protruding member 11 is subjected to force in the second rotational direction, resulting in the main body 5 rotating in the second rotational direction. Therefore, when the flat-type accessory 2b is assembled into the port replicator 1, the connection portion of the terminal 4 is inclined relative to the mounting surface 20 of the housing 2. Thus, when the flat-type accessory 2b is assembled, the main body 5 can be rotated to connect the flat-type PC40 to the port replicator 1.

[0131] <Stop component>

[0132] A stop 11b is provided in the housing 2 of the port replicator 1 (see reference). Figure 17 to Figure 19 When the protruding member 11 rotates in the second rotation direction, the stop member 11b contacts the protruding member 11, restricting the rotation of the main body 5 in the second rotation direction.

[0133] [action]

[0134] The operation of port replicator 1 is explained.

[0135] Figure 17 It is assembled with EE wire cutting. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view obtained by using the port replicator 1 of accessory 2a for a notebook model. Figure 18 It is assembled with FF line sectioning Figure 10 The sectional view obtained by using the port replicator 1 of the flat plate type accessory 2b. Figure 19 Is Figure 18 The diagram shows the state of terminal 4 covered by cover 9, based on a cross-sectional view.

[0136] like Figure 17 As shown, when the notebook-type accessory 2a is assembled into the port replicator 1, without applying force to the protruding member 11 of the connector section 3, the main body 5 rotates in the first rotational direction. At this time, the main body 5 contacts the housing 2 and is restricted from rotation. Therefore, in the connector section 3, the connection portion of the terminal 4 is exposed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 20.

[0137] like Figure 18 As shown, when tablet-type accessory 2b is assembled instead of notebook-type accessory 2a, the main body 5 rotates by an angle θ in the second rotation direction. A pressing part 11a is provided in the tablet-type accessory 2b. When the tablet-type accessory 2b is assembled to the port replicator 1, a force in the second rotation direction is applied to the protruding member 11 of the connector part 3. Therefore, the connector part 3 rotates by an angle θ in the second rotation direction.

[0138] When the protruding member 11 is rotated in the second rotation direction, the stopper 11b comes into contact with the protruding member 11, thereby restricting the rotation of the main body portion 5 in the second rotation direction.

[0139] If a force in the second rotation direction is applied to the protruding member 11, the protruding member 11 comes into abutment with the stopper 11b. When the protruding member 11 comes into abutment with the stopper 11b, the main body portion 5 is supported in a state in which it is rotated from the Y-axis direction by an angle θ in the second rotation direction. In this way, the rotation of the main body portion 5 is restricted. The angle θ can be, for example, 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less.

[0140] For example, by changing the shape of the pressing portion 11a or the like, it is possible to change the angle θ by which the main body portion 5 is rotated. Therefore, for example, it is possible to change the direction in which the connection portion of the terminal 4 is oriented by preparing a plurality of fittings according to the desired rotation angle θ.

[0141] In the case where a force is applied to the protruding member 11, the terminal 4 and the two pressing members 10 housed in the main body portion 5 rotate together with the main body portion 5. On the other hand, the cover 9 does not link with the rotation of the main body portion 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, a gap G is formed between the front end of the cover 9 and the end portion of the terminal 4 in a state in which the cover 9 is closed. Figure 19

[0142] [Effects]

[0143] According to the above-described embodiment, in the port replicator 1 having the terminal 4, it is possible to connect both the notebook PC 30 and the tablet PC 40. That is, according to the port replicator 1 of the present application, it is possible to connect a plurality of electronic devices of different kinds. Generally, in the case where the cost of the terminal 4 used in the port replicator 1 is high, if a plurality of electronic devices of different kinds can be connected to one port replicator 1, it is possible to reduce the cost.

[0144] In addition, by applying a force to the protruding member 11, it is possible to rotate the main body portion 5, and thus it is possible to orient the terminal 4 in an arbitrary direction. If it is possible to orient the terminal 4 in an arbitrary direction, it is possible to adjust the degree of inclination of the display portion 41a of the tablet PC 40, for example, and thus the user's convenience is improved.

[0145] In addition, by the stopper 11b coming into contact with the protruding member 11, it is possible to restrict the rotation of the main body portion 5 in the second rotation direction, and thus the stability of the connection is improved.

[0146] In addition, by the plurality of positioning pins, it is possible to make the connection of the electronic device to the port replicator 1 easy, and thus it is possible to improve the stability of the connection. In addition, if the positioning pins are formed of metal, it is possible to improve the strength.

[0147] ​Further, by providing the cover 9 that covers the terminal 4, the terminal 4 can be protected when not in use. By rotating in conjunction with the presser 10, the cover 9 can be opened when the electronic device is connected to the port replicator 1.

[0148] Further, the cover 9 forms a gap G between the cover 9 and the main body 5 when the main body 5 is rotated in the second rotation direction. By forming the gap G, the opening and closing of the cover 9 becomes smooth.

[0149] Further, by mounting the fittings 2a, 2b to the housing 2 in a detachable manner, the stability of the connection can be improved. Further, by fitting the flat plate type fitting 2b, the main body 5 can be rotated. Thus, the port replicator 1 can be used for various electronic devices.

[0150] The above-described embodiments have been described, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0151] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the port replicator 1 has two elastic bodies 8, but the number of elastic bodies is not limited thereto, and can be one or more than three.

[0152] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the port replicator 1 can be connected to the notebook type PC 30 or the flat plate type PC 40, but the electronic device that can be connected is not limited thereto.

[0153] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the structure in which the protruding member 11 has two positioning pins 12 has been described, but the number of positioning pins can be more than three.

[0154] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the structure in which the port replicator 1 has two pressers 10 that operate in conjunction with the cover 9 has been described, but the number of pressers is not limited to two.

[0155] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the port replicator 1 is fitted with the fitting 2a or the fitting 2b to connect the electronic device, but the fitting is not a necessary structure. For example, the housing 2 can have the functions of the fitting 2a, 2b.

[0156] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the structure in which the elastic body 8 is a torsion coil spring has been described, but the elastic body 8 is not limited to a torsion coil spring. For example, the elastic body 8 can be a leaf spring or an elastic body such as rubber.

[0157] Industrial applicability

[0158] The present application can be widely applied to a port replicator that has a terminal and can be connected to an electronic device.

[0159] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0160] 1 port replicator

[0161] 2 housing

[0162] 2a, 2b accessory

[0163] 4 terminal

[0164] 5 main body

[0165] 5a opening

[0166] 6 shaft

[0167] 7a, 7b holding portion

[0168] 8 elastic body

[0169] 9 cover

[0170] 10 presser

[0171] 11 protruding member

[0172] 11a press portion

[0173] 11b stopper

[0174] 12 positioning pin

[0175] 51 first housing portion (housing portion)

[0176] 52 mounting portion

Claims

1. A port replicator comprising: a main body portion having an opening; a terminal housed in the main body portion and exposed from the opening; a shaft portion provided to the main body portion; a holding portion holding the main body portion to be rotatable with the shaft portion as a rotation axis; one or more elastic bodies mounted to the main body portion to apply a force to the main body portion in a prescribed rotation direction that is a direction of rotation around the rotation axis; and a protruding member provided to the main body portion to protrude from the main body portion to an outside of the prescribed rotation direction different from a direction in which the terminal faces, the main body portion being rotated in a direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction by applying a force to the protruding member.

2. The port replicator according to claim 1, wherein the port replicator further comprises a stopper that comes into contact with the protruding member when the protruding member is rotated in the direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction, the rotation of the main body portion in the direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction being limited by the protruding member coming into contact with the stopper.

3. The port replicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protruding member has a plurality of positioning pins extending in a direction in which the terminal is exposed from the opening of the main body portion.

4. The port replicator according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of positioning pins are formed of metal.

5. The port replicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the port replicator further comprises two mounting portions provided to the main body portion and located on the rotation axis, the terminal is provided between the two mounting portions, the one or more elastic bodies include two elastic bodies, and the two elastic bodies are respectively mounted to the two mounting portions.

6. The port replicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the port replicator further comprises: a cover covering the terminal; and a pressing member supporting the cover to be rotatable, the pressing member is mounted to the main body portion, the cover covers the terminal when the pressing member is not pressed, and the cover is rotated to expose the terminal when the pressing member is pressed.

7. The port replicator according to claim 6, wherein a gap is formed between the cover and the main body portion when the main body portion and the pressing member are rotated in the direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction.

8. The port replicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the port replicator further comprises a housing that houses the terminal, the main body portion, the shaft portion, the holding portion, and the one or more elastic bodies, and the one or more elastic bodies apply the force to the main body portion in the prescribed rotation direction by abutting against the housing.

9. The port replicator according to claim 8, wherein the port replicator further comprises a fitting that is detachably mounted to the housing.

10. The port replicator according to claim 9, wherein the fitting has a pressing portion that rotates the main body portion in the direction opposite to the prescribed rotation direction. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 11. The port replicator of claim 1, wherein, the port replicator further comprises: a housing that houses the terminals, the main body portion, the shaft portion, the retaining portion, and the one or more elastic bodies; and a fitting having a pressing portion that is detachably attached to the housing, the one or more elastic bodies apply a force to the main body portion in the prescribed rotational direction by abutting against the housing, the pressing portion presses the protruding member when the fitting is attached to the housing, thereby causing the main body portion to rotate in a direction opposite to the prescribed rotational direction.

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