Relay device and point-of-sale information system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a relay device capable of forming a further sorted system, and a point-of-sale information system. A relay device (1) is provided with: a plurality of connectors to which external electronic devices are connected; a control unit that controls communication between the electronic devices; a power supply unit that supplies power input from the outside to the control unit, and that supplies the power to the electronic device connected to the connector via at least one of the connectors; a main substrate (2) on which at least one of the control unit and the connector is provided; and a communication substrate (13) connected to the main substrate (2) and provided with a communication unit for performing wireless communication, the connector being disposed at one end of the main substrate (2), and the communication substrate (13) being disposed on the other end side located on the opposite side of the one end in a first direction on the plane of the main substrate (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay device and a point-of-sale information system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a cash box, a barcode scanner, and a display to a card processing terminal equipped with a printing device via a USB hub. In Patent Document 1, only USB connection is supported by the USB hub.

[0003] In a point-of-sale information (POS) system, in addition to a configuration using a USB connector as in Patent Document 1, devices using other specifications or types of connectors such as serial may sometimes be connected. In this case, in a system like Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the device cannot be connected.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-285805 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect for solving the above problems is a relay device including: a plurality of connectors to which external electronic devices are connected; a control unit that controls communication between the electronic devices; a power supply unit that supplies power input from the outside to the control unit and supplies the power to the electronic devices connected to the connectors via at least one of the connectors; a main board on which at least one of the control unit and the connectors is provided; and a communication board connected to the main board and provided with a communication unit that performs wireless communication, the connectors being disposed at one end of the main board, and the communication board being disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end in a first direction on a plane of the main board.

[0006] Another aspect for solving the above problems is a POS system including: the above relay device; a POS terminal; and POS peripheral devices. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a POS system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the relay device observed from the front surface.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the relay device observed from the back surface.

[0010] Figure 4Stereogram of the relay device observed from the front surface.

[0011] Figure 5 Side view of the relay device.

[0012] Figure 6 Side view of the relay device.

[0013] Figure 7 Stereogram of the substrate housing observed from the right side.

[0014] Figure 8 Stereogram of the substrate housing observed from the left side.

[0015] Figure 9 Stereogram of the relay device observed from the front surface.

[0016] Figure 10 Stereogram of the relay device observed from the bottom surface.

[0017] Figure 11 Bottom view of the relay device.

[0018] Figure 12 Block diagram showing the POS system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 13 Stereogram of the relay device observed from the front surface.

[0020] Figure 14 Stereogram of the relay device observed from the lower part of the back surface.

[0021] Figure 15 Plan view of the relay device with the cover removed.

[0022] Figure 16 Stereogram of various connectors provided in the relay device observed from the back surface.

[0023] Figure 17 Stereogram of various connectors provided in the relay device observed from the back surface.

[0024] Figure 18 Stereogram of the relay device in the modification of the present disclosure observed from the back surface. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In addition, in the description, unless otherwise specified, descriptions of directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are the same as the directions with respect to the relay device 1 or the relay device 200. Further, in the drawings, the symbol FR indicates the front of the relay device 1 or the relay device 200 when it is used on the installation surface, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the relay device 1 or the relay device 200, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the relay device 1 or the relay device 200. In each drawing, the up-down direction coincides with the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction coincide with the horizontal direction.

[0027] The front-back direction corresponds to the "first direction" of the present disclosure, the up-down direction corresponds to the "second direction" of the present disclosure, and the left-right direction corresponds to the "third direction" of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. is a block diagram showing the POS system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0029] The POS system 100 includes a relay device 1. The relay device 1 includes a main substrate 2. A power supply circuit 5, a communication control circuit 7, and a printing device control circuit 8 are mounted on the main substrate 2.

[0030] A sub-substrate 3, a display substrate 9, and a communication substrate 13 are electrically connected to the main substrate 2.

[0031] A switch 15, a switch control circuit 17, a plurality of LEDs 19, and an LED control circuit 21 are mounted on the display substrate 9. Additionally, the switch 15, the switch control circuit 17, the plurality of LEDs 19, and the LED control circuit 21 may also be mounted on different substrates.

[0032] A communication circuit 23 is mounted on the communication substrate 13, and an antenna 25 is connected to the communication circuit 23. The communication substrate 13 performs wireless communication between the relay device 1 and a predetermined device.

[0033] The communication circuit 23 and the antenna 25 correspond to the "communication unit" of the present disclosure.

[0034] A power supply connector 26 is connected to the power supply circuit 5. A power supply converter 28 is connected to the power supply connector 26 via a power supply converter cable 27. The power supply converter 28 is a power supply device that converts AC power supplied from a commercial power supply 120 into DC power or AC power of a predetermined voltage.

[0035] A power supply cable 29 is connected to the power supply converter 28. The power supply cable 29 can be connected to the commercial power supply 120. In the present embodiment, the power supply converter cable 27 functions as a so-called DC cable, and the power supply cable 29 functions as a so-called AC cable.

[0036] A plurality of types of connectors are connected to the communication control circuit 7. In the present embodiment, a LAN connector 30, a modular connector 31, a plurality of serial connectors 32, a plurality of USB Type-C connectors 34, and a plurality of USB Type-A connectors 36 are connected to the communication control circuit 7.

[0037] These connectors provided on the relay device 1 all function as insertion ports for various plugs.

[0038] The LAN connector 30 is an RJ-45 connector. The relay device 1 can also be connected to a predetermined communication network via a LAN cable connected to the LAN connector 30. This communication network is a network composed of a public network, a dedicated line, other communication lines, and various communication devices, and the specific manner is not limited.

[0039] A tablet terminal 114 is connected to the USB Type-C connector 34. In the present embodiment, the tablet terminal 114 is a terminal device that includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and storage devices such as a RAM and a ROM, and manages sales by causing the CPU or MPU to operate according to a program stored in the storage device.

[0040] The tablet terminal 114 can generate image data of printed materials such as receipts.

[0041] In addition, the tablet terminal 114 can also function as a settlement terminal. Further, for example, the tablet terminal 114 can also be other terminal devices such as a smart phone.

[0042] The tablet terminal 114 corresponds to the "POS terminal" and the "electronic device" of the present disclosure.

[0043] For example, a printing device 116 for printing receipts and the like is connected to the USB Type-C connector 34.

[0044] The printing device 116 includes a device control circuit 118. A processor such as a CPU or an MPU and storage devices such as a RAM and a ROM are provided on the device control circuit 118. The device control circuit 118 causes the CPU or MPU to operate according to a program stored in the storage device, thereby generating, for example, an instruction for instructing the conveyance of a predetermined amount of a printing medium such as printing paper or an instruction for instructing the cutting of the printing medium.

[0045] On the USB Type-A connector 36, various devices such as a display device like a monitor, a handheld scanner, and other printing devices can also be connected, for example.

[0046] The modular connector 31 is, for example, an RJ-11 connector connected to the cash drawer 110 of the cash register.

[0047] The serial connector 32 is an RS-232C connector connected to the settlement terminal 112. The settlement terminal 112 is, for example, a card reader or the like. Additionally, other devices can also be connected to the serial connector 32.

[0048] In this way, on the relay device 1, devices with different connectors can be connected via various connectors. Therefore, in the relay device 1 and the POS system 100, a more organized system can be formed.

[0049] The cash drawer 110 of the cash register, the settlement terminal 112, and the printing device 116 correspond to the "electronic devices" and "POS peripheral devices" of the present disclosure.

[0050] The LAN connector 30, the modular connector 31, the multiple serial connectors 32, the multiple USB Type-C connectors 34, and the multiple USB Type-A connectors 36 correspond to the "connectors" of the present disclosure.

[0051] Among the above connectors, the LAN connector 30, the multiple USB Type-C connectors 34, the multiple USB Type-A connectors 36, and the power connector 26 are mounted on the main board 2. The modular connector 31 and the serial connector 32 are mounted on the sub-board 3.

[0052] Additionally, on the relay device 1, it is not limited to the above various connectors. As long as it is used for the formation of the POS system 100, any connector can be provided.

[0053] Next, the structure related to the control of the relay device 1 will be described.

[0054] On the communication control circuit 7, a processor such as a CPU or MPU and storage devices such as a RAM and a ROM are provided. The communication control circuit 7 controls the operations of various parts of the relay device 1 by causing the CPU or MPU to operate in accordance with the programs stored in the storage device, and also controls the operations of predetermined devices connected via various connectors and the transmission and reception of signals.

[0055] The communication control circuit 7 functions as a control unit that controls the communication between the tablet terminal 114 connected to the relay device 1 and the POS peripheral devices.

[0056] A printing device control circuit 8 is connected to the communication control circuit 7. The printing device control circuit 8 controls a printing device 116 connected to the relay device 1 according to the communication control circuit 7.

[0057] When the printing device 116 performs printing, the tablet terminal 114 generates image data and transmits the image data to the communication control circuit 7 via the USB Type-C connector 34.

[0058] When the communication control circuit 7 detects a situation where the printing device 116 is connected to the USB Type-C connector 34, it transmits the acquired image data to the printing device control circuit 8. The printing device control circuit 8 generates a printing control instruction based on the image data. The printing control instruction is an instruction for causing the printing device 116 to perform printing of text, images, etc.

[0059] The communication control circuit 7 acquires the printing control instruction and transmits the printing control instruction and the image data together as printing data to the printing device 116 via the USB Type-C connector 34.

[0060] When the printing device 116 acquires the printing data, it starts printing according to the printing data and the instruction generated by the device control circuit 118.

[0061] In this way, by being connected to the relay device 1, the printing device 116 can print receipts and the like.

[0062] Accordingly, in the POS system 100, by providing the printing device control circuit 8 for controlling at least a part of the printing device 116 on the relay device 1, the structure of the printing device 116 can be simplified. Therefore, the relay device 1 can form a POS system 100 with a further organized wiring structure.

[0063] In addition, when a printing device other than the printing device 116 is connected, even if the communication control circuit 7 receives the image data generated by the tablet terminal 114, it can transmit the image data to the printing device without generating a printing control instruction.

[0064] The communication control circuit 7 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0065] A power supply circuit 5 is connected to a communication control circuit 7. The power supply circuit 5 supplies the power supplied via a power connector 26 to the communication control circuit 7. When a predetermined device is connected to either a USB Type-C connector 34 or a USB Type-A connector 36, the communication control circuit 7 supplies the power supplied from the power supply circuit 5 to the device via the connector.

[0066] When the communication control circuit 7 detects a situation where a printing device 116 is connected to the USB Type-C connector 34, a signal is sent to the power supply circuit 5 to supply power to the printing device 116 with a larger amount of power compared to when other devices are connected. As a result, in the printing device 116, a larger amount of power is supplied from the power supply circuit 5 via the USB Type-C connector 34 compared to when other devices are connected. In the printing device 116, it is not necessary to store electricity in a power storage unit such as a storage battery provided in the printing device 116, and so-called direct drive can be performed.

[0067] Thus, the printing device 116 can be driven without being connected to a power source via a power supply line or the like by being powered from the relay device 1. Therefore, in the POS system 100, the power supply line extending from the printing device 116 is omitted, and thus a more organized POS system 100 can be formed.

[0068] The power supply circuit 5 corresponds to the "power supply unit" of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 2 FIG. is a perspective view for observing the relay device 1 from the front surface. Figure 3 FIG. is a perspective view for observing the relay device 1 from the back surface.

[0070] As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the relay device 1 includes a resin housing 40 having a space S provided therein. The housing 40 has a rectangular box shape with a height dimension that is at least longer than the length dimension in the left-right direction when disposed on a setting surface. The housing 40 of the present embodiment is formed such that the length dimension in the left-right direction is shorter than the length dimension in the front-back direction.

[0071] Thus, in the relay device 1, when disposed on a setting surface, the expansion of the space required for setting can be suppressed in a plan view.

[0072] The housing 40 includes a front plate 40A forming the front surface, a pair of side plates 40B and 40C forming the left and right side surfaces, a bottom plate 40D forming the bottom surface, and a top plate 40E forming the top surface. Each surface of the housing 40 is formed to be a flat surface.

[0073] A plurality of feet 38 are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 40D. The feet 38 are disposed at various corners of the bottom plate 40D having a rectangular shape in plan view. Through these feet 38, the bottom plate 40D is disposed separated from the installation surface.

[0074] As Figure 3 shown, on the rear surface of the housing 40, a rear surface opening 41 serving as an opening for communicating the inside and outside of the housing 40 is provided over the entire surface.

[0075] As Figure 2 shown, the front plate 40A is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and the long sides are arranged along the vertical direction.

[0076] A through portion 42 through which the light of the LED 19 passes is provided on the front plate 40A. The through portion 42 is formed at a position overlapping with the plurality of LEDs 19 by a transparent member or the like. In the relay device 1, the display substrate 9 and the through portion 42 function as a display portion. The through portion 42 is provided on the upper side of the front plate 40A and close to the right side.

[0077] In the front plate 40A, a recess 43 recessed rearward is provided below the through portion 42. Inside the recess 43, a plurality of insertion holes 45 serving as through holes penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the front plate 40A are provided. In each of the insertion holes 45, an operation member 16 of the switch 15 is inserted.

[0078] The operation member 16 is covered by a cover 50 that is mounted on the front plate 40A in an openable and closable manner.

[0079] Figure 4 FIG. is a perspective view for observing the relay device 1 from the front surface. In Figure 4 , for ease of explanation, the feet 38 are omitted, and the front plate 40A, the side plate 40C, and the top plate 40E are indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0080] As Figure 4 shown, inside the recess 43, an opening 47 serving as a through hole penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the front plate 40A is provided at a position lower than the insertion holes 45.

[0081] A pair of mounting portions 44 are provided at both ends of the upper edge portion 49 of the opening 47. The mounting portions 44 are formed in a columnar shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0082] A cover 50 is mounted on the upper edge portion 49. The cover 50 includes a cover portion 52 formed in a long and narrow flat shape, and a flat contact portion 54 that stands up at a predetermined angle from one end of the cover portion 52 toward the inside of the housing 40.

[0083] The cover 50 will be described in detail.

[0084] Figure 5 It is a side view for observing the relay device 1 from the right. In Figure 5 it, a state where the cover 50 is separated from the recess 43 is shown, and the side plate 40C is omitted.

[0085] As Figure 5 shown, in the cover portion 52, an annular engaging portion 56 with a part of its circumference open is provided at a middle portion in the length direction. Two engaging portions 56 are formed at both ends in the left - right direction on the plane of the cover portion 52 facing the recess 43. Each engaging portion 56 is engaged with the mounting portion 44 by passing the engaging portion 56 through the open portion so that the inner circumferential surface abuts against the circumferential surface of the mounting portion 44. Thus, the cover 50 is mounted on the upper edge portion 49 so as to be rotatable about the mounting portion 44 as a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the plane of the front plate 40A.

[0086] The cover 50 is mounted on the front plate 40A so that its length direction extends along the up - down direction. Thus, the cover 50 is provided on the front surface which is an example of one surface of the housing 40.

[0087] In the following description, the portion on the upper side of the engaging portion 56 in the length direction of the cover portion 52 is defined as a covering portion 52A, and the portion on the lower side of the engaging portion 56 is defined as a pressing portion 52B.

[0088] Figure 6 It is a side view for observing the relay device 1 from the right. In Figure 6 it, a state where the cover 50 covers the operating member 16 and the opening 47 is shown, and the side plate 40C is omitted.

[0089] The cover portion 52 can be rotated from a position where its plane is arranged substantially parallel to the front plate 40A to a position where the plane intersects the front plate 40A when observed from the left - right direction. As Figure 6 shown, when the plane is arranged substantially parallel to the front plate 40A, the entire cover portion 52 is received inside the recess 43, and the front surface becomes the same plane as the front surface of the front plate 40A. In this case, the covering portion 52A covers the operating members 16 respectively, and the pressing portion 52B covers the opening 47.

[0090] Thus, in the relay device 1, when the cover 50 covers each of the operation members 16, the situation where the cover 50 protrudes from the front plate 40A or the housing 40 can be suppressed, thereby reducing the presence of the cover 50. Therefore, in the relay device 1, reduction of the installation area can be achieved, and thus a more compact POS system 100 can be provided. In addition, in the relay device 1, when there is no need to operate the operation members 16 to perform setting operations, the situation where the cover 50 is opened can be suppressed, thereby suppressing malfunction of the relay device 1.

[0091] In the following description, the state where the cover portion 52 covers the operation members 16 and the opening 47 is referred to as the state where the cover 50 is in the closed state.

[0092] When the user presses the pressing portion 52B, the cover 50 causes the pressing portion 52B to enter the interior of the housing 40 via the opening 47, and separates the covering portion 52A from the concave portion 43. As Figure 5 shown, when the cover 50 is viewed from the left - right direction, it rotates to a position where the cover portion 52 forms a predetermined angle with the front plate 40A.

[0093] Thus, the cover 50 rotates in a direction intersecting the plane of the front plate 40A from the closed state, and when viewed from the left - right direction, it rotates to a position where the cover portion 52 forms a predetermined angle with the front plate 40A.

[0094] In the following description, the state where the covering portion 52A is separated from the concave portion 43 is referred to as the state where the cover 50 is in the open state.

[0095] The relay device 1 is formed in such a way that the cover 50 rotates in a direction intersecting the plane of the front plate 40A to open and close. Thus, in the relay device 1, for example, compared with a structure in which a cover member that can slide and move in a direction parallel to the plane of the front plate 40A is provided, an increase in the installation space in the up - down direction or the left - right direction can be suppressed.

[0096] As Figure 5 shown, when the cover portion 52 rotates to a position where it forms a predetermined angle with the front plate 40A, the rotation of the cover portion 52 is stopped by causing the abutting portion 54 to abut against the mounting piece 64 on the lower side from the rear. Thus, the rotation of the cover 50 is restricted at a position where it forms a predetermined angle with the front plate 40A.

[0097] Thus, in the relay device 1, by causing the mounting piece 64 to function as a rotation prevention portion of the cover 50, it is possible to suppress the cover 50 from rotating more than necessary. In addition, by the mounting piece 64, it is possible to suppress the pressing portion 52B or the abutting portion 54 inside the cover 50 from colliding with the display substrate 9. Further, in the relay device 1, by causing the mounting piece 64 to also serve as a rotation prevention portion of the cover 50, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0098] As Figure 4 shown, inside the housing 40, a substrate storage body 60 that stores the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 is housed. The substrate storage body 60, like the housing 40, has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape in which at least the height dimension is longer than the length dimension in the left-right direction when the relay device 1 is disposed on the installation surface.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the substrate storage body 60 is formed of a metal material. Thereby, it is possible to suppress noise released from the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 from leaking to the outside of the substrate storage body 60, and it is possible to suppress noise from the outside of the substrate storage body 60 from reaching the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3.

[0100] Figure 7 FIG. is a perspective view of observing the substrate storage body 60 from the right side. In Figure 7 , for ease of explanation, the front surface of the substrate storage body 60 and the side surface located on the right side are indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0101] As Figure 7 shown, inside the substrate storage body 60, the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 are arranged such that their planes are orthogonal to the left-right direction, and their planes are parallel to each other. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the length dimensions of the relay device 1 in the up-down direction and the front-back direction.

[0102] Various connectors respectively mounted on the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 are mounted in a manner of being arranged in the up-down direction along the edges located at the rear ends of their respective substrates.

[0103] As Figure 3 shown, the rear surface of the substrate storage body 60 is exposed to the outside of the housing 40 through the rear surface opening 41.

[0104] In the substrate storage body 60, a LAN connector 30, a modular connector 31, a plurality of serial connectors 32, a plurality of USB Type-C connectors 34, a plurality of USB Type-A connectors 36, and a power connector 26 are arranged so as to open toward the rear of the housing 40.

[0105] AsFigure 7 As shown, since the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 are arranged in the left-right direction, various connectors mounted on these substrates are arranged in two columns in the left-right direction.

[0106] In the present embodiment, a plurality of serial connectors 32 and modular connectors 31 are arranged on the right side compared to other connectors.

[0107] Various connectors in each column are arranged in the up-down direction.

[0108] In this way, in the relay device 1, by separately mounting various connectors on the two substrates, an increase in the length dimension in the up-down direction can be suppressed. Therefore, in the relay device 1, an increase in the size of the housing 40 can be suppressed.

[0109] In addition, in the relay device 1, since the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the left-right direction and are arranged in the left-right direction, an increase in the length dimensions in the front-back direction and the up-down direction can be suppressed.

[0110] Figure 8 It is a perspective view for observing the substrate housing 60 from the left side.

[0111] As Figure 8 shown, a communication substrate 13 is mounted on the front surface of the substrate housing 60. The communication substrate 13 is arranged at the upper end of the front surface of the substrate housing 60 and close to the left side.

[0112] The communication substrate 13 is mounted on the substrate housing 60 via a support member 70 in a state where the plane faces the front surface of the substrate housing 60, that is, in a state where the plane intersects the front-back direction.

[0113] The support member 70 is formed of a resin material and covers the entire plane of the communication substrate 13 facing the substrate housing 60. On the support member 70 of the present embodiment, a standing portion 72 for covering the communication substrate 13 in the left-right direction is provided.

[0114] In this way, the support member 70 is arranged between the substrate housing 60 and the communication substrate 13, and the communication substrate 13 is shielded from the substrate housing 60 made of a metal material by the support member 70.

[0115] Thereby, in the relay device 1, a situation where the wireless communication of the communication substrate 13 affects the substrate housing 60 can be suppressed. Therefore, the relay device 1 can provide a relatively good communication environment in the POS system 100.

[0116] When viewed from the front, the communication substrate 13 is disposed at a position overlapping the main substrate 2, and the plane of the communication substrate 13 is disposed so as to intersect the plane of the main substrate 2.

[0117] Therefore, the main substrate 2 and the communication substrate 13 are disposed so as to overlap in the front-rear direction, and the plane of the communication substrate 13 is disposed so as to intersect the front-rear direction.

[0118] In addition, the communication substrate 13 of the present embodiment is formed such that the length dimension in the left-right direction is smaller than the length dimension in the left-right direction of the substrate housing 60.

[0119] Thus, in the relay device 1, an increase in the length dimension in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the relay device 1 can be miniaturized in the housing 40.

[0120] In the relay device 1, by disposing the communication substrate 13 at the upper end portion of the front surface of the substrate housing 60, it is possible to suppress the case where communication is blocked by peripheral devices or obstacles when it is disposed. Therefore, the relay device 1 can provide a relatively good communication environment in the POS system 100.

[0121] Figure 9 FIG. is a perspective view for observing the periphery of the switch 15 of the relay device 1 from the front surface. In Figure 9 In order to facilitate explanation, the front plate 40A and the side plate 40B are shown by two-dot chain lines.

[0122] The display substrate 9 is mounted on the front surface of the substrate housing 60. The display substrate 9 is formed in a long and narrow plate shape. In the display substrate 9, on the mounting surface 9A which is one of the planes, a plurality of LEDs 19 are mounted on one end side in the length direction, and a plurality of contacts 18 provided for each of the switches 15 are mounted on the other end side.

[0123] The display substrate 9 is fixed to the substrate housing 60 via a plurality of fixing portions 62 provided on the front surface of the substrate housing 60.

[0124] As Figure 4 、 Figure 9 shown, the fixing portion 62 projects forward from the front surface of the substrate housing 60 by a predetermined length dimension, and a mounting piece 64 having a plane opposed to the front surface of the substrate housing 60 and the front plate 40A is provided at the tip end portion.

[0125] The fixing portion 62 of the present embodiment is provided at the lower portion of the substrate housing 60 and at the substantially central portion in the up-down direction.

[0126] The display substrate 9 is fixed to the substrate housing 60 by being jointly coupled with a threaded member 66 in a state where the respective planes of the mounting pieces 64 are in contact with the mounting surface 9B which is the plane on the opposite side of the mounting surface 9A. The display substrate 9 of the present embodiment is fixed to the fixing portion 62 such that one end side on which the LED 19 is mounted is located at the upper side and the other end side on which the contact 18 is mounted is located at the lower side.

[0127] The display substrate 9 is mounted on the fixing portion 62 and is thus disposed in front of the communication substrate 13 with the mounting surface 9A facing forward. The display substrate 9 is disposed on the opposite side of the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 with the communication substrate 13 interposed therebetween. The display substrate 9 is disposed at a position overlapping the communication substrate 13 when viewed from the front, and the mounting surface 9A of the display substrate 9 is disposed so as to intersect the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3. Therefore, the display substrate 9 and the communication substrate 13 are disposed so as to overlap in the front-rear direction, and the plane of the display substrate 9 is disposed so as to intersect the front-rear direction.

[0128] Thereby, in the relay device 1, an increase in the length dimensions in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the relay device 1 can achieve miniaturization of the housing 40.

[0129] On the support member 70, an extension portion 74 extending forward is provided. At the tip of the extension portion 74, a groove portion 75 having a groove shape recessed leftward is provided. The upper end portion of the display substrate 9 is inserted into the groove portion 75, whereby the display substrate 9 is clamped. Thus, the upper end portion of the display substrate 9 is supported by the support member 70.

[0130] That is, both the communication substrate 13 and the display substrate 9 are supported by the support member 70 which is the same member. Therefore, in the relay device 1, it is possible to support a plurality of substrates while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, and thus it is possible to suppress the cost related to the manufacture of the relay device 1.

[0131] The display substrate 9 is supported by the respective fixing portions 62 and the extension portion 74, and thus the mounting surface 9A is disposed in a state of being opposed to and close to the inner surface of the front plate 40A. Thereby, the LED 19 is disposed at a position overlapping the through portion 42 and close to the through portion 42 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the light emitted from the LED 19 is emitted from the through portion 42 to the outside of the housing 40.

[0132] Thereby, in the relay device 1, it is possible to suppress the light emitted from the LED 19 from being emitted as so-called light leakage from a portion other than the through portion 42. In addition, in the relay device 1, it is possible to improve the visual confirmation of the display portion formed by the display substrate 9 and the through portion 42.

[0133] The contacts 18 are each arranged at a position overlapping with the operating member 16 when viewed from the front and at a position close to the operating member 16. When the user presses the operating member 16, the contact 18 is pressed, and a predetermined signal is sent to the communication control circuit 7. In this way, the switch 15 including the operating member 16 and the contact 18 functions as an operating unit or an input unit of the relay device 1.

[0134] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in the relay device 1, various connectors mounted on the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3 are arranged in a manner of opening toward the rear of the housing 40. In contrast, a display unit for visual confirmation by the user, a switch 15 for operation by the user, and a communication substrate 13 for wireless communication with external devices are arranged on the opposite side of the various connectors across the main substrate 2 and the sub-substrate 3.

[0135] Thus, in the relay device 1, various connectors can be arranged on one surface, so that the wiring connection can be easily performed and the wiring to be connected can be arranged in a neat manner. Therefore, the relay device 1 can simplify the wiring structure of the POS system 100 formed in a manner including external electronic devices. Therefore, the relay device 1 can achieve an improvement in scalability and setting freedom.

[0136] Furthermore, in the relay device 1, since various connectors are arranged together on the opposite side of the display unit for visual confirmation by the user, the switch 15 for operation by the user, and the communication board 13 for wireless communication with external devices, the appearance design can be improved.

[0137] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment is merely an example of one mode of the present disclosure, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0138] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the relay device 1 is configured so that the bottom plate 40D faces the installation surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the relay device 1 may be configured so that other surfaces face the installation surface. For example, the relay device 1 may be configured so that the side plate 40B or the side plate 40C faces the installation surface. In this case, in the relay device 1, a plurality of legs 38 may be provided on the side plate 40B or the side plate 40C.

[0139] Figure 10 1 is a perspective view of the relay device 1 as viewed from the bottom surface side. Figure 10In order to facilitate the description, the front plate 40A, the side plates 40C, and the bottom plate 40D are represented by a double-dashed line.

[0140] As Figure 10 shown, inside the housing 40, a holding member 80 is provided that covers the opening 47 from the rear. The holding member 80 is formed of a resin material that is flexible and elastically deformable. Additionally, the holding member 80 can also be formed of any material such as a metal material, as long as it is a material that is flexible and elastically deformable.

[0141] The holding member 80 includes a rectangular plate-shaped rear surface portion 82 disposed between the front surface of the substrate housing 60 and the opening 47. The rear surface portion 82 is disposed such that its plane intersects the front-rear direction and faces the front surface of the substrate housing 60 and the opening 47. The rear surface portion 82 is formed such that its dimension in the up-down direction is longer than the dimension of the opening 47 in the up-down direction.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the rear surface portion 82 is disposed such that one of its planes abuts against the front surface of the substrate housing 60. The entire right end portion of the rear surface portion 82 abuts against the side plate 40C, and the entire lower end portion of the rear surface portion 82 abuts against the bottom plate 40D.

[0143] The holding member 80 includes an upper surface portion 84 that extends forward from the upper end of the rear surface portion 82. The front end portion of the upper surface portion 84 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the mounting piece 64 that functions as a rotation prevention portion of the cover 50. The entire right-side end portion of the front end portion of the upper surface portion 84 abuts against the side plate 40C.

[0144] At the front end portion of the upper surface portion 84, a plate-shaped shielding portion 86 is provided that extends downward from the front end portion. The shielding portion 86 is disposed such that its plane intersects the front-rear direction and faces the front surface of the substrate housing 60 and the opening 47. The lower end portion of the shielding portion 86 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the bottom plate 40D. The entire right side of the shielding portion 86 abuts against the side plate 40C.

[0145] In a POS system, like the USB hub of Patent Document 1, there is a relay device that connects multiple devices to each other. In this relay device, there is a housing, and on this housing, a cover is provided that covers operation portions such as switches and connectors provided on the surface in an openable and closable manner.

[0146] In such a relay device, in order to rotatably mount the cover, an opening is provided in the housing.

[0147] In a relay device as described above, if an opening is provided in the housing, there is a possibility that foreign matters such as dust and fly ash may enter the interior of the housing through the opening.

[0148] As Figure 5 shown, when the cover 50 is in the open state, the pressing portion 52B and the abutting portion 54 enter between the mounting piece 64 and the shielding portion 86 in the front-rear direction.

[0149] In the relay device 1, by providing the shielding portion 86, it is possible to suppress the attachment of foreign matters such as dust and fly ash that enter the interior of the housing 40 together with the pressing portion 52B and the abutting portion 54 to the substrate housing 60, the display substrate 9, etc.

[0150] As Figure 6 、 Figure 10 shown, the holding member 80 has a plate-shaped left surface portion 88 that extends forward from the left side of the rear surface portion 82 as a whole. The plane of the left surface portion 88 intersects the left-right direction, and the upper side as a whole is connected to the left end portion of the upper surface portion 84. The entire lower end portion of the left surface portion 88 abuts against the bottom plate 40D. The front end portion of the left surface portion 88 of the present embodiment is located behind the shielding portion 86.

[0151] The holding member 80 is fixed to the housing 40 by screwing a threaded member 66 inserted into a screw hole provided in the left surface portion 88 with a bushing 46 extending leftward from the side plate 40C. In addition, the holding member 80 is not limited to being fixed to the housing 40, and for example, it may be fixed to the substrate housing 60 by a threaded member 66 or the like passing through the rear surface portion 82.

[0152] As Figure 6 、 Figure 9 shown, a plate-shaped extension portion 89 that extends forward is provided on the upper side of the front end portion of the left surface portion 88. The plane of the extension portion 89 intersects the left-right direction. The extension portion 89 passes under the display substrate 9 and extends to a position close to the front plate 40A, and is located to the left of the opening 47 and the cover 50.

[0153] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the relay device 1. In Figure 11 , for the sake of easy explanation, the bottom plate 40D is represented by a double-dashed line.

[0154] As Figure 11As shown, a plate-shaped holding portion 90 extending forward is provided at the lower side of the front end portion of the left face portion 88. The holding portion 90 of the present embodiment extends leftward from the lower side of the front end portion of the left face portion 88 and then bends and extends forward. The holding portion 90 is provided such that at least the plane of the tip portion intersects the left-right direction. That is, the plate thickness direction of the tip portion of the holding portion 90 coincides with the left-right direction.

[0155] As Figure 9 , Figure 10 shown, the holding portion 90 passes through below the extending portion 89 and extends to a position close to the front plate 40A and is located to the left of the opening portion 47 and the cover 50.

[0156] As Figure 11 shown, an abutting piece portion 92 is provided on the surface of the holding portion 90 facing the cover 50. The abutting piece portion 92 is provided at the tip of the holding portion 90 and is formed to bulge rightward so as to approach the cover 50 as it tends forward.

[0157] The abutting piece portion 92 abuts against the inclined surface portion 55 provided on the abutting portion 54 when the cover 50 is in the closed state. The inclined surface portion 55 is formed by obliquely cutting the edge portion on the left side of the abutting portion 54 starting from the cover portion 52 side as it tends toward the end portion on the opposite side of the cover portion 52.

[0158] When the cover 50 is in the closed state, the abutting piece portion 92 abuts against the inclined surface portion 55. In this case, the abutting piece portion 92 applies a force to the inclined surface portion 55 by the elastic force of the extending portion 89. Thereby, the cover 50 is held at the closed state position by the holding member 80. Therefore, in the relay device 1, the operating member 16 is covered by the cover 50, so that the occurrence of an accidental operation on the operating member 16 can be suppressed.

[0159] In addition, the mounting portion 44 is formed in a shaft shape extending in the horizontal direction. Thereby, when the cover 50 is in the closed state, the rotation of the cover 50 due to gravity in a predetermined direction can be suppressed.

[0160] In the cover 50, when the user presses the pressing portion 52B, the cover portion 52 rotates. Along with this, the inclined surface portion 55 moves rearward and upward, and the abutting piece portion 92 flexes along the inclined surface portion 55 and moves leftward. Thereby, the abutting portion 54 disengages from the position where the abutting piece portion 92 can apply a force. Moreover, the cover 50 can rotate the abutting portion 54 to a position where it abuts against the mounting piece 64.

[0161] As Figure 10As shown, inside the holding member 80, a space R is provided, which is partitioned from the space S together with the front plate 40A, side plates 40C, and bottom plate 40D. This space R is continuous with the opening 47. Thus, the opening 47 is surrounded by the holding member 80, front plate 40A, side plates 40C, and bottom plate 40D from the inner side of the housing 40, and is shielded from the space S other than the space R.

[0162] That is, the holding member 80 shields various components such as the substrate housing 60 or the display substrate 9 disposed on the housing 40 from the opening 47.

[0163] Thereby, in the relay device 1, it is possible to suppress the attachment of foreign matters such as dust and fly ash that enter the interior of the housing 40 together with the pressing portion 52B and the abutting portion 54 to the substrate housing 60 or the display substrate 9, etc.

[0164] In the relay device 1, the holding portion 90 that keeps the cover 50 in a closed state is provided integrally with the holding member 80 that shields various components such as the substrate housing 60 or the display substrate 9 disposed on the housing 40 from the opening 47. Thereby, in the relay device 1, it is possible to reduce the number of parts. Therefore, in the relay device 1, while being able to suppress the costs related to manufacturing, various parts can be efficiently arranged in the space S inside the housing 40.

[0165] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of one mode of the present disclosure, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0166] In the above-described embodiment, the relay device 1 is arranged such that the bottom plate 40D faces the installation surface. However, it is not limited thereto, and the relay device 1 can also be arranged such that other surfaces face the installation surface. For example, the relay device 1 can also be arranged such that the side plate 40B or the side plate 40C faces the installation surface. In this case, in the relay device 1, a plurality of legs 38 can also be provided on the side plate 40B or the side plate 40C.

[0167] In a POS system, in addition to using a USB connector as in Patent Document 1, devices using other specifications or types of connectors such as serial may sometimes be connected. In this case, in a system like Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the device cannot be connected.

[0168] In addition, when multiple devices are connected, the wiring of the POS system may become complicated due to the power supply lines of these devices.

[0169] Figure 12The figure is a block diagram showing the POS system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

[0170] The POS system 1000 includes a relay device 200. The relay device 200 includes a main board 203. A power supply circuit 205 and a communication control circuit 207 are mounted on the main board 203.

[0171] A switch module 209, an LED module 211, and a wireless module 213 are connected to the main board 203. Each of the switch module 209, the LED module 211, and the wireless module 213 has a board.

[0172] A switch 215 and a switch control circuit 17 are mounted on the switch module 209.

[0173] A plurality of LEDs 219 and an LED control circuit 221 are mounted on the LED module 211.

[0174] A communication circuit 223 is mounted on the wireless module 213, and an antenna 225 is connected to the communication circuit 223.

[0175] Each of the switch module 209, the LED module 211, and the wireless module 213 corresponds to the "other board" of the present disclosure.

[0176] A power connector 226 is connected to the power supply circuit 205. A power converter 228 is connected to the power connector 226 via a power converter cable 227. The power converter 228 is a power supply device that converts AC power supplied from a commercial power supply 320 into DC power or AC power of a predetermined voltage.

[0177] A power cable 229 is detachably connected to the power converter 228. The power cable 229 can be connected to the commercial power supply 320. In the present embodiment, the power converter cable 227 functions as a so-called DC cable, and the power cable 229 functions as a so-called AC cable.

[0178] The power cable 229 corresponds to the "power supply line" of the present disclosure.

[0179] Connectors of a plurality of specifications are connected to the communication control circuit 207. In the present embodiment, a LAN connector 230, a modular connector 231, a plurality of serial connectors 232, a plurality of USB Type-C connectors 234, and a plurality of USB Type-A connectors 236 are connected to the communication control circuit 207.

[0180] These connectors provided on the relay device 200 all function as insertion ports for plugs.

[0181] The LAN connector 230 is an RJ-45 connector. The relay device 200 can also be connected to a predetermined communication network via a LAN cable connected to the LAN connector 230. The communication network is a network composed of a public network, a dedicated line, other communication lines, and various communication devices, and the specific method is not limited.

[0182] The modular connector 231 is, for example, an RJ-11 connector to which a cash register cash box 310 is connected.

[0183] The serial connector 232 is an RS-232C connector to which a settlement terminal 312 is connected. The settlement terminal 312 is, for example, a card reader or the like. In addition, other devices can also be connected to the serial connector 232.

[0184] A tablet terminal 314 is connected to the USB Type-C connector 234. In the present embodiment, the tablet terminal 314 functions as a so-called POS terminal. In addition, the tablet terminal 314 can also function as a settlement terminal.

[0185] A printer 316 that prints receipts or the like is connected to the USB Type-A connector 236. Various devices such as a display device such as a monitor and a handheld scanner can also be connected to the USB Type-A connector 236, for example.

[0186] In this way, on the relay device 200, devices with different connectors can be connected via various connectors. Therefore, in the relay device 200 and the POS system 1000, a more organized system can be formed.

[0187] The cash register cash box 310, the settlement terminal 312, and the printer 316 correspond to the "POS peripheral devices" of the present disclosure.

[0188] The LAN connector 230, the modular connector 231, the plurality of serial connectors 232, the plurality of USB Type-C connectors 234, and the plurality of USB Type-A connectors 236 correspond to the "device connectors" of the present disclosure.

[0189] Figure 13 It is a perspective view for observing the relay device 200 from the front surface. Figure 14 It is a perspective view for observing the relay device 200 from the lower part of the back surface.

[0190] As Figure 13 、 Figure 14As shown, the relay device 200 includes a resin housing 240. The housing 240 has a flat box shape with a height dimension that is shorter than the length dimension in the front-rear direction and the length dimension in the left-right direction when it is disposed on the installation surface. The relay device 200 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in plan.

[0191] The housing 240 is formed by covering the box-shaped housing main body 242 with the box-shaped cover body 260.

[0192] Figure 15 is a plan view of the relay device 200 with the cover body 260 removed. In Figure 15 For the sake of easy explanation, the buffer material 264 and the engaging piece 266 are shown by double-dashed lines.

[0193] As Figure 14 、 Figure 15 shown, the upper surface and the rear surface of the housing main body 242 are open, and it includes a front plate 242A that forms the front surface, a pair of side plates 242B, 242C that form the left and right side surfaces, and a bottom plate 242D that forms the bottom surface.

[0194] As Figure 13 shown, on the front plate 242A, a plurality of insertion holes 243 that are through holes for the switches 215 to penetrate respectively, and a plurality of exposure holes 245 that are through holes for the LEDs 219 to be exposed to the outside of the housing main body 242 are provided.

[0195] At the front ends of the pair of side plates 242B, 242C, receiving portions 247 that are recessed inward from the outer surface of the housing main body 242 are provided. The receiving portions 247 are formed in a state where the portions on the front side are open.

[0196] As Figure 14 、 Figure 15 shown, at the rear part of the housing main body 242, box-shaped storage portions 244 for storing the engaging pieces 246 are provided on both sides in the left-right direction. The upper surfaces of the storage portions 244 are open, so that the engaging pieces 246 are exposed from the upper surfaces.

[0197] The engaging pieces 246 are formed in a claw shape that bends upward at the upper end along the left-right direction. The engaging pieces 246 are held by the storage portions 244 in a manner that allows them to move in the left-right direction, and are biased by a spring member or the like. As Figure 14 shown, an operation member 248 that can be slid by a user's finger is provided at the lower end of the engaging piece 246. The operation member 248 is exposed on the rear surface side of the storage portion 244.

[0198] As Figure 14As shown, a plurality of feet 250 are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 242D. The feet 250 are arranged at various corners of the bottom plate 242D which is rectangular in plan view. The bottom plate 242D is disposed separately from the installation surface by these feet 250.

[0199] As Figure 15 shown, at the rear end portion of the bottom plate 242D, a cutout portion 252 formed by being cut away toward the front end is provided. The cutout portion 252 is disposed between a pair of storage portions 244 in plan view.

[0200] As Figure 13 、 Figure 14 shown, the lower surface of the lid 260 is open, and includes a front plate 260A forming the front surface, a pair of side plates 260B, 260C forming the left and right side surfaces, an upper plate 260D forming the upper surface, and a rear plate 260E forming the rear surface.

[0201] A transmissive portion 262 through which the light of the LED 219 passes is provided on the front plate 260A. The transmissive portion 262 is formed at a position overlapping with a plurality of exposed holes 245 by a transparent member or the like. In the relay device 200, the LED module 211, the exposed holes 245, and the transmissive portion 262 function as a display portion.

[0202] At the respective front end portions of the pair of side plates 260B, 260C, a protruding portion 263 protruding toward the housing main body 242 is provided. The protruding portion 263 is provided at a position corresponding to the receiving portion 247 and is fitted with the receiving portion 247 when the lid 260 covers the housing main body 242.

[0203] In the upper plate 260D, a plurality of cushioning materials 264 are provided on the surface facing the housing main body 242. The cushioning materials 264 are flexible members such as rubber materials. The cushioning materials 264 abut against various parts housed in the box-shaped housing main body 242 when the box-shaped housing main body 242 is covered by the box-shaped lid 260.

[0204] In the upper plate 260D, a pair of engaging pieces 266 are provided on the surface facing the housing main body 242. The engaging pieces 266 are respectively provided at positions where they can be engaged with the respective engaging pieces 246, and are engaged with the respective engaging pieces 246 when the lid 260 covers the housing main body 242.

[0205] As Figure 14As shown, the rear plate 260E extends in the vertical direction to a position where the lower end portion is close to the bottom plate 242D. Therefore, a lead-out hole 241 is formed in the housing 240. When the box-shaped housing main body 242 is covered by the box-shaped cover body 260, the lead-out hole 241 has a hole shape surrounded by the cut-out portion 252 and the lower end portion of the bottom plate 242D.

[0206] The upper plate 260D is formed to be a flat surface. Thus, the relay device 200 can place other devices and the like included in the POS system 1000 on the upper surface.

[0207] As Figure 15 shown, at the central portion of the housing main body 242, a power converter 228 and a main board housing 270 for housing the main board 203 are arranged horizontally side by side. That is, the power converter 228 and the main board housing 270 are arranged in a predetermined direction when viewed in a plane.

[0208] In the present embodiment, the power converter 228 and the main board housing 270 are arranged adjacent to each other along the left-right direction. With this configuration, the power converter 228 and the main board 203 housed in the main board housing 270 are arranged horizontally inside the housing 240.

[0209] Thereby, in the relay device 200, an increase in the height dimension can be suppressed.

[0210] Moreover, in the relay device 200, both the main board housing 270 capable of connecting various connectors and the power converter 228 for supplying power to the relay device 200 can be housed in the housing 240. Therefore, in the relay device 200 and the POS system 1000, even when a plurality of so-called POS terminals and POS peripheral devices are connected, a more organized system can be formed.

[0211] In addition, in the housing main body 242, other devices, parts, components, etc. may be arranged between the power converter 228 and the main board housing 270.

[0212] The power converter 228 of the present embodiment is a general-purpose product. A power connector 222 capable of plugging and unplugging a power cable 229 is provided on the power converter 228.

[0213] The power converter 228 is received in a converter receiving portion 254 provided inside the housing main body 242. The converter receiving portion 254 is a space surrounded by a plate-shaped positioning portion 256 erected from the upper surface of the bottom plate 242D. When the power converter 228 is received in the converter receiving portion 254, the periphery of the power converter 228 is surrounded by the positioning portion 256. Thus, the horizontal movement of the power converter 228 is restricted.

[0214] At a predetermined portion at the upper end of the positioning portion 256, a claw-shaped engaging portion 257 is provided. Thus, the vertical movement of the power converter 228 is restricted.

[0215] The power converter 228 of the present embodiment is a general product. On the power converter 228, a power connector 222 capable of plugging and unplugging a power cable 229 is provided. The power converter 228 is received in the converter receiving portion 254 such that the power connector 222 is located on the rear end side of the housing main body 242.

[0216] A compression spring 258 is provided inside the housing main body 242.

[0217] The compression spring 258 is a member formed by bending a linear metal material into a U shape. The compression spring 258 is formed such that both ends in the length direction can be inserted through a pair of insertion holes 259 provided at the upper end of a predetermined portion of the positioning portion 256. The compression spring 258 is arranged so as to press the upper surface of the power converter 228 by being inserted through the insertion holes 259. Thus, the power converter 228 is fixed to the housing main body 242.

[0218] As described above, the compression spring 258 is formed in a manner that facilitates disassembly and assembly. Therefore, in the relay device 200, the power converter 228, which is a general product of various types, can be fixed in a manner that facilitates disassembly and assembly.

[0219] The compression spring 258 corresponds to the "fixing portion" of the present disclosure.

[0220] Inside the housing main body 242, a wire holding portion 276 is provided at a position close to the corner formed by the front plate 242A and the side plate 242C. The wire holding portion 276 includes a pair of columnar winding portions 278 extending rearward from the front plate 242A. The pair of winding portions 278 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. A power converter cable 227 is wound around the pair of winding portions 278. In this case, the power converter cable 227 may also be wound around the pair of winding portions 278 in a figure-eight manner.

[0221] Accordingly, in the relay device 200, the space required for accommodating the power converter cable 227 can be further reduced inside the housing 240, and other electronic components can be accommodated in a state where noise can be reduced.

[0222] Inside the housing main body 242, a connection board housing 268 is provided at a position close to the corner formed by the front plate 242A and the side plate 242B. Inside the connection board housing 268, the switch module 209, the LED module 211, and the wireless module 213 are accommodated in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction.

[0223] Accordingly, in the relay device 200, the space required for accommodating the switch module 209, the LED module 211, and the wireless module 213 can be further reduced inside the housing 240, and the size of the relay device 200 when viewed in plan can be reduced. Therefore, in the relay device 200, miniaturization of the housing 240 can be achieved.

[0224] In addition, in the housing main body 242, other devices, parts, components, etc. can also be arranged between the switch module 209, the LED module 211, and the wireless module 213 that are arranged in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction and are arranged opposite to each other.

[0225] Figure 16 It is a perspective view for observing various connectors provided in the relay device 200 from the back.

[0226] As described above, the main board 203 is accommodated in the main board housing 270. In the main board housing 270, as Figure 16 shown, the LAN connector 230, the modular connector 231, a plurality of serial connectors 232, a plurality of USB Type-C connectors 234, and a plurality of USB Type-A connectors 236 are arranged in a manner of opening toward the rear of the housing 240.

[0227] In the present embodiment, the plurality of serial connectors 232 are arranged above the other connectors.

[0228] Two wire holders 280 are installed at the rear end of the bottom plate 242D. The wire holders 280 are formed so as to be able to support the attached connector cables 272 that are respectively inserted and removed with respect to the USB Type-C connectors 234 from below and hold them. The wire holders 280 prevent the attached connector cables 272 from falling off. In addition, the attached connector cables 272 are illustrated in Figure 17 described later.

[0229] The wire retainer 280 includes a fixed rail portion 282 and a detent member 290 that is movably disposed relative to the fixed rail portion 282.

[0230] As Figure 16 shown, the fixed rail portion 282 has a pair of rib shapes that stand up from the bottom plate 242D. The fixed rail portion 282 extends along the front-rear direction of the housing 240. By providing this rib shape, a groove 281 is formed between the rib shapes in the fixed rail portion 282.

[0231] On the bottom plate 242D, a bushing 286 that protrudes upward is provided at a position adjacent to the fixed rail portion 282. On the bushing 286, a threaded hole that is recessed downward from the upper end is provided.

[0232] The detent member 290 is a slider-shaped member formed of a resin member that is separate from the housing 240. The detent member 290 is a long and narrow member that extends along the front-rear direction of the housing 240 in a plan view.

[0233] As Figure 15 shown, on the lower surface of the detent member 290, a protrusion 292 that protrudes from the lower surface and is inserted into the groove 281 is provided. Thus, the detent member 290 can be moved in the insertion and removal direction of the attached connector cable 272 by being guided by the fixed rail portion 282. In addition, in the relay device 200, the situation where the detent member 290 deviates in the left-right direction can be suppressed.

[0234] Moreover, the detent member 290 can be moved within a range where it can be retracted into the interior of the housing 240 by being guided by the fixed rail portion 282. Thus, in the relay device 200, the situation where the relay device 200 becomes large-sized can be suppressed.

[0235] A long hole 291 that penetrates in the vertical direction is provided in the detent member 290. The long hole 291 extends along the front-rear direction of the housing 240 in a plan view. A fixing screw 284 is inserted through the long hole 291. The fixing screw 284 is a so-called butterfly screw. The fixing screw 284 is screwed into the threaded hole of the bushing 286. The user can slide the detent member 290 and fix the detent member 290 at a desired position by operating the fixing screw 284 without using tools.

[0236] A pair of abutting portions 294 that stand up upward are provided at the front end portion of the detent member 290. The abutting portions 294 are plate-shaped portions that are arranged at intervals that allow the cable portion 273 of the attached connector cable 272 to pass through along the left-right direction.

[0237] Figure 17A perspective view for observing various connectors included in the relay device 200 from the back in a state where the accessory connector cable 272 is connected.

[0238] When the accessory connector cable 272 is connected to the USB Type-C connector 234, first, the cable portion 273 is inserted through between a pair of abutting portions 294. Next, the tip portion of the connector portion 274 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector 234.

[0239] Thereafter, the user slides the anti-disconnection member 290 until it abuts against the pair of abutting portions 294 and the rear end of the connector portion 274.

[0240] When the anti-disconnection member 290 moves until it abuts against the pair of abutting portions 294 and the rear end of the connector portion 274, the user tightens the fixing screw 284, thereby fixing the anti-disconnection member 290 at this position.

[0241] In this way, the connector portion 274 is sandwiched between the pair of abutting portions 294 and the rear surface of the main board housing 270, thereby being able to prevent the connector portion 274 from detaching from the USB Type-C connector 234.

[0242] The anti-disconnection member 290 is formed so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, so that the fixed position can be changed according to the size, shape, etc. of the connector portion 274 of the accessory connector cable 272. Thus, in the relay device 200, regardless of the size, shape, etc. of the connector portion 274, it is possible to prevent the accessory connector cable 272 from detaching from the USB Type-C connector 234.

[0243] As described above, a plurality of anti-disconnection members 290 are provided corresponding to the number of USB Type-C connectors 234. The plurality of anti-disconnection members 290 have the same form, so that the parts can be made common. In the present embodiment, the plurality of anti-disconnection members 290 are provided on the fixed rail portion 282 so as to be movable independently of each other. However, it is not limited thereto, and the plurality of anti-disconnection members 290 may also be formed integrally and provided on the fixed rail portion 282 so as to be movable as a whole.

[0244] Next, the operation of the relay device 200 will be described.

[0245] As described above, when connecting various cables to the relay device 200, the user first slides the operation member 248. As a result, the engaging piece 246 disengages from the engaging piece 266, and due to the elastic force of the buffer material 264, the rear end side of the cover body 260 moves upward.

[0246] Thereafter, the user detaches the protrusion 263 from the receiving portion 247 by passing the protrusion 263 through the opened portion of the receiving portion 247, so as to remove the lid 260 from the housing body 242.

[0247] Thereby, the user can access and operate various connectors arranged on the rear surface of the main board housing 270, as well as the power connector 222 and the power converter 228.

[0248] After performing the desired operation on the relay device 200, the user mounts the lid 260 on the housing body 242.

[0249] In this case, the cables connected to various connectors arranged on the rear surface of the main board housing 270 and the power cable 229 are all led out from the lead-out hole 241. Since the lead-out hole 241 opens facing the installation surface of the relay device 200, the cables connected to various connectors and the power cable 229 all extend downward.

[0250] Thus, in the relay device 200, since various cables and the power cable 229 are led out in a manner that converges in a single lead-out hole 241, the cable arrangement and winding can be easily performed.

[0251] Moreover, in the relay device 200, since the rear surface is covered by the rear plate 260E, various cables and the power cable 229 are shielded when viewed from the rear, thereby enabling an improvement in the appearance design.

[0252] In the relay device 200, various cables and the power cable 229 led out from the lead-out hole 241 may also be wound between the bottom plate 242D and the installation surface. In this case, in the relay device 200, by arranging these cables between the respective feet 250, the cables can be arranged in a manner that converges within the installation range of the relay device 200.

[0253] Next, a modification example of the present embodiment will be described.

[0254] Figure 18 FIG. is a perspective view of observing the relay device 300 in a modification example of the present disclosure from the back. In Figure 18 In order to facilitate the explanation, the housing 340 is represented by a double-dashed line.

[0255] In Figure 18 For parts common to Figures 13 - 17 the same reference numerals are assigned and the description thereof is omitted.

[0256] AsFigure 18 As shown, in the modification of the present disclosure, the relay device 300 is arranged such that the main substrate housing 270 and the power converter 228 overlap in a plan view.

[0257] The relay device 300 includes a housing 340. Similar to the housing 240, the housing 340 is formed by covering a box-shaped housing main body 342 with a box-shaped cover body 360. On the housing 340, similar to the housing 240, an extraction hole 341 opening downward is provided.

[0258] Inside the housing 340, the power converter 228 and the power converter cable 227 are arranged together below the main substrate housing 270. The power converter 228 and the power converter cable 227 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0259] Thus, in the relay device 300, an increase in size in the horizontal direction can be suppressed.

[0260] In addition, the main substrate housing 270 and the power converter 228 may be arranged in the housing 340 such that at least a part thereof overlaps in a plan view. Further, other devices, parts, components, etc. may be arranged between the main substrate housing 270 and the power converter 228.

[0261] With such an arrangement, the power converter 228 and the main substrate 203 housed in the main substrate housing 270 are arranged to overlap vertically.

[0262] In addition, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of one mode of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0263] Although in the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that the power converter 228 is incorporated in the relay device 200 and the relay device 300, it is not limited thereto, and various power supply devices such as a battery pack may be incorporated.

[0264] Figure 1 Each part shown is an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily required to install hardware corresponding to each part individually, and of course, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the functions of each part are realized by executing a program by one processor. Further, a part of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be set as hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0265] In the above-described embodiments, directions such as horizontal and vertical and various shapes include so-called equivalent ranges that have the same effects as these directions, values, and shapes, provided that there is no special prior description.

[0266] Summary of the present disclosure

[0267] Hereinafter, a note on the summary of the present disclosure will be given.

[0268] Note 1

[0269] A relay device includes: a connector, which is a variety of connectors connected to external electronic devices; a control unit that controls communication between the electronic devices; a power supply unit that supplies power input from the outside to the control unit and supplies the power to the electronic devices connected to the connector via at least one of the connectors; a main substrate on which at least one of the control unit and the connector is provided; a communication substrate that is connected to the main substrate and is provided with a communication unit that performs wireless communication, the connector is disposed at one end of the main substrate, and the communication substrate is disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end in a first direction on the plane of the main substrate.

[0270] Accordingly, in the relay device, various electronic devices can be connected to the relay device, and power can be supplied to a predetermined electronic device. Also, the relay device is arranged in the order of the communication substrate, the main substrate, and the connector in the first direction. Therefore, the relay device can organize the laying of wirings such as power lines and signal lines, and thus can simplify the wiring structure of a POS system formed in a manner including external electronic devices. Therefore, in the relay device, an improvement in expandability and setting freedom can be achieved.

[0271] Note 2

[0272] In the relay device as described in Note 1, when a printing device is connected to any of the connectors as the electronic device, the control unit sends a signal for controlling the printing device to the printing device.

[0273] Accordingly, the relay device can control the operation of a predetermined printing device. Therefore, the relay device can simplify the structure of the printing device. In addition, for example, the relay device can miniaturize the printing device and can connect a printing device in which a circuit for performing predetermined control is omitted to form a POS system, thereby forming a further organized POS system.

[0274] Note 3

[0275] The relay device according to Note 2, wherein when the printing device is connected to any one of the connectors, the control unit causes the power supply unit to supply power capable of driving the printing device to the printing device via the connector.

[0276] Thereby, in the relay device, a recording device without a power cord can be connected to form a POS system. Thereby, the wiring structure of the relay device and various electronic devices connected to the relay device can be simplified, and a POS system capable of suppressing an increase in occupied space can be provided.

[0277] Note 4

[0278] The relay device according to Notes 1 to 3, wherein a housing is provided, the housing houses the main substrate and the communication substrate, and when the communication substrate is disposed in the housing such that a second direction intersecting the first direction is along the vertical direction, the communication substrate is disposed inside the housing so as to be located at the upper end portion of the housing.

[0279] Thereby, in the relay device, since the communication substrate is disposed above the relay device, good wireless communication can be provided.

[0280] Note 5

[0281] The relay device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the plane of the communication substrate is disposed so as to intersect the first direction.

[0282] Thereby, in the relay device, the length dimension of the relay device in the first direction can be reduced.

[0283] Note 6

[0284] The relay device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the main substrate and the communication substrate are disposed so as to overlap in the first direction.

[0285] Thereby, in the relay device, the length dimension of the relay device in a direction intersecting the first direction can be reduced.

[0286] Note 7

[0287] The relay device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein a display substrate is provided, a display unit is provided on the display substrate, the display substrate is disposed on the opposite side of the main substrate along the first direction with the communication substrate interposed therebetween, the display substrate and the communication substrate are disposed so as to overlap in the first direction, and the plane of the display substrate is disposed so as to intersect the first direction.

[0288] Thus, in the relay device, it is possible to reduce the length dimension of the relay device in the direction crossing the first direction.

[0289] Supplementary Note 8

[0290] The relay device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein it includes a support member that supports the communication substrate and at least a part of the display substrate.

[0291] Thus, in the relay device, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts. Accordingly, the relay device can suppress an increase in manufacturing-related costs.

[0292] Supplementary Note 9

[0293] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein it includes a sub-substrate on which at least one of the connectors is provided, the plane of the sub-substrate is disposed opposite to the main substrate, and the sub-substrate and the main substrate are disposed so as to overlap in a third direction that is a direction crossing the plane of the main substrate.

[0294] Thus, in the relay device, it is possible to reduce the length dimension of the relay device in the first direction.

[0295] Supplementary Note 10

[0296] A POS system includes: the relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9; a POS terminal; and POS peripheral devices.

[0297] Thus, the POS system can achieve the same effects as the above-described relay device.

[0298] Supplementary Note 11

[0299] A relay device includes: a housing; a cover that is installed in an opening provided in the housing in an openable and closable manner and covers at least a part of the surface of the housing and blocks at least a part of the opening when in the closed state; and a holding member that covers at least a part of the opening from the inner side of the housing and holds the cover in the closed state position.

[0300] Thus, in the relay device, the cover can be held and the opening can be shielded by the holding member. Therefore, in the relay device, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matters into the interior of the housing through the opening, and it is possible to efficiently arrange various components in the space inside the housing while reducing the number of parts.

[0301] Supplementary Note 12

[0302] The relay device as described in Supplementary Note 11, wherein the cover is provided on one surface of the housing, and on the housing, there is provided a mounting portion for mounting the cover, and the cover rotates in a direction intersecting with one surface of the housing with the mounting portion as a rotation axis to open and close.

[0303] Accordingly, in the relay device, compared with a structure in which a cover member that can slide and move in a direction parallel to one surface of the housing is provided, an increase in the installation space in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction can be suppressed.

[0304] Supplementary Note 13

[0305] The relay device as described in Supplementary Note 12, wherein the cover rotates in a direction away from the device main body by pressing one end portion, so as to be in an open state.

[0306] Accordingly, in the relay device, an opening and closing operation can be easily implemented with a simple structure.

[0307] Supplementary Note 14

[0308] The relay device as described in Supplementary Note 13, wherein a rotation stop portion is provided inside the housing, and when the cover is in an open state, the rotation of the cover stops by abutting against one end portion of the cover that enters the inside of the housing from the opening portion.

[0309] Accordingly, in the relay device, the area where the operation unit cover can rotate can be converged within a predetermined range.

[0310] Supplementary Note 15

[0311] The relay device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 14, wherein when the housing is provided, the longitudinal direction of the mounting portion extends in the horizontal direction.

[0312] Accordingly, in the relay device, when the cover is in a closed state, the situation where the cover rotates in a predetermined direction due to gravity can be suppressed.

[0313] Supplementary Note 16

[0314] The relay device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 15, wherein the housing is provided in such a manner that the long side of one surface formed in a rectangular shape extends along the vertical direction.

[0315] Accordingly, in the relay device, when it is provided on a setting surface, an increase in the space required for setting in a plan view can be suppressed.

[0316] Supplementary Note 17

[0317] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 16, wherein the cover covers an operation unit provided on a surface of the housing.

[0318] Thus, in the relay device, erroneous operation of the operation unit can be suppressed.

[0319] Supplementary Note 18

[0320] A POS system includes: the relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17; a POS terminal; and POS peripheral devices.

[0321] Thus, the POS system can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned relay device.

[0322] Supplementary Note 19

[0323] A relay device includes: a housing; a power converter into which a power cord can be plugged and unplugged; a power converter cable that connects the power converter and the main board, and a device connector for connecting an external electronic device is provided on the main board, and the power converter and the power converter cable are housed inside the housing.

[0324] Thus, in the relay device, even when a plurality of so-called POS terminals and POS peripheral devices are connected, a more organized system can be formed.

[0325] Supplementary Note 20

[0326] The relay device according to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the power connector and the main board are arranged side by side horizontally.

[0327] Thus, in the relay device, an increase in the height dimension can be suppressed.

[0328] Supplementary Note 21

[0329] The relay device according to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the power converter and the main board are arranged one above the other vertically.

[0330] Thus, in the relay device, an increase in the dimension in the horizontal direction can be suppressed.

[0331] Supplementary Note 22

[0332] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 19 to 21, further including: a positioning portion that positions the power converter at a predetermined position; and a fixing portion that fixes the power converter to the positioning portion.

[0333] Accordingly, in the relay device, even if the power converter is a variety of general-purpose products, the power converter can be fixed in a manner that is easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0334] Supplementary Note 23

[0335] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 19 to 22, wherein a plurality of other substrates separated from the main substrate are housed in the housing, and the plurality of other substrates are arranged in a vertically overlapping manner.

[0336] Accordingly, in the relay device, miniaturization of the housing can be achieved.

[0337] Supplementary Note 24

[0338] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 19 to 23, wherein the housing is formed of a housing main body and a lid body, and a concave cutout portion is formed on the bottom plate of the housing main body, and a cable connected to the device connector passes through the cutout portion and is led out of the housing.

[0339] Accordingly, in the relay device, the cable connected to the device connector and the cable connected to the power converter are led downward through the cutout portion, so that the cable can be easily arranged and wound.

[0340] Supplementary Note 25

[0341] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 19 to 24, wherein a wire holding portion is provided, and the wire holding portion holds the power converter cable inside the housing.

[0342] Accordingly, in the relay device, the space required for housing the power converter cable can be further reduced inside the housing, and the power converter cable can be housed in a state where noise can be reduced for other electronic components.

[0343] Supplementary Note 26

[0344] A POS system, comprising: the relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 19 to 25; a POS terminal; and POS peripheral devices.

[0345] Accordingly, the POS system can achieve the same effects as the above-described relay device.

[0346] Symbol Explanation

[0347] 1…Relay device; 2…Main substrate; 3…Substrate; 5…Power supply circuit (power supply unit); 7…Communication control circuit (control unit); 8…Printing device control circuit; 9…Display substrate; 9A…Mounting surface; 9B…Mounting surface; 13…Communication substrate; 15…Switch; 16…Operating member; 17…Switch control circuit; 18…Contact point; 19…LED; 21…LED control circuit; 23…Communication circuit; 25…Antenna; 26…Power supply connector; 27…Power supply converter cable; 28…Power supply converter; 29…Power supply cable; 30…LAN connector (connector); 31…Modular connector (connector); 32…Serial connector (connector); 34…USB Type-C connector (connector); 36…USB Type-A connector (connector); 38…Foot; 40…Housing; 40A…Front plate; 40B…Side plate; 40C…Side plate; 40D…Bottom surface; 40E…Top plate; 41…Rear surface opening; 42…Transmission part; 43…Recess; 44…Mounting part; 45…Insertion hole; 46…Bushing; 47…Opening; 49…Upper edge part; 50…Cover; 52…Cover part; 52A…Coating part; 52B…Pressing part; 54…Contact part; 55…Inclined surface part; 56…Engaging part; 60…Substrate housing; 62…Fixing part; 64…Mounting piece; 66…Threaded part; 72…Upright part; 74…Extension part; 75…Groove part; 80…Holding member; 82…Rear surface part; 84…Upper surface part; 86…Shielding part; 88…Left surface part; 89…Extension part; 90…Holding part; 92…Contact part; 100…POS system; 110…Cash register cash box (electronic device; POS peripheral device); 112…Settlement terminal (electronic device; POS peripheral device); 114…Tablet terminal (electronic device; POS terminal); 116…Printing device (electronic device; POS peripheral device); 118…Device control circuit; 120…Commercial power supply; 200…Relay device; 203…Main substrate; 205…Power supply circuit; 207…Communication control circuit; 209…Switch module (other substrate); 211…LED module (other substrate); 213…Wireless module (other substrate); 215…Switch; 219…LED; 222…Power supply connector; 223…Communication circuit; 226…Power supply connector; 227…Power supply converter cable; 228…Power supply converter; 229…Power supply cable (power line); 230…LAN connector (device connector); 231…Modular connector (device connector); 232…Serial connector (device connector); 234…USB Type-C connector (device connector); 236…USB Type-A connector (device connector); 240…Housing; 241…Lead-out hole; 242…Housing body; 242A…Front plate; 242B…Side plate; 242C…Side plate; 242D…Bottom plate; 243…Insertion hole; 244…Storage part;245…Exposed hole; 246…Engaging piece; 247…Bearing part; 248…Operating part; 250…Foot part; 252…Notch part; 254…Converter storage part; 256…Positioning part; 257…Engaging part; 258…Compression spring (fixing part); 259…Insertion hole; 260…Cover body; 260A…Front plate; 260B…Side plate; 260C…Side plate; 260D…Upper plate; 260E…Rear plate; 262…Pass-through part; 264…Buffer material; 266…Engaging piece; 268…Connection board housing; 270…Main board housing; 272…Attached connector cable; 273…Cable part; 274…Connector part; 276…Wire holding part; 278…Winding part; 280…Wire holder; 281…Groove; 282…Fixed rail part; 284…Fixed screw; 286…Bushing; 290…Anti-disengagement part; 291…Elongated hole; 292…Protrusion; 294…Contact part; 300…Relay device; 310…Cash register cash box; 312…Settlement terminal; 314…Tablet terminal; 316…Printer; 320…Commercial power supply; 340…Housing; 341…Lead-out hole; 342…Housing body; 360…Cover body; 1000…POS system; R…Space; S…Space.;

Claims

1. A relay device, comprising: connectors, which are a variety of connectors connected to external electronic devices; a control unit that controls communication between the electronic devices; a power supply unit that supplies power input from the outside to the control unit and supplies the power to the electronic devices connected to the connectors via at least one of the connectors; a main substrate on which at least one of the control unit and the connectors is provided; a communication substrate connected to the main substrate and provided with a communication unit for performing wireless communication, the connectors are arranged at one end of the main substrate, the communication substrate is arranged on the other end side opposite to the one end in a first direction on the plane of the main substrate.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein when a printing device is connected to any of the connectors as the electronic device, the control unit sends a signal for controlling the printing device to the printing device.

3. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein when the printing device is connected to any of the connectors, the control unit causes the power supply unit to supply power capable of driving the printing device to the printing device via the connector.

4. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it includes a housing that houses the main substrate and the communication substrate, when the communication substrate is arranged such that a second direction intersecting the first direction is along the vertical direction, the communication substrate is arranged inside the housing so as to be located at the upper end of the housing.

5. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plane of the communication substrate is arranged to intersect the first direction.

6. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main substrate and the communication substrate are arranged to overlap in the first direction.

7. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it includes a display substrate provided with a display unit, the display substrate is arranged on the opposite side of the main substrate along the first direction with the communication substrate therebetween, the display substrate and the communication substrate are arranged to overlap in the first direction, the plane of the display substrate is arranged to intersect the first direction.

8. The relay device according to claim 7, wherein it includes a support member that supports the communication substrate, the support member supports at least a part of the display substrate.

9. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it includes a sub-substrate provided with at least one of the connectors, the plane of the sub-substrate is arranged to face the main substrate, The sub-substrate and the main substrate are arranged so as to overlap in a third direction which is a direction crossing the plane of the main substrate.

10. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein, Comprising: A housing that houses the main substrate and the communication substrate inside; A cover that is detachably attached to an opening provided in the housing, and in a closed state, covers at least a part of the surface of the housing and blocks at least a part of the opening; A holding member that covers at least a part of the opening from the inner side of the housing and holds the cover in a closed state position.

11. The relay device according to claim 10, wherein The cover is provided on one surface of the housing, An installation portion for installing the cover is provided on the housing, The cover opens and closes by rotating in a direction crossing one surface of the housing with the installation portion as a rotation axis.

12. The relay device according to claim 11, wherein One end of the cover is pressed, so that the other end rotates in a direction away from the device body to be in an open state.

13. The relay device according to claim 12, wherein A rotation stop portion is provided inside the housing. When the cover is in an open state, the rotation of the cover stops by abutting against one end of the cover that enters the inside of the housing from the opening.

14. The relay device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein When the housing is provided, the length direction of the installation portion extends in the horizontal direction.

15. The relay device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein The housing is arranged such that the long side of a rectangular-shaped surface extends along the vertical direction.

16. The relay device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein The cover covers an operation portion provided on the surface of the housing.

17. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein, Comprising: A housing that houses the main substrate inside; A power converter into which a power cord can be plugged and unplugged; A power converter cable that connects the power converter and the main substrate, The power converter and the power converter cable are housed inside the housing.

18. The relay device according to claim 17, wherein The power converter and the main substrate are arranged side by side horizontally.

19. The relay device according to claim 17, wherein The power converter and the main substrate are arranged overlapping vertically.

20. A point-of-sale information system, comprising: The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A point-of-sale information terminal; Point-of-sale information peripheral devices.

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