USB equipment switching device

Abstract

The utility model provides a USB (Universal Serial Bus) equipment switching device. The USB device switching apparatus includes a relay including a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of ports being connected to a USB device and an electronic device, respectively; and a control host connected to the relay and configured to control power-on or power-off of each of a plurality of ports of the relay to communicatively connect or disconnect the USB device connected to the port to the electronic device. According to the USB equipment switching device, automatic on-off control of the USB equipment and automatic switching among different USB equipment can be realized, manual operation is not needed, and the working efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to communication equipment technical field and more particularly relates to a USB device switching device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the development stage of electronic devices such as multimedia entertainment devices, automotive intelligent cockpits, etc., various client devices need to be connected for extensive testing and verification. A large part of these client devices use universal serial bus (USB) interfaces, and therefore can also be referred to as USB devices. In the process of testing and verifying electronic devices, various USB devices need to be frequently plugged in and switched to verify certain functions and performance of the electronic devices. However, the plugging in and switching of USB devices often requires manual operation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and increases the development cycle and development cost of the product. SUMMARY

[0003] To solve the above problems, the utility model provides a USB device switching device, which can realize automatic on-off control of USB devices and automatic switching between different USB devices without manual operation, greatly improving work efficiency.

[0004] According to an aspect of the utility model, a USB device switching device is provided, comprising: a relay including a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of ports being connected to a USB device and an electronic device, respectively; and a control host connected to the relay and configured to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off to communicatively connect or disconnect the USB device connected to the port to or from the electronic device.

[0005] According to an example of the utility model, each of the plurality of ports includes a normally open terminal, a common terminal and a normally closed terminal, and the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device, and the common terminal is connected to the other one of the USB device and the electronic device.

[0006] According to an example of the utility model, when each of the plurality of ports is powered on, the normally open terminal of the port is attracted to the common terminal to communicatively connect the USB device connected to the port to the electronic device.

[0007] According to an example of the utility model, when each of the plurality of ports is powered off, the normally open terminal of the port is disconnected from the common terminal to disconnect the USB device connected to the port from the electronic device.

[0008] According to the example of the utility model, the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device through the first cut-off end of the power line of the USB transmission line, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the USB device and the electronic device through the second cut-off end of the power line.

[0009] According to the example of the utility model, the USB device is connected to the electronic device through the data line and the ground line of the USB transmission line.

[0010] According to the example of the utility model, the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device through the first cut-off end of the data line of the USB transmission line, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the USB device and the electronic device through the second cut-off end of the data line.

[0011] According to the example of the utility model, the USB device is connected to the electronic device through the power line and the ground line of the USB transmission line, and when the USB device is disconnected from the electronic device, the electronic device charges the USB device through the power line of the USB transmission line.

[0012] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is connected to the relay through the USB transmission line, and the relay is a USB-to-serial relay.

[0013] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is configured to send control commands to the relay via a graphical user interface (GUI) or a program script to control each port of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off.

[0014] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is also connected to the electronic device and is configured to activate the electronic device.

[0015] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is one of a computer, a portable computer, a microcomputer board, a mobile phone, a processor, and a programmable controller, and the electronic device is one of a computer, a mobile communication device, a multimedia device, a computer peripheral, a smart home device, and a vehicle-mounted electronic device.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present application, a USB device switching apparatus is provided, comprising: a USB connector including a first connection end, a plurality of second connection ends, and a third connection end, the first connection end being connected to an electronic device, and each of the plurality of second connection ends being connected to a USB device; a relay including a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of ports being connected to the third connection end; and a control host connected to the relay and configured to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off to communicatively connect or disconnect the port corresponding USB device to or from the electronic device.

[0017] According to an example of the present application, each of the first connection end and the plurality of second connection ends is a USB interface and includes a power terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal.

[0018] According to an example of the present application, each of the plurality of ports of the relay is connected to the first connection end and a second connection end of the plurality of second connection ends through the third connection end of the USB connector.

[0019] According to an example of the present application, each of the plurality of ports of the relay includes a normally open terminal, a common terminal, and a normally closed terminal, and the normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of the first connection end and the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the first connection end and the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end.

[0020] According to an example of the present application, when each of the plurality of ports is powered on, the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port attract each other to communicatively connect the port corresponding USB device to the electronic device.

[0021] According to an example of the present application, when each of the plurality of ports is powered off, the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port are disconnected to disconnect the port corresponding USB device from the electronic device.

[0022] According to an example of the present application, the normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of a power terminal of the first connection end and a power terminal of the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the power terminal of the first connection end and the power terminal of the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end.

[0023] According to the example of the utility model, the data terminal and the ground terminal of the first connection end are connected to the data terminal and the ground terminal of each second connection end in the plurality of second connection ends respectively.

[0024] According to the example of the utility model, the normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of the data terminal of the first connection end and the data terminal of the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end, and the common terminal is connected to the other one of the data terminal of the first connection end and the data terminal of the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end.

[0025] According to the example of the utility model, the power terminal and the ground terminal of the first connection end are connected to the power terminal and the ground terminal of each second connection end in the plurality of second connection ends respectively, and when the USB device corresponding to the port is disconnected from the electronic device, the electronic device charges the USB device.

[0026] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is connected to the relay through the USB transmission line, and the relay is a USB-to-serial relay.

[0027] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is configured to send control commands to the relay via a graphical user interface (GUI) or a program script to control each port in the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off.

[0028] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is also connected to the electronic device and is configured to activate the electronic device.

[0029] According to the example of the utility model, the control host is one of a computer, a portable computer, a microcomputer board, a mobile phone, a processor, and a programmable controller, and the electronic device is one of a computer, a mobile communication device, a multimedia device, a computer peripheral, a smart home device, and a vehicle-mounted electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme of the embodiments of the utility model, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced as follows, and obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the utility model, and other drawings can be obtained according to these drawings without creative labor for those skilled in the art. The following drawings are not deliberately drawn according to the actual size, and the emphasis is on showing the main idea of the utility model.

[0031] Figure 1A system architecture diagram of the USB device switching device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 An implementation example of the USB device switching device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A system architecture diagram of the USB device switching device according to another embodiment of the present application is shown; and

[0034] Figure 4 An implementation example of the USB device switching device according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application clearer, the following embodiments are used to further describe the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of the present application.

[0036] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a", "an", "one", and / or "the" are not limited in scope to the singular, but include the plural as well. The use of "first", "second", and / or similar terms does not imply any order, quantity, or importance, but merely distinguishes different components. Also, the use of "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", and / or similar terms is intended to mean that the components or elements listed after the words are present in the item, but do not exclude other components or elements. The use of "connected", "coupled", and / or similar terms is not limited to a direct or mechanical connection, but can include an electrical connection, whether direct or indirect.

[0037] In the present application, the USB device refers to a hardware device using a universal serial bus (USB) interface, which can include, but is not limited to, a computer (such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a mobile communication device (such as a mobile phone, a smart wearable device, etc.), a multimedia device (such as a television, a game console, an audio / video device, a camera device, etc.), a computer peripheral (such as a printer, a scanner, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.), a storage device (such as a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a memory card reader, etc.), a smart home device (such as a smart home appliance, a smart audio / video system, a smart lighting system, etc.), a vehicle-mounted electronic device (such as a vehicle-mounted infotainment system, a vehicle-mounted navigation system, etc.), and the like.

[0038] In the utility model, electronic equipment refers to any electronic equipment that can be connected with USB equipment for development and test, for example, can include but not limited to computer (such as desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer etc.), mobile communication equipment (such as mobile phone, smart wearable equipment etc.), multimedia equipment (such as television, game machine, audio and video equipment, camera equipment etc.), computer peripheral (such as printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse etc.), smart home equipment (such as smart household appliance, smart audio and video system, smart lighting system etc.), vehicle-mounted electronic equipment (such as vehicle-mounted information entertainment system, vehicle-mounted navigation system etc.) and the like.

[0039] In the development stage of electronic equipment, it is often necessary to connect various USB equipment for extensive test and verification, in this process, it is often necessary to manually plug and switch various USB equipment frequently, involves a lot of repetitive labor, time-consuming and laborious, increases the development cycle and development cost of product.The utility model provides a kind of USB equipment switching device, can realize the automatic on-off control of USB equipment and the automatic switching between different USB equipment, without manual operation, greatly improve work efficiency.

[0040] Figure 1 The system architecture diagram of the USB equipment switching device 100 according to the embodiment of the utility model is shown. As shown in Figure 1 The USB equipment switching device 100 includes a relay 102 and a control host 104.

[0041] The relay 102 can include a plurality of ports, Figure 1 X ports 102_1, 102_2, 102_3 to 102_X are exemplarily shown, wherein X is a positive integer greater than 3. But this is only as an example but not limitation, according to design requirements, the relay 102 can include more or less number of ports. Each port of the plurality of ports of the relay 102 can be connected to the USB equipment and the electronic equipment 108 respectively. In Figure 1 In the example, the port 102_1 can be connected to the USB equipment 106_1 and the electronic equipment 108 respectively, the port 102_2 can be connected to the USB equipment 106_2 and the electronic equipment 108 respectively, the port 102_3 can be connected to the USB equipment 106_3 and the electronic equipment 108 respectively, and the port 102_X can be connected to the USB equipment 106_X and the electronic equipment 108 respectively.

[0042] The control host 104 is connected to the relay 102 and is configured to energize or de-energize each of the plurality of ports of the relay 102 to communicatively connect or disconnect a USB device connected to that port to an electronic device. In this invention, the control host 104 can be a computer, a portable computer (such as a laptop, tablet, etc.), a microcomputer board (such as a Raspberry Pi), a mobile phone, a processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), or any other device with processing and control functions; this invention does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0043] The control host 104 can send control commands to energize or de-energize each of the multiple ports of the relay 102. For example... Figure 1 As shown, each of the multiple ports has a controllable connection point (110_1, 110_2, 110_3 to 110_X) between the connection line between the port and the corresponding USB device and the connection line between the port and the electronic device 108. When the control host 104 sends a control command to energize a port of the relay 102 (e.g., 102_1), the corresponding controllable connection point (e.g., 110_1) is connected, and the corresponding USB device (e.g., 106_1) is communicatively connected to the electronic device 108. When the control host 104 sends a control command to de-energize a port of the relay 102 (e.g., 102_1), the corresponding controllable connection point (e.g., 110_1) is disconnected, and the corresponding USB device (e.g., 106_1) disconnects from the electronic device 108.

[0044] Typically, the ports of relay 102 may include a normally open terminal (NO), a common terminal (COM), and a normally closed terminal (NC). The port is energized when the normally open terminal is engaged with the common terminal; and de-energized when the normally open terminal is disengaged from the common terminal and the normally closed terminal is engaged with the common terminal. The normally open and common terminals of the relay port can be used to implement the controllable connection point between the relay port and USB devices and electronic devices as described above.

[0045] Specifically, the normally open terminal of each port of relay 102 can be connected to one of the USB device and electronic device 108, and the common terminal can be connected to the other of the USB device and electronic device 108. When the control host 104 sends a control command to energize a certain port of relay 102, the normally open terminal of that port engages with the common terminal, thereby communicatively connecting the corresponding USB device to electronic device 108. When the control host 104 sends a control command to de-energize a certain port of relay 102, the normally open terminal of that port disengages from the common terminal, thereby disconnecting the corresponding USB device from electronic device 108.

[0046] The ports of the relay 102 can be connected with the USB devices and the electronic device 108 through USB transmission lines. Generally, the USB transmission lines can internally include a power line (VCC), a data line D (for example, two differential data lines D+ and D-) and a ground line (GND), wherein the power line and the ground line are used for line power supply, and the data line is used for data transmission. In this case, in order to realize the controllable communication connection of the USB devices and the electronic device 108, the power line or the data line of the USB transmission line can be cut off from the middle, and the cut-off power line or data line is connected to the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port of the relay respectively.

[0047] According to the examples of the utility model, the power line of the USB transmission line can be cut off from the middle, the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB devices and the electronic device 108 through the first cut-off end of the power line of the USB transmission line, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the USB devices and the electronic device 108 through the second cut-off end of the power line. In addition, the USB devices and the electronic device 108 are connected through the data line and the ground line of the USB transmission line. In this way, the control host 104 can control the on-off of the power line connection between the corresponding USB devices and the electronic device 108 by controlling the power-on and power-off of the ports of the relay 102, and can control the communication connection between the USB devices and the electronic device 108.

[0048] With reference to the examples in Figure 2 , Figure 2 The implementation examples of the USB device switching device 100 according to the embodiments of the utility model are shown, wherein, for the sake of brevity, only the internal connection details of the controllable connection point 110_1 between the port 102_1 and the USB device 106_1 and the electronic device 108 are shown, and the internal connection details of other controllable connection points are represented by black blocks, and the internal connection details are hidden. It is easy to understand that the internal connection details of other controllable connection points can be the same as those of the controllable connection point 110_1.

[0049] As Figure 2As shown, the USB device 106_1 and the electronic device 108 are connected by a USB transmission line, but the power line VCC of the USB transmission line is cut in the middle, so that the USB device 106_1 and the electronic device 108 are not directly connected at this time. The normally open terminal NO of the port 102_1 of the relay 102 is connected to the first cut end of the power line VCC of the USB transmission line, and the common terminal COM is connected to the second cut end of the power line VCC of the USB transmission line. When the control host 104 sends a control command to set the port 102_1 of the relay 102 to be powered on, the normally open terminal NO of the port is attracted to the common terminal COM, at this time, the two cut ends of the power line VCC of the USB transmission line are connected, and the power line between the USB device 106_1 and the electronic device 108 is connected, so that the USB device 106_1 is communicatively connected to the electronic device 108. When the control host 104 sends a control command to set the port 102_1 of the relay 102 to be powered off, the normally open terminal NO of the port is disconnected from the common terminal COM, at this time, the two cut ends of the power line VCC of the USB transmission line are disconnected, and the power line between the USB device 106_1 and the electronic device 108 is disconnected, so that the USB device 106_1 is disconnected from the electronic device 108.

[0050] Similarly, when the control host 104 sends a control command to set other ports of the relay 102 to be powered on or powered off, the corresponding USB device can be communicatively connected to the electronic device 108 or disconnected from the electronic device 108 in a similar manner. In this way, the on-off of each USB device can be automatically controlled by the control host 104 and the relay 102 to achieve automatic switching between different USB devices.

[0051] It should be noted that in the example of Figure 2 the normally open terminal NO of each port of the relay 102 is connected to the side of the electronic device 108, and the common terminal COM is connected to the side of the USB device. However, this is only an example and is not limiting, and it can be understood that the normally open terminal NO of each port of the relay 102 can also be connected to the side of the USB device, and the common terminal COM can be connected to the side of the electronic device 108.

[0052] According to another example of the utility model, alternatively, the data line of the USB transmission line can be cut off from the middle, the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device 108 through the first cut-off end of the data line of the USB transmission line, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the USB device and the electronic device 108 through the second cut-off end of the data line. In addition, the USB device and the electronic device 108 are connected through the power line and the ground line of the USB transmission line. In this way, the control host 104 can control the on-off of the data line connection between the corresponding USB device and the electronic device 108 by controlling the power-on and power-off of each port of the relay 102, and can control the communication connection between the USB device and the electronic device 108, and realize switching between different USB devices.

[0053] In addition, in this example, when the USB device is disconnected from the electronic device, the USB device is still connected to the electronic device through the power line and the ground line of the USB transmission line, that is, the power connection between the two is turned on, so although the electronic device and the USB device cannot transmit data, the electronic device can charge the USB device through the power line of the USB transmission line.

[0054] According to the example of the embodiment of the utility model, the control host 104 can be connected to the relay 102 through the USB transmission line, and at this time, the relay 102 can be a USB-to-serial relay. However, the utility model is not limited to this, the control host 104 can also be connected to the relay 102 through any wired or wireless mode, as long as the control host 104 can send control commands to the relay 102 to control the on-off of the ports of the relay.

[0055] According to the example of the embodiment of the utility model, the control host 104 can be configured with a graphical user interface (GUI), and the control commands can be sent by clicking the controls in the GUI to control the on-off of each port of the relay 102. Alternatively, the control host 104 can store a program script, which can automatically send a series of control commands when running to control the on-off of each port of the relay 102 in a predetermined order or regularity.

[0056] According to the example of the embodiment of the utility model, in some application scenarios, the control host 104 can also be connected to the electronic device 108, for example, for activating the electronic device 108. For example, when developing and testing the car machine of the intelligent cockpit (that is, the electronic device 108 is the car machine at this time), the control host 104 can be connected to the car machine through, for example, a controller area network (CAN) bus, so that the car machine can be activated through the control host 104 when the car machine is tested.

[0057] By utilizing the USB device switching device 100 according to an embodiment of this utility model, the on / off state of multiple USB devices can be automatically controlled without manual operation, thereby achieving automatic switching between different USB devices. This greatly saves repetitive labor, improves work efficiency, and reduces product development cycle and cost. Furthermore, the USB device switching device 100 is simple in design and easy to implement, making it widely applicable to various scenarios requiring automatic switching of USB devices, and it also allows for rapid maintenance.

[0058] The following reference Figure 3 Another embodiment of the USB device switching device according to the present invention is described. Figure 3 A system architecture diagram of a USB device switching device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the USB device switching device 300 may include a relay 302, a control host 304, and a USB connector 310.

[0059] The USB connector 310 may include a first connection terminal 310_1, multiple second connection terminals (such as 310_21, 310_22, etc.), and a third connection terminal 310_3. For simplicity, Figure 3 Only two second connection terminals 310_21 and 310_22 are shown as an example. It is understood that the USB connector 310 may include more second connection terminals depending on actual design requirements. The first connection terminal 310_1 can be connected to the electronic device 308. Each of the plurality of second connection terminals can be connected to a USB device, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the second connection terminal 310_21 can be connected to USB device 306_1, and the second connection terminal 310_22 can be connected to USB device 306_2, etc.

[0060] Relay 302 can be similar to the one described above. Figure 1 The relay 102 is described. Specifically, the relay 302 may include multiple ports. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates two ports, 302_1 and 302_2, but this is merely an example and not a limitation. Depending on design requirements, relay 302 may include more or fewer ports. Each of the multiple ports of relay 302 can be connected to the third connection terminal 310_3 of USB connector 310.

[0061] The control host 304 can be similar to the one mentioned above. Figure 1The control host 104 is described. Specifically, the control host 304 can be connected to the relay 302 and configured to send control commands to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay 302 to be powered on or powered off to communicatively connect or disconnect the USB device corresponding to the port to or from the electronic device. In the present utility model, the control host 304 can be a computer, a portable computer (such as a notebook computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a microcomputer board (such as a Raspberry Pi, etc.), a mobile phone, a processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), or any other device with processing and control functions, and the present utility model does not make specific limitations thereto.

[0062] According to the example of the embodiment of the present utility model, the first connection end 310_1 of the USB connector 310 and each of the plurality of second connection ends (such as 310_21, 310_22, etc.) can be a USB interface and can include a power terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal. That is, the electronic device 308 can be connected to the USB connector 310 through the USB interface of the first connection end 310_1, and the plurality of USB devices can be connected to the USB connector 310 through the USB interface of each of the plurality of second connection ends.

[0063] Each of the plurality of ports of the relay 302 is respectively connected to the first connection end 310_1 and the corresponding second connection end of the plurality of second connection ends through the third connection end 310_3 of the USB connector 310. Specifically, each port of the relay 302 can include a normally open terminal (NO), a common terminal (COM), and a normally closed terminal (NC). The normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of the first connection end and the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end 310_3, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the first connection end and the corresponding second connection end through the third connection end 310_3. Thus, when each of the plurality of ports is powered on, the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port attract to communicatively connect the USB device corresponding to the port to the electronic device; when each of the plurality of ports is powered off, the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port are disconnected to disconnect the USB device corresponding to the port from the electronic device.

[0064] According to the example of the present utility model, through the third connection end 310_3 of the USB connector 310, the normally open terminal NO of each port of the relay 302 can be connected to one of the power terminal of the first connection end 310_1 and the power terminal of the corresponding second connection end of the plurality of second connection ends, and the common terminal COM can be connected to the other of the power terminal of the first connection end 310_1 and the power terminal of the corresponding second connection end of the plurality of second connection ends.

[0065] When the control host 304 issues a control command to energize a certain port of the relay 302, the normally open terminal of that port engages with the common terminal, and the USB device corresponding to that port is communicatively connected to the electronic device 308. When the control host 304 issues a control command to de-energize a certain port of the relay 302, the normally open terminal of that port disengages from the common terminal, and the USB device corresponding to that port disconnects from the electronic device 308.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 The examples in the text illustrate this point. Figure 4 An example implementation of a USB device switching device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The image shows only two ports of the relay 302 and two second connection terminals of the USB connector 310 as examples, but this is only an example and not a limitation. Depending on the actual design requirements, the relay 302 may have more ports and the USB connector 310 may have more second connection terminals.

[0067] exist Figure 4 In the example, electronic device 308 is connected to USB connector 310 via the USB interface of the first connection terminal 310_1 of USB connector 310. Various USB devices are connected to USB connector 310 via the USB interfaces of their respective second connection terminals. Furthermore, various ports of relay 302 are connected to the third connection terminal 310_3 of USB connector 310. Specifically, inside USB connector 310, the data terminal and ground terminal of the first connection terminal are respectively connected to the data terminal and ground terminal of each of the plurality of second connection terminals, thereby connecting the data terminal and ground terminal of each USB device to the data terminal and ground terminal of electronic device 308, respectively.

[0068] For relay 302, via the third connection terminal 310_3 of USB connector 310, the common terminal COM of port 302_1 of relay 302 can be connected to the power terminal VCC of the first connection terminal 310_1 of USB connector 310, and the normally open terminal NO can be connected to the power terminal VCC of the second connection terminal 310_21 of USB connector 310. Furthermore, via the third connection terminal 310_3 of USB connector 310, the common terminal COM of port 302_2 of relay 302 can be connected to the power terminal VCC of the first connection terminal 310_1 of USB connector 310, and the normally open terminal NO can be connected to the power terminal VCC of the second connection terminal 310_22 of USB connector 310. In this way, each port of relay 302 is connected between the power line VCC of the corresponding USB device and electronic device 308.

[0069] It should be noted that in the example of FIG. 3, the common terminal COM of each port of the relay 302 is connected to the side of the electronic device 308, and the normally open terminal NO is connected to the side of the USB device. However, this is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that the common terminal COM of each port of the relay 302 can also be connected to the side of the USB device, and the normally open terminal NO can be connected to the side of the electronic device 308. Figure 4

[0070] The control host 304 can send a control command to the relay 302 to control the on-off of a certain port of the relay 302, and thus control the communication connection between the corresponding USB device and the electronic device 308. For example, the control host 304 can send a control command to set the port 302_1 of the relay 302 to be powered on, and thus the normally open terminal NO of the port 302_1 is attracted to the common terminal COM. At this time, the power line VCC of the first connection end 310_1 of the USB connector 310 is connected to the power line VCC of the second connection end 310_21, and the power line between the electronic device 308 and the USB device 306_1 is conducted, so that the USB device 306_1 is communicatively connected to the electronic device 308. When the control host 304 sends a control command to set the port 302_1 of the relay 302 to be powered off, the normally open terminal NO of the port 302_1 is disconnected from the common terminal COM. At this time, the power line VCC of the first connection end 310_1 of the USB connector 310 is disconnected from the power line VCC of the second connection end 310_21, and the power line between the electronic device 308 and the USB device 306_1 is disconnected, so that the USB device 306_1 is disconnected from the electronic device 308.

[0071] Similarly, the control host 304 can also send a control command to control the on-off of other ports of the relay 302, and thus control the communication connection between other USB devices and the electronic device 308. In this way, the on-off of each USB device can be automatically controlled by the control host 304 and the relay 302, so as to achieve automatic switching between different USB devices.

[0072] ​According to another example of the utility model, alternatively, through the third connecting end 310 3 of USB connector 310, the normally open terminal NO of each port of relay 302 can be connected to one of the data terminals of the first connecting end 310 1 and the data terminals of the corresponding second connecting end of the plurality of second connecting ends, and the common terminal COM can be connected to the other of the data terminals of the first connecting end 310 1 and the data terminals of the corresponding second connecting end of the plurality of second connecting ends. And, inside the USB connector 310, the power terminal and the ground terminal of the first connecting end are respectively connected to the power terminal and the ground terminal of each second connecting end of the plurality of second connecting ends, so as to respectively connect the power terminal and the ground terminal of each USB device to the power terminal and the ground terminal of electronic device 308.

[0073] When the control host 304 issues a control command to set a certain port of the relay 302 to be powered on, the normally open terminal of the port is attracted to the common terminal, the data terminals of the first connecting end 310 1 and the data terminals of the corresponding second connecting end are communicated, so as to communicate the data terminals of the corresponding USB device with the data terminals of the electronic device 308, and then the USB device is communicatively connected to the electronic device 308. When the control host 304 issues a control command to set a certain port of the relay 302 to be powered off, the normally open terminal of the port is disconnected from the common terminal, the data terminals of the first connecting end 310 1 and the data terminals of the corresponding second connecting end are disconnected, so as to disconnect the data terminals of the corresponding USB device from the data terminals of the electronic device 308, and then the USB device is disconnected from the electronic device 308.

[0074] In addition, in this example, when the USB device is disconnected from the electronic device, since the power terminal and the ground terminal of the USB device are also connected to the electronic device through the second connecting end and the first connecting end of the USB connector, that is, the power connection between the two is on, although the electronic device and the USB device cannot transmit data, the electronic device can charge the USB device.

[0075] According to the example of the embodiment of the utility model, the control host 304 can be connected to the relay 302 through the USB transmission line, at this time, the relay 302 can be a USB-to-serial relay. However, the utility model is not limited thereto, the control host 304 can also be connected to the relay 302 through any wired or wireless mode, as long as the control host 304 can issue a control command to the relay 302 to control the on-off of the port of the relay.

[0076] According to the example of the embodiment of the utility model, the control host 304 can be configured with a graphical user interface (GUI), and then the control commands can be issued by clicking the controls in the GUI to control the on-off of each port of the relay 302. Alternatively, the control host 304 can store a program script, which can automatically issue a series of control commands when running to control the on-off of each port of the relay 302 in a predetermined order or regularity.

[0077] According to the example of the embodiment of the utility model, in some application scenarios, the control host 304 can also be connected to the electronic device 308, for example, for activating the electronic device 308. For example, when developing and testing the car machine of the intelligent cockpit (i.e., the electronic device 308 is the car machine at this time), the control host 304 can be connected to the car machine, for example, through a controller area network (CAN) bus, so that the car machine can be activated through the control host 304 when the car machine is tested.

[0078] By using the USB device switching device 300 according to the embodiment of the utility model, the on-off of multiple USB devices can be automatically controlled without manual operation and without modifying the USB transmission line, thereby realizing automatic switching between different USB devices, greatly saving repetitive labor, improving work efficiency, and reducing the development cycle and cost of products. In addition, the USB device switching device 100 is simple in design and easy to implement, and can be widely applied to various scenarios requiring automatic switching of USB devices, and can realize rapid maintenance.

[0079] In the utility model, unless otherwise defined, all the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the utility model belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formalized sense, unless otherwise defined herein.

[0080] The above is a description of the utility model, and should not be considered as a limitation. Although several exemplary embodiments of the utility model are described, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the utility model. Therefore, all these modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the utility model defined by the claims. It should be understood that the above is a description of the utility model, and should not be considered as a limitation to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included in the scope of the appended claims. The utility model is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A USB device switching apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device comprises: a relay comprising a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of ports being respectively connected to a USB device and an electronic device; and a control host connected to the relay and configured to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off to communicatively connect or disconnect the USB device connected to the port to or from the electronic device, each of the plurality of ports comprises a normally open terminal, a common terminal and a normally closed terminal, the normally open terminal of each port being connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device through a first cut end of a power line or a data line of a USB transmission line, the common terminal being connected to the other one of the USB device and the electronic device through a second cut end of the power line or the data line.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, When each of the plurality of ports is powered on, the normally open terminal of the port is attracted to the common terminal to communicatively connect the USB device connected to the port to the electronic device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, When each of the plurality of ports is powered off, the normally open terminal of the port is disconnected from the common terminal to disconnect the USB device connected to the port from the electronic device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, When the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device through a first cut end of a power line of a USB transmission line, and the common terminal is connected to the other one of the USB device and the electronic device through a second cut end of the power line, the USB device is connected to the electronic device through a data line and a ground line of the USB transmission line.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, When the normally open terminal of each port is connected to one of the USB device and the electronic device through a first cut end of a data line of a USB transmission line, and the common terminal is connected to the other one of the USB device and the electronic device through a second cut end of the data line, the USB device is connected to the electronic device through a power line and a ground line of the USB transmission line, and when the USB device is disconnected from the electronic device, the electronic device charges the USB device through the power line of the USB transmission line.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control host is connected to the relay through a USB transmission line, and the relay is a USB-to-serial relay.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control host is configured to send a control command to the relay via a graphical user interface or a program script to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control host is further connected to the electronic device and configured to activate the electronic device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control host is one of a computer, a portable computer, a microcomputer board, a mobile phone, a processor, a programmable controller, and the electronic device is one of a computer, a mobile communication device, a multimedia device, a computer peripheral, a smart home device, and a vehicle-mounted electronic device.

10. A USB device switching apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device comprises: A USB connector includes a first connection end connected to an electronic device, a plurality of second connection ends each connected to a USB device, and a third connection end; A relay includes a plurality of ports each connected to the third connection end; and A control host connected to the relay and configured to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off to communicatively connect or disconnect the port corresponding USB device to or from the electronic device.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The first connection end and each of the plurality of second connection ends are USB interfaces and include a power terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, Each of the plurality of ports of the relay is connected to the first connection end and a respective second connection end of the plurality of second connection ends through the third connection end of the USB connector.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, Each of the plurality of ports of the relay includes a normally open terminal, a common terminal, and a normally closed terminal, and the normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of the first connection end and the respective second connection end through the third connection end, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the first connection end and the respective second connection end through the third connection end.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, When each of the plurality of ports is powered on, the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port are attracted to communicatively connect the port corresponding USB device to the electronic device.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, When each of the plurality of ports is powered off, the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the port are disconnected to disconnect the port corresponding USB device from the electronic device.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of a power terminal of the first connection end and a power terminal of the respective second connection end through the third connection end, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the power terminal of the first connection end and the power terminal of the respective second connection end through the third connection end.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The data terminal and the ground terminal of the first connection end are connected to the data terminal and the ground terminal of each of the plurality of second connection ends, respectively.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The normally open terminal in each port is connected to one of a data terminal of the first connection end and a data terminal of the respective second connection end through the third connection end, and the common terminal is connected to the other of the data terminal of the first connection end and the data terminal of the respective second connection end through the third connection end.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The power terminal and the ground terminal of the first connection end are connected to the power terminal and the ground terminal of each of the plurality of second connection ends, respectively, and the electronic device charges the USB device when the port corresponding USB device is disconnected from the electronic device.

20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The control host is connected to the relay through a USB transmission line, and the relay is a USB-to-serial relay.

21. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The control host is configured to send control commands to the relay via a graphical user interface or program script to control each of the plurality of ports of the relay to be powered on or powered off.

22. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The control host is also connected to the electronic device and configured to activate the electronic device.

23. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The control host is one of a computer, a portable computer, a microcomputer board, a mobile phone, a processor, a programmable controller, and the electronic device is one of a computer, a mobile communication device, a multimedia device, a computer peripheral, a smart home device, and a vehicle-mounted electronic device.

Images