Connection device and electronic device

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a plurality of units are accidentally disconnected even when an unexpected impact occurs in a connection device and an electronic device each having a plurality of connected units.SOLUTION: A connection device can detachably connect a first unit and a second unit. The connection device comprises a latch 22 provided on the first unit and having an engagement end 22c, and an engagement portion 11 provided on the second unit and engaging with the engagement end 22c at an engagement position. The latch 22 is movable at least in a direction from the engagement position to a disengagement position, and the disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal. This reduces the possibility that a plurality of units are accidentally disconnected in a connection device and an electronic device each having a plurality of connected units, even when an unexpected impact occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection apparatus and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that includes an electronic component having a connector, and a main body housing having an accommodating recess capable of accommodating the electronic component, with a main body connector provided in the accommodating recess that can be connected to the connector of the electronic component, and in which a locking claw portion of a latch member provided movably relative to the main body housing can be locked with a locking portion of the electronic component accommodated in the accommodating recess, thereby enabling the electronic component to be attached to and detached from the main body housing, and in which the electronic component is accommodated in the accommodating recess of the main body housing and the connector is connected to the main body connector, thereby electrically connecting the electronic component to the main body housing.The main body housing of the electronic device includes a latch holding portion that moves in a direction to release the locking state of the locking claw portion with the locking portion, and engages with a pushing portion of the latch member that has pushed the electronic component in a direction to remove it from the accommodating recess by the pushing portion, thereby restricting movement of the latch member in the locking direction by an elastic member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5782472 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to reduce the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected in connection devices and electronic devices that have multiple connected units, even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a connection device that can detachably connect a first unit and a second unit, the connection device comprising: a latch provided on the first unit and having an engagement end; and an engagement portion provided on the second unit that engages with the engagement end at an engagement position, the latch being movable at least in a direction from the engagement position to disengage, and the direction of disengagement being at an angle inclined upward from the engagement position relative to the horizontal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, in a connection device and an electronic device having multiple connected units, even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs, the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an electronic device, in which (a) is a diagram showing the front surface as seen by a user, and (b) is a diagram showing the back surface as seen by a user. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a rear surface of an electronic device and an access hole; FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the entire rear surface of the electronic device; and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the access hole and its surroundings. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit when connected [Figure 4] (a) to (e) are diagrams illustrating the process of removing the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit when not connected [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which an electronic device receives a shock; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a latch and an engaging portion when the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit are connected to each other; [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing other connection configurations between the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit, (a) when connected, and (b) when not connected. [Figure 9]1A and 1B are diagrams showing other connection configurations between the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit, (a) a diagram showing the connected state, (b) a diagram showing the disconnected state, (c) an enlarged view of the latch and engagement portion when connected, and (d) an enlarged view of the latch and engagement portion when disconnected. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit when connected using spring parts [Figure 11] Diagram showing the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit when not connected using spring parts [Figure 12] A diagram showing an electronic device when the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit are connected using spring parts. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the engaging parts when the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit are connected [Figure 14] (a) An explanatory diagram of the engaging parts, (b) An explanatory diagram of the latch when using the engaging parts [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device using an engaging part. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the direction in which the peripheral bar unit is detached from the monitor unit and the direction in which the latch disengages from the engagement position; (a) a diagram showing the case in which the detachment direction is downward; (b) a diagram showing the case in which the detachment direction is leftward; (c) a diagram showing the case in which the detachment direction is rightward; and (d) a diagram showing the case in which the detachment direction is upward. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Background to this disclosure) In recent aircraft, each seat is equipped with electronic devices such as personal monitors that can be used to watch movies, play games, read books, check flight status, etc., or seat monitors that can provide other in-flight entertainment (e.g., In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)). Conventionally, electronic devices have been equipped with a monitor and a connection (outlet) for accessory devices such as an earphone jack, a USB port, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication. However, while the monitor has a long life cycle, these connection parts may have a shorter life cycle than the monitor due to the need for updates as technology changes. Therefore, electronic devices that allow the monitor and connection parts to be detachable and replaceable are beginning to appear.

[0009] Patent Document 1 describes an electronic device in which an electronic component having a connector, such as a battery device, is configured to be detachable from a main body housing.

[0010] However, on an aircraft, there is a possibility that the connection between the main body housing and the electronic component having a connector may be accidentally disconnected due to an unexpected impact or the like. An example of an unexpected impact is a sudden jolt of the aircraft, causing a passenger's body part or an object to collide with at least one of the main body housing and the electronic component. If the electronic component becomes disconnected, there is a risk of a secondary disaster, such as passenger injury from the electronic component. Therefore, a configuration is required that can reduce the possibility of this connection being accidentally disconnected even when an unexpected impact or the like occurs.

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, embodiments that specifically disclose the configuration and operation of an electronic device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims. Furthermore, although the connection device will be described using an electronic device such as an IFE, the connection device may be used for any device, not limited to electronic devices.

[0012] (Embodiment) 1. Electronic Device 1 First, the electronic device 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device, where (a) shows the front side as seen by a user (passenger) and (b) shows the back side as seen by a user (passenger). The electronic device 1 is, for example, an in-flight entertainment system (IFE) installed around a seat on an aircraft or the like. The electronic device 1 includes a monitor unit 10 and a peripheral bar unit 20. The monitor unit 10 has a built-in display and monitor. The peripheral bar unit 20 is provided with an earphone jack, a USB port, and connections (receptacles, interfaces, ports, etc.) for accessory devices. The monitor unit 10 is easy to use over the long term. However, the peripheral bar unit 20 generally requires frequent replacement due to changes in demand over time and frequent physical contact with receptacles and other components.

[0013] 2. Removing the Monitor Unit 10 and Peripheral Bar Unit 20 Next, the removal of the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the rear surface of the electronic device and an access hole. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the entire rear surface of the electronic device, and FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged view of the access hole and its surroundings. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit when connected. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e) are diagrams explaining the process of removing the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit, with the state changing from (a) to (e) over time. Also, for simplicity of explanation, FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e) only show the configuration of the left side of the rear surface of the peripheral bar unit 20, but the following explanation of FIG. 4 is equally applicable to the configuration of the right side of the rear surface.

[0014] As shown in each of Figures 2(a) and 2(b), an access hole 21 is provided in the peripheral bar unit 20 on the rear side. By pushing a tool such as a rod-shaped tool into the access hole 21, a user (for example, a mechanic of the electronic device 1) can remove the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20. In this case, since the monitor unit 10 is fixed to the aircraft, the peripheral bar unit 20 will be removed from the monitor unit 10. Two access holes 21 are provided, one on each side.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3 , latches 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the peripheral bar unit 20. The latches 22 are biased by springs, and receive outward forces from the springs on the left and right sides. The latches 22 of the peripheral bar unit 20 are engaged with the engagement portions 11 of the monitor unit 10, thereby maintaining a physical connection between the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20. The monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are also physically and electrically connected by the connection portions 13 (receptacles) of the monitor unit 10 and the connection portions 23 (plugs) of the peripheral bar unit 20. By pushing a tool through the access hole 21 shown in FIG. 2 , a force indicated by arrow X is applied. The spring-biased latches 22 are then pushed inward of the peripheral bar unit 20, disengaging the latches 22 from the engagement portions 11, and the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are removed.

[0016] With reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e), the removal of the monitor unit 10 from the peripheral bar unit 20 will be described in detail. The latch 22 has slopes 22a and 22b on its left and right upper surfaces, respectively, and is trapezoidal in shape with its upper side shorter than its lower side. The upper and lower sides do not extend horizontally but are inclined relative to the horizontal. This inclination is higher on the inside (right side of FIG. 4) than on the outside (left side of FIG. 4). In FIG. 4(a), in the engaged position, the latch 22 is engaged with the engaging portion 11 at the engaging end 22c. The surface of the engaging end 22c of the latch 22 faces the surface of the engaging portion 11. In other words, the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are connected. The engaging surface of the engaging portion 11 is configured such that when a force is applied to separate the peripheral bar unit 20 from the monitor unit 10, a force is applied to the latch 22 that urges the latch 22 outward. To ensure a smooth latch stroke for such engagement surfaces, the upper and lower edges are not horizontal but are inclined relative to the horizontal. This inclination is such that the inside (e.g., the right side in FIG. 4) is more upward than the outside (e.g., the left side in FIG. 4). By pushing a tool through the access hole 21, a force indicated by arrow X is applied to the latch 22. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the pressed latch 22 moves from the engaged position toward disengagement and abuts against the rib 12 provided on the monitor unit 10. At this time, the lower side of the right-side inclined surface 22b of the latch 22 abuts against the rib 12. Further application of the force indicated by arrow X to the latch 22 shifts the abutting portion of the right-side inclined surface 22b of the latch 22 and the rib 12 toward the upper side of the inclined surface 22b. As a result, the latch 22 moves downward, as shown in FIG. 4(c). As a result, the left engagement piece of the latch 22 (for example, the lower side of the left inclined surface 22a of the latch 22) is positioned below the engagement surface of the engagement portion 11 of the monitor unit 10. In other words, the peripheral bar unit 20 moves in a direction separating the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20. However, in the state of FIG. 4(c), the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are not completely separated.4(c) shows a state in which the force of arrow X is maximum applied to latch 22, and the biasing spring is most compressed. It is also possible to omit FIGS. 4(d) and 4(e) and configure the monitor unit 10 and peripheral bar unit 20 to be completely separated in the state of FIG. 4(c).

[0017] Next, after the state shown in FIG. 4(c), the force of arrow X is weakened, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 4(d). From now on, the latch 22 moves leftward due to the force of the spring, so that the engaging portion 11 comes into contact with the lower side of the slope 22a on the left side of the latch 22. Then, as the spring force continues to be applied, the latch 22 continues to move, and the contact portion between the engaging portion 11 and the slope 22a gradually shifts to the upper side of the slope 22a on the left side of the latch 22. As a result, the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are detached, as shown in FIG. 4(e).

[0018] In this electronic device 1, which allows the monitor unit 10 and peripheral bar unit 20 to be detachably connected, the peripheral bar unit 20 has a latch 22 with slopes 22a and 22b at its two left and right ends, and the monitor unit 10 has an engagement portion 11 that engages with one of the left and right engagement ends 22c (outside in FIG. 4 ) of the latch 22, and a rib 12 that is located at the other end (inside in FIG. 4 ) of the latch 22 and faces the engagement portion 11. The latch 22 is spring-biased and movable. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(a), when the monitor unit 10 and peripheral bar unit 20 are connected, the latch 22 is located between the engagement portion 11 and the rib 12.

[0019] Furthermore, when the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are detached, the inward force acting on the spring causes the latch 22 to move horizontally inward of the peripheral bar unit 20, causing the inclined surface 22b on the inner end of the latch 22 to abut against the end (lower end) of the rib 12. The peripheral bar unit 20 then moves in a direction away from the monitor unit 10. Next, the latch 22 moves horizontally outward of the peripheral bar unit 20, causing the outer inclined surface 22a of the latch 22 to abut against the engaging portion 11, causing the peripheral bar unit 20 to move in a direction away from the monitor unit 10. Note that in the above, the inward and outward directions may be reversed. Also, the spring is not necessarily required.

[0020] 3. Connection between the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 Next, a description will be given of the connection between the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit when not connected.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, when the monitor unit 10 and peripheral bar unit 20 are not connected, the connection portion 13 and the connection portion 23 are naturally not connected, and the latch 22 and the engagement portion 11 are not engaged. From the state shown in Figure 5, by pushing the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the monitor unit 10 and transitioning the state in the order of Figures 4(e) to (a), the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 can be connected as shown in Figure 3.

[0022] 4. Shock protection Next, various measures against impacts on the electronic device 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the electronic device has received an impact. For example, when the electronic device 1 is loaded onto an aircraft or the like, a large impact may be applied to the electronic device 1 due to an accident or the like, as shown in FIG. 6. At this time, the impact is often applied as a downward force to the electronic device 1. As a result, because the peripheral bar unit 20 is attached to the monitor unit 10 from below, there is a possibility that the peripheral bar unit 20 may become detached from the monitor unit 10. If the peripheral bar unit 20 becomes detached from the monitor unit 10, there is a risk that a passenger may be injured. Therefore, a structure is required that reduces the possibility that the peripheral bar unit 20 will become detached from the monitor unit 10 even when a downward impact (force) is applied.

[0023] Therefore, each of the measures to deal with such a collision will be explained in order.

[0024] (1) When the latch's movable direction is tilted upward from the engaged position relative to the horizontal. As a measure against a collision, first, a case will be described in which the movable direction of the latch forms an angle inclined upward from the engaged position with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a latch and an engaging portion when the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit are connected. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another connection form between the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit, (a) a diagram showing the connected state, and (b) a diagram showing the disconnected state. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another connection form between the monitor unit and the peripheral bar unit, (a) a diagram showing the connected state, (b) a diagram showing the disconnected state, (c) an enlarged view of the latch and the engaging portion when disconnected, and (d) an enlarged view of the latch and the engaging portion when connected.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the electronic device 1 is a connection device that can detachably connect a monitor unit 10 (first unit) and a peripheral bar unit 20 (second unit). The electronic device 1 includes an engagement portion 11 that is provided on the monitor unit 10 (first unit) and engages with an engagement end 22c at an engagement position, and a latch 22 that is provided on the peripheral bar unit 20 (second unit) and has an engagement end 22c. The latch 22 is movable at least in a direction from the engagement position to a disengagement position (Y direction in Figure 7), and to ensure a smooth latch stroke for such an engagement surface, the disengagement direction forms an angle that is inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal. In this case, the engagement surface between the latch 22 and the engagement portion 11 should be shaped so that when a force is applied to separate the peripheral bar unit 20 from the monitor unit 10, the reaction force from the monitor unit 10 to the latch 22 (force in the direction A in FIG. 7) has a component in the direction that engages the latch 22 (leftward in FIG. 7). In FIG. 7, the direction in which the engagement is released is the upper right direction. Note that the direction in which the engagement is released is never vertical. In other words, when a downward impact (force) is applied in the Z direction in FIG. 7, a force in the direction A acts on the latch 22 from the monitor unit 10 at the engagement surface between the latch 22 and the engagement portion 11. This force in the direction A has components in the directions A1 and A2. The component in the direction A1 acts as a force that engages the latch 22.

[0027] As a result, even if a downward impact (force) is applied in the Z direction in FIG. 7, the direction in which the latch 22 disengages from the engaged position (the Y direction in FIG. 7) is upward relative to the horizontal (in other words, the force that the latch 22 receives from the engagement surface has a component force in the left direction, which is the direction of engagement), so the latch 22 can be prevented from slipping off from the engagement portion 11. Conversely, if a downward impact (force) is applied in the Z direction and the direction in which the latch 22 disengages from the engaged position is horizontal or downward (in other words, the force that the latch 22 receives from the engagement surface has a component force in the right direction, which is the direction in which the latch 22 disengages from the engaged position), the latch 22 may slip off. As a result, the peripheral bar unit 20 may come off from the monitor unit 10. In this embodiment, because the direction of disengagement from the engaged position (Y direction in FIG. 7) is an upward direction (in other words, the component force applied to latch 22 from the engagement surface is in the leftward direction, which is the direction of engagement), even if a small amount of downward force is applied, latch 22 can be prevented from slipping off. Therefore, even if an unexpected impact occurs, the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected can be reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, the shape of the engaging end 22c of the latch 22 should preferably be along the direction in which the engagement is released from the engagement position (the Y direction in Figure 7). Furthermore, to ensure a smooth latch stroke with respect to the engagement surface, the direction in which the engagement is released should preferably be along the engagement surface. "Along" does not necessarily have to be the same direction, and it is preferable that it be within about 10 degrees forward or backward. (The same applies to "along" below.) Furthermore, the shape of the engaging portion 11 should preferably be along the direction in which the engagement is released from the engagement position. This makes it possible to smoothly move the latch 22 while reducing the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact occurs.

[0029] In FIG. 7, since the latch 22 is pushed in the X direction from the side surface of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center as described in FIG. 4, the direction in which the latch disengages from the engaged position is the direction from the side surface of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center. In this case, the direction in which the latch disengages from the engaged position is naturally not horizontal, but rather from the lower side surface toward the upper center. Furthermore, when a downward impact (force) is applied, the component of the force that the latch 22 receives from the engagement surface is in the direction from the center of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the side surface. Similarly, the shape of the engagement end 22c of the latch 22 should be aligned with the direction from the side surface of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center. Furthermore, the shape of the engagement portion 11 should be aligned with the direction from the side surface of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center. Note that, to ensure a smooth latch stroke when the latch 22 is pushed against the engagement surface, the direction in which the latch disengages should be tilted upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal.

[0030] The imaginary line (Y direction in FIG. 7) extending in the disengagement direction (extending the engagement surface) should preferably be at least 5 degrees from the horizontal. In FIG. 7, the imaginary line (Y direction in FIG. 7) extending in the disengagement direction is approximately 10 degrees from the horizontal. By forming an angle of 5 degrees or more, a certain degree, the structure is less likely to come off even in the event of a collision. The condition for this angle is that even if tilt due to rattle of the latch 22, deformation of the latch 22, deformation of the engagement portion 11 of the monitor unit 10, or deformation of the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 as a whole occurs, when a force is applied to separate the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20, the engagement surface of the latch 22 and the engagement portion does not include a component force in the direction of disengagement of the latch 22 as a reaction force against the latch 22.

[0031] 8(a) and 8(b), the latch 22 may be configured to be pulled outward from the access hole 21. In this case, the latch 22 disengages from the engaging portion 11 as the latch 22 moves in the X2 direction. At this time, the direction of disengagement from the engaged position is the Y2 direction (upper left) in FIG. 8(a), which forms an angle inclined upward from the engaged position with respect to the horizontal. The shape of the engaging end 22c of the latch 22 should be in line with the direction of disengagement from the engaged position (the Y2 direction in FIG. 8(a)). The shape of the engaging portion 11 should be in line with the direction of disengagement from the engaged position.

[0032] 9(a) to 9(d), the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 may be attached or detached by moving the latch 22 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the electronic device 1. In this case, the latch 22 disengages from the engaging portion 11 when the latch 22 moves in the depth direction (toward the upper right in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d)). At this time, the direction of disengagement from the engaged position also forms an angle inclined upward from the engaged position with respect to the horizontal. The shape of the engaging end 22c of the latch 22 is preferably along the direction of disengagement from the engaged position (direction Y2 in FIG. 8(a)). The shape of the engaging portion 11 is preferably along the direction of disengagement from the engaged position.

[0033] (2) When using two spring parts Next, a case where two spring components are used will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit when connected when spring components are used. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit when not connected when spring components are used. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an electronic device when the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit are connected using spring components.

[0034] The monitor unit 10 includes a monitor unit spring component 16. The peripheral bar unit 20 includes a peripheral bar unit spring component 25. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the monitor unit spring component 16 is hook-shaped, and the peripheral bar unit spring component 25 forms at least a part of a loop. Of course, the monitor unit spring component 16 may form a loop shape, and the peripheral bar unit spring component 25 may form a hook shape. As shown in FIG. 10, when the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are connected, the hook of the monitor unit spring component 16 is hooked onto the loop of the peripheral bar unit spring component 25. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, even when the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are no longer connected, the hook of the monitor unit spring component 16 is still hooked onto the loop of the peripheral bar unit spring component 25. As a result, even if the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 are accidentally separated due to a collision or the like, the peripheral bar unit 20 will not fall, and as a result, secondary disasters due to the peripheral bar unit 20 falling can be prevented.

[0035] The monitor unit spring component 16 and the peripheral bar unit spring component 25 do not necessarily have to be made of springs, but may be any material such as wires or linear objects. However, in consideration of resistance to impact, elastic materials are preferred.

[0036] 12, it is preferable to provide two monitor unit spring components 16 and two peripheral bar unit spring components 25, one on each side of the electronic device 1. With this configuration, even if the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 accidentally become detached due to a collision or the like, the peripheral bar unit 20 can be stably supported. Furthermore, when the monitor unit spring components 16 and the peripheral bar unit spring components 25 are used, even if the latch 22 is damaged by an impact, the peripheral bar unit 20 can be prevented from falling.

[0037] (3) When using engaging parts Next, a case where the engaging parts are used will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the engaging parts when the monitor unit and peripheral bar unit are connected. Fig. 14(a) is an explanatory diagram of the engaging parts, and Fig. 14(b) is an explanatory diagram of the latch when the engaging parts are used. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an electronic device when the engaging parts are used.

[0038] The monitor unit 10 includes a monitor unit engaging part 17. The peripheral bar unit 20 includes a peripheral bar unit engaging part 26, which is arranged overlapping the latch 22. As shown in area A, the peripheral bar unit engaging part 26 has a hook-like shape, and if the peripheral bar unit 20 is about to accidentally come off the monitor unit 10, the hook-like shape of the peripheral bar unit engaging part 26 catches on the monitor unit engaging part 17, preventing it from coming off, as shown in FIG. 14(a). The monitor unit engaging part 17 and the peripheral bar unit engaging part 26 are preferably made of sheet metal, which allows the peripheral bar unit 20 to be stably supported. As a result, secondary accidents caused by the peripheral bar unit 20 falling can be prevented.

[0039] 14(b), it is preferable to form at least one hole 22d in the latch 22. The formation of hole 22d makes the latch 22 more susceptible to breakage in the event of a collision or the like. When the latch 22 breaks, the hook shape of 26 is exposed, allowing the monitor unit engaging part 17 and the peripheral bar unit engaging part 26 to engage without the latch 22 interfering.

[0040] As shown in Figure 15, it is preferable to provide at least one monitor unit engaging part 17 and one peripheral bar unit engaging part 26. Since the peripheral bar unit engaging part 26 is positioned so as to overlap the latch 22, when one of each is provided, it is placed near one of the left or right latches 22. Naturally, two of each may also be provided.

[0041] 5. Summary In this embodiment, the electronic device 1, which is a connection device, is a connection device that can detachably connect a first unit (peripheral bar unit 20) and a second unit (monitor unit 10). The connection device includes a latch 22 provided on the first unit and having an engagement end 22c, and an engagement portion 11 provided on the second unit and engaging with the engagement end 22c at an engagement position. The latch 22 is movable at least in a direction to disengage from the engagement position, and the disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal. This reduces the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected in a connection device and electronic device that have multiple connected units, even if an unexpected impact occurs.

[0042] The shape of the engagement end 22c of the latch 22 should preferably follow the direction of disengagement from the engaged position. Furthermore, to ensure a smooth latch stroke when the latch 22 is pressed against the engagement surface, the disengagement direction should preferably follow an imaginary line extending in the direction of extending the engagement surface. This allows for smooth movement of the latch 22 while reducing the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected, even if an unexpected impact occurs.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferable that the shape of the engaging portion 11 is in line with the direction of disengagement from the engaged position, which reduces the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact occurs, and allows the latch 22 to move smoothly.

[0044] Furthermore, the direction in which the engagement is released from the engaged position is preferably a direction from the side surface of the second unit (monitor unit 10) toward the center. This reduces the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact occurs when latch 22 is pressed in the X direction from the side surface of peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable that the shape of the engagement end 22c of the latch 22 is angled upward from the lateral side surface of the second unit (monitor unit 10) toward the center with respect to the horizontal direction. This allows the latch 22 to move smoothly while reducing the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact occurs when the latch 22 is pushed in the X direction from the lateral side surface of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferable that the shape of the engaging portion 11 is angled upward from the side surface of the second unit (monitor unit 10) toward the center with respect to the horizontal direction. This allows the latch 22 to move smoothly while reducing the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact occurs when the latch 22 is pushed in the X direction from the side surface of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center.

[0047] In addition, the imaginary line extending in the direction of disengagement should be at least 5 degrees from the horizontal. Also, the imaginary line extending in the direction of extension of the engagement surface may be at least 5 degrees from the horizontal. By forming an angle of at least 5 degrees, or a certain amount, the structure becomes less likely to disengage even if a collision occurs.

[0048] In this embodiment, electronic device 1 is a connection device that can detachably connect a first unit (peripheral bar unit 20) and a second unit (monitor unit 10). The connection device includes: a latch 22 provided on the first unit and having an engagement end 22c; and an engagement portion 11 provided on the second unit and engaging with engagement end 22c at an engagement position. Latch 22 is movable at least in a direction to disengage from the engagement position, and the disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal. This reduces the possibility of the multiple units being accidentally disconnected in an electronic device having multiple connected units, even if an unexpected impact occurs.

[0049] The explanation so far has been about the case where the peripheral bar unit 20 is detached from the monitor unit 10 in a downward direction, given the positional relationship in which the monitor unit 10 with the engaging portion 11 is on top and the peripheral bar unit 20 with the latch 22 is on the bottom. However, it goes without saying that directions other than downward are also possible. Furthermore, the force acting in the direction of detachment between the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit 20 due to an impact is not limited to a downward direction and can act in any direction. Figure 16 is a diagram explaining the relationship between the direction in which the peripheral bar unit is detached from the monitor unit and the direction in which the latch disengages from the engaged position. (a) A diagram showing a case in which the detachment direction is downward, (b) A diagram showing a case in which the detachment direction is leftward, (c) A diagram showing a case in which the detachment direction is rightward, and (d) A diagram showing a case in which the detachment direction is upward. In Figures 16(b) to (d), the positional relationship between the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit is different from that in Figure 16(a), but when rotated, all of them will have the same positional relationship as Figure 16(a). 16, the direction in which the peripheral bar unit detaches from the monitor unit is indicated by an arrow. Regardless of the relative positions of the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit, when the units are rotated so that the unit with the engaging portion 11 is on top and the unit with the latch 22 is on the bottom, the direction in which the engagement disengages should be at an angle upward from the horizontal. This reduces the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected in a connection device or electronic device having multiple connected units, regardless of the relative positions of the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit, even if an unexpected impact occurs in any direction.

[0050] <About the technology of the present disclosure> As described above, the present disclosure discloses the following technical ideas.

[0051] (Technology 1) A connection device that can detachably connect a first unit (peripheral bar unit 20) and a second unit (monitor unit 10), The connection device is a latch 22 provided on the first unit and having an engagement end (engagement end 22c); an engaging portion (engaging portion 11) provided on the second unit and engaging with the engaging end (engaging end 22c) at an engaging position; The latch (latch 22) is movable at least in a direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, The disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal direction. Connection device (electronic device 1). This reduces the possibility that the multiple units will be accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs in a connection apparatus and electronic device that include multiple connected units.

[0052] (Technology 2) The shape of the engagement end (engagement end 22c) of the latch (latch 22) is along the direction in which the engagement is released from the engagement position. A connection device according to (Technology 1). This reduces the possibility that the connections between the multiple units will be accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs, and allows the latch 22 to move smoothly.

[0053] (Technology 3) The shape of the engaging portion (engaging portion 11) is along the direction in which the engagement is released from the engaging position. A connection device according to (Technology 1) or (Technology 2). This reduces the possibility that the connections between the multiple units will be accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs, and allows the latch 22 to move smoothly.

[0054] (Technology 4) The direction in which the engagement is released from the engagement position is a direction from the lateral side surface of the second unit (monitor unit 10) toward the center. The connection device according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 3). This reduces the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected when the latch 22 is pressed in the X direction from the side of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center, even if an unexpected impact occurs.

[0055] (Technology 5) The shape of the engagement end (engagement end 22c) of the latch (latch 22) forms an angle inclined upward from the lateral side surface of the second unit (monitor unit 10) toward the center with respect to the horizontal direction, The connection device according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 4). This allows the latch 22 to move smoothly while reducing the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected, even if an unexpected impact occurs when the latch 22 is pushed in the X direction from the side of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center.

[0056] (Technology 6) The shape of the engagement portion (engagement portion 11) is such that it forms an angle inclined upward from the lateral side surface of the second unit (monitor unit 10) toward the center with respect to the horizontal direction. The connection device according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 5). This allows the latch 22 to move smoothly while reducing the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected, even if an unexpected impact occurs when the latch 22 is pushed in the X direction from the side of the peripheral bar unit 20 toward the center.

[0057] (Technology 7) The imaginary line extending in the disengagement direction is at an angle of 5 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction. The connection device according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 6). This creates a structure that is less likely to come off even in the event of a collision, as it forms an angle of 5 degrees or more, which is a certain level.

[0058] (Technology 8) When a force is applied to separate the second unit and the first unit, a reaction force from the second unit to the latch includes a component force in a direction in which the latch engages. The connection device according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 6). This reduces the possibility that the multiple units will be accidentally disconnected even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs in a connection apparatus and electronic device that include multiple connected units.

[0059] (Technology 9) When the direction in which the first unit separates from the second unit is downward, The direction in which the engagement is released forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal direction. The connection device according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 7). This reduces the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected in connection with a connection device or electronic device having multiple connected units, regardless of the positional relationship between the monitor unit 10 and the peripheral bar unit, and regardless of the direction of an unexpected impact or the like that occurs.

[0060] (Technology 10) A connection device (electronic device 1) having a first unit (peripheral bar unit 20) and a second unit (monitor unit 10) that are detachably connectable, The electronic device is a latch (latch 22) provided on the first unit and having an engagement end (engagement end 22c); an engaging portion (engaging portion 11) provided on the second unit and engaging with the engaging end at an engaging position; The latch is movable at least in a direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, The disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal direction. Electronic devices. This reduces the possibility that the multiple units will be accidentally disconnected from each other even if an unexpected shock or the like occurs in an electronic device having multiple connected units.

[0061] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present disclosure is useful as a connection device and electronic device having multiple connected units, which can reduce the possibility of the multiple units accidentally becoming disconnected even if an unexpected impact or the like occurs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Electronic Devices 10 Monitor Unit 11 Engagement portion 12 Ribs 13 Connection 14 Vertical section 15 through holes 16 Monitor unit spring parts 17 Monitor unit engaging part 20 Peripheral Bar Unit 21 Access hole 22 Latch 23 Connection 24 cabinets 25 Peripheral bar unit spring parts 26 Peripheral bar unit engaging parts

Claims

1. A connection device that can detachably connect a first unit and a second unit, The connection device is a latch provided on the first unit and having an engagement end; an engaging portion provided on the second unit and engaging with the engaging end at an engaging position; The latch is movable at least in a direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, The disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal direction. Connection device.

2. The shape of the engagement end of the latch is along the direction from the engagement position to the disengagement position. The connection device according to claim 1 .

3. The shape of the engaging portion is along the direction in which the engagement is released from the engagement position.

3. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the direction in which the engagement is released from the engagement position is a direction from the lateral side surface of the second unit toward the center.

3. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The shape of the engagement end of the latch forms an angle that is inclined upward from the lateral side surface of the second unit toward the center with respect to the horizontal direction. The connection device according to claim 4.

6. The shape of the engaging portion forms an angle inclined upward from the lateral side surface of the second unit toward the center with respect to the horizontal direction. The connection device according to claim 4.

7. The imaginary line extending in the disengagement direction is at an angle of 5 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction.

3. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. when a force is applied to separate the second unit and the first unit, a reaction force from the first unit to the latch includes a component force in a direction in which the latch engages.

3. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. When the direction in which the first unit separates from the second unit is downward, The direction in which the engagement is released forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal direction.

3. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. An electronic device having a first unit and a second unit that are detachably connectable, The electronic device is a latch provided on the first unit and having an engagement end; an engaging portion provided on the second unit and engaging with the engaging end at an engaging position; The latch is movable at least in a direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, The disengagement direction forms an angle inclined upward from the engagement position with respect to the horizontal direction. Electronic devices.

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