JP2000285739A - Interface connecting cable and interface connecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure and facilitate inserting and drawing work of a connecting cable, even in a place where the illuminating light is insufficient by providing a photoelectric converting means between a power feed line and ground line at the end of the connecting cable. SOLUTION: A plug connector 2 is provided on one end of an interface connecting cable,having hot line inserting and drawing function and having a power feed line 3, a ground line 4 and a signal line. A light emitting diode 11 of electro-optical converting element is arranged between the power feed line 3 and the ground line 4 via a resistant element 12 in the plug connector 2. When this plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector of an apparatus, such as a personal computer or hub device that is an interface connecting device having power feeding performance, the light emitting diode makes an emission part luminous. According to this, even if the connecting apparatus is set in a dark place to which no lighting is carried, the position of the receptacle connector can be recognized, and the inserting work of the connecting cable 1 can be easily-performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an interface connection cable and an interface connection device which can be hot-swapped.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional computer equipment and its peripheral equipment generally prohibit the attachment and detachment of the power supply and the insertion and removal of the connection cable during the power supply. For example, after turning on the personal computer,
Even if peripheral devices such as a keyboard and a mouse were connected, these devices rarely operated.

[0003] However, in recent years, an interface mainly used for connection of a computer and its peripheral devices, or a multimedia intended for connection of a home appliance such as a connection between a computer and a digital video camera, has been rapidly spreading in recent years. In the interface, the function of hot-swapping, which enables insertion / removal during power-on and insertion / removal of the connection cable during power-on, is realized.The user can connect and use necessary equipment at any time,
Unnecessary equipment can be disconnected.

[0004]

By the way, when connecting various devices, the device to be connected is not always installed near the device to be connected.
In addition to being installed in a place where the illumination light from the lighting equipment does not reach sufficiently, even in the vicinity of the equipment you want to connect, when connecting and disconnecting the connection cable it may become dark, Many can be seen.

[0005] Insertion and removal of a connection cable in a state where illumination light is difficult to hit is a difficult task for a user.

In particular, in the case of the interface specification that enables hot-line insertion and removal as described above, since connection and disconnection of various devices are frequently performed, it is difficult for the user to hit illumination light each time. The connection cable must be inserted and removed.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an interface connection cable and an interface connection device which can eliminate a user's difficulty in insertion / removal work in a state where illumination light is insufficient and can guarantee reliable insertion / removal. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to easily and visually recognize that the connection cable has been securely inserted / extracted even when it is difficult for the user to receive illumination light. It is an object of the present invention to provide an interface connection cable and an interface connection device which can perform the above.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an interface connection cable which includes a power supply line, a ground line, and a signal line, and is hot-swappable, wherein an interface cable between the power supply line and the ground line is provided. And a light converting means for converting the electric power supplied from the power supply line into light, and the light converting means so that light from the light converting means is guided to an end of the connection cable. An interface connection cable is provided by providing the connection cable at at least one end.

[0010] Here, a switch means for changing an amount of power supply from the power supply line to the light conversion means may be further provided.

[0011] The switch means may control the amount of light emitted from the light conversion means by changing the amount of electric power supplied to the light conversion means.

[0012] The switch means may cut off power supply from the power supply line to the light conversion means.

The switch means interrupts power supply from the power supply line to the light conversion means in an initial state before operation, and supplies power from the power supply line to the light conversion means only during operation. You may.

The switch means is provided in the vicinity of a connector portion of an interface connection cable which can be hot-swapped, and is provided in an initial state before the connection of the interface connection cable connector and the interface connection device connector. Power may be supplied from the power supply line to the light converting means, and the power supply from the power supply line to the light converting means may be cut off when fitted.

The switch means is provided in the vicinity of a connector portion of an interface connection cable which can be hot-swapped, and the switch means is provided in an initial state before the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted. The power supply amount from the power supply line to the light converting means may be different from the power supply amount from the power supply line to the light converting means at the time of fitting.

The present invention is also a hot-pluggable interface connection device, comprising: a connector portion connected to a hot-pluggable interface connection cable;
An interface connection device is configured by including an optical conversion unit that converts electric power supplied from a power supply line into light.

Here, in the initial state before the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted near the connector, power supply from the own power supply line to the light conversion means is cut off. In addition, a switch may be provided for supplying power from the own power supply line to the light converting means when the fitting is performed.

In the initial state before the connection of the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device near the connector section, power is supplied from the own power supply line to the optical conversion means, and In some cases, a switch means for cutting off the power supply from the own power supply line to the light converting means may be provided.

When the connector of the interface connection cable is mated with the connector of the interface connection device, power may be supplied from the power supply line of the interface connection cable to the optical conversion means.

The connector section may be connected to the interface connection cable.

[0021] The light emission amount of the light conversion means may be different before and after the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted.

[0022] The emission color of the light conversion means may be different before and after the connection of the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device.

[0023] The amount of light emitted by the light conversion means may be different before and after the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted.

[0024] The emission color of the light conversion means may be different before and after the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Outline) First, an outline of the present invention will be described.

The interface connection cable and the interface connection device according to the present invention are, for example, USB (Universal) which are interfaces mainly for connecting a computer and its peripheral devices.
Serial bus) interface, or
It is a multimedia interface that is designed to connect computers and peripheral devices, as well as home appliances such as computers and digital video cameras.
Used in IEEE 1394 interface.

These interfaces make it possible to attach / detach while power is being supplied and to connect / disconnect a connection cable while power is being supplied.
It has a hot plug-in / hot plug-out (hereinafter referred to as hot-swap) function.

In this case, the USB interface includes a power supply line and a ground line for transmitting power to peripheral devices (eg, a mouse and a keyboard) that do not have their own power supply, and two operation data lines. It is a serial interface. The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial interface that is faster than USB, and is composed of a total of six, two sets of power supply lines and ground lines for power transmission, and two sets of operation data lines.

The connection portion of the interface connection cable or the interface connection device having the power supply line is provided with an optical conversion means (electric-optical conversion) to which power is supplied from the power supply line, -Switch means for switching off is provided.

Hereinafter, specific configuration examples of the light conversion means and the switch means will be described.

(First Example) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a plug connector 2 provided at at least one end of a connection cable 1.

Numeral 21 denotes a plug connector light emitting portion to which light emission of an electro-optical conversion element (see a light emitting diode 11 described later) as a light converting means is guided. 22 is a member called a plug shell. 23 is a member called overmold in the USB interface standard.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration of the plug connector 2.

The connection cable 1 provided with the plug connector 2 at one end is composed of a power supply line 3, a ground line 4, and a signal line (not shown).

Between the power supply line 3 and the ground line 4,
A light emitting diode 11 as an electro-optical conversion element and a resistance element 12 are connected. In this case, the anode terminal of the light emitting diode 11 is connected to the power supply line 3 of the connection cable 1 via the resistance element 12 for limiting current, and the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode 11 is connected to the ground line 4 of the connection cable 1. I have.

In the above configuration, the plug connector 2 provided at one end of the connection cable 1 is fitted with a receptacle connector provided in a personal computer or a hub device, which is an interface connection device having a power supply capability. The connection of the interface is made.

When the plug connector 2 at one end of the connection cable 1 is connected to the receptacle connector of the device having the power supply capability as described above, the light emitting diode is connected from the power supply line 3 via the current limiting resistor element 12. Electric current flows into 11 and the plug connector light emitting unit 21 emits light.

The light emission of the plug connector light-emitting portion 21 provided at one end of the connection cable 1 causes a device to be connected to a place where illumination light does not sufficiently reach, such as under a desk, or a darkened hand. Even in the case of being installed in such a place, the user can easily grasp the position of the receptacle connector to be connected by using the light emitted from the plug connector light emitting unit 21 as a substitute for the illumination light. This makes it possible to eliminate the difficulty in inserting the connection cable 1.

In this embodiment, when the plug connector on the other end of the connection cable 1 is connected to a receptacle connector of a device having a power supply capability, the plug connector 2 connected to one end of the device is connected to the plug connector 2 connected to one end of the device. Light is always emitted from the plug connector light emitting section 21.
Thereby, even when performing the work of pulling out the connection cable 1 from the device, the user can easily grasp the position of the plug connector to be pulled out by visually recognizing the irradiation light of the plug connector light emitting section 21.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide a connection cable which can be easily inserted and withdrawn by the user by eliminating both difficulties when inserting and pulling out the connection cable in a state where the illumination light is hard to hit.

It is not always necessary to provide the light conversion means according to the present invention to the end of the plug connector 2 on the side connected to the device having the power supply capability. because,
This is because the end of the connection cable 1 is expected to be constantly connected to some device, mainly a computer, and the possibility of frequent insertion and removal of both ends of the connection cable 1 is extremely small.

(Modification) Next, a modification will be described.

FIG. 3 shows a modification of the plug connector 2.

The light emitting portion of the plug connector 2 is provided not only on the side surface of the overmold 23 facing the receptacle connector to be connected, but also on the upper surface side. In this case, a plug connector light emitting unit 21 is provided on a side surface of the overmold 23, and a plug connector light emitting unit 31 is provided on the upper surface side.

The plug connector light emitting section 31 is also provided on the upper surface side.
Is provided, the position of the plug connector 2 can be more easily grasped by visually recognizing the irradiation light from the plug connector light emitting section 21.

Further, the plug connector light-emitting portion 21 is formed not only on the side surface of the overmold 23 of the plug connector 2,
Although it may be provided on the lower surface, the configuration provided on the upper surface provides the greatest effect.

The plug connector light emitting section 21 may be provided on a plurality of side surfaces of the overmold 23 of the plug connector 2, but in this case, the light emitting capacity of the electro-optical conversion element is increased. Is required.

As can be seen from the above two examples, when one end of the connection cable 1 is connected to a device having a power supply capability, light is constantly emitted from the plug connector light emitting section 21. At 11, power is always consumed.

In this embodiment, a light-emitting diode is used as the electro-optical conversion element, but an electro-optical conversion element such as an incandescent lamp may be used. Furthermore, it is desirable to use an electro-optical conversion element with low power consumption and high luminance, an electro-optical conversion element with a small housing itself, and an electro-optical conversion element with low heat generation.

For the purpose of further improving the illumination effect of the light emitted from the light emitting section 21 of the plug connector, a condenser lens is provided on the front surface of the light emitting section 21 of the plug connector, or the illumination range of the emitted light is further increased. For the purpose of enlargement, a configuration may be adopted in which a light scattering lens is provided on the front surface of the plug connector light emitting unit 21.

(Second Example) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts as those in the first example is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the structure of the plug connector 2 provided at at least one end of the connection cable 1. FIG.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a slide type alternate switch as switch means for switching on / off of the light emission portion 21 of the plug connector, and is provided on a side surface of the overmold 23.

The switching operation of the alternate switch 41 is, for example, to turn on the light by sliding it to the position shown in FIG. 4A and to turn off the light by sliding it to the position shown in FIG. 4B. it can.

FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration of the plug connector 2 having a switch mechanism.

Slide type alternate switch 41
Is connected between the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode 11, which is an electro-optical conversion element, and the ground wire 4 of the connection cable 1, and opens and closes contacts. The anode terminal of the light emitting diode 11 is connected to the power supply line 3 of the connection cable 2 via the current limiting resistor element 12.

This slide type alternate switch 4
By using 1 to open and close the contact between the cathode terminal and the ground line 4, the user can turn on or off the light emitting diode 11 as necessary. For example, when the device to be connected has its own power supply, or when it is expected that the connection cable 1 may be difficult to be pulled out, the user can keep the light emitting diode 11 in the lighting state. I just need. Conversely, in the case where the connected device does not have its own power supply and the operation of the light emitting diode 11 is adversely affected by keeping the light emitting diode 11 in the light-on state, the user may switch the light emitting diode 11 Turn off the lights.

As described above, when the connecting cable 1 is inserted or pulled out in a state where the illumination light is hard to hit,
In addition to eliminating both difficulties, it is also possible to avoid a situation in which a shortage of power supply to other connected devices occurs and hinders normal operation.

(Modification) Next, a modification will be described.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example in which a switch mechanism is provided at a different position from FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Here, a push button type alternate switch 41 is provided on the lower surface of the overmold 23.

The switch operation of the push-button type alternate switch 41 is, for example, from the light-off state before the pressing shown in FIG.
By moving the position of the contact point with the light emitting diode 11, the light emitting diode 11 shown in FIG.

It should be noted that the slide switch and the push button alternate switch 41 provide the maximum effect regardless of whether they are provided on the left and right side surfaces or the upper and lower surfaces of the overmold 23. The surface to be provided may be selected in consideration of the above.

Further, in this embodiment, the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode 11, which is an electro-optical conversion element, is connected to the ground line 4 of the connection cable 1 via an alternate switch 41 for opening and closing the contact, and the anode terminal Is connected to the power supply line 3 of the connection cable 1 via the resistance element 12 for limiting the current, but the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode 11 which is an electro-optical conversion element is connected to the ground line 4 of the connection cable 1, and , The anode terminal is connected to an alternate switch 41 that opens and closes a contact, and the power supply line 3 of the connection cable 1 is further connected via a resistance element 12 for limiting current.
May be connected.

As described above, the user operates the switch mechanism provided on the plug connector 2, that is, the slide type or push button type alternate switch 41 to control the turning on / off of the plug connector light emitting section 21. Therefore, even if the device connected to the other end is a device having no self-power supply, power is not always consumed by the light emitting diode 11, so that power can be supplied to the connected device. It is possible to solve a problem that shortage occurs and hinders normal operation of the device.

(Third Example) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the first
The description of the same parts as in the example is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 7 shows a circuit configuration of the plug connector 2 having a switch mechanism.

The alternate switch 41 has one contact connected to the power supply line 3 via the current limiting resistor 12 and the other contact connected to the anode terminal of the light emitting diode 11 which is an electro-optical conversion element. The connection cable 1 is connected and connected via a current limiting resistor element 81.
The power supply line 3 is also connected. Light emitting diode 1
The cathode terminal 1 is connected to the ground line 4 of the connection cable 1.

In the above-described configuration, the plug connector 2 provided at one end of the connection cable 1 is connected to a personal computer, an image processing device, an image forming device, and a communication device which are interface connection devices having power supply capability. The interface is connected by fitting with the provided receptacle connector.

When the plug connector 2 at one end of the connection cable 1 is connected to the receptacle connector of the device having the power supply capability as described above, the light emitting diode is connected from the power supply line 3 via the current limiting resistance element 81. 11, a current flows into the plug connector 11 and the plug connector light emitting unit 21 emits light.
At this time, the user opens and closes the contacts of the alternate switch 41, so that the light emitting diode 11
Can be changed. That is, when the contact of the alternate switch 41 is closed, more current flows from the power supply line 3 through the resistance element 81 and the resistance element 12 and both the resistance elements.
1, the light emission amount of the light emitting diode 11 can be increased as compared with the case where the contact of the alternate switch 41 is open. For example, at the time of inserting the connection cable 1 in a state where it is difficult for the illumination light to hit, the contact effect may be increased by increasing the amount of light emission by closing the contacts to improve the illumination effect by the irradiation light of the plug connector light emitting unit 21. If the device does not have its own power supply and maintaining a high light emission state would adversely affect its operation,
The contact may be opened to limit the amount of current flowing into the light emitting diode 11. In this case, since the light is constantly emitted from the plug connector light emitting unit 21, the position of the plug connector to be pulled out can be easily grasped by visually recognizing the irradiated light when the connection cable 1 is pulled out from the device. Can be. However, it is necessary to set the resistance value of the resistance element 81 such that the amount of current flowing into the light emitting diode 11 via the resistance element 81 does not hinder the normal operation of the device.

As described above, when the connecting cable 1 is inserted or pulled out in a state where the illumination light is hard to hit,
Eliminate both difficulties. The switch mechanism provided in the plug connector 2 may be, for example, a slide type shown in FIG. 4 or a push button type shown in FIG.

(Fourth Example) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the first
The description of the same parts as in the example is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit configuration of the plug connector 2 having a switch mechanism.

The light emitting diode 11 is
a and 11b. Light emitting diode 11
The anode terminals of the light emitting diode 11a and the light emitting diode 11a are connected to the power supply line 3 via a current limiting resistor 12, while the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode 11a is connected to the ground line 4 via an alternate switch 41. 11
The anode terminal b is directly connected to the ground line 4.

In the above-described configuration, the plug connector 2 provided at one end of the connection cable 1 is to be fitted with a receptacle connector provided in a personal computer or a hub device, which is an interface connection device having a power supply capability. The connection of the interface is made.

When the plug connector 2 at one end of the connection cable 1 is connected to the receptacle connector of the device having the power supply capability as described above, the light emitting diode is connected to the power supply line 3 via the current limiting resistor element 12. A current flows into 11b, and the plug connector light emitting unit 21 emits light. At this time, the user can change the light emission amount of the light emitting diode 11 as necessary by opening and closing the contacts of the alternate switch 41. That is, when the contact of the alternate switch 41 is closed, a current flows from the power supply line 3 to the light emitting diode 11a via the resistance element 12, so that the alternate switch 41
The light emission amount of the light emitting diode 11 can be increased as compared with the case where the contact is open. For example, at the time of insertion work of the connection cable 1 in a state where it is difficult for the illumination light to hit, the contact effect may be increased by increasing the amount of light emission by closing the contacts, so that the illumination effect of the light emitted from the plug connector light emitting unit 21 may be improved.
If the connected device does not have its own power supply and the operation is adversely affected by maintaining a large amount of light emission, the amount of current flowing into the light emitting diode 11 may be limited by opening the contact. In this case, since the light is constantly emitted from the plug connector light emitting unit 21, the position of the plug connector to be pulled out can be easily grasped by visually recognizing the irradiated light when the connection cable 1 is pulled out from the device. Can be. However, the resistance element 81 is set so that the amount of current flowing into the light emitting diode 11b via the resistance element 12 is such that the normal operation of the device is not hindered.
Must be set in advance.

As described above, when the connecting cable 1 is inserted or pulled out in a state where it is difficult for the illumination light to hit,
Eliminate both difficulties. The switch mechanism provided in the plug connector 2 may be, for example, a slide type shown in FIG. 4 or a push button type shown in FIG.

(Modification) In the configuration of FIG. 8, by using light emitting diodes that generate light of different wavelengths for the light emitting diode 11a and the light emitting diode 11b, not only the light emission amount of the plug connector light emitting section 21 but also the light emission color can be changed. May also be switchable.

In the present embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the plug connector light emitting section 21 is switched between two levels, and in the case of a luminescent color, it can be switched between two levels. It goes without saying that a configuration in which switching can be performed with three or more colors may be adopted.

(Fifth Example) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16. The same parts as those in the first to third examples will be described. , The description thereof is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 9A shows the external shape of the plug connector 2 provided at at least one end of the connection cable 1. Plug connector light emitting part 21 of overmold 23
In the vicinity of the surface where is formed, a convex portion 82 provided at a contact point 91 of a momentary switch 91 (detailed later) provided inside the plug connector 2 is exposed through the overmold 23. 9B, the concave portion 5a of the receptacle connector 5 of the connection device is fitted with the plug shell 22 of the plug connector 2 of the connection cable 1, and at the same time, the convex portion 82 is pressed by the wall surface provided with the receptacle connector 5. , The contacts of the momentary switch 91 are simultaneously opened inside the plug connector.

FIG. 10 shows a state before the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5, and FIG. 11 shows a state after the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5.

As shown in FIG. 8, a momentary switch 91 is built in the plug connector 2. The momentary switch 91 includes a contact 91a and the contact 9
A member 91b such as a spring for urging the first member 1a, and a convex portion 8 provided at the contact point 91a and penetrating through the overmold 23 and exposed near the surface where the plug connector light emitting portion 21 is formed.
2 is comprised.

In the initial state before fitting, the momentary switch 91 is in a state in which the contact 91a is closed, that is, a state in which the light emitting diode 11 is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the plug connector 2 is fitted with the receptacle connector 5, the projection 82 provided on the contact 91 a of the momentary switch makes contact with the wall surface on which the receptacle connector 5 is provided. When pressed and stored inside the plug connector, it acts to open the contact point 91a of the momentary switch 91,
The light emitting diode 11 is turned off.

Thus, without increasing the volume of the plug connector 2, the light emitting diode 11 can be turned on before the plug connector 2 is connected, and can be reliably turned off after the connection.

(Modification) Next, a first modification will be described. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a configuration in which a momentary switch 101 having a shape different from that of FIGS. 10 and 11 is used.

As shown in FIG. 10, the momentary switch 101 includes a contact 1 having a shape different from that of the contact 91a.
01a and a member 10 such as a spring for urging the contact point 101a.
1b and an overmold 2 provided at the contact 101a.
3 and includes a projection 82 exposed near the surface on which the plug connector light emitting section 21 is formed.

The switching operation of the momentary switch 101 is the same as that of the above-described momentary switch 91. That is, in the initial state before the fitting, the contact 101a is closed and the light is turned on, and after the fitting, the contact 101a is opened and the light is turned off.

As described above, the momentary switch 9
1, 101, built-in, user erroneous operation,
Alternatively, it is possible to avoid that the light emitting diode 11 is kept on at all times due to forgetting to operate, and the light emitting diode 11 can be surely turned off.

Therefore, there is no shortage of power supply to a device having no self-power supply, and there is no problem that the normal operation of the device is hindered. Also,
Since the plug connector 2 of the connection cable 1 does not need to separately receive a switch mechanism that can be operated by the user, an increase in the volume of the plug connector 2 can be avoided, and the cost can be reduced.

Next, a second modification will be described.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the circuit configuration of the plug connector 2 shown in FIG. 7 combined with the momentary switch 91 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to emit light before and after the plug connector 2 and the receptacle connector 5 are fitted. The configuration in the case where the light emission amount of the diode 11 is changed is shown. FIG. 14 shows a state before the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5, and FIG. 15 shows a state after the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5. As shown in FIG. 14, the light emitting diode 11 includes a light emitting diode 11a and a light emitting diode 11b. When the plug connector 2 at one end of the connection cable 1 is connected to a receptacle connector of a device having power supply capability, Before the plug connector 2 and the receptacle connector 5 are mated, the contact of the momentary switch 91a is closed and the light emitting diode 11a is turned on, and after the plug connector 2 and the receptacle connector 5 are mated, the contact of the momentary switch 91a is opened. However, the light is always turned off because the current always flows into the light emitting diode 11b from the power supply line 3 via the current limiting resistor element 12. Here, by setting the resistance value of the resistance element 12 so that the amount of current flowing into the light emitting diode 11b via the resistance element 12 does not hinder the normal operation of the device, the third value is obtained. As in the example, it is possible to eliminate both difficulties during the insertion work and the pull-out work of the connection cable 1 in a state where it is difficult for the illumination light to hit.

As in the fourth example, by using light emitting diodes for generating light having different wavelengths for the light emitting diodes 11a and 11b, not only the light emission amount but also the light emission color changes before and after fitting. Needless to say, a configuration may be adopted.

Next, a third modification will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, the electro-optical conversion element 7 is located near the receptacle connector 5 provided in the connection device.
1 is provided. The electro-optical conversion element 71 is configured to be turned on at all times or only when the plug connector 2 is connected to the receptacle connector 5.

In this case, if the device has its own power source, it can be turned on at all times. However, if the device does not have its own power source, it receives power from the power supply line 3 of the connection cable 1 to be connected. By turning on the electro-optical conversion element 71 in this way, it is possible to turn on the light only at the time of connection.

By providing the electro-optical conversion element 71 in this manner, even if the light emitting diode 11 is always kept in the light-off state in the connected state as in the configuration examples of FIGS. The position of the plug connector 2 to be connected can be easily grasped.

For the purpose of further improving the illumination effect of the electro-optical conversion element 71 by the irradiation light, a condenser lens is provided on the front surface of the electro-optical conversion element 71, or the illumination range by the irradiation light is further expanded. The purpose is electricity-
A configuration may be adopted in which a light scattering lens is provided on the front surface of the light conversion element 71.

Next, a fourth modification will be described.

As the switch mechanism, in the initial state before the receptacle connector 5 is fitted to the plug connector 2, the light emitting diode 11 is in the light-off state with the contact of the momentary switch kept open. Can be closed so that the light emitting diode 11 is turned off.

(Sixth Example) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts as those in the first to fifth examples will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be given.

FIG. 17A shows the external shape of the plug connector 2 provided at at least one end of the connection cable 1. FIG. 17B shows the external shape of the receptacle connector 5 of the connection device. On one surface of the receptacle connector 5, an electro-optical conversion element 71, a receptacle connector light emitting unit 111 having the same function as the above-described plug connector light emitting unit 21, and the above-described momentary switch 91.
A momentary switch 121 having the same function as that described above is provided. In this case, the electro-optical conversion element 71 is configured to light up only when the plug connector 2 is connected to the receptacle connector 5.

FIG. 18 shows a state before the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5, and FIG. 19 shows a state after the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5.

As shown in FIG. 18, near the surface on which the receptacle connector 5 is provided, a momentary switch 1 is provided.
21 is built-in. This momentary switch 121
Is composed of a contact 121a, a member 121b such as a spring for biasing the contact 121a, and a convex portion 82 provided on the contact 121a and exposed in the vicinity of the surface on which the receptive connector is provided. I have.

The built-in momentary switch 121 is
In an initial state before the fitting, the contact 121a is open and the light emitting diode 11 is turned off.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, when the momentary switch 121 is fitted, the momentary switch 1
The protrusion 82 provided on the contact 121a of the LED 21 is pressed by the plug connector 2 and stored inside the wall surface provided with the receptacle connector, acts to close the contact 121a, and the light emitting diode 11 is turned on. Becomes

With this configuration, the user can easily grasp the position of the plug connector 2 to be pulled out. This example is applied to a device having a self-power supply.

Next, a modified example will be described.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show the electro-optical conversion element 71.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in a case where the function of the plug connector light emitting unit 111 having the same function as the plug connector light emitting unit 21 described above is provided.

FIG. 20 shows a state before the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5, and FIG. 21 shows a state after the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5. As shown in FIG. 20, the light emitting diode 11 includes a light emitting diode 11a and a light emitting diode 11b. The anode terminal of the light emitting diode 11b is connected to a power supply line 183 of a connected device via a current limiting resistor 182. , The cathode terminal is the ground line 1 of the connected device
84, and by a switch mechanism (not shown)
The light is turned on only when the plug connector 2 is connected to the receptacle connector 5. On the other hand, the anode terminal of the light emitting diode 11a is
The cathode terminal is connected to a ground line 4 via a momentary switch 121. As shown in FIG. 20, in the initial state before fitting, the momentary switch 121 is in a state where the contact 121a is open and the light emitting diode 11a is turned off, but as shown in FIG. Sometimes, the projection 82
The light emitting diode 1 acts to close the contact 121a.
Light 1a.

As in the fourth example, by using light emitting diodes for generating light of different wavelengths for the light emitting diodes 11a and 11b, not only the light emission amount but also the light emission color changes before and after the fitting. Needless to say, a configuration may be adopted.

(Seventh Example) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts as those in the first to sixth examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given. This example is applied to a device having a self-power supply.

FIG. 22 shows a state before the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5, and FIG. 23 shows a state after the plug connector 2 is fitted to the receptacle connector 5.

As shown in FIG. 22, near the surface on which the receptacle connector 5 is provided, a momentary switch 1 is provided.
21 is built-in. This momentary switch 121
Is composed of a contact 121a, a member 121b such as a spring for biasing the contact 121a, and a convex portion 82 provided on the contact 121a and exposed in the vicinity of the surface on which the receptive connector is provided. I have. The built-in momentary switch 121 has a contact 1 in an initial state before fitting.
21a is closed, and the light emitting diode 11 is turned on.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23, when the momentary switch 121 is fitted, the momentary switch 1
The protrusions 82 provided on the 21 contacts 121a are pressed by the plug connector 2 and stored inside the wall provided with the receptacle connector, act to open the contacts 121a, and turn off the light emitting diode 11.

With this configuration, the user can easily position the receptacle connector 5 into which the plug connector 2 is to be inserted by using the light emitted from the receptacle connector light emitting unit 111 as a substitute for the illumination light. You can figure out. In addition, power consumption due to constantly emitting light from the receptacle connector light emitting unit 111 can be avoided. Note that the receptacle connector light emitting unit 111
For the purpose of further improving the lighting effect by the irradiation light of
For the purpose of providing a condenser lens on the front surface of the receptacle connector light emitting unit 111 or further expanding the illumination range by irradiation light, the receptacle connector light emitting unit 111
A light scattering lens may be provided on the front surface of the camera.

Further, as a modified example, the light emitting diode 11 built in the receptacle connector light emitting section 111 is constituted by a light emitting diode 11a and a light emitting diode 11b,
One diode is turned on only when the plug connector 2 is connected to the receptacle connector 5, and the other diode is turned on by the momentary switch 121 before the receptacle connector 5 and the plug connector 2 are fitted. Alternatively, the light may be turned off after fitting. Further, by using light emitting diodes that emit light of different wavelengths for the light emitting diodes 11a and 11b, not only the light emission amount but also the light emission color may be changed before and after fitting.

[0121]

As described above, according to the present invention,
At a connection portion of a connection cable or a connection device having a power supply line, an optical conversion unit (electric-optical conversion) to which power is supplied from the power supply line, and a switch unit for switching between power supply and cutoff are provided. Therefore, in a connection cable insertion / removal operation or the like in a state where the illumination light is hard to hit, the user can easily visually recognize whether or not the connection cable has been securely inserted / extracted, whereby the illumination light It is possible to manufacture a connection cable and a connection device that can easily perform the insertion / extraction operation while excluding the difficulty of insertion / extraction at the time of insertion / extraction operation of the connection cable in a hard-to-hit state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a plug connector provided at at least one end of a connection cable according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a light conversion unit provided in a plug connector.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a plug connector provided at at least one end of a connection cable.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a switch mechanism is added to a plug connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a light conversion unit and a switch mechanism provided in a plug connector.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modification of the switch mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a light conversion unit and a switch mechanism provided in a plug connector.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a light conversion unit and a switch mechanism provided in a plug connector.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention;
(A) is a perspective view showing a plug connector provided at at least one end of a connection cable, and (b) is a perspective view showing a receptacle connector of a connection device.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a state before the plug connector and the receptacle connector of FIG. 9 are fitted.

11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the plug connector and the receptacle connector of FIG. 9 are fitted.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the switch mechanism of FIG. 9 and showing a state before the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted to each other.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the switch mechanism of FIG. 9, showing a state after the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted.

FIG. 14 shows a modification of the light emitting mechanism of FIG. 9,
It is sectional drawing which shows the state before fitting a plug connector and a receptacle connector.

FIG. 15 shows a modification of the light emitting mechanism of FIG. 9;
It is sectional drawing which shows the state after fitting a plug connector and a receptacle connector.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing a configuration in which light conversion means is provided on one surface of the receptacle connector.

17A and 17B show a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 17A is a perspective view showing a plug connector provided at at least one end of a connection cable, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view showing a receptacle connector of a connection device. FIG.

18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the plug connector and the receptacle connector of FIG. 17 are fitted.

19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the plug connector and the receptacle connector of FIG. 17 have been fitted.

20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the light emitting mechanism of FIG. 17 and showing a state before the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the light emitting mechanism of FIG. 17, showing a state after the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the switch mechanism and the light-emitting mechanism of FIG. 17 and showing a state before the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the switch mechanism and the light emitting mechanism of FIG. 17, showing a state after the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connection cable 2 Plug connector 3 Power supply line 4 Ground wire 5 Receptacle connector 11 Light emitting diode 12 Resistive element 21 Plug connector light emitting part 22 Plug shell 23 Overmold 41 Switch mechanism 71 Light emitting diode 81 Resistive element 82 Convex part 91, 101 Momentary switch 111 Receptacle connector light emitting part 121 Momentary switch 182 Resistive element 183 Power supply line 184 Ground line

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An interface connection cable including a power supply line, a ground line, and a signal line, which is hot-swappable and is connected between the power supply line and the ground line. Light conversion means for converting the electric power supplied from the light source into light, and the light conversion means is provided at at least one end of the connection cable so that the light from the light conversion means is guided to the end of the connection cable. An interface connection cable, characterized in that: 2. The interface connection cable according to claim 1, further comprising switch means for changing an amount of power supplied from said power supply line to said optical conversion means. 3. The interface connection cable according to claim 2, wherein said switch means controls a light emission amount of said light conversion means by changing a power supply amount to said light conversion means. 4. The interface connection cable according to claim 2, wherein said switch means cuts off power supply from said power supply line to said optical conversion means. 5. The switch means interrupts power supply from the power supply line to the light conversion means in an initial state before operation, and supplies power from the power supply line to the light conversion means only during operation. The interface connection cable according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The switch means is provided in the vicinity of a connector portion of an interface connection cable which can be hot-swapped, and the switch means is provided in an initial state before the connector of the interface connection cable is mated with the connector of the interface connection device. 5. The interface connection cable according to claim 4, wherein power is supplied from said power supply line to said light converting means, and power supply from said power supply line to said light converting means is cut off when fitted. . 7. The switch means is provided in the vicinity of a connector portion of an interface connection cable which can be hot-plugged, and the switch means is provided in an initial state before the connector of the interface connection cable is mated with the connector of the interface connection device. 3. The interface connection cable according to claim 2, wherein the amount of power supplied from the power supply line to the light converting means in the step (c) is different from the amount of power supplied from the power supply line to the light converting means when fitted. . 8. A hot-pluggable interface connection device, comprising: an optical converter for converting power supplied from a power supply line into light near a connector portion connected to a hot-pluggable interface connection cable. An interface connection device comprising means. 9. In the initial state before the connection of the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device near the connector section, power supply from the own power supply line to the optical conversion means is cut off. ,
9. The interface connection device according to claim 8, further comprising switch means for supplying power from said own power supply line to said optical conversion means when fitted. 10. In the initial state before the connection of the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device near the connector section, power is supplied from the own power supply line to the optical conversion means,
9. The interface connection device according to claim 8, further comprising switch means for shutting off power supply from said own power supply line to said optical conversion means when fitted. 11. The power supply from the power supply line of the interface connection cable to the optical conversion means when the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted together. Interface connection device. 12. The connector according to claim 1, wherein
9. The interface connection device according to claim 8, wherein the interface connection device is connected to the interface connection cable according to any one of the above. 13. The interface connection cable according to claim 1, wherein a light emission amount of the light conversion means is changed before and after the connection of the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device. 14. The interface connection cable according to claim 1, wherein the color of light emitted from the light conversion means is changed before and after the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted. 15. The interface connection device according to claim 8, wherein the light emission amount of the light conversion means is changed before and after the connection of the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device. 16. The interface connection device according to claim 8, wherein a light emission color of the light conversion means is changed before and after the connector of the interface connection cable and the connector of the interface connection device are fitted.