AU2012200021B2

AU2012200021B2 - USB Connector

Info

Publication number: AU2012200021B2
Application number: AU2012200021A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sheng-Hsin Liao; Wen-Fu Liao; Wen-Yung Liao
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-31
Filing date: 2012-01-03
Publication date: 2013-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2032-01-03
Also published as: TW201228125A; TWI513112B; JP5351248B2; JP2012142281A; FR2970121A1; GB2486984B; GB2486984A; AU2012200021A1; GB201122351D0; DE102011057115A1

Abstract

A USB connector is disclosed, which includes a first insulating body, a second insulating body, a plurality of first and second terminals, a first shell, and a second shell. A first module is defined by the first insulating body, the first terminals, and the first shell. A second module is defined the by second insulating body, the second terminals, and the second shell. The first and second modules are movably coupled relative to each other, for using independently or jointly. 2 '3 200 22 41 42 4

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: Wen-Yung Liao; Wen-Fu Liao; Sheng-Hsin Liao Address for Service: A.P.T. Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys PO Box 222, Mitcham, SA 5062 Invention Title: USB Connector The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- USB CONNECTOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention [0001] The instant disclosure relates to a networking connector; more particularly, to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 3.0 connector. Description of Related Art [0002] The USB connectors are one of most commonly used networking connectors. Many computer peripherals are equipped with USB connectors for data transfer. [0003] In particular, the USB 3.0 connector is designed to be backwards compatible with USB 2.0 connector. For smaller devices, the USB 3.0 Micro-B connectors have been developed. The micro-B type connectors are thinner, which are ideal for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones. [0004] However, current USB 3.0 connectors (e.g. micro-B type) are made in one-piece. Namely, the first and second terminals are disposed on a same insulating body. Thus, the first and second terminals must be used simultaneously. In other words, the first and second terminals can not be used separately, thereby limiting its capability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The instant disclosure is to provide a USB connector, wherein a first module and a second module of the connector can be used separately or jointly. [0006] The connector comprises: a first insulating body; a second insulating body; a plurality of first terminals disposed on the first insulating 2 body in forming a first module; and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the second insulating body in forming a second module, wherein the first and second modules are arranged in parallel and are movably coupled via a coupling mechanism. [0007] According to another aspect of the instant disclosure, a USB connector comprises: a first insulating body; a second insulating body; a plurality of first terminals disposed on the first insulating body forming a first module; and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the second insulating body forming a second module, wherein the first and second modules are stacked and are movably coupled via a coupling mechanism. [0008] For the advantage, each of the first module and the second modules of the instant disclosure are an independent unit. Both modules can work individually or jointly. Thereby, the disclosed connector has a broader application range and more convenience. [0009] In order to further appreciate the characteristics and technical contents of the instant disclosure, references are hereunder made to the detailed descriptions and appended drawings in connection with the instant disclosure. However, the appended drawings are merely shown for exemplary purposes, rather than being used to restrict the scope of the instant disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector of a first embodiment of the instant disclosure. [0011] Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment. 3 [0012] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment in use. [0013] Fig. 4 shows another perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment in use. [0014] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a connector of a second embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0015] Fig. 6 shows another perspective view of the connector of the second embodiment in use. [0016] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a connector of a third embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0017] Fig. 8 shows another perspective view of the connector of the third embodiment in use. [0018] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a connector of a fourth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0019] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a connector of a fifth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0020] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a connector of a sixth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0021] Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a connector of a seventh embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0022] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a connector of an eighth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0023] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a connector of a ninth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0024] Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a connector of a tenth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. 4 [0025] Fig. 16 shows a schematic view of a connector of an eleventh embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. [0026] Fig. 17 shows a schematic view of a connector of a twelfth embodiment of the instant disclosure in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0027] Please refer to Figs. 1 ~ 4, which show a first exemplary embodiment of the USB connector of in accordance with the instant disclosure. Particularly, the instant embodiments are of a high-frequency micro-USB type connector, which meets the specification of a USB 3.0 Micro-B connector. The connector comprises a first insulating body 1, a second insulating body 2, a plurality of first terminals 3, and a plurality of second terminals 4. For the ease of reference, we define the plugging direction toward which the electric terminals 3/4 are exposedly pointing to be the forward (frontal) direction, and vice versa. [0028] The first insulating body 1 has a first base portion 11, in which a first tongue plate 12 extends forwardly from the first base portion 11. The first terminals 3 are disposed on the first insulating body 1. In particular, the first terminals 3 are generally elongated conductive elements disposed in the first base portion 11 and arranged exposedly from the first tongue plate 12 in a manner that conforms to the USB 2.0 specification. Functionally, the first terminals 3 are utilized for USB 2.0 data transmission. Each of the first terminals 3 has a first fixing portion 31, a first contacting portion 32, and a first soldering portion 33. In the instant embodiment, the first terminals 3 are arranged generally parallel along the long axis of the first insulating body 1. The first fixing portion 31 is disposed embeddedly (and partially exposedly) in 5 the first base portion 11. Each of the first contacting portions 32 extends forwardly from the first fixing portion 31 and electric-connectively exposed from the first tongue plate 12. Each of the first soldering portions 33 extends backwardly from the first fixing portion 31 and exposes from the rear end of the first insulating body 1. [0029] The second insulating body 2 includes a second base portion 21 and a second tongue plate 22. The second tongue plate 22 extends forwardly from the second base portion 21. The second terminals 4 are generally elongated conductive elements disposed in the second base portion 2 and arranged exposedly from the second tongue plate 22. In particular, the second terminals 4 are generally elongated conductive elements disposed in the second base portion 21 and arranged exposedly from the second tongue plate 22 in a manner that conforms to the USB 3.0 specification. Together, the first and the second terminals 3 and 4 enable USB 3.0 data transmission. The second terminals 4 are made up by two pairs of high-frequency data transfer terminals arranged on the flank and a ground terminal arranged there-between. Specifically, each of the second terminals 4 has a second fixing portion 41, a second contacting portion 42, and a second soldering portion 43. In the instant embodiment, the second terminals 4 are arranged generally parallel along the long axis of the second insulating body 2. The second fixing portion 41 is disposed embeddedly (and partially exposedly) in the second base portion 21. Each of the second contacting portions 42 extends forwardly from the second fixing portion 41 electric-connectively exposed from the second tongue plate 22. Each of the second soldering portions 43 extends backwardly from the second fixing portion 41 and exposes from the rear end of the second insulating body 2. The first soldering portions 6 33 of the first terminals 3 and the second soldering portions 43 of the second terminals 4 are usually soldered to cables to form a cable connector. However, the soldering portions can also be adapted to other devices in other manners without restriction. [0030] The instant USB connector can further include a first shell 5 and a second shell 6 (shown in Fig. 2). The first shell 5 is disposed over the first insulating body 1 and the first terminals 3. The first shell 5 is a generally hollow tubular structure that defines a first enclosure 51 for receiving the first insulating body 1 and the first terminals 3. The second shell 6 is disposed over the second insulating body 2 and the second terminals 4 thereof. Likewise, the second shell 6 defines a second enclosure 61 for receiving the second insulating body 2 and the second terminals 4. [0031] Together, the first insulating body 1 and the first terminals 3 define a first module 100. Likewise, the second insulating body 2 and the second terminals 4 a second module 200. The first and second modules 100 and 200 are electrically independent units arranged abreast, (i.e. immediately side-by-side) of each other along the long axes thereof (generally parallel to each other). The first and the second modules 100 and 200 are coupled through a coupling mechanism, and can be arranged pivotally and/or slidably in a movable manner with respect to each other by means of pivoting, sliding, and/or wedging mechanisms. However, the exact coupling technique or structural arrangement for the connector modules 100 and 200 shall depend on specific operational requirement or practical needs and not be limited to the exemplary embodiments provided herein. For example, the connector modules can be arranged to turn sideways, pivot up and down, or slide in-and-out with respect to each other. Also, one of the modules can be fixed 7 with respect to the connector housing while the other one be movable. Alternatively, both modules can be movably arranged. Thus, depending on application, the two independent connector modules of the instant USB plug connector can be arranged to function separately (as a USB 2.0 connector) or coupled together to function as a single (USB 3.0) plug connector. [0032] In the instant embodiment, the first and the second modules 100 and 200 are coupled slidably relative to each other along the direction of the long axes thereof. Particularly, a sliding mechanism 8 is arranged between the immediately adjacent first and second modules 100 and 200 (on the shorter/ flat side surface thereof) to enable horizontal relative sliding movement. Specifically, the sliding mechanism 8 may be a pair of matchingly engageable wedged sliding members 81 and 82 arranged between the first and the second insulating bodies 1 and 2. For example, the sliding member 81 defined by a dovetailed recess may be formed on the first insulating body 1. Correspondingly, the sliding member 82 having a dovetailed protrusion may be provided on the second insulating body 2. The sliding members 81 and 82 work cooperatively to establish slidable engagement between the first insulating body 1 and the second insulating body 2. Of course, the sliding mechanism 8 is not restricted structurally to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, and can be modified/ altered depending on specific operational requirements. [0033] In the instant embodiment, the exemplary USB connector includes a housing 10, in which at least one of the first and the second modules 100 and 200 is movably (retractably/ exposably) received. The sliding mechanism 8 (arranged between the insulating bodies 1, 2) and the housing 10 cooperatively define a coupling mechanism that enables slidable 8 retention of the first and the second modules 100 and 200 in the USB connector. For the instant embodiment, the second module 200 can be retracted (i.e. slide backward), as shown in Fig. 4. In this manner, only the first module 100 is available for plugging connection. A knob 23 can be arranged on the second insulating body 2 to enable easier manipulation in sliding the second module 200 inward or outward. Of course, the first and the second modules 100 and 200 can be extended simultaneously as indicated in Fig. 3 to form a USB 3.0 connector. [0034] Again, in the instant embodiment, the first module 100 is exposedly fixed in the housing 10 in a non-slidable manner. Only the second module 200 is slidably disposed in the housing 10. Of course, both the first and second modules 100 and 200 may be slidably arranged in the housing 10. Alternatively, the first module 100 can be slidably disposed on the housing 10, while keeping the second module 200 exposedly fixed. In other words, for the modules to be used separately or jointly, depending on operational requirement. (Second Embodiment) [0035] Please refer to Figs. 5 and 6, which show a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. In the second embodiment, the at least one of the first and the second modules 100 and 200 is pivotably arranged in the housing 10. (shorter side surface) A pivotal mechanism 7 is arranged at the rear end portion of the second module 200, with the pivotal axis is substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the second insulating body 2 (and in this case, along the shorter side surface and substantially normal to the wider! flat side surface thereof, referring to as the plumb line). The pivotal mechanism 7 can 9 be arranged between the second module 200 and the housing 10. The pivotal mechanism 7 may be implemented by many methods, including the utilization of short pivot shafts through pivot holes. For example, a pivot shaft 71 can be protrudingly arranged on the second insulating body 2, while corresponding pivot holes 72 formed on the housing 10 (and vice versa). The pivot shaft 71 and pivot holes 72 work together to enable pivotal retention of the second insulating body 2 in the housing 10. Of course, the exact structural arrangement of the pivotal mechanism 7 shall not be restricted to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, and can be modified/ altered depending on specific operational requirements [0036] In the instant embodiment, the exemplary USB connector includes a housing 10, in which at least one of the first and the second modules 100 and 200 is exposedly and pivotably housed therein. In this case, the pivotal mechanism 7 and the housing 10 cooperatively define the coupling mechanism that enables pivotal retention of the first and the second connector modules 100 and 200 in the USB connector. Thus, the modules 100 and 200 can be turned sideways with respect to one another. As shown in Fig. 6, the second module 200 can be turned to one side. Thus, only the first module 100 is used for plugging connection. Of course, as shown in Fig. 5, both modules can be used simultaneously for electrical connection. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the first module 100 is fixed exposedly in the housing 10, while only the second module 200 is pivotally mounted in the housing 10. [0037] Not shown from the drawings, the first and second modules 100 and 200 can be coupled by a snap structure. The snap structure can be disposed in between the first and insulating bodies 1 and 2, or among the first insulating body 1, the second insulating body 2, and the housing 10. The 10 snap structure is not restricted structurally, which can be a pair of snapping members that engages matchingly to snap the first insulating body 1 with the second insulating body 2. The snap structure can also include snapping members that couples the first insulating body 1, the second insulating body 2, and the housing 10. (Third Embodiment) [0038] Please refer to Figs. 7 and 8, which show a third embodiment of the instant disclosure. For the third embodiment, the first and second modules 100 and 200 are pivotally mounted relative to each other on the housing 10, for flipping upward or downward. A pivotal mechanism 9 is disposed at the rear of the second module 200, wherein the pivot axis of the second module 200 runs through the first and second insulating bodies 1 and 2. The pivotal mechanism 9 can be disposed in between the second module 200 and the housing 10, or in between the first and second modules 100 and 200. The pivotal mechanism 9 is not restricted structurally, which can include a short shaft through pivot holes. For example, a pivot shaft 91 can be disposed (or pivot holes formed) on the second insulating body 2. Correspondingly, pivot holes 92 can be formed (or a pivot shaft disposed) on the housing 10. The pivot shaft 91 and pivot holes 92 work together to mount the second insulating body 2 pivotally to the housing 10. [0039] For the instant embodiment, the first and second modules 100 and 200 can be movably combined relative to each other by the coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism is formed of the pivotal mechanism 9 and the housing 10. The modules can be flipped upward or downward relative to one another. As shown in Fig. 8, the second module 11 200 can be pointed upward or downward. Thus, only the first module 100 is used for electrical connection. Of course, as shown in Fig. 7, both modules can also be used simultaneously to make the electrical connection as well. [0040] For the instant embodiment, the first module 100 is fixed to the housing 10. Therefore, the first module 100 can not be flipped. Only the second module 200 is flippably disposed on the housing 10. The first and second modules 100 and 200 can be coupled pivotally relative to one another by the pivotal mechanism 9. The pivotal mechanism 9 can be disposed in between the first and second insulating bodies 1 and 2, or among the first insulating body 1, the second insulating body 2, and the housing 10. The pivotal mechanism 9 can couple the first insulating body 1 with the second insulating body 2 pivotally, or for coupling the first insulating body 1, the second insulating body 2, and the housing 10 pivotally. [0041] For the aforementioned embodiments, if one or more of the modules are movably disposed, a longer connecting cable is preferred to avoid snapping the cable, such as when turning or flipping the module. For the same reason, the connecting cable can also be allowed to pass through the pivotal mechanisms 7 and 9 to ensure smooth operation of the connector. (Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Embodiment) [0042] Please refer to Figs. 9, 10, and 11, which show a fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment of the instant disclosure respectively. For the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment, a USB 3.0 Type B connector is disclosed. The connector includes the first insulating body 1, the second insulating body 2, the first terminals 3, the second terminals 4, the first shell 5, and the second shell 6. Structurally, the connector is generally similar to the first, second, and third 12 embodiments. However, the connector is specifically of a USB 3.0 Type B connector. For the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment, each of the first module and second modules 100 and 200 is also an independent module by itself. The first and second modules 100 and 200 are movably stacked relative to one another for using independently or jointly. The first and second modules 100 and 200 can be movably coupled relative to each other by the pivotal mechanism, sliding mechanism, or snap structure in addition to the housing 10. Relative to one another, the first and second modules 100 and 200 can be turned, slid, or flipped. [0043] Also, the pivoting, sliding, and snap structures are not restricted in between the first and second insulating bodies 1 and 2. These structures can also be disposed in between the first and second shells 5 and 6, or among the first insulating body 1, the second insulating body 2, and the housing 10. Alternatively, a first outer cover (not shown) can be disposed over the first module 100, and a second outer cover (not shown) can be disposed over the second module 200. Then, the aforementioned structures can be disposed in between the first and second outer covers to form the coupling mechanism. Thus, the first and second modules 100 and 200 can be movably coupled relative to one another. (Seventh and Eighth Embodiment) [0044] Please refer to Figs. 12 and 13, which show a seventh and eighth embodiment respectively. The instant embodiments disclose a USB 3.0 Micro-B type connector. The rear end of the connector is connected to another USB connector 20. In particular, the first soldering portion 33 of the first terminals 3 and the second soldering portion 43 of the second terminals 4 13 are connected electrically to the corresponding terminals (not shown) of the USB connector 20. Thus, an adapter is created. The USB connector 20 can be a USB 3.0 Type B connector (Fig. 12), USB 3.0 Type A connector (Fig. 13), or other types of connector. (Ninth, Tenth Embodiment) [0045] Please refer to Figs. 14 and 15, which show a ninth and tenth embodiments respectively. A groove 400 is slotted on each side surface of the connector for receiving an adapter 300. The adapter 300 has two arms 301, wherein each arm 301 has an engaging portion 302 formed on the inner surface thereof. An electrical connection is established when the connector engages the adapter 300. If not to be used, the engaging portion 302 can travel along the groove 400 to slide the adapter 300 away from the connector, such that the modules can be exposed. The exposed modules can be turned to different directions for use independently. The adapter 300 does not need to be dismounted completely from the connector, thereby providing convenience for the user. (Eleventh Embodiment) [0046] Please refer to Fig. 16, which shows an eleventh embodiment. The first soldering portions 33 of the first terminals 3 and the second soldering portions 43 of the second terminals 4 are electrically connected to a Y splitter cable. In other words, the first and second modules 100 and 200 are connected to the Y splitter cable. (Twelfth Embodiment) 14 [0047] Fig. 17 shows a twelfth embodiment. For the ease of manipulation, knobs 13 and 23 are arranged protrudingly from the first and the second insulating bodies 1 and 2, respectively. Thus, the first and second modules 100 and 200 can be slid in and out of the housing 10. In other words, the first and second modules 100 and 200 are movably disposed on the housing 10. [0048] In summary, the first and second modules 100 and 200 of the connector for the instant disclosure are movable relative to each other (e.g. pivoting, sliding, snapping). Each of the first and second modules 100 and 200 is an independent module. Based on application, the modules can be used separately or jointly to expand the connector's applicability. [0049] The descriptions illustrated supra set forth simply the preferred embodiments of the instant disclosure; however, the characteristics of the instant disclosure are by no means restricted thereto. All changes, alternations, or modifications conveniently considered by those skilled in the art are deemed to be encompassed within the scope of the instant disclosure delineated by the following claims. 15

Claims

1. An adaptable USB connector for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces, comprising: 5 a generally elongated first insulating body (1); a generally elongated second insulating body (2); a plurality of first terminals (3) exposedly disposed in the first insulating body (1); and a plurality of second terminals (4) exposedly disposed in the 10 second insulating body (2), wherein the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3) form a first module (100), wherein the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4) form a second module (200), 15 wherein the first and the second modules (100, 200) are arranged abreast of each other and coupled by a coupling mechanism in a movable manner relative to each other wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a housing (10), the first and second modules (100, 200) are both slidably retractably 20 disposed in the housing (10). wherein when both the first and the second modules (100, 200) protrude from the housing, the first and the second modules (100, 200) cooperatively form USB 3.0 connector interface; 25 wherein when only the first module (100) protrudes from the housing, the first module (100) separately forms USB 2.0 connector interface; wherein when both the first and the second (100, 200) modules are retracted, the first and the second modules (100, 200) are 30 concealedly received in the housing.

2. The adaptable USB connector of claim 1, wherein the first insulating 16 body (1) has a first base portion (11) and a first tongue plate (12), the first tongue plate (12) extends forward from the first base portion (11), wherein the second insulating body (2) has a second base portion (21) and a second tongue plate (22), the second tongue plate (22) extends 5 forward from the second base portion (21), wherein the first terminals (3) run through the first base portion (11) and dispose on the first tongue plate (12), and wherein the second terminals (4) run through the second base portion (21) and dispose on the second tongue plate (22). 10

3. The adaptable USB connector of claim 3, wherein each first terminal (3) has a first fixing portion (31), a first contacting portion (32), and a first soldering portion (33), the first fixing portion (31) is ran through and disposed on the first base portion (11), the first contacting portion (32) protrudes forward from the first fixing portion (31) and is 15 disposed on the first tongue plate (12), the first soldering portion (33) protrudes rearward from the first fixing portion (31).

4. The adaptable USB connector of claim 4, wherein each second terminal (4) has a second fixing portion (41), a second contacting portion (42), and a second soldering portion (43), the second fixing 20 portion (41) is ran through and disposed on the second base portion (21), the second contacting portion (42) protrudes forward from the second fixing portion (41) and is disposed on the second tongue plate (22), the second soldering portion (43) protrudes rearward from the second fixing portion (41). 25

5. The adaptable connector of claim 1, wherein the second terminals (4) are defined by two pairs of high-frequency transfer terminals and a ground terminal disposed there-in-between.

6. The adaptable USB connector of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a sliding mechanism (8); wherein the sliding 30 mechanism (8) is arranged parallel to the long axes of the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2) and between the first and the second 17 modules (100, 200).

7. The adaptable USB connector of claim 11, wherein the sliding mechanism (8) includes two sliding members (81, 82) that engage matchingly. 5

8. The adaptable USB connector of claim 1, wherein a first shell (5) shields the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3), and wherein a second shell (6) shields the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4).

9. The adaptable USB connector of claim 1, wherein another connector 10 (20) is coupled to the rear end of the adaptable USB connector, and wherein the first and second terminals (3,4) are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the connector (20) as an adapter.

10. The adaptable USB connector of claim 1, wherein a groove (400) is slotted on opposing side surfaces of the USB connector for sliding an 15 adapter (300).

11. An adaptable USB connector for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces, comprising: a generally elongated first insulating body (1); a generally elongated second insulating body (2); 20 a plurality of first terminals (3) exposedly arranged on the first insulating body (1); and a plurality of second terminals (4) exposedly arranged on the second insulating body (2); wherein the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3) 25 form a first module (100), wherein the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4) form a second module (200), wherein the first and the second modules (100, 200) are arranged abreast of each other and coupled by a coupling mechanism in a 30 movable manner relative to each other-; 18 wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a housing (10), the first and second modules (100, 200) are exposedly disposed in the housing (10); wherein at least one of the first and second modules (100, 200) is 5 pivotable with respect to the housing (10); wherein when both the first and the second modules (100, 200) point to a same direction, the first and the second modules (100, 200) cooperatively form USB 3.0 connector interface; wherein when the first and the second modules (100, 200) 10 respectively point to different directions, the first module (100) separately forms USB 2.0 connector interface.

12. The adaptable USB connector of claim 16, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a pivotal mechanism (7, 9); wherein the pivotal mechanism (7, 9) is arranged between the second module (200) and 15 the housing (10) or between the first module (100) and the housing (10).

13. The adaptable USB connector of claim 18, wherein the pivot axis of the pivotal mechanism (7, 9) is along the plumb line or passes horizontally through the side surfaces of the housing (10). 20

14. The adaptable USB connector of claim 16, wherein the first and second modules (100, 200) are both pivotable with respect to the housing (10).

15. The adaptable USB connector of claim 16, wherein another connector (20) is coupled to the rear end of the USB connector, and wherein the 25 first and second terminals (3, 4) are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the connector (20) as an adapter.

16. The adaptable USB connector of claim 16, wherein a groove (400) is slotted on opposing side surfaces of the USB connector for sliding an adapter (300). 30 19