FR2962564A3 - Device e.g. game console, for connecting universal serial bus key on support, has support movable between connection position in which media is introduced into female connector and usage position in which media is folded against envelope - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a female connector for receiving a male connector (3) of removable media (4). The male connector is introduced into the female connector along connection direction. The female connector is mounted on a support (5) movable in rotation relative to an outer envelope (1) around a rotation axis (X2) perpendicular to the direction. The support is movable between a connection position in which the media is introduced into the female connector by forming a projection with respect to the envelope and a utilization position in which the connected media is folded against the envelope.

Description

Device comprising means for rotating connection of a removable medium, such as a USB key.

Field of the Invention: The invention relates to the field of removable media, for example Universal Serial Bus (USB) sticks or other analogous memories for storing and transferring digital data as well as their connection support. In the present text, the term "removable media" is used and even more simply "media" to designate any type of memory hosting digital data, making it possible to transfer them, and / or any type of remote communication means (telephone network , wifi, bluetooth etc.) that comes in a compact form (a few centimeters at most, a maximum of ten centimeters in length), removable (that can be easily connected to a device, and disconnect), this type memory is thereby easily transportable.

State of the art: Removable media such as USB keys (Universal Serial Bus) conventionally comprise cooperating male or female connection means in contact with conjugate connection means respectively female or male provided on a removable media receiving medium. These connection means are generally nested in the sense that an outer female part itself comprising an inner male part, cooperates in contact with an outer male part itself comprising an inner female part (the male and female inner parts cooperate in contact between they). For the sake of simplicity, the connection means or connectors are called "male" or "female" according to the conformation of the outer portion of these connection means.

Removable media such as USB sticks generally have an elongated outer shape which, after connection to a support, involves a projecting or protuberant shape with respect to an outer casing of the support. This results in an outer space and a lack of compactness particularly troublesome. Removable media are even likely to be torn or damaged in view of their protruding disposition relative to the outer casing of the device to which they are connected.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the above disadvantages by proposing a device for connecting a removable medium to a support which is particularly compact and compact, while being of simple design. and inexpensive.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device comprising a female connector intended to receive a conjugate male connector of a removable medium, such as a USB dice, the male connector being introduced into the connector. female in a branch direction, the female connector being mounted on a support movable in rotation relative to an outer casing of the device, about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the branch direction, between on the one hand a connection position wherein the removable media is introduced into the female connector protruding from the envelope and on the other hand a use position in which the connected removable media is at least partially folded against the envelope.

Thus, the connection of a removable medium to a device according to the invention does not degrade in any way the external dimensions of the device. The removable media connected can occupy a position of perfect integration or at least very optimized by its retraction in the body of the device. The media does not present any risk of snagging or tearing for a user. The safety of the data recorded on the media, as well as the ergonomics of use of the device are thereby greatly improved. The risk of injury is also reduced. The external appearance of the device to which the removable media is connected remains neat and clean, despite this connection, which can be invisible or particularly discreet from certain angles. 2962564 -3

The present text refers to a "connection position" corresponding to the position in which the medium is located immediately after the connection of the male and female connectors. The position folded by rotation of the support is called "position of use" 5 insofar as the media is thus safe from any tearing (thus constituting a security position) and is in an optimal configuration of transfers of data.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, the envelope 10 comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the removable media is received in its position of use. According to other advantageous features of the invention, a space is provided around an area of the removable media in the use position, so as to allow said media to be gripped in order to return it to its connecting position. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the device comprises at least one lid, in particular opaque or transparent, movable between an open position giving access to the housing, and a closed position at least partially obscuring the housing. , in particular in order to enclose the removable media in the latter. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the cover is movable in rotation relative to the walls of the housing. According to other advantageous features of the invention, the lid is rigidly connected to the support, so that the rotation of the lid causes that of the support. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the cover is movable in translation relative to the walls of the housing. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the support comprises manual drive means for moving the removable medium between its two opposite positions, by directly operating these manual drive means. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the support is displaceable in translation relative to the casing between a retracted position in the casing prohibiting the rotation of the support about its axis, and an extended position projecting from the casing. outside of the envelope, allowing the rotation of the support around its axis in order to fold it towards its position of use. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the device is of a type selected from: - computer equipment, - audio equipment, such as a hi-fi system, a radio alarm clock, an audio player, etc. - multimedia equipment, especially portable equipment, - game console, - navigation equipment, - telephone equipment, - dashboard of a motor vehicle, - household electrical equipment, - home automation equipment, - industrial equipment .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and in the light of the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a partial sectional view of a device according to the invention comprising a rotary support, the section being perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the support, FIG. 2 represents a view similar to that of FIG. 1, the removable medium is connected to the support, in its connecting position, - Figure 3 shows a view similar to that of Figure 1, the support and the removable media being rotated about 90 ° corresponding to the position of 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in views similar to those of FIGS. 2 and 3, in which the device comprises a housing for receiving the removable media. FIG. 6 shows the device and the removable media according to the view F of FIG. 3, 2962564 -5

- Figures 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the support comprises two female connectors. FIG. 9 represents another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in a view similar to that of FIG. 4, and in which the removable medium is received with a smaller thickness in the housing of the device; FIG. 10 represents another embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which a light means is provided in the housing 10 for accommodating the removable medium; FIGS. 11 to 15 represent means for closing the housing according to different embodiments of the device, illustrated in the sectional view AA of FIG. 6, FIG. 16 represents another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in a view similar to that of FIG. 4, in which FIG. removable media reception support comprises an actuating wheel, - Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in a view similar to that of Figure 4, in the the support comprises a consolidation clamp of the removable media connection, - Figures 18 and 19 show another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in views similar to those of Figures 4 and 5, wherein the support comprises a closing means of the cover housing on which can act directly to fold the removable media, - Figures 20 and 21 show another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in a view similar to that of Figure 6, in which the closure means consist of a large-format cover incorporating a small-sized cover, adaptable to different dimensions of the removable medium, and - Figures 22 to 25 show another embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the support is movable between a retracted position in the envelope and a deployed position outside the envelope, the latter only permitting rotation of the support, 2962564 -6

FIGS. 26 to 28 illustrate various nonlimiting examples of devices according to the invention comprising a support and a housing housing a removable medium, these examples being a clock radio, a game console, a dashboard, 'a motor vehicle. FIG. 1 shows a partial view of a device which can be for example: computer equipment, such as a central unit, a screen or any other peripheral device, audio equipment, such as a hi-fi system, a radio alarm clock, an audio player, etc. - multimedia equipment, especially portable equipment, - game console, - navigation equipment, 15 - telephone equipment, - dashboard of a motor vehicle, - household electrical equipment, - home automation equipment, - equipment industrial. This device comprises an outer casing or skin 1. The device comprises a female connector 2 intended to receive a male connector 3 of a removable media 4 such as a USB key or the like. With reference to FIG. 2, the medium 4 comprises a main body extending generally along a longitudinal axis X 3 over a length of the order of a few centimeters. It generally has a flat shape, that is to say a dimension transverse to the axis X3 which defines a minimum thickness. The male connector 3 of the removable media is introduced into the female connector 2 in a branch direction X1 (Figure 2). According to the invention, the female connector 2 is mounted on a support 5 movable in rotation around an axis of rotation X2 perpendicular to the branch direction Xi. This support 5 is rotatably mounted relative to the outer casing 1 of the device. The support 5 can be mounted directly on the outer casing 1 or on a fixed element thereof (for example an interface piece of the joint), or be mounted 2962564 -7

on a module attached and integrated in the device structure) or be mounted on the body or the structure of the device itself. The support 5 is movable in rotation between a connection position illustrated in FIG. 2 and a use position illustrated in FIG. 3. A flexible connector 51 connecting the female connector 2 to a management unit of the device (not shown ) is provided to allow the rotation of the support 5. In the connection position, the media 4 is deployed and thereby forms a protrusion or protuberance outside the envelope. it typically extends perpendicularly to the outer surface of this outer casing 10 1. In the use position, the connected media 4 is folded / retracted against the outer casing 1. In this latter position, the removable media is rotated next the arrow R of about 900 relative to the branch position and is thus substantially parallel to the outer surface of the casing 1 (Figure 3). The media 4 extends at least half of its length along the outer surface of the envelope 1, which means that the envelope 1 runs along at least half the length of the removable media 4. This envelope may go along the entire length of the removable media and even continue beyond the rear end of the removable media 4 which is opposed to the male connector, as shown in Figure 3. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the rear end of the media 4 may be located "in the vacuum", that is to say beyond the outer surface of the envelope, when the support is for example close to a side face of the device. Of course, the envelope 1 may have a substantially flat or more complex outer shape, in particular made of recesses, reliefs or any irregularities. The rotation of the support 5 around its axis X2 is limited by a stop system 6 adapted to prevent the removable media is moved beyond its opposite extreme positions. These stops 6 may be protrusions provided on the one hand on the mobile support 5 and on the other hand on a fixed part of the device receiving the support, or any equivalent limitation system. In a not shown embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the support 5 to the position of use can be limited by the direct contact between the body of the removable media 4 and the outer surface of the envelope.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, a space 7 is formed around an area of the media 4 in the folded security and / or transfer position, in particular between the latter and the envelope 1 in a rear area of the removable medium, opposite to the male connector 3. This space 7 allows a person to manually hook this rear end to maneuver the media 4 and thus bring it back to its branch position.

Other embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter only in that they differ from the first mode. The elements similar in their form or function comprise the same numerical references increased by 100 for each embodiment described successively below and illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 21.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a device in which the outer casing 101 has a housing 108 in which the media 4 is received when it is placed in its position of use (FIG. 5) after pivoting the support 105 according to the arrow R at an angle of about 90 ° from its initial connection position (Figure 4). The housing 108 forms a concavity having a generally elongated shape adapted to receive a wide variety of media of different shapes. This housing may for example have a length Li of the order of 8 to 10 cm, a width (or height) L2 of the order of 3 cm, and a depth P (depression in the envelope) of the order of 2 cm. Other dimensions may also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. The medium 4 can be entirely received in this housing 108, as in the example presented, conferring a perfect integration of the removable media in the body of the device (without exceeding outside the envelope 101) when the media 4 is in folded safety and / or transfer position. In a not shown embodiment of the invention, the media 4 may be partially depressed in the housing, which still reduces the external size of the media 4 folded against the envelope 101. Or the housing may be opening in an area receiving the rear part of the media 4 opposite to the male connector 3, so that the media 4 protrudes from the housing at one end, especially when the support 105 is close to a side face of the device. The housing 108 has a space 107 around the media 4 (FIG. 5) facilitating the gripping of the media 4 for its operation, as in the example of FIGS. 1 to 3. It should be noted that the media 4 can penetrate "flat" in the housing 108, that is to say that its minimum thickness is in the depth P of the housing 108 and its width is in the width L2 of the housing (Figures 5 and 6). Thus, the folded media 4 has a surface visible through the opening of the housing 108. When the removable media 4 is of a type comprising a display screen 41, such as an MP3 audio player or the like, it is thus very It is easy to read the screen 41 when the media 4 is folded down, the surface of this screen 41 being turned towards the outside of the envelope 101. This feature can be applied alternatively to all the embodiments described.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the device may comprise a support 205 provided with two female connectors 202 arranged at 90 °. In the initial position of connection of the removable media 4, only one of the female connectors 20 is visible and accessible, the second being masked against a wall of the envelope 201. When the media 4 is rotated along the arrow R from its position of initially connected to its folded safety and / or transfer position illustrated in FIG. 8, the second female connector appears in place of the first one before rotation of the medium 4, which makes it possible to connect a second removable medium 4 in addition to the first one that has been folded.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the media 4 in the folded position is introduced by its edge into the housing 308 disposed, as opposed to the example of FIGS. 4 to 6. The minimum thickness of the media 4 is thus registered. in the height L2 of the housing 308, which allows a dimensioning of the housing 308 lower in height L2 and deeper towards the inside of the device. 2962564 -10-

In Figure 10, there is illustrated an embodiment wherein the device comprises a light means 9 obscured by the removable medium 4 in the use position, in particular located in a bottom wall of the housing 408. This light means 9 allows to illuminate the walls of the housing and thus to emphasize the shape and the outer contour of the media 4 in the folded position. This has the effect of facilitating the visualization of the media 4 in the dark and to avoid groping for manipulation.

FIGS. 11 to 15 show various embodiments of a cover 10 for closing the housing for concealing the latter, as well as any media housed therein. The examples are illustrated according to section A-A of FIG. 6, knowing that these examples are applicable to all the embodiments described having a media receiving housing.

The cover 10 is movable relative to the outer casing between an open position for accessing the housing and the folded media, and a closed position obscuring the housing.

Different kinematics are envisaged: with reference to FIG. 11, the cover 10 is hinged on an outer edge of the housing 108, typically an upper edge 11, between a closed position (cover shown in solid lines) and an open position (cover shown in FIG. dashed lines). The movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position is effected by rotation along the arrow R around the articulation.

With reference to FIG. 12, the cover 110 is hinged about an axis 12 set back from the outer face of the casing 101 (on which the housing opens) toward the bottom of the housing 108. circular shape and retracts in a passage 13 provided for this purpose in the body of the casing 101, for example above the housing as in the example shown. The rotation is carried out according to the arrow R around the articulation. 2962564 -11-

Referring to Figure 13, the cover 210 is movable in translation relative to the casing 101, and retracts according to the arrow Ti in a slot in the casing.

Referring to Fig. 14, the device comprises an opaque outer cover 310 and an inner cover on the transparent housing 311 side. These two covers are movable in translation along the arrow Ti in a slot provided for this purpose in the body of the envelope. When the outer lid 310 is open, the inner lid 311 may be open or closed (the latter case being illustrated in FIG. 14). Both lids open by translation in the same direction.

With reference to FIG. 15, the device also comprises two covers, including an opaque cover 410 and a transparent cover 411, these covers being movable in translation along the respective arrows T1 and T2 in respective slots arranged on opposite sides of the housing. 108.

With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the support 505, 605 includes manual drive means 506, 606 for moving the connected media 4 between its two opposite positions, without acting directly on the medium itself, even on the rotary support 505, 605, so as to provide the connection between the male connector 3 and female 2 by limiting the mechanical stresses. In the example of FIG. 16, the drive means 25 consist of a rotating wheel integral in rotation with the support 505. In the example of FIG. 17, the manual drive means consist of a gripper. 606 secured to the support 605 enclosing the media 4. In addition in this example, the maintenance of the media 4 being reinforced by this clamp 606, the mechanical forces are distributed between 30 on the one hand this clamp 606 enclosing the media 4, and d the other hand the connection of the male connector 3 and female 2, so that the latter is also arranged if one acts directly on the media 4 to move it between its opposite positions. Figure 18 also illustrates the case where a cover 706 for closing the housing 708 is rigidly connected to the support 705. The movement of the media 2962564

4 between its connection positions (Figure 18) and its position of use (Figure 19) is achieved by the rotation of the support 705 about the axis X2 by acting directly on the cover 706.

FIGS. 20 and 21 also show, in a view similar to that of FIG. 6, an embodiment in which the cover 510 for closing the housing is adaptable to the format of the media located in the housing. The cover 510 has an outer frame 511 displaceable relative to the envelope, this frame itself comprising a central portion 10 (not shown in Figure 20 but whose contour corresponds to the edge 512 of the frame) movable forming a second cover of reduced size. The lid can be opened in a "small media" configuration (shown in FIG. 20) in which only a central portion of the lid 510 can be opened, the media 4 being accessible through this open central portion. The cover 510 may also be opened in a "large format media" configuration (illustrated in FIG. 21) in which the entire cover (central portion and its frame) is open to give access to the media 104 when the latter is larger. consistent.

FIGS. 22 to 25 also illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention, in which the support 905 is displaceable in translation along the arrow F with respect to the envelope 901 between a retracted position in the envelope 901 ( FIG. 22) prohibiting the rotation of the support 905 around its axis X2, and a deployed extended position 25 outside the casing 901 (FIGS. 23 to 25), allowing rotation of the support 905 around its axis X2, following the arrow R, in order to fold it towards its position of use (figure 25). In its retracted position in the envelope 901, the rotation of the support about the axis X2 is prevented by the lateral edges of the housing in which the support 905 retracts, these forcing the support to be arranged parallel to its direction translation. The support 905 comprises a base 906 in sliding connection with respect to the envelope 901. The displacement of the support between its retracted position (FIG. 22) and its deployed position (FIG. 23) can be ensured by an actuator activated from a control means. (not shown) or even by a conventional two-way push button system 2962564 - 13 -

stable positions (of the type of pushbuttons fitted on ballpoint pens): a pressure on the end of the support 905 (FIG. 905) in the opposite direction of the arrow F causes a depression of the support 905 in the envelope 901. By removing this pressure, the support spring to dispose in the deployed position (Figure 23). The retraction of the support 905 in its housing is done by arranging it again in the configuration of FIG. 23 and then exerting a new pressure in the opposite direction of the arrow F.

Whatever the embodiment of the invention, the device may comprise actuating means, including motorized or return, causing or assisting the rotation of the rotary member about its axis. Return means (spring) may for example be actuated under the influence of a push button located in the vicinity of the support and the connected media, in order to move the media towards its initial branching position. The media thus detached from the envelope (at least in its part furthest from the axis of rotation of the support) can then be brought back manually to its connecting position. These actuating means assist the user in extracting the media from its use position.

As has been mentioned, the device can be of any of the following types: - computer equipment, such as a central computer unit, a screen or any other peripheral device, - audio equipment, such as a hi-fi system, a radio alarm clock, an audio player, etc. - multimedia equipment, especially portable, - a game console, 30 - a navigation equipment, - telephone equipment, - a dashboard of a motor vehicle, - a household electrical equipment, - a home automation equipment, 35 - a industrial equipment. 2962564 -14-

By way of example, FIG. 26 illustrates the case of a clock radio incorporating a rotary support as well as a receiving housing 13 of a removable medium accessible by its upper face. FIG. 27 also illustrates the case of a portable game console provided with a rotating support and a housing 14 for receiving a removable medium.

Another example is given in FIG. 28, illustrating a dashboard of a motor vehicle comprising on its facade or central console a rotary support and a housing for receiving a removable medium.

In the case of a device of compact shape and reduced dimensions, 15 adapted to be arranged in a pocket of clothing or a case, for example in the case of a mobile phone or even an audio player such as an MP3 player , the invention allows a perfect integration of the removable media to the body of the device, which generates no manipulation gene and additional space limited or even zero (in the case of a nesting of the media in a housing). The invention makes it possible to use a standard media (USB key) as a convenient removable means of storage or data transfer, which does not require disassembling the device or open a cover to access the latter. The accessibility of the media is therefore optimal. The removable media such as a USB dice may be a digital data storage or transfer element or even a remote communication means, for example for receiving or transmitting information (for example communication with a network). remote telephone type 3G or 30 edge, systems with smaller ranges, type wifi, bluetooth etc.).

Of course, the invention is not limited to the means that have just been described and includes all the technical equivalents. 5 2962564 -15-

In particular, the support may further comprise means for rotating the female connector around the longitudinal branching axis of the removable medium.

5 Furthermore, the housing receiving the removable media may include an interior volume adapted to receive multiple removable media connected to respective supports. This housing may also include a storage area for one or more unused removable media. Unused (unconnected) media stalling means may be provided to prevent them from moving freely in the housing.

Embodiments including a media receiving housing may also provide that the housing has dimensions adjusted to the shape and outer dimensions of the media. Indeed, the device can be sold with one or more removable media of determined dimensions. The media and the housing can be shaped so that the first fits perfectly in the second, with a peripheral clearance of the order of 1 to 2 millimeters (except for a possible gripping zone for manually extracting the media from its housing). Actuating means such as those indicated above may advantageously be provided to assist the user in extracting the media from its housing.

In addition, the invention makes it possible to guard against inadvertent disconnection or inadvertent disconnection of the removable media. When the latter is folded against the envelope or even more in a housing of this envelope, the integration of the media in the device may be such that it is impossible to physically separate the media from its connection support before the have moved away from its use position 30 folded against the envelope. This constitutes a security requiring to perform a manipulation (rotation to the connection position) prior to the physical disconnection of the removable media.

In addition, the rotatably mounted carrier has been shown on the casing or on a fixed member thereof. It can of course be expected that the support 2962564 -16-

and the envelope in question are proposed in the form of a module manufactured separately from the rest of the device. The module can then be mounted and assembled on the device. This case is of interest, for example, in the case of integration with a dashboard of a motor vehicle.

Claims (10)

1. Device comprising a female connector (2) intended to receive a male connector (3) conjugated with a removable medium (4; 104), such as a USB key, the male connector (3) being introduced into the female connector (2) in a branch direction (XI), characterized in that the female connector (2) is mounted on a support (5-905) movable in rotation with respect to an outer casing (1-901) of the device around an axis of rotation (X2) perpendicular to the branching direction (X1), between on the one hand a branch position in which the removable medium (4-104) is introduced into the female connector (2) in protruding relative to the casing (1-901) and secondly a position of use in which the removable media (4; 104) connected is folded against the casing (1-901). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the envelope (1-901) comprises a housing (108-808) in which at least a portion of the removable media (4; 104) is received in its position of use . 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a space (7; 107) is formed around an area of the removable media (4; 104) in the use position, to allow gripping said media (4; 104) to return it to its branch position. 4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one cover (10-510; 311; 411; 706), in particular opaque or transparent, movable between an open position giving access to the housing ( 108-808), and a closed position at least partially obscuring the housing (108-808), in particular to enclose the removable media (4; 104) in the latter. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover (10; 110; 510; 706) is movable in rotation relative to the walls of the housing (108). 2962564 -18- 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover (706) is rigidly connected to the support (705), so that the rotation of the cover (706) causes that of the support (705). 5 7. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover (210-410; 311; 411) is movable in translation relative to the walls of the housing (108). 8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support (506; 606) comprises manual drive means for moving the removable media (4) between its two opposite positions by directly manipulating these training means. 15 9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support (905) is movable in translation relative to the casing (901) between a retracted position in the casing (901) prohibiting rotation of the support (905) about its axis (X2), and an extended position protruding outside the casing (901), allowing the support (905) to rotate about its axis (X2) in order to its folding towards its position of use. 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is of a type chosen from: computer equipment, such as a central computer unit, a screen or any other peripheral means, - audio equipment, such as a hi-fi system, a radio alarm clock, an audio player, etc. multimedia equipment, especially portable equipment, games console, navigation equipment, telephone equipment, dashboard of a motor vehicle, electrical household equipment, home automation equipment, - - industrial equipment.