FR3029042A1 - DEVICE FOR INTERNET ACCESS VIA A MOBILE COMMUNICATION NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a box for accessing the Internet via a mobile communication network comprising a data processing module connected to a socket through the housing for connecting a flexible free cable via a second connector on one of the ends of the cable, said cable being terminated at another end by a first connector for connecting the housing to an external equipment, the housing being characterized in that it comprises at least one main engagement element of the first connector in which the first connector engages in translation and at least one engagement element of the second connector in which the second connector engages by translation, the housing and the cable being configured so that when the first and second connectors are respectively engaged in their engagement elements, the cable forms a loop defining a space between the housing and the cable for the suspension of the case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device for accessing the Internet via a mobile communication network.

STATE OF THE ART There are numerous devices for accessing the Internet via a mobile communication network. They allow a user to continue to use the Internet in all his travels. These devices are commonly called "3G / 4G modem" (according to the technology of the mobile communication network to which they connect) and are in the form of a small box equipped with an internal antenna, a SIM card an operator of the mobile communication network, and having a connection interface with a device (to which the device provides access to the Internet), typically a laptop. This interface is most often a wired connection type USB ("Universal Serial Bus"), hence the name "key" 3G / 4G often given to these devices, but it can also be a WiFi wireless link and / or Bluetooth. The modem typically accumulates multiple connectivities.

The wireless connection offers many benefits. In particular, on the one hand Internet access can be provided to a plurality of devices, and on the other hand the average range of WiFi or Bluetooth makes it possible to move the device away so as to place it in a place where the reception of the wireless communication network is the best (for example in height, far from any metallic object, etc.).

USB connectivity requires the presence of a short cable terminated by a USB male port. When the modem is cut or used wirelessly, this cable is unattractive, even embarrassing for storage. Modems are known for which the cable is removable, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, but adds the risk of losing the cable, to the extent that it should not be forgotten when transporting the modem. The invention improves the situation. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention thus relates to a box for access to the Internet via a mobile communication network, comprising a data processing module connected to a plug through the box for connecting a flexible free cable. via a second connector on one of the ends of the cable, said cable being terminated at another end by a first connector for the connection of the housing to an external equipment, the housing being characterized in that it comprises at least one element main engagement of the first connector, each first engagement element of the first connector consisting of a complementary cavity of the shape of the first connector and wherein the first connector engages in translation different from a direction in which the first connector can engage in wearing the equipment for connection, at least one engagement element of the second conn ector, each engagement element of the second connector consisting of a complementary cavity of the form of the second connector in which the second connector engages in translation different from a direction in which the second connector can engage in the socket, the housing and the cable being configured so that when the first and second connectors are respectively engaged in their engagement elements, the cable forms a loop defining a space between the housing and the cable for the suspension of the housing. The present device thus makes it possible to use the USB free cable as a means of suspending the device. This both improves the reception quality of the network (since it becomes possible to suspend the device where the network is the best) and to solve the problem of unsightliness or loss of the cable when it is not possible. is not used. According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features: the housing further comprises an auxiliary engagement element of the first connector, the housing being configured such that when the first connector is engaged in the auxiliary engagement element the cable follows the outline of the device. The main and auxiliary engagement members allow two alternative cable positions, including one in which there is no longer a loop, for easy storage and transportation; - The housing comprises at its contour a groove configured to receive the cable when the first connector is engaged in the auxiliary engagement element.

The groove makes it possible to completely remove the cable in the storage position, for a still improved aesthetics; the housing comprises a first face and a second opposite face, the engagement element of the second connector being disposed on the first face, and each engagement element for the first connector being disposed on the second face. This arrangement corresponds to a parallelepipedal structure of the housing, the most natural and most suitable structure for compactly receiving the components; each engagement element consists of a cavity complementary to the form of the connector in which the connector engages by translation. Such a cavity allows to completely remove the connector inside the housing 35 when engaged, so as to protect it; - The direction in which a connector engages in each engagement element is substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the connector can engage in a port of the equipment for connection.

3029042 3 This direction allows on the one hand that the cable extends tangentially to the face of the housing on which the element of engament is located, and secondly that it is impossible to damage the connector even though a shock would be brought to the engagement element; the cable comprises a gripping tab; Thus, a connector can be removed from the engagement element even when it is fully depressed and inaccessible; the tongue is a flexible element free in translation along the cable. This prevents the tab itself from being damaged although it exceeds; the device further comprises a display on the box, dynamically displaying a reception quality indicator of the mobile communication network. This indicator makes it easy to find the best suspension point of the device 1 by moving in space; - The device further comprises wireless connection means connected to the data processing module for wireless connection of the device to a device; The wireless means (typically Wi-Fi) provide a remote connection to one or more devices. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGS. 1a and 1b show advantageous embodiments of devices according to the invention, FIGS. 2a-2b-2c are views of an advantageous embodiment of the invention. device according to the invention respectively in the two positions, Figures 3a-3b show the establishment of the device according to the invention in Wi-Fi position, Figures 4a-4b-4c-4d-4e represent the establishment of a device according to a complementary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Internal Architecture An architecture of the present device 1 for accessing the Internet via a mobile communication network 3 is illustrated in FIG. 1a. As previously explained, this device 1 connects on the one hand to a mobile communication network 3, typically a 3G or 4G type mobile telephone network connected to the Internet network (it will be understood, however, that the invention is limited to no type of network 3029042 4 mobile communication), and secondly to one or more equipment 2a, 2b, to which it will provide access to the Internet. The device 1 comprises a housing 10, which may be of many shapes, but which is advantageously of substantially parallelepipedal shape, we will see why later. This box 10, which is for example made of plastic, houses the electronic components of the device 1. Among these are a data processing module 11, a first wireless connection module 30, and advantageously a second connection module Wireless 31. A battery may also be present (the cable 20 which will be described allows a power supply, but an internal source of power is required during wireless operation).

The data processing module 11, which takes for example the form of a processor, provides the modem functions of the device 1. The first wireless connection module 30 allows the connection to the mobile communication network 3, and receives in particular a SIM card ("Subscriber Identity Module") of an operator of the mobile communication network 3.

This wireless connection module 30 is connected to the data processing module 11, itself connected to a cable 20 which extends outside the housing 10, and which ends with a first connector 21, for the connection of the device 1 to a device 2a. As will be seen later, this cable 20 is flexible. By first connector 21 is meant a standardized plug (in particular according to the USB standard mentioned above, but other standards such as RJ45 or IEEE1394 are conceivable) adapted to engage in a first compatible female port of the equipment 2a, 2b. When the first connector 21 is connected (engaged in the first port of the equipment 2a, 2b), the data processing module 11 routes the packets exchanged between the mobile communication network 3 and the equipment 2a, 2b.

The second wireless connection module 31 (which may possibly be partially confused with the first wireless connection module 30, for example by sharing its antenna) offers an alternative to the wired connection via the cable 30. In the following the description, we will take the example of a Wi-Fi connection module, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to this technology (we think for example Bluetooth).

In FIG. 1a, the equipment 2a is a PC-type workstation connected to the device 1 via the cable 20, and the equipment 2b is a smartphone-type terminal connected to the device 1 via Wi-Fi. connections can be alternative or simultaneous. FIG. 1b shows a complementary embodiment of the device 1. In this embodiment, the cable 20 is not secured to the housing 10, and therefore free, and has at the opposite end of the first connector 21 another or second connector 41. The box 10 further comprises a socket 42 (or second port, connected to the data processing module 11) through the housing 10 and allowing the connection of the second connector 41 for connection to the data processing module 11. The case 11 also includes an engagement member 43 for engaging the second connector 41.

FIG. 4a shows such a device 1, the cable 20 not being integral with the housing 10.

FIG. 4b shows the device 1 when the cable 20 is connected via its second connector 41 to the socket or second port 42 of the box 10. The second connector 41 is preferably of the plug type, this second connector 41 being designed to connect in the corresponding socket 42 of the box 5 10. The second connector 41 may be similar to the first connector 21. According to one embodiment, the first connector 21 is USB male type and the second connector 41 is mini-USB type or micro-USB male.

In general, it will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to adapt the internal components of the housing 10 according to the intended use of the device 1. External architecture - Wi-Fi position 15 The device 1 is distinguished in that it comprises a main engagement member 12 of the connector 21, shown in Figure la or lb but whose specificity is visible more particularly in Figure 2a or Figure 2c. The housing 10 and the cable 20 are in fact configured so that when the connector 21 is engaged in the main engagement element 12, the cable 20 forms a loop defining a space between the housing 10 and the cable 20 for the suspension of the device 1. The utility of the loop appears particularly in Figures 3a and 3b, on which we note the element 4, which can be any protrusion on which the top of the loop can rest. It can be a nail to a wall, a bar of a piece of furniture, a window handle, etc. This suspension makes it possible to store the device 1 in a vertical position, but above all to improve the Quality of Service (QoS), by making it possible to place the device 1 easily where the reception of the mobile communication network 3 is the best (in height , near openings, etc.). This position of the cable 20 corresponds to a "Wi-Fi position", because it is adapted to an operation of the device in wireless connection (typically Wi-Fi) with the equipment or 2a, 2b via the second module 31. In this mode of operation, the device does not need to be in the immediate vicinity of the equipment 2a, 2b, and it becomes interesting to cleverly place the device 1 to optimize the reception quality of the network 3. As one see in Figure 2a, a surface of the housing 10 may comprise a display 15 dynamically representing the reception quality of the network 3 via the display of an indicator. Here, the quality indicator takes the form of bars: the more numerous they are, the better the signal received. This makes it easier to find the optimal position of the device 1. The display 15 can also represent the battery level of the device 1, and if the Wi-Fi connection module 31 is activated. A button 16 enables the switching on / off of the device 1, and possibly the activation / deactivation of the Wi-Fi module 31 (for example by pressing twice quickly on this button 16).

The loop shape is defined by three parameters: the position of the point of the housing 10 from which the cable 20 extends, the position of the main engagement element 12, and the length of the cable 20. When it is parallelepipedic, the housing 10 comprises a first face F1 and a second opposite face F2 (which correspond in Figure 2a to the left and right faces). The cable 20 extends out of the housing 10 from the first face F1, and the engagement element 12 is disposed on the second face F2. In this case, the condition for the housing 10 to be configured so that the cable forms a loop defining a space between the housing and the cable for the suspension of the device is then that the length of the cable 20 is substantially greater at the distance between the two faces. More particularly, when defining F3 the upper face of the box F3, the equation must be verified (distance F3 / point of fixing of the cable) + (distance F3 / main engagement element) + (distance F1 / F2)> length of the cable. It will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to adapt according to the shape of the housing 10, the position of the point of the housing 10 from which the cable 20 extends, the position of the main engagement element 12, and the length of the cable 20, to obtain the loop. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, the preceding paragraphs concerning "External architecture - Wi-Fi position" apply mutatis mutandis by replacing "position of the point of the box 10 from which the cable 20 extends" or "point fixing the cable "by" position of the engagement element 43 ". In other words, the device illustrated in FIG. 1b, once the second connector 41 of the cable 20 engaged in the engagement element 43, is used in a manner similar to the device described in FIG. 1a as described in the preceding paragraphs. Thus, FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a and 3b remain valid for the embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4d is an illustration of the device illustrated in FIG. 1b showing the second connector 41 engaged in the engagement element 43, the device 1 being in the "Wi-Fi position". FIG. 4e is an illustration of an alternative mode of obtaining the "Wi-Fi position", the second connector 41 being plugged into the socket 42. This position, according to the respective positions of the engagement element 43 and the tap 42 along the face F1 can provide a different loop length compared to the situation shown in Figure 4d. This position illustrated in FIG. 4e can also enable a user to quickly undo the loop by pulling on the cable or the box in the axis of the second connector 41 inserted into the socket 42.

External Architecture - Storage Position Particularly preferably, the Wi-Fi position is a first position of the cable 20, the housing 10 being configured to further allow a second position of the cable 20, the "storage position", shown in FIG. Figure 2b.

For this, the housing 10 further comprises an auxiliary engagement element 13 of the connector 21. The housing 10 and the cable 20 are this time configured so that when the connector 21 is engaged in the element d 13 the cable 20 follows the contour of the device 1. In other words, the cable no longer forms a loop (there is no space between the housing 10 and the cable 20, or at least not enough to insert a suspension element), hence a more compact format, ideal for storage and transport. More particularly, if the housing 10 comprises at its contour a groove 14, it receives the cable 20 when the connector 21 is engaged in the auxiliary engagement element 13, so that the cable 20 becomes invisible .

Since the cable 20 is flexible, it is possible to easily move from one to the other of the Wi-Fi and storage positions by deforming the cable 20. In the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures, the element of FIG. auxiliary engagement 13 is also disposed on the face F2, with a passage on the top of the housing 10. This time, it is about (distance F3 / fixing point of the cable) + (distance F3 / element 15 of auxiliary engagement ) + (distance F1 / F2) = length of the cable. In most cases, the main and auxiliary engagement elements 12, 13 are aligned but separated by a distance equivalent to the "soft" length in the loop, but it should be noted that many other configurations are possible. In particular, it is not excluded that the main and auxiliary engagement elements 12, 13 are combined if the housing 10 is configured so that there are two different cable arrangements 20 along the walls of the housing (for example: example one along the upper face F3 and one along the lower face F4 as they appear in Figure 2a) such that the cable 20 has in one the suspension loop, and in the other follows the wall. It should be noted that this storage position does not exclude operation in Wi-Fi mode (Figure 2b shows the device 1 lit), although it is not possible in this position to suspend it. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, the preceding paragraphs concerning "External architecture - storage position" apply mutatis mutandis by replacing "position of the point of the box 10 from which the cable 20 extends" or "point of 30". fixing the cable "by" position of the engagement element 43 ". In other words, the device illustrated in FIG. 1b, once the second connector 41 of the cable 20 engaged in the engagement element 43, is used in a manner similar to the device described in FIG. 1a as described in the preceding paragraphs. Thus, Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a and 3b remain valid for the embodiment of the device illustrated in Figure 1b. Figure 4c is an illustration of the device illustrated in Figure lb showing the second connector 41 engaged in the engagement member 43, the device 1 being in "storage position".

Engagement elements 12, 13 may be any part that can removably receive the first connector 21, the engagement being strong enough to be able to suspend the device 1 by the cable 20 without risk. of fall.

Maintaining the engagement is provided by the frictional forces between the engagement member and the first connector 21, but alternatively one can for example use a clip-on connector. As can be seen in the figures, the engagement element or elements 12, 13 consist of a cavity complementary to the shape of the first connector 21 in which the connector 21 engages by translation. This is the simplest, most effective and most aesthetic way to get commitment. However, contrary to what we have seen for example on some hard drives, the translation that allows the engagement is not made in the direction in which the connector 21 can engage in a port of the equipment 2a , 2b for connection (in other words the axis of the connector 21). On the contrary, the direction in which the first connector 21 engages in the engagement element or elements 12, 13 is chosen different from that direction in which the connector 21 can engage in a port of the equipment 2a, 2b. for connection, even substantially orthogonal. This is visible for example in Figure 3a, which shows the direction of engagement. This direction of engagement at least partially "lateral" and not "longitudinal" has many advantages: the first connector 21 will not detach in case of traction on the cable 20 (since such a traction is according to the pin of the connector 21, in other words in the direction in which the connector 21 can engage in a port). This is important when the device 1 is in the suspended position and hangs: a tensile force equal to its weight is applied to the cable 20, and the device would fall (and probably be damaged) if this traction resulted in the detachment of the connector 21; the cable 20 is tangent to the wall of the housing 10, facilitating the loop shape and improving the aesthetics; there is no risk of twisting the connector 21 in case of impact on the side of the housing 10 or a little strong voltage on the loop of the cable 20; the shallow depth of the required cavity facilitates the internal organization of the components; the use of a tongue 22 is made possible.

When the engagement direction is orthogonal to the axis of the connector 21 (the direction in which the first connector 21 can engage a port), the above effects are maximized. As can be seen in the figures, the cable 20 comprises a gripping tongue 22, 40 disposed in the vicinity of the connector 21. This tongue 22 provides a gripping surface 3029042 9 extending orthogonally to the direction of the cable 20, d other terms according to the direction of engagement (and therefore clearance) of the cable 20. A pull on the tongue and allows very easily out the connector 21 of one of the engagement elements 12, 13. This is very useful in addition to a groove 14: the cable 20 and the connector 21 5 disappear completely in the face F2 of the housing 10, and it is difficult to get out by hand. The tongue 22 protrudes and provides a catch. The latter consists for example of a sheet of a flexible material (typically rubber) surrounding the cable 20, optionally free in translation along the cable 20. The flexibility of the tongue 22 avoids any risk of breakage.

With regard to the embodiment relating to FIG. 1b, the housing 10 comprises an engagement element 43, as can be seen in FIGS. 4a to 4e. The teachings of the engagement elements 12 and 13 corresponding to the first connector 21 are transposed respectively to the engagement element 43 corresponding to the second connector 41. Indeed, the second connector 41 is also designed to engage in the element The way in which this second connector 41 fits into the engagement element 43 is similar to the way the first connector 21 can be housed in the main engagement elements 12 and 13. Note that if the type of the connectors 21 and 41 may be different (mini USB or micro USB for the second connector 41 and USB for the first connector 21 for example), and according to one embodiment, the shape of the connectors 41 and 21 can be chosen so that the connectors 21 and 41 can indifferently be housed in the engagement elements 12, 13 or 43. In other words, the position of the connectors 21 and 41 of the engagement elements 12, 13 or 43 may be indifferent, the first connector 21 may also be inserted in the engagement element 43 or the second connector 41 may also be inserted into the engagement elements 12 and 13 According to one embodiment, the length of the cable 20 and the positioning of the engagement elements 12, 13 and 43 are chosen such that: the engagement of the second connector 41 in the engagement element 43 as well as the engagement of the first connector 21 in the main engagement member 12 provides the "Wi-Fi position" described hereinafter, the engagement of the second connector 41 in the engagement member 43 and the engagement the first connector 21 in the auxiliary engagement element 13 provides the "storage position" described below. This embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, using a free cable 20, that is to say not secured to the housing 10, makes it possible to simplify the design of the housing 10. It also makes it possible to allow the cable 20 to be replaced in case of failure of the latter, and this obviously by simple exchange without the need to open the housing 10. This embodiment also allows more simply the use of any cable having connectors of the same type as the connectors 21 and 41 to connect the box 10 to a device. This also allows the use of a cable having a connector of the same type as the connector 41, the connector disposed at the other end of the cable being of any type. According to the embodiment, the cable 20 may comprise a second gripping tongue in the vicinity of the second connector 41, also optionally free in translation 5 along the cable 20. According to an alternative embodiment, the cable 20 may thus be a power cable. According to an alternative embodiment, the groove 14 runs over the entire perimeter of the box 10, which allows the cable 20 to be stored in one direction or another, depending on the direction of passage of the cable 20 and therefore to offer, for example loop lengths in different Wi-Fi position, or to offer the possibility of storing, in the storage position, two cables of different lengths, depending on the chosen direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the groove 14 runs over the entire perimeter of the box 10 and the engagement elements are made in pairs on the opposite faces F1 and F2, which then makes it possible to simultaneously store two cables 20 around the box. 10. For example, the first cable passes through the groove 14 running on F3 when the second cable passes through the groove 14 running on F4, two engagement elements being respectively present on the faces F1 and F2.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 corresponds to a first housing that can cover a second housing. In this particular embodiment, the first housing 10 does not include internal modules or electronic components and has the function of overlapping the second housing. The connector 42 is then replaced by a recess in the first housing 10 allowing access to the location of a connector or a plug present on the second housing covered by the first housing 10. This means that the second connector 41 of a cable 20 may be connected to a connector 42 of the second housing through the obvious present on the first housing 10. This first housing 10 allows both to protect a second housing covered, while offering the possibility of storing a cable 20 through the engagement elements 12, 13 and 43 and the groove 14 present on this first housing 10. The first housing 10 can thus be used to cover and protect a second housing that would be a 3G key which does not have the possibility of storing a cable 20 without it. The first box can also be used in the same way to cover and protect an external hard disk or any other device that may require the use of a cable 20 for its use. 35

Claims (9)

REVENDICATIONS1. Housing (10) for accessing the Internet via a mobile communication network (3), comprising a data processing module (11) connected to a plug (42) passing through the housing for connecting a cable (20) flexible free via a second connector (41) on one end of the cable, said cable (20) being terminated at another end by a first connector (21) for connection of the housing (10) to an external equipment (2a , 2b), the case being characterized in that it comprises: at least one main engagement element (12) of the first connector (21), each first engagement element (12, 13) of the first connector consisting of a cavity complementary to the shape of the first connector (21) and in which the first connector (21) engages by translation different from a direction in which the first connector (21) can engage in the port of the equipment ( 2a, 2b) for connection, at least one engagement element (43) the second connector (41), each engagement element (43) of the second connector consisting of a cavity complementary to the shape of the second connector (41) in which the second connector (41) engages by translation different from a direction wherein the second connector (41) is engageable with the socket (42), the housing (10) and the cable (20) being configured such that when the first and second connectors (21, 41) are respectively engaged in their engagement elements (12, 43), the cable (20) forms a loop defining a space between the housing (10) and the cable (20) for the suspension of the housing (10). 2. Housing according to claim 1, wherein the housing (10) further comprises an auxiliary engagement element (13) of the first connector (21), the housing (10) and the cable being configured so that when the first connector (21) is engaged in the auxiliary engagement element (13) and that the second connector (41) is engaged in the engagement element (43) of the second connector (41), the cable (20) follows the outline of the housing (10). 3. Housing according to claim 2, wherein the housing (10) comprises at its contour a groove (14) configured to receive the cable (20) when the cable follows the contour of the housing (10). 4. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (10) comprises a first face (F1) and a second face (F2) opposite, each engagement element (12, 13) of the first connector ( 21) being disposed on the first face (F1) and each engagement element (43) of the second connector being disposed on the second face (F2). 3029042 12 The housing according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the direction in which the first and second connectors (21, 41) engage with each respective engagement member (12, 13, 43) is substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second connectors (21, 41) can engage, respectively in a port of the external equipment (2a, 2b) and the socket (42), for connection. The housing of one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a display (15) on the housing (10), dynamically displaying a reception quality indicator of the mobile communication network (3). 7. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising wireless connection means (31) connected to the data processing module (11) for wireless connection of the device (1) to a device (2a). , 2b). 15 8. Device comprising a housing according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a cable (20), wherein the cable (20) comprises at least one tongue (22) for gripping. 9. Device according to claim 8, wherein at least one tongue (22) 20 is a flexible element free in translation along the cable (20).