JP2000021513A - Connector device and data transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically know a kind of connected signal cable, and to cope with it on the apparatus side by providing a receptacle arranged on the apparatus side, a plug connected to the end part of the signal cable and joined to the receptacle and a cable discriminating means for discriminating a kind of signal cable arranged on and connected to the apparatus side. SOLUTION: A plug 2 is connected to a signal cable 1e, and the inserting fitting part 3 composed of a resin mold is arranged in the tip part of the plug 2. The inserting fitting part 3 is asymmetrical in a lateral or vertical shape to prevent erroneous insertion, the opening part 4 is formed in the center, and a contact point is arranged inside the opening part 4. In an illustrated example, four recessed parts 5a to 5d are formed, and the recessed parts 5a to 5d are opened toward the inserting end surface side of the plug 2. These signal cables are classified into kinds on the recessed part number and shapes by, for example, a maximum data transfer speed, and have respectively a wire diameter adapted to the maximum data transfer speed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a connector device with a cable and a data transfer device such as electronic equipment connected by the connector device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 14, another data transfer device (not shown) connected between a first data transfer device 100 and a second data transfer device 101, or connected thereto first,
Plug 10 inserted into each receptacle 102
3 are connected by a signal cable 104, and data is transferred through the signal cable 104.

In such a data transfer system, if there is a specification change such as an improvement in data transfer speed, it is necessary to change not only the data transfer device but also the signal cable to one adapted to the data transfer speed. .

As related related proposals, for example, JP-A-8-202474 and JP-A-8-102349.
And JP-A-8-22863.

[0005]

In the case described above, the plug is generally changed to avoid confusion with an old signal cable, but this causes the following problem. . The variety of signal cables has increased, causing confusion for end users. . Old-style signal cables with plugs are wasted. . Changing the signal cable with plug increases costs. . Even if there is a need to transfer data at a speed compatible with the old signal cable, it cannot be used because the plug does not fit. . If some of the devices in the system are replaced by ones with a higher data transfer rate, they cannot be connected or require an adapter.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a connector device which can eliminate the above-mentioned adverse effects.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a data transfer device in which data transfer is efficiently performed.

[0008]

In order to achieve the first object, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a receptacle provided on a device (for example, a data transfer device to be described later) and an end of a signal cable. A plug that is connected and joined to the receptacle, and a cable determination unit (for example, a switch group to be described later) that is provided on the device side and that determines a type of a signal cable (for example, a maximum data transfer speed to be described later) that is connected. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the second object, a second present invention provides a first data processing system (for example, a first data transfer device described later) and a second data processing system (for example, described later). A signal cable for connecting between the first data processing system and the second data processing system and performing data transfer between the two data processing systems; Comparison means for comparing the maximum data transfer rate information (A) of the processing system, the maximum data transfer rate information (B) of the second data processing system, and the maximum data transfer rate information (C) of the signal cable to be used. For example, a CPU described later), the comparison result, the speed information (A),
Transfer speed setting means for selecting the slowest data transfer speed from (B) and (C) and setting the slowest data transfer speed as the effective transfer speed (for example, comprising a CPU and a data transfer speed adjusting unit to be described later) ), And is configured to execute data transfer between the first data processing system and the second data processing system via the signal cable based on the set execution transfer speed. It is characterized by the following.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The first aspect of the present invention has the above-described configuration, and the type of a signal cable connected by the cable determining means can be automatically known.
The equipment can respond accordingly, eliminate problems such as confusion of signal cables, and improve the quality, performance, and functions of the entire system.

Further, the second invention has the above-mentioned configuration, and determines a reasonable execution transfer rate from the data processing system to be connected and the maximum data transfer rate information of the signal cable used for connection. Since the setting can be made, the data transfer is efficiently performed, and the quality, performance, and functions of the entire system can be improved.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 are perspective views of various plugs according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective perspective view of a receptacle according to the first embodiment into which these plugs can be inserted, and FIG. It is a partially expanded sectional view showing the state where it was inserted in the receptacle.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a plug 2 is connected to the signal cable 1 (1a to 1e), and an insertion portion 3 made of a resin molded body is provided at the tip of the plug 2. The insertion part 3 has an asymmetrical left and right or top and bottom shape to prevent erroneous insertion. An opening 4 is formed in the center, and a contact point (not shown) is provided inside the opening 4.

In this embodiment, five types of signal cables 1
FIGS. 1A to 1E show an example in which the concave portion 5 is not formed in the insertion portion 3, FIG. 2 shows a case in which one concave portion 5 is formed in the insertion portion 3, and FIG. Fig. 4
5 shows a case where three concave portions 5 are formed, and FIG. 5 shows a case where four concave portions 5 are formed. The concave portion 5 is open toward the insertion end face side of the plug 2. These signal cables 1a to
1e are classified according to, for example, the maximum data transfer rate as shown in Table 1 below, and each has a wire diameter suitable for the maximum data transfer rate.

[0015]

[Table 1]

In this example, the maximum data transfer speed increases in the order of cable type 1, cable type 2, cable type 3, and cable type 4.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the housing 7 of the receptacle 6, there are provided six contact pieces 8 which are in contact with the contacts of the plug 2, and a lead 9 is connected to each contact piece 8. . The inside of the housing 7 is asymmetrical in left and right or up and down shapes according to the outer shape of the plug 2. Two push-on (or push-off) switches 10 (10a to 10d) are provided at the top and bottom of the contact piece 8 group, and the switch 10a is located at a position facing the recess 5a of the plug 2, and the switch 10b is located at the recess 5b. Opposite position, switch 10
c is the position facing the recess 5c, and the switch 10d is the position of the recess 5c.
It is installed at a position facing d.

When the plug 2 has the concave portion 5 as shown in FIG. 7, when the plug 2 is inserted into the receptacle 6, the concave portion 5
The switch 10 is not depressed just because the tip of the switch 10 is accommodated therein, but if the plug 2 has no concave portion 5, the switch 10 is depressed and outputs an ON signal. Table 2 below shows the ON / OFF state of the switch 10 for each cable type.

[0019]

[Table 2]

Therefore, based on the information of the combination of the ON signals, the type of the signal cable, that is, the maximum data transfer speed at which data can be transferred in this embodiment can be automatically determined.

Next, the data transfer processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the data transfer device, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a data transfer processing procedure.

As shown in FIG. 8, switches 10a-10
d with built-in receptacle 6, switches 10a to 10d
A decoder 11 for taking out a combination of ON signals of the above as information, a CPU for taking in, judging, processing and the like of various information
12, a storage device 13 for storing the decode information of the switch 10, a series of control programs or temporary data, etc., and a signal processing for processing a signal input / output via the receptacle 6 so that a subsequent stage can easily handle the signal. Part 1
4. Data processing unit 15 for processing and processing information, CPU 1
2 includes a data transfer speed adjustment unit 16 that adjusts the data transfer speed of each unit in response to the instruction 2, and a bias voltage detection unit 17 that detects a bias voltage supplied from the connected data transfer device. It has such a connection relationship.

Next, a data transfer processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG. This example shows a procedure from the connection of the electronic device A as the first data transfer device to the electronic device B as the second data transfer device via a signal cable to the start of signal transfer.

In step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, electronic device A and electronic device B acquire their own maximum data transfer rates during initialization work after power-on.

Next, in S2, it is determined whether or not the electronic device A and the electronic device B are connected via a signal cable. Whether or not both devices are connected is determined by detecting the bias voltage applied to the signal by the bias voltage detection unit 17.

Next, in step S3, the two devices communicate with each other at a predetermined minimum data transfer speed, exchange the maximum data transfer speed with each other, and temporarily store them in the storage device 13. The predetermined minimum data transfer speed is the speed used in the current version (for example, 100 Mbp).
s), and it is determined that all electronic devices can communicate at this speed at least.

Next, at S4, the key shape of the plug 2 inserted into the receptacle of the device, that is, the presence or absence of the recess 5 and the position of the recess 5 are decoded by the decoder 11, and the maximum data transfer of the signal cable 1 used for connection is performed. The speed is calculated and temporarily stored in the storage device 13. The calculation of the maximum data transfer speed from the key shape of the plug 2 is performed with reference to a table stored in the storage device 13 in advance.

Next, in S5, the maximum data transfer speed of the signal cable 1 to be used is called from the storage device 13 and compared with the own device, the partner device, and the CPU 12, and the CPU 12 finds the minimum value among them, and should use it. Set as the effective transfer speed. For example, the maximum data transfer speed (A) of the own device (electronic device A) is 3200 Mbps, and the maximum data transfer speed (B) of the partner device (electronic device B) is 800 M
bps, the maximum data transfer rate (C) of the signal cable is 1
Assuming 600 Mbps, the effective transfer rate to be used is set to the minimum value of 800 Mbps. The execution transfer speed is set by the CPU 12, and the data transfer speed of each unit is adjusted by the data transfer speed adjustment unit 16 accordingly.

Next, in S6, the data transfer speed to be used is confirmed with the partner device, and in S7, it is determined whether the confirmation is OK or not.
If it is K, it is determined to be normal, and a normal data transfer routine is entered. If it is NO, an error processing routine is entered.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a receptacle and a switch group for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the cable discriminating means (for example, a switch) for discriminating the type of the signal cable is provided integrally with the receptacle as shown in FIG. 6, but in the present embodiment, the receptacle 6 and the switch 10 Are separated from each other, the switches 10 are respectively inserted from four insertion holes 18 (only two are shown in the figure) formed in the receptacle 6 to be integrated.

It is also possible to use a through-hole or a projection instead of the recess 5 of the first embodiment. The number of concave portions, through holes, and convex portions indicating the type of signal cable can be arbitrarily selected according to the number of types.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plug and a receptacle for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the magnet 20 is installed on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 3 of the plug 2 by an appropriate means such as sticking or burying according to the type of the signal cable. On the other hand, a magnetically responsive switch 21 composed of, for example, a Hall element or a reed switch is attached to the receptacle 6.
1 detects the installation state of the magnet 20 and
Is configured to determine the type of the signal cable connected to the terminal.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plug and a receptacle for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a notch 22 is provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 3 of the plug 2 according to the type of the signal cable.
On the other hand, an optical sensor 23 including a light emitting element 23a and a light receiving element 23b is attached to the receptacle 6.

When the plug 2 is inserted into the receptacle 6, the tip of the insertion portion 3 comes close to the optical sensor 23 when the plug 2 is inserted into the receptacle 6.
Light emitted from 3a is reflected by the distal end surface of the insertion portion 3, and a large amount of reflected light is received by the light receiving element 23b. On the other hand, when the notch 22 is formed, when the plug 2 is inserted into the receptacle 6, the bottom surface 24 of the notch 22
3, the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting element 23a is received by the light receiving element 23b, but the detection output of the light receiving element 23b is weak because the amount of reflected light is small. Therefore, the type of the signal cable connected to the plug 2 is determined based on the difference in the reflected light amount (detection output).

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plug and a receptacle for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a short-circuiting piece 2 made of a thin metal plate or the like is provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 3 of the plug 2 in accordance with the type of the signal cable.
5 are provided. On the other hand, toward the receptacle 6,
A pair of electrodes 26 provided at predetermined intervals are attached.

When there is no shorting piece 25 at a predetermined position, the pair of electrodes 26 comes into contact with the electrically insulating plug 2 when the plug 2 is inserted into the receptacle 6.
Does not conduct. On the other hand, when the short-circuit piece 25 is provided, when the plug 2 is inserted into the receptacle 6, the pair of electrodes 26 comes into contact with the short-circuit piece 25 to be electrically short-circuited. Therefore, the type of the signal cable connected to the plug 2 can be determined based on whether or not the electrode 26 is short-circuited. The surface of the electrode 26 may be flat, but by providing a protruding portion on the surface of the electrode 26, the contact with the short-circuit piece 25 can be made more reliable.

The present invention is not limited to each of the above embodiments.
It is also possible to provide a different color portion or an electromagnetic induction coil and detect them optically or electromagnetically to determine the type of the signal cable.

As a data transfer form, there are an electric method, an electromagnetic method via an electromagnetic induction coil,
There is a method of performing optically via an optical connector, and the method is appropriately selected.

[0039]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the type of the signal cable connected can be automatically known by the cable discriminating means. Therefore, troubles such as confusion of signal cables can be eliminated, and the quality, performance, and functions of the entire system can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since there is no projecting portion such as a convex portion on the plug side, compatibility with existing receptacles can be provided, which is convenient.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the detector is movable when the plug is inserted. In the case of the current plug, the detector is inserted by pressing all the detectors, so that the detector does not become an obstacle. It is convenient because it can be compatible with existing plugs.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by additionally providing the erroneous insertion preventing means, the type of the signal cable can be accurately determined, and the reliability can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention has the above-mentioned structure, and it is impossible to determine the data processing system to be connected and the maximum data transfer rate information of the signal cable used for connection. Since no effective transfer rate can be set, data transfer can be performed efficiently and the quality, performance, and functions of the entire system can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plug of a cable type 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plug of a cable type 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plug of a cable type 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plug of a cable type 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plug of a cable type 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a transparent perspective view of the receptacle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where a plug is inserted into a receptacle.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the data transfer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a data transfer processing procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a receptacle and a switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plug and a receptacle for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plug and a receptacle for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plug and a receptacle for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a connection state of a data transfer device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Signal cable 2 Plug 3 Insertion part 4 Opening 5a-5d recessed part 6 Receptacle 7 Housing 10a-10d Switch 11 Decoder 12 CPU 13 Storage 14 Signal processing part 15 Data processing part 16 Data transfer speed adjustment part 17 Bias voltage detection part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 Insertion hole 20 Magnet 21 Magnetically sensitive switch 22 Notch 23 Optical sensor 23a Light emitting element 23b Light receiving element 24 Bottom surface 25 Shorting piece 26 Electrode

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A receptacle provided on a device side, a plug connected to an end of a signal cable and joined to the receptacle, and a cable discriminator for discriminating a type of a signal cable provided and connected on the device side. And a connector device. 2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the types of the signal cables are classified according to maximum data transfer speed information. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the type of the signal cable is determined by the presence or absence of a concave portion or a through hole of the plug and the position of the concave portion or the through hole. apparatus. 4. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein a housing for plug insertion is provided in the receptacle, and a detector for determining a type of the signal cable is provided so as to face the inside of the housing. Connector device. 5. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the detector for determining the type of the signal cable is a switch. 6. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein the switch is a push-type switch. 7. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein said switch is a magnetically responsive switch. 8. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein the switch is an optical switch. 9. The switch according to claim 5, wherein the switch comprises: a short-circuit piece provided on the plug side; and a pair of electrodes provided on the receptacle side and electrically short-circuited by the short-circuit piece. A connector device. 10. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein the switch is provided integrally with the housing on the receptacle side. 11. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein the switch is provided separately from the housing on the receptacle side. 12. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle and the plug are provided with erroneous insertion preventing means. 13. A first data processing system, a second data processing system, a connection between the first data processing system and the second data processing system, and data transfer between the two data processing systems. The maximum data transfer rate information (A) of the first data processing system, the maximum data transfer rate information (B) of the second data processing system, and the maximum data transfer rate of the signal cable used. Comparing means for comparing the information with the information (C), and selecting the slowest data transfer rate among the speed information (A), (B) and (C) and executing the slowest data transfer rate Transfer speed setting means for setting a transfer speed, and transferring data between the first data processing system and the second data processing system via the signal cable based on the set execution transfer speed. Run Data transfer apparatus characterized by being configured to. 14. The signal cable according to claim 13, further comprising: an indicator for indicating the maximum data transfer rate information (C) of the signal cable, the indicator being provided on a data processing system connected to the signal cable. A data transfer device provided with a determination means for determining the maximum data transfer speed information (C) shown in (1). 15. The data transfer device according to claim 14, wherein the indicator is provided on a plug, and the determination means is provided on a receptacle. 16. The data transfer device according to claim 15, wherein said determination means is a switch. 17. The data transfer device according to claim 15, wherein the switch is a push-type switch. 18. The data transfer device according to claim 15, wherein said switch is a magnetically sensitive switch. 19. The data transfer device according to claim 15, wherein said switch is an optical switch. 20. The data transfer device according to claim 15, wherein the indicator is a short-circuiting piece, and the determining means is a pair of electrodes electrically short-circuited by the short-circuiting piece.