JP2000277223A - Connecting device for information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily relocate and extend office automation equipment by protruding a blade for a power supply connected with an outlet of a commercial power supply connector on an outer surface of a connector case with a built-in operating power supply for information processing and a connecting opening to an information line. SOLUTION: This connector device includes an information input/output part 11, such as a modular jack or the like having an input/outputs function positioned on an inner side of a connecting opening provided on a longitudinal side of a box-shaped connector case 1, a control part 12 including a microcomputer or the like, having a function as an information processing part for processing information from the information input and output part 11, and a power supply part 13 for the control part 12. A blade for power supply 6 for connecting with the power supply part 13 is protruded from the short side surface of the connector case 1. The connector case 1 can be integrally connected with a power supply tap 2 and used by inserting the blade 6 removably into an outlet 5 of the power supply tap 2. Thus, office automation equipment can be easily relocated and extended, and efficiency in changing layout and moving equipment for extension is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information connection device, and more particularly to, for example, a local area network (L).
The present invention relates to an information connection device used for an AN).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Information devices and multimedia devices such as personal computers, facsimile machines and telephones require connection devices for both commercial power and information. For example, in a recent local area network (LAN), a power tap, a joint box, or the like is used as a connecting device for commercial power to branch a plurality of power lines.
As an information connection device, an H having a connection port for connecting an information line and a built-in operation power supply for operating an information processing unit.
LAN devices such as a hub and a switching hub are used.

[0003]

However, in a conventional structure in which the power supply unit and the information unit are separated from each other, the LAN
Power is supplied to the equipment using a power cord from a power supply means that is separate from the power tap, etc., which makes it difficult to relocate and expand OA equipment such as personal computers, etc. There is a problem that the layout cannot be easily changed. Moreover, L
Since the AN device is independently installed at a predetermined place, it takes time to electrically connect to the power supply means, and LA
There is also a problem that the efficiency of moving or adding N devices is low, and since they are single components, they do not have a coherent appearance with other devices, resulting in poor appearance design.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to supply power to an information connecting device from a commercial power connector already installed or installed at the same time. OA equipment such as a personal computer can be easily relocated and expanded, and the movement efficiency can be improved when the desk layout is changed or when the equipment is expanded. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information connecting device which can easily realize a power cordless operation and has a good external appearance with a commercial power connecting device. Can enhance the reliability of wiring with the connector for commercial power supply, and can be firmly fixed to a steel desk or the like with one touch, and can be easily removed. Code processing power line and information line is easy, further, it is to provide information for connection device dirt, invasion of dust or the like can be prevented from unused connection port.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a connector case 4 having a connection port 3 to which an information line is connected and a built-in operation power supply for operating an information processing section. On the outer surface, a power blade 6 connected to the outlet 5 of the commercial power connector B is provided so as to protrude. With this configuration, the power blade 6 is connected to the outlet 5. Just connect and connect device for information A
Power can be supplied from the commercial power connector B which is already installed or installed at the same time, and it is not necessary to take power from a separate power supply means as in the related art, and the power cordless information connecting device is used. A can be easily realized,
An information connection device A having a good external appearance with the commercial power connector B is obtained.

Further, it is preferable to provide a retaining means for preventing the power blade 6 from coming off from the outlet 5 of the commercial power connector B. In this case, the information connecting device A is not connected to the outlet 5. It can be prevented from falling off easily,
Accidents such as communication stoppage can be prevented beforehand.

It is preferable that a magnet 8 is attached to the back surface of the connector case 4. In this case, the information connecting device A can be firmly fixed to, for example, a steel desk with one touch and can be removed. It will be easier.

An information connecting device A connected to a commercial power connector B provided with the plurality of outlets 5 oriented in two directions, wherein the outlet 5 is oriented in one direction.
It is preferable to include a power supply blade 6 connected to the power line and an information line connection port 3 opened in the same direction as the outlet 5 oriented in the other direction. In this case, the power line and the information line Appear in the same direction, thereby facilitating the code processing of the power supply line and the information line.

Further, since the shutter 9 for opening and closing the connection port 3 for the information line is provided, the unused connection port 3 can be closed by the shutter 9 to prevent dust and dirt from entering.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the present embodiment, a LAN device 1 such as a Hub used for a local area network (LAN) and a switching Hub is exemplified as the information connection device 1. This L
As shown in FIG. 1, the AN device 1 is provided with a connection port 3 for an information line such as a modular code on a long side surface 4a on a long side of a box-shaped connector case 4 and a short side. The power supply blade 6 is provided on the side surface 4b of the power supply. Reference numeral 10 in the drawing denotes an LED that indicates a connection state.

As shown in FIG. 3, an information input / output unit 11 having an input / output (I / O) function such as a modular jack located inside the connection port 3 is provided inside the connector case 4.
A control unit 12 including a microcomputer or the like that functions as an information processing unit that processes information from the information input / output unit 11; and a power supply unit 1 that functions as an operation power supply of the control unit 12.
3 are built in. In addition, the formation position and the number of the connection ports 3 are not limited to the above example.

From one side surface 4b of the short side of the connector case 4, a power supply blade 6 electrically connected to the power supply unit 13 is provided.
Are protruding. The power supply blade 6 is detachably connected to an outlet 5 provided in the power tap 2,
As a result, the connector case 4 can be used by being integrally connected to the power tap 2. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the power blade 6 protrudes forward from one side surface 4 b of the connector case 4 (FIG. 1B), and protrudes toward the bottom surface of the connector case 4 (FIG. 1). (C)), the power supply blade 6 may be fixed.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the power tap 2. The power tap 2 used to branch off the power supply line 3 is provided with a side outlet 5a on one short side 14a of a box-shaped body 14, and an upper outlet 5b on the upper surface of the body 14. In addition, the formation position and the number of the outlets 5a and 5b are not limited to this example. A power cord 21 electrically connected to the side outlet 5a and the top outlet 5b is drawn out of a side surface 14b of the body 14 opposite to the side outlet 5a.
A power supply plug 15 is attached to the end of the power supply. Here, the sectional dimension of the body 14 of the power tap 2 is the LAN device 1
The outer diameter of the power tap 2 and the LAN device 1 are set in a state where the power supply blade 6 of the connector case 4 is connected to the side outlet 5a of the power tap 2 while the power supply blade 6 of the connector case 4 is connected. An appearance in which the outer surface is continuously flush with the outer surface is obtained.

Thus, by simply connecting the power blade 6 of the LAN device 1 to the side outlet 5a of the power tap 2,
Since the power to the LAN device 1 can be supplied from the power tap 2 which is already installed or installed at the same time, the OA device such as a personal computer can be easily relocated or added, and the desk layout can be changed. It is possible to improve the movement efficiency when adding equipment and devices. Further, it is not necessary to take power from a separate power supply means as in the prior art, and a power cord between the power tap 2 and the LAN device 1 is not required.
The N device 1 can be easily realized, and further, space saving and simplification of wiring, elimination of congestion in a cable duct, maintenance of a power cable, cost for facilities, and labor can be reduced. In addition, the power supply wiring in the building is completed in advance at the time of construction, and LA
Since the power wiring of the N device 11 can be performed, the LAN device 1 can be retrofitted. Even when the network is expanded or the desk layout is changed, the LAN device 1 can be connected to any place where the power tap 2 can be connected. Because it can be installed, it can easily respond to layout changes and the addition of equipment, further improving network construction efficiency.

Also, by matching the cross-sectional dimensions of the body 14 of the power tap 2 and the connector case 4 of the LAN device 1, the outer surface of the power tap 2 and the outer surface of the LAN device 1 are flush. There is also an advantage that the connection can be made, a continuous appearance can be obtained, and the LAN device 1 and the power supply tap 2 have the same cross-sectional dimensions, so that the two devices have no sense of incongruity and the unity in appearance is extremely improved.

In this embodiment, L is connected to the side outlet 5a.
Although the case where the power supply blade 6 of the AN device 1 is connected has been described, it is needless to say that the power supply blade 6 can be connected to the upper surface outlet 5b and used.

FIG. 4 shows a side outlet 5a of the power tap 2.
2 shows a case in which a stopper for preventing the power supply blade 6 of the LAN device 1 from coming off is provided. Other structures are shown in FIG.
It is similar to the structure of FIG. The retaining means of the present embodiment is constituted by a pin-shaped retaining projection (not shown) provided on one side inside a pair of arc-shaped insertion holes 16 opposed to each other, as shown in FIG. Power supply blade 6
Is inserted into the insertion hole 16, and then the power supply blade 6 is rotated clockwise B, so that the pin hole provided in the power supply blade 6 engages with the retaining projection and is mechanically connected. Thus, the power supply blade 6 is connected to the side outlet 5a in a state where it cannot be removed. In addition, by rotating the power supply blade 6 in the counterclockwise direction C, the power supply blade 6 can be separated from the retaining projection and smoothly pulled out of the insertion hole 16. Since the LAN device 1 can be prevented from being inadvertently disconnected from the power tap 2 by the retaining device, an accident such as a stop of communication can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the wiring between the power tap 2 and the LAN device 1 can be improved while improving the movement efficiency when changing the desk layout or when adding the LAN device 1. In addition, it is only necessary to perform the operation of inserting and rotating the power supply blade 6 into the side outlet 5a, so that the operability is also improved.

In FIG. 4, the side outlet 5a with retaining means has been described, but as shown in FIGS.
Insertion hole 16 with retaining means for upper surface outlet 5b
It is good also as an outlet which has.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example in which a magnet 8 is attached to the back surface 1a of the LAN device 1. FIG. FIG. 4 shows another structure.
It is the same as the structure of FIG. By magnetically attracting the magnet 8 on the back surface 1a of the LAN device 1 to the side portion of the steel desk 17, the LAN device 1 can be easily fixed, and the LAN device 1 cannot be easily rotated. Can be fixed to Further, in this example, since the magnet 8 is also attached to the back surface 2 (a) of the power tap 2, the integrated connection part of the power tap 2 and the LAN device 1 can be attached to the steel desk 17 with one touch. It can be fixed firmly. In addition, since the LAN device 1 can be easily removed, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily cope with a movement or an extension accompanying a network expansion or a layout change.

The mounting surface of the LAN device 1 is not limited to the steel desk 17. Also magnet 8
Instead, it is also possible to fix with a double-sided adhesive tape or a screw.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the LAN device 1 having a power supply blade connected to the side outlet of the power tap 2 is provided with the information line connection port 3 opening in the same direction as the upper surface outlet 5b. This shows a case in which it is provided. Here, since the power line (not shown) connected to the upper surface outlet 5b and the information line (not shown) connected to the connection port 3 go in the same direction, cord processing of the power line and the information line is easy. There is an advantage of becoming. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the case where the connection port 3 is directed upward is described. However, the connection port 3 is not necessarily limited to the upward direction. For example, when the outlet 5b is positioned horizontally, the connection port 3 may be set to the same horizontal direction. In this case, the direction of the connection port 3 may be adjusted in accordance with the direction of the outlet 5b other than the side outlet to which the power supply blade 6 is connected.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a case where a shutter 9 for opening and closing the connection port 3 of the information line is provided. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. In this example, FIG.
By raising the shutter 9 as shown in (b), an internal modular jack 20 appears and a modular cord can be connected. In addition, when the connection port 3 is not used as shown in FIG. 11A, the connection port 3 can be closed by lowering the shutter 9, so that dust, dust, and the like enter from the unused connection port 3. And electrical reliability can be ensured.

In the above embodiment, the power tap 2 is illustrated as the commercial power connector B. However, a joint box or the like for branching the power line may be used.

[0024]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an outer surface of a connector case having a connection port to which an information line is connected and a built-in operation power supply for operating an information processing section. In addition, since the power supply blade connected to the outlet of the commercial power supply connector is protruded, simply by connecting the power supply blade to the outlet, the power supply to the information connection device is already installed or at the same time. Since it can be supplied from the installed commercial power connector, OA equipment such as a personal computer can be easily relocated and expanded, and the transfer efficiency can be improved when changing the desk layout or adding equipment. Can be achieved. Also, it is not necessary to take power from a separate system of power supply means as in the prior art, and a power cordless information connecting device can be easily realized, and wiring of commercial power in the building is completed in advance at the time of construction, Since the information connection device can be installed and its power wiring can be performed later, the information connection device can be retrofitted,
Network construction efficiency is improved. Furthermore, by connecting the power supply blade of the information connection device to the outlet of the commercial power supply connector, an information connection device having a good external appearance with the commercial power supply connector can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, a retaining means for preventing the power supply blade from coming off from the outlet of the commercial power connector is provided. It is possible to prevent the information connection device from being unintentionally disconnected from the outlet, and thus to prevent an accident such as a stop of communication. Therefore, the reliability of wiring between the information connection device and the commercial power supply connection device can be improved while improving the movement efficiency when changing the desk layout or adding devices.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, a magnet is attached to the back surface of the connector case, so that the information connecting device can be connected to, for example, a steel desk with one touch. And can be firmly fixed,
Since it can be easily removed, it is possible to easily cope with the movement or expansion accompanying the expansion of the network or the layout change.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of any one of the first to third aspects, a plurality of outlets are connected to a commercial power supply connector provided in two directions. An information connecting device, comprising: a power blade connected to an outlet oriented in one direction; and an information line connection opening in the same direction as the outlet oriented in the other direction. When the power line is connected to an outlet oriented in the other direction, and the information line is connected to the connection port of the information connection device, the power line and the information line come out in the same direction. Code processing of lines and information lines is facilitated.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, a shutter for opening and closing a connection port of the information line is provided, so that unused shutters are provided. By closing the connection port with a shutter, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from entering the unused connection port, and to secure electrical reliability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the N device, and (b) and (c) are perspective views illustrating the direction of a power supply blade.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views illustrating a case where a LAN device is connected to the power tap according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of a power tap and a LAN device according to the embodiment.

4 (a) and 4 (b) show L in a power tap of another embodiment.
It is a perspective view explaining the case where AN equipment is connected.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a power tap according to still another embodiment after connection with a LAN device.

FIG. 6 shows a power strip according to still another embodiment, in which (a)
Is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a rear view, (d) is a left side view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a bottom view.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views illustrating a case where a LAN device with a magnet is connected to a power tap according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the LAN device with magnet is attached to a steel desk.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of still another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a front view showing a state where the shutter of the connection port is closed, and FIG. 11B is a front view showing a state where the shutter is opened.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List A information connection device B commercial power supply connector 3 connection port 4 connector case 5 outlet 6 power supply blade 8 magnet 9 shutter

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 12, 1999 (1999.7.1)
2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

2. The information connecting device according to claim 1, wherein a magnet is attached to a back surface of the connector case.

3. An information connecting device, wherein a plurality of outlets are connected to a commercial power connector provided in two directions, and a power blade connected to an outlet directed in one direction. 3. The information connection device according to claim 1, further comprising an outlet oriented in the other direction and a connection port of the information line opened in the same direction.

4. A claim, characterized in that it comprises a shutter for opening and closing the connection port information lines 1 to claim 3
The information connection device according to any one of the above.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a connector case 4 having a connection port 3 to which an information line is connected and a built-in operation power supply for operating an information processing section. the outer surface, Rutotomoni is projected power for plug pins 6 connected to the outlet 5 of the connector B for commercial power supply, commercial
The power blade 6 comes out of the outlet 5 of the power connector B.
It is characterized in that it is provided with retaining means for preventing the power supply blade 6 from being connected to the outlet 5 only by connecting the power supply blade 6 to the outlet 5. Can be supplied from the commercial power connector B which is already installed or installed at the same time, and it is not necessary to take power from a separate power supply means as in the prior art, and the power cordless information connecting device A can be easily provided. In addition, the information connecting device A having a good external appearance with the commercial power connector B can be obtained. In addition, the connection for commercial power
Prevents the power blade 6 from coming out of the outlet 5 of the follower B
By providing a retaining means for stopping
Prevents device A from accidentally falling out of outlet 5
Accidents such as communication interruptions can be prevented beforehand.
You.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0024]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an outer surface of a connector case having a connection port to which an information line is connected and a built-in operation power supply for operating an information processing section. In addition, since the power supply blade connected to the outlet of the commercial power supply connector is protruded, simply by connecting the power supply blade to the outlet, the power supply to the information connection device is already installed or at the same time. Since it can be supplied from the installed commercial power connector, OA equipment such as a personal computer can be easily relocated and expanded, and the transfer efficiency can be improved when changing the desk layout or adding equipment. Can be achieved. Also, it is not necessary to take power from a separate system of power supply means as in the prior art, and a power cordless information connecting device can be easily realized, and wiring of commercial power in the building is completed in advance at the time of construction, Since the information connection device can be installed and its power wiring can be performed later, the information connection device can be retrofitted,
Network construction efficiency is improved. Furthermore, by connecting the power supply blade of the information connection device to the outlet of the commercial power supply connector, an information connection device having a good external appearance with the commercial power supply connector can be obtained. In addition, commercial power
To prevent the power blade from coming out of the outlet of the power connector.
The information connection device is provided
Can be prevented from being accidentally disconnected from the outlet.
To prevent accidents such as communication stops.
You. Therefore, when changing the desk layout or adding equipment
At the same time as the information connection device
The reliability of wiring with the connector for commercial power can be improved.
You.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0025

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the magnet is attached to the back surface of the connector case, the information connecting device can be attached to the steel desk with one touch, for example. And can be firmly fixed,
Since it can be easily removed, it is possible to easily cope with the movement or expansion accompanying the expansion of the network or the layout change.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further the third aspect of the present invention is also Claim 1
In addition to the effect of claim 2 , a plurality of outlets
An information connection device connected to a commercial power supply connector provided in a direction, the same as a power supply blade connected to an outlet oriented in one direction and an outlet oriented in the other direction. It has a connection port for the information line that opens in the direction, so when the power line is connected to the outlet facing the other direction and the information line is connected to the connection port of the information connection device, the power line And the information line come out in the same direction, which facilitates the code processing of the power supply line and the information line.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further invention according to claim 4, claim 1 請
In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 3 , since a shutter for opening and closing the connection port of the information line is provided, by closing the unused connection port with the shutter, the unused connection port can be closed. Intrusion of dust and dirt can be prevented, and electrical reliability can be ensured.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshifumi Sakamoto 1048 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Pref.Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. 72) Inventor Satoshi Shimoge 1048 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka F-term in Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (reference) 5E023 AA22 BB14 CC07 DD05 EE03 FF07 GG01 HH11

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A power supply plug connected to an outlet of a commercial power supply connector on an outer surface of a connector case having a connection port to which an information line is connected and an operation power supply for operating an information processing unit. An information connecting device comprising a blade protruding. 2. The information connection device according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining means for preventing the power supply blade from coming off the outlet of the commercial power supply connector. 3. The information connecting device according to claim 1, wherein a magnet is attached to a back surface of the connector case. 4. An information connection device connected to a commercial power connector provided with a plurality of outlets oriented in two directions, comprising a power supply blade connected to an outlet oriented in one direction. The information connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an outlet oriented in the other direction and a connection port of the information line opened in the same direction. 5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter for opening and closing the connection port of the information line.
The information connection device according to any one of the above.