JP2011159587A - Connecting terminal and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connecting terminal which can regulate connection of the connecting terminal based on standard specifications. <P>SOLUTION: The connecting terminal 1A includes a socket 2A and a plug 3A. The plug 3A includes a plug side connection key 32A having a concavo-convex shape which matches with a socket side connection key 22A that is installed in the socket 2A and regulates insertion of the plug based on the standard specifications, and a plug side connection regulating part 33A which regulates insertion into a socket based on the standard specifications. Thereby, the plug 3A cannot be connected to the socket based on the standard specifications and can be connected only to the corresponding socket 2A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection terminal for detachably connecting an information processing apparatus and a peripheral device, and an electronic device including the connection terminal.

  USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer, and a USB memory is known as a storage device having a connection terminal compliant with the USB standard.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a conventional connection terminal provided in the USB memory, and FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of the conventional connection terminal.

  A conventional connection terminal 101 includes a socket 102 shown in FIG. 12A and a plug 103 shown in FIG. The socket 102 is provided in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, for example. The plug 103 is provided in a USB memory that is an electronic device that can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus.

  The socket 102 includes a frame portion 120 having a substantially rectangular cross section and a rectangular tube shape, a socket side electrode support member 121 provided inside the frame portion 120, and a socket side electrode insertion space formed inside the frame portion 120. 122.

  The frame portion 120 is made of a metal material, and springs 123 that support the plug 103 are formed on two opposing surfaces on the long piece side and two opposing surfaces on the short side side so as to protrude inward in a configuration that can be elastically deformed. The The socket-side electrode support member 121 is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 124 conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface.

  The plug 103 includes a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 130, a plug-side electrode support member 131 provided inside the frame portion 130, and a plug-side electrode insertion space 132 formed inside the frame portion 130.

  The frame 130 is made of a metal material. The plug-side electrode support member 131 is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 133 conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface.

  In the conventional connection terminal 101, when the plug 103 is inserted into the socket 102, the plug-side electrode support member 131 of the plug 103 is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 122 of the socket 102 as shown in FIG. The socket-side electrode support member 121 is inserted into the plug-side electrode insertion space 132 of the plug 103.

  Then, the terminal 133 of the plug-side electrode support member 131 and the terminal 124 of the socket-side electrode support member 121 are in contact, and the plug 103 and the socket 102 are electrically connected. Therefore, if the electronic device is a USB memory, data can be read and written.

  The USB memory is a very convenient storage device because it is small in size and has a large storage capacity, and can read and write data without installing a driver in the computer.

  However, in recent years, there has been a problem that information leakage occurs when a personally-owned USB memory is connected to a computer in a company or the like and data is stored and then the USB memory is connected to a home computer. is doing. In addition, there is a security problem such as a virus entering a company computer from a personally owned USB memory.

  For this reason, there has been proposed a USB memory that is configured to be capable of storing the connection terminal and includes a mechanism for locking the connection terminal in the stored state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, a USB memory having a unique password structure as a locking mechanism that locks the connection terminal in the housed state has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, a USB memory has been proposed that has a structure for unlocking when the password is matched to the locking mechanism that locks the connection terminal in the housed state (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  On the other hand, a structure for restricting the connection on the side to which the USB memory is connected has also been proposed. The connection terminal on the side to which the USB memory is connected has a connection restriction structure for restricting the connection of the USB memory, and the USB memory side A technique has been proposed in which a connection structure for storing a connection restriction structure is provided in each of the connection terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In addition, a technique has been proposed in which a connection restriction structure for restricting the connection of the USB memory is provided in the connection terminal on the side to which the USB memory is connected, and the connection restriction structure is detachable (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

Utility Model Registration No. 3106529 Utility Model Registration No. 3121136 Utility Model Registration No. 3133122 JP 2007-220877 A JP 2007-66678 A

  However, in the technology described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, which is configured to be capable of storing the connection terminal on the USB memory side and has a mechanism for locking the connection terminal in the stored state, when the USB memory is used normally. , Locking and unlocking are necessary and the convenience is poor. In addition, if a personal identification number or a mechanical key is provided to enable locking, the USB memory cannot be used if the personal identification number is forgotten or the key is lost. On the other hand, if the security code is leaked or the key is used by a third party, the security is greatly reduced.

  In the technology described in Patent Document 4 that regulates the connection on the side to which the USB memory is connected, a USB memory having a storage structure for storing the connection restriction structure can be connected to a normal connection terminal, and is therefore stored in the USB memory. It is not possible to prevent information leakage of data. Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 5 in which the connection restriction structure is detachable, it is possible to intentionally remove the connection restriction structure and connect a normal USB memory, and thus it is impossible to prevent data information leakage.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a connection terminal capable of restricting connection of a connection terminal conforming to a standard specification, and an electronic apparatus including the connection terminal. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention includes a device-side connection terminal connected to the device-side connection terminal, and the device-side connection terminal is provided in the device-side connection terminal and is connected to the device-side connection in accordance with a standard standard. This is a connection terminal provided with a device-side connection key portion that matches the device-side connection key portion that restricts insertion of the terminal, and a device-side connection restriction portion that restricts insertion into the device-side connection terminal that conforms to the standard.

  The present invention also includes a device-side connection terminal connected to a device-side connection terminal provided in the information processing device, and the device-side connection terminal matches a device-side connection key portion of the device-side connection terminal. The electronic device includes a key portion and a device-side connection restricting portion that restricts insertion into the device-side connection terminal in conformity with a standard specification.

  In the present invention, the device-side connection terminal having the device-side connection key portion whose shape matches the device-side connection key portion provided in the device-side connection terminal can be connected to the device-side connection terminal. The connection of the device side connection terminal to the compliant device side connection terminal is restricted by the device side connection restricting unit, so that the device side connection terminal cannot be connected to the device side connection terminal conforming to the standard.

  According to the present invention, a device-side connection terminal having a device-side connection key portion and a device-side connection restriction portion can be connected to a device-side connection terminal in which the shapes of the device-side connection key portion and the device-side connection key portion are matched. Thus, the connection to the device side connection terminal compliant with the standard is regulated by the device side connection regulation unit. Thereby, connectable device side connection terminals and device side connection terminals can be restricted, and data leakage and virus intrusion can be prevented.

  Further, if the device side connection terminal and the device side connection terminal are a proper combination, locking and unlocking are unnecessary, and convenience can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connecting terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the usage example of the connecting terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electronic device of this Embodiment provided with the connection terminal of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connection form of the electronic device of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the conversion connection terminal of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connecting terminal of 2nd Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the usage example of the connecting terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connecting terminal of 3rd Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the usage example of the connecting terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connecting terminal of 4th Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the usage example of the connecting terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the conventional connection terminal. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the usage example of the conventional connection terminal.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a connection terminal of the present invention and an electronic device including the connection terminal of the present invention will be described.

<Configuration Example of Connection Terminal of First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a connection terminal according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of the connection terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment provided with the connection terminal of the present invention.

  The connection terminal 1A of the first embodiment includes a socket 2A shown in FIG. 1A and a plug 3A shown in FIG. The socket 2A is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a female connector, and is provided in an information processing device such as a personal computer. The plug 3A is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a male connector or the like, and is provided in an electronic device 11A that can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus, for example, a storage medium called a USB memory shown in FIG. It is done.

  The socket 2A has a substantially rectangular cross section and a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 20A, a socket-side electrode support member 21A provided inside the frame portion 20A, and a specific plug 3A shown in FIG. A socket-side connection key member 22A that enables the insertion of the plug 103 that complies with the standard shown in FIG.

  The frame portion 20A is made of a metal material, and springs 23A that support the plug 3A are formed to protrude inward in an elastically deformable configuration on two opposing surfaces on the long side and two opposing surfaces on the short side. The The socket-side electrode support member 21A is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 24A that conforms to a predetermined standard, in this example, a USB standard, is formed on one surface.

  In the socket 2A, a socket-side electrode insertion space 25A is formed between one surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21A on which the terminal 24A is formed and the frame portion 20A. In the socket 2A, a socket-side key portion insertion space 26A is formed between the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21A and the frame portion 20A, and the socket-side key portion insertion space 26A includes the socket-side connection key member 22A. .

  The socket-side connection key member 22A is an example of a device-side connection key portion, and protrudes with a predetermined concavo-convex shape that combines a concave portion and a convex portion at a portion facing the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21A. Is provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 20A.

  In this example, the socket-side connection key member 22A is configured by attaching a member having a predetermined uneven shape to the inner surface of the frame portion 20A. Note that the socket-side connection key member 22A may be configured integrally with a predetermined uneven shape by projecting a part of the frame portion 20A inward.

  The plug 3A is connected to a specific socket 2A having a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 30A, a plug-side electrode support member 31A provided inside the frame portion 30A, and a socket-side connection key member 22A shown in FIG. A plug-side connection key part 32A that enables connection to the socket 102, and a plug-side connection restriction part 33A that restricts connection to the socket 102 that conforms to the standard shown in FIG.

  The frame portion 30A is made of a metal material. The plug-side electrode support member 31A is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and in this example, a terminal 34A conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface.

  In the plug 3A, a plug-side electrode insertion space 35A is formed between one surface of the plug-side electrode support member 31A where the terminal 34A is formed and the frame portion 30A, and the frame on the side where the plug-side electrode insertion space 35A is formed. The plug-side connection key portion 32A is provided outside the portion 30A, and the plug-side connection restricting portion 33A is provided in the plug-side electrode insertion space 35A.

  The plug-side connection key portion 32A is an example of a device-side connection key portion, and a concave portion having a concave-convex shape combining a concave portion and a convex portion that match the socket-side connection key member 22A of the socket 2A that can be connected is formed into a frame portion 30A. It is provided and configured on the outer surface.

  The plug-side connection restricting portion 33A is an example of a device-side connection restricting portion, and is configured by providing a protruding portion that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame portion 30A into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35A. The plug 3A has a shape in which a part of the frame portion 30A protrudes inward, so that the plug-side connection key portion 32A is formed at a concave portion formed on the outer side of the frame portion 30A, and the convex formed on the inner side. The plug-side connection restricting portion 33A is formed at the shaped portion. Thereby, the plug-side connection key part 32A and the plug-side connection restriction part 33A are integrally configured on the front and back of the same member.

<Usage example of the connection terminal of the first embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a connection form of the electronic device according to the present embodiment. Next, a usage example of the connection terminal 1A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For example, the information processing devices 12A1 to 12An shown in FIG. 4 are company-owned computers, and the information processing devices 12A1 to 12An include the socket-side connection key member 22A described in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. A socket 2A is provided. On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 12B is a personally owned computer, and the information processing apparatus 12B is provided with a socket 102 that conforms to the standard USB standard described with reference to FIG.

  An electronic device 11A shown in FIG. 4 is a company-owned USB memory. The electronic device 11A includes the plug-side connection key part 32A and the plug-side connection restriction part 33A described in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. A plug 3A is provided. On the other hand, the electronic device 11B is a personally owned USB memory, and the electronic device 11B is provided with the plug 103 compliant with the standard USB standard described with reference to FIG.

  The plug 3A can be inserted only into the socket 2A in which the shapes of the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the socket-side connection key member 22A match. That is, when the plug 3A is inserted into the socket 2A, as shown in FIG. 2, the plug-side connection key portion 32A of the plug 3A is inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26A of the socket 2A. The plug-side electrode support member 31A is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 25A of the socket 2A, and the socket-side electrode support member 21A of the socket 2A is inserted into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35A. Then, the terminal 34A of the plug-side electrode support member 31A and the terminal 24A of the socket-side electrode support member 21A are in contact, and the plug 3A and the socket 2A are electrically connected.

  Accordingly, the electronic device 11A can be connected to the information processing devices 12A1 to 12An including the socket 2A having the socket-side connection key member 22A whose shape matches the plug-side connection key portion 32 of the plug 3A. If is a USB memory, data can be read and written.

  On the other hand, when the plug 103 compliant with the standard shown in FIG. 12B is to be inserted into the socket 2A, the frame portion 130 of the plug 103 hits the socket-side connection key member 22A of the socket 2A and contacts the socket 2A. The plug 103 cannot be inserted. As a result, the electronic device 11B including the plug 103 compliant with the standard cannot be connected to the information processing devices 12A1 to 12An including the socket 2A having the socket-side connection key member 22A, and the information processing devices 12A1 to 12An are not connected. The data stored in the memory cannot be stored in a general-purpose USB memory owned by an individual.

  When the plug 3A is to be inserted into the socket 102 compliant with the standard shown in FIG. 12A, the plug-side connection restricting portion 33A of the plug 3A hits the socket-side electrode support member 121 of the socket 102, and the plug 3A Cannot be inserted into the socket 102. As a result, the electronic device 11A including the plug 3A having the plug-side connection restricting portion 33A cannot be connected to the personal information processing apparatus 12B including the socket 102 compliant with the standard, and is stored in the USB memory. The recorded data cannot be read out by a personally owned computer.

  As a result, a specific USB memory owned by the company cannot be connected to a personally owned computer, and the risk of information leakage and virus infection can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to make it impossible to connect a personally owned USB memory to a specific computer owned by a company or the like, and to reduce the risk of information leakage and virus infection. Further, if the combination of the regular socket 2A and the plug 3A is used, locking and unlocking are unnecessary, and the burden on the user's operation and the management of the administrator is reduced.

  Here, even in the information processing apparatuses 12A1 to 12An including the socket 2A having the socket-side connection key member 22A, if the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the socket-side connection key member 22A do not match, the plug 3A Cannot be connected to the socket 2A.

  For example, if the information processing apparatus 12A1 includes a socket 2A having a socket side connection key member 22A whose shape matches that of the plug side connection key part 32A of the plug 3A, the electronic apparatus 11A has a specific information processing apparatus 12A1. Can be connected to. On the other hand, if the uneven shape of the socket-side connection key member 22A is different from that of the plug-side connection key portion 32A of the plug 3A of the specific electronic device 11A, the other information processing apparatus 12An can insert the plug 3A into the socket 2A. The plug-side connection key portion 32A hits the socket-side connection key member 22A, and the electronic device 11A cannot be connected to another information processing apparatus 12An.

  Accordingly, the electronic device 11A can be connected only to the specific information processing device 12A1, and the combination of the information processing device and the electronic device that can be connected can be restricted. For example, if the plug-side connection key part 32A and the socket-side connection key member 22A each having a unique concavo-convex shape are provided for each pair of electronic devices and information processing devices, one electronic device can be connected to each information processing device. Can be limited to one.

  Further, if each of the plurality of electronic devices and one information processing apparatus is provided with the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the socket-side connection key member 22A having a unique concave and convex shape, a specific plurality of electronic devices per information processing apparatus. Device can be connected. Furthermore, if each electronic device and each of a plurality of information processing apparatuses are provided with a plug-side connection key portion 32A and a socket-side connection key member 22A having a unique concave and convex shape, a single electronic device can be identified as information on a specific plurality of devices. It can be connected to the processing device.

  In this way, combinations of information processing apparatuses and electronic devices that can be connected can be restricted in units of individuals or departments of a company, and various security measures can be taken in accordance with usage conditions. For example, if the socket 2A and the plug 3A having the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the socket-side connection key member 22A that are common in the company are used, data exchange in the company can be freely performed and the burden on the administrator is reduced. Can be reduced. In addition, for internal use, if the plug-side connection key part 32A and the socket-side connection key member 22A that are unique to each organization are provided, security can be classified for each organization. Further, when combined with data encryption, logical USB memory authentication, etc., security measures can be taken more reliably.

  In the above example, the USB device in which the connector portion is configured in the device main body has been described as an example of the electronic device 11A. However, an external storage device in which the connector portion is connected to the device main body with a cable may be used. The external storage device may be used.

  In the plug 3A according to the first embodiment, the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the plug-side connection restriction portion 33A are integrally formed by forming a part of the frame portion 30A into an uneven shape. It is possible to prevent tampering such as removing the portion 32A and the plug-side connection restricting portion 33A, and preventing insertion into the general-purpose socket 102. In addition, since the plug-side connection key part 32A and the plug-side connection restriction part 33A are configured by the same member, a plurality of functions can be realized by a single member, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, since the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the plug-side connection restriction portion 33A protrude from the inside of the frame portion 20A, the socket 2A that allows the plug 3A to be connected protrudes inside the frame portion 20A. The socket side connection key member 22A is provided. Accordingly, the socket 102A can be attached to the information processing apparatus having a configuration in which a socket conforming to the standard is attached without changing the configuration of the housing or the like.

  If the socket-side connection key member 22A of the socket 2A is made detachable so as not to be easily removed from the frame portion 20A by making it possible to remove it by using a specific tool, the socket side By removing the connection key member 22A, the plug 103 conforming to the standard can be connected to the socket 2A, and versatility can be improved. However, since the socket-side connection key member 22A can be intentionally removed and a general-purpose USB memory can be connected, the socket-side connection key member 22A can be secured with screws from the outside of the frame portion 20A that cannot be operated from the outside. It is preferable that the frame portion 20A be configured so as not to be detachable, for example, formed integrally with the portion 20A.

<Configuration example of conversion connection terminal of this embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the conversion connection terminal of the present embodiment. In order to connect the plug 3A having the plug-side connection key part 32A and the plug-side connection restriction part 33A described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like to the socket 102 conforming to the standard described with reference to FIG. A conversion connection terminal in which the terminals 2A having the socket-side connection key member 22A described in a) and the plug 103 conforming to the standard described in FIG. 13A may be used. If the conversion connection terminal 13A is lent, the specific electronic device 11A described with reference to FIG. 4 can be connected to a general-purpose information processing apparatus 12B such as a personal possession through the conversion connection terminal 13A.

  1B includes a plug 3A having the plug-side connection key portion 32A and the plug-side connection restricting portion 33A described with reference to FIG. 1B, and a socket 102 compliant with the standard specification described with reference to FIG. If the conversion connection terminal that is not used is used, it is possible to connect a general-purpose electronic device 11B such as a personal property to the specific information processing apparatus 12A described with reference to FIG. 4 via the conversion connection terminal. Thus, by managing the conversion connection terminal, it is possible to improve versatility while ensuring security. For example, when the data take-out authorized person manages the conversion connection terminal, it becomes easy to limit and manage the take-out of data outside the company. Here, the conversion connection terminal is integrally formed on the plug side and the socket side, but may be connected by a cable.

<Configuration Example of Connection Terminal of Second Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the connection terminal according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of the connection terminal according to the second embodiment.

  The connection terminal 1B of the second embodiment includes a socket 2B shown in FIG. 6A and a plug 3B shown in FIG. 6B. The socket 2B is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a female type, and is provided in, for example, the specific information processing device 12A shown in FIG. The plug 3B is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a male type, and is provided in a specific electronic device 11A that can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus 12A.

  The socket 2B is formed by connecting a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 20B, a socket-side electrode support member 21B provided inside the frame portion 20B, and a specific plug 3B shown in FIG. 6B. A socket-side connection key unit 22B is provided.

  The frame portion 20B is made of a metal material, and springs 23B for supporting the plug 3B are formed on the two opposing surfaces on the long side and the two opposing surfaces on the short side so as to protrude inward in a configuration that can be elastically deformed. The The socket-side electrode support member 21B is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 24B conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface in this example.

  In the socket 2B, a socket-side electrode insertion space 25B is formed between one surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21B on which the terminal 24B is formed and the frame portion 20B. In the socket 2B, a socket-side key portion insertion space 26B is formed between the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21B and the frame portion 20B, and the socket-side key portion insertion space 26B includes the socket-side connection key portion 22B. .

  The socket-side connection key portion 22B is an example of a device-side connection key portion, and is configured by providing a predetermined uneven shape combining a concave portion and a convex portion on the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21B.

  The plug 3B is connected to a specific socket 2B having a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 30B, a plug-side electrode support member 31B provided inside the frame portion 30B, and a socket-side connection key portion 22B shown in FIG. A plug-side connection key part 32B that enables connection to the socket 102, and a plug-side connection restriction part 33B that restricts connection to the socket 102 that conforms to the standard shown in FIG.

  The frame portion 30B is made of a metal material. The plug-side electrode support member 31B is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 34B conforming to the USB standard in this example is formed on one surface.

  In the plug 3B, a plug-side electrode insertion space 35B is formed between one surface of the plug-side electrode support member 31B where the terminal 34B is formed and the frame portion 30B, and the plug-side connection key portion 32B is formed in the plug-side electrode insertion space 35B. And a plug-side connection restricting portion 33B.

  The plug-side connection key portion 32B is an example of a device-side connection key portion. The plug-side connection key portion 32B has a concave-convex shape that combines a concave portion and a convex portion that match the socket-side connection key portion 22B of the socket 2B that can be connected. Convex portions protruding to 35B are provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 30B. The plug-side connection restricting portion 33B is an example of a device-side connection restricting portion, and includes a plug-side connection key portion 32B that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame portion 30B into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35B.

<Usage example of the connection terminal of the second embodiment>
Next, a usage example of the connection terminal 1B of the second embodiment will be described with reference to each drawing. For example, in the configuration in which the information processing apparatus 12A illustrated in FIG. 4 includes the socket 2B and the electronic device 11A includes the plug 3B, the socket-side connection key portion 22B of the socket 2B and the plug-side connection key portion 32B of the plug 3A. The plug 3B allows the plug-side connection key part 32B to be inserted into the socket-side key part insertion space 26B of the socket 2B.

  As a result, when the plug 3B is inserted into the socket 2B, as shown in FIG. 7, the plug-side connection key portion 32B of the plug 3B is inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26B of the socket 2B. The plug-side electrode support member 31B is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 25B of the socket 2B, and the socket-side electrode support member 21B of the socket 2B is inserted into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35B of the plug 3B.

  Then, the terminal 34B of the plug-side electrode support member 31B and the terminal 24B of the socket-side electrode support member 21B come into contact, and the plug 3B and the socket 2B are electrically connected. Therefore, if the electronic device 11A is a USB memory, data can be read and written.

  In contrast, when the plug 3B is to be inserted into the socket 102 conforming to the standard shown in FIG. 12A, the plug-side connection restricting portion 33B configured by the plug-side connection key portion 32B of the plug 3B is replaced by the socket 102. However, the plug 3B cannot be inserted into the socket. As a result, the USB memory provided with the plug 3B cannot be connected to the information processing apparatus 12B provided with the socket 102 compliant with the standard, and the data stored in the USB memory cannot be read out by a personally owned computer or the like. Can not.

  On the other hand, when the plug 103 compliant with the standard shown in FIG. 12B is to be inserted into the socket 2B, the frame portion 130 of the plug 103 can be inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26B. Plug 103 can be inserted. As a result, the connection terminal 1B of the second embodiment can obtain the same effect as the connection terminal 1A of the first embodiment, and the USB memory including the plug 103 conforming to the standard specification can also be used with the socket 2B. Can be connected to the information processing apparatus 12A provided with the above, and versatility can be improved.

<Configuration Example of Connection Terminal of Third Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the connection terminal according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of the connection terminal according to the third embodiment.

  The connection terminal 1C according to the third embodiment includes a socket 2C shown in FIG. 8A and a plug 3C shown in FIG. 8B. The socket 2C is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a female type, and is provided in, for example, the specific information processing apparatus 12A shown in FIG. The plug 3C is an example of a device-side connection terminal referred to as a male type, and is provided in a specific electronic device 11A that can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus 12A.

  The socket 2C has a substantially rectangular cross section and a rectangular tube shaped frame portion 20C, a socket-side electrode support member 21C provided inside the frame portion 20C, and a specific plug 3C shown in FIG. 8B. A first socket-side connection key member 22C1 and a second socket-side connection key member 22C2 are provided that restrict the insertion of the plug 103 that complies with the standard shown in FIG.

  The frame portion 20C is made of a metal material, and a spring 23C for supporting the plug 3C is formed on the two opposing surfaces on the long side and the two opposing surfaces on the short side so as to protrude inward in a configuration that can be elastically deformed. The The socket-side electrode support member 21C is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 24C that conforms to the USB standard in this example is formed on one surface.

  In the socket 2C, a socket-side electrode insertion space 25C is formed between one surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21C on which the terminal 24C is formed and the frame portion 20C, and a second socket-side connection is made to the socket-side electrode insertion space 25C. A key member 22C2 is provided. In the socket 2C, a socket-side key portion insertion space 26C is formed between the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21C and the frame portion 20C, and the first socket-side connection key member is inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26C. 22C1.

  The first socket-side connection key member 22C1 is an example of a device-side connection key part, and has a predetermined concave-convex shape that is a combination of a concave part and a convex part at a part facing the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21C. Convex portions are provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 20C.

  The second socket-side connection key member 22C2 is an example of a device-side connection key part, and has a predetermined concavo-convex shape in which a concave part and a convex part are combined and protrudes at a part facing one surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21C. Convex portions are provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 20C.

  In this example, the first socket-side connection key member 22C1 and the second socket-side connection key member 22C2 are configured by attaching a member having a predetermined uneven shape to the inner surface of the frame portion 20C. Note that the first socket-side connection key member 22C1 and the second socket-side connection key member 22C2 may be configured integrally with a predetermined uneven shape by projecting a part of the frame portion 20C inward.

  The plug 3C includes a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 30C, a plug-side electrode support member 31C provided inside the frame portion 30C, a first socket-side connection key member 22C1 and a second socket shown in FIG. The first plug-side connection key part 32C1 and the second plug-side connection key part 32C2 that enable connection to a specific socket 2C having the side connection key member 22C2, and the standard specifications shown in FIG. Plug-side connection restricting portion 33 </ b> C for restricting connection to the socket 102 compliant with the above.

  The frame portion 30C is made of a metal material. The plug-side electrode support member 31C is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and in this example, a terminal 34C conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface.

  In the plug 3C, a plug-side electrode insertion space 35C is formed between one surface of the plug-side electrode support member 31C where the terminal 34C is formed and the frame portion 30C, and the frame on the side where the plug-side electrode insertion space 35C is formed. The first plug-side connection key portion 32C1 is provided outside the portion 30C, and the first plug-side connection restriction portion 33C1 is provided in the plug-side electrode insertion space 35C. Further, a second plug-side connection key portion 32C2 is provided outside the frame portion 30C on the side where the plug-side electrode support member 31C is formed.

  The first plug-side connection key portion 32C1 is an example of the device-side connection key portion, and has a concave-convex shape combining concave portions and convex portions that match the first socket-side connection key member 22C1 of the socket 2C that can be connected. A recess is provided on the outer surface of the frame 30C.

  The second plug-side connection key portion 32C2 is an example of a device-side connection key portion, and has a concave-convex shape combining concave portions and convex portions that match the second socket-side connection key member 22C2 of the socket 2C that can be connected. A recess is provided on the outer surface of the frame 30C.

  The plug-side connection restricting portion 33C is an example of a device-side connection restricting portion, and is configured by providing a protruding portion that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame portion 30C into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35C. The plug 3C has a shape in which a part of the frame portion 30C protrudes inward, so that the first plug-side connection key portion 32C1 is formed at the concave portion formed outside the frame portion 30C, and formed inside. The plug-side connection restricting portion 33C is formed at the convex portion.

<Usage example of the connection terminal of the third embodiment>
Next, a usage example of the connection terminal 1C according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For example, in the configuration in which the socket 2C is provided in the specific information processing apparatus 12A illustrated in FIG. 4 and the plug 3C is provided in the electronic device 11A, the first socket-side connection key member 22C1 of the socket 2C and the first of the plug 3C are connected. The shape of the plug side connection key part 32C1 of the first socket matches the shape of the second socket side connection key member 22C2 of the socket 2C and the shape of the second plug side connection key part 32C2 of the plug 3C. In 3C, the first plug-side connection key part 32C1 of the frame part 30C can be inserted into the socket-side key part insertion space 26C of the socket 2C.

  Thus, when the plug 3C is inserted into the socket 2C, as shown in FIG. 9, the first plug-side connection key portion 32C1 of the plug 3C is inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26C of the socket 2C, and the plug 3C The second plug-side connection key portion 32C2 is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 25C of the socket 2C, so that the plug-side electrode support member 31C of the plug 3C is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 25C of the socket 2C, The socket side electrode support member 21C of the socket 2C is inserted into the plug side electrode insertion space 35C of the plug 3C.

  Then, the terminal 34C of the plug-side electrode support member 31C and the terminal 24C of the socket-side electrode support member 21C are in contact, and the plug 3C and the socket 2C are electrically connected. Therefore, if the electronic device 11A is a USB memory, data can be read and written.

  On the other hand, when the plug 103 conforming to the standard shown in FIG. 12B is to be inserted into the socket 2C, the frame portion 130 of the plug 103 is connected to the first socket-side connection key member 22C1 of the socket 2C and the second The socket-side connection key member 22C2 is abutted and a plug cannot be inserted into the socket 2C. As a result, the USB memory provided with the plug 103 compliant with the standard specification cannot be connected to the specific information processing apparatus 12A provided with the socket 2C, and the data stored in the information processing apparatus 12A can be used for general purposes such as personal possession. It is not possible to save to USB memory.

  When the plug 3C is to be inserted into the socket 102 conforming to the standard shown in FIG. 12A, the first plug-side connection restricting portion 33C1 of the plug 3C hits the socket-side electrode support member 121 of the socket 102. The plug 3C cannot be inserted into the socket 102. As a result, the electronic device 11A including the plug 3C cannot be connected to the information processing apparatus 12B including the socket 102 compliant with the standard specification, and the data stored in the specific USB memory is used for a general purpose such as personal ownership. It cannot be read by a computer. Therefore, in the connection terminal 1C of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the connection terminal 1A of the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Configuration Example of Connection Terminal of Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the connection terminal according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of the connection terminal according to the fourth embodiment.

  The connection terminal 1D of the fourth embodiment includes a socket 2D shown in FIG. 10A and a plug 3D shown in FIG. The socket 2D is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a female type, and is provided in, for example, the specific information processing device 12A shown in FIG. The plug 3D is an example of a device-side connection terminal called a male type, and is provided in a specific electronic device 11A that can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus 12A.

  The socket 2D has a substantially rectangular cross section and a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 20D, a socket-side electrode support member 21D provided inside the frame portion 20D, and a specific plug 3D shown in FIG. 10B. The first socket side connection key part 22D1 to be enabled can be connected to the specific plug 3D shown in FIG. 10B, and the plug 103 compliant with the standard shown in FIG. 12B is inserted. The second socket side connection key member 22D2 is provided.

  The frame portion 20D is made of a metal material, and springs 23D for supporting the plug 3D are formed on the two opposing surfaces on the long piece side and the two opposing surfaces on the short side side so as to protrude inward in a configuration that can be elastically deformed. The The socket-side electrode support member 21D is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and a terminal 24D conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface in this example.

  In the socket 2D, a socket-side electrode insertion space 25D is formed between one surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21D on which the terminal 24D is formed and the frame portion 20D, and a second socket-side connection is made to the socket-side electrode insertion space 25D. A key member 22D2 is provided. In the socket 2D, a socket-side key portion insertion space 26D is formed between the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21D and the frame portion 20D, and the first socket-side connection key portion is inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26D. 22D1 is provided.

  The first socket-side connection key portion 22D1 is an example of a device-side connection key portion, and is configured by providing a predetermined uneven shape combining a concave portion and a convex portion on the other surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21D.

  The second socket-side connection key member 22D2 is an example of a device-side connection key part, and protrudes with a predetermined concavo-convex shape in which a concave part and a convex part are combined at a part facing one surface of the socket-side electrode support member 21D. Convex portions are provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 20D.

  The plug 3D includes a rectangular tube-shaped frame portion 30D, a plug-side electrode support member 31D provided inside the frame portion 30D, a first socket-side connection key portion 22D1 and a second socket shown in FIG. The first plug-side connection key part 32D1 and the second plug-side connection key part 32D2 that enable connection to a specific socket 2D having the side connection key member 22D2, and the standard specifications shown in FIG. Plug-side connection restricting portion 33D for restricting connection to the socket 102 conforming to the above.

  The frame portion 30D is made of a metal material. The plug-side electrode support member 31D is made of a non-conductive resin material such as plastic, and in this example, a terminal 34D conforming to the USB standard is formed on one surface.

  In the plug 3D, a plug-side electrode insertion space 35D is formed between one surface of the plug-side electrode support member 31D on which the terminal 34D is formed and the frame portion 30D, and the first plug-side connection is made to the plug-side electrode insertion space 35D. A key part 32D1 and a plug-side connection restricting part 33D are provided. In addition, a second plug-side connection key portion 32D2 is provided outside the frame portion 30D on the side where the plug-side electrode support member 31D is formed.

  The first plug-side connection key portion 32D1 is an example of a device-side connection key portion, and has a concave-convex shape that combines a concave portion and a convex portion that match the first socket-side connection key portion 22D1 of the socket 2D that can be connected. Thus, a convex portion protruding into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35D is provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 30D. The plug-side connection restricting portion 33D is an example of a device-side connection restricting portion, and includes a plug-side connection key portion 32D that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame portion 30D into the plug-side electrode insertion space 35D.

  The second plug-side connection key portion 32D2 is an example of the device-side connection key portion, and has a concave-convex shape that combines a concave portion and a convex portion that match the second socket-side connection key member 22D2 of the socket 2D that can be connected. A recess is provided on the outer surface of the frame 30D.

<Usage example of connection terminal of the fourth embodiment>
Next, a usage example of the connection terminal 1D of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For example, in the configuration in which the specific information processing apparatus 12A illustrated in FIG. 4 includes the socket 2D and the electronic device 11A includes the plug 3D, the first socket-side connection key portion 22D1 of the socket 2D and the plug 3D first The shape of the plug-side connection key portion 32D1 of the first socket matches the shape of the second socket-side connection key member 22D2 of the socket 2D and the shape of the second plug-side connection key portion 32D2 of the plug 3D. In 3D, the first plug-side connection key part 32D1 of the frame part 30D can be inserted into the socket-side key part insertion space 26D of the socket 2D.

  Thus, when the plug 3D is inserted into the socket 2D, as shown in FIG. 11, the first plug-side connection key portion 32D1 of the plug 3D is inserted into the socket-side key portion insertion space 26D of the socket 2D, and the plug 3D The second plug-side connection key part 32D2 is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 25D of the socket 2D, so that the plug-side electrode support member 31D of the plug 3D is inserted into the socket-side electrode insertion space 25D of the socket 2D, The socket side electrode support member 21D of the socket 2D is inserted into the plug side electrode insertion space 35D of the plug 3D.

  Then, the terminal 34D of the plug-side electrode support member 31D and the terminal 24D of the socket-side electrode support member 21D are in contact, and the plug 3D and the socket 2D are electrically connected. Therefore, if the electronic device 11A is a USB memory, data can be read and written.

  On the other hand, when the plug 103 compliant with the standard shown in FIG. 12B is inserted into the socket 2D, the frame portion 130 of the plug 103 hits the second socket side connection key member 22D2 of the socket 2D, A plug cannot be inserted into the socket 2D. As a result, the USB memory provided with the plug 103 conforming to the standard specification cannot be connected to the information processing apparatus 12A provided with the socket 2D, and the data stored in the specific information processing apparatus 12A can be used for general purpose such as personal possession. It is not possible to save to USB memory.

  When the plug 3D is to be inserted into the socket 102 conforming to the standard shown in FIG. 12A, the plug-side connection restricting portion 33D configured by the first plug-side connection key portion 32D1 of the plug 3D is inserted into the socket. The plug 3 </ b> D cannot be inserted into the socket 102 by hitting the socket side electrode support member 121 of 102. As a result, the electronic device 11A including the plug 3D cannot be connected to the information processing apparatus 12B including the socket 102 compliant with the standard specification, and the data stored in the specific USB memory is used for a general purpose such as personal possession. It cannot be read by a computer. Therefore, in the connection terminal 1D of the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the connection terminal 1A of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention is applied to a connection terminal for detachably connecting a computer and a peripheral device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A-1D ... Connection terminal, 11A ... Electronic device, 12A ... Information processing apparatus, 13A ... Conversion connection terminal, 2A-2D ... Socket, 20A-20D ... Frame part, 21A 21D ... Socket side electrode support member, 22A ... Socket side connection key member, 22B ... Socket side connection key part, 22C1, 22D1 ... First socket side connection key part, 22C2, 22D2,. ..Second socket side connection key part, 23A to 23D ... Spring, 24A to 24D ... Terminal, 25A to 25D ... Socket side electrode insertion space, 26A to 26D ... Socket side key part insertion Space, 3A-3D ... Plug, 30A-30D ... Frame, 31A-31D ... Plug side electrode support member, 32A, 32B ... Plug side connection key, 32C1, 32D1 ... No. 1 plastic Side connection key part, 32C2, 32D2 ... second plug side connection key part, 33A to 33D ... plug side connection restriction part, 34A to 34D ... terminal, 35A to 35D ... plug side electrode insertion space

Claims (5)

It has a device side connection terminal connected to the device side connection terminal,
The device-side connection terminal is provided in the device-side connection terminal, and a device-side connection key portion that matches a device-side connection key portion that restricts insertion of the device-side connection terminal that conforms to the standard specification, and a standard specification. A connection terminal comprising a device-side connection restricting portion that restricts insertion into a compliant device-side connection terminal. The device side connection terminal includes a hollow frame portion and an electrode support member provided inside the frame portion,
The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the device-side connection restricting portion includes a protruding portion that protrudes inside the frame portion. The connection terminal according to claim 2, wherein the device-side connection terminal is configured such that the device-side connection restriction unit and the device-side connection key unit are integrated. A device-side connection terminal connected to a device-side connection terminal provided in the information processing device,
The device-side connection terminal includes a device-side connection key portion that matches the device-side connection key portion of the device-side connection terminal, and a device-side connection restriction portion that restricts insertion into a device-side connection terminal that conforms to a standard specification. Electronic equipment characterized by comprising. A device-side connection terminal having a device-side connection key portion that matches the device-side connection key portion of the device-side connection terminal, and a device-side connection that is electrically connected to the device-side connection terminal and conforms to a standard specification The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the electronic device can be connected to an information processing apparatus having a device-side connection terminal compliant with a standard specification via a conversion connection terminal having a terminal.

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