JP2019204770A - Connector cover assembly with lighting - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cover covering a light source without blocking the light emitted therefrom, and preventing breakdown of a USB port due to dust and liquid.SOLUTION: A connector cover assembly 100 with lighting comprises a base body 3, a case part 13 supported by the base body 3, an external connector 1 supported by the case part 13, a light source 15 placed in the case part 13, and a cover 5 provided to be able to open and close at an open position and a closed position for the case part 13, for covering the external connector 1 selectively. At the closed position, the cover 5 includes a cylindrical light guide part 75 in cylindrical shape having a projection end 75a projecting toward the external connector 1, and making the light from the light source incident via the projection end 75a, at the closed position, and a tabular cover body 51 supporting the cylindrical light guide part 75, where the tabular cover body 51 has an image part 73 provided with a prescribed shape for irradiating the light guided by the cylindrical light guide part toward the outside of the cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminated connector cover assembly for an automotive external connector. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cover for covering an external connector configured such that light emitted from a light source provided on the external connector behind the cover is illuminated through the cover. With such a structure, the vehicle occupant can confirm the position of the external connector even when the cover covers the external connector.

  A connection via a universal serial bus (hereinafter “USB”) has become a preferred connection for many electronic devices including mobile phones, computers and the like. Today, automobiles are equipped with USB ports for plugging and connecting such electronic devices.

  Recently, a conventional USB port includes a light source so that an automobile occupant can find the USB port in a light limited environment and for aesthetic reasons. For example, the light source includes a tubular light emitting diode (hereinafter “LED”) light provided in the USB port, or an LED light provided at a position adjacent to the USB port to irradiate the USB port.

  The exposed USB port is susceptible to dust and other particle buildup and liquid damage due to spilled drink remaining in the cup holder. In order to overcome the above problems, several USB ports are provided with a cover to cover the USB port. Conventional covers for USB ports also cover the light source, which blocks the light and prevents the vehicle occupant from finding the USB port in light limited environments.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cover that prevents the USB port from being damaged by dust and liquid without blocking the light emitted from the light source.

  An illuminated connector cover assembly (100) comprising a base body (3), a case part (13) supported by the base body, an external connector (1) supported by the case part, and the case part A light source (15) disposed on the cover, and a cover (5) provided to be openable and closable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the case portion in order to selectively cover the external connector, When the cover is in the closed position, the cover has a cylindrical shape having a protruding end (75a) protruding toward the external connector, and allows the light from the light source to enter through the protruding end. A light guide part (75); and a plate-like cover body (51) supporting the cylindrical light guide part. The plate-like cover body transmits light guided by the cylindrical light guide part to the cover. In order to irradiate the outside, a predetermined shape Image portion provided at an having (73).

  According to such a configuration, even when the cover covers the light source, the cover transmits the light emitted from the light source, and the vehicle occupant can confirm the position of the external connector.

  Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good for the inner periphery of the said cylindrical light guide part to provide the translucent inclined wall part (77) inclined in the direction which approaches mutually toward the said plate-shaped cover body.

  According to such a structure, the inclined wall part formed in the inner periphery of the cylindrical light guide part can distribute light equally so that the image part of a cover may be illuminated equally.

  Other features of the present embodiment will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The perspective view of the connector cover assembly with illumination of this embodiment in a closed state. FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the illuminated connector cover assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover open. The rear view of the cover of this embodiment. The back perspective view of the cover of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated connector cover assembly along the 5-5 plane of FIG. The front view of the modification of the connector cover assembly with illumination of this embodiment. The rear view of the cover of the modification in which the position of the image part was shown with the broken line. The back perspective view of the cover of a modification. Sectional drawing of the cover of the modification along 9-9 line of FIG. Sectional drawing of another modification along the 9-9 line of FIG. Sectional drawing of another modification along the 9-9 line of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the term indicating the direction follows the direction indicated by the direction key. However, the configuration of the illuminated connector cover assembly according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described direction.

  1-5 disclose the illuminated connector cover assembly 100 of the present embodiment. The illuminated connector cover assembly 100 is attached to an external connector 1 having a port (recess 11) for receiving an external terminal for connecting an electronic device, a light source 15 for illumination, and an automobile (not shown). A base body 3 that supports the external connector 1 and a cover 5 connected to the base body 3 to cover the port.

  In the present embodiment, the external connector 1 is provided with one end forming a USB port (recess 11) for connecting to an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a dashboard camera, and for supplying power to the connected electronic device, or A USB connector having a second end connected to a power source (not shown) for connection to an automobile head unit (not shown). External connector 1 includes a case portion 13 for accommodating a port (recess 11). More specifically, the case portion 13 has a tubular front end portion 13a, and the recess 11 is exposed at the front end portion 13a.

  In the base body 3, an attachment portion 31 for attaching the external connector 1, a window hole 33 that exposes the concave portion 11 to the front of the base body 3, and that substantially matches the outer periphery of the cylindrical light guide portion 75, and the cover 5 A base hinge portion 35 for connection is formed. More specifically, the attachment portion 31 is a pair of clip portions formed on the rear side of the base body 3 to support the external connector 1, and the window hole 33 is formed between the pair of clip portions, The base hinge portion 35 is formed on the front side of the base body 3 and extends in the front-rear direction through the base body 3.

  By providing the light source 15 in the external connector 1, the light emitted from the light source 15 illuminates the front direction. In the present embodiment, the light source 15 is an LED light having a cylindrical shape. The light source 15 is provided in front of the front end portion 13 a of the case portion 13 of the external connector 1, and the light source 15 is accommodated in the window hole 33. The light source 15 has a shape corresponding to the front end portion 13 a of the case portion 13, and the window hole 33 of the base body 3 is configured to expose the concave portion 11 together with the light source 15.

  In order to selectively cover the recess 11 (that is, to selectively cover the external connector 1), the case portion 13 is provided so that it can be opened and closed between an open position (open state) and a closed position (closed state). The cover 5 includes a plate-like cover body 51 and a light transmission part 7 that transmits light emitted from the light source 15.

  Even if the plate-like cover body 51 overlaps the base body 3 and has a lid (closed state) that covers the recess 11, the light transmission is performed so that the vehicle occupant can see the light emitted from the light source 15. The part 7 is manufactured from a translucent material such as polycarbonate.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the light transmission part 7 includes a light guide plate-like light guide part 71, an image part 73 protruding from the front surface (first surface) of the plate light guide part 71, and a plate-like light guide part. The light guide cylindrical light guide part 75 which protruded from the back surface (2nd surface opposite to the 1st surface) of 71, and the inclined wall part 77 formed in the cylindrical light guide part 75 are included.

  The plate-like light guide part 71 is arranged so as to overlap inside the plate-like cover body 51.

  When the cover 5 is in the closed state, the image portion 73 protrudes from the front surface of the plate-like light guide portion 71. As shown in FIG. 1, the image unit 73 has a predetermined shape such as a lightning bolt surrounded by the outer shape of the battery to show USB connection, and is embedded in the plate-like cover body 51 so as to be directly visible from the outside. It is.

  The cylindrical light guide 75 protrudes from the back surface of the plate light guide 71. The cylindrical light guide 75 is a projection having a cylindrical shape, and the outer periphery of the cylindrical light guide 75 corresponds to the outer periphery of the light emitting element (light source 15) arranged in an annular shape, and the inner periphery of the cylindrical light guide 75. Corresponds to the inner circumference of the light source 15. In other words, the protruding end 75 a of the cylindrical light guide 75 has a shape corresponding to the end of the light source 15. The protruding end 75a and the light source 15 are opposed to each other, and light emitted from the light source 15 is incident on the image portion 73 by the cylindrical light guide unit 75 through the protruding end 75a. In order to better guide the light emitted from the light source 15, the protruding end 75 a may be formed so as to contact the light source 15 when the cover 5 is in the closed state.

  The inclined wall part 77 is formed in the cylindrical light guide part 75 in order to guide the light emitted from the light source 15 to a predetermined part of the image part 73. More specifically, the inclined wall portion 77 extends from the projecting end 75a of the cylindrical light guide portion 75 to the plate light guide portion 71 to incline the light toward a predetermined location of the image portion 73, thereby The image portion 73 is illuminated equally. The inclined wall portion 77 is inclined with respect to the inner periphery of the cylindrical light guide portion 75 and does not overlap the image portion 73 in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the inclined wall portion 77 is formed along the inner wall of the entire tubular light guide portion 75.

  In the present embodiment, the plate-like light guide 71, the image part 73, the cylindrical light guide 75, and the inclined wall 77 are formed integrally with each other to form the light transmission part 7.

  Therefore, when the plate-like cover body 51 is in the closed state, the light emitted from the light source 15 reaches the image part 73 through the cylindrical light guide part 75. The inclined wall portions 77 that are inclined toward each other toward the plate-like cover body 51 guide the light diffused into the space inside the cylindrical light guide portion 75 to a predetermined location of the image portion 73, so that the entire image portion 73 is arranged. Illuminate evenly.

  The plate-like cover body 51 is integrally molded around the light transmitting portion 7 to form the cover 5, and the image portion 73 is exposed from the front surface of the plate-like cover body 51, and the protruding end 75 a of the cylindrical light guide portion 75. Are exposed to the light source 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plate-like cover body 51 includes a cover hinge portion 53 for connecting to the front side of the base body 3, a grip portion 55 provided on the right side of the plate-like cover body 51, and the plate-like cover body 51. And a non-translucent frame portion 57 on the rear side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cover hinge portion 53 of the plate-like cover body 51 is rotatably connected to the base hinge portion 35 of the base body 3 by the shaft 41. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 5 has a closed state in which the plate-like cover body 51 overlaps the base body 3 to cover the recess 11, and the plate-like cover body 51 is arranged away from the base body 3. Is switched between the open state in which the recess 11 is exposed. An urging member 43 such as a coil spring is provided to urge the plate-like cover body 51 toward the base body 3, so that the plate-like cover body 51 is kept closed when not in use. The gripping portion 55 of the plate-like cover body 51 is recessed inward so that a vehicle occupant can open the cover 5 against the urging force of the urging member 43 by applying a fingertip.

  The frame part 57 is provided on the rear side of the plate-like cover body 51, has a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer periphery of the cylindrical light guide part 75, and emits light emitted from the light source 15 when the cover 5 is in the closed state. The light is guided to the light transmitting portion 7 by being kept inside. Accordingly, the frame portion 57 has an inner periphery that is equal to or larger than the outer periphery of the window hole 33. Further, the frame portion 57 has a protruding end 75a of the cylindrical light guide portion 75 and a rear end portion 57a flush with the rear portion.

  Therefore, when the cover 5 is in the closed state, the light source 15 is disposed adjacent to the protruding end 75a of the cylindrical light guide 75, so that the light emitted from the light source 15 is transmitted to the cylindrical light guide 75 and the plate. It is possible to go to the image portion 73 through the light guide portion 71. The frame part 57 can restrict the light to the inside thereof, and the inclined wall part 77 illuminates the image part 73 evenly by guiding the light irradiating the space inside the cylindrical light guide part 75 to a predetermined place.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the case portion 13 has a concave portion 11 that faces the space (inner hole) inside the cylindrical light guide portion 75 when the cover 5 is in the closed state.

  6-9, the illuminated connector cover assembly 200 includes the image portion 73 of the light transmission portion 7 having the shape of a USB logo instead of the shape including the lightning-like shape surrounded by the outer shape of the battery. The modification of is shown.

  Since the USB mark has a unique shape, the portion of the USB mark does not receive enough light to illuminate evenly. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, two inclined wall portions 77, that is, a first inclined wall portion 77a and a second inclined wall portion 77b, are provided for the light transmitting portion 7 provided with the image portion 73 having a USB mark shape. Is provided. The first inclined wall 77a extends from the protruding end 75a to the upper right corner of the back surface of the plate-like light guide 71 between the upper end 71a ′ and the intermediate end 71b ′ of the USB mark. The second inclined wall portion 77b extends from the projecting end 75a to the lower right corner of the back surface of the plate-like light guide portion 71 between the intermediate end portion 71b ′ and the lower end portion 71c ′. The two inclined wall portions (77a, 77b) provide light to the back surface of the plate-shaped light guide portion 71 on which the image portion 73 is formed so that the image portion 73 is illuminated uniformly.

  Therefore, when the cover 5 is in the closed state, the light source 15 is disposed adjacent to the protruding end 75a of the cylindrical light guide 75, so that the light emitted from the light source 15 is transmitted to the cylindrical light guide 75 and the plate. Can reach the image portion 73 through the light guide 71. The frame part 57 can restrict light to the inside thereof, and the first inclined wall part 77a and the second inclined wall part 77b guide the light irradiating the space inside the cylindrical light guide part 75 to the USB mark. Thus, the image portion 73 is illuminated evenly.

  The above description merely illustrates the principles of the invention. In addition, many variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the precise configuration and application shown and described so far. All corresponding variations and equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

  For example, in the description so far, the case where the image portion 73 has either a lightning-like shape surrounded by the outer shape of the battery or the USB logo has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image portion 73 is not limited thereto. May be of any shape. The inclined wall portion 77 may be formed on the back surface of the plate-like light guide portion 71 as long as it does not overlap the image portion 73 in the front-rear direction.

  In the present embodiment, the light source 15 is an LED light having a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the light source 15 may be any type of light source that emits light through the window hole 33.

  FIG. 10 shows another modified example of the present embodiment, in which the illuminated connector cover assembly 300 is provided with a case portion 13 made of the same material as the light transmitting portion 7 that transmits light, for example, polycarbonate. Including the connector 1, the front end portion 13 a of the case portion 13 extends into the window hole 33. The light source 15 is provided at the rear end portion of the external connector 1, and the light emitted from the light source 15 irradiates the front side of the base body 3 through the case portion 13.

FIG. 11 shows another modification of the present embodiment. The only difference between the illuminated connector cover assembly 400 of FIG. 11 and the illuminated connector cover assembly 300 of FIG.
In the illuminated connector cover assembly 400, the light source 15 is accommodated in the front end portion 13 a of the case portion 13, whereas in the illuminated connector cover assembly 300, the light source 15 is provided at the rear end portion of the external connector 1. is there.

  FIG. 5 shows the illuminated connector cover assembly 100, and the protruding end 75a of the cylindrical light guide 75 faces the light source 15 and does not contact each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the tubular light guide is similar to the modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 in which the protruding end 75a of the tubular light guide portion 75 contacts the front end portion 13a of the case portion 13. The protruding end 75 a of the part 75 may contact the light source 15.

Claims (11)

A illuminated connector cover assembly comprising:
A base body,
A case portion supported by the base body;
An external connector supported by the case portion;
A light source disposed in the case portion;
In order to selectively cover the external connector, including a cover that can be opened and closed between the open state and the closed state with respect to the case portion,
When the cover is in the closed state, the cover has a cylindrical shape having a protruding end that protrudes toward the external connector side, and a cylindrical light guide unit that allows light from the light source to enter through the protruding end. And a plate-like cover body that supports the cylindrical light guide part,
The plate-like cover body has an image part provided in a predetermined shape so as to irradiate the light guided by the cylindrical light guide part toward the outside of the cover. With connector cover assembly.   2. The illuminated connector cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein a light guide plate-like light guide portion connected to a front end of the cylindrical light guide portion is superposed inside the plate-like cover body. .   3. The illumination according to claim 2, wherein the case portion has a concave portion that faces an inner hole of the cylindrical light guide portion and receives an external terminal when the cover is in the closed state. With connector cover assembly.   4. The illuminated connector cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein an outer periphery of the cylindrical light guide portion is covered with a non-translucent frame portion.   The light-emitting inclined wall according to claim 4, wherein a light-transmitting inclined wall portion that is inclined toward the plate-like cover body toward each other is provided on an inner periphery of the cylindrical light guide portion. Connector cover assembly.   6. The light source according to claim 5, wherein, in the closed state of the cover, the light source includes a light emitting element arranged in an annular shape in the case portion so as to face the protruding end of the cylindrical light guide portion. Illuminated connector cover assembly.   The illuminated connector cover assembly according to claim 6, wherein in the closed state of the cover, the light emitting element contacts the cylindrical light guide portion of the cover.   The case portion includes a portion made of the translucent material, and light from the light source passes through the portion made of the translucent material, so that the plate light guide portion or the plate light guide portion The illuminated connector cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein the connector part assembly reaches the image part via the cylindrical light guide part.   The illuminated connector cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein a front end portion of the case portion is in contact with the cylindrical light guide portion of the cover in the closed state of the cover.   The illuminated connector cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein the light source includes a light emitting element housed in a front end portion of the case portion.   The said base body has a window hole substantially matched with the outer periphery of the said cylindrical light guide part in the said closed state of the said cover, The connector with an illumination of any one of Claims 1-10 characterized by the above-mentioned. Cover assembly.

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