JP4863156B2 - Infrared communication terminal holder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an infrared communication terminal holder that holds two infrared communication terminals and keeps the relative positions of the infrared communication ports of the infrared communication terminals constant.

  In recent years, portable electronic devices such as notebook personal computers, PDAs, and mobile phones have been widely used. Many of these portable electronic devices have an infrared communication port compliant with the IrDA standard.

By bringing electronic devices equipped with these infrared communication ports close to each other (hereinafter referred to as infrared communication terminals), communication between them can be performed. By this communication, for example, address data stored in a mobile phone is transferred to another device, or document data stored in a PDA is printed from a printer compatible with infrared communication as in the configuration of Patent Document 1. Can do.
JP-A-8-300772

  Generally, the effective reachable range of an infrared signal output from an infrared communication port is about several tens of centimeters, and communication is disconnected when the interval between the infrared communication terminals becomes equal to or greater than the effective reachable range during communication. Alternatively, the communication state may be disconnected due to a disturbance such as a foreign substance entering the space between the infrared communication ports or an infrared ray having the same wavelength as the infrared ray used for communication being input from the outside. For example, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when communication is cut off during printing, there is a possibility that a problem such as an image formed on a sheet being destroyed may occur.

  In order to prevent the above problems, there has been a demand for means for preventing the disturbance by keeping the distance between the infrared communication terminals constant and shielding the space between the infrared ports. In addition, when a long period of communication such as sending print data of several tens of pages from a PDA to the printer by infrared communication, the built-in battery of the infrared communication terminal runs out of capacity and the infrared communication terminal shuts down. As a result, the purpose of infrared communication (printing, file transfer, etc.) may not be achieved.

In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, the connecting member for connecting the case of the first infrared communication terminal and the case of the second infrared communication terminal so that the infrared communication ports face each other. And a first charging connector that is formed on the surface of the connecting member and is connected to the charging port of the first infrared communication terminal when the first infrared communication terminal is attached to the connecting member; the first is connected to a charging connector, a built-in battery for supplying electric power for charging a built-in rechargeable battery in the first infrared communication terminal via a first charging connector, have a connecting member Is a plate-like first plate having a first surface and a second surface, the surface including the infrared communication port of the first infrared communication terminal is in contact with the first surface, and the second infrared communication The side that includes the infrared communication port of the terminal is the second side A second plate connected perpendicularly to the first plate, wherein the second infrared communication terminal is placed thereon, a first plate, A third plate configured to be slidable on the second plate while maintaining a parallel state, and a second infrared communication terminal placed on the second plate is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. as it adapted to sandwich, further comprising a third plate of the first plate and the infrared communication terminal holder Ru separable der from the second plate is provided.

  As described above, the holder for the infrared communication terminal of the present invention has a built-in battery, and the rechargeable battery built in the first infrared communication terminal, such as a printer, can be charged by the power supplied from the battery. is there. Further, by attaching the first infrared communication terminal to the infrared communication terminal holder, the first charging connector for charging is connected to the first infrared communication terminal, and the charging cable is connected to the first infrared communication terminal. Charging can be started without performing a separate operation such as connecting to an infrared communication terminal.

  As the first charging connector, for example, a USB connector can be considered.

  In addition, as a configuration in which the infrared communication terminal holder includes the second charging connector, the built-in battery of the second infrared communication terminal (for example, PDA) may be chargeable via this connector. Furthermore, the voltage of the electric power supplied via the second charging connector may be adjustable by providing a DC-DC converter between the built-in battery and the second charging connector. Thereby, even when the voltage of the charging power source for the first infrared communication terminal is different from the voltage of the charging power source for the second infrared communication terminal, the rechargeable battery of the first infrared communication terminal Both rechargeable batteries of the second infrared communication terminal can be charged.

  Further, the connecting member of the holder for the infrared communication terminal is a plate-like first plate having the first surface and the second surface, and the surface including the infrared communication port of the first infrared communication terminal is the first surface. A second plate that is in contact with the second surface of the second infrared communication terminal and that includes the infrared communication port is in contact with the second surface, and a second plate that is connected perpendicularly to the first plate. A terminal on which the lower surface of the terminal is placed; and a third plate configured to be slidable on the second plate while maintaining a state parallel to the first plate. The second infrared communication terminal placed on the plate may be sandwiched between the first plate and the first plate.

  According to the above configuration, the second infrared communication terminal is sandwiched between the first plate and the third plate in a state where the communication ports of the first and second infrared communication terminals are close to each other via the first plate. By this, it will be fixed to the holder for infrared communication terminals. Here, the infrared communication terminals can communicate with each other by means such as providing a window on the first plate. With this configuration, the trouble that the first infrared communication terminal is unexpectedly separated from the second infrared communication terminal and the communication is disconnected is avoided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the distance between the infrared communication terminals can be kept constant, the space between the infrared ports can be shielded to prevent disturbance, and the rechargeable battery of the infrared communication terminal can be provided. A rechargeable infrared communication terminal holder is realized.

  Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, it demonstrates per structure of the holder for infrared communication terminals by embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a holder 200 for an infrared communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The infrared communication terminal holder 200 is used when connecting the printer P and a portable information terminal T such as a PDA. As shown in the figure, the infrared communication terminal holder 200 includes a base part 210 on which the portable information terminal is placed, and a slide part 220 configured to be slidable with respect to the base part 210.

  The base portion 210 includes a plate-like base plate 211 and a fixed plate 216 extending in a vertical direction from a substantially central portion at one end of the base plate 211. A pair of grooves 212L and 212R extending in a direction (lower left-upper right direction in the figure) perpendicular to the surface of the fixed plate 216 is formed at both ends of the base plate 211 in the fixed plate width direction (upper left-lower right direction in the figure). ing. Further, portions of the fixing plate 216 that intersect with the grooves 212L and 212R are cut off. In the following description, one surface of the fixing plate 216 that does not face the upper surface of the base plate 211 is defined as the first surface 216a, the surface opposite to the first surface 216a (that is, the surface that faces the upper surface of the base plate 211). ) Is defined as the second surface 216b.

  On the other hand, the slide part 220 includes a slide plate 221 standing upright in the vertical direction and a pair of arms 222L and 222R extending in the horizontal direction from both ends of the slide plate 221 in the lower width direction. The extending direction of the arms 222L and R is a direction perpendicular to the surface direction of the slide plate 221 (that is, the arms 222L and R are parallel to each other).

  Further, the distance between the arms 222L and R is slightly wider than the distance between the grooves 212L and R, and the arms 222L and R can be fitted into the grooves 212L and R, respectively. Further, the height of the notch 217 of the fixed plate is slightly higher than the height of the arm 222L, R when the arms 222L, R are fitted in the grooves 212L, R, and the arms 222L, R are formed in the grooves 212L. The arm can be slid in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fixed plate 216 in the state of being fitted in R (hereinafter, this direction is defined as a sliding direction).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the base portion 210 and the slide portion 220 are assembled. As shown in the drawing, stoppers 223L and 223R formed so as to protrude vertically upward are provided at the ends of the arms 222L and R, respectively. In a state in which the base part 210 and the slide part 220 are assembled, the stoppers 223L and R protrude from the first surface 216a of the fixing plate 216, thereby causing the slide part 220 to unexpectedly move from the base part 210. It is designed not to separate. When attaching the slide part 220 to the base part 210, the arms 222L and R are placed on the second surface 216b side with the slide part 220 tilted so that the lower end of the slide plate 221 is higher than the stoppers 223L and R. Then, the stoppers 223L and R are sufficiently protruded from the first surface 216a. Next, the inclination of the slide portion 220 is removed so that the arms 222L and R are horizontal. The slide part 220 is attached to the base part 210 by the above procedure.

  In the present embodiment, the distance between the fixed plate 216 and the slide plate 221 can be adjusted by moving the slide portion 220 configured as described above back and forth in the slide direction with respect to the base portion 210. A portable information terminal T is arranged on the base plate 211 between the fixed plate 216 and the slide plate 221. Further, the printer P is fixed on the first surface 216 a of the fixing plate 216.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery 110 is embedded in the base plate 211. The battery 110 supplies about 5V of power. The battery 110 and the bus power supply line of the USB connector 215 provided on the first surface 216a of the fixed plate 216 are connected. For this reason, the terminal is brought into contact with the first surface 216a so that the USB connector 215 is inserted into the USB receptor of the terminal (printer P in the present embodiment) provided with the USB receptor. The rechargeable battery built in is charged. By abut the first surface 216 a of the fixing plate 216 also includes a rear power supply connector 114 and a battery 110 formed at the distal end of cable 112 extending from the (in the drawing upper right) of the base plate 211, DC- The DC converter 116 is connected.

  FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical connection state of the battery 110, the power supply connector 114, the DC-DC converter 116, and the USB connector 215. As illustrated, the positive terminal 110 a of the battery 110 is connected in parallel with the positive terminal 215 a of the USB connector 215 and the input terminal 116 c of the DC-DC converter 116. Further, the plus output terminal 116 a of the DC-DC converter is connected to the plus terminal 114 of the power supply connector 114. The negative terminal 110b of the battery 110, the negative terminal 114b of the power supply connector 114, the negative output terminal 116b of the DC-DC converter 116, and the negative terminal 215b of the USB connector 215 are grounded.

  The DC-DC converter 116 steps down the 5V direct current input to the input terminal 116c to 3V and outputs it to the plus output terminal 116a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the built-in battery can be charged from the battery 110 by connecting the power supply connector to a terminal of a type that charges the built-in battery with a direct current of 3V.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage of the current supplied by the battery 110 is 5 V, and the voltage is stepped down to 3 V by the DC-DC converter 116. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the voltage of the current supplied by the battery 110 is set to 3 V, and the battery 110 and the power supply connector 114 are directly connected, and the battery 110 and the USB connector 215 are connected via the DC-DC converter 116. It is good also as a structure. In this case, the DC-DC converter has a function of boosting 3V direct current to 5V. Even with this configuration, it is possible to charge both the rechargeable battery of the terminal connected to the USB connector 215 and the rechargeable battery of the terminal connected to the power supply connector 114. Is preferable.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the printer P and the portable information terminal T are attached to the infrared communication terminal holder 200. As shown in the drawing, the printer P is fixed so that one surface thereof is in contact with the first surface 216 a of the fixing plate 216. Further, the portable information terminal T is placed on the base plate while being sandwiched between the fixed plate 216 and the slide plate 221. In this state, the portable information terminal T and the printer P are fixed to the infrared communication terminal holder 200 by passing the restraining means such as a rubber belt over the infrared communication terminal holder 200, the portable information terminal T, and the printer P.

  The fixing plate 216 is provided with a window 214 that is formed through the first surface 216a to the second surface 216b. The window 214 is fitted with a filter 214F that well transmits electromagnetic waves in a predetermined wavelength range centered on infrared light and blocks electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths. In this embodiment, the IrDA communication port Tp of the portable information terminal T is provided on one side surface (lower left in the figure) of the portable information terminal T, and the portable information terminal Tp faces the window 214 in the state where the portable information terminal Tp faces the window 214. Terminal T is fixed. Instead of fitting the filter 214F into the window 214, the fixed plate 216 may be made of a material having the same optical characteristics as the filter 214F. In this case, the window 214 is unnecessary.

On one surface _{P F} abutting printer the first surface 216a of the fixed plate 216, USB receptors Pu and IrDA communication port Pp is formed. As described above, the USB connector 215 is provided on the first surface 216 a, and the IrDA communication port PP is positioned so as to face the window 214 when the USB connector 215 is inserted into the USB receptor Pu. Further, the rechargeable battery (not shown) built in the printer P is charged by connecting the USB connector 215 and the USB receptor Pu.

  As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the IrDA communication port Tp of the portable information terminal T and the IrDA communication port Pp of the printer P are in close contact with each other in close contact with the window 214. Yes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a communication failure that may occur due to foreign matter or external infrared light entering between communication ports.

  Further, the power supply connector 114 is connected to a charging port of the portable information terminal T, whereby a rechargeable battery (not shown) built in the portable information terminal T is charged.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer P and the portable information terminal T are attached to the holder for the infrared communication terminal, and print data is sent from the portable information terminal T by infrared communication to cause the printer P to execute printing. 2, the rechargeable batteries of both the printer P and the portable information terminal T are charged by supplying power from the battery 110. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent problems such as one or both of the printer P and the portable information terminal running out of battery during printing, printing being stopped, and an image formed on the paper being destroyed.

It is an exploded view of the holder for infrared communication terminals of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the whole figure of the holder for infrared communication terminals by embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the electrical connection state around the battery of the holder for infrared communication terminals of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the printer P and the portable information terminal T were attached to the holder for infrared communication terminals of embodiment of this invention.

110 Battery 112 Cable 114 Power supply connector 116 DC-DC converter 200 Infrared communication terminal holder 210 Base portion 211 Base plate 212L, 212R Groove 213 Suction cup 214 Window 214F Filter 215 USB connector 216 Fixing plate 216a Fixing plate first surface 216b Fixing plate first Two surfaces 220 Slide portion 221 Slide plate 222L, 222R Arm P Printer T Portable information terminal

Claims (12)

A connecting member for connecting the case of the first infrared communication terminal and the case of the second infrared communication terminal so that the mutual infrared communication ports face each other;
A first charging connector formed on the surface of the connecting member and connected to a charging port of the first infrared communication terminal when the first infrared communication terminal is attached to the connecting member. When,
A built-in battery connected to the first charging connector and supplying power for charging the rechargeable battery built in the first infrared communication terminal via the first charging connector;
I have a,
The connecting member is
A plate-like first plate having a first surface and a second surface, the surface including the infrared communication port of the first infrared communication terminal being in contact with the first surface, and the second infrared communication The surface including the infrared communication port of the terminal is in contact with the second surface;
A second plate vertically connected to the first plate, the second infrared communication terminal being placed thereon;
A third plate configured to be slidable on the second plate while maintaining a state parallel to the first plate, the second infrared communication terminal placed on the second plate Is sandwiched between the first plate and
Further comprising
The third plate is separable from the first plate and the second plate;
An infrared communication terminal holder.   The infrared communication terminal holder according to claim 1, wherein the first charging connector is a USB connector. A second charging connector adapted to be connected to the charging port of the second infrared communication terminal;
The rechargeable battery of the second infrared communication terminal is configured to be charged by power supplied from the built-in battery via the second charging connector;
The holder for infrared communication terminals according to claim 1 or 2.   The infrared communication terminal holder according to claim 3, wherein a DC-DC converter is provided between the built-in battery and the second charging connector.   The said holder for infrared communication terminals further has a belt member for connecting the said connection member and this 1st and / or 2nd infrared communication terminal, In any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The holder for infrared communication terminals described. The first plate is provided with a window capable of transmitting infrared light between the infrared communication port of the first infrared communication terminal and the infrared communication port of the second infrared communication communication terminal. The holder for infrared communication terminals according to claim 1 . The infrared communication terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the window is provided with a filter such that the transmittance of electromagnetic waves in a predetermined wavelength range other than infrared rays is lower than the transmittance of infrared rays. Holder. 2. The infrared communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the first plate is made of a material that has a transmittance of electromagnetic waves in a predetermined wavelength range other than infrared rays lower than that of infrared rays. Holder. A pair of grooves extending in the thickness direction of the first plate are formed at both ends of the upper surface of the second plate along the width direction of the first plate.
The third plate is provided with a pair of engaging members that engage with the pair of grooves,
The sliding direction of the third plate is limited to the extending direction of the pair of grooves by the engagement of the pair of grooves and the pair of engaging members;
The holder for infrared communication terminals according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . Wherein the first surface of the first plate, according to claim 6 or 7 that the positioning member for positioning the infrared communication port of the first infrared communication terminal to a position of the window is provided, characterized by The holder for infrared communication terminals described in 1. The infrared communication terminal holder according to claim 10 , wherein the positioning member is the first charging connector. The holder for an infrared communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the internal battery is embedded in the second plate.

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