KR20080033741A - Multifunctional usb hub - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-functional USB(Universal Serial Bus) hub is provided to increase the number of USB ports so as to use a plurality of USB supported devices easily and display a charging state of a mobile phone, time, temperature and humidity. A multi-functional USB hub includes a space formed inside a case(CE), a plurality of USB ports(P2) formed at both sides of the case, a plurality of setting buttons arranged on the backside of the case, a receiving groove into which a charging terminal(CT) is inserted, a time display, a temperature display(TD) and a humidity display(HD) which are located on the front side of the case. The multi-functional USB hub further includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for respectively sensing surrounding temperature and surrounding humidity and inputting the sensed temperature and humidity to a controller, a USB hub set in the space and electrically connected with the charging terminal and the USB ports, and the controller which has buttons connected to the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor and is set in the space.

Description

Multifunctional USB hub {MULTIFUNCTIONAL USB HUB}

1: Front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a rear perspective view of a state in which the charging terminal is drawn out in the present invention.

3 is a rear perspective view of the charging terminal in the present invention.

4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the use state of one example of the present invention.

6 is an example of a USB hub circuit block of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an example controller circuit block diagram of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

(AL)-Alarm part (AD)-Setting part

(B)-Power Supply (C)-Controller

(CB)-Switch button (CC)-Control panel

(CD)-Charge Display (CE)-Case

(CH)-Charge Part (CP)-Mobile Phone

(CT)-Charge Terminal (CW)-Cord Wire

(DB)-Down Button (DH)-Storing Groove

(FP)-Case Tip (FY)-Case Bottom

(MB)-Mode Button (MD)-Mode

(H)-hole (HD)-humidity display

(HS)-Humidity sensor (P1) (P2) (P3) (P3a) (P3b) (P3c) (P3n)-USB porter

(PB)-Power Button (PC)-Computer

(PP)-protrusion (QD)-time display

(S)-Space (SB)-Select Button

(TD)-Temperature Display (TS)-Temperature Sensor

(UH)-USB hub (U1) to (Un)-USB enabled device

(UB)-Up button ( θ )-Tilt angle of the case

The present invention relates to a USB hub used to connect to a USB port of a computer, and increases the number of USB porters to make it easier to use a plurality of USB-supported devices that cannot be digested by a computer, and to a mobile phone (mobile Phone) Charge and time / temperature / humidity are displayed to provide various USB hubs.

Generally, computers (including desktop computers, notebook computers, game consoles, etc.) include USB-enabled devices, such as external hard disks, prints, CD-ROM drivers, keyboards, mice, monitors, mobile phones, printers, PC cameras, digital cameras, A large number of USB porters connected to MP3 players, digital cameras, portable multiplayer (PMP), PDAs, memory devices, memory drivers, infrared drivers, mini lamps, mini fans, etc., are supported.

The USB port is provided with four lines, that is, two signal lines for data transmission and two power supply lines for power supply, and are mostly fixed to the main board of the computer and exposed to the rear of the main body. Not only is it inconvenient to connect (combine) the cable of the USB supporting device, but also the number of supported USB porters is 2 to 4, so the USB supporting device is limited to 2 to 4.

Therefore, there is a problem that does not satisfy the use of a variety of USB support devices, there is a problem that can not actively respond to the trend of using USB, there is a problem that the length of the USB cable should be longer.

Some computers support one or two USB porters exposed to the front of the main unit, but the number of USB-supported devices is limited, so there is a problem that more USB-supported devices cannot be used, causing user complaints. It is becoming.

On the other hand, mobile phones (mobile phones), which are widely used, use rechargeable batteries (batteries) as power sources. Since the rechargeable battery does not last long due to natural discharge or use, the battery needs to be recharged at any time, and requires a separate dedicated charger and inconvenience to carry.

In recent years, a USB hub has been proposed in which the number of USB porters has been expanded by connecting to the USB port of the computer main body, but since the focus is only on the expansion of the number of USB porters, various other functions cannot be found.

Therefore, the present invention increases the number of USB porters to make it easier to use a large number of USB-enabled devices that cannot be digested by a computer, and displays various functions such as charging a mobile phone (mobile phone) and displaying time / temperature / humidity. The purpose is to provide a USB hub.

In configuring a USB hub to achieve the above object; A space formed inside the case, a plurality of USB porters respectively installed on both sides of the case, a plurality of setting part buttons arranged at the rear of the case, a storage groove into which the charging terminal is inserted, and a case front end Time display unit and temperature display unit and humidity display unit, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor installed to be exposed to the outside of the case to detect the ambient temperature and humidity, respectively, and input to the controller, and the charging terminal and the USB porter are installed in the space USB hub connected to each other, and each button and the temperature sensor and humidity sensor is connected to the controller is installed in the space.

The cord wire access hole formed in the charging terminal accommodating groove at the rear of the case may be pulled out of the case by pulling the charging terminal of the accommodating groove when the cellular phone is being charged. It can be stored and stored, which eliminates the need for a separate mobile phone charger and prevents aesthetic degradation.

The generally round case is inclined at an angle ( θ ) of 30 ° to 60 ° to facilitate direct reading of display values such as time / temperature / humidity displayed on the display unit, and a protrusion is formed on the front surface of the bottom. Falling of is prevented.

In addition, the button consists of a mode button and a setting button for selecting an operation mode.The setting button includes a selection button for selecting a time / date / day, a rising button for raising the setting value, and a setting value for falling. It consists of a down button, a switching button for displaying humidity / temperature one or the same time, and a power button for operating a USB hub.

The USB hub is a USB port that can be connected to (connected to) the USB port of the computer body using a USB cable, a USB hub that is connected to the USB port to power the computer main body and send and receive data, A plurality of USB porters connected to the USB hub so that a USB cable of a USB support device can be connected, a charging unit connected to the USB hub, a charging terminal for supplying and charging the power of the charging unit to a mobile phone, It is composed of a charge indicator for displaying the state of charge.

The controller for displaying time / temperature / humidity includes a mode section for selecting operation modes such as time display, temperature display, humidity display, and alarm time display at the control unit input, and present time, alarm time, date, time, and day of the week. A setting unit for setting or limiting the display form of the expression, a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature and inputting it to the controller, and a humidity sensor for sensing the ambient humidity and inputting it to the controller, are respectively connected to the output of the controller. Time, date, day of the week, alarm time On / Off status and alarm time display time display, temperature signal input from temperature sensor numerically display, humidity input from humidity sensor It consists of a humidity display unit in which the humidity signal is displayed numerically, and an alarm unit and a power unit for alarming with sound or light or sound when the alarm time comes.

In describing the present invention, the same components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions of the related well-known structures or functions will be omitted so as not to obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

1 to 3 show the appearance of the present invention multi-function USB hub (UH), Figures 1 and 2 is a state in which the charging terminal (CT) is pulled out of the case (CE) for charging the mobile phone, Figure 3 is a charge The terminal CT is fixed to the housing groove of the case CE. In addition, FIG. 2 is configured to connect a few USB support devices U1 to Un by configuring a small number of USB porters P3, and FIG. 3 configures a plurality of USB porters P3 to a plurality of USB ports. Supported devices (U1) to (Un) can be connected.

4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the present invention multifunctional USB hub (UH) as an example.

The USB hub (UH) is a round case (CE), which is coupled to both sides or vertically separated, a space (S) formed inside the case (CE), a plurality of USB installed on each side of the case (CE) Porter (P2) (P3), a plurality of set button (AD) buttons arranged in the rear of the case (CE), the receiving groove (DH) is inserted into the charging terminal (CT), the front end surface of the case (CE) The time display unit QD, the temperature display unit TD, and the humidity display unit HD installed in the FP and the case CE are exposed outside the case CE so as to be in contact with the outside air to sense the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity, respectively. USB hub that is installed in the temperature sensor (TS) and humidity sensor (HS) input to the controller (C) and the space portion (S), the charging terminal (CT) and the USB porter (P2) (P3) is electrically connected. UH, each button, the temperature sensor TS, and the humidity sensor HS are connected, and a controller C is installed in the space S.

The button is composed of a mode button (MB) and a setting button of the mode unit (MD) for selecting an operation mode, the setting button is a selection button (SB) that can be selected when setting the time / date / day, and setting Up button (UB) for increasing the value, Down button (DB) for lowering the set value, switching button (CB) for displaying one or the same humidity or temperature, or not displayed, USB hub (UH) It consists of a power button (PB) to operate.

The power button PB has a built-in operation indicator, and of course, the operation indicator and the power button PB may be separately installed.

The present invention is a USB hub (UH) is configured to operate by receiving power from the computer main body (PC), so no separate power is required, so if the power button (PB) is omitted and connected to the computer main body (PC) USB hub (UH) ) Can be configured to operate immediately.

In the receiving groove HD, a hole H having a relatively large size is formed so that the cord wire CW of the charging terminal CT easily enters the space S, and the inlet portion of the receiving groove HD is formed. Opposite inclined surfaces are formed on both sides so that the charging terminal CT is easily coupled to the receiving groove HD.

In the present invention, a cord reel (not shown) is installed at a predetermined position of the space S to naturally loosen when the cord line CW is drawn, or the cord line CW enters the hole H, You can also configure it to wind naturally.

Meanwhile, when charging the mobile phone CP, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the charging terminal CT inserted in the accommodation groove HD is pulled out, the cord line CW is drawn out to a predetermined length, and conversely, When the CP is not charged or the charging is completed, the charging terminal CT is inserted into the storage groove HD as shown in FIG. 3 while pushing the cord wire CW into the space S through the hole H. This prevents the overall appearance of the multifunction USB hub of the present invention.

The cord line CW does not need to be unnecessarily long so that it can be easily inserted into or pulled out of the space S, and if the length of the cord line is not too cumbersome to connect and charge the mobile phone CP, Satisfies.

The case CE has a generally round shape in cross section, and a space S is formed inside the case CE to mount a component or an assay. The bottom of the case CE is formed with a flat bottom surface FY so that it can be placed on a desk or table, and the time display part QD / temperature display part TD / humidity is provided on the front end surface FP of the case CE. The display unit HD is configured. The time display (QD) / temperature display (TD) / humidity display (HD), etc., the case (CE) is configured to be inclined by a predetermined angle ( θ ) so that the user can directly read the displayed numerical value (esthetic sense) ) Is further improved.

The predetermined angle θ is determined by the inclination of 30 ° ~ 60 ° according to the height of the case (CE) or the distance away from the user, slightly in front of the bottom surface (FY) in consideration of the center of gravity is inclined to the inclined front By forming the protruding protrusion PP, the collapse or unstable state of the case CE is eliminated.

The case CE has been described as a circle. Of course, it can be diversified into elliptical or polygonal or their deformed shape.

6 is a circuit block diagram of a USB hub shown as an example of the present invention.

USB hub (P2) and USB porter (P2) which can be connected (connected) to USB porter (P1) of computer main body (PC) using USB cable (UC) are connected to computer main body. USB Hub (UH), which can take power from (PC) and send and receive data, and USB cable (UC1) of many USB devices (U1) to (Un) to be connected (connected). Supply a plurality of USB porters P3 connected to the USB hub UH, a charging unit CH connected to the USB hub UH, and power and / or data of the charging unit CH to the mobile phone CP. And a charging terminal CT for charging or exchanging data and a charging display unit CD connected to the charging unit CH to display a charging state.

The charging unit CH installed inside the charging terminal CT has a transformer circuit for converting the power supplied from the USB porter P1 to a voltage level suitable for charging the mobile phone CP and charging for manually or automatically controlling the charging. A control means is provided, for example an I / F connector.

The charging terminal CT is provided with a socket (or terminal terminal) capable of supplying power and exchanging data, and charging is performed by being connected to a terminal terminal of the mobile phone CP. The charging display unit CD can be easily recognized by the user. It is installed so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging terminal (CT).

The charging display unit (CD) is composed of two indicators (LED) of red and green, the light is turned off when not charging, the red light is turned on when charging, and the green light is turned on when charging is completed.

Fig. 7 is a circuit block diagram of the controller C of the present invention for displaying time / temperature / humidity and the like. The time display, the temperature display, and the like are provided at the input of the control unit CC, which is composed of a central processing unit (CPU) and has a clock function. Mode part (MD) that selects operation mode such as humidity display and alarm time setting, and a plurality of keys to set or restrict the display type such as current time, alarm time, date, time and day of the week. The setting unit AD, a temperature sensor TS for sensing and inputting an ambient temperature, and a humidity sensor HS for sensing and inputting an ambient humidity are respectively connected, and the current time and the output of the controller CC are connected to each other. Time display part (QD) that displays the date and day, alarm time ON / OFF status and alarm setting time, and temperature display part that displays the temperature signal input from the temperature sensor (TS) numerically TD) and humidity signal input from the humidity sensor (HS) Said is composed of humidity display unit (HD) and the alarm when the time alarm unit (AL) for alerting a sound or light, and a self-power unit (B) such as a battery or rechargeable battery for displaying the time and temperature and humidity.

In the present invention, when the USB hub (UH) is not connected to the computer main body (PC), the power supply from the computer main body (PC) is cut off, so that time, temperature, humidity, etc. can be reduced by using a power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. Always display it.

The power supply unit B may be configured to be charged while the computer body PC is connected by using a rechargeable battery (secondary battery). In this case, the rechargeable battery may be charged by using a separate charging unit using power supplied from the computer main body PC, or by using a power of the cellular phone charging unit CH.

In the case of the alarm unit AL, a small speaker (such as a piezoelectric speaker) or a small buzzer may be used when an alarm is sounded. In the case of an alarm, the LED may be a light emitting diode having a high luminance with low power consumption. It can also be used in combination.

The control unit CC includes functions necessary for displaying a memory device, an input / output interface, time, temperature, humidity, etc., and the display unit QD (TD) (HD) includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electroluminescent device, and a seventh. Segments and the like are used.

In the present invention, the control unit (CPU) for controlling various operations is built in the USB hub (UH), the control unit is provided with a memory for storing various data and data input and output control means, the controller (C), USB power Obtaining the charging power required to charge the mobile phone from the display and the state of charge, etc. can be easily carried out by those skilled in the art of the present invention, since it will not need a separate description for implementing this Omit.

In the present invention, reference numeral JS is a fastening means such as a piece or a screw for coupling the case CE separated into left and right or up and down, and JP is a connection member to which the fastening means is fitted.

The present invention configured as described above connects the USB porter P2 of the USB hub UH and the USB porter P1 of the computer main body using a USB cable UC provided with plugs at both ends as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the USB support devices U1 to U are connected to a plurality of USB porters P3, respectively, and the USB support devices U1 to Un are USB hubs. The power is supplied from the computer main body (PC) and data is transmitted and received.

In addition, in order to charge the mobile phone CP, when the USB hub UH is connected to the computer main body PC, the charging terminal CT inserted in the storage groove HD as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is inserted into the case CE. ), And connect it to the terminal (not shown) of the mobile phone CP, the 5V power supplied from the computer main body PC is converted into the power suitable for charging by the charging unit CH, and then through the charging terminal CT It is supplied to the mobile phone (CP) and the charging indicator (CD) lights up in red, indicating charging.

When the charging is completed, the charging indicator (CD) turns green light, so that the charging is completed. In this case, the user disconnects the charging terminal (CD) from the mobile phone (CP) and then stores it as shown in FIG. 3. Put it in the groove (HD) to store it neatly.

Of course, by using the I / F connector, not only charging of the mobile phone CP, but also data exchange and processing between the computer main body PC and the mobile phone CP is possible.

When the USB support devices U1 to Un need only a power source, the 5V power supplied from the computer main body PC is supplied to the USB support devices U1 to Un to operate.

On the other hand, the time, day and date are displayed by the time display unit QD positioned on the front end surface FP by the controller C, and the ambient temperature value detected by the temperature sensor TS is controlled by the temperature display unit TD. (CC) is numerically displayed and displayed, the humidity display unit HD displays the ambient humidity value detected by the humidity sensor (HS) is numerically displayed by the control unit CC, the alarm time set by the button of the setting unit (AD) In this case, the alarm unit AL is activated and alarmed.

The time, day of the week, and date can be initialized using a setting button installed at the rear of the case (CE), set a value to a current state, or set an alarm time.

In other words, press the select button (SB) to select the time of the time / date / day, then set the current time using the up button (UB) or down button (DB), and when the time is set, select button (SB) Press the button to select the date and set the current date by using the up button (UB) or the down button (DB) .When the date is completed, press the select button (SB) to select the day of the week, and then press the up (UB) or down ( DB) is used to set the current day of the week, and when the day is set, press and hold the select button (SB) to end the time, day and date. When the date is set by using the force of the above function may be configured to automatically set the day of the week.

In addition, if you want to set the alarm time, press the mode button (MB) to switch to the alarm setting state, set the alarm time using the up button (UB) or down button (DB), and then press the mode button (MB) When the alarm setting is completed, when the alarm time comes, the alarm is activated by the alarm unit AL, and the alarm is stopped by pressing the mode button MB.

Since the controller C is operated by a separate power supply unit B by a primary battery or a secondary battery instead of the power supplied from the computer main body PC, the USB hub UH is connected to the computer main body PC. If it is not connected, it will operate normally. When using the secondary battery, it is recharged when the PC is connected, and the controller C is charged by the charged power even when the PC is not connected. Is displayed, current time, current day of week, current date, current temperature, current humidity, alarm time ON or OFF status and set alarm time are displayed respectively.

In the present invention, since one USB porter P1 provided in the computer main body PC is extended to a plurality of USB porters P3 by the USB hub UH, a plurality of USB support devices U1 to (Un) can be used. And, there is an advantage that can be charged to the mobile phone (CP) using the USB power supplied from the computer main body (PC) without the help of a separate charger.

The cord line CW of the charging terminal CT naturally enters and exits the space S through the hole H, and the charging terminal CT of the case CE does not charge the mobile phone CP. Since it is stored in the storage groove (HD), the picking edge is neat to prevent the deterioration.

In addition, since the case CE mounted on a flat place is inclined at a predetermined angle, the user can directly directly read the display values of the display unit, and the overall aesthetics are further improved.

And the controller (C) to display the time / date / day / alarm time / temperature / humidity, etc. using a separate power supply (B) is operated even if the computer main body (PC) is not connected, using a rechargeable battery In this case, since the battery can be charged using the power supplied to the USB porter (P1) (P2), various functions such as omitting the replacement of the battery can be provided to satisfy the user.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, and any person having ordinary skill in the art Various modifications and imitations can be made by the description of the present specification, but it will be apparent that this is not outside the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the USB hub of the present invention can increase the USB porter and conveniently use a plurality of USB-enabled devices, and can be used to charge a mobile phone without a separate charger, as well as displaying time / temperature / humidity. There are various effects.

In addition, in the present invention, the cord line CW of the mobile phone charging terminal CT naturally enters and exits the space portion S through the hole H, and the charging terminal CT is not connected to the case when the mobile phone CP is not charged. Since it is stored in the receiving groove (HD) of the CE), the neatness of the cord line is neat and there is an effect of preventing the deterioration.

In the present invention, the case CE is inclined at an angle of 30 ° to 60 ° so that various display parts installed on the front end face of the case can be directly read, and the display values can be easily read directly, and a protrusion formed on the front surface of the bottom surface FY. (PP) prevents the case CE from falling down and unstable, and further improves the overall aesthetics.

In the present invention, the length of the USB cable may be shorter by the USB cable connecting between the computer main body and the USB hub.

In the present invention, the controller C for controlling the display of time / date / day / alarm time / temperature / humidity, etc. uses a separate power source so that the controller C operates even when the main body of the computer is not connected. Since the battery can be charged using a power source, various functions such as omitting battery replacement are provided to satisfy the user.

Claims (5)

In configuring a USB hub; Arrangement is installed on the case CE, the space S formed inside the case CE, a plurality of USB porters P2 and P3 respectively installed on both sides of the case CE, and the case CE. A plurality of set button AD, a receiving groove DH in which the charging terminal CT is accommodated, a time display unit QD and a temperature display unit TD installed at the front end surface FP of the case CE. And a humidity sensor (HD), a temperature sensor (TS) and a humidity sensor (HS) installed in the case (CE) for sensing ambient temperature and ambient humidity, respectively, and inputting them to the controller (C), and the space part (S). USB hub (UH) installed in the charging terminal (CT) and USB porter (P2) (P3) is electrically connected to the controller, and each button is connected to the temperature sensor (TS) and humidity sensor (HS) (C) Multifunction USB hub. The method according to claim 1; Multi-function USB hub formed by forming cord wire (CW) access hole (H) in storage groove (HD). The method according to claim 1 or 2; The case CE has a rounded shape, a protrusion PP is formed on the front surface of the bottom surface FY, and the inclination angle θ of the case CE is 30 ° to 60 °. The method according to claim 1 or 2; The USB hub is connected to the USB porter P1 of the computer body PC by using a USB cable (UC). The USB porter P2 and the USB porter P2 are connected to each other. USB hub (UH) that can take power and send and receive data, and USB cable (UC1) of a plurality of USB supporting devices (U1) to (Un) is connected to the USB hub (UH). A plurality of USB porters P3, a charging unit CH connected to the USB hub UH, a charging terminal CT for supplying the power of the charging unit CH to the mobile phone CP, and a charge connected to the charging unit Multi-function USB hub consisting of a display unit (CD). The method according to claim 1 or 2; The controller C includes a mode unit MD which selects an operation mode such as time display, temperature display, humidity display, alarm time setting, etc. from the input of the control unit CC, and current time, alarm time, date, time, and day of the week. The setting unit AD for setting the display of the light, the temperature sensor TS for sensing the ambient temperature and inputting it to the control unit CC, and the humidity sensor HS for sensing the ambient humidity and inputting it to the control unit CC are provided. Each of them is connected, and the output of the control unit CC is inputted from the time display unit QD displaying the time, date, day of the week, alarm time ON / OFF status and alarm time, and the temperature sensor TS. Temperature display unit (TD) in which the temperature signal is displayed numerically, humidity display unit (HD) in which the humidity signal input from the humidity sensor (HS) is displayed numerically, and the alarm unit that alarms with sound or light when the alarm time comes ( Multi-function USB hub consisting of AL) and power supply (B).

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