JP4244785B2 - Attachment and AC adapter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an attachment attached to a connector portion at the tip of a cable of an AC adapter and an AC adapter using the attachment.

  Conventionally, a connector portion at the end of a cable of an AC adapter used to supply commercial power to an electronic device or the like is in a hole of a DC-IN terminal provided on the electronic device main body (hereinafter also referred to as a main body). The shape of the knob to be inserted. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an AC adapter having a straight connector portion.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an L-shaped connector portion of the AC adapter. In FIG. 10, 100 is a connector part, 101 is a terminal part, 102 is a cable part, and 103 is a flexible part having flexibility and moving within a predetermined range.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-91281 (FIG. 9)

  When inserting / removing the connector part to / from the main body, grasp the knob-shaped part (for example, the connector part 100) with your finger and insert / remove it to the main body. The insertion / extraction work is complicated. In addition, in the case of a device that needs to be charged on a daily basis in order to carry the main body, the frequency of insertion / removal increases, so a shape that can be easily inserted / removed is required.

  In addition, when the main body is carried around, the connector portion of the AC adapter that has been removed from the main body is left on the desk in a bare state.

  FIG. 11 shows a state where the connector is left on the desk. As can be understood from the drawing, the left connector portion 100 is unsightly in a halfway state. At the same time, the connector part 100 is pulled (in the direction of the arrow) due to the weight of the cable part 102 and is likely to fall on the back of the desk 200, which is in an unstable state.

  In view of such a point, an object of the present invention is to prevent movement and dropping of a connector part of an AC adapter left on a desk and to facilitate an insertion / removal operation to / from an apparatus main body.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the first invention includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a hinge portion that connects the upper housing and the lower housing so as to be openable and closable, and the upper housing. And a lock part for fixing the lower housing in a closed state, a flexible part to which a cable is connected, and a connector part provided with a pin plug to fix the connector part formed inside And an attachment body having a first hole penetrating the flexible portion, a second hole penetrating the pin plug, and a bottom surface in surface contact with the table top surface.
Here, the fixing portion is configured by combining recesses formed in the upper housing and the lower housing, and the holes penetrating the flexible portion and the pin plug are formed in the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively. Each notch formed in the casing is combined.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the second invention includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a lock portion that fixes the upper housing and the lower housing in a closed state, and a cable connected to each other. A fixed portion for fixing the connector portion formed inside along the shape of the connector portion including the formed flexible portion and the pin plug, a first hole penetrating the flexible portion, and the pin plug. It has an attachment main body provided with the 2nd hole to penetrate, and the bottom face which carries out surface contact with the table top.
Here, the fixing portion is configured by combining recesses formed in the upper housing and the lower housing, and the holes penetrating the flexible portion and the pin plug are formed in the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively. Each notch formed in the casing is combined.

According to the present invention, when the attachment is attached to the connector part and placed on the desk, even if it is pulled by the weight of the cable part, it is placed by the friction force acting between the bottom surface of the attachment body and the desk . The connector part can be prevented from moving and dropping from the place.
Moreover, since the attachment main body can be freely attached to and detached from the connector part, attachment or detachment of attachments can be freely selected according to, for example, the usage form of the electronic device.

Said 1st and 2nd invention WHEREIN: The material for enlarging the frictional force with a desk top surface is given to the at least bottom face of the attachment main body, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the attachment from slipping on the table top surface with a simple configuration.

In the first and second aspects of the present invention, the knob portion protruding from the attachment main body, or the opposite side surfaces of the attachment main body are provided with a cross-sectional concave portion and a cross-sectional convex portion formed relatively by the concave portion. It is formed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the handling of the attachment by providing the attachment main body with a portion that can be picked by a finger or a portion that can be hooked by a finger.

In the first and second aspects of the present invention, the surface of the attachment main body provided with the second hole for penetrating the pin plug is formed between two protrusions provided in the pin plug direction. When the pin plug is inserted into the electronic device side, a predetermined part on the electronic device side corresponding to the opening is fitted.

According to the present invention, when the pin plug of the connector portion fixed to the attachment is inserted into and removed from the electronic device, the protrusions at both ends of the opening serve as guides, so that the insertion and removal work between the pin plug and the electronic device can be performed. It can be done easily.

  According to the present invention, even when the connector portion to which the attachment is attached is placed on the desk, even if it is pulled by the weight of the cable portion, a predetermined frictional force is generated between the attachment and the table top surface. Therefore, it can prevent movement and fall from the place where it was placed, and it will not fall out of the desk and lose sight.

  Moreover, when the attachment attached to the connector part of the AC adapter can be freely detached, it is possible to deal with various usage forms of electronic devices and connections with other devices. Furthermore, attachments can be replaced according to the user's preferred design and shape.

  Also, by providing the attachment with a part that can be gripped with a finger or hooked by a finger, or by providing a protrusion with a guide function, the handling of the attachment and the attachment opening and the corresponding part of the electronic device main body The insertion / removal operation can be easily performed.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1-9, the example of embodiment of the attachment attached to the connector part of the AC adapter of this invention and AC adapter using this attachment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 shows an external view of an attachment according to an embodiment. The attachment of this example is structured to be attached so as to sandwich and wrap the connector part of the AC adapter. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the connector part of the AC adapter shown in FIG. 10 is arranged in the lower housing of the attachment, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the attachment is actually attached to the connector part of the AC adapter.

  The attachment 1 of this example includes an upper and lower housing and a lower housing as will be described later with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1A, a connector portion 100 is disposed in a concave portion for fixing a connector portion provided along the shape of the connector portion described later of the lower housing 1L of the attachment 1, and the pin plug 101, the flexible portion 103 and the subsequent cable 102 are attached. It is configured to go out of the housing. 3L represents a lower lock member constituting the lock portion, and 5 represents an opening formed by projections 4a and 4b protruding from the attachment main body in the direction of inserting the pin plug 101. The protrusions 4a and 4b serve as a guide bar when inserted into a DC-IN terminal of an electronic device described later.

  FIG. 1B shows the state of the upper housing 1U and the lower housing 1L of the attachment 1 after the L-shaped connector portion 100 is attached from above and below, and a plurality of anti-slip grooves protruding from one side of the upper housing 1U. A knob portion 2 formed with 2a is provided. By grasping the knob portion 2, the attachment 1 can be easily handled. This knob portion can be provided at a desired location such as the surface 1a of the upper housing 1U.

  Since the flexible portion 103 is outside the attachment 1, the cable 102 can be flexibly moved from the flexible portion 103 at the base of the connector portion 100, and the cable 102 is connected to the connector portion 100 in the same manner as before the attachment 1 is attached. It is possible to protect from the stress generated at the base of the.

  Since the surface 1a of the upper housing 1U of the attachment 1 is relatively wide, a desired design can be drawn, and the design of the entire attachment can be improved and aesthetics can be urged. Moreover, the area | region of the surface 1a can also be utilized for an advertisement.

  Although the connector part shape which attaches the attachment 1 of this example was L-shaped, of course, it can apply to the connector part of another shape.

  FIG. 2 is a side view of the attachment 1 as seen from the insertion direction of the pin plug 101 when the upper housing 1U and the lower housing 1L are opened. The upper housing 1U and the lower housing 1L are connected to each other by a hinge portion 6 having an opening / closing mechanism so as to be opened and closed. Concave portions 7U and 7L that match the shape of the connector portion 100 are provided inside the upper and lower housings, respectively, and when the connector portion 100 is disposed and the upper and lower housings 1U and 1L are closed, the concave portions 7U and 7L can appropriately The connector part 100 is pressed down and the connector part 100 is designed to be fixed inside the attachment. The upper member 3U and the lower member 3L of the lock unit 3 are fixed to each other when the upper and lower housings are closed and engaged with each other so that the upper and lower housings cannot be opened by an impact other than a predetermined operation. It is not limited.

  The attachment 1 of this example uses, for example, a plastic such as ABS (acrylonitrile (A) butadiene (B) styrene (S)) resin excellent in impact resistance, or rubber to prevent slipping on the table top surface. Mold. At this time, if the attachment 1 itself has a certain weight by inserting a weight or the like, the frictional force generated between the attachment 1 and the table top surface when it is left on the table increases, and the movement and drop due to the cable weight itself are suppressed. be able to. This frictional force should be at least greater than the tension pulled by the cable's own weight.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of the attachment 1 of FIG. 1B with the upper housing 1U and the lower housing 1L opened. For example, when the attachment 1 is formed using plastic, an elastic material such as rubber is provided on the entire inner surface of the concave portion 7U of the upper housing 1U and the concave portion 7L of the lower housing 1L or a portion in surface contact with the connector portion 100. The insole member 8 may be provided to prevent the connector unit 100 from moving inside the attachment 1 housing.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the usage example with respect to the electronic device of the attachment 1 of this example is demonstrated. 4A, reference numeral 50 denotes an example of a portable electronic device. For example, 50a denotes a display, and 50L and 50R denote left and right speakers, respectively. The electronic device 50 is supported by a stand 51 at a predetermined angle, and a side surface 51a of the stand 50 is provided with a DC-IN terminal 52 for inputting commercial power via an AC adapter.

  Note that the electronic device is not limited to the above example, and any electronic device that can be used or charged by power supply via an AC adapter and that can be carried and used can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the attachment 1 attached to the connector portion 100 of the AC adapter is inserted into the DC-IN terminal 52 of the electronic device 50 from the direction of the arrow. At this time, the pin plug 101 of the attachment 1 is inserted into the DC-IN terminal 52 so that the opening 5 from which the pin plug 101 (FIG. 1B) of the attachment 1 projects and the side surface 51a of the stand 50 are fitted. Since the protrusions 4 a and 4 b guide the pin plug 101 between the openings 5, the pin plug 101 is naturally inserted into the DC-IN terminal 52. When pulling out the pin plug 101 from the electronic device 50, it can be easily pulled out by pinching the knob portion 2 of the attachment 1 with a finger. A guide rail may be provided on the stand 51 side (not shown) so that the side view 51a of the stand 51 can be easily inserted into the opening 5 of the attachment 1, and the pin plug 101 can be inserted more naturally. Good.

  FIG. 5 shows the attachment 1 in a state where it is removed from the electronic device and left on the desk. The attachment 1 of this example has a certain weight, or is made of a non-slip material such as rubber, and the attachment 1 does not move between the attachment 1 and a desk top such as a desk 200. Since the frictional force exceeding the value is generated, the cable 102 is not pulled by the weight of the cable 102 and does not move from the desk.

  In addition, the attachment 1 is different from the bare connector part, for example, it has a cuteness like a mouse used in a personal computer, and even if it is pulled out from an electronic device and just rolled on a desk, it has a certain shape and design. It looks like a friendship.

  FIG. 6 is an example of handling the attachment 1. Since the attachment 1 is provided with a knob 2, for example, by pinching the knob 2 between the thumb 71 and the index finger 72, the attachment 1 can be easily pinched and help the work when attaching / detaching the attachment 1. Can do. Further, as in the example of FIG. 6, the knob portion 2 may be installed with an angle slightly upward so that the knob portion 2 can be easily pinched.

  Note that a pad 9 made of a non-slip material such as rubber may be provided at the bottom of the lower housing 1L to prevent movement or slipping on the desk.

  With the configuration as described above, even when the connector portion to which the attachment of this example is attached is placed on the desk and pulled by the weight of the cable, it is possible to prevent movement and dropping from the place of placement. Further, for example, by providing a protrusion having a guide function, the attachment and the device main body can be easily inserted and removed. Moreover, since the attachment attached to the connector part of the AC adapter can be freely detached, attachment / detachment of the attachment can be selected according to, for example, the usage form of the electronic device.

  Next, a usage form of the AC adapter using the attachment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the electronic device 50 is driven by a commercial power source supplied from the power plug 105 connected to the outlet 106 via the AC adapter 104 (when so-called AC is used) or, for example, the battery unit 54 integrated with the stand 51 When charging the battery, the knob part 2 of the attachment 1 is picked up with a finger, and the pin plug 101 is inserted into the DC-IN terminal 52 of the electronic device 50. Further, when carrying the electronic device 50 to another place (when using a so-called battery), the knob portion 2 is pinched with a finger and pulled out. If you just take your finger off, it will stay firmly in place, so you don't have to look for the connector or pick it up from the floor when you return.

  In many cases, the portable electronic device has the charging cradle 55. For example, when the electronic device 50 is used while standing on the cradle 55 with no plan to carry it around, the attachment 1 of this example is used. Since the connector part can be attached and detached, a method of use is possible in which the attachment 1 is removed and the exposed connector part 100 is directly pinched and inserted into the DC-IN terminal 56.

  As described above, the AC adapter using the attachment in the connector portion of the present example can cope with various usage forms of electronic devices and connections with multiple devices by detaching the attachment attached to the connector portion. For example, even if there is no dedicated cradle for charging that many mobile phones have, not only can you use and charge AC comfortably and easily, but you can also carry it with you (without connecting devices on the desktop). Because it doesn't take up a big place like a cradle, you can keep the room and desk clean, and the connector doesn't move or fall off the desk so you don't lose sight.

  FIG. 8 shows an attachment according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the attachment 11 in FIG. 8, a straight connector portion (not shown) is built in by the method described in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. The pin plug 101 other than the connector portion, the flexible portion 103, and the cable 102 following the pin plug 101 are outside the attachment housing. The attachment 11 does not have a protruding portion functioning as a guide bar as shown in FIG. 1, and the pin plug 101 protruding from the attachment 11 can be directly inserted into the DC-IN terminal 53. Of course, it is possible to attach the attachment 11 of this example to the L-shaped or other shape connector part of the example of FIG.

  Moreover, since the attachment 11 is provided with the two knob parts 12a and 12b, the part which can be pinched with a finger increases and it becomes easy to handle the attachment 11. FIG. Further, for example, when the two knob portions 12a and 12b are used as ears and the pin plug 101 is used as a nose or mouth, an elephant and a mouse can be seen, and cuteness and caress are felt. Furthermore, for example, by applying a unique design to the surface of the attachment 11, the friendliness is felt and the design and aesthetics are improved.

  According to this example described above, since no protrusion (guide bar) is provided on the attachment, for example, it is possible to deal with a terminal disposed on a flat surface such as the DC-IN terminal 53 of FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows a side view of an attachment according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The attachment 21 of this example includes an upper housing 21U and a lower housing 21L having curved surfaces on both sides. When the upper casing 21U and the lower casing 21L are closed, the upper and lower casings form concave portions 22a and 22b made of a curved surface such as a part of a cylindrical surface on the side surface. The recesses 22a and 22b on both side surfaces of the lower housing 21L are gripped and held with one hand, and the other housing is relatively formed by the recesses 22a and 22b while sandwiching both side surfaces of the upper housing side 21U with fingers. When the protrusions 22a1 and 22b1 are put on the fingers and lifted in the direction of the arrow, the lock members 23a and 23b move inward, the attachment 21 is unlocked, the upper and lower cases can be opened, and the connector part can be removed. Further, when carrying the attachment 21, for example, it can be easily carried by grasping both side surfaces having a concave cross section.

  Lock members 23a and 23b provided on both side surfaces are limited to those that are engaged and fixed when the upper and lower casings are closed and the upper and lower casings cannot be opened by an impact other than a predetermined operation. is not.

  According to the example of FIG. 9 described above, for example, by providing concave portions 22a and 22b made of a curved surface portion such as a part of a cylindrical surface on the side surface portion of the attachment, relatively convex portions 22a1 and 22b1 are formed. The upper casing 21U can be easily lifted and removed by hooking the fingers on the convex portions 22a1 and 22b1 when opening the upper and lower casings.

  In addition, in the example of these embodiment mentioned above, although it was set as the structure which can attach or detach an attachment with respect to a connector part, a connector part and an attachment are good also as integral molding. In this case, the user does not need to attach the attachment, and the attachment that is formed integrally with the connector portion has a certain amount of weight or is provided with an anti-slip function using rubber or the like, so that the AC adapter can be removed from the electronic device main body. The connector-integrated connector that is left on the desktop when the cable is disconnected will not move or fall off the desktop.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other configurations can be taken without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure where it uses for description of the attachment of one embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the state which opened the attachment main body of one embodiment of this invention. It is II sectional drawing of the attachment of FIG. It is a figure with which it uses for description of the usage example of the attachment of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which left the attachment of one embodiment of this invention on the desk. It is a figure with which it uses for description of the handling of the attachment of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure with which it uses for description of the usage form of AC adapter of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure where it uses for description of the attachment of other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure with which it uses for description of the attachment of other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the connector part of the existing AC adapter. It is a figure which shows the state which left the connector part of the existing AC adapter on the desk.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 11, 21 ... Attachment, 1a ... Attachment surface, 1U, 21U ... Upper housing, 1L, 21L ... Lower housing, 2, 12a, 12b ... Knob portion, 2a ... Anti-slip groove, 3 ... Lock portion, 3U: Upper lock member, 3L: Lower lock member, 4a, 4b ... Projection, 5 ... Opening, 6 ... Hinge, 7U, 7L ... Recess, 8 ... Insole member, 9 ... Pad, 22a, 22b ... Recess 22a1, 22b1 ... convex part, 23a, 23b ... lock member, 50 ... electronic device, 50a ... display, 50L, 50R ... speaker, 51 ... stand, 51 ... side part, 52, 53, 56 ... DC-IN terminal, 54 ... Battery, 55 ... Cradle, 100 ... Connector part (L-shaped), 101 ... Pin plug, 102 ... Cable, 103 ... Flexible part, 104 ... AC adapter body, 105 ... Power plug, 106 ... outlet, 200 ... desk

Claims (6)

An upper housing, a lower housing, a hinge portion for connecting the upper housing and the lower housing so as to be openable and closable, and a lock portion for fixing the upper housing and the lower housing in a closed state. A fixing part for fixing the connector part formed inside the flexible part to which the cable is connected and a connector part having a pin plug, and a first hole penetrating the flexible part; An attachment main body having a second hole penetrating the pin plug and a bottom surface in surface contact with the table top surface,
The fixing portion is configured by combining concave portions formed in each of the upper housing and the lower housing,
Each hole which penetrates the said flexible part and the said pin plug is an attachment comprised by combining each notch formed in the said upper housing | casing and a lower housing | casing . Along the shape of the upper housing, the lower housing, the lock portion for fixing the upper housing and the lower housing in a closed state, the flexible portion to which the cable is connected, and the connector portion having the pin plug A fixing portion for fixing the connector portion formed inside, a first hole penetrating the flexible portion, a second hole penetrating the pin plug, and a bottom surface in surface contact with the table top surface. An attachment body provided with,
The fixing portion is configured by combining concave portions formed in each of the upper housing and the lower housing,
Each hole which penetrates the said flexible part and the said pin plug is an attachment comprised by combining each notch formed in the said upper housing | casing and a lower housing | casing . The attachment according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a material for increasing a frictional force with the table top surface is applied to at least a bottom surface of the attachment main body . Attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising a handle portion, which projects from the Atatchimen preparative body. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a cross-sectional concave portion and a cross-sectional convex portion relatively formed by the concave portion are formed on opposite side surfaces of the attachment body . The surface where the second hole is provided for fitted through the pin plug of the attachment body further comprises an opening, which is formed between the two projections provided on the pin plug direction,
The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein when the pin plug is inserted on the electronic device side, a predetermined part on the electronic device side corresponding to the opening is fitted .

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