JPH0370247B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Purpose] Overview Industrial Field of Use Conventional Technology Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems (Figure 1) Working Example (a) Part 1 (Fig. 2) (b) Description of the second embodiment (Fig. 3) (c) Description of the application example unit of the present invention (Fig. 4, Fig. 5) (d) The present invention Description of an application example (Fig. 6) Effects of the invention [Summary] This is an inter-unit connection detection method for detecting that a pair of units are connected by a connector, in which a connection detection driver for one unit and a connection detection driver for the other unit are connected. A current detection circuit is provided to detect the current flowing through the driver when the connection detection receiver of the unit is connected with the connector, and a connection detection signal for the driver side unit is generated by the output of the current detection circuit. This makes it possible to detect that both units are connected to the connector using a single signal line.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an inter-unit connection detection method for electrically detecting that a pair of units such as devices are connected by a connector, and particularly for detecting that both units are connected by a single signal line. This invention relates to a method for detecting connections between units.

Connecting units using connectors is widely practiced. For example, a portable data input device (unit) can be used as a printer device (unit).
Connect the connector to the data input unit to print out the input data from the data input unit to the printer unit, or connect the connector to the communication device (unit) to send the input data from the data input unit to the line via the communication unit and send it to the host computer. Communicate with others.

When such units are connected by a connector, both units receive an electrical connection detection signal, and after both units themselves confirm the connection, data is exchanged via the connector.

[Conventional technology]

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional connection detection method, in which a first unit (for example, a printer device) 1
and a second unit (e.g. data input device) 2
This shows a state in which these are connected through their respective connectors C1 and C2. The first unit 1 is provided with a first driver DV1 that issues a connection output to the other party (second unit 2), and a first receiver RV1 that receives the connection output from the other party and detects the connection. The second unit 2 includes a second receiver RV2 that receives the connection output from the first unit 1 and performs connection detection, and a second driver DV2 that issues the connection output to the first unit 1. It is provided.

Both the first and second drivers DV1 and DV2 are configured to emit high or low level connection outputs, and in the example shown, the drivers DV1 and DV
2 is applied with a voltage of +Vcc and is constituted by an inverting circuit, so the connected output becomes a low level. Accordingly, receiver RV1,
RV2 is also constituted by an inverting circuit, and its input side is set to a high level of +Vcc, and when disconnected, both connection detection signals S1 and S2 are at a low level.

In this state, the connectors C1 and C2 are connected as shown in FIG. 7, and when each driver DV1 and DV2 and each receiver RV1 and RV2 are connected by a pair of set signal pins of connectors C1 and C2, the driver
Receiver RV depending on the low level of DV1 and DV2
1, the input side of RV2 changes from high level to low level, and connection detection signals S1 and S2, which are the outputs of receivers RV1 and RV2, become high level.

Therefore, the internal circuits of the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 recognize that the connectors are connected by the respective connection detection signals S2 and S1, and connect the internal circuits through the other pins of the connectors C1 and C2. Exchange data with colleagues.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

In such a conventional system, both units 1 and 2
At least two signal lines are required to detect that the two are connected to each other. That is, it was necessary to allocate two pins among the connection pins of the connectors C1 and C2 for detection signals.

On the other hand, the smaller the number of pins in a connector, the higher the reliability and the smaller the mounting area. Also, general-purpose connectors are standardized as 20-pin and 26-pin, so if you have 19 other signal lines, for example, there is no 21-pin general-purpose connector, so you have to custom order one or use a large 26-pin connector. have to use something.

Therefore, with the conventional connection detection method, there are problems in that the number of other signal lines is limited or it is necessary to use a large connector, making it difficult to miniaturize the unit, especially in portable data input devices. It is small enough to be held in the palm of your hand,
Another problem has arisen in that the connector does not allow miniaturization. Also, the number of pins on the connector increases,
There was also the problem of reduced reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an inter-unit connection detection method that can reduce the number of signal lines for connection detection, downsize the connector, and perform highly reliable connections.

[Means for solving problems]

FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as shown in Fig. 7 are indicated by the same symbols, and 3 is a driver;
4 is a current detection circuit that detects the current flowing in the driver 3, and sends the detection result to the receiver RV.
1.

[Effect]

As shown in Figure 1, the connector of the first unit 1
When CA1 and connector CA2 of the second unit 2 are connected, both units 1 and 2 are electrically connected, and the driver 3 and receiver RV2 are connected. As a result, as explained in the conventional example, the input side of the receiver RV2 changes from the high level of +Vcc to the low level, and the connection detection signal S1, which is the output of the receiver RV2, changes from the low level to the high level and the second The connection detection is recognized by unit 2. At this time, the input side of the receiver RV2 changes from high level to low level due to the connection, which means that the +Vcc of the second unit 2 changes due to the connection.
This means that a current route is formed from the driver 3 to -Vcc via the connectors CA2 and CA1. Therefore, by connecting the driver 3, a current i
flows. Therefore, if the current detection circuit 4 detects whether or not current flows through the driver 3, the unit 1 can also detect the connection, and the connection detection signal S1 can be obtained from the receiver DV1 with the output of the current detection circuit 4. Therefore, even the first unit 1 can recognize the connection detection using one signal line.

〔Example〕

(a) Description of the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the components shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.
The light emitting diode 40b through which current flows emits light and turns on the phototransistor 40a. R7 is a voltage dividing resistor, one end of which is given a potential of +5V, and the other end of which is connected to the phototransistor 40a.
R5 is a drive resistor, and -12V
It is connected to the potential of the light emitting diode 40b via the light emitting diode 40b, and a negative (low level) potential is applied to the other end (connector CA1) side. R6 is a voltage dividing resistor, and one end is connected to the voltage dividing resistor R2 and the receiver.
What is connected to RV2, D2 is a diode, +5V (+Vcc) from connector CA2
D1 is a diode that prevents the receiver RV2 from being destroyed by application of a larger potential, and is connected to the diode D2 to maintain the connector CA2 side at approximately ground potential when connected.

Next, the operation of the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be explained.

When the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are connected by the connectors CA1 and CA2, a potential (low level) more negative than -12V is applied from the driver 3 to the second unit 2 via the drive resistor R5.
given to the side. As a result, the input side of the receiver RV2 of the second unit 2 and the output side of the driver 3 are electrically connected, and +5V is applied from the second unit 2 to the resistor 2, R6, and the diode D.
2 through the grounded diode _D1 .
More current i ₂ flows to the first unit 1. Therefore, in the first unit 1, a current i ₃ corresponding to the sum of currents i ₁ and i ₂ flows through the light emitting diode 40b via the resistor R5.

As a result, the light emitting diode 40b emits light,
The phototransistor 40a is turned on, and the collector side of the phototransistor 40a is set to a low level. When the phototransistor 40a is off,
Since the collector side of the phototransistor 40a, that is, the input of the receiver RV1 is at a high level, the input of the receiver RV1 becomes a low level when the phototransistor 40a is turned on.
Connection detection signal S2 which is the output of receiver RV1
changes from low level to high level, allowing connection detection.

On the other hand, in the second unit 2, the receiver RV
2 input changes from high level to low level due to +5V, and its output is connection detection signal S.
1 changes from low level to high level, allowing connection detection.

In this way, when the first unit 1 on the driver side and the second unit 2 on the receiver side are connected, the current flowing from the second unit 2 to the first unit 1 is detected and the driver The first unit 1 on the side can output a connection detection signal S1. In addition, when disconnected, the ground potential is maintained by the diode D1 even if a human hand touches the pin of the connector CA2 of the second unit 2, so the input potential of the receiver RV2 does not change and malfunctions are prevented. sell. Also, the first unit 1
Even if a human hand touches the pin of the connector CA1 and it is grounded, and a current flows through the light emitting diode 40b, no malfunction will occur because no light will be emitted at that current value (corresponding to _i2 ).

The photocoupler 40 described above may be a switching means such as a relay, and the photocoupler 40 may be a switching means such as a relay.
The same can be achieved by using 0b as a coil and the phototransistor 40a as a relay contact.

(b) Description of the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 1, and Fig. 2 are indicated by the same symbols, and R
8 is a drive resistor, which is provided between the light emitting diode 40b of the photocoupler 40 and the +5V potential source, and is used to generate a high-level connection output; 5 is a photocoupler, and the connector
Light emitting diode 50 connected between CA2 and ground
b, and a phototransistor 50a connected between the input side of the receiver RV2 and ground. In this example, the driver 3 of the first unit 1 is configured to output a high level connection output.

The operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 3 will be explained.

When the first units 1 and 2 are not connected, the light emitting diode 40b of the first unit 1
The connector side of the light emitting diode 4 is floating.
Since no current flows through 0b, the input to the receiver RV1 is at a high level. On the other hand, since the light emitting diode 50b of the second unit 2 also does not emit light, the input to the receiver RV2 is at a high level. Therefore, the outputs of both receivers RV1 and RV2 are at low level.

On the other hand, the first units 1 and 2 are
When connected by CA1 and CA2, the photocouplers 40 and 5 of the first unit, that is, the light emitting diode 40b and the light emitting diode 50b are connected. Therefore, both light emitting diodes 40
A current i ₄ from the first unit 1 to the second unit 2 flows through the transistors b and 50b, causing both the light emitting diodes 40b and 50b to emit light, turning on the phototransistors 40a and 50a, respectively. Therefore, the input of receiver RV1 is low level, and the input of receiver RV1 is low level.
2 input becomes low level, both receivers RV
The outputs of units 1 and RV2 become high level, and connection detection signals S1 and S2 are obtained from each unit 1 and 2.

As in the first embodiment, the photocouplers 40 and 5 may be constructed from switching elements such as relays.

(c) Description of the unit to which the invention is applied.

4 and 5 are configuration diagrams of a unit to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a data input device and a printer device, and FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a connector provided therein. It is.

In FIG. 4A, 6 is a data input device, which internally has an operating battery, a processor (MPU), a memory (RAM), and an interface circuit, and receives input from a key section to be described later. 60 is a main body, and 61 is a power switch;
It is a switch provided on the upper part of the top surface for turning on/off the power, and 62 is a display, which is composed of a liquid crystal display, and the main body 60
63 is a key section provided at the upper part of the top surface that displays input data, etc. In addition to the numeric keys "0" to "9" and the input instruction key "ENTER", it also has the necessary alphanumeric keys and a fan. A cushion key is provided, so enter data using the numeric keypad and alphanumeric key, and press "ENTER".
A connector 7 is provided on the side of the main body 60 and is used to connect with external equipment to exchange data and commands. This will be explained later.

Also, in FIG. 4B, 8 is a printer device,
It processes data from the data input device 6 and prints and issues slips, etc. 81 is a lid;
82 is a holder which is normally closed and opened for connection to the data input device 6 (as shown in the figure), and which is supported rotatably within the printer device 8 and holds data inserted for connection. 83 is a printer unit that holds the input device 6 and has a connector (described later in FIG. 5B) 9 on the bottom portion 82a to be connected to the connector 7 of the data input device 6. , an internal processor (MPU) and memory (RAM),
Those that have a printer and print and issue slips, 8
Reference numeral 4 denotes a slip ejection port through which the slip printed by the printer is ejected.

To explain an example of the use of such a unit, a printer device 8 is installed in a vehicle such as a truck for transporting goods, and is fixed to the upper part of the interior of the vehicle, for example.
Operator is a business partner (supermarket, etc.)
While checking the product by holding the data input device 6 in hand, the user operates the key section 63 to enter the product type, quantity, etc., and confirms the input data on the display 62. The input data is processed by a processor within the data input device 6 and stored in memory.
Then, the operator returns to the vehicle, opens the door 81 of the printer device 8, inserts the data input device 6 into the holder 82, and connects the connector 7 of the data input device 6 and the connector 9 of the holder 82.

As a result, the input data in the memory in the data input device 6 is transmitted to the processor of the printer device 8 via the connectors 7 and 9, and the printer operates according to the editing result of the processor of the printer device 8 to print a slip. The slip is discharged from the discharge port 84. The operator hands this slip to the business partner. Further, when the operator returns to his office, he connects the data input device 6 to the communication unit (not shown) provided in the office and the printer device 8.
The input data in the data input device 6 is communicated to the host computer via the communication unit to be used for tabulation and the like.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the connectors 7 and 9 provided in these units.

In the figure, 70a and 70b are guide holes for receiving alignment studs (to be described later) of the other connector 9 provided in the printer device 8 and the communication unit, and 71a to 71d are holes for lead terminals; The connector 9 is for receiving the signal line pins described later and electrically connecting the signal lines, 72 is an optical connection part, and three light emitting elements (light emitting diodes) 73
and six light receiving elements (phototransistors) 7
4, which faces the six light emitting elements and three light receiving elements of the other connector 9, which will be described later, and exchanges signals by optical coupling, 75
is a connector support part, and guide holes 70a, 7
0b, lead terminal holes 71a to 71d, and optical connection portions 72 are provided.

Reference numerals 90a and 90b are positioning studs which are inserted into the guide hole of one connector 7 provided in the data input device 6 to hold and align the connector 9 when connected;
91d is a signal line pin which is inserted into the lead terminal holes 71a to 71d of one connector 7 to electrically connect the signal line, and 92 is an optical connection part that connects the six light emitting elements ( It is composed of a light emitting diode) 93 and three light receiving elements (phototransistors) 94, and one connector 7
When connected to the connector, each of the connectors faces the six light-receiving elements 74 and the three light-emitting elements 73 of one connector 7, and exchanges signals by optical coupling.
Reference numeral 95 denotes a connector support section, which includes alignment studs 90a, 90b and signal line pins 91a to 9.
1d, an optical connection section 92 is provided.

To connect connector 7 and connector 9,
Studs 90a, 90 for positioning the connector 9
The data input device 6 is inserted into the holder 82 of the printer device 8 so that the data input device 6 is inserted into the guide holes 70a, 70b of the connector 7.

This allows the signal line pin 91 of the connector 9 to
a to 91d are lead terminal holes 71 of the connector 7
a to 71d, electrical connection is made,
Further, the optical connection part 92 of the connector 9 and the optical connection part 72 of the connector 7 face each other, and the light emitting element 93 faces the light receiving element 74, and the light receiving element 94 faces the light emitting element 73, so that optical coupling is possible.

In a connector using such optical coupling, signal lines for power supply, connection detection, and signal ground, which are unsuitable for optical coupling, are connected to signal line pins 91a to 91d and lead terminal holes 71a to 71.
On the other hand, data lines, clock lines, etc. that can be optically coupled are connected to the optical connection section 9.
This is done by optical coupling between 2 and 72. Compared to electrical connections made by mechanical connections, connections made by optical coupling are more reliable because there is no need to consider connection failures due to wear and deterioration of the pins, and they are electrically isolated and do not expose the terminals. This prevents damage to internal circuits caused by static electricity.

In such connectors 7 and 9, according to the present invention, for example, a signal line pin 91a and a lead terminal hole 71a are used for connection detection, and one signal line is assigned. Therefore, 2
Since actual signal lines are not used, the connector can be made smaller, and the reduced number of pins also improves the reliability of the connection. In particular, since most of the side surface area of the data input device 6 is occupied by the connector 7 as shown in FIG. 4A, miniaturization of the connector 7 contributes to miniaturization of the data input device 6 itself.

(d) Description of application examples of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an applied example of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a combination of the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in the case of connector connection.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 are indicated by the same symbols.
Reference numerals 4a to 74f are phototransistors, which are six light-receiving elements 74 provided in the connector 7. The collector side of each is given a potential of +5V via a resistor, the emitter side is connected to the photocoupler 5, and the collector output is connected to the input signal RD. 94a to 94c are phototransistors, which are three light receiving elements 94 provided in the connector 9. The collector side of each is given a potential of +5V via a resistor, and the emitter side is a current detection circuit. 4, and outputs the collector output as input signals SD to RS. In addition, 72a, 92a
is the pin and lead terminal for signal ground (SG).

To explain the operation of the application example shown in FIG. 6, when the connector 7 and the connector 9 are not connected, the light emitting diode 4 of the current detection circuit 4 of the printer 8
Since the connector side 91a of 0b is floating and no current flows to the light emitting diode 40b, the input of the receiver RV1 is at a high level.On the other hand, the light emitting diode 50b of the data input device 1 also does not emit light, so the input of the receiver RV2 is It is at a high level. Therefore, the outputs of both receivers RV1 and RV2 are at low level. This both receiver RV
1.If the input of RV2 is high level,
Each phototransistor 94a to 94c and 74
The emitter side of a to 74f is at a high level,
Therefore, each phototransistor 94 when disconnected.
Even when light enters a to 94c and 74a to 74f and they are turned on, their collector outputs are at a high level. As a result, when the phototransistors 94a to 94c and 74a to
Even if the light enters 74f, malfunctions due to disturbance light can be prevented.

On the other hand, when the data input device 6 and the printer device 8 are connected by the connectors 7 and 9, the light emitting diode 40 is connected between the photo couplers 40 and 5.
b and the light emitting diode 50b are connected. Therefore, current i ₄ flows from the printer 8 side to the data input device 6 direction to both the light emitting diodes 40b and 50b.
flows, both light emitting diodes 40b and 50b emit light, and phototransistors 40a and 50a respectively
Turn on. Therefore, the input of receiver RV1 becomes low level, the input of receiver RV2 becomes low level, the outputs of both receivers RV1 and RV2 become high level, and connection detection signals S1 and S2 are obtained from each unit 1 and 2. Along with this, each phototransistor 94a to 94c, 7
Since the emitter side of 4a to 74f is at a low level, the connector of each phototransistor is at a low level when light is incident. That is, at this time, by connecting the connectors 7 and 9, each phototransistor 94a
Since the light emitting diodes 73a to 73c and 93a to 93f on the other side face the light emitting diodes 73a to 73c and 93a to 93f, only these lights are incident, and normal signal transmission is possible.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was explained in which the present invention was applied to an optical coupling connector, but the present invention may also be applied to a normal electrical connector.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, the present invention can be modified in various ways according to the gist of the present invention.
These are not excluded from the present invention.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, connection detection can be performed for both units connected by one signal line, and the number of pins of the connector can be reduced and the size of the connector can be reduced. In addition to the effect that this can be achieved, there is also the effect that reliability is improved by reducing the number of pins. In addition, it has excellent practical effects because it is easy to realize.
In particular, it greatly contributes to further miniaturization of small units.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a structure of an application example unit of the present invention. 5 is a block diagram of the connector having the structure shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an applied example of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a conventional block diagram. In the figure, 1...first unit, 2...second unit, DV1, DV2, 3...driver, 4...current detection circuit, RV1, RV2,...receiver, CA1,
CA2, 7, 9... Connectors.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an inter-unit connection detection method for one unit and another unit to detect that the two units are connected by a connector, A connection detection driver that emits a low-level connection output; and a connection detection driver that is provided on the other unit and whose output level changes according to the connection output of the driver due to the connector connection. It has a connection detection receiver that emits a signal, and a current detection circuit that detects a current flowing between the receiver and the connector connection in the driver, and the connection for the one unit is determined by the output of the current detection circuit. An inter-unit connection detection method characterized by emitting a detection signal.