JP2014191997A - Connection device, information processing device, and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption due to an idle state of a connection part, and to strengthen the security of the connection part in the idle state.SOLUTION: A connection device includes a connection part (contact part 26), a switch (28), and switch terminals (36-1, 36-2). A connection element (LAN plug 6) is inserted and removed to and from the connection part (contact part 26). The switch (28) is switched by the insertion and removal of the connection element to and from the connection part. A switchover state is outputted to the switch terminals (36-1, 36-2) according to the insertion and removal of the connection element.

Description

The present invention relates to a connection device such as a connector used for electrical connection by inserting and removing a plug, an information processing device including the connection device, and a control program.

  Conventionally, connection devices such as connectors, sockets, and plugs are used for connection between a power source and devices and between devices.

  Regarding the plug of the AC adapter, it is known that the power supply to the service outlet is cut off when not in use by a switch provided between the plug and the service outlet (for example, Patent Document 1).

With respect to plugs, it is known that a key mechanism is provided, and a socket and a plug can be coupled and separated by a key operation (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-186019 A Utility Model Registration No. 3035993

  Incidentally, a plurality of connection devices are used for network devices and information devices. The connection device has various purposes and functions such as power feeding of devices and information transmission / reception between devices. In a device provided with such a connection device, not all of the plurality of connection devices such as sockets and connectors are used, and a so-called empty space is generated. In a connection device provided with a plurality of connection parts, even if it is a single connection device, a connection part which is not used arises.

  When such a vacancy occurs, connection waiting / connection waiting processing is always performed. This connection waiting / connection waiting process is a process for confirming that the connection is not established. Such processing has a problem that power consumption occurs.

  Also, when a connection is made to a connection part that is in a free state, the exchange of information is started. If this connection is an unauthorized user, there is a risk of information leakage such as acquisition or falsification of information for the user. Leaving the unconnected state has a problem of reducing safety.

  Then, the technique of this indication aims at reducing the power consumption accompanying the empty state of a connection part in view of the subject mentioned above.

Moreover, the technique of this indication aims at the security reinforcement | strengthening of the connection part in a vacant state in view of the subject mentioned above.

In order to achieve the above object, the technology of the present disclosure is a connection device connected to a device, and includes a connection unit, a switch, and a switch terminal. A connector is inserted into and removed from the connection portion. The switch is switched by inserting / removing a connector to / from the connection portion. The switch switching state is output to the switch terminal according to the insertion / extraction of the connector.

According to the technology of the present disclosure, the insertion / extraction of the connector with respect to the connection portion can be monitored by the switch, whether the connection portion and the connector are in a connected state can be recognized by the switch, and the switch output can be used for power saving processing, etc. it can.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and each embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the connector and plug which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the function of a connector. It is a figure which shows an example of information processing apparatus and its cutting | disconnection function. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cradle provided with a connector. It is a figure which shows the longitudinal cross-section of the connector in which a plug is inserted. It is a figure which shows the connector in which the plug was inserted. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the connector in which a key is inserted / extracted. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the connector in which a key is inserted / extracted. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the connector by which a plug is inserted / extracted. It is a figure which shows the plug lock and unlocking | release of a connector. It is a figure which shows an example of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware of a communication logic layer control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the periodic status monitoring with respect to a port. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 shows a connector and a plug. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  This connector 2 is an example of the connection device of the present disclosure. This connector 2 is installed in the information processing apparatus 4A. This information processing apparatus 4A is an example of an electronic device, and is, for example, a personal computer (PC). For example, a LAN (Local Area Network) plug (hereinafter simply referred to as “plug”) 6 is inserted into and removed from the connector 2. The plug 6 is an example of a connector that is inserted into and removed from the connector 2.

  The connector 2 is provided with a socket portion 8. A plug 6 is inserted into and removed from the socket portion 8. A key socket 10 is formed in the socket portion 8. A key 12 is inserted into and removed from the key socket 10.

  The plug 6 is connected to the tip of the LAN cable 14, for example. The plug 6 includes a main body portion 16, an insertion portion 18 and a contact 20. The main body portion 16 supports the insertion portion 18 and the contact 20. The insertion part 18 and the contact 20 are inserted into the socket part 8. A lock portion 22 is formed in the insertion portion 18. When the insertion portion 18 is properly inserted into the socket portion 8, the lock portion 22 is locked to the connector 2.

<Function of connector 2>

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the function of the connector 2. The connector 2 includes a lock mechanism portion 24, a contact portion 26, and a switch 28.

  The lock mechanism unit 24 includes a key lock mechanism 30 and a plug lock mechanism 32. The key lock mechanism 30 is unlocked when the above-described key 12 is inserted into the key socket 10, and permits the plug 6 to be inserted into and removed from the socket portion 8. The plug lock mechanism 32 maintains the plug 6 properly inserted in the socket portion 8 in a locked state. Therefore, the plug 6 can be inserted into and removed from the socket 8 when the lock mechanism 24 is unlocked. The properly inserted plug 6 is locked to the socket portion 8, and unauthorized attachment / detachment is prevented.

  The contact portion 26 includes a plurality of contacts connected to the contact 20 of the plug 6 and includes a plurality of contact terminals 34-1 34-2... 34-N.

  The switch 28 is opened and closed according to the insertion and removal of the plug 6 with respect to the socket portion 8. Before the plug 6 is inserted into the socket portion 8, for example, the open state is maintained, and when the plug 6 is properly inserted, the plug 6 is in a closed state, for example. The switch 28 includes switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2. In this example, before the plug 6 is inserted, the switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2 are turned off. When the plug 6 is properly inserted, the switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2 are brought into conduction. That is, the opening / closing of the switch 28 outputs the plug 6 insertion / extraction state. By this insertion / extraction state, the switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2 are switched between conductive and non-conductive.

<Power supply control by connector 2>

  FIG. 3A shows an example of an information processing apparatus including the connector 2. The information processing apparatus 4A includes a connector 2, a communication circuit 42, and a power supply circuit 44.

  An external device 46 is connected to the communication circuit 42 via the connector 2. The external device 46 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, for example. The external device 46 is an example of a device connected to the connector 2. In the information processing apparatus 4A, data communication is performed between the communication circuit 42 and the external apparatus 46 via the connector 2.

  The power supply circuit 44 supplies power to the communication circuit 42. The power supply circuit 44 includes a power supply plug 48, and the power supply plug 48 is connected to an outlet of a commercial AC power supply. That is, the power supply circuit 44 performs DC power supply and power supply control to the communication circuit 42 through the power supply line 50.

  Switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2 of the connector 2 are connected to the power supply line 50. That is, the switch 28 is inserted into the power supply line 50, and this switch 28 functions as a power-off circuit for the communication circuit 42.

  FIG. 3B shows an example of the power-off circuit. The power circuit 44 transforms AC power to convert it into a predetermined DC voltage and outputs it to the communication circuit 42. The DC output of the power supply circuit 44 is connected to the communication circuit 42 via power supply lines 50-1 and 50-2. In this example, the switch 28 of the connector 2 is inserted in the power supply line 50-2.

  According to such a configuration, when the plug 6 is properly inserted into the connector 2, the switch 28 of the connector 2 becomes conductive. Due to this conduction, the DC output of the power supply circuit 44 is supplied to the communication circuit 42. In other words, the communication circuit 42 is activated by this power supply, and data communication with the external device 46 is possible.

  When the plug 6 is not inserted into the connector 2, the switch 28 of the connector 2 is turned off. Due to this non-conduction, the DC output of the power supply circuit 44 is not supplied to the communication circuit 42. That is, the communication circuit 42 is stopped by this non-power supply, and data communication with the external device 46 is not performed.

  In this case, since the communication circuit 42 is in a stopped state due to non-power feeding, the search process for determining whether or not the external device 46 is connected to the connector 2 is also stopped.

<Effect of the first embodiment>

  In such a configuration, if the plug 6 of the external device 46 is not inserted into the connector 2, the switch 28 becomes non-conductive and power supply to the communication circuit 42 is stopped. That is, since the communication circuit 42 stops operating unless the external device 46 is connected, the data communication processing and connection monitoring processing of the communication circuit 42 are also stopped. If such a connector 2 is used, power saving of various electronic devices such as the information processing device 4A can be achieved.

[Second Embodiment]

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the connector 2 according to the second embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  For example, the connector 2 includes a rectangular parallelepiped casing 52. A socket portion 8 is disposed at the front portion of the casing 52. On the back side of the socket portion 8, a lock mechanism portion 24 and a switch 28 are disposed. A contact portion 26 is disposed in the socket portion 8.

  The lock mechanism portion 24 includes a key insertion / extraction portion 54 and lock arms 56-1 and 56-2. The key insertion / extraction part 54 and the lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 are disposed in the socket part 8.

  The key insertion / extraction unit 54 includes the key socket 10 described above, and the key 12 (FIG. 1) is inserted / extracted from the key socket 10.

  The lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 are for preventing the plug 6 inserted into the connector 2 from coming off. The lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 are provided with a claw portion 58 for locking the lock portion 22. The claw portion 58 engages with the lock portion 22 of the inserted plug 6 to prevent the plug 6 from being detached from the main body portion 16.

<Cradle with connector 2>

  FIG. 5 shows a cradle 4 </ b> B provided with a connector 2. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG.

  The cradle 4B is a cradle for the tablet terminal 62 and is an electronic device having a charging function and a data exchange function. This cradle 4B is also an example of an information processing apparatus. The tablet terminal 62 is a personal computer and is an example of the external device 46 described above.

  A support portion 66 that supports the tablet terminal 62 is provided on the housing 64 of the cradle 4B. A connector 2 and a charging socket 68 are provided on the rear surface of the housing 64. The connector 2 is, for example, a wired LAN connector. A charging device is connected to the charging socket 68. An extension terminal 70 is provided on the side surface of the housing 64.

  FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the connector 2 in the cradle 4B into which the plug 6 is inserted. In FIG. 6, the same parts as those in FIG.

  A substrate 72 of the contact portion 26 is installed on the bottom surface side of the socket portion 8. The substrate 72 is provided with a plurality of contacts 74. Each contact terminal 34-1, 34-2... 34-N formed integrally with each contact 74 is drawn from the bottom surface of the housing 64.

  An operation portion 76 of the switch 28 protrudes from the socket portion 8. A spring 80 is interposed between the operation unit 76 and the switch board 78. The operation portion 76 is slidable in the front-rear direction indicated by the arrow a, and is operated by the plug 6 to be inserted. That is, the switch 28 is switched between the closed state and the open state by the operation unit 76 pressed by the inserted plug 6. If the switch 28 is a normally open contact system, the switch 28 is switched to the closed state by pressing the operation unit 76. A switch board 78 is installed on the back surface of the switch 28, and the switch board 78 is fixed to the housing 64. Switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2 installed on the switch board 78 are exposed from the back surface of the housing 64.

  FIG. 7 shows the connector 2 in which the plug 6 is inserted. When the plug 6 is inserted into the socket portion 8, the operating portion 76 moves toward the switch board 78 against the spring 80 by the plug 6. Thereby, the switch 28 becomes conductive, and this conductive state appears at the switch terminals 36-1 and 36-2.

  FIG. 8A shows an example of an interlocking mechanism between the key lock mechanism 30 and the switch 28.

  The key lock mechanism 30 is provided with a slider 82. For example, the slider 82 constitutes a toggle type pushing portion. The slider 82 is slidable in the direction indicated by the arrow b. A spring 84 is interposed between the slider 82 and the inner wall of the housing 64, and the restoring force of the spring 84 acts on the slider 82 in the direction of the entrance of the key socket 10. The slider 82 is provided with a locking portion 86, and this locking portion 86 hits the wall portion 88 of the key insertion / extraction portion 54, thereby preventing the slider 82 from popping out. That is, when the key 12 is not inserted, as shown in FIG. 8A, the locking portion 86 hits the wall portion 88 of the key insertion / extraction portion 54, and the slider 82 is held at this position.

  A slide groove 90 is formed in the slider 82 in a slit shape. The slide groove 90 is inclined at an inclination angle that intersects the moving direction of the slider 82. A slide pin 92 is slidably attached to the slide groove 90. The slide pin 92 is movable along the slide groove 90.

  A lock arm 94 is attached to the slide pin 92. The lock arm 94 is supported by a support hole 96 formed in the housing 64 and is slidable in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the slider 82 (the direction indicated by the arrow c). When the lock arm 94 is lowered to the rear part of the operation part 76 of the switch 28, the movement of the operation part 76 of the switch 28 is blocked by the lock arm 94. That is, the switch 28 is locked in an open state (or a closed state) representing a state in which the plug 6 is not inserted, for example.

  FIG. 8B shows a state in which the key 12 is attached to the key insertion / extraction part 54. When the matching key 12 is attached to the key insertion / extraction part 54, the slider 82 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow b1 as the key 12 is inserted. This movement is permitted by the compression of the spring 84. When the slider 82 moves, the slide pin 92 moves along the slide groove 90. The lock arm 94 supported by the slide pin 92 moves with the movement of the slide pin 92 in the direction indicated by the arrow c1. Thereby, the operation part 76 of the switch 28 can be moved backward. That is, the lock of the switch 28 is released. In FIG. 8B, since the plug 6 is not inserted, the operation unit 76 shows a state before the plug 6 is inserted.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of an interlocking mechanism of the key lock mechanism 30 and the plug lock mechanism 32.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, a lock arm 56-1 (56-2) is attached to the slide pin 92. The lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 are rotatably supported by a housing 64 by a support shaft 98. Each of the lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 is supported using a support shaft 98 as a rotation fulcrum, and can be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow d in conjunction with the movement of the slide pin 92.

  FIG. 10A shows the process of attaching the key 12 and inserting the plug 6. When the key 12 is attached, the movement of the operation unit 76 of the switch 28 is permitted by the movement of the lock arm 94. At this time, the lock arm 56-1 (56-2) is rotated in the direction of the arrow d1 by the movement of the slide pin 92.

  In a state where the movement of the operation unit 76 is permitted (unlocked state), the insertion of the plug 6 into the socket unit 8 is permitted as shown in FIG. When the plug 6 is inserted in the direction of the arrow a1, the lock claw 58 of the lock arm 56-1 (56-2) is engaged with the lock portion 22 of the plug 6, and the lock claw 58 causes the plug 6 to Withdrawal is prevented. That is, the plug 6 is locked to the socket portion 8 of the connector 2.

  FIG. 11A shows a locked state of the plug 6. When the key 12 is removed after shifting to the locked state, the plug 6 is maintained in the locked state in the socket portion 8 of the connector 2. Thereby, the detachment of the plug 6 can be prevented, connection reliability can be maintained, and unauthorized connection can be prevented. A suitable key 12 is required to unlock the plug 6.

  B of FIG. 11 shows unlocking of the plug 6. When a suitable key 12 is inserted into the key insertion / extraction portion 54 and the slider 82 is moved in the insertion direction of the key 12 by the key 12, the lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 are rotated clockwise around the support shaft 98. . By this rotation, the claw portions 58 of the lock arms 56-1 and 56-2 are detached from the lock portion 22 of the plug 6. That is, the plug 6 is unlocked. The operating portion 76 of the switch 28 moves toward the inlet of the socket portion 8 due to the restoring force of the spring 80 in the compressed state. As a result, the plug 6 is pushed back in the detaching direction. As a result, the connection between the contact portion 26 and the contact 20 on the plug 6 side is released.

<Information Processing Device 4C Using Connector 2>

  FIG. 12 shows an example of an information processing apparatus 4 </ b> C using the connector 2. 12, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the information processing apparatus 4C, the external device 46 can be attached to and detached from the connector 2 by the plug 6 described above. As an example, a communication circuit 42 is connected to the connector 2. The communication circuit 42 constitutes a physical layer that transmits and receives signals in the information processing apparatus 4C.

  The communication control circuit 102 is connected to the communication circuit 42. The communication control circuit 102 is an example of a logic layer that executes communication control of the communication circuit 42. This communication control circuit 102 is connected to any or all of the aforementioned contact terminals 34-1 34-2... 34-N. Further, a switch 28 built in the connector 2 is connected to the communication control circuit 102 by a cable 104. A host device (not shown) is connected to the communication control circuit 102. This host device is composed of, for example, a personal computer.

  In such a configuration, when the plug 6 is not inserted into the connector 2, the communication control circuit 102 is disconnected. Thereby, the power supply to the connector 2 and the communication circuit 42 is interrupted. That is, the connector 2 and the communication circuit 42 are in a circuit cutoff range, that is, a power supply stopped state. In this way, the monitoring process by the communication control circuit 102 for the communication circuit 42 and the connector 2 in the power supply stop is stopped. Power saving is achieved by stopping the monitoring process.

<Effects of Second Embodiment>

  (1) The connector 2 can be applied to a communication device and an information processing device such as a switch for connecting to a network, a router device, and an IP telephone device. The connector 2 can be applied to existing ones such as RJ-45, RJ-11, and MT-RJ.

  (2) The switch 28 incorporated in the connector 2 can be used as a hardware switch that physically cuts off the power of the functional circuit, and can reduce standby power of various devices.

  (3) Insertion / extraction of the plug 6 is permitted by inserting the appropriate key 12, and insertion / extraction of the plug 6 is prohibited when the key 12 is not compatible. Unauthorized removal and improper attachment of the plug 6 from the connector 2 can be prohibited, and unauthorized connection to the connector 2 in an open state can be prevented. High security can be realized.

  (4) Since the switch 28 built in the connector 2 is locked by the key lock mechanism 30, the contact portion 26 in the connector 2 is covered, and unauthorized connection can be prevented.

  (5) When the plug 6 is inserted into the socket portion 8 of the connector 2, the plug 6 is locked by the lock arms 56-1 and 56-2, so that unauthorized removal of the plug 6 can be prevented and high security is realized. it can.

  (6) When the connector 2 is used for a power supply type communication interface, for example, the power supply can be controlled in conjunction with the opening and closing of the switch 28 by the plug 6 of the connector 2 and the power supply can be stopped during standby, so that standby power can be reduced. .

  (7) Since the switch 28 is opened / closed by inserting / removing the plug 6 connected to the connector 2, a mechanism capable of supplying power in conjunction with the opening / closing can be related to the operation of the external device 46 such as a peripheral device. For example, if the power supply of the external device 46 is interlocked by inserting and removing the plug 6 with respect to the connector 2, power saving on the external device 46 side can be achieved.

  (8) The contact 20 may be controlled in conjunction with the opening and closing of the switch 28 by inserting and removing the plug 6. If such a configuration is linked to the operation of the external device 46 such as a peripheral device, the operation of the external device 46 can be switched by inserting and removing the plug 6.

  (9) In the standby mode, confirmation processing such as periodic communication confirmation operation of the connection status of the external device 46 connected to the connector 2 from the host device side can be omitted, so that power consumption in information processing can be reduced.

  (10) A configuration in which the connector 2 is disconnected from the circuit system by the switch 28 can be realized, information leakage such as illegal information acquisition from the connector 2 can be prevented, and a high security connection system can be realized.

[Third Embodiment]

  FIG. 13 shows an example of an information processing device 4D according to the third embodiment. The information processing apparatus 4D includes a connector unit 106 and an electronic circuit unit 108. The connector unit 106 includes the connector 2, and the connector 2 includes the contact unit 26 and the switch 28 described above. The external device 46 (FIG. 12) is attached to and detached from the socket portion 8 of the connector 2 by the plug 6 described above. A contact 74 of the contact portion 26 is used as a communication interface (I / F) contact.

  The electronic circuit unit 108 includes a communication physical layer control circuit 110 and a communication logic layer control circuit 112. The communication physical layer control circuit 110 performs power supply control and information transmission / reception with the communication logic layer control circuit 112. In addition, the communication physical layer control circuit 110 periodically confirms a partner to be connected to the contact unit 26, and transmits / receives information to / from the connected partner.

  The communication logic layer control circuit 112 is connected to the switch 28 of the connector 2 via the cable 114. That is, when the plug 6 is properly inserted into the connector 2, the switch ON is notified, and when the plug 6 is not inserted, the switch OFF is notified.

  A main body device 118 is connected to the communication logic layer control circuit 112 by a cable 116.

  In such a configuration, when the plug 6 is inserted into the connector 2 and the switch 28 is turned ON, power is supplied from the communication logic layer control circuit 112 to the communication physical layer control circuit 110 by power control. As a result, information can be transmitted to and received from the external device 46 connected to the contact unit 26. If the switch 28 is OFF, power supply to the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is stopped. That is, if the switch 28 is OFF, the power of the connector 2 and the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is cut off, and communication is cut off.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the communication logic layer control circuit 112. The communication logic layer control circuit 112 is configured by a computer. The communication logic layer control circuit 112 includes a processor 120. The processor 120 executes programs such as an OS (Operating System), a firmware program, and an application program in cooperation with the main device 118. A memory 122 and an input / output unit (I / O) 124 are connected to the processor 120 by a bus 126. The memory 122 stores programs such as the OS, firmware program, and application program described above. The memory 122 is composed of a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The I / O 124 transmits and receives information to and from the main device 118 and the communication physical layer control circuit 110.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a processing procedure for monitoring the port status of the communication logic layer control circuit 112. This processing procedure is an example of the control method or control program of the present disclosure.

  This processing procedure is exemplified by periodic status monitoring for a single connector 2. In the case of a system including a plurality of connectors, the same state monitoring process may be periodically performed for the number of connectors.

  This processing procedure is executed, for example, when the main device 118 is activated. With this execution, the communication logic layer control circuit 112 starts state monitoring and checks the state of the switch 28 (S101).

  If the switch 28 is OFF, it is determined whether or not the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is ON until the state is changed (S102). If the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is OFF until the state is changed (NO in S102), this monitoring process is terminated.

  If the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is ON until the state is changed (YES in S102), the communication of the connector unit 106 to the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is stopped (S103). Then, the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is disconnected, the power supply is disconnected (S104), and this monitoring process is terminated.

  If the switch 28 is ON, it is determined whether or not the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is OFF until the state is changed (S105). If the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is not OFF until the state is changed (NO in S105), this monitoring process is terminated.

  If the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is ON until the state is changed (YES in S105), the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is connected (S106), and power supply is started. And the communication start to the communication physical layer control circuit 110 of the connector part 106 is performed (S107), and this monitoring process is complete | finished.

  According to such a processing procedure, if the external device 46 is not connected to the connector 2 by the plug 6, the power to the connector 2 and the communication physical layer control circuit 110 is cut off. As a result, communication is stopped. That is, the above-described port state monitoring process by the communication logic layer control circuit 112 is stopped. Therefore, power consumption is reduced and processing power saving is achieved.

[Fourth Embodiment]

  FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an information processing device 4E according to the fourth embodiment. The information processing apparatus 4E includes a connector unit 106 and an electronic circuit unit 108. The connector unit 106 includes connectors 2-1 and 2-2 as examples of a plurality of connectors. Each of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2 has the same configuration as the connector 2 described above. The contact portions 26 of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2 are used as communication I / F contacts.

  The communication device 130-1 is connected to the contact portion 26 of the connector 2-1 through the plug 6. The communication device 130-2 is connected to the contact portion 26 of the connector 2-2 through the plug 6. Each of the communication devices 130-1 and 130-2 is an example of the external device 46. As described above, the switches 28 of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2 become conductive when the appropriate plug 6 is inserted.

  The electronic circuit unit 108 includes communication physical layer control circuits 110-1 and 110-2 corresponding to the connectors 2-1 and 2-2. A common communication logic layer control circuit 112 is connected to each of the communication physical layer control circuits 110-1 and 110-2. The communication logic layer control circuit 112 is connected to the switches 28 of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2.

  A main body device 118 is connected to the communication logic layer control circuit 112. Specifically, the communication logic layer control circuit 112 is connected to the communication circuit 132 of the main device 118.

  A power supply circuit 134 is provided as a power supply means. The power supply circuit 134 supplies power to the main body device 118.

  In such a configuration, when the communication device 130-1 is connected, the switch 28 of the connector 2-1 is turned on by the insertion of the plug 6. Similarly, when the communication device 130-2 is connected, the switch 28 of the connector 2-2 is turned on by the insertion of the plug 6. In this case, the communication logic layer control circuit 112 supplies power by power control of the communication physical layer control circuits 110-1 and 110-2, and transmits and receives information.

  In response to this processing, the communication physical layer control circuit 110-1 periodically performs partner confirmation and information transmission / reception with respect to the contact unit 26. As a result, information can be transmitted and received between the communication device 130-1 and the contact unit 26, and information can be transmitted and received between the communication device 130-1 and the main device 118. Similarly, information can be transmitted and received between the communication device 130-2 and the contact unit 26, and information can be transmitted and received between the communication device 130-2 and the main device 118.

  For example, when the plug 6 on the communication device 130-1 side is removed from the connector 2-1, the switch 28 of the connector 2-1 is turned off. In this case, the communication logical layer control circuit 112 cancels power supply by power control of the communication physical layer control circuit 110-1, and stops information transmission / reception. That is, the power supply to the connector 2-1 and the communication physical layer control circuit 110-1 is canceled, and power saving is achieved.

  In this embodiment, the OFF state of the switch 28 can be known from each contact portion 26 based on the state monitoring of each contact portion 26. For example, the power supply circuit 134 is deenergized when all the switches are OFF. That is, when any or all of the switches 28 of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2 are switched off, power supply control according to the switch OFF can be performed. As a result, when power is supplied from the power supply circuit 134 to the communication devices 130-1 and 130-2 through the contact portions 26 of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2, selective or full power supply can be canceled. This also saves power.

[Fifth Embodiment]

  FIG. 17 illustrates an example of an information processing device 4F according to the fifth embodiment. This information processing device 4F includes the configuration of the information processing device 4D shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the power supply circuit 134 includes a power switch 136 and a power outlet 138. The information processing apparatus 4F constitutes a network type information terminal and can constitute a network with a plurality of communication apparatuses 130-1 and 130-2.

  The power switch 136 switches whether to turn off the power supply. The power outlet 138 supplies the output of the power circuit 134 to the outside. In this case, the power supply circuit 142 of the peripheral device 140 of the information processing device 4F is supplied with power from the power outlet 138. The peripheral device 140 is, for example, a card reader or a journal printer.

  In such a configuration, the same reference numerals are given to common parts with the information processing apparatus 4E, and the description thereof is omitted. If the plug 6 is not inserted into any of the connectors 2-1 and 2-2 and the connectors 2-1 and 2-2 are in an empty state, the communication physical layer control circuit 110-from the power circuit 134. 1, power supply to 110-2 is stopped. This power supply is stopped by turning off the power switch 136. In this case, the power supply to the power supply circuit 142 of the peripheral device 140 is also released. When neither of the communication devices 130-1 and 130-2 is connected, the power supply to the peripheral device 140 is also released. Thereby, power saving including the peripheral device 140 is achieved.

  In such a configuration, for example, when the communication devices 130-1 and 130-2 are not connected to the information processing device 4 </ b> F constituting the network type information terminal, power is supplied to the card reader or journal printer that is the peripheral device 140. It can be canceled. As a result, power saving of the information processing apparatus 4F and power saving of the card reader and the journal printer are achieved.

[Sixth Embodiment]

  FIG. 18 illustrates an example of an information processing device 4G according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 18, the same parts as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The information processing apparatus 4G includes a power supply circuit 144. The communication logic layer control circuit 112 performs power supply control on the power supply circuit 144. The power supplied from the power supply circuit 144 is supplied to the plug 6 through the contact portion 26 of the connector 2. In other words, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 144 to the communication device 130 connected to the connector 2 by the plug 6 via a part of the contacts of the contact portion 26 and the plug 6.

  According to such a configuration, when the plug 6 connected to the communication device 130 is inserted into the connector 2, the switch 28 becomes conductive. When this switch is turned ON, the communication logic layer control circuit 112 instructs the power supply circuit 144 to supply power. Power is supplied to the communication device 130 by the plug 6 through the contact portion 26 of the connector 2. As a result, information is transmitted and received between the communication logic layer control circuit 112 and the communication device 130 via the plug 6 and the contact unit 26.

  On the other hand, when the communication device 130 is not connected, that is, when the plug 6 is not inserted into the connector 2, the switch 28 becomes non-conductive. When the switch is OFF, the power supply circuit 144 is powered off by the power supply control of the communication logic layer control circuit 112. As a result, the power supply to the communication device 130 is released.

  Therefore, when the plug 6 is not inserted into the connector 2, no power is supplied to the connector 2, and in this case, the power supply to the communication device 130 is also released. That is, when the switch 28 is turned off, the power supply is released and power saving is achieved.

[Other Embodiments]

  (1) In the above embodiment, an information processing apparatus such as a cradle and a personal computer has been illustrated, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The technology of the present disclosure includes various electronic devices such as a mobile terminal device, a game device, and an electronic camera.

  (2) In the relationship between the key 12 and the key insertion / extraction section 54 in the above embodiment, the release mechanism by the key 12 may be a mechanical configuration or a configuration involving electronic processing such as an electronic signal. Also good.

  (3) Although the LAN plug 6 is illustrated as an example of the connector in the above embodiment, the connector includes various plugs. Therefore, the connector 2 is not limited to the LAN connector, and includes various connectors such as a modular connector and a power outlet.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment and the like have been described with respect to the technology of the present disclosure. The present invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

2, 2-1, 2-2 Connector 4A, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G Information processing device 4B Cradle 6 LAN plug 8 Socket portion 10 Key socket 12 Key 14 LAN cable 16 Main body portion 18 Insertion portion 20 Contact 22 Lock Part 24 lock mechanism part 26 contact part 28 switch 30 key lock mechanism 32 plug lock mechanism 34-1 34-2... 34-N contact terminal 36-1, 36-2 switch terminal 42 communication circuit 44 power supply circuit 46 external Device 48 Power supply plug 50, 50-1, 50-2 Power supply line 52 Case 54 Key insertion / extraction part 56-1, 56-2 Lock arm 58 Claw part 62 Tablet terminal 64 Case 66 Support part 68 Charging socket 70 Extension terminal 72 Substrate 74 Contact 76 Operation part 78 Switch substrate 80 Spring 82 Slider 84 Spring 86 Locking portion 88 Wall portion 90 Slide groove 92 Slide pin 94 Lock arm 96 Support hole 98 Support shaft 102 Communication control circuit 104 Cable 106 Connector portion 108 Electronic circuit portion 110, 110-1, 110-2 Communication physical layer control circuit 112 Communication logic layer control circuit 114 Cable 116 Cable 118 Main unit 120 Processor 122 Memory 124 Input / output unit 126 Bus 130, 130-1, 130-2 Communication device 132 Communication circuit 134 Power circuit 136 Power switch 138 Power outlet 140 Peripheral device 142 Power source Circuit 144 Power supply circuit

Claims (5)

A connection device connected to a device,
A connection part in which a connector is inserted and removed;
A switch that is switched by inserting and removing the connector with respect to the connection portion;
A switch terminal whose connection is switched according to the insertion and removal of the connector;
A connection device comprising:   The connection device according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism in the connection portion, and allowing the connector to be inserted into and removed from the connection portion by unlocking the lock mechanism. An information processing apparatus including a connection device connected to a device,
The connection device, a connection part from which a connector is inserted and removed;
A switch that is switched by inserting and removing the connector with respect to the connection portion;
A switch terminal whose connection is switched according to the insertion and removal of the connector;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Furthermore, a control unit that is connected to the switch terminal and stops power feeding or information processing related to the connection unit according to insertion / extraction of the connector with respect to the connection unit,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: A control program for an information processing apparatus having a connection device including a switch operated by an insertion / extraction operation of a connector of an external device,
A control program for executing processing for taking in an open / closed state of the switch and canceling state monitoring for the connected device when the external device is not connected.

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