Patent ID: 6319034
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An interface station for supporting and interfacing a portable electronic apparatus to an external information processing apparatus, comprising:a displaceable operation member disposed to undergo guided displacement in response to external manipulation;a movable member mounted to undergo movement in a given direction in conjunction with movement of the operation member so that the movable member is normally in an extended position in the given direction and is retracted from the extended position in response to manual displacement of the operation member;a supporting member for supporting the portable electronic apparatus, the displaceable operation member and the movable member and maintaining the portable electronic apparatus in a given position with respect to the movable member; anda first connecting terminal provided on the movable member for electrically and mechanically connecting to a contact within the portable electronic apparatus when the portable electronic apparatus is mounted on the supporting member and the moveable member is disposed in the extended position in the given direction so that the portable electronic apparatus is mechanically supported by the interface station, and for disconnecting electrically and mechanically from the contact within the portable electronic apparatus in response to manual displacement of the operation member;wherein the portable electronic apparatus is held by both the supporting member and the movable member via the mechanical connection between the first connecting terminal and the contact, so that the portable electronic apparatus may be electrically connected via the interface station to the external information processing apparatus.