Electric cable device and information reproduction system

An electric cable device includes an electric cable, and a plug component. The plug component includes a terminal body with a plurality of plug terminals, a hood component, and a plug body. The hood component is disposed around the terminal body. The hood component has a width measured in a first direction of the plug component. The width of the hood component is greater than a height of the hood component that is measured in a second direction of the plug component. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The plug body is disposed around part of the hood component such that the hood component protrudes from the plug body in a third direction of the plug component with the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second direction. The plug body is asymmetrically formed relative to any of planes that are perpendicular to the second direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-125690 filed on May 25, 2009. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-125690 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an electric cable device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric cable device that is connected to an electric device.

2. Background Information

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a type of multimedia interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data including digital video signals and digital audio signals along with control signals through a single, integrated cable. Information reproduction devices that have HDMI terminals have been quite popular in recent years. The information reproduction devices, such as DVD players, are increasingly being connected to video display devices, such as television receivers, by an HDMI cable device. An HDMI terminal is generally provided to a rear face of the information reproduction device or video display device. When a user connects a plug of the HDMI cable device in a position in which the user looks down the HDMI terminal from a top or a side of the information reproduction device or video display device, but without being aware of which side is up or down (or left or right), if the plug does not fit to the HDMI terminal, then the user has to turn it upside down or switch it left to right and then insert it again.

As discussed above, when the user connects the HDMI cable device without being aware of which side is up or down (or left or right), since a hood of the plug is made of metal, there is the risk of scratching the rear face, or damaging a plug terminal portion of the plug. Furthermore, this makes the connection work take longer and imposes a burden on the user.

Another conventional connector includes an incorrect insertion prevention member (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2006-228449, for example). The incorrect insertion prevention member has guide pieces and support pieces. The guide pieces are expanded to the left and right by two distal end corner parts of a suitable plug inserted suitably into the conventional connector. The support pieces are provided to the distal end parts of the guide pieces and support the left and right side faces of a different type of plugs.

Another conventional connector includes a hooded connector and a coupling connector (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2004-327325, for example). The hooded connector fits together with the coupling connector. An inner surface shape of a hood of the hooded connector is made to correspond to an outer surface shape of the coupling connector.

Another conventional connector includes a plug and a terminal (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2004-171976, for example). An outer surface shape of the plug that is inserted into the terminal is vertically or laterally asymmetrical.

Furthermore, another conventional connector includes receiving-side and insertion-side connectors (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-124345, for example). The receiving-side and insertion-side connectors prevent reverse insertion. With the connectors, a plurality of protrusions exert a force that pushes guide keys upward in guide grooves, so the receiving-side connector and the insertion-side connector are fixed in the guide grooves and fitted together. The insertion-side connector is divided into two pieces with an upper housing and a lower housing that has a lock lever.

However, with the conventional connectors, when an electric device, such as an information reproduction device or a video display device, is connected to an electric cable device with the conventional connectors, it is still difficult to tell the correct connection direction between the electric cable device and the electric device.

SUMMARY

The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problem. One object of the present invention is to provide an electric cable device with which it becomes easier to correctly connect the electric cable device.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electric cable device includes an electric cable, and a plug component. The plug component is coupled to at least one end portion of the electric cable. The plug component includes a terminal body with a plurality of plug terminals, a hood component, and a plug body. The plug terminals are electrically coupled to the electric cable. The hood component is disposed around the terminal body. The hood component has a width measured in a first direction of the plug component. The width of the hood component is greater than a height of the hood component that is measured in a second direction of the plug component. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The plug body is disposed around part of the hood component such that the hood component protrudes from the plug body in a third direction of the plug component with the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second direction. The plug body is asymmetrically formed relative to any of planes that are perpendicular to the second direction.

With this electric cable device, it becomes easier to correctly connect the electric cable device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

An information reproduction system S will now be described through reference toFIGS. 1 to 8. As shown inFIG. 1, the information reproduction system S includes an optical disk reproduction device (e.g., information reproduction device)1, a liquid crystal television set (e.g., video display device)2, and an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable device (e.g., electric cable device)3. The HDMI cable device3electrically connects the liquid crystal television set2and the optical disk reproduction device1for transmitting uncompressed digital data. The HDMI cable device3has one of four HDMI connector types, such as Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D.

The optical disk reproduction device1includes a spindle motor M for rotating an optical disk11, an optical pickup P, a signal processor12, a decoder13, an OSD (On Screen Display) processor14, an HDMI transmitter15, a controller16, a memory17, a control interface18, and a remote control receiver19. The optical pickup P emits a laser beam on the optical disk11to read signals written to the optical disk11. The signal processor12processes the signals read by the optical pickup P. The decoder13decodes the signals processed by the signal processor12. The OSD processor14superimposes text or graphic OSD data on the decoded signals outputted from the decoder13, or outputs text or graphic OSD data directly. The HDMI transmitter15, as shown inFIG. 2, has a plurality (two inFIG. 2) of HDMI connectors (e.g., first socket component)4. The HDMI connectors4are provided to a terminal board T1disposed on a rear face of the HDMI transmitter15(or the optical disk reproduction device1). The HDMI transmitter15receives EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) from the television set2, and transmits HDMI format video and audio data based on an output signal of the OSD processor14via the HDMI connectors4to the television set2. The controller16controls the spindle motor M, the optical pickup P, the signal processor12, the decoder13, the OSD processor14, the HDMI transmitter15, and the memory17. The control interface18has various control buttons. The control interface18outputs code signals corresponding to the control buttons that are pressed by the user to the controller16, thereby sending the user's commands to the controller16. The remote control receiver19receives infrared signals from a remote control transmitter (not shown), outputs code signals corresponding to operation of the remote control transmitter by the user, and sends the user's commands to the controller16. The optical disk11can be placed in and removed from the optical disk reproduction device1.

As shown inFIGS. 1,3and4, the television set2includes an HDMI receiver21, a display component22, a memory23, and an audio output24. Although not depicted, the television set2also includes a television broadcast receiving component for receiving analog and/or digital television broadcasts. The HDMI receiver21has a plurality (two inFIG. 4) of HDMI connectors (e.g., second socket component)4. The HDMI connectors4are provided to a terminal board T2disposed on a rear face of the HDMI receiver21(or the television set2). The HDMI receiver21transmits the EDID to the optical disk reproduction device1, and receives the HDMI format video and audio data from the optical disk reproduction device1. The display component22displays video based on the video data received by the HDMI receiver21. The audio output24outputs audio based on the audio data received by the HDMI receiver21.

As shown inFIG. 5, the HDMI connectors4provided to the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2are so-called female HDMI connectors (e.g., receptacle connectors or sockets), and are coupled and connected to the HDMI cable device3so that a hood51of the HDMI cable device3is fitted in the HDMI connectors4. The HDMI connector4includes a shell41, a plurality (19,29, etc.) of connector terminals42, and a terminal body43. The shell41has a shape similar to that of a trapezoid. The connector terminals42are provided on the inside of the shell41so that the connector terminals42are surrounded by an inside peripheral face41aof the shell41. The connector terminals42are provided on the terminal body43along an outer peripheral face of the terminal body43. The terminal body43is disposed within the shell41. The terminal body43is made of synthetic resin.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the HDMI cable device3has an HDMI cable (e.g., electric cable)31and a pair of HDMI plugs (e.g., plug components or first and second plug components)5provided to both ends (e.g., end portions) of the HDMI cable31. The HDMI cable31has a TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) line L1, an HPD (hot plug detector) line L2, and a DDC (display data channel) line L3. The TMDS line L1transmits audio/video data from the HDMI transmitter15to the television set2by TMDS. The HPD line L2detects whether or not the optical disk reproduction device1is connected to the television set2by the HDMI cable device3. The DDC line L3performs bidirectional communication of status or controls between the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2. The optical disk reproduction device1acquires the EDID from the television set2through the DDC line L3of the HDMI cable device3. The EDID sent form the television set2to the optical disk reproduction device1includes resolution information for the display component22.

With this constitution, the user operates the remote control transmitter or the various control buttons on the control interface18of the optical disk reproduction device1to view an image displayed on the display component22of the television set2, and to hear audio from the audio output24at the same time. The user can also operate a remote control or control interface (not shown) provided to the television set2to tune to a desired channel in order to view the desired television broadcast on the display component22and hear the audio from the audio output24at the same time.

As shown inFIGS. 6 to 8, the HDMI cable device3has a pair of male HDMI plugs5at both ends of the HDMI cable31. The HDMI plugs5are coupled and connected to the HDMI connectors4of the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2. The HDMI plugs5have a shape corresponding to that of the HDMI connectors4. Each of the HDMI plugs5includes a hood (e.g., hood component)51, a plurality (19,29, etc.) of plug terminals52, a plug body53, and a terminal body54. The hood51is formed in a shape that is analogous to the profile on the inside peripheral face41aof the shell41of the HDMI connector4. As shown inFIG. 7A, the hood51is disposed around the terminal body. The hood51has a width W measured in a horizontal direction (e.g., first direction) D1of the HDMI plug5. The width W of the hood51is greater than a height H of the hood51that is measured in a vertical direction (e.g., second direction) D2of the HDMI plug5. The horizontal direction D1is perpendicular to the vertical direction D2. The hood51is made of metal. An outer peripheral face51aof the hood51is fitted into the inside peripheral face41aof the shell41. The plug terminals52are provided in an interior of the hood51and are connected to connector terminals42of the HDMI connector4, respectively. The plug terminals52are provided on the terminal body54along an inner peripheral face of the terminal body54. The terminal body54is made of synthetic resin. The inner peripheral face of the terminal body54receives the outer peripheral face of the terminal body43of the HDMI connector4such that the plug terminals52are electrically coupled to the connector terminals42, respectively. The plug body53covers part of the HDMI cable31and part of the hood51. The plug body53is made of a plastic resin or other such insulating material. The cross sectional shape of the plug body53as viewed in the direction of insertion into the HDMI connector4has an outer profile that corresponds in shape to an outer profile of the outer peripheral face51aof the hood51(e.g., outer profile of a cross sectional shape of the hood51). More specifically, the cross sectional shape of the plug body53as viewed in the direction of insertion into the HDMI connector4has the outer profile that is analogous or similar to the outer profile of the outer peripheral face51aof the hood51. In particular, as shown inFIG. 7B, the cross sectional shape of the plug body53is formed in a shape similar to an inverse trapezoidal shape.

More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the plug body53has a vertically asymmetrical shape with respect to any of horizontal planes that are parallel to upper and lower faces53aand53bof the plug body53. In particular, the plug body53has a vertically asymmetrical shape with respect to a horizontal plane PL that is parallel to upper and lower faces53aand53bof the plug body53and is located midway between the upper and lower faces53aand53bof the plug body53(i.e., a distance between the horizontal plane PL and the upper face53ais equal to a distance between the horizontal plane PL and the lower face53b). The plug body53further has a front face53c, a pair of slope faces (e.g., first and second slope faces)53dat lower corners of the plug body53, and a pair of side faces (e.g., first and second side faces)53g. Each of the slope faces53dextends downwardly and inwardly from a vertical middle portion of a respective one of the side faces53gof the plug body53to a respective one of edge portions of the lower face53bof the plug body53. The side faces53gis perpendicular to the horizontal direction D1. The lower face53bis perpendicular to the vertical direction D2. The slope faces53dfurther axially extend from the front face53cto a rear face53hin an axial direction (e.g., third direction) D3that is parallel to a center axis of the hood51, respectively. In other words, the slope faces53daxially extend entirely along the plug body53. The axial direction D3is perpendicular to both of the horizontal and vertical directions D1and D2. The vertical middle portions of the side faces53gof the plug body53are formed at a vertical position that is horizontally aligned to both of the hood51and the terminal body54. Furthermore, the edge portions of the lower face53bof the plug body53are formed at horizontal positions that are vertically aligned to both of the hood51and the terminal body54, respectively. The hood51protrudes frontward relative to the front face53c. The front face53calso has a vertically asymmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal plane PL. When the HDMI plug5is connected to the HDMI connector4, the hood51is inserted into the shell41, and is disposed within the shell41. Furthermore, the terminal body43is inserted into the terminal body54, and is disposed within the terminal body54. When the HDMI plug5is connected to the HDMI connector4, the plug body53is not positioned within the shell41. The plug body53is disposed outside of the shell41such that the front face53cof the plug body53axially faces with a distal end portion of the shell41. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 8, the HDMI cable31extends rearward from the rear face53hin a direction parallel to the axial direction D3.

When the user connects the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2with the HDMI cable device3, the user can easily recognize that there is only one correct insertion direction merely by grasping or touching to the plug body53of the HDMI cable device3. Furthermore, the shape of the plug body53is analogous or similar to the profile of the hood51whose shape corresponds to that of the shell41of the HDMI connectors4that are provided to the rear face of the optical disk reproduction device1or the television set2. Therefore, when the user connects the HDMI plug5to the HDMI connector4in a position in which the user looks down the HDMI connector4from a top or a side of the optical disk reproduction device1or the television set2(i.e., a position in which the user can not face the HDMI connector4squarely), it is still simple to connect the optical disk reproduction device1or the television set2with the HDMI cable device3. Furthermore, this constitution is simple, so an economical HDMI cable device3and information reproduction system S can be obtained.

Also, since the cross sectional shape of the plug body53as viewed from the insertion direction of the shell41is a simple one, its mold can also have a simple shape, which permits mass production and reduces cost.

Second Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 7B,9A,9B and10, an HDMI cable device103having a modified HDMI plug105in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention will now be explained. The HDMI plug105of this second embodiment is utilized in place of the HDMI plug5of the first embodiment.

In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Also, parts of this second embodiment that are functionally identical and/or substantially identical to parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals but with “100” added thereto. In any event, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are substantially identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the descriptions and illustrations of the first embodiment also apply to this second embodiment, except as discussed and/or illustrated herein.

As shown inFIGS. 9A and 10, the plug body153includes front and rear body parts (e.g., front and rear bodies)153eand153f. The hood51protrudes from a front face153cof the front body part153e. The rear body part153fis disposed rearward relative to the front body part153ein the axial direction D3. Furthermore, the HDMI cable31extends rearward from a rear face153hof the rear body part153fin a direction parallel to the axial direction D3.

In this embodiment, only the front body part153eon the hood51side of the plug body153has a cross sectional shape, as viewed from the insertion direction of the plug body153(i.e., axial direction D3), that is an inverse trapezoidal shape similar to that of the hood51. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 7B, the front body part153ehas the same cross sectional shape as that of the plug body53of the HDMI plug5of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the front body part153ehas a pair of slope faces153d. Thus, the front body part153ehas a vertically asymmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal plane PL. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 9B, a cross sectional shape of the rear body part153fof the plug body153is a rectangle with round corners. In other words, the rear body part153fis a cuboid with round edges. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 9B, the rear body part153fhas a vertically symmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal plane PL.

When the user connects the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2with the HDMI cable device103, the user can easily recognize that there is only one correct insertion direction merely by grasping or touching to the front body part153eof the plug body153of the HDMI cable device103, which makes connection of the optical disk reproduction device1or the television set2with the HDMI cable device103simple. Furthermore, the constitution thereof is simple, so an inexpensive HDMI cable device103and information reproduction system S can be obtained.

Third Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 7B,9B,11and12, an HDMI cable device203having a modified HDMI plug205in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention will now be explained. The HDMI plug205of this third embodiment is utilized in place of the HDMI plug5of the first embodiment.

In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Also, parts of this third embodiment that are functionally identical and/or substantially identical to parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals but with “200” added thereto. In any event, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are substantially identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the descriptions and illustrations of the first embodiment also apply to this third embodiment, except as discussed and/or illustrated herein.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the plug body253includes front and rear body parts (e.g., front and rear bodies)253eand253f. The hood51protrudes from a front face253cof the front body part253e. The rear body part253fis disposed rearward relative to the front body part253ein the axial direction D3. Furthermore, the HDMI cable31extends rearward from a rear face253hof the rear body part253fin a direction parallel to the axial direction D3.

In this embodiment, only the rear body part253fon the HDMI cable31side of the plug body253has a cross sectional shape, as viewed from the insertion direction of the plug body253(i.e., axial direction D3), that is an inverse trapezoidal shape similar to that of the hood51. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 7B, the rear body part253fhas the same cross sectional shape as that of the plug body53of the HDMI plug5of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the rear body part253fhas a pair of slope faces253d. Thus, the rear body part253fhas a vertically asymmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal plane PL. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 9B, a cross sectional shape of the front body part253eof the plug body253is a rectangle with round corners. In other words, the front body part253eis a cuboid with round edges. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 9B, the front body part253ehas a vertically symmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal plane PL.

When the user connects the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2with the HDMI cable device203, the user can easily recognize that there is only one correct insertion direction merely by grasping or touching to the rear body part253fof the plug body253of the HDMI cable device203, which makes connection of the optical disk reproduction device1or the television set2with the HDMI cable device203simple. Furthermore, the constitution thereof is simple, so an inexpensive HDMI cable device203and information reproduction system S can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 7B,13and14, an HDMI cable device303having a modified HDMI plug305in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be explained. The HDMI plug305of this fourth embodiment is utilized in place of the HDMI plug5of the first embodiment.

In view of the similarity between the first and fourth embodiments, the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Also, parts of this fourth embodiment that are functionally identical and/or substantially identical to parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals but with “300” added thereto. In any event, the descriptions of the parts of the fourth embodiment that are substantially identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the descriptions and illustrations of the first embodiment also apply to this fourth embodiment, except as discussed and/or illustrated herein.

In this embodiment, the plug body353has a cross sectional shape, as viewed from the insertion direction of the plug body353(i.e., axial direction D3), that is an inverse trapezoidal shape similar to that of the hood51. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 7B, the plug body353has the same cross sectional shape as that of the plug body53of the HDMI plug5of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the plug body353has a pair of slope faces353d. Thus, the plug body353has a vertically asymmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal plane PL.

Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the HDMI plug305is at an angle of 90 degrees to the HDMI cable31. In other words, the HDMI cable31and the HDMI plug305(the hood51and the plug terminals52) are at a right angle. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 14, the hood51axially protrudes from a front face353cof the plug body353in the axial direction D3. The HDMI cable31laterally extends in the horizontal direction D1from a side face (e.g., first side face)353gof the plug body353. The horizontal direction D1is perpendicular to the axial direction D3of the hood51of the HDMI plug305.

Also, in this example, the layout is lateral. In other words, the HDMI cable31laterally extends from the side face353gof the plug body353. However, it goes without saying that the layout can be longitudinal so that the HDMI cable31is disposed on a lower face353bside of the HDMI plug305, although this layout is not depicted. In other words, the HDMI cable31can longitudinally extend from the lower face353bof the plug body353in a direction parallel to the vertical direction D2.

With this embodiment constituted as above, in addition to the same effects as in the first to third embodiments given above, since the HDMI plug305is disposed in a lateral layout (or longitudinal layout), a connection can be made that matches the orientation of the HDMI connectors4of the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2. As a result, the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2will take up less space when installed, and the wiring at the rear face of the optical disk reproduction device1and the television set2will have a neater appearance.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the optical disk reproduction device1is illustrated as an example of the information reproduction device, and the television set2is illustrated as the video display device, but it should go without saying that the HDMI cable devices3,103,203, and303can also be applied to other information reproduction devices and/or video display devices.

General Interpretation of Terms

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from these disclosures that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the selected embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.