Connecting apparatus for a video tape recorder having a built-in camera

Abstract: A built-in camera type video tape recorder (CTVTR) (100) can be loaded on a connecting apparatus (1) for connecting the CTVTR, having video signal, audio signal and control signal terminals and a power supply connecting terminal, to other electrical machinery and apparatus. A supporting member is formed at the underside of the CTVTR and has a shutter member, the shutter member being opened in ganged relation with a shutter of the connecting apparatus (1) which is opened when the CTVTR is loaded onto the connecting apparatus (1), and a terminal portion faces an opening closed by the shutter member of the supporting member and is electrically connected to a signal input and output portion projecting from an opening opened when a shutter of the connecting apparatus (1) is opened. The connecting apparatus (1) comprises an apparatus body to be connected to the other electrical machinery and apparatus via a cable, and an input and output terminal portion for connecting respective terminals of the CTVTR to the apparatus body when the CTVTR is loaded onto the apparatus body. A power supplying apparatus (54) comprises a terminal portion for supplying power to the connecting apparatus (1), and a guide portion to guide the power supplying apparatus so that it can be accommodated into an accommodating compartment of the connecting apparatus (1).

Description: The present invention relates to a connecting apparatus for a built-in camera type video tape recorder (VTR) suitable for connecting the built-in camera type VTR to other electrical machinery and apparatus such as a television receiver or a video tape recorder. It is customary that a picture taken by a built-in camera type VTR is recorded and/or reproduced by a television receiver and further transposed into another video tape recorder in a so-called dubbing fashion. As shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, when a picture reproduced by a built-in camera type VTR 300 is transposed by a video tape recorder 310 in a dubbing fashion or recorded and/or reproduced by a television receiver 311, the built-in camera type VTR 300 and the video tape recorder 310 or the like are connected by means of a signal cable 320. The recording or reproduction can be effected by using a rechargeable battery 301 detachably attached to the rear surface of the built-in camera type VTR 300 as a power supply. In the case of extended recording, reproducing, or the like, an AC adaptor (not shown) can be connected to the built-in camera type VTR 300 directly to supply power to the built-in camera type VTR 300 from a mains plug socket so that the recording or reproduction can take place. One conventional AC adaptor can recharge the rechargeable battery 301. When the rechargeable battery 301 is recharged, an AC adaptor cord is detached from the built-in camera type VTR 300 and the rechargeable battery 301 is attached to the AC adaptor. When a picture taken by the built-in camera type VTR 300 is transposed into the video tape recorder 310 in a dubbing fashion or recorded and/or reproduced by the television receiver 311, the built-in camera type VTR 300 and the video tape recorder 310 or the like must be connected via the signal cable 320 or the like and the connection thereof becomes cumbersome. Further, if the rechargeable battery 301 is recharged, each time the recording, reproducing or the like is carried out, the rechargeable battery 301 is detached from the AC adaptor. If the rechargeable battery 301 is recharged after the recording, reproducing or the like has ended, the rechargeable battery 301 must be attached to the AC adaptor. Therefore, the battery recharging procedure also becomes cumbersome. In view of the aforesaid aspect, when a picture taken by the built-in camera type VTR 300 is recorded and/or reproduced by the television receiver 311, a connecting apparatus has been prepared. This previously-proposed connection apparatus includes a connecting apparatus called a station, on which the built-in camera type VTR 300 connected to the television receiver 311 via a cable without the signal cable 320 is mounted so that the recording and/or reproducing can be carried out with ease. The built-in camera type VTR that is applied to the aforesaid connecting apparatus includes a connection terminal disposed on the rear surface thereof so that, when the video tape recorder having the built-in camera is connected to the connecting apparatus, the built-in camera type VTR must be attached to the connecting apparatus after the rechargeable battery attached thereto had been detached. As a result, the connection becomes troublesome. United States Patent No. 4 636 879 discloses, amongst other things, an adaptor which enables the performance of a dubbing operation between two 8mm video units connected to the adaptor. Another aspect provides a portable VTR main body and a separate tuner which are both capable of being powered by the same power supply unit. Japanese specification no. 88/0308168 discloses a printer which is provided with a set of terminals that are mateable with corresponding terminals of a solid state camera for data transfer and battery charging. According to the invention, there is provided a connecting apparatus for connecting a built-in camera type video tape recorder to at least one other electrical apparatus and to a mains supply unit, the connecting apparatus comprising: (a) a housing having a plurality of input/output terminals connectable to at least one other electrical apparatus for the transfer of audio, video and/or control signals between said connecting apparatus and said at least one other electrical apparatus; (b) a power supply unit removably located within the housing and connectable to the mains; characterised by: (c) a terminal block located within said housing and having a plurality of terminals connected to said input/output terminals and said power supply unit; said terminals also being connectable to input/output terminals of a built-in camera type video tape recorder for the transfer of audio, video and/or control signals between said built-in camera type video tape recorder and said at least one other electrical apparatus; (d) a shutter moveable to open and close an opening in said housing; and (e) a terminal block eject mechanism connected to the terminal block for moving said terminal block back and forth through the opening of the housing as the shutter is closed and opened respectively, said terminal block being connectable to said input/output terminals of said built-in camera type video tape recorder when exposed through said opening. Thus a built-in camera type video tape recorder can be electrically connected to a connecting apparatus in a so-called one-touch fashion without using an exclusively-designed cable and can be loaded on and unloaded from the connecting apparatus. The connecting apparatus allows a built-in camera type video tape recorder to be readily loaded on and unloaded from the connecting apparatus in a so-called one-touch fashion while a battery is freely attached or detached. The power supplying apparatus for a built-in camera type video tape recorder can accommodate an AC adaptor within an exclusively-designed accommodating compartment of a connecting apparatus to supply power to the connecting apparatus and can have a battery charging function. The invention is diagrammatically illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing use of a conventional built-in camera type VTR; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a built-in camera type VTR in which an embodiment of the invention is used; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the built-in camera type VTR shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the built-in camera type VTR shown in FIG. 3 under the condition that a shutter plate thereof is opened; FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a station according to the invention in which a signal input and output terminal portion thereof is projected; FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the built-in camera type VTR when loaded on the station; FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the station according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a rear view of an upper case of the station, i.e., a plan view of a shutter opening mechanism; FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the shutter opening mechanism shown in FIG. 7 when set in a lock releasing state; FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the condition when the shutter is opened; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the station, i.e, side view of a terminal portion eject mechanism; FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 10 illustrating the condition when the shutter is opened; FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a condition when a terminal portion of the terminal portion eject mechanism is ejected; FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating the terminal portion of the terminal portion eject mechanism when released from being locked; FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the terminal portion eject mechanism when the station is moved backwardly; FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the terminal portion eject mechanism; FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating the signal input and output terminal portion; FIG. 18 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of FIG. 17; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an AC adaptor and a battery pack; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the station under the condition that the AC adaptor is locked; FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the station under the condition that the AC adaptor is released from being locked; FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement in which a connection cord is in use; FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a connection case of the connection cord; FIG. 25 is a plan view of the connection case; FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the connection case; FIG. 27 is a perspective view to which references will be made in explaining an alternative arrangement for battery pack charging; FIG. 28 is a perspective view to which references will be made in explaining another example of a battery pack charging arrangement in accordance with the invention; FIG. 29 is a perspective view to which references will be made in explaining still another example of a battery pack charging arrangement in accordance with the invention; and FIG. 30 is a perspective view to which references will be made in explaining an alternative arrangement for battery pack charging. Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figure 2, initially, a main arrangement of a built-in camera type VTR will be described with reference to FIG. 2. An 8-mm built-in camera type VTR 100 includes a VTR body 101 having a side wall facing a grip belt 102 which serves as a VTR deck portion 103. The VTR deck portion 103 includes on its front wall a video terminal 104, an audio input terminal 105, an audio output terminal 106 and an S video terminal 107 through which video and audio signals are input into and/or output from the VTR body 101. These terminals 104 to 107 can be connected to other electrical machinery and apparatus such as a television receiver set, a VTR or the like through a cable (not shown), whereby recording, reproduction or dubbing can be effected. The VTR body 101 includes a viewfinder 108 disposed on the opposite side to the grip belt 102. Further, the VTR body 101 includes a microphone 109 disposed on the upper front portion of the VTR body 101, and a lens tube body 110 projected under the microphone 109. The VTR deck portion 103 includes a shooting start button 111 disposed at its rear wall so that a camera operator can operate the start button 111 with the thumb of the right hand. The shooting start button 111 includes a standby button 112 so that, when the standby button 112 is opened, the shooting condition is completed. The camera is placed in the non- shooting condition by closing the standby button 112. The VTR deck portion 103 includes a zoom slide 113 disposed on its upper rear portion. When the camera operator operates the zoom lever 113 with the index finger of the right hand, an object can be captured in a telephoto state by a so- called zoom-in operation of the zoom lever 113. The object can also be captured in a wide-angle state by a so-called zoom-out operation of the zoom slide 113. The lens tube body 110 includes on its upper wall an operation lever 114. When the camera operator operates the operation lever 114, the built-in camera type VTR 100 is switched to the shooting mode and/or the video mode across an off-position serving as a neutral position. When the operation lever 114 is switched to the shooting mode side, a lens cover (not shown) that is disposed at the front surface of the lens tube body 110 is opened and the built-in camera type VTR 100 can be set in a shooting condition. When the operation lever 114 is set in the video mode side, the lens cover remains closed. On the rear wall of VTR main body 101 under the viewfinder 108, there is provided a battery pack accommodating portion 115 which will be further described hereinafter. When a lid 115 a is opened or closed, a battery can be inserted into or detached from the battery pack accommodating portion 115. The battery pack is a power supply which supplies power to the VTR 100. The built-in camera type VTR 100 includes a supporting plate 116 on its bottom wall portion that is used to mount the VTR 100 on a station 1 which will be described later in this description. The supporting plate 116 will be described particularly with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the supporting plate 116 includes on its rear side a pair of left and right guide rails 117, 117 extending in the front to rear direction (i.e., in an upper to lower direction in the sheets of drawings forming FIGS. 3 and 4). A shutter plate 118 is attached to the guide rails 117, 117 so that the shutter plate 118 can be moved along and parallel to the guide rails 117, 117 in a back and forth direction so as to open and/or close an opening window 119 formed through the supporting plate 116. The opposed, top inner edge portions of the guide rails 117, 117 best seen in the lower portions of FIGS. 3 and 4, are recessed as tapered faces 117a, 117a. The shutter plate 118 is biased by a spring member (not shown) in a direction which tends to close the opening window 119. A terminal portion 121 having a number of terminal contacts 120 is disposed in an opposing relation to the opening window 119 as shown in FIG. 4. The terminal portion 121 has recesses 122 in its central portion. A recess 123 is also formed on the supporting plate 116 at one side of the shutter plate 118. The supporting plate 116 includes on its front side a stand 124 disposed so as to be erectable. When the stand 124 is erected, the stand 124 can be used as a stand for the built-in camera type VTR 100. The stand 124 can be accommodated within a recess 125 when it is folded down flat. The supporting plate 116 includes a tapped hole 126 formed in the supporting plate so that the supporting plate 116 can be attached to a tripod or the like supporting member by way of the tapped hole 126. Connecting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a station) 1 on which the built-in camera type VTR 100 can be mounted will be described below. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the station 1 when a shutter member thereof is opened. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the station 1 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the station 1 comprises a plastics lower case 2 and a plastics upper case 3 which are fastened together by screws (not shown). The station 1 includes, disposed on its front face near the lower case 2, a video output terminal 4, an audio (monaural) output terminal 5, and audio (stereo) output terminals 6, 7. These output terminals 4 to 7 can be connected to other electrical machinery and apparatus, such as an 8-mm VTR, or a television receiver via exclusively designed cables which are not shown for convenience. The upper case 3 includes a five video output terminal 8 disposed on the same face. The video output terminal 8 also can be connected to the aforesaid electrical machinery and apparatus by means of an exclusively designed cable (not shown). As shown in FIG. 7, the station 1 has an opening 9 formed in one side wall which opening 9 extends over the lower and upper cases 2 and 3. A compartment 10 for an AC adaptor (recharging device), which will be described later, is formed within the station 1 at the opening 9. A display portion 12, by which the camera operator can visually confirm the recharging state of the AC adaptor, is formed on a window portion 11 formed on the station 1 at its rear surface portion toward which the compartment 10 faces. The upper case 3 of the station 1 includes a holding surface 13 having a recessed surface configuration by which a built-in camera type VTR 100 can be held. The holding surface 13 includes a shutter releasing mechanism 14 on its front side. The shutter releasing mechanism 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. As illustrated, an opening 15 is formed through the front side of the holding surface 13. The opening 15 is freely opened and/or closed by a shutter plate 16 that is slid over the holding surface 13. The shutter plate 16 is biased in a direction which tends to close the opening 15 under spring force from a spring member 16 b . A pair of recesses 17, 17 are formed at left and right edge portions of the shutter plate 16. Locking arms 18, 18, whose base ends 18 a , 18 a are secured to the rear surface of the upper case 3, are disposed in an opposing relation to the respective side portions of the shutter plate 16. The two locking arms 18, 18 are respectively biased toward the shutter plate 16 under a spring force from spring members 19, 19. Click portions 20, 20 formed at the top portions of the two locking arms 18, 18 are respectively engaged with the recesses 17, 17 of the shutter plate 16 thereby to hinder the shutter plate 16 from moving. Each of the two locking arms 18, 18 respectively include lock releasing members 21, 21 at the rear side of the click portions 20, 20. As shown in FIG. 5, guide members 22, 22 that can permit the built-in camera type VTR 100 to slide are formed at both side portions of substantially the intermediate portion of the holding surface 13. A terminal portion protruding mechanism 23 is disposed within the station 1 in an opposing relation to the opening 15 of the shutter releasing mechanism 14 thus arranged. The terminal portion protruding mechanism 23 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 11 to 15. As illustrated, an operation member 24 is pivotally supported at its lower end portion to a bearing plate 25 by a shaft pin 26 provided on the lower case 2. The operation member 24 includes on its upper end a link member 27 pivoted by a shaft pin 28 in substantially a letter C fashion. A terminal portion attachment washer 29 is supported at the upper end portion of the link member 27 by a shaft pin 30. The terminal portion attachment washer 29 can be swung in the same direction as that of the link member 27. Side plates 31, 31 formed on the front and rear portions of the terminal portion attachment washer 29 can be vertically translated in the upper and lower directions along guide plates 32, 33 formed on the lower case 2 and the upper case 3. A signal input and output terminal portion 34 of the station 1 is supported at the above-mentioned terminal portion attaching washer 29. This signal input and output terminal portion 34 is electrically connected with a printed circuit board 35 a through a flexible base plate 35. Since this flexible base plate 35 has a predetermined flexibility, the flexible base plate 35 can stably hold the signal input and output terminal portion 34 when connected with the printed circuit board 35 a . Therefore, the lower case 2 and the upper case 3 can be assembled with ease. FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate the above signal input and output terminal portion 34 more in detail. As illustrated, the signal input and output terminal portion 34 includes two arrays of retractable contact members 36 a to 36 t , each having a spring function. The above contact members 36 a to 36 t will be described more fully. The contact member 36 a denotes an S terminal (Y, i.e., luminance) output terminal, the contact member 36 b denotes an S terminal (colour) output, the contact member 36 c denotes a VIDEO·OUT, the contact member 36 d denotes a VIDEO·GND, the contact member 36 e denotes an AUDIO·OUT (R), the contact member 36 f denotes an AUDIO·OUT (L), the contact member 36 g denotes an AUDIO·GND, the contact member 36 h denotes a LANC·SIG (auxiliary), the contact member 36 i denotes a LANC·DC (auxiliary), the contact member 36 i denotes a LANC·GND (auxiliary), the contact member 36 k denotes a MONO (AUDIO) (auxiliary), the contact members 36 l and 36 m denote ACV·GND (power supply GND), the contact member 36 n denotes a BATT/EXT, the contact member 36 o denotes a CHARGE·INH (auxiliary), the contact member 36 p denotes an RF·DC·OUT, the contact member 36 q denotes a VOLTAGE·CONTROL terminal, the contact members 36 r and 36 s denote ACV·UNREG (power supply) and the contact member 36 t denotes a preliminary terminal. Of the described contact members 36 a to 36 t , three of the ACV·GND (power supply GND) of the contact members 36 l and 36 m and the BATT/EXT of the contact member 36n protrude further i.e., higher than other contact members as shown in FIG. 18. The reason for this is that, when the signal input and output terminal portion 34 comes in contact with the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100, the above-mentioned three contact members 36 l to 36 m are brought into contact with the terminal portion 121 first and then grounded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an electrical problem occurring when other contact members are energized. If the built-in camera type VTR 100 includes a protecting circuit in order to solve the aforesaid problem, then the height of the three contact members 36 l to 36 n need not be increased and all the contact members 36 a to 36 t can be formed with the same height. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a pair of opposed convex members 37, 37 project from the central portion of the signal input and output terminal portion 34. The convex members 37, 37 can be engaged with the recesses 122, 122 of the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100. The operation member 24, as seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, includes a locking operation portion 39 integrally formed thereon to inhibit the signal input and output terminal portion 34 from being projected. The locking operation member 39 permits the signal input and output terminal portion 34 to become retractable in cooperation with a lock releasing member 40. The lock releasing member 40 is pivotable about a shaft pin 42 supported on a bearing plate 41 that is formed on the upper and lower cases 2 and 3. When the locking operation member 39 is engaged with an engagement portion 43 formed on the lower surface of the lock releasing member 40, the locked condition of the signal input and output terminal portion 34 can be maintained. The above lock releasing member 40 includes at its rear upper portion a locking piece member 44 and a lock releasing piece member 45 to lock and unlock the built-in type VTR held on the station 1. The locking piece member 44 can be inserted into and extracted from the slit 3 a cut through the upper surface portion of the upper case 3. The lock releasing piece member 45 comes into contact with an operation protrusion 16 a formed at the rear surface of the shutter plate 16 in use. A resilient member 46 that is integrally formed with the lock releasing member 40 is brought into contact with the rear surface of the upper case 3 so that the lock releasing member 40 is biased downwardly under a spring force of the resilient member 46. One end of a link bar 47 is pivotally supported by a pin 47 a to a side surface of the locking operation portion 39 of the operation member 24. The other end of the link bar 47 is pivotally supported by a pin 47 b to one end of a pivotable operating member 49 that is supported on the lower case 2 by a supporting shaft 48 so as to be rotatable about the supporting shaft 48. The other end portion of the operating member 49 serves as an operating member 50. The link bar 47 is biased in the direction shown by an arrow X in FIG. 11 by a coil spring member 51 extended between it and the lower case 2. That is, the signal input and output terminal portion 34 is biased in a direction so that it is ejected through the opening 15 of the upper case 3 under spring force of the coil spring member 51. An operation button 52 that is used to move the signal input and output terminal portion 34 back into the opening 15 of the upper case 3 is retractably provided on the upper case 3 by means of a spring member 53. In operation, the built-in camera type VTR 100 is loaded onto the station 1 thus constructed as will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8 to 10. The respective output terminals 4 to 7 of the station 1 are connected in advance to other electrical machinery and apparatus such as a television receiver or a VTR which are not shown. When so connected under this condition, the built-in camera type VTR 100 is loaded onto the station 1 such that the top portions of the guide rails 117, 117 (FIG. 3) of the supporting plate 116 formed on the bottom portion thereof are opposed to the shutter plate 16 of the holding portion 13 of the station 1 (see FIG. 11). Then, when the built-in camera type VTR 100 is slid in the arrow X direction under the condition that groove portions (not shown) formed on respective side portions of the supporting plate 116 are engaged with the guide members 22, 22 formed on both sides of the holding portion 13, the lock releasing members 21, 21 of the locking arms 18, 18 are returned outwardly against the spring force of the spring members 19, 19 by the outer edge top portions of the guide rails 117, 117, whereby the locking arms 18, 18 are resiliently deformed outwardly, causing the click portions 20, 20 to be released from the recesses 17, 17 of the shutter plate 16. Thus, the shutter plate 16 is released from being locked (see FIG. 9). Immediately after the shutter plate 16 is released from being locked, the shutter plate 16 is pushed by the top portions of the guide rails 117, 117 of the supporting plate 116 against the spring force of the spring member 16 b and then slid so that the opening 15 on the station 1 side is opened. At that time, since the shutter plate 118 of the supporting plate 116 is brought at its tip end into contact with a convex or depressed portion 15 a (see FIG. 11) formed around the opening edge of the opening 15, the shutter plate 118 is not moved even when the supporting plate 116 is advanced, thus causing the opening window 119 of the supporting plate 116 to be progressively opened. When the supporting plate 116 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 reaches a predetermined stop position, the opening 15 that had been closed by the shutter plate 16 of the station 1 is completely opened. Also, the opening window 119 that had been closed by the shutter plate 118 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 is completely opened, whereby the opening 15 of the station 1 and the opening window 119 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 become coincident with each other in their opening states (see FIGS. 10 and 12). At substantially the same time that the opening 15 and the opening window 19 are opened according to the foregoing operation, the operation protrusion 16 a formed at the rear surface of the shutter plate 16 comes into contact with the lock releasing piece member 45 of the lock releasing member 40 and pushes the member 40 backwardly. Consequently, the lock releasing member 40 is rotated about the shaft pin 42 in the counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 12, whereby the engagement portion 43 is detached from the lock operation portion 39 of the operation member 24. Therefore, the operation member 24 is rotated about the shaft pin 26 in the counter-clockwise direction under a spring force of the coil spring 51 that spring-biases the link bar 47. Consequently, the operation member 24 is raised substantially vertically. Accordingly, since the link member 27 coupled to the above-mentioned operation member 24 also is raised, the signal input and output terminal portion 34 that is supported to the upper end of the link member 27 through the terminal portion attachment washer 29 is moved upwardly and then projected from the opening 15 of the station 1, thereby being electrically connected to the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100. Further, the signal input and output terminal portion 34 and the terminal portion 121 are mechanically coupled to each other when the convex portion 37 projected from the signal input and output portion 34 is engaged with the concave portion 122 formed on the terminal portion 121 (see FIG. 13). At substantially the same time the signal input and output portion 34 and the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 are connected to each other, the locking piece member 44 of the operation member 24 is projected from the slit 3 a and engages with the recess 123 formed on the supporting plate 116 of the built-in camera type VTR 100, whereby the built-in camera type VTR 100 is fixedly held on the station 1. The built-in camera type VTR 100 can be dismantled from the station 1 as follows. When the operation button 52 is depressed from the state shown in FIG. 13, the operation piece member 50 of the operation member 49 is pushed downwardly to cause the operation member 49 to rotate about the supporting shaft 48 in a clockwise direction. Consequently, the link bar 47 is returned against the spring force of the coil spring 51 to cause the operation member 24 to be rotated in the clockwise direction, moving the link member 27 downwardly. Therefore, the signal input and output terminal portion 34 is lowered through the terminal portion attachment washer 29 and accommodated within the opening 15, thereby releasing the electrical connection between the signal input and output terminal portion 34 and the terminal portion 121 of the station 1. Concurrently with this operation, the lock operation member 39 is engaged with the engagement portion 43 of the lock releasing member 40 so that the signal input and output terminal portion 34 can be locked by the lock operation portion 39 under the condition that the signal input and output terminal portion 34 is lowered (see FIG. 14). Further, concurrently with the above-mentioned operation, the lock releasing member 40 is rotated about the shaft pin 42 in the clockwise direction, whereby the locking piece member 44 is ejected from the recess 123 of the supporting plate 116 on the side of the station 1 and released from being locked. Further, concurrently with this operation, the lock releasing piece member 45 pushes the operation protrusion 16 a of the shutter plate 16, whereby the shutter plate 16 is slid a little in the closing direction. Therefore, the guide rails 117, 117 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 are moved backwardly by a distance corresponding to the sliding distance of the shutter plate 16 so that the built-in camera type VTR 100 can be removed from the station 1 with ease (see FIG. 15). An AC adaptor (charger) 54 that is accommodated within the adaptor compartment 10 of the station 1 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 20, there is provided an AC adaptor that is generally depicted by reference numeral 54. The AC adaptor 54 includes a power supply connecting cord 55. Two parallel guide protrusions 56, 56 are formed on an upper surface of the AC adaptor 54 and two parallel concave slits 57, 57 are formed on the rear surface thereof. When the AC adaptor 54 is being accommodated into the adaptor compartment 10, the guide protrusions 56, 56 are guided by two parallel guide portions 58, 58 formed on the ceiling surface of the adaptor compartment 10, i.e., the rear surface of the upper case 3 (see FIG. 8) and also guided by two parallel protruded portions 59, 59 formed on the bottom surface of the adaptor compartment 10, i.e., the rear surface of the lower case 2 (see FIG. 7), whereby the AC adaptor 54 can be accurately accommodated into the adaptor compartment 10. Further, when the AC adaptor 54 is accommodated within the adaptor compartment 10, the cord 55 is led out to the outside through a cord guide member supported by the upper and lower cases 2 and 3. The AC adaptor 54 includes a DC output terminal 60 formed on its rear surface (see FIG. 23). When the AC adaptor 54 is accommodated into the adaptor compartment 10, the DC output terminal 60 is electrically connected with the signal input and output terminal portion 34 and then connected to a connector 61 supported to the lower case 2 (see FIG. 7). The connector 61 is loosely supported to the lower case 2 and the top portion of the connector 61 is formed as a tapered face so that, even when the AC adaptor 54 is displaced slightly in position within the adaptor compartment 10, the AC adaptor is guided by this tapered face and the DC output terminal 60 and the connector 61 can be connected with ease. The AC adaptor 54 includes a charging lamp portion 54 a formed on a side wall at the adaptor to enable the user visually to confirm a variety of charging conditions of the AC adaptor 54. The user can see the charging lamp portion 54 a through the display portion 12. The upper case 3 includes a locking and unlocking mechanism 62 for locking and unlocking the AC adaptor 54 when that the AC adaptor 54 is accommodated within the adaptor compartment 10. The locking and unlocking mechanism 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. As illustrated, the locking and unlocking mechanism 62 includes a locking ratchet member 63, a lock releasing lever 64 formed at a right angle with respect to the locking ratchet member 63 and an operation lever 65 formed on an extension of the locking ratchet member 63. The locking and unlocking mechanism 62 can be rotated about a shaft 66 and returned with resiliency to the original position by a resilient member 67 integrally formed with the locking and unlocking mechanism 62. A lock releasing button 68 is provided on the upper case 3 in association with the operation lever 65. With the locking and unlocking mechanism 62 thus constructed, when the AC adaptor 54 is accommodated into the adaptor compartment 10, the locking ratchet member 63 is engaged with an engagement recess 69 formed on the upper corner portion of the AC adaptor 54; whereby the AC adaptor 54 is locked in the adaptor compartment 10. When the lock releasing button 68 is depressed under the condition that the AC adaptor 54 is locked, the locking ratchet member 63 is moved backwardly via the operation lever 65 and then detached from the engagement concave portion 69 of the AC adaptor 54. Simultaneously, the lock releasing lever 64 pushes the front wall of the AC adaptor 54 to release the AC adaptor 54 from being locked. Then, the AC adaptor 54 is ejected to the outside of the adaptor compartment 10 by a coil spring 70 attached to the lower case 2. The AC adaptor 54 includes on its rear surface a battery connecting portion 71 of a recessed configuration, one end of which is opened to connect a battery pack which will be described later with the structure as shown in FIG. 20. The battery connecting portion 71 includes pairs of lock ratcheting portions 72 a , 72 a and 72 b , 72 b formed on the left and right inner surfaces thereof. Also, the battery connecting portion 71 includes at its front and rear portions of the central portion of the bottom portion thereof a retaining protrusion 73 and an engagement portion 74, each being made flexible in the vertical direction. The battery connecting portion 71 includes at its front end portion a pair of terminal pins 75, 75 and an operation protrusion 76 at an intermediate portion therebetween. The two terminal pins 75, 75 and the operation protrusion 76 are covered with a shutter member 77 that is biased under spring force. As shown in FIG. 20, a battery pack is provided, generally denoted by reference numeral 78, that is connected to the battery connecting portion 71. The battery pack 78 can be connected to the battery connecting portion 71 when slid in the forward direction with respect to the battery connecting portion 71. Also, the battery pack 78 can be removed from the battery connecting portion 71 when slid backwardly. Recessed aperture portions 79, 80, 81, and 82 are formed at the central portion of the bottom portion of the battery pack 78, and a concave portion 83 is formed along one side portion of the battery pack 78. The concave portions 79, 80, 83 are detection apertures and the concave portions 81, 82 are locking apertures, respectively. It can be detected by the detection apertures 79, 80, 83 whether or not the battery pack 78 and the AC adaptor 54 are properly connected to each other. The battery pack 78 that is connected to the AC adaptor 54 is maintained in that position by the locking apertures 81, 82, and the locking aperture 81 is engaged with the retaining protrusion 73 of the above AC adaptor 54. Pairs of engagement apertures 84 a , 84 a and 84 b , 84 b , each having ribs are respectively formed on the left and right side portions of the battery pack 78. When the battery pack 78 is connected to the AC adaptor 54, the engagement apertures 84 a , 84 a and 84 b , 84 b are respectively engaged with the locking ratchet portions 72 a , 72 a and 72 b , 72 b to lock the battery pack 78. The battery pack 78 includes a pair of left and right aperture-shaped electrodes 85, 85 formed through the front end portion. These electrodes 85, 85 are respectively connected to the mating terminal pins 75, 75 of the AC adaptor 54 and function as charging electrodes of the battery pack 78. The electrodes 85, 85 also function as power supply electrodes when the battery pack 78 is loaded on the built-in camera type VTR 100 to power the same. The described detection apertures 79, 80 can easily detect whether or not the battery pack 78 and the AC adaptor 54 are properly connected to each other because the battery pack 78 is considerably inclined by a protrusion (not shown) formed on the AC adaptor 54 when the battery pack 78 is not properly connected to the AC adaptor 54. The battery pack 78 includes a marker 86 formed at the central front end portion thereof. This marker 86 functions to determine whether or not the battery pack 78 had already been charged or whether or not the battery pack 78 had been used. The marker 86 in this embodiment is slidably disposed within a concave or recessed portion 87 and formed of a slider 88 having a protrusion (not shown) formed at the top portion thereof. When the battery pack 78 has been charged, the marker 86 is projected into the concave portion 87. When the battery pack 78 is in use or its use has been finished, the marker 86 is returned into the battery pack 78 and projected slightly. When the battery pack 78 is pulled out from the AC adaptor 54 after the battery pack 78 had been connected to and charged by the AC adaptor 54, the protrusion 88 a of the marker 86 comes into contact with the engagement member 74 of the AC adaptor 54 to withdraw the slider 88 so that the slider 88 projects. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the charged state of the battery pack 78 from the projection of the marker. Meanwhile, when the battery pack 78 is accommodated into a battery compartment 115 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 (see FIG. 23), the protrusion of the marker 86 is pushed back by a member which is not shown. Thus, when the battery pack 78 is taken from the battery compartment 115, the user can visually confirm that the battery pack 78 had been in use. According to the aforesaid marker 86, especially if the surface of the slider 88 and the surface of the concave portion 87 are made in different colours, then it can be recognized by the contrasting colours whether the battery pack 78 is being charged or had been in use. According to the thus arranged connecting apparatus for a built-in camera type VTR 100, when a picture taken by the built-in camera type VTR 100 is recorded, reproduced and transposed in a dubbing fashion by a television receiver or VTR, the respective output terminals 4 to 7 of the station 1 are connected to the television receiver or VTR by means of exclusively designed cables. Then, the AC adaptor 54 is accommodated within the adaptor compartment 10 of the station 1 and a plug socket 55 a of the cord 55 of the AC adaptor 54 is connected to the power supply. In this state, the built-in camera type VTR 100 is loaded onto the holding face 13 of the station 1 and the signal input and output terminal portion 34 of the station 1 and the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 are electrically connected to each other by the above-mentioned connection mechanism, whereby the picture taken by the built- in camera type VTR 100 can be recorded, reproduced or transposed in a dubbing mode. In this case, the battery pack 78 need not be accommodated into the battery compartment 115 of the built-in camera type VTR 100. When the camera operator takes a picture by the built-in camera type VTR 100, the battery pack 78 is accommodated within the battery compartment 115 of the built- in camera type VTR 100 so that the battery pack 78 serves the power supply of the built-in camera type VTR 100. Further, the built-in camera type VTR 100 can be driven by AC power as its power supply when in use. In this case, the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 and the AC adaptor 54 must be connected to each other by means of an exclusively designed connection cord. This connection cord will be described below with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26. As illustrated, a connection cord 200 includes at its one end portion a connector 201 that is connected to the DC output terminal 60 of the AC adaptor 54. The connection cord 200 includes at the other end portion thereof a battery adaptor 202. The battery adaptor 202 is provided with a flat- shaped connection case 203 having rails 203 a , 203 a (best seen in FIG. 25) that are slidably attached to the guide rails 117, 117 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 from the top portion side. A shutter member 204 is slidably attached to the rear surface of the connection case 203. A plurality of contact members 205 (FIG. 24), each being formed of a resilient metal member, are accommodated within the connection case 203 that is covered with the shutter member 204. Of these contact members 205, earth contact members 205 a project slightly higher than other contact members 205. The above-mentioned connection case 203 includes at both of its side portions retractable locking protrusions 206. The shutter member 204 includes an operating member 207 integrally extending therefrom. An end portion of the operating member 207 is in contact with a slide switch 209 housed within a moulded case 208 that is integrally moulded with the connection case 203. The slide switch 209 is pushed by the operating member 207 and then energized. When the slide switch 209 is released from the pushing force of the operating member 207, the slide switch 209 is returned to the original position under the spring force of an incorporated return spring 210. An engagement protrusion 211 projects towards the shutter member 204 from the moulded case 208. In the battery adaptor 202, when the connection case 203 is attached to the guide rails 117, 117 of the built-in camera type VTR 100, a stepped portion 207 a formed on the operating member 207 comes into contact with the end portion of the supporting plate 116 to open the shutter member 204, whereby the respective contact members 205 are exposed. Then, the locking protrusions 206 are engaged with concave or recessed portions (not shown) formed on the guide rails 117, 117 at the position at which the connection case 203 is completely attached to the guide rails 117, 117, whereby the connection case 203 is locked. Accordingly, the respective contact members 205 are electrically connected to the contact members 120 of the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100. At that time, the more extensively projected earth contact members 205 a of the connection case 203 are first brought in contact with the contact member 120 of the terminal portion 121 and thereby grounded. There is then the advantage that a problem caused in an electrical signal can be readily solved. When the respective contact members 205 of the above- mentioned connection case 203 are connected to the contact members 120 of the terminal portion 121 of the built-in camera type VTR 100, the engagement protrusion 211 formed on the connection case 203 is engaged with an engagement recess 101 a formed on the VTR body 101 of the built-in camera type VTR 100. Therefore, the connection case 203 can be fixed with respect to the surface direction thereof. Some charging methods for the battery pack 78 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30. The charging method shown in FIG. 27 illustrates an example in which charging can be implemented by connecting the battery pack 78 to the battery compartment 71 of the AC adaptor 54. The charging method shown in FIG. 28 illustrates an example in which the charging can be implemented even though the AC adaptor 54 having the battery pack 78 connected thereto is accommodated within the compartment 10 of the station 1. The charging method shown in FIG. 29 illustrates an example in which the battery pack 78 accommodated within the battery compartment 115 of the built-in camera type VTR 100 can be charged by connecting the AC adaptor 54 to the station 1 and by mounting the built-in camera type VTR 100 on the station 1. If another battery pack 78 is connected to the battery compartment 71 of the AC adaptor 54, then two battery packs 78 can be charged at the same time. FIG. 30 shows a method by which the battery pack 78 accommodated within the built-in camera type VTR 100 can be charged by connecting the AC adaptor 54 and the built-in camera type VTR 100 by means of the above exclusively designed cord 200. Also in this case, if another battery pack 78 is connected to the AC adaptor 54, then two battery packs 78 can be charged at the same time. The built-in camera type video tape recorder described can be loaded onto the connecting apparatus that connects a built-in camera type video tape recorder having video signal, audio signal and control signal terminals and a power supply connecting terminal for connection with other electrical machinery and apparatus such as a television receiver or the like. This built-in camera type video tape recorder includes a supporting member for supporting the shutter member formed on one side wall of the built-in camera type video tape recorder, when the shutter member is opened in a ganged relation with a shutter that is opened when the built-in camera type video tape recorder is loaded onto the connecting apparatus, and a terminal portion facing an opening portion of the shutter of the supporting member and being electrically connected to a signal input and output terminal portion projected from the opening portion that is opened when the shutter of the connecting apparatus is opened. Therefore, the built-in camera type video tape recorder can be electrically connected to the connecting apparatus in a one-touch fashion without using an exclusively designed cable, and can be readily loaded on and unloaded from the connecting apparatus. Further, the terminal portion of the built-in type video tape recorder is constantly covered with the shutter member except when the built-in camera type video tape recorder is not connected to the connecting apparatus. Hence, the terminal portion can be protected. As set forth, the connecting apparatus for a built-in camera type VTR described can connect the built-in camera type VTR having a video signal, audio signal and control signal terminals and the power supply connecting terminal to other electrical machinery and apparatus such as a television receiver or the like. This connecting apparatus comprises the apparatus body connected to other electrical machinery and apparatus via the cable, the signal input and output terminal portion for connecting the respective terminals of the built-in camera type VTR to the apparatus body, the built-in camera type VTR being loaded onto the apparatus body, the shutter opening mechanism for opening the shutter provided in the apparatus body by the sliding operation, and the terminal portion ejecting mechanism for electrically connecting the signal input and output terminal portion, projecting from the opening, to the respective terminals of the built-in camera type VTR in a ganged relation with the shutter opening mechanism. Therefore, the built-in camera type VTR can be connected to and disconnected from the connecting apparatus with ease in a so-called one-touch fashion without using the exclusively designed cable. Thus, the built-in camera type VTR can be made more useful and convenient to use. Moreover, since the signal input and output terminal portion is closed and locked so as not to be opened by the shutter except when the built-in camera type VTR is loaded on the apparatus body, the shutter can be prevented from being opened without authorisation. There is then the effect that the signal input and output terminal portion can be protected. As described above, the power supplying apparatus for the built-in camera type video tape recorder can supply power to the connecting apparatus that connects the built-in camera type video tape recorder having video signal, audio signal and control signal terminals and a power supply connecting terminal and other electrical machinery and apparatus such as a television receiver or the like. Since this power supplying apparatus includes the terminal portion for supplying a power to the connecting apparatus and the guide portion for guiding the connecting apparatus so that the connecting apparatus is accommodated within the accommodating compartment, the connecting apparatus can be accommodated within the exclusively designed accommodating compartment at its predetermined position accurately. Therefore, the power can be supplied to the connecting apparatus without using the exclusively designed cable and also the above-mentioned power supplying apparatus can be utilized as the power supply for the built-in camera type video tape recorder connected to the connecting apparatus.

Claims: A connecting apparatus (1) for connecting a built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) to at least one other electrical apparatus and to a mains supply unit (54), the connecting apparatus (1) comprising: (a) a housing (2,3) having a plurality of input/output terminals (4,5,6,7) connectable to at least one other electrical apparatus for the transfer of audio, video and/or control signals between said connecting apparatus and said at least one other electrical apparatus; (b) a power supply unit (54) removably located within the housing (2,3) and connectable to the mains; characterised by: (c) a terminal block (34) located within said housing (1) and having a plurality of terminals (36) connected to said input/output terminals (4,5,6,7) and said power supply unit (54); said terminals also being connectable to input/output terminals of a built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) for the transfer of audio, video and/or control signals between said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) and said at least one other electrical apparatus; (d) a shutter (16) moveable to open and close an opening (15) in said housing; and (e) a terminal block eject mechanism (23) connected to the terminal block (34) for moving said terminal block (34) back and forth through the opening (15) of the housing as the shutter (16) is closed and opened respectively, said terminal block being connectable to said input/output terminals of said built-in camera type video tape recorder when exposed through said opening. A connecting apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said power supply unit (54) is receivable within a compartment (10) of said connecting apparatus (1). A connecting apparatus according to Claim 2, comprising a guide portion (61) for guiding the power supply unit (54) into the compartment (10). A connecting apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said power supply unit (54) comprises mounting means (71) provided on an exterior surface thereof upon which a battery pack (78) may be mounted for the supply of electric power thereto. A connecting apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein said mounting means (71) comprises a shutter member (77) for protecting an electrode pin (75) to which a battery terminal (85) of said battery pack (78) may be connected. A connecting apparatus according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein said mounting means (71) comprises a locking ratchet (72 a , 72 b ) for locking said battery pack (78) to said power supply unit (54), and said power supply unit (54) comprises means (79, 80, 83) for detecting the kind and capacity of said battery pack (78). A connecting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said power supply unit (54) is capable of supplying power to said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) via said connecting apparatus terminal block (34). A connecting apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein said power supply unit (54) is also capable of supplying power to a second battery pack (78,115) attached to said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100). A connecting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening (15) is provided in a top surface of said connecting apparatus within a depressed area (13) capable of receiving a base portion of said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) therein. A connecting apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein said depressed area (13) is provided with locking means (22) about the periphery thereof capable of locking said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) to said connecting apparatus top surface. A connecting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said shutter (16) moves to said open position as said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) is loaded onto said connecting apparatus (1), and returns to said closed position as said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) is removed from said connecting apparatus (1). A built-in camera type video tape recorder connectable to a connecting apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, the built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) comprising a terminal block (121) having a plurality of input/output terminals mateable with the terminals (36) of the connecting apparatus terminal block (34), and being provided in a base portion of said built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) and covered by a shutter member (118) spring biased to a closed position, wherein said built-in camera type video tape recorder shutter member (118) is constructed so as to be automatically opened together with said connecting apparatus shutter (16) as the built-in camera type video tape recorder (100) is loaded onto the connecting apparatus (1).

Inventors: IDE YOSHIHIRO, KAKUNO IMAO, MITSUI HIDERO, OKAYASU YOSHISADA, SAKURAI NOBUMASA, IDE, YOSHIHIRO, KAKUNO, IMAO, MITSUI, HIDERO, OKAYASU, YOSHISADA, SAKURAI, NOBUMASA, Ide, Yoshihiro, c/o Intellectual Property Div., Kakuno, Imao, c/o Intellectual Property Div., Mitsui, Hidero, c/o Intellectual Property Div., Okayasu, Yoshisada, c/o Intellectual Property Div., Sakurai, Nobumasa, c/o Intellectual Property Div.
Applicants: SONY CORP, SONY CORPORATION
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G11B31
IPC codes: H04N5, G11B31, H02J7