Abstract:
A LAN connector is connected with a LAN cable connector inserted thereinto. The LAN connector comprises a flexible portion formed outside a modem-cable-connector occupied space within a housing having a size accommodating the LAN cable connector being inserted thereinto, and a stopper portion formed within the modem-cable-connector occupied space. The stopper portion is displaceable together with the flexible portion. When the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing, the flexible portion is not pushed and bent by the modem cable connector, and the stopper portion stops the modem cable connector. When the LAN cable connector is inserted into the housing, the flexible portion is pushed and bent by the LAN cable connector so as to cause the stopper portion to be withdrawn out of the modem-cable-connector occupied space.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a LAN (Local Area Network) connector and, more particularly, to a LAN connector incorporated in an information processing device, such as a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated to PC).  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    [0004]FIG. 1A is an illustration of a conventional LAN connector  10 . The LAN connector  10  is of a modular jack type, and includes PIN terminals # 1 , # 2 , # 3  and # 6 , for example, in a box-shaped housing  11 . The PINs # 1  and # 2  form a pair as T 1  (Transmission  1 ) and R 1  (Reception  1 ), respectively. The PINs # 3  and # 6  form a pair as T 2  (Transmission  2 ) and R 2  (Reception  2 ), respectively. The housing  11  comprises an opening  12  having a width A 1  and a height B 1 , and a latching notch  13 .  
           [0005]    The LAN connector  10  is incorporated in a PC by being mounted on a board thereof with a terminal of the LAN connector  10  being soldered to the board. A LAN cable connector  20  shown in FIG. 1B designed for a modular-jack type LAN connector is inserted into the LAN connector  10 , and is connected therewith by a projection  21  being latched by the latching notch  13 .  
           [0006]    Recently, as PCs have highly improved functions, some PCs are manufactured to have such a LAN connector as mentioned above in addition to a modem connector. Both the LAN connector and the modem connector are of modular jack types, and the LAN connector is larger in size than the modem connector. Accordingly, a modem cable connector  30  shown in FIG. 1C originally designed to be inserted into such a modem connector can be inserted and connected to the LAN connector  10 .  
           [0007]    Especially when the modem connector and the LAN connector are arranged side by side, or one over the other, the modem cable connector  30  may likely be connected to the LAN connector  10  by mistake.  
           [0008]    Then, when the modem cable connector  30  is actually connected to the LAN connector  10 , the PC may cause troubles due to the misconnection.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful LAN connector in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated.  
           [0010]    A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a LAN connector which inhibits a modem cable connector from being connected thereto.  
           [0011]    In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is provided according to one aspect of the present invention a LAN connector connected with a LAN cable connector inserted thereinto, the LAN connector comprising:  
           [0012]    a flexible portion formed outside of a modem-cable-connector occupied space within a housing having a size accommodating the LAN cable connector being inserted thereinto, the modem-cable-connector occupied space being occupied by a modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing; and  
           [0013]    a stopper portion formed within the modem-cable-connector occupied space, the stopper portion being displaceable together with the flexible portion,  
           [0014]    wherein the flexible portion is not pushed and bent by the modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing, and the flexible portion is pushed and bent by the LAN cable connector, when the LAN cable connector is inserted into the housing, so as to cause the stopper portion to be withdrawn out of the modem-cable-connector occupied space, and  
           [0015]    the stopper portion stops the modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing.  
           [0016]    According to the present invention, the stopper portion restricts an erroneous insertion of the modem cable connector into the LAN connector.  
           [0017]    On the other hand, when the LAN cable connector is inserted into the LAN connector, the flexible portion is pushed and bent thereby so as to cause the stopper portion to be withdrawn out of the modem-cable-connector occupied space. Accordingly, the insertion of the LAN cable connector is not obstructed.  
           [0018]    In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is also provided according to another aspect of the present invention a LAN connector connected with a LAN cable connector inserted thereinto, the LAN connector comprising:  
           [0019]    a switch provided in a housing having a size accommodating the LAN cable connector being inserted thereinto, the switch being operated from a normal condition deactivating the LAN connector to a condition activating the LAN connector,  
           [0020]    wherein the switch includes a push button provided outside of a modem-cable-connector occupied space within the housing, the modem-cable-connector occupied space being occupied by a modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing, such that the push button is pushed by the LAN cable connector so as to operate the switch when the LAN cable connector is inserted into the housing.  
           [0021]    According to the present invention, when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing of the LAN connector, the switch is not operated. Thus, the erroneous insertion causes no inconvenience.  
           [0022]    In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is also provided according to another aspect of the present invention a LAN connector connected with a LAN cable connector inserted thereinto, the LAN connector comprising:  
           [0023]    a flexible portion formed outside of a modem-cable-connector occupied space within a housing having a size accommodating the LAN cable connector being inserted thereinto, the modem-cable-connector occupied space being occupied by a modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing;  
           [0024]    a stopper portion formed within the modem-cable-connector occupied space, the stopper portion being displaceable together with the flexible portion; and  
           [0025]    a switch provided in the housing, the switch being operated from a normal condition deactivating the LAN connector to a condition activating the LAN connector,  
           [0026]    wherein the flexible portion is not pushed and bent by the modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing, and the flexible portion is pushed and bent by the LAN cable connector, when the LAN cable connector is inserted into the housing, so as to cause the stopper portion to be withdrawn out of the modem-cable-connector occupied space,  
           [0027]    the stopper portion stops the modem cable connector when the modem cable connector is inserted into the housing, and  
           [0028]    the switch includes a push button provided outside of the modem-cable-connector occupied space within the housing such that the push button is pushed by the stopper portion caused to be withdrawn out of the modem-cable-connector occupied space so as to operate the switch.  
           [0029]    According to the present invention, the LAN connector includes the switch as well as the flexible portion and the stopper portion. Therefore, this LAN connector causes no inconvenience even when the switch is out of order.  
           [0030]    Additionally, in the LAN connector according to the present invention, the flexible portion may be formed as an arm portion of a plate spring member, the arm portion being fixed at a position on a top plate of the housing near an entrance thereof, protruding inside the housing, and extending opposite the entrance, and  
           [0031]    the stopper portion may be formed as a different portion of the plate spring member at an end of the arm portion not by folding said arm portion.  
           [0032]    According to the present invention, forming the flexible portion and the stopper portion as different portions of the plate spring member simplifies a structure of the LAN connector.  
           [0033]    Also, according to the present invention, the flexible portion is formed as the arm portion fixed at a position on the top plate of the housing near the entrance thereof such that the arm portion protrudes inside the housing, and extends opposite the entrance toward the back of the housing. Thereby, the arm portion is easily bent when the LAN cable connector is inserted into the LAN connector so as not to obstruct the insertion of the LAN cable connector.  
           [0034]    Also, according to the present invention, the stopper portion is formed at an end of the arm portion not by folding the arm portion. This stopper portion has a large strength, and is easily withdrawn out of the modem-cable-connector occupied space, compared to a stopper portion formed by folding the arm portion perpendicularly.  
           [0035]    In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is also provided according to another aspect of the present invention an information processing device comprising:  
           [0036]    a body including an information processing unit; and  
           [0037]    one of the above-mentioned LAN connectors provided in the body.  
           [0038]    According to the present invention, the information processing device is made highly reliable by preventing an erroneous insertion of the modem cable connector into the LAN connector. Thereby, the LAN connector and the modem connector do not have to be arranged distant from each other, but can be arranged side by side.  
           [0039]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0040]    [0040]FIG. 1A is an illustration of a conventional LAN connector;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 1B is an illustration of a LAN cable connector;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1C is an illustration of a modem cable connector;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portable PC incorporating a LAN connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the portable PC shown in FIG. 2;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the LAN connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a plate spring member incorporated in the LAN connector shown in FIG. 4A;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 4C is a front view of the LAN connector shown in FIG. 4A;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the LAN connector shown in FIG. 4A;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F are cross-sectional views used for explaining operations of connecting the LAN cable connector shown in FIG. 1B to the LAN connector shown in FIG. 4D;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are cross-sectional views used for explaining restrictions on connecting the modem cable connector shown in FIG. 1C to the LAN connector shown in FIG. 4D;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a LAN connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 7B is a front view of the LAN connector shown in FIG. 7A;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a LAN connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 8B is a front view of the LAN connector shown in FIG. 8A;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a portable PC according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show a portable PC according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0057]    A description will now be given, with reference to the drawings, of embodiments according to the present invention.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portable PC  40  (an information processing device) incorporating a LAN connector  50  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The portable PC  40  comprises a body  41 , and a foldable liquid crystal display  42  supported rotatably with respect to the body  41  by an axial support portion  43  provided at the back of the body  41 . The body  41  includes an information processing unit therein, such as a CPU, a keyboard unit  44  at the upper surface thereof, and the LAN connector  50  of RJ-45 and a modem connector  70  of RJ-11 arranged side by side at a surface  45  on the right side.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the portable PC  40  shown in FIG. 2. A chip set  80  is provided as the center of the block diagram. A CPU  81  and a main memory  82  are connected to the chip set  80 . A PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) BUS  83  and an XBUS  84  extend from the chip set  80 . The LAN connector  50  is connected to the PCI BUS  83  via a LAN module  85 . The modem connector  70  is connected to the PCI BUS  83  via a modem module  86 . A USB connector  75  is connected to the chip set  80 . The liquid crystal display  42  is connected to the PCI BUS  83  via a graphic chip  87 . The keyboard unit  44  is connected to the XBUS  84  via a bridge chip  88 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 4A, FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D show the LAN connector  50  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The LAN connector  50  has a structure comprising a modem-cable-connector prevention mechanism  51  preventing the insertion of a modem cable connector, in addition to a structure of the LAN connector  10  shown in FIG. 1A. X1-X2 indicates a widthwise direction. Y1-Y2 indicates a lengthwise direction. Z1-Z2 indicates a height direction. A LAN cable connector is inserted in the direction Y1. The LAN connector  50  is of a modular jack type, and includes PIN terminals # 1 , # 2 , # 3  and # 6 , for example, in a box-shaped housing  52 . The housing  52  comprises an opening  53  having a width A1 and a height B1, and a latching notch  54 .  
         [0061]    The modem-cable-connector prevention mechanism  51  comprises a single plate spring member  60  shown in FIG. 4B. The plate spring member  60  is substantially U-shaped as viewed from above, and is substantially V-shaped as viewed sideways. The plate spring member  60  is formed by a horizontal portion  61 , left and right arm portions  62  and  63  extending from both ends of the horizontal portion  61  toward the Y2 direction, curved portions  64  and  65  curving from ends of the arm portions  62  and  63 , respectively, toward the direction Z2 so as to construct a semicircle with an radius R, flexible arm portions  66  and  67  extending from the curved portions  64  and  65 , respectively, toward a direction between the Z2 and Y1 directions, and stopper portions  68  and  69  formed at ends of the arm portions  66  and  67 , respectively. The stopper portions  68  and  69  are flat plate pieces parallel to a X-Y plane. The stopper portions  68  and  69  are formed from the ends of the arm portions  66  and  67  being extended toward the directions X1 and X2, respectively, not by being folded perpendicular in the Z1-Z2 direction. Thus, the stopper portions  68  and  69  have such large strengths as not to be bent even when the modem cable connector  30  is forcefully inserted into the LAN connector  50 .  
         [0062]    A distance A3 in the X1-X2 direction between the inner edges of the arm portions  66  and  67  is defined a little longer than a width A2 of the modem cable connector  30  shown in FIG. 1C.  
         [0063]    The stopper portions  68  and  69  are formed substantially L-shaped, protruding inwardly (in the directions X1 and X2) from the ends of the arm portions  66  and  67 , respectively. A distance A4 in the X1-X2 direction between the inner edges of the stopper portions  68  and  69  is defined a little shorter than the width A2 of the modem cable connector  30  shown in FIG. 1C.  
         [0064]    The plate spring member  60  is positioned at the center of the housing  52  in the X 1 -X 2  direction, as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D. The horizontal portion  61  and the left and right arm portions  62  and  63  are positioned in a top plate  55  of the hosing  52  by insert molding such that the plate spring member  60  is embedded in the top plate  55  of the hosing  52 .  
         [0065]    As shown in FIG. 4D, the arm portions  66  and  67  protrude from a position on the undersurface of the top plate  55  in the vicinity of the opening  53  into the interior of the housing  52 , and extend toward the Y 1  direction (in which direction a cable connector is inserted). The arm portions  66  and  67  are inclined from a Y 1 -Y 2  line at an angle α of approximately 20 degrees.  
         [0066]    A part of the undersurface of the top plate  55  opposing the arm portions  66  and  67  and the stopper portions  68  and  69  is recessed so as to form a recessed portion  56 . The recessed portion  56  accommodates the arm portions  66  and  67  bent toward the Z 1  direction and the accompanying stopper portions  68  and  69 .  
         [0067]    The arm portions  66  and  67  are positioned in a space  57  to be passed by the LAN cable connector  20  when the LAN cable connector  20  is inserted into the LAN connector  50 . The stopper portions  68  and  69  are located in a space  58  within the space  57  to be passed by the modem cable connector  30  when the modem cable connector  30  is inserted into the LAN connector  50 .  
         [0068]    Next, a description will be given of operations upon inserting and connecting the LAN cable connector  20  shown in FIG. 1B to the LAN connector  50 .  
         [0069]    The LAN cable connector  20  comprises the projection  21  and an operation arm  23  at the center of the upper surface of a body  22  having a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, as shown in FIG. 1B. The LAN cable connector  20  also includes upper-surface portions  24  and  25  at left and right parts of the upper surface of the body  22 .  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are cross-sectional views taken along a line intersecting the projection  21 , before the insertion of the LAN cable connector  20  into the LAN connector  50 , in the course of the insertion, and at the completion of the connection therebetween, respectively. FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F are cross-sectional views taken along a line intersecting the upper-surface portion  24 , before the insertion of the LAN cable connector  20  into the LAN connector  50 , in the course of the insertion, and at the completion of the connection therebetween, respectively.  
         [0071]    Upon the insertion of the LAN cable connector  20  into the LAN connector  50 , the body  22  of the LAN cable connector  20  comes in contact with the arm portions  66  and  67 , and pushes up the arm portions  66  and  67  in the Z1 direction. Thereby, the arm portions  66  and  67  are bent flexibly so that the arm portions  66  and  67  climb onto the upper-surface portions  24  and  25 , respectively, as shown in FIG. 5E. The stopper portions  68  and  69  are displaced toward the Z1 direction so as to be positioned above the upper-surface portions  24  and  25  of the body  22 , i.e., so as to be withdrawn out of the space  57  which the LAN cable connector  20  is to pass. Accordingly, the LAN cable connector  20  is inserted below the stopper portions  68  and  69  to reach a final position at which a terminal  26  of the LAN cable connector  20  contacts the PINs # 1 , # 2 , # 3  and # 6  as shown in FIG. 5F, and the projection  21  is latched by the latching notch  54  as shown in FIG. 5C.  
         [0072]    In this course, since the arm portions  66  and  67  do not extend from the back of the housing  52  toward the opening  53 , but protrude from the undersurface of the top plate  55  into the interior of the housing  52  and are directed toward the back of the housing  52 , the body  22  of the LAN cable connector  20  is not obstructed by the ends of the arm portions  66  and  67 . Thus, the modem-cable-connector prevention mechanism  51  is highly reliable.  
         [0073]    Next, a description will be given of operations upon erroneously attempting to insert and connect the modem cable connector  30  shown in FIG. 1C to the LAN connector  50 .  
         [0074]    The modem cable connector  30  can be brought into the housing  52  of the LAN connector  50  as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, because the width A2 of the modem cable connector  30  is smaller than the width A1 of the LAN cable connector  20 , as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C. Upon inserting the modem cable connector  30  into the housing  52 , an operator normally positions the modem cable connector  30  at the center of the LAN connector  50 . Accordingly, the modem cable connector  30  is inserted into the space  58  between the arm portions  66  and  67  shown in FIG. 4C. Accordingly, the modem cable connector  30  is inserted into the housing  52  without bending the arm portions  66  and  67 .  
         [0075]    The stopper portions  68  and  69  are positioned between the arm portions  66  and  67 . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the course of inserting the modem cable connector  30  into the housing  52 , the front end of the modem cable connector  30  runs into the stopper portions  68  and  69  so that the further insertion of the modem cable connector  30  is restricted before the modem cable connector  30  reaches a position at which a terminal  36  of the modem cable connector  30  contacts the PIN # 1 . Additionally, since the modem cable connector  30  is hooked at both sides of the front end by the stopper portions  68  and  69 , the further insertion of the modem cable connector  30  is restricted more firmly than when the modem cable connector  30  is hooked at either side of the front end.  
         [0076]    At this point, the operator becomes aware of the erroneous attempt to insert the modem cable connector  30  into the LAN connector  50 , and consequently the operator correctly connects the modem cable connector  30  into the modem connector  70  arranged next to the LAN connector  50 .  
         [0077]    As described above, the modem cable connector  30  is prevented from being erroneously connected to the LAN connector  50 .  
         [0078]    Besides, the plate spring member  60  may comprise one of the arm portions  66  and  67  so as to include a stopper portion at either side.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show a LAN connector  50 A according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0080]    The LAN connector  50 A has a structure incorporating a switch mechanism  90  in a housing  52 A, instead of the plate spring member  60  provided in the LAN connector  50  shown in FIG. 4B. The switch mechanism  90  is provided, electrically, on the way to PIN terminals in the housing  52 A, i.e., between a terminal unit in the housing  52 A and a terminal unit outside of the housing  52 A. The switch mechanism  90  is constantly open electrically. A push button  91  of the switch mechanism  90  protrudes from the undersurface of a top plate  55 A of the hosing  52 A. The push button  91  is positioned within the space  57  to be passed by the LAN cable connector  20  and outside of the space  58  to be passed by the modem cable connector  30 . The push button  91  has an inclined surface  92  at the Y2 side.  
         [0081]    Upon the insertion of the LAN cable connector  20  into the LAN connector  50 A, the LAN cable connector  20  pushes the inclined surface  92  so as to displace the push button  91  upwardly, and is further inserted to reach a final position at which the LAN cable connector  20  is latched. The switch mechanism  90  is closed so that the LAN cable connector  20  is electrically connected to the LAN module  85  shown in FIG. 3 via the LAN connector  50 A.  
         [0082]    When an operator erroneously attempts to insert the modem cable connector  30  into the LAN connector  50 A, the modem cable connector  30  can be inserted to reach the final position at which the modem cable connector  30  is latched.  
         [0083]    However, the push button  91  is not pushed in because the push button  91  is positioned outside of the space  58  to be passed by the modem cable connector  30 . Accordingly, the switch mechanism  90  is kept open. In this state, the modem cable connector  30  is not electrically connected to the LAN module  85 ; thus, the erroneous insertion causes no inconvenience.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a LAN connector  50 B according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0085]    The LAN connector  50 B comprises both the plate spring member  60  shown in FIG. 4B and the switch mechanism  90  shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.  
         [0086]    Upon the insertion of the LAN cable connector  20  into the LAN connector  50 B, the LAN cable connector  20  causes the arm portions  66  and  67  to be bent flexibly so that the stopper portions  68  and  69  are withdrawn out of the space  57  to be passed by the LAN cable connector  20 . Then, the LAN cable connector  20  is further inserted to reach a final position at which the LAN cable connector  20  is latched. In this course, the stopper portion  68  pushes and displaces the push button  91  upwardly so as to close the switch mechanism  90 . Thereby, the LAN cable connector  20  is electrically connected to the LAN module  85  shown in FIG. 3 via the LAN connector  50 B. When an operator erroneously attempts to insert the modem cable connector  30  into the LAN connector  50 B, the modem cable connector  30  runs into the stopper portions  68  and  69  so that the further insertion of the modem cable connector  30  is restricted.  
         [0087]    This LAN connector  50 B causes no inconvenience even when the switch mechanism  90  is out of order. Thus, the LAN connector  50 B is highly reliable, compared to the LAN connector  50 A shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a portable PC  40 A according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The portable PC  40 A includes the LAN connector  10  of RJ-45 and the modem connector  70  of RJ-11 arranged side by side in an opening  101  formed in a sidewall  100  of a body  41 A.  
         [0089]    The LAN connector  10  has the conventional structure shown in FIG. 1A without the plate spring member  60  shown in FIG. 4B included in the LAN connector  50  shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D.  
         [0090]    A lid  105  is inserted into grooves  102  formed along edges of the opening  101  of the sidewall  100  such that the lid  105  can shift smoothly in the directions X1 and X2.  
         [0091]    Upon inserting the modem cable connector  30 , the lid  105  is slid toward the direction X1 so that the lid  105  covers the LAN connector  10 .  
         [0092]    Thereby, the modem cable connector  30  is prevented from being misconnected to the LAN connector  10 .  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show a portable PC  40 B according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The portable PC  40 B includes a lid  110  having an open window  111 . The open window  111  has a shape corresponding to an opening  71  of the modem connector  70 .  
         [0094]    Upon inserting the modem cable connector  30 , the lid  110  is slid fully toward the direction X1. When the lid  110  is slid to the full toward the direction X1, the center of the open window  111  does not match the center of the opening  12  of the LAN connector  10  such that a part of a front wall of the LAN connector  10  is revealed in the open window  111 . Accordingly, upon bringing the modem cable connector  30  into the open window  111 , the modem cable connector  30  runs into the front wall of the housing  11  of the LAN connector  10 , and is not inserted further. Thereby, the modem cable connector  30  is prevented from being misconnected to the LAN connector  10 .  
         [0095]    Upon inserting the LAN cable connector  20 , the lid  110  is slid fully toward the direction X2. Thereby, the LAN cable connector  20  can be connected to the LAN connector  10 . On the other hand, since the open window  111  matches the opening  71  of the modem connector  70 , the modem cable connector  30  can be connected to the modem connector  70  via the open window  111 .  
         [0096]    The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0097]    The present application is based on Japanese priority application No. 2001-283799 filed on Sep. 18, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.