TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an audio system, and, more particularly to an audio
rack that supports plural digital audio apparatuses such as a CD player and a DVD
player by electrically connecting these apparatuses to each other.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] According to a conventional electronic apparatus rack such as an audio rack, plural
accommodation spaces for separately accommodating various kinds of electronic apparatuses
are provided, and electronic apparatus jacks and power supply receptacles are provided
on the back surface of the accommodation spaces, and electronic apparatus cords and
power supply cords are divided between the inside and the outside of the rack. According
to this rack, an electronic apparatus cord is connected to a power supply cord at
the inside of the rack between the electronic apparatus and the corresponding electronic
apparatus jack and the power supply receptacle, and the electronic apparatus cord
and the power supply cord at the outside of the rack are connected between the electronic
apparatus jack and the power supply receptacle or between each power supply receptacle
and a commercial power supply. With this arrangement, the electronic apparatus system
is set, or the setting of the system is changed easily (for example, see Patent Document
1).
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004] However, according to the conventional electronic apparatus rack, at the time of
setting the electronic apparatus system to the rack, respective accommodation spaces
of a tuner, an amplifier, a cassette deck, a CD player or the like are determined
first. At a first step, a jack board exclusive for each apparatus needs to be engaged
and fixed to the rack back surface of each accommodation space. At a second step,
the cord of each apparatus and the exclusive jack board need to be wired and connected
together inside the rack. At a third step, the cords of jack boards need to be wired
and connected together at the outside of the rack to connect between the apparatuses.
At the time of changing the audio system such as a replacement and an addition of
an audio apparatus or a change of a layout of the apparatuses within the rack, an
exclusive jack board needs to be prepared and fixed to the rack back surface. Subsequently,
the second and the third wiring and connection works need to be carried out. Therefore,
the wiring and connection work becomes complex.
[0005] The above problem is an example of problems to be solved by the present invention.
An object of the present invention is to provide an audio rack that makes it possible
to install plural audio apparatuses such as a CD player and a DVD player at free optional
positions, and electrically connect between the audio apparatuses, thereby facilitating
the wiring and connection at the time of setting the audio apparatuses and the wiring
and connection at the time of changing a layout of the apparatuses.
MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEM
[0006] To solve the above problems, and to achieve the above objects, an audio rack that
supports a plurality of audio apparatuses by electrically connecting between the audio
apparatuses that have apparatus-side connectors having common terminals provided in
common to each audio apparatus and signal terminals exclusive for individual audio
apparatuses, includes an audio rack body having a long supporting unit capable of
supporting the plurality of audio apparatuses at optional positions; a rack-side connector
installed along the long supporting unit, having a plurality of terminals to be connected
to the common terminals and the signal terminals exclusive for the individual audio
apparatuses, respectively, and capable of connecting the apparatus-side connectors
at optional positions; and a controller that controls each audio apparatus by being
electrically connected to the plurality of audio apparatuses via the rack-side connector.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An audio rack according to the present invention makes it possible to install and
support plural audio apparatuses at free optional positions of a supporting unit of
an audio rack body, and facilitates the wiring and connection at the time of setting
the audio apparatuses and the wiring and connection at the time of changing a layout
of the apparatuses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a front view of an audio system 100 according to a first embodiment.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a left-front perspective view of the audio system 100.
[Fig. 3-1] Fig. 3-1 is an enlarged cross section of a trench 1a along a line P-P in
Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3-2] Fig. 3-2 is an enlarged cross section of a trench 1d along the line P-P
in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a cross section along a line Q-Q in Fig. 3-1.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram of wiring between apparatuses of the audio system
100.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross section of the trench 1a along the line P-P in
Fig. 1 depicting another example of a connector.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a cross section along a line S-S in Fig. 6.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a left-front perspective view of an audio system 200 according
to a second embodiment.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a right-front perspective view of an audio system 300 according
to a third embodiment.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a front view of the audio system 300.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a front view of an audio system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a cross section along a line T-T in Fig. 11.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a front view of an audio system 500 according to a fifth embodiment.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a right-forward perspective view of the audio system 500.
EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS
[0009]
- 1
- Audio rack body
- 1a, 1d
- Trench (Long supporting unit)
- 4
- Controller
- 5, 6, 7
- Audio apparatus
- 12
- Wall
- 13a, 13b
- Pole (Audio rack body)
- 16a, 16b
- Rail (Audio rack body)
- 17
- Board (Audio rack body)
- 17a
- Trench (Long supporting unit)
- 17b
- Wide part
- 19
- Rack (Audio rack body)
- 19a
- Bottom plate (Long supporting unit)
- 19b
- Ceiling plate (Long supporting unit)
- 20, 25
- Rack-side connector
- 22, 26
- Apparatus-side connector
- 100, 200, 300, 400, 500
- Audio system
- b1, b2, g
- Common terminal
- C1, C2, C3, d1, d2, d3
- Signal terminal
- B1, B2
- Power supply terminal
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of an audio rack according to the present invention will be
explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention
is not limited to the embodiments.
First embodiment
[0011] Fig. 1 is a front view of an audio system 100 having various kinds of audio apparatuses
5, 6, 7 set on a plate-shaped audio rack body 1, according to a first embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a left-front perspective view of the digital audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 of
the audio system 100; Fig. 3-1 is an enlarged cross section of a trench 1a along a
line P-P in Fig. 1; Fig. 3-2 is an enlarged cross section of a trench 1d along the
line P-P in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross section along a line Q-Q in Fig. 3-1; Fig. 5
is a wiring diagram of wiring between the apparatuses of the audio system 100; Fig.
6 is an enlarged cross section of the trench 1a along the line P-P in Fig. 1 depicting
another example of a connector; and Fig. 7 is a cross section along a line S-S in
Fig. 6.
[0012] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the audio system 100 includes the audio rack body
1 having a rectangle plate shape installed on a floor; a display 2 set at the center
in engagement with a linear trench 1d as a long supporting unit provided over approximately
the whole length in the left to the right direction at the backside of the audio rack
body 1; two right speakers 3a and two left speakers 3b installed at the left and right
sides of the display 2 respectively in engagement with the trench 1d; a tuner 5, a
CD player 6, and a DVD player 7 as digital audio apparatuses (hereinafter, simply
"audio apparatuses") installed in engagement with the linear trench 1a as a long supporting
unit provided over approximately the whole length in the left to the right direction
at the front side of the audio rack body 1; and a controller 4 that is installed in
engagement with the trench 1a, and that controls the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7.
[0013] The CD player 6 reproduces and records information from and into a CD disk 61, and
the DVD player 7 reproduces and records information from and into a DVD disk 71. The
audio apparatuses also include an MD player, a hard disk device or the like. The trench
1a and the trench 1d have the same cross-sectional shapes.
[0014] As shown in Fig. 3-1, Fig. 3-2, and Fig. 4, total 13 rack-side contact terminals,
including rack-side power supply terminals B
1, B
2, a rack-side antenna terminal A, a rack-side GND terminal G, a rack-side video signal
terminal V, a rack-side right audio signal terminal R, a rack-side left audio signal
terminal L, rack-side control signal terminals C
1, C
2, C
3, and rack-side data signal terminals D
1, D
2, D
3 are disposed on front and back sidewalls 1b, 1c of the trench 1a provided on the
audio rack body 1, at predetermined intervals in a depth direction of the trenches
1a, 1d, extending in a belt shape over the total length in the lateral direction.
The rack-side terminals disposed in the trench 1a are electrically connected to the
same rack-side terminals disposed in the trench 1d.
[0015] The trenches 1a, 1d, and the total 13 belt-shaped rack-side contact terminals disposed
within the trenches 1a, 1d constitute the rack-side connector 20. The rack-side connector
20 includes at least a necessary number of terminals to electrically connect between
the controller 4, the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, the display 2, and the speakers 3a,
3b. The rack-side power supply terminals B
1, B
2 are connected to an AC power supply cord 10, and the rack-side antenna terminal A
is connected to an antenna cable 11.
[0016] As shown in Fig. 5, the controller 4 that is connected to the audio apparatuses such
as the tuner 5, the CD player 6, and the DVD player 7 and that individually controls
these apparatuses includes: a changeover switch 4a that selects the controlled audio
apparatuses 5, 6, 7; a general-purpose interface 4b that can communicate with any
one of the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7; a CPU 4c that processes control signals and
data signals of the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7; a ROM 4d that stores a control program;
a RAM 4e that temporarily stores data; audio processors 4f, 4g that output audio signals
to the speakers 3a, 3b; a video processor 4h that outputs a video signal to the display
2; an operation input unit 4i; and a display unit 4j.
[0017] As shown in Fig. 3-1, the controller 4 has an external shape formed in a rectangular
solid shape, and has legs 41 at four corners of the lower surface. A lower part of
the controller 4 is formed to have a depth size smaller than the widths of the trenches
1a, 1d so that the lower part is inserted into the trenches 1a, 1d and is engaged
with the trenches 1a, 1b.
[0018] As shown in Fig. 3-1 and Fig. 4, at the lower left side of side surfaces 4m, 4n before
and after the controller 4, there are disposed total 13 apparatus-side contact terminals:
apparatus-side power supply terminals b
1, b
2 as common terminals formed in a semispherical projection shape; an apparatus-side
antenna terminal a; an apparatus-side GND terminal g as a common terminal; an apparatus-side
video signal terminal v; an apparatus-side right audio signal terminal r; an apparatus-side
left audio signal terminal 1; apparatus-side control signal terminals C
1, C
2, C
3 as exclusive signal terminals for the audio apparatuses; and apparatus-side data
signal terminals d
1, d
2, d
3 as exclusive signal terminals for the audio apparatuses, in the same height as that
of the rack-side contact terminals, respectively, and these apparatus-side contact
terminals are brought into contact with the rack-side contact terminals.
[0019] In the controller 4, the apparatus-side antenna terminal a is a dummy terminal, and
is not electrically connected to the inside of the controller 4. To ensure an electric
connection and a mechanical fixing, preferably two apparatus-side contact terminals
are provided at the lower left side and the lower right side of the controller 4,
respectively.
[0020] The audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 have the external shapes formed in a rectangular solid
shape, and have the legs 41 at four corners of the lower surface, like the controller
4. A depth size of the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 is set the same as the size of the
controller 4 so that the apparatuses are inserted into the trenches 1a, 1b and are
engaged with the trenches 1a, 1b.
[0021] As shown in Fig. 3-1 and Fig. 4, like the controller 4, at the lower left side of
side surfaces 4m, 4n before and after the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, there are disposed
total 13 apparatus-side contact terminals: apparatus-side power supply terminals b
1, b
2 as common terminals formed in a semispherical projection shape; an apparatus-side
antenna terminal a; an apparatus-side GND terminal g as a common terminal; an apparatus-side
video signal terminal v; an apparatus-side right audio signal terminal r; an apparatus-side
left audio signal terminal 1; apparatus-side control signal terminals c
1, c
2, c
3 as exclusive signal terminals for the audio apparatuses; and apparatus-side data
signal terminals d
1, d
2, d
3 as exclusive signal terminals for the audio apparatuses, in the same height as that
of the rack-side contact terminals, respectively, and these apparatus-side contact
terminals are contacted and electrically connected to the rack-side contact terminals.
[0022] As shown in Fig. 5, in the tuner 5, the apparatus-side power supply terminals b
1, b
2 and the apparatus-side antenna terminal a as common terminals, the apparatus-side
GND terminal g as a common terminal, and the apparatus-side control signal terminal
c
1 and the apparatus-side data signal terminal d
1 as exclusive signal terminals for the tuner 5 are the apparatus-side contact terminals
that are electrically connected to the inside of the tuner 5. Other terminals are
dummy terminals to fix the tuner 5 to the trenches 1a, 1b.
[0023] In the CD player 6, the apparatus-side power supply terminals b
1, b
2 and the apparatus-side GND terminal g as common terminals, and the apparatus-side
control signal terminal C
2 and the apparatus-side data signal terminal d
2 exclusive for the CD player 6 are the apparatus-side contact terminals that are electrically
connected to the inside of the CD player 6. Other terminals are dummy terminals to
fix the CD player 6 to the trenches 1a, 1b
[0024] In the DVD player 7, the apparatus-side power supply terminals b
1, b
2 and the apparatus-side GND terminal g as common terminals, and the apparatus-side
control signal terminal C
3 and the apparatus-side data signal terminal d
3 exclusive for the DVD player 7 are the apparatus-side contact terminals that are
electrically connected to the inside of the DVD player 7. Other terminals are dummy
terminals to fix the DVD player 7 to the trenches 1a, 1b
[0025] As explained above, in the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, the apparatus-side power supply
terminals b
1, b
2 and the apparatus-side GND terminal g are common terminals provided in common to
the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, and the apparatus-side control signal terminals c1,
c2, c3 and the apparatus-side data signal terminals d1, d2, d3 are signal terminals
exclusive for the audio apparatuses. In the rack-side connector 20, rack-side control
signal terminals and rack-side data signal terminals are installed corresponding to
the number of connected audio apparatuses.
[0026] The rectangular solid shape lower part of the controller 4 and the audio apparatuses
5, 6, 7, including the legs 41 becomes a supported part 21 that is supported by being
engaged with the trench 1a. The supported part 21 and the apparatus-side contact terminals
disposed on the side surfaces before and after the supported part 21 constitute an
apparatus-side connector 22.
[0027] When the supported parts 21 of the controller 4 and the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7
are inserted into and engaged with the trenches 1a, 1d as long supporting units, the
apparatus-side connectors 22 are connected to the rack-side connector 20. Because
the belt-shaped rack-side contact terminal extends along approximately the whole length
of the trenches 1a, 1d, the controller 4 and the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 can be
installed at free optional positions of the trenches 1a, 1d, and these positions can
be continuously moved.
[0028] As shown in Fig. 3-2, the lower parts of the display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b have
a depth size smaller than the width of the trenches 1a, 1d, and a disk-shaped frame
2a is provided to protect falling.
[0029] In the display 2, the apparatus-side power supply terminals b
1, b
2, the apparatus-side GND terminal g, and the apparatus-side video signal terminal
v are apparatus terminals that are electrically connected to the inside of the display
2. Other terminals are dummy terminals to fix the display 2 to the trenches 1a, 1d.
[0030] In the speakers 3a, 3b, the apparatus-side GDN terminal g, and the apparatus-side
right audio signal terminal r or the apparatus-side left audio signal terminal 1 are
apparatus-side terminals that are electrically connected to the inside of the speakers
3a, 3b. Other terminals are dummy terminals to fix the speakers 3a, 3b to the trenches
1a, 1b.
[0031] A method of electrically connecting the controller 4 to the display 2 and the speakers
3a, 3b via the rack-side connector 20 is explained above. The display 2 and the speakers
3a, 3b do not require a frequent change of their installation positions on the audio
rack body 1. Therefore, the display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b can be fixedly installed
on the audio rack body 1, instead of providing the trench 1d. The controller 4 can
be electrically connected to the display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b by directly connecting
between them by wire, without via the rack-side connector 20 and the apparatus-side
connector 22. While the trench 1a is explained as a long continuous trench, instead
of this, plural short trenches into which the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 can be inserted
separately can be provided.
[0032] Next, another example of the rack-side connector and the apparatus-side connector
is explained with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 6, a trench 1e
having a smaller width than the width of the trench 1a is provided at the center of
the trench 1a of the audio rack body 1, over the whole length of the trench 1a. A
rack-side pin connector 25 connected to a multi-line cable 27 is provided, instead
of the rack-side connector 20, within the trench 1e. Plural rack-side pin connectors
25 are provided corresponding to a maximum installed number of audio apparatuses,
and the rack-side pin connectors 25 are inserted into and connected to apparatus-side
pin connectors 26 provided at a lower part of the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, respectively,
with the multi-line cable 27 bent in a U-shape as shown in Fig. 7. The apparatuses
are electrically connected in the same manner as that shown in Fig. 5.
[0033] When the multi-line cable 27 is bent in a U-shape, the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7
can be installed at optional positions on the trench 1a, and the installation positions
can be moved continuously. The display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b can be also connected
to the controller 4 based on this connection form. According to this connection form,
the apparatuses are connected using the multi-pin cable 27 and the pin connectors
25, 26. Therefore, the electrical connection has high reliability.
[0034] Next, assembling and operation of the audio system 100 are explained. First, the
display 2, the speakers 3a, 3b, the controller 4, and the audio apparatuses 5, 6,
7 are installed on the trenches 1a, 1d of the audio rack body 1. The apparatus-side
connectors 22 (26) are connected to the rack-side connectors 20 (25).
The power supply cord 10 is connected to the power supply, and the antenna cable 11
is connected to the antenna.
[0035] When the operation input unit 4i is operated to turn on the power supply to the controller
4, a connection apparatus identification program stored in a ROM 4e is started. When
this connection apparatus identification program is operated, the change-over switch
4a is controlled to first connect the signal terminals C
1, D
1 of the tuner 5 to the controller 4, and measure the potential of the signal terminal
C
1 or D
1. A power supply to the tuner 5 is on through the apparatus-side power supply terminals
b
1, b
2. Therefore, a predetermined potential V1 corresponding to the internal resistance
of the tuner 5 is generated in the signal terminals C
1, D
1. When the predetermined potential V1 is generated, it is recognized that the tuner
5 is connected, and this effect is displayed in the display unit 4j. When the potential
V1 is not generated, it is recognized that the tuner 5 is not connected.
[0036] Next, the changeover switch 4a is switched to connect the signal terminals C
2, D
2 of the CD player 6 to the controller 4. The potential of the signal terminal C
2 or D
2 is measured, and a connection or non-connection of the CD player 6 is recognized.
When a predetermined potential V2 corresponding to the internal resistance of the
CD player 6 is generated, it is recognized that the CD player 6 is connected. Similarly,
a connection or non-connection of all connectable apparatuses is recognized, and the
connectable and usable audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 are displayed in the display unit
4j.
[0037] When a user operates the operation input unit 4i to select the CD player 6 displayed
in the display unit 4j, the changeover switch 4a selects the signal terminals C
2, D
2, and connects the signal terminals C
2, D
2 to the general-purpose interface 4b of the controller 4. When the user carries out
the start operation, a control signal is transmitted from the control signal terminal
C2 to the CD player 6, thereby operating the CD player. A data signal is fetched from
the data signal terminal D2, and the CPU 4c processes this signal. At least one of
the audio processors 4f, 4g and the vide processor 4h outputs at least one of the
audio signal and the video signal to at least one of the audio signal terminals R,
L and the video signal terminal V, thereby operating at least one of the display 2
and the speakers 3a, 3b.
[0038] Other audio apparatuses 5, 7 can be also selected and operated in a similar manner
to the above. The changeover switch 4a can be switched to connect the tuner 5 and
the CD player 6 or the DVD player 7 to the controller 4, and data from the tuner 5
can be recorded in the CD disk 61 or a DVD disk 71.
[0039] The configuration and the operation of the audio system 100 are as explained above.
The audio rack according to the first embodiment includes the plate-shaped audio rack
body 1 having the trench 1a as a long supporting unit, the rack-side connectors 20
(25), and the controller 4, out of the constituent elements of the audio system 100.
According to the audio rack of the first embodiment, plural audio apparatuses such
as the tuner 5, the CD player 6, and the DVD player 7 can be installed at free and
optional positions of the trench 1a of the audio rack body 1. Therefore, the wiring
and connection operation at the time of setting the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, and
the wiring and connection operation at the time of changing the layout of the apparatuses
become easy.
Second embodiment
[0040] Fig. 8 is a left-front perspective view of a digital audio system 200 having the
audio apparatuses 5, 6 7 installed in pole-shaped audio rack bodies 13a, 13b. In Fig.
8, constituent elements equivalent to those shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 are denoted
with like reference numerals, and their detailed explanations will be omitted.
[0041] The audio system 200 includes: two poles 13a, 13b as audio rack bodies laterally
fitted in parallel to a room wall 12, as long supporting parts; the controller 4 that
is provided with the two pole through-holes 13c, 13d in a lateral direction as upper
and lower supported parts, has the poles 13a, 13b passed through the through-holes
13c, 13d, and is suspended by the poles 13a, 13b; the tuner 5, the CD player 6, and
the DVD player 7 as audio apparatuses that are provided with the two pole through-holes
13c, 13d in a lateral direction as upper and lower supported parts, and have the poles
13a, 13b passed through the through-holes 13c, 13d, and are suspended by the poles
13a, 13b; the display 2 that is suspended by the wall 12; and the speakers 3a, 3b
that are suspended by two wires 15a, 15b extended in a lateral direction on a corner
part of the wall 12 and a ceiling 14.
[0042] To suspend the controller 4 and the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 by the poles 13a, 13b,
the poles 13a, 13b are extracted from the wall 12. The controller 4 and the audio
apparatuses 5, 6, 7 can be arranged in an arbitrary order and suspended by the poles
13a, 13b. The individual apparatuses can be moved to the left and right directions
on the poles 13a, 13b. The speakers 3a, 3b can be also moved to the left and right
directions on the wires 15a, 15b.
[0043] Although not shown, the controller 4 and the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 have apparatus-side
pin connectors 26 at the back side, respectively, and are connected to the apparatus-side
pin connectors 26 with the rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables 27.
The display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b are connected to the controller 4 with wires
without via the rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables 27. The rack-side
pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables 27 pass through the wall 12 along the
poles 13a, 13b. The rack-side pin connectors 25 are drawn out from holes provided
on the wall 12, and are connected to the apparatus-side pin connectors 26.
[0044] The AC power supply cord 10 is connected to the controller 4. Power is supplied from
the controller 4 to the apparatuses via the rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line
cables 27 or wires. Although not shown, the antenna cable 11 is directly connected
to the tuner 5.
[0045] Functions of the above apparatuses of the audio system 200 according to a second
embodiment are equivalent to the functions of the apparatuses according to the first
embodiment. The audio system 200 can carry out the same operation as that of the audio
system 100 according to the first embodiment.
[0046] The configuration and the operation of the audio system 200 are as explained above.
The audio rack according to the second embodiment includes the poles 13a, 13b as long
supporting parts and also as audio rack bodies, the rack-side pin connectors 25, and
the controller 4, among the constituent elements of the audio system 200. According
to the audio rack of the second embodiment, plural audio apparatuses such as the tuner
5, the CD player 6, and the DVD player 7 can be suspended by and supported by the
poles 13a, 13b at free optional positions on the poles. It sufficient to only connect
the apparatus-side pin connectors 26 of the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7 to the rack-side
pin connectors 25. Therefore, the wiring and connection operation at the time of setting
the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, and the wiring and connection operation at the time
of changing the layout of the apparatuses become easy. Third embodiment
[0047] Fig. 9 is a right-front perspective view of an audio system 300 having the audio
apparatuses 5, 6, 7 suspended in rail-shaped audio rack bodies 16a, 16b. Fig. 10 is
a front view of the audio system 300. In Fig. 9 and Fig.10, constituent elements equivalent
to those shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 are denoted with like reference numerals, and their
detailed explanations will be omitted.
[0048] The audio system 300 includes: two rails 16a, 16b as audio rack bodies laterally
fitted in parallel to the room wall 12, as long supporting parts; the controller 4
that is provided with the two rail insertion trenches 16c, 16d in a lateral direction
as upper and lower supported parts, has the rails 16a, 16b passed through the rail
insertion trenches 16c, 16d, and is suspended by the rails 16a, 16b; the tuner 5,
the CD player 6, the DVD player 7, and the MD player 8 as audio apparatuses that are
suspended by the rails 16a, 16b; and the display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b that are
separately installed on the wall not shown. The controller 4 and the audio apparatuses
5, 6, 7 suspended by the rails 16a, 16b are arranged in an arbitrary order. The individual
apparatuses can be moved to the left and right directions on the rails 16a, 16b.
[0049] Although not shown, the controller 4 and the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, 8 are provided
with the apparatus-side pin connectors 26, on the back surfaces, respectively. The
apparatus-side pin connectors 26 are connected to each other by the rack-side pin
connectors 25 and the multi-pin cables 27. The display 2 and the speakers 3a, 3b are
connected to the controller 4 by wires, without via the rack-side pin connectors 25
and the multi-line cables 27. The rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables
27 are passed through the wall 12 along the rails 16a, 16b. The rack-side pin connectors
25 are drawn out from the holes formed on the wall 12, and are connected to the apparatus-side
pin connectors 26.
[0050] The AC power supply cord 10 is connected to the controller 4. Power is supplied from
the controller 4 to each apparatus via the rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line
cables 27 or wires. Although not shown, the antenna cable 11 is directly connected
to the tuner 5.
[0051] Functions of the apparatuses of the audio system 300 according to a third embodiment
explained above are equivalent to those of the apparatuses according to the first
embodiment. The audio system 300 can carry out the operation equivalent to those of
the audio system 100 according to the first embodiment.
[0052] The configuration and the operation of the audio system 300 are as explained above.
The audio rack according to the third embodiment includes the rails 16a, 16b as long
supporting units and as audio rack main bodies, the rack-side pin connectors 25, and
the controller 4, among the constituent elements of the audio system 300. According
to the audio rack of the third embodiment, plural audio apparatuses such as the tuner
5, the CD player 6, the DVD player 7, and the MD player 8 can be suspended and supported
at free optional positions on the rails 16a, 16b. It is sufficient to only connect
the apparatus-side pin connectors 26 of the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, 8 to the rack-side
pin connectors 25. Therefore, the wiring and connection operation at the time of setting
the audio apparatuses 5, 6, 7, 8 and the wiring and connection operation at the time
of changing the layout of the apparatuses become easy.
Fourth embodiment
[0053] Fig. 11 is a front view of an audio system 400 according to a fourth embodiment,
and Fig. 12 is a cross section along a line T-T in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12,
constituent elements equivalent to those shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 10 are denoted with
like reference numerals, and their detailed explanations will be omitted.
[0054] The audio system 400 includes: a long plate-shaped board 17 as an audio rack body
fitted to the room wall 12; a linear trench 17a as a long supporting unit provided
at a vertically center position of the board, in a lateral direction over approximately
the whole length of the board 17; the display 2 provided at the center of the linear
trench 17a as a long supporting unit, in engagement with the trench 17a; the controller
4 installed at the right side of the display 2 in engagement with the trench 17a;
the CD player 6 and the DVD player 7 as audio apparatuses installed at the left and
right sides of the display 2 in engagement with the trench 17a; and the speakers 3a,
3b not shown separately installed on the wall. The display 2 and the audio apparatuses
6, 7 that are suspended by being engaged with the trench 17a can be arranged in an
arbitrary order. Individual apparatuses can be moved to the left and right directions
on the trench 17a.
[0055] As shown in Fig. 12a, the trench 17a as a long supporting unit has a wide part 17b
on the bottom. The supported parts of the display 2, the controller 4 and the audio
apparatuses 6, 7 are fitted on the back surfaces of the apparatuses, and include a
hook portion 18 engaged with the wide part 17b.
[0056] Although not shown, the apparatus-side pin connectors 26 are provided on the back
surfaces of the display 2, the controller 4, and the audio apparatuses 6, 7, respectively.
The apparatus-side pin connectors 26 are connected to each other by the rack-side
pin connectors 25 and the multi-pin cables 27. The speakers 3a, 3b are connected to
the controller 4 by wires, without via the rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line
cables 27. The rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables 27 are passed
through the backside of the board 17 along the trench 17a. The rack-side pin connectors
25 are drawn out from the holes formed on the board 17, and are connected to the apparatus-side
pin connectors 26.
[0057] The AC power supply cord 10 is connected to the multi-line cable 27. Power is supplied
to each apparatus via the multi-line cable 27 and the pin connectors 25.
[0058] Functions of the apparatuses of the audio system 400 according to the fourth embodiment
explained above are equivalent to those of the apparatuses according to the first
embodiment. The audio system 400 can carry out the operation equivalent to those of
the audio system 400 according to the first embodiment.
[0059] The configuration and the operation of the audio system 400 are as explained above.
The audio rack according to the fourth embodiment includes the board 17 as an audio
rack main body having the trench 17a as a long supporting unit, the rack-side pin
connectors 25, and the controller 4. According to the audio rack of the fourth embodiment,
plural audio apparatuses such as the CD player 6 and the DVD player 7 can be suspended
and supported at free optional positions on the trench 17a. It is sufficient to only
connect the apparatus-side pin connectors 26 of the audio apparatuses 6, 7 to the
rack-side pin connectors 25. Therefore, the wiring and connection operation at the
time of setting the audio apparatuses 6, 7, and the wiring and connection operation
at the time of changing the layout of the apparatuses become easy.
Fifth embodiment
[0060] Fig. 13 is a front view of an audio system 500 according to a fifth embodiment, and
Fig. 14 is a right-forward perspective view of the audio system 400. In Fig. 13 and
Fig. 14, constituent elements equivalent to those shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 12 are denoted
with like reference numerals, and their detailed explanations will be omitted.
[0061] The audio system 500 includes: a long rack 19 as an audio rack body having a bottom
plate 19a and a ceiling plate 19b as a long supporting part; the controller 4, the
CD player 6, the DVD player 7, and the speakers 3a, 3b inserted into the rack 19,
with partition walls provided between them; and the display 2 hung on the wall 12.
The controller 4, the audio apparatuses 6, 7, and the speakers 3a, 3b can be arranged
in an arbitrary order in the rack 19. Individual apparatuses can be moved to the left
and right directions within the rack 19.
[0062] A bottom 19c and a ceiling 19d of the controller 4, audio apparatuses 6, 7, and the
speakers 3a, 3b are formed to be brought into contact with the bottom plate 19a and
the ceiling plate 19b, respectively, when inserted into the rack 19. The bottom 19c
and the ceiling 19d become supporting unit. Legs 19k are fitted to four corners of
the bottom plate 19a.
[0063] Although not shown, the apparatus-side pin connectors 26 are provided on the back
surfaces of the controller 4, audio apparatuses 6, 7, and the speakers 3a, 3b. The
apparatus-side pin connectors 26 are connected to each other by the rack-side pin
connectors 25 and the multi-pin cables 27. The display 2 is connected to the controller
4 by wires, without via the rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables
27. The rack-side pin connectors 25 and the multi-line cables 27 are passed through
the backside of the rack 19 along the bottom plate 19a or the ceiling plate 19b. The
rack-side pin connectors 25 are drawn out from the holes formed on a back plate 19g
of the rack 19, and are connected to the apparatus-side pin connectors 26.
[0064] Although not shown, the AC power supply cord 10 is connected to the multi-line cable
27. Power is supplied to each apparatus via the pin connectors 25. Input operation
of the controller 4 is carried out from a remote control apparatus 4k.
[0065] Functions of the above apparatuses of the audio system 500 according to the fifth
embodiment are equivalent to the functions of the apparatuses according to the first
embodiment. The audio system 500 can carry out the same operation as that of the audio
system 100 according to the first embodiment.
[0066] The configuration and the operation of the audio system 500 are as explained above.
The audio rack according to the fifth embodiment includes the long rack 19 as an audio
rack main body having the bottom plate 19a and the ceiling plate 19b as a long supporting
unit, the rack-side pin connectors 25, and the controller 4. According to the audio
rack of the fifth embodiment, plural audio apparatuses such as the CD player 6 and
the DVD player 7 can be installed and supported at free optional positions on the
bottom plate 19a. It is sufficient to only connect the apparatus-side pin connectors
26 of the audio apparatuses 6, 7 to the rack-side pin connectors 25. Therefore, the
wiring and connection operation at the time of setting the audio apparatuses 6, 7,
and the wiring and connection operation at the time of changing the layout of the
apparatuses become easy.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0067] As explained above, the audio rack according to the present invention is useful as
an audio rack that facilitates wiring and connection at the time of setting plural
audio apparatuses such as a CD player and a DVD player and the wiring and connection
at the time of changing a layout of the apparatuses.