CN1728927A - Thumb drive with retractable USB connector - Google Patents
Thumb drive with retractable USB connector Download PDFInfo
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- CN1728927A CN1728927A CN 200410092673 CN200410092673A CN1728927A CN 1728927 A CN1728927 A CN 1728927A CN 200410092673 CN200410092673 CN 200410092673 CN 200410092673 A CN200410092673 A CN 200410092673A CN 1728927 A CN1728927 A CN 1728927A
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Abstract
The invention provides a minitype driver, comprising a board memory for storing digital information, a contact pin type USB connector which is coupled with the board memory and used to connect calculating equipments and a extension/receiving mechanism which is coupled with the connector and the board memory, used to make the connector extend out of an outer shell of the driver and received when the connector is not used. In various embodiments, the invention is also provided with a light which is used to help find the contact pin type USB port ready to be connected and used as a practical light.
Description
The application requires the priority of the provisional application 60/528,645 of application on October 12nd, 2003, and its integral body is embodied in this as a reference.
Technical field
The present invention relates to the computer mass storage driver, can connect driver more specifically to solid-state USB.
Background technology
In computer technology, continue to exist the further density of mass storage driver and the motivation of easy usability of improving.The technical solid-state drive that is called mini drive (thumb drive) is to introduce relatively in the recent period at present, and it is advanced on the standard of density and easy usability, and this hot-pluggable drive is made by the man manufacturer of number.Mini drive technically a known common feature be that it is the contact pin type USB connector and has the function of hot plug, promptly needn't cut off the computer that it will connect and disconnect.Another common feature is the plastics protection outer cover that is used for this contact pin type USB connector.
Although mini drive to appear at the technical progress of mass memory be huge, still there are some problems in such system.For example, the plastic housing that uses on the contact pin type USB connector is not very firm, and they are tending towards fluffing and coming off.As remedying, many manufacturers provide two three plastic housings that common color is different sometimes to the device of each sale.Another problem is that the USB port on the computer is not easy usually to see and is approaching.Some ports wherein are positioned at the back side of the following rack that is placed on desk or other furniture usually, usually are not easy thereby will find a not use USB jack type port that is used for being connected with the contact pin type USB connector of mini drive.When can't see jack type port or its during in the dark space, can only finish connection by feel usually.In addition, when mini drive is connected with computer, removes plastics protection outer cover, thereby leave about this protection outer cover easily.
Utilize spendable large storage capacity and their connectivities relatively easy and personal computer and other computerized equipment of mini drive, can also realize other function.A kind of such function is to serve as the MP3 player, so that download mp3 file from computerized equipment, and music file for example, and can be played to these files earphone, headphone or the amplifier from mini drive.
Thereby it is very clear; need a kind ofly abolish plastic housing but still the method for protection contact pin type USB connector to mini drive; a kind of help is searched untapped USB port and is helped the contact pin type USB connector of mini drive and the method for the engagement of the jack type port on the computer, and a kind of method that mini drive is used as the MP3 player.
Summary of the invention
In one embodiment of this invention, a kind of mini drive is provided, it comprises: be used for memory on the plate of storing digital information, contact pin type USB connector with USB port memory coupling on this plate, that be used to be connected to computer equipment, and, with memory coupling on this connector and the plate, be used to make the shell of this connector by driver to extend and pack up stretching out/stow mechanism of this connector when not in use.
In one embodiment, this stretches out/stow mechanism comprises: one group be positioned at this mini drive intrinsic, be used to move the memory that is coupled and the guide groove of USB connector, and by an opening extension on the body and the sliding button that is connected with memory on the plate with the USB port that is coupled, wherein, the user can promote this sliding button by the outside from body and move memory and the USB connector that is coupled along these guide grooves.Should can comprise the click by the opening of body, they and this sliding button cooperation are so that memory that is coupled and USB connector remain on the position of stretching out fully or packing up fully.Memory can be digital flash memory and can have 256 Mbytes or bigger capacity on this plate.
In certain embodiments, also comprise one be integrated on the body and be oriented to along with the lamp that stretches out the direction equidirectional of this USB connector, and have power supply on the plate that is used for encouraging this lamp.In certain embodiments, this driver comprises: one group of this mini drive is intrinsic to be used to move the memory that is coupled and the guide groove of USB connector, and by an opening extension on this body and the sliding button that is connected with memory on the plate with the USB port that is coupled, wherein, the user can promote this sliding button by the outside from body and move memory and the USB connector that is coupled along these guide grooves, and wherein, press this button and also connect this lamp.
In addition in certain embodiments, also comprise the internal control device that is used for to this micro drives management MP3 player function, be used to show the display of the title of song of download, and the user-operable control device, be used for selecting and play on this plate memory as the song of audio file record with audio frequency output as out connector.In these embodiment many, also comprise one group of earplug or earphone compatible, and digital audio file is directly recorded the boombox in the memory and one or two in the microphone on this plate for the user with this out connector.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of mini drive is provided, it comprises: be used for memory on the plate of storing digital information, be coupled with memory on this plate and have the contact pin type USB connector that is used for the engagement direction that is connected with the USB port of computer equipment, and a modulation element that is positioned to roughly provide along the engagement direction of this contact pin type USB connector light.Can exist power supply on the plate of this modulation element power supply.In addition, this modulation element one of can comprise in one or more high-brightness LEDs or the incandescent lamp.
In certain embodiments, also comprise and this connector and plate on memory coupling be used to make this connector extend and when not using, pack up stretching out/stow mechanism of this connector from the shell of this driver.This stretches out/stow mechanism can comprise: one group be positioned at this mini drive intrinsic, be used to move the memory that is coupled and the guide groove of USB connector, and the sliding button that extends by opening on this body and be connected with memory on the plate with the USB port that is coupled, wherein, the user can promote this sliding button by the outside from body and move memory and the USB connector that is coupled along these guide grooves.
In some cases, this opening that passes body can comprise the click, they with this sliding button cooperation so that memory that is coupled and USB connector remain on the position of stretching out fully or packing up fully.In addition, memory can be digital flash memory and can have 256 Mbytes or bigger capacity on this plate.
In addition in certain embodiments, this driver can comprise: be used for internal control device into this micro drives management MP3 player function, be used to show the display of the title of song of download, and the user-operable control device, be used for selecting and play on this plate memory as the song of audio file record with audio frequency output as out connector.In these embodiments, one group of earplug or earphone compatible be can comprise, and digital audio file the boombox of memory on this plate and one or two in the microphone directly recorded for the user with this out connector.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 a is the perspective view according to the mini drive of one embodiment of the invention under the connector collapsed state.
Fig. 1 b is the perspective view that connector part ground stretches out the mini drive of Fig. 1 a under the situation.
Fig. 1 c is the perspective view that connector stretches out the mini drive of Fig. 1 a under the situation fully.
Fig. 2 is the perspective view according to the mini drive of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 a is the exploded view of Fig. 2 mini drive.
Fig. 3 b, 3c and 3d illustrate the details of the pallet maintaining body in one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 a and 4b illustrate a kind of method that realizes the protection outer cover.
Fig. 5 is the perspective view according to the mini drive of another embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiment
In one embodiment of this invention, mini drive has the contact pin type USB connector that can manually stretch out and pack up.Fig. 1 a is the perspective view according to this driver 101 of one embodiment of the invention.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that for opening 102 and have the various methods that realize cover plate.Can be with some different materials, for example rubber or plastic material are made this cover plate, and it can some different modes be realized.For example, this gate can be solid material or hard plastic material, and can provide the mechanism of opening and closing in some different modes.
Except that top explanation, on the wall of shell, realize a sliding button 104 for this driver by an opening.This button has two kinds of functions in one embodiment.At first, the mode of connecting a flashing component 105 when pressing this button realizes this button.The second, block this button according to the mode that it can be pushed ahead when pressing the button, this moves forward an internal mechanism, promotes the contact pin type USB connector and stretches out and the locks in place along with stretching out through port one 02.Locks in place is a kind of maintenance function of this button mechanism in one embodiment.
Those skilled in the art are also clear, can also for example by button or slide block, realize that the operator manually moves certain mechanism so that this contact pin type connector is extended by opening 102 by several modes.In one embodiment, for example, this can be return connector and be loaded on the shell of this mini drive with utilizing click's spring, so that the user keeps packing up of this connector before discharging this click.A similar click remains on this connector on the extended position, until the user this connector is back in the shell.
Be installed in a side of this mini drive to lamp among the embodiment 105 biasing as shown, and be used to help to find the USB port on candidate's computer.This lamp also can serve as the practical photoflash lamp that is used for some other purposes.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that except this sliding button 104, have the various methods that are used for controlling this lamp, for example control this lamp by an independent switch of on the body of this mini drive, realizing.
Fig. 1 b is that the USB contact pin type connector part ground of the mini drive of Fig. 1 a stretches out perspective view under the situation from port one 02.As can be seen, relative the stretching out of the relative position of sliding button 104 and USB port 106 is corresponding.
Fig. 1 c be Fig. 1 a and 1b mini drive contact pin type connector 106 stretch out fully and the locks in place situation under perspective view.In some embodiments of the invention, connecting ring 107 can be set so that be suspended on neck band or the key ring.
Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the mini drive 280 in the another embodiment of the present invention.Realize in this embodiment when using this driver, can providing body shape more comfortable and safer grasping.Many elements embodiment illustrated in fig. 2 are that the element of embodiment is shown is identical with Fig. 1 a-1c.Wherein, a molded body is made up of two independent sectors 213 and 214 along line 215 combinations in this case.209 pairs of lamps 216 of the jut on top 213 provide support, and this lamp 216 for example can be one or one group of high-brightness LED or an incandescent lamp.In part 213, realize spring-loaded button 211, with the break-make input that is used for lamp 216 be used for can be by promoting the slide that button 211 causes the contact pin type USB connector to stretch out by gate 212 forward by opening 210.In opening 210, realize the click with USB connector is remained on stretch out or retrieving position on, such as will be described as further below.
Fig. 3 a is the part decomposition diagram of the mini drive 208 of Fig. 2, so that some internal component details further are shown.Part 213 and part 214 disconnect and are raised so that other interior details to be shown.In this mini drive, module 301 comprises flash memory, and its capacity may be 256 Mbytes or bigger.Module 301 also is included in the structure 302 button of realizing 211, and this structure 302 allows to press this button and realizes via being electrically connected with exciter 216 from the access path 303 of battery on the plate 304.This battery can be in many types a kind of, rechargeable battery for example.
The I/O contact coupling of the internal flash memory 301 of module 301 and the USB contact pin type connector 305 that in module, makes up.Not shown inner connection, microprocessor and for making this equipment work be applied to firmware on this microprocessor, but these are clearly for those skilled in the art are because they mostly exist in commercial field during the application's application.
Fig. 3 b illustrates an edge 306 of the opening 210 of part 213 in the elevation.This edge of opening forms the contact-making surface of two height, i.e. the contact-making surface 308 of lower and 310 and the contact-making surface 309 and 311 of higher position.
Fig. 3 c is illustrated in button 211 and the structure 302 that realizes on the module 301.As previously explained above, structure 302 allows to press the button 211 electric contacts to realize lighting lamp 216.Button 211 also comprises contact-making surface 312, depends on stretching out relatively of connector 305, this contact-making surface 312 illustrate like that as perspective among Fig. 3 d and contact-making surface 308-311 in one of mesh.
Fig. 3 d illustrates button 211 and is positioned at the edge that has contact-making surface 308-311 306 on the diverse location (a) to (d) that 305 4 kinds of differences of four expression connectors stretch out.When button 211 was on the position (a), the contact pin type USB connector was completely retracted in the body of this mini drive.Because button 211 is upwards spring-loaded, this can provide a click who this connector is remained withdrawal before the user takes specific action.
For this connector is moved forward, promptly stretch out this connector, thereby pressing the button 211, the user make the contact-making surface 312 of this button be lower than the contact-making surface 310 at edge 306.The electric contact of pressing realization turn-on lamp 216 of button 211.Can module 301 be moved forward so that stretch out USB connector 305 by promoting button 211 forward now.If release-push, contact-making surface 310 guarantee that lamp keeps connecting.
Contact-making surface 308 allows the user to cross contact-making surface 309 connector 305 is moved to maximum forward facing position, and lamp keeps lighting on this position.This allows user's release-push and keep lamp to connect when the jack type USB port that searching is used to connect.
When finding the jack type USB port and inserting contact pin type connector 305, this insert action meeting makes this contact pin type connector be anchored to contact-making surface 309 to the mini drive retraction until this spring-loaded button, thereby near complete extended position, lamp disconnect close and this mini drive and situation that the equipment with jack type USB port is connected under the pallet maintaining body is provided.
Pallet maintaining body with reference to Fig. 3 b-3a explanation above it will be understood by those skilled in the art that is a kind of example of spendable mechanism, and various other the methods of provided pallet maintaining body are provided.
A kind of simple declaration in gate 112 shown in Fig. 4 a and the 4b or 212.In this example, be fixed on opening back between top, the bottom 113 and 114 as skin shape plate 112.When connector 305 when stretch out the position shown in Fig. 4 a, this rubber shape plate is pushed to a side simply, stretches out plate 112 fully and locatees as shown in Fig. 4 b up to reaching.When regaining connector 305 again, plate 112 bounces back into as shown in Fig. 4 a stand up position closing this opening, thereby for example prevents dust and chip.
Those skilled in the art know that; be used for the gate that this makes the outstanding opening of contact pin type USB connector; for example the plate 112 among Fig. 4 a and the 4b itself is not a patentability characteristic of the present invention, but a kind of means of protecting the interior details of this novel mini drive when regaining connector.This paper provides some simple case of this gate, but can realize this protection gate under various alternate manners.For example, it can be the rigid door of hinge in some way, and can by or do not close this gate by the spring click.But also there are many other possibilities.
In the illustrated in the above various embodiments of the present invention; be used for the plastics over cap of contact pin type USB connector needn't be as application the time prior art adopt usually, and be integrated into lamp in this mini drive among some embodiment and find and connect the user tangible help is provided in the untapped USB port.This lamp can also have other use as a simple practical photoflash lamp.
In the another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5, can also work into a music storage vault and player, for example MP3 player thereby make further improvement mini drive 501.Control the memory capabilities of this mini drive in this embodiment by the same mode such as MP3 player in the prior art, thus music and other audio material can download to this unique mini drive from machine element, and can be to user's playback.For this purpose, being provided with one can be the display 502 of LED (light-emitting diode) formula or LCD (LCD) and the additional firmware that is provided for internal microprocessor control, so as the audio file of management song for example mp3 file storage and under user's order, play and reproduce song.
The button groups 503 of suitable control example such as rolling playlist is set, and provides audio reproducing by line 504 to one group of earplug 505.Also can use earphone, the set of speakers of perhaps using powered battery or converting unit to power up, for example the speaker types of using together with PC from sound card.Microphone 506 also is set in certain embodiments, and the user is provided the control device of record memorandum and note when this mini drive is used as personal digital recorder.Can also realize a small-sized boombox 507 in certain embodiments.
Can make up different features among the various embodiment of the present invention.For example, provide telescopic contact pin type USB connector in one embodiment, but lamp and MP3 function are not provided.Have lamp in another embodiment but do not have MP3 and do not have scalable connector.In another embodiment, by such Assembled lamp and recoverable connector shown in each embodiment described above.Different embodiment can comprise any different characteristics combination.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that and do not deviating under the spirit and scope of the present invention, make various changes in the above in the various embodiments of the present invention that can illustrate.For example, there are various spendable materials for the various elements in the various embodiments of the present invention.Can several means finish the control among these embodiment to voice reproducing.There is mode of the scalable contact pin type connector of various realizations or the like.The method that also has various realization controlled function.Thereby the present invention only is subjected to the restriction of following claim.
Claims (19)
1. mini drive comprises:
Be used for memory on the plate of storing digital information;
Contact pin type USB connector with USB port memory coupling on this plate, that be used to be connected to computer equipment; And
With memory coupling on this connector and the plate, be used to make this connector to extend and be used for when not using, packing up stretching out/stow mechanism of this connector from the shell of this driver.
2. mini drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein, this stretches out/stow mechanism comprise one group be positioned at this mini drive intrinsic, be used to move the memory that is coupled and the guide groove of USB connector, and by an opening extension on this body and the sliding button that is connected with memory on the plate with the USB port that is coupled, wherein, the user can promote this sliding button by the outside from body and move memory and the USB connector that is coupled along these guide grooves.
3. mini drive as claimed in claim 2 wherein, should comprise the click by the opening of body, and described click and this sliding button cooperation are so that memory that is coupled and USB connector remain on the position of stretching out fully or packing up fully.
4. mini drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein, memory is digital flash memory on this plate.
5. mini drive as claimed in claim 4, wherein, this memory span equals or exceeds 256 Mbytes.
6. mini drive as claimed in claim 1, also comprise be integrated on the body and be oriented to along with the lamp of the bearing of trend equidirectional of this USB connector, and be used for encouraging power supply on the plate of this lamp.
7. mini drive as claimed in claim 6, comprise one group be positioned at this mini drive intrinsic, be used to move the memory that is coupled and the guide groove of USB connector, and by an opening extension on this body and the sliding button that is connected with memory on the plate with the USB port that is coupled, wherein, the user can promote this sliding button by the outside from body and move memory and the USB connector that is coupled along these guide grooves, and wherein, press this button and also connect this lamp.
8. mini drive as claimed in claim 1, also comprise: be used for internal control device into this micro drives management MP3 player function, be used to show the display of the title of song of download, and the user-operable control device, be used for selecting and play on this plate memory as the song of audio file record with audio frequency output as out connector.
9. mini drive as claimed in claim 8 also comprises one group of earplug or earphone compatible with this out connector, and for the user digital audio file is directly recorded on this plate in the boombox in the memory and microphone one or both of.
10. mini drive comprises:
Be used for memory on the plate of storing digital information;
One with this plate on memory be coupled and have the contact pin type USB connector that is used for the engagement direction that is connected with the USB port of computer equipment; And
A modulation element that is positioned to roughly provide light along the engagement direction of this contact pin type USB connector.
11., also comprise one to power supply on the plate of this modulation element power supply as the mini drive of claim 10.
12. as the mini drive of claim 10, wherein, this modulation element one of comprises in one or more high-brightness LEDs or the incandescent lamp.
13. as the mini drive of claim 10, also comprise memory coupling on and this connector and the plate, be used to make this connector to extend and be used for when not using, packing up stretching out/stow mechanism of this connector from the shell of this driver.
14. mini drive as claim 13, wherein, this stretches out/stow mechanism comprises: one group be positioned at this mini drive intrinsic, be used to move the memory that is coupled and the guide groove of USB connector, and the sliding button that extends by opening on this body and be connected with memory on the plate with the USB port that is coupled, wherein, the user can promote this sliding button by the outside from body and move memory and the USB connector that is coupled along these guide grooves.
15. as the mini drive of claim 14, wherein, should comprise the click by the opening of body, described click and this sliding button cooperation are so that memory that is coupled and USB connector remain on the position of stretching out fully or packing up fully.
16. as the mini drive of claim 10, wherein, memory is digital flash memory on this plate.
17. as the mini drive of claim 16, wherein, this memory span equals or exceeds 256 Mbytes.
18. mini drive as claim 10, also comprise: one group of internal control device that is used for to this micro drives management MP3 player function, be used to show the display of the title of song of download, and the user-operable control device, be used for selecting and play on this plate memory as the song of audio file record with audio frequency output as out connector.
19. the mini drive as claim 18 also comprises: one group of earplug or earphone compatible with this out connector, and digital audio file is directly recorded the boombox of memory on this plate and microphone one or both of for the user.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/903,412 US6979210B2 (en) | 2003-12-10 | 2004-07-29 | Thumb drive with retractable USB connector |
| US10/903,412 | 2004-07-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1728927A true CN1728927A (en) | 2006-02-01 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 200410092673 Pending CN1728927A (en) | 2004-07-29 | 2004-11-16 | Thumb drive with retractable USB connector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN1728927A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101601336B (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2011-12-14 | 桑迪士克股份有限公司 | Electronic device with a retractable connector and protective door mechanism |
| CN101458955B (en) * | 2007-12-10 | 2012-05-16 | 威刚科技股份有限公司 | Portable storage device |
| CN107863643A (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2018-03-30 | 湖南欧智通科技有限公司 | A kind of slidingtype interface concealing device |
-
2004
- 2004-11-16 CN CN 200410092673 patent/CN1728927A/en active Pending
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101601336B (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2011-12-14 | 桑迪士克股份有限公司 | Electronic device with a retractable connector and protective door mechanism |
| CN101458955B (en) * | 2007-12-10 | 2012-05-16 | 威刚科技股份有限公司 | Portable storage device |
| TWI393149B (en) * | 2007-12-10 | 2013-04-11 | A Data Technology Co Ltd | Portable storage device |
| CN107863643A (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2018-03-30 | 湖南欧智通科技有限公司 | A kind of slidingtype interface concealing device |
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Open date: 20060201 |