JP2001057487A - Electronic device and unit thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device and a unit thereof in which the number of printed boards to be mounted can be arbitrarily decided and which has sufficient strength. SOLUTION: This electronic device comprises a plurality of modules 1 (1a-1h) having a columnar frame body with openings on the top and bottom faces, a printed board to be fixed in the frame and provided with electronic components including connectors, and a connecting means provided in the frame and capable of connecting the frame with another frame so that the opening of the frame is overlapped with the opening of another frame. The plurality of modules 1 are joined so that the opening of each module 1, the joined modules 1 are connected by a connecting means, and connectors provided on the printed boards in the joined modules 1 are electrically connected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device in which a plurality of printed circuit boards on which electronic components are provided are mounted and the electronic components of each printed circuit board are electrically connected, and a unit thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in an electronic device, a plurality of printed circuit boards on which electronic components are provided are mounted in a housing, and the electronic components of the plurality of printed circuit boards are electrically connected to each other so that the printed circuit boards can be externally connected. It protects and operates by the electronic components of each mounted printed circuit board.

In order to electrically connect the electronic components of each of the mounted printed circuit boards to each other as described above, conventionally,
A wiring board called a backplane on which connectors and wiring are mounted is provided at the rear of the housing, and the electronic components of each printed circuit board mounted by connecting the connector of this backplane and the connector of each printed circuit board are mutually connected. It was intended to be electrically connected.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional electronic device in which each printed circuit board is connected by a back plane.
In the drawing, reference numeral 101 denotes a housing having an opening on the front surface into which a printed board can be inserted, and a housing having outer walls on the top, bottom, rear and both side surfaces, and 102a and 102b printed boards on which electronic components are provided. A connector is provided at an end of the printed circuit board. Reference numeral 103 denotes a backplane fixed to the rear surface of the housing 101, which has connectors and wiring that can be connected to connectors on a plurality of printed circuit boards. 104a,
b is a front panel attached to the front of the printed circuit boards 102a and 102b to be mounted.

Next, the operation of the conventional electronic device shown in FIG. 14 will be described. In order to mount the printed circuit board 102a on the electronic device shown in FIG.
After the front panel 104a is attached to the front surface of the printed circuit board 02a, the printed circuit board 1 is inserted into the housing 101 from the rear side (the side with the connector) of the printed circuit board 102 through the opening surface of the housing 101.
02a is inserted, and the connector provided on the rear surface of the printed circuit board 102a and the connector of the backplane 103 are fitted. Then, the front panel 104a fixed to the printed board 102a is screwed to the housing 101, whereby the printed board 102a is mounted.

Thus, when mounting a printed circuit board,
The housing 101 and the front panel 104a form an outer shell of the device, and the mounted printed circuit board 102a is fixed by the front panel 104a and the backplane 103 fixed to the housing 101, so that an external force is applied to the device. In such a case, the force applied to the connector directly fitted on the printed circuit board or the back plane is reduced.

The connectors on the backplane are connected by wiring connection or pattern wiring, and have a structure for connecting a power supply line and a signal line. In addition, if there is a printed circuit board mounted in another connection port, power is supplied or communication is performed including the printed circuit board, thereby operating as an electronic device having a target function as a whole.

[0008]

Since the conventional electronic device is configured as described above, the number of printed circuit boards that can be mounted in the housing is predetermined, and the number of printed circuit boards that are equal to or larger than the predetermined number is mounted. There was a problem that you can not.

Further, if the number of printed circuit boards that can be mounted in the housing is set large so that a sufficient number of printed circuit boards can be mounted, if the number of printed circuit boards actually mounted is small, the printed circuit board can be mounted on the housing. This results in an area of the printed circuit board that is not being processed. If there is an area where nothing is mounted as described above, the housing cannot maintain sufficient strength.Therefore, a printed circuit board not related to the actual operation or another board equivalent to the printed circuit board is placed in this area. Need to be implemented.

Further, since the number of wirings and connectors provided on the backplane is formed according to the number of printed boards that can be mounted in the housing, if the number of printed boards actually mounted is small, An extra connector or wiring that is not connected to the printed circuit board actually mounted is formed on the backplane, and there is a problem that the cost is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an electronic device having a sufficient strength in which the number of mountable printed circuit boards can be arbitrarily set. And its units.

[0012]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising: a column-shaped frame having upper and lower openings; a printed circuit board mounted in the frame and provided with electronic components including a connector; A plurality of modules provided on the frame body and having coupling means capable of coupling these frame bodies so that the opening surface of the other frame body and the opening surface of the frame body overlap each other; The plurality of modules are joined so that the opening surfaces of the frame body overlap, the joined modules are joined by the joining means, and the connectors provided on the printed circuit boards of the joined modules are electrically connected. It was made.

The connecting means may have a connecting portion that can be connected to another frame, and may be a protrusion integrally formed with the frame on one opening surface side of the frame.

Further, the connecting means may be a connecting piece having a plurality of connecting portions which can be connected to the frame.

Further, the connectors on the printed circuit board may be electrically connected by fitting each other in the up-down direction.

Further, a reinforcing plate for sandwiching the plurality of joined modules may be provided.

Further, a handle may be provided on the outer wall surface of the frame.

Further, an electromagnetic wave shielding member may be provided on the upper or lower surface of the frame.

The frame may be provided with an opening for heat radiation.

The frame may be provided with an opening which can be connected to an external connector.

Further, a backplane electrically connected to the electronic parts of the printed circuit board through the connector connection opening may be provided.

Further, an auxiliary plate for drip-proof may be mounted on the combined module.

Further, a unit of the electronic device according to the present invention includes a columnar frame having upper and lower openings, mounting means for mounting a printed circuit board in the frame, and another frame provided in the frame. The frame may be provided with connecting means capable of connecting the frames so that the opening face of the frame and the opening face of the frame overlap.

Further, the connecting means may have a connecting portion which can be connected to another frame, and may be a projection integrally formed with the frame on one opening surface side of the frame.

The connecting means may be a connecting piece having a plurality of connecting portions that can be connected to the frame.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a module in which a printed circuit board on which electronic components with pattern wiring are mounted is attached to a unit having sufficient strength. In this embodiment, modules 1a to 1
An example is shown in which eight electronic devices are configured by connecting eight h.

Reference numeral 2a denotes a side plate for protecting one opening (the left opening in FIG. 1) of the connected module 1.
It is attached to the module 1a at the end. Reference numeral 2b denotes a side plate for protecting the other opening (the opening on the right side in FIG. 1) of the connected module 1, and is attached to the module 1h, which is the endmost part. The arrows indicate the directions in which the modules are connected to each other.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing details of the module 1 shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a printed circuit board on which electronic components are provided, and 12a and 12b denote stacking connectors provided on the printed circuit board 11. The stacking connector is mated with a stacking connector of another module to transmit signals or supply power. It is supposed to do.

The stacking connector is a connector provided so as to be fitted in the up and down direction, one of which is a plug and the other is a receptacle which is fitted with the previous plug. Stacking connectors of the printed circuit board are electrically connected by fitting each other.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a screw hole for fixing the printed board 11 to the frame 16 of the unit 15, and reference numeral 14 denotes an external interface connector or terminal block for connecting the printed board 11 to another external device by a connector or a cable with a connector. .

Reference numeral 15 denotes a unit of the electronic device. The unit 15 is constituted by a frame 16 provided with a mounting means and a coupling means described below, and the printed circuit board 11 is housed in the unit 15. Has become. 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a columnar frame having an open upper surface and a lower surface.
The apparatus includes a mounting means (not shown) for mounting the printed circuit board 11 and a connecting means for connecting the frames 16 so that the opening surfaces of the frames 16 adjacent to each other overlap.

The attachment means may be, for example, a screw or the like. In this case, as shown in FIG.
The printed circuit board 11 is fixed to the unit 15 by passing screws through the screw holes 13 of the printed circuit board 11 and the screw holes provided in the frame of the unit 15 and screwing the screws. Note that this mounting means is not limited to screwing, but may be any as long as it can fix the printed board 11 to the frame 16.

On the other hand, as the connecting means, there is a projecting portion 17a which has a connecting portion which can be connected to another frame, and is integrally formed with the frame 16 on one opening side of the frame 16. As the connecting portion, a screwing portion may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 17a having a screw hole is provided on one opening surface side of the side wall of the frame body 16, and the protrusion 17a is fitted on the opening surface side of the other side wall. A concave portion 17b having a provided screw hole may be provided, and the module 1 may be connected by fitting the projecting portion 17a and the concave portion 17b at the time of connecting the modules 1 and screwing them together. The connecting means is not limited to the above, but may be any as long as it can firmly fix the module, and the connecting portion is not limited to the screw.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a display window for visually recognizing the LED display through the frame 16 from the front when the LED display is provided on the printed circuit board 11. In addition, a design panel for preparing a front design may be attached to the side wall of the frame body 16, or the side wall of the frame body 16 may be provided with a design property by directly painting or the like. Arrows indicate the direction of fixing with screws or the like.

Next, a method of configuring the electronic device shown in FIG.
And operation will be described. To configure the electronic device,
After the module 1 is configured by attaching the printed circuit board 11 to each unit 15, the modules 1 may be connected to each other and the electronic components of the printed circuit board 11 of the adjacent module 1 may be electrically connected.

In order to attach the printed circuit board 11 to each unit 15, as shown in FIG. 2, the printed circuit board 11 is inserted from the opening surface of the unit 15 (frame 16), and
The screw holes (screw cut) (not shown) provided in 6 are made to correspond to the screw holes provided in the printed circuit board 11, and the printed circuit board 11 is stored in the unit 15 by screwing. The module 1 is fixed.

In order to form an electronic device by connecting a plurality of the modules 1 to each other, as shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening surfaces of the modules 1 overlap each other, and as shown in FIG. Adjacent modules 1 are connected such that the stacking connector 12a provided on the printed circuit board of one module 1 and the stacking connector 12b provided on the printed circuit board 11 of the other module, which are connected to each other, are fitted in a vertical direction. Join from the direction of the arrow,
By fitting the protrusion 17a of one module 1 and the recess 17b of the other module 1 and screwing them together, the adjacent modules 1 are firmly connected.

As described above, the modules 1 including the units 15 accommodating the printed circuit boards 11 are connected to each other to form an outer shell of the electronic device, so that the electronic components of the accommodated printed circuit boards can be replaced with other printed circuit boards 11. And the electronic component is protected from external force or foreign matter. In a state where only the module 1 is fitted, the printed circuit board 11 to be stored is exposed while the left and right end surfaces of the electronic device are left open.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the side plates 2a and 2b are attached to protect the opening. Here, the entire device may be fixed by screwing screws 19 provided on the left and right. The direction of the mounting structure can be easily changed to another direction (for example, the front direction) by changing the side plate according to the installation location of the device.

Further, in the electronic device, the respective printed circuit boards 11 are arranged so as to be stacked in parallel.
Stacking connectors provided on adjacent printed circuit boards 11 are electrically connected to each other by a stacking method. Therefore, electrical connection such as a power supply or a signal is made by the stacking connector, and the entire device operates as an electronic device having a target function.

In this embodiment, the modules are joined to each other. However, not only the modules are joined but also the frames of the modules joined to each other are fitted. The electronic device can be made more robust.

In this embodiment, a module is constructed by mounting a printed circuit board on a unit composed of a frame provided with an attaching means and a connecting means, and a plurality of these modules are connected to each other. Since the electronic device is configured by electrically connecting the components to each other via the connector, the electronic device can be configured even if the number of modules is changed, and the electronic device can be configured with an arbitrary number of modules. Can be.

Also, the electronic device has a strong structure because it is formed by firmly connecting units consisting of a frame, and furthermore, by providing a side plate at an end of the connected module, an exposed portion is provided. And the electronic devices have become more robust.

Further, since each printed circuit board and the connector of the printed circuit board are housed in a unit composed of a frame, direct influence from external force can be reduced.

Further, the printed circuit boards in the electronic device are not electrically connected to each other using a wiring board called a backplane as in the related art, but are directly connected to each other. Since they are electrically connected by the stacking connector, there is no need to provide an extra wiring board such as the above-mentioned backplane.

Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, a reinforcing plate for sandwiching an electronic device constituted by combining a plurality of modules described in the first embodiment is provided to further strengthen the structure of the electronic device.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, 1a to 1h are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
Reference numeral 20 denotes a reinforcing plate that sandwiches the electronic device configured by combining the modules 1a to 1h in the direction of the opening surface of each module (the direction of the arrow). In the figure, the arrow indicates the reinforcing plate 20.
Indicates the direction in which each module is sandwiched.

Next, the configuration of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The connection of the modules 1a to 1h is the same as that of the first embodiment, including the connection of the stacking connector, and thus the description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, a reinforcing plate 20 is provided at the opening of the side face of the module 1 which is connected to each other to protect the modules 1a and 1h at the same time, and the other modules 1b to 1g are also screwed from above. By connecting with a stopper or the like (not shown), the connection between them is reinforced, and the vibration resistance and shock resistance of the entire device are improved. The size of the reinforcing plate 20 may be adjusted according to the number of modules for performing the stacking connection.

In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 20 has a constant width (width sandwiching the combined modules), but this is not particularly limited.
A member that can be adjusted to have an arbitrary length may be used.

In this embodiment, the first embodiment
Although the side plate is not provided in the opening of the connected module as in the above, the side plate may be provided similarly to the first embodiment, and the module including the side plate may be sandwiched by the reinforcing plate.

In this embodiment, since the reinforcing plate is provided to sandwich the coupled modules, the structure can be further strengthened.

Further, since the stacking connector is sandwiched in the fitting direction, the stacking connector receives a force in the fitting direction, and the connection state of the stacking connector is further improved.

Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, a handle is provided on the side wall of the module in the electronic device of the first or second embodiment so that the coupled module can be easily removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the module of the electronic device according to the third embodiment. In the figure, 11,
Since 12a, b, 14, 16, and 18 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, description thereof will be omitted.
Reference numeral 21 denotes a handle attached to the frame 16 of the module 1.

In this embodiment, the module 1 shown in FIG. 2 is replaced with a module 1 having a handle shown in FIG. 6, and is the same as the first embodiment except for the operation at the time of removal. is there. Hereinafter, only the operation at the time of removal will be described.

When the module 1 is separately added to the electronic device or when the module is replaced in the event of a failure, the module 1 is removed from the electronic device.
The fitting of 2b is strengthened by a force proportional to the number of pins.
Therefore, by removing the module 1 from the electronic device using the handle 21 attached to the module 1 as a clue, the module 1 can be easily removed without touching the electronic components on the printed circuit board 11 fixed in the module 1.

In this embodiment, the handle is provided on the outer wall of the module. Therefore, when removing the module from the electronic device, for example, when adding the module separately to the electronic device or when replacing the module in the event of a failure, the electronic device is not used. The module can be easily removed without touching the electronic components on the printed circuit board in the device.

Embodiment 4 In this embodiment, in the electronic device of the first to third embodiments, an electromagnetic wave shielding member is provided on an opening surface of a module (frame) in order to prevent the influence of external noise on electronic components of a printed circuit board of each module. Is provided.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the module of the electronic device according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, 11,
Since 12a, 12b, and 16 are the same as those in FIG. 6 of the third embodiment, the description is omitted.

Reference numerals 22a and 22b denote electromagnetic wave shielding members which suppress the influence of noise generated from electronic components or wiring provided on the printed circuit board 11 in another module 1 and the influence of external noise. Members 22a, b
Any material may be used as long as it has an electromagnetic wave shielding effect, and a metal plate, carbon fiber-mixed plastic, metal plating, or a shielding plate using a nonmetallic material subjected to electromagnetic wave shielding treatment such as conductive coating may be used. Since the stacking connectors 12a and 12b are connected by stacking, a notch may be provided as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the module shown in FIG. 6 is replaced by a module having an electromagnetic wave shielding member shown in FIG. 7, and by providing electromagnetic wave shielding members 22a and 22b, the stored printed circuit board 11 is provided. Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3 except that noise generated from the above electronic components or wiring or external noise from the outside of the module is suppressed by the electromagnetic wave shielding plate members 22a and 22b. Is the same as

In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave shielding members are provided on both sides of the opening surface of the module (frame), but may be provided on only one of the opening surfaces. In this case, when the modules are connected, the electromagnetic wave shielding members are sandwiched between the modules that are connected to each other, and the same effect as when the electromagnetic wave shielding members are provided on both sides of the opening surface can be obtained. In this case, since the electromagnetic wave shielding member does not exist on one surface of the end module, the electromagnetic wave shielding members are provided on both sides of the opening surface of this module.

In this embodiment, a module (frame)
Since the electromagnetic wave shielding member is provided on the opening surface of the module, noise generated from electronic components on the stored printed circuit board and external noise from the outside of the module are suppressed by the electromagnetic wave shielding member, so that the printing inside the module is suppressed. It is possible to prevent the effect of noise on electronic components on the substrate.

Further, when side plates are attached to the left and right ends of the coupled modules or when reinforcing plates are provided, if these are made of the same material as the electromagnetic wave shielding member, noise will enter or leak. Since the area is further limited, the effect of suppressing the influence of noise is further improved.

Embodiment 5 In this embodiment, a module (frame) in the electronic device of the first to fourth embodiments is used.
A heat-dissipating opening is provided on the side wall.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the module of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, 11,
Since 12a, b, 14, 16, 18, and 21 are the same as those in the third embodiment, the description is omitted. Reference numeral 23 denotes one or more heat radiation ports provided on the side wall of the module 1 (the frame 16).

In this embodiment, the module shown in FIG. 6 is replaced with a module having a heat radiating port shown in FIG. The third embodiment is the same as the third embodiment except that excess heat is discharged through the heat dissipation port 23 together with the flow of convection air, and the electronic components in the electronic device are cooled by air flowing through another heat dissipation port. Therefore, other description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the module (frame)
Since the opening for heat dissipation is provided on the side wall of
Heat in the electronic device can be released to the outside, or external air can flow into the electronic device, and the temperature in the electronic device can be reduced.

Embodiment 6 FIG. In this embodiment, a module (frame) in the electronic device of the first to fifth embodiments will be described.
An opening for connector connection is provided on a side wall of the electronic device, and an external device such as a connector box and an electronic component on a printed circuit board housed in the electronic device are electrically connected through the opening. is there.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing an electronic device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front perspective view, and FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view. In the figure, reference numerals 1a to 1h denote openings in the module 1 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment so that the electronic device of the printed circuit board 11 in the module 1 can be connected to a connector connected to an external device. Is provided. 20 is the same as in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a connector box or terminal block for connection, in which each wiring is made. The connector box (terminal block) of this connector box is connected to the external interface connector of the printed circuit board in each module constituting the electronic apparatus. Are electrically connected. 2
Reference numeral 5 denotes a cable with a connector for electrically connecting the connector of the connector box 24 to the external interface connector of the printed circuit board in the module 1. The end of this cable has a connector of the connector box 24 or a cable in the module 1. A connector (terminal block) 26 connected to the external interface connector of the printed circuit board is provided.

Next, the operation of the sixth embodiment will be described. Electronic components on a printed circuit board housed in an electronic device and an external device (in this embodiment, connector box 2
4), one connector 26 of the cable 25 with a connector is connected to the external interface on the printed circuit board 11 shown in FIG. 2 through an opening for connector connection, as shown in FIG. Connector (terminal block)
14. On the other hand, the other connector 26 of the cable with connector 25 is connected to a connector (terminal block) on the back side of the front part of the connector box 24. In addition,
In the connector box 24, a connector of a type and a size corresponding to the number and functions of the modules to be connected is mounted. Otherwise, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the other description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the module and the connector box to which the reinforcing plate is connected are sandwiched. However, instead of sandwiching both, the connector box is not sandwiched and only the joined module is sandwiched. It may be structured.

In this embodiment, since the opening for connector connection is provided in the frame of the module, the electronic components on the printed circuit board in the electronic device can be electrically connected to external devices. Further, operations such as attachment / detachment can be performed from the front without connecting the external device to the back.

Embodiment 7 In this embodiment, an auxiliary plate is provided on the coupled module in order to prevent oil droplets or the like from entering the inside of the electronic device from the outside.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electronic apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. In the figure, 1a to 1h, 20, 24
Is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, and the description is omitted. 27 is a drip-proof auxiliary plate attached to the upper part of the connected device.

In the electronic device shown in FIG. 11, the auxiliary plate 27 is attached to the upper portion of the device, so that when oil droplets or the like are present from above, the intrusion of the droplets into the ventilation port and the connection surface is prevented. Except for this point, the third embodiment is the same as the sixth embodiment, and the other description is omitted. The auxiliary plate of this embodiment may be applied to the first to fifth embodiments.

In this embodiment, since the auxiliary plate is provided on the connected module, it is possible to prevent oil droplets and the like from entering the inside of the electronic device.

Embodiment 8 FIG. In this embodiment, a connecting piece having at least two connecting portions that can be connected to a module (frame) is provided, and adjacent modules (frames) are connected by the connecting piece.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a module of the electronic apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. In the figure, 1a-1
Since d and 19 are the same as those in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, the description is omitted. Reference numeral 30a denotes a connecting piece for connecting the frame 16 or the side plate 2 of the adjacent module, and the connecting piece has a plurality of connecting portions (for example, screw holes) that can be connected to the frame 16. Reference numeral 30b denotes a recess into which the connection piece 30a is fitted, and a thread corresponding to the screw hole of the connection piece is provided in this recess.

This embodiment is the same as Embodiment 1 except for the method of coupling between modules, and other explanations are omitted. Hereinafter, a method of connecting modules will be described.

After the modules 1 are overlapped so that the opening surfaces of the frames 16 of the modules to be connected overlap, the connection pieces 30a are fitted into the concave portions 30b provided in the frames 16. Then, a screw is passed through a screw hole provided in the concave portion 30b of the frame body 16 from the screw hole of the connection piece 30a and screwed to fix the adjacent modules 1 together. By fixing in this manner, the frames 16 of the modules are connected to each other to form an outer shell of the device, and a structure similar to that of the first embodiment is obtained. The combining method of this embodiment may be applied to the second to seventh embodiments.

In this embodiment, since a plurality of frames are connected by connecting pieces having a plurality of connecting portions that can be connected to the frames, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained, and the module ( Since no projection is formed on the unit, handling and maintenance of the module (unit) are facilitated.

Further, since the coupling means provided on the side wall of the frame of each module is the same on both the upper surface and the lower surface, when the side plates are attached to both ends, the coupling means for connecting the module to the module on both sides is required. The coupling means (recess having a screw hole) having the same structure can be used, and it is not necessary to form two types of side plates as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 9 In this embodiment, an opening for connector connection is provided in a frame of a module, and electronic components of a printed circuit board in the module are electrically connected by a back plane connected through the opening. It is.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an electronic apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. In the figure, 1a to 1h and 20 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and the description is omitted. Three
Reference numeral 1 denotes a backplane for connecting electronic components on a printed circuit board in the module, on which connectors and wiring are provided. It is assumed that this backplane is protected by a protective cover.

In the present embodiment, an opening for connector connection is provided in the side wall of the module (frame), and the electronic component on the printed circuit board housed in the electronic device and the backplane are connected through the opening. Are the same as in Embodiments 1 to 8 except that is connected. Hereinafter, a method for connecting the electronic component of the printed circuit board to the backplane will be described.

For example, when the electronic component is a system bus or the like, it is necessary to perform high-speed communication between the electronic components. Communication between them is slow, and the electronic device cannot be operated sufficiently. So, in this case,
The connector of the backplane 31 is inserted into the opening provided in the frame, connected to the interface connector in the module 1, and fixed to the module via a spacer or the like.

Further, a protective cover is provided to prevent the back plane 31 from being exposed on the rear surface of the apparatus, an outer shell is formed, and the printed circuit board and the back plane incorporated together with the frame of each module are protected. The predetermined operation is performed.

In this embodiment, the module (frame)
An opening is provided in the side wall of the module, and the electronic components of the printed circuit board in the module are connected to the backplane through the opening to electrically connect the electronic components of the printed circuit board in the module. Therefore, high-speed communication between electronic components can be achieved.

[0091]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a column-shaped frame having upper and lower openings; a printed circuit board mounted in the frame and provided with an electronic component including a connector on the upper or lower surface; A plurality of modules provided on the frame body and having coupling means capable of coupling these frame bodies so that the opening surface of the other frame body and the opening surface of the frame body overlap each other; The plurality of modules are joined so that the opening surfaces of the frame body overlap, the joined modules are joined by the joining means, and the connectors provided on the printed circuit boards of the joined modules are electrically connected. Therefore, the electronic device can be configured even if the number of modules is changed, and the electronic device can be configured with an arbitrary number of modules.

The connecting means is a projection integrally formed with the frame on one opening side of the frame, and the projection has a connection which can be connected to another frame. in case of,
Coupling between modules can be facilitated.

When the connecting means is a connecting piece having a plurality of connecting portions that can be connected to the frame, the module does not have a projection, so that the handling and maintenance of the module become easy.

When the connectors on the printed circuit board are connectors that are electrically connected to each other by being fitted in the up-down direction, the connection between the modules and the separation of the electronic components on the printed circuit board of the module are performed. It becomes possible to electrically connect.

When a reinforcing plate for sandwiching a plurality of joined modules is provided, the structure can be further strengthened. Further, since the stacking connector is sandwiched in the fitting direction, the stacking connector receives a force in the fitting direction, and the connection state of the stacking connector is further improved.

When the handle is provided on the outer wall surface of the frame, when removing the module from the electronic device, the module can be easily removed without touching the electronic components on the printed circuit board in the electronic device. Become.

When an electromagnetic wave shielding member is provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the frame, it is possible to prevent the influence of noise on electronic components on the printed circuit board in the module.

Further, in the case where an opening for heat radiation is provided in the frame, heat in the electronic device can be released to the outside or external air can flow into the electronic device. Temperature can be lowered.

When the frame is provided with an opening that can be connected to an external connector, the electronic components on the printed circuit board in the electronic device can be electrically connected to external devices.

When a backplane is provided which is electrically connected to the electronic parts of the printed circuit board through the connector connection opening, the electronic parts of each printed circuit board can be communicated at high speed. Becomes

When an auxiliary plate for drip-proof is mounted on the connected module, it is possible to prevent oil droplets and the like from entering the inside of the electronic device.

Further, the unit of the electronic device according to the present invention comprises a columnar frame having upper and lower openings, mounting means for mounting a printed circuit board in the frame, and another frame provided in the frame. And the coupling means capable of coupling these frame bodies so that the opening surface of the frame body and the opening surface of the frame body overlap each other, so that the printed circuit board can be housed inside and other units can be accommodated. And the electronic device can be constituted by an arbitrary number of units.

The connecting means is a protrusion integrally formed with the frame on one opening side of the frame, and the protrusion has a connecting portion which can be connected to another frame. in case of,
Connection between units can be facilitated.

When the connecting means is a connecting piece having a plurality of connecting portions that can be connected to the frame, the unit does not have a protruding portion, so that handling and maintenance of the unit are facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the module shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a method of connecting the modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a method of connecting the modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing a module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing a module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing a module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view showing an electronic device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view showing a module according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view showing a conventional electronic device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Module 2 Side plate 11 Printed circuit board 12a, b Stacking connector 13 Screw hole 14 External interface connector 15 Unit 16 Frame 17a Projection 17b Depression 18 Display window 19 Screwing 20 Reinforcement plate 21 Handle 22a, b Electromagnetic wave shielding member 23 Heat radiation port 24 Connector box 25 Cable with connector 26 Connector 27 Auxiliary plate 30a, b Connection piece 31 Backplane 101 Housing 102 Printed circuit board 103 Backplane 104 Front panel

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsu Nagao 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Mitsui Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Kazuki Takahata 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 3 F term in Ryo Denki Co., Ltd. (reference) 5E348 AA03 AA05 AA09 AA32 AA40

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A frame having a columnar shape having upper and lower surfaces opened, a printed circuit board mounted in the frame and provided with an electronic component including a connector, and an opening in another frame provided in the frame. A plurality of modules each having a coupling means capable of coupling these frames so that a surface thereof and an opening of the frame overlap with each other, and the plurality of modules having an opening of the frame of each of the modules overlapping each other. An electronic device comprising: joining modules; joining the joined modules by the joining means; and electrically connecting a connector provided on a printed circuit board of the joined modules. 2. The connecting means is a protrusion integrally formed with the frame on one opening surface side of the frame, and the protrusion has a connecting portion that can be connected to another frame. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means is a connection piece having a plurality of coupling portions that can be coupled to the frame. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the connectors on the printed circuit board are connectors that are electrically connected by fitting each other in a vertical direction. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing plate sandwiching the plurality of joined modules. 6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a handle is provided on an outer wall surface of the frame. 7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic wave blocking member is provided on an upper surface or a lower surface of the frame. 8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an opening for heat radiation is provided in the frame. 9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the frame has an opening that can be connected to an external connector. 10. The electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising a backplane electrically connected to an electronic component on the printed circuit board via an opening for connector connection. 11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an auxiliary plate for drip-proof is mounted on the connected module. 12. A columnar frame body having an open upper surface and lower surface,
Attachment means for mounting a printed circuit board in the frame body, and coupling provided on the frame body and capable of joining these frame bodies so that the opening surface of another frame body and the opening surface of the frame body overlap. Means for an electronic device, comprising: 13. The connecting means is a protrusion integrally formed with the frame on one opening side of the frame, and the protrusion has a connecting portion that can be connected to another frame. The unit of an electronic device according to claim 12, wherein: 14. The connecting means according to claim 12, wherein said connecting means is a connecting piece having a plurality of connecting portions that can be connected to said frame.
A unit of the described electronic device.