JP2005222563A - Function expansion device, component unit and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize expansion of expandability of functions of a function expansion device for portable electronic equipment regarding the function expansion device. <P>SOLUTION: Auxiliary equipment group 50 relevant to a notebook computer consists of a bay housing 70, a floppy (R) disk device 110, a CD-ROM device 130, a magneto-optical disk device 140, a high capacity floppy (R) disk device 150, a digital video disk device 160 and a hard disk device 170. The function expansion device 60 for the notebook computer is constructed by installing one device selected among the floppy (R) disk device 110, the CD-ROM device 130, the mangeto-optical disk device 140, the high capacity floppy (R) disk device 150, the digital video disk device 160 and the hard disk device 170 to the bay housing 70, has eight modes and the expandability is remarkably large in comparison with the conventional one. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device function expansion device, and more particularly to an electronic device function expansion device attached to the bottom surface of a portable electronic device when the function of the portable electronic device is expanded and used.

  As a device attached to a portable electronic device (so-called notebook personal computer), there has been proposed a portable electronic device function expansion device (so-called function station) that extends the function of the portable electronic device. This function expansion device for portable electronic devices has a built-in information storage medium device and has functions not found in portable electronic devices, and uses the portable electronic device with its functions expanded. Is used. As for portable electronic devices, the function expansion device for portable electronic devices also has a role of limiting the functions of the portable electronic devices themselves and making the portable electronic devices themselves thin and easy to carry. Therefore, in a portable electronic device, a function expansion device has become essential.

  In recent years, information storage media include magneto-optical disks, high-density recording floppy (registered trademark) disks (LS-120), digital video disks, etc., in addition to conventional floppy (registered trademark) disks and CD-ROMs. It is diversifying.

  Accordingly, it is desirable that the function expansion device for portable electronic devices has a configuration corresponding to the recent diversification of information storage media.

  Further, it is desirable that the function expansion device for a portable electronic device is small so that it can be easily carried.

  That is, it is desirable that the function expansion device for portable electronic devices has good function expandability and a small size.

  FIG. 25 shows a conventional function expansion device 10 for a portable electronic device, together with a notebook computer 20 which is a portable electronic device. The function expansion device 10 is attached to the bottom surface of the notebook computer 20, and the connector 11 is connected to the connector 21 of the notebook computer 20. The function expansion device 10 has a configuration in which a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 12 and a CD-ROM drive 13 are incorporated on the front side.

  When the notebook personal computer 20 is used with its functions expanded, the function expansion device 10 is attached and the floppy (registered trademark) disk cartridge 30 is mounted in the floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 12 or the CD-ROM 31. Is mounted on the CD-ROM drive 13.

  Since the function expansion device 10 has a configuration in which a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 12 and a CD-ROM drive 13 are incorporated, usable information storage media are a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a CD-ROM. Other information storage media, such as magneto-optical disks, high-capacity floppy (registered trademark) disks (LS-120), digital video disks, etc., which are limited to ROM and are currently available, could not be used. That is, the function expansion device 10 has limited expandability and is not easy to use.

  Conventionally, the function expansion device is stored and has not been considered to be carried. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the function expansion device 10 is the same size as the portable electronic device 20, and it is difficult to carry the function expansion device 10 together with the notebook computer 20.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a function expansion device, a component unit, and an electronic device that have solved the above-described problems.

The invention of claim 1 is a function expansion device that is detachably connected to an electronic device and expands the function of the electronic device.
In this configuration, a component unit that expands the function of the electronic device is detachably accommodated.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the electronic device or the storage unit for storing the battery pack for driving the component unit stored in the storage unit is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configuration provided with a charging means for charging the battery pack accommodated in the accommodating portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the accommodating portion is configured to accommodate a battery pack having the same shape as the battery pack accommodated in the electronic device.

The invention of claim 5 is a component unit that is detachably accommodated in a function expansion device that is detachably connected to an electronic device and expands the function of the electronic device.
In this configuration, a commercial power source is converted to a power source for driving the electronic device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for charging a battery pack accommodated in the function expansion device by a power source for driving the electronic device.

  The invention of claim 7 comprises means for cooling the inside of the apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 8 includes means for adjusting the support angle of the apparatus main body.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is a configuration in which the electronic device is supported in a posture that facilitates key operations of the electronic device while being connected to the bottom surface of the electronic device closer to the back side.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device that is detachably connected to a function expansion device that expands the function of the main body, and includes a storage unit that detachably stores a component unit that expands the function of the electronic device. It is configured to be detachably connected to the function expansion device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function expansion device that is detachably connected to an electronic device and extends the function of the electronic device, wherein the component unit that extends the function of the electronic device is detachably stored. Because it has a configuration with a unit, it can meet the user's needs by inserting a component unit selected from multiple types of component units prepared to expand the functions of electronic devices into the storage unit. The expansion of the expandability can be aimed at.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the electronic device or the storage unit that stores the battery pack that drives the component unit stored in the storage unit is provided, the function expansion device is connected to the additional battery unit. Can be used as well, and can be carried for a long time, thereby increasing portability.

  Since invention of Claim 3 was set as the structure provided with the charging means which charges the battery pack accommodated in the said accommodating part, a function expansion device can be used also as a charger, A charger is independent. No need to carry.

  In the invention of claim 4, since the housing portion is configured to be able to house a battery pack having the same shape as the battery pack housed in the electronic device, it can be shared with the battery pack used in the electronic device. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a battery pack having a specific shape for the additional battery pack.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a component unit that is detachably connected to an electronic device and is detachably accommodated in a function expansion device that expands the function of the electronic device, and a commercial power source is a power source that drives the electronic device. Therefore, if the component unit is attached to the function expansion device, the function expansion device can be used as a power adapter for driving the electronic device, and the electronic device can be operated with a commercial power source. It becomes possible.

  Since the invention of claim 6 is configured to include means for charging the battery pack accommodated in the function expansion device by a power source for driving the electronic device, if the component unit is mounted on the function expansion device, the function expansion is performed. The device can be used as a charger.

  Since the invention of claim 7 is provided with a means for cooling the inside of the apparatus, it becomes possible to mount a component unit that needs to be cooled, and the expandability can be increased.

  Since the invention of claim 8 includes means for adjusting the support angle of the apparatus main body, the electronic apparatus can be held at an angle suitable for the user, and the operability can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 9 is configured to have a shape that supports the electronic device in a posture that facilitates key operation of the electronic device while being connected to the bottom surface of the electronic device closer to the back side. It can be used as a device, and operability can be improved.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device that is detachably connected to a function expansion device that expands the function of the main body, and includes a storage unit that detachably stores a component unit that expands the function of the electronic device. Because it is configured to be detachably connected to the function expansion device, it is necessary for the electronic device itself by providing a highly expandable expansion function on the function expansion device side and making it detachable. It is only necessary to add the minimum functions, and the electronic device main body can be reduced in size and weight.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 shows a notebook computer-related accessory device group 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention, together with a notebook computer 40 which is a portable electronic device as an electronic device. X1 and X2 are width directions of the notebook personal computer 40 and other devices, Y1 and Y2 are depth directions, and Z1 and Z2 are thickness directions.

  The notebook computer-related accessory device group 50 includes a bay housing 70, a floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110, a CD-ROM device 130, a magneto-optical disk device 140, a high capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150, It comprises a digital video disk device 160, a hard disk device 170, an AC / DC adapter 180, and a battery pack 190. The floppy disk device 110, the CD-ROM device 130, the magneto-optical disk device 140, the high capacity floppy disk device 150, the digital video disk device 160, and the hard disk device 170 are described in the claims. Configure a component unit.

  The function expansion device 60 for a notebook personal computer has a battery pack 190 attached to the bay housing 70, a floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110, a CD-ROM device 130, a magneto-optical disk device 140, and a high capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk. It is constructed by attaching one device selected from among the device 150, the digital video disk device 160, the hard disk device 170, and the AC / DC adapter 180. There are eight modes, and the expandability is much higher than the conventional one. Wide. The notebook computer function expansion device 60 is attached to the bottom surface of the notebook computer 40. The notebook computer function expansion device 60 has a function as a charger for the battery pack 190 and also has a function as a stand for the notebook computer 40.

  When the notebook computer function expansion device 60 is attached to the notebook computer 40, the notebook computer 40 and the notebook computer function expansion device 60 are electrically connected as shown in FIG. Functions are expanded.

  Next, each accessory device constituting the notebook computer-related accessory device group 50 will be described.

(1) Bay housing 70
Compared with the size of the notebook computer 40, the bay housing 70 has a width-direction dimension A <b> 1 substantially equal to the width-direction dimension A <b> 2 of the notebook computer 40, and the depth-direction dimension B <b> 1. The dimension C1 in the thickness direction is substantially equal to the dimension C2 in the thickness direction of the notebook computer 40. The bay housing 70 is about half the size of the notebook personal computer 40 and has a rectangular and plate-like outer shape, so that it can be carried. The reason why the bay housing 70 is small is that it has one bay into which a floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 is inserted, as will be described later. X1 and X2 are the longitudinal direction for the function expansion device 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the bay housing 70 is a combination of a lower half 71 and an upper half 72, and is a space portion in a half portion on the X2 side. It has a bay 73 as an accommodating portion, has a battery pack accommodating portion 74 and an expansion connector 75 in the half portion on the X1 side of the upper surface 70a, and tilts to the X1 side and X2 side along the Y1 side of the lower surface 70b Legs 76 and 77 are provided. The bay housing 70 has fixing claws 78 and 79 on the X1 side and the X2 side along the Y2 side of the upper surface 70a, and is movable to the X1 side and the X2 side along the Y2 side of the upper surface 70a. Claws 80 and 81 are provided.

  The bay 73 is a flat space corresponding to the outer shape of the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 or the like, and is formed between the combined lower half 71 and upper half 72, and the floppy ( (Registered Trademark) It has an opening 73a into which a disk device 90 or the like is inserted. A cutout window 82 is formed at a portion of the lower half 71 facing the opening 73a. The cutout window 82 is formed to facilitate the operation of removing the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 and the like from the bay 73 as will be described later.

  A connector 83 is provided at the back of the bay 73.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a lock mechanism 84 is provided at a portion along the Y2 side of the bay 73. In the lock mechanism 84, a triangular lock claw 85 and a lock release operation knob 86 are integrated with each other and attached to the lower half 71. The lock mechanism 84 is biased in the Y2 direction by a spring 87. It is the structure which protrudes. When the knob 86 on the lower surface 70b of the bay housing 70 is slid in the Y1 direction, the lock claw 85 is retracted from the bay 73 to unlock the floppy disk device 110 or the like housed in the bay 73. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the movable claws 80 and 81 are fixed to both end sides of a rod 88 supported by the lower half 71 at both ends. The movable claws 80 and 81 are urged in the direction D1 by a spring 89. An unlocking mechanism 90 is provided in association with the movable claws 80 and 81. As shown in FIG. 6, an arm 91 extends laterally from the rod 88, and an unlocking operation knob 92 is exposed on the lower surface 70 b of the bay housing 70 at the tip. By pushing the unlock operation knob 92 in the Z1 direction, the movable claws 80 and 81 and the rod 88 are rotated in the D2 direction against the spring 89, and the lock on the notebook computer 40 is released. A lock mechanism 93 is provided in association with the operation knob 92. By sliding the operation knob 94 on the lower surface 70b of the bay housing 70 in the Y2 direction, the operation knob 92 is locked and the operation knob 92 cannot be operated, and by sliding the operation knob 94 in the Y1 direction, The lock on the operation knob 92 is released, and the operation knob 92 can be pushed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack housing portion 74 is a concave portion having a shape corresponding to the battery pack 190 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and is formed in the upper half 72. In relation to the battery pack housing portion 74, a terminal 95 and a lock mechanism 96 are provided. The lock mechanism 96 includes lock claws 97 and 98 and an operation knob 99. The battery pack 190 has the same shape as the battery pack 47 of the notebook computer 40.

  Further, in the bay housing 70, a rotary fan 100 as a cooling means is attached to the back surface of the upper half 72. The lower half 71 is formed with an air hole 102 that is an opening in the lower surface 70 b and guides air so as to be blown obliquely, at a portion facing the blowout port 101 on the side surface side of the rotary fan 100.

  The tilt legs 76 and 77 can be raised, and are usually folded and tilted as shown in FIG.

  A charging circuit 103 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the bay housing 70.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the bay housing 70 has an inclined surface 70b1 inclined in the Z1 direction at a portion near the Y1 in the lower surface 70b, and has a shape that functions as a stand of the notebook computer 40. It is attached to the back part of the bottom surface of the personal computer 40 and functions as a stand of the notebook personal computer 40 as will be described later.

(2) Floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110
As shown in FIG. 1, each of the disk devices 110, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and the AC / DC adapter 180 have substantially the same outer shape, and can be inserted into the bay 73 of the bay housing 70. The connector 111, 131, 141, 151, 161, 171, 181 is provided at the same location at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction).

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7A and 7B, the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 has a flat shape corresponding to the bay 73 that can be inserted into the bay 73, and the insertion direction ( A connector 111 is provided at the tip in the X1 direction. The main body 112 has a turntable 113, a magnetic head device 114, and the like, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk insertion slot 116 at the end in the X2 direction. The main body 112 has a locking recess 117 on the side surface 120a on the Y1 side, a recess 118 on the side surface 120b on the Y2 side, a connector 119 in the recess 118, and a portion at the end in the X2 direction (floppy (registered trademark) disk device). In a state where 110 is inserted into the bay 73, a finger hooking portion 120 is provided at a portion facing the notch window 82). Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the connector 119 can be connected to a connector 41g provided on the back surface of the notebook computer 40 via a cable. As shown in FIG. 11, the floppy (registered trademark) disk cartridge 115 is inserted in the X1 direction through the insertion slot 116.

(3) CD-ROM device 130
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the CD-ROM device 130 is different from the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 described above in that it does not have the concave portion 118 and the connector 119. The CD-ROM device 130 has a connector 131 at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction), and has a pulling mechanism 132 that is pulled out in the X2 direction as shown in FIG. The drawer mechanism unit 132 is provided with a turntable 133, an optical head device 134, and the like. CD-ROM 135 is mounted on turntable 133.

(4) Magneto-optical disk device 140
As shown in FIG. 1, the magneto-optical disk device 140 has the same outer shape as the CD-ROM device 130 described above, has a connector 141 at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction), has a turntable 142 inside, An optical head device 143 is included. The magneto-optical disk cartridge 144 is inserted through the insertion port 145 in the X1 direction.

(5) High capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150
As shown in FIG. 1, a high-capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150 has the same outer shape as the CD-ROM device 130 described above, and has a connector 151 at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction). Have a turntable 152 and a magnetic head device 153. The high capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk cartridge 155 is inserted in the X1 direction through the insertion port 154.

(6) Digital video disk device 160
As shown in FIG. 1, the digital video disk device 160 has the same outer shape as the CD-ROM device 130 described above, and has a connector 161 at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction), as shown in FIG. It has a drawer 162 that is pulled out in the X2 direction. The drawer 162 is provided with a turntable 163, an optical head device 164, and the like. The digital video disk 165 is mounted on the turntable 133.

(7) Hard disk device 170
As shown in FIG. 1, the hard disk device 170 has the same outer shape as the CD-ROM device 130 described above, has a connector 171 at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction), and has a hard disk 172 and a magnetic head device inside. 173 etc. are provided.

(8) AC / DC adapter 180
As shown in FIG. 1, the AC / DC adapter 180 has the same outer shape as the CD-ROM device 130 described above, has a connector 181 at the tip in the insertion direction (X1 direction), and AC / DC conversion inside. A power cord 183 extends from an end surface in the X2 direction. A bay having the same structure as the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 is provided in the main body of the notebook computer 40, and the AC / DC adapter 180 is inserted into the bay provided in the notebook computer 40, whereby the AC / DC adapter 180 is inserted into the notebook computer. It can also be used as 40 commercial power supply adapters.

(9) Battery pack 190
9A shows the battery pack 190 as viewed from below, and FIG. 9B shows the battery pack 190 in an upside down position. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 9A and 9B, the battery pack 190 is a substantially rectangular plate-like body, and has a notch 191 in part to determine the directionality, and the Y1 side. The terminal 192 and the claw portions 193 and 194 are provided on the side surfaces of the Y2 side, and the claw portions 195, 196 and 197 are provided on the side surface on the Y2 side.

  The battery pack 190 has the same shape as the built-in battery pack 47 of the notebook computer 40.

  Next, the notebook computer 40 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 10 </ b> A, and 10 </ b> B, the notebook computer 40 includes a main body 41 and a liquid crystal display unit 42 that is rotated. The main body 41 has a top surface 41a, a bottom surface 41b, a front surface 41c in the Y2 direction, a back surface 41d in the Y1 direction, a side surface 41e in the X2 direction, and a side surface 41f in the X2 direction. A keyboard portion 43 is provided on the upper surface 41 a of the main body 41. As shown in FIG. 10A, the back surface 41d of the main body 41 has latching recesses 44a and 44b near the ends in the X1 and X2 directions. As shown in FIG. 10B, the bottom surface 41b of the main body 41 has a connector 45 and latching recesses 46a and 46b. The latching recesses 44a and 44b are arranged corresponding to the claws 80 and 81 of the bay housing 70, the connector 45 is arranged corresponding to the connector 95 of the bay housing 70, and the latching recesses 46a and 46b are arranged in the bay housing. It is provided in an arrangement corresponding to 70 claws 78 and 79. The connector 45 is covered with a door 45a that is pushed open.

  A battery pack 47 and a hard disk device 48 are incorporated in a portion of the bottom surface 41b of the main body 41 that is closer to the Y2 direction.

  Next, how the bay housing 70 is used will be described.

The bay housing 70 is used in the following seven modes.
[1] Construction of Note Personal Computer Function Expansion Device 60 FIGS. 11 and 15 to 19 show a state where the notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 is constructed and used. In the notebook computer function expansion device 60, the battery pack 180 is mounted in the battery pack housing portion 74 of the bay housing 70, and the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110, the CD-ROM device 130, Any one selected by the user among the magneto-optical disk device 140, the high-capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150, the digital video disk device 160, and the hard disk device 170 is inserted and constructed. The constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 is used by being hooked and attached to four parts of the bottom surface 41b of the notebook personal computer 40 near the back surface 41d of the main body 41. The opening 73 a of the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 is located on the side surface 41 e side of the notebook computer main body 41.

  The notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 is constructed in the following manner and has a plurality of expansion examples.

Expansion example 1 (see FIG. 11)
FIG. 11 shows an extension example 1. The battery pack 190 is attached to the battery pack housing portion 74, and the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 is inserted into the bay 73 through the opening 73a until it is entirely contained, as shown in FIG. In the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110, the connector 111 is connected to the connector 83, and the locking recess 117 is engaged with the lock claw 85. The insertion port 116 is located at the end of the bay housing 70 in the X2 direction.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the battery pack 190 is accommodated in the battery pack accommodating portion 74 by first inserting it into the battery pack accommodating portion 74 obliquely as indicated by an arrow 200 and then tilting it as indicated by an arrow 201. Is done. The terminals 192 and 95 are connected, and the claw portions 193 and 194 are hooked with the lock claws 97 and 98.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the constructed function expanding device 60 for a notebook personal computer is inclined at the bottom 41b of the notebook personal computer 40 turned upside down as indicated by an arrow 202, and the claws 78 and 79 are engaged with the latching recess 46a. , 46b, and then, as shown by the arrow 203, the operation of tilting is performed. By this tilting operation, the back surface 41d of the main body 41 once pushes the claws 80 and 81 against the springs 89 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, and the claws 80 and 81 are returned by the springs 89 so that the latching recesses 44a. , 44b. The connector 95 is connected to the connector 45 by pushing the door 45a open. Thereafter, the operation knob 94 is slid in the Y2 direction to lock the operation knob 92.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60, the nails 78 and 79 are latched with the latching recesses 46a and 46b on the Y2 side, and the nails 80 and 81 on the Y1 side. Is latched with the latching recesses 44 a and 44 b and attached to the notebook computer 40.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a floppy (registered trademark) disk cartridge 115 is inserted in the X1 direction through the insertion slot 116 and mounted on the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110. The constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 and the notebook personal computer 40 are in the state shown in FIG. 2, and data is exchanged between the notebook personal computer 40 and the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110. The battery pack 180 supplies power to the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 and the notebook computer 40.

  Alternatively, the procedure may be such that the bay housing 70 in which the battery pack 190 is mounted is attached to the notebook computer 40 and then the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 is inserted into the bay 73.

Expansion example 2
FIG. 15 shows an extension example 2. The CD-ROM device 130 is mounted in the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 and is locked by the lock claw 85, and the connector 131 is connected to the connector 83. The CD-ROM 135 is mounted on the CD-ROM device 130 in the bay 73. The built-in notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 and the notebook personal computer 40 are in the state shown in FIG. 2, and data is exchanged between the notebook personal computer 40 and the CD-ROM device 130.

Expansion example 3
FIG. 16 shows an extension example 3. The magneto-optical disk device 140 is mounted in the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 and is locked by the lock claw 85, and the connector 141 is connected to the connector 83. A magneto-optical disk cartridge 144 is mounted on the magneto-optical disk device 140 in the bay 73. The constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 and the notebook personal computer 40 are in the state shown in FIG. 2, and data is exchanged between the notebook personal computer 40 and the magneto-optical disk device 140.

Expansion example 4
FIG. 17 shows an extension example 4. A high-capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150 is mounted in the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 and is locked by a lock claw 85, and the connector 151 is connected to the connector 83. A high capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk cartridge 155 is mounted on the magneto-optical disk device 140 in the bay 73. The constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 and notebook personal computer 40 are in the state shown in FIG. 2, and data is exchanged between the notebook personal computer 40 and the high-capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150.

Expansion example 5
FIG. 18 shows an extension example 5. The digital video disk device 160 is mounted in the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 and is locked by the lock claw 85, and the connector 161 is connected to the connector 83. A digital video disk 165 is mounted on the digital video disk device 160 in the bay 73. The constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 and the notebook personal computer 40 are in the state shown in FIG. 2, and data is exchanged between the notebook personal computer 40 and the digital video disk 160.

Expansion example 6
FIG. 19 shows an extension example 6. The hard disk device 170 is mounted in the bay 73 of the bay housing 70 and is locked by the lock claw 85, and the connector 171 is connected to the connector 83. The constructed notebook personal computer function expansion device 60 and the notebook personal computer 40 are in the state shown in FIG. 2, and data is exchanged between the notebook personal computer 40 and the hard disk device 170.

  When the bay housing 70 is attached to the notebook personal computer 40, the expansion mode can be changed by replacing the floppy disk device 110 or the like mounted in the bay 73 with the CD-ROM device 130 or the like. It is possible to change to an aspect.

  In FIG. 5, the unlocking operation knob 86 is slid in the Y1 direction to release the lock by the locking mechanism 84, and as shown in FIG. 20, the thumb is brought into contact with the finger hook 120 exposed in the cutout window 82 and pulled strongly. As a result, the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 and the like are removed from the bay 73. The CD-ROM device 130 and the like are mounted in the bay 73 simply by being inserted. Therefore, the operation for changing the expansion mode to another mode is easy.

  In the bay 73, a floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110, a CD-ROM device 130, a magneto-optical disk device 140, a high capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 150, a digital video disk device 160, a hard disk device 170, and an AC / DC adapter. Which of 180 is attached is identified by the identification device 210 shown in FIG. The identification device 210 has three ID lines ID1, ID2, and ID3, and is configured such that the lines connected to the GND are different depending on the inserted peripheral device. Eight types of peripheral devices can be identified based on the combination of high “1” and low “0” of the three ID lines ID1, ID2, and ID3. When the floppy (registered trademark) disk device 110 is mounted, the signal levels of the ID lines ID1, ID2, and ID3 are "001". When the CD-ROM device 130 is mounted, the ID lines ID1, ID2 The signal level of ID3 is “000”.

  Since the operation knob 92 is locked by the operation knob 94, there is no possibility that the bay housing 70 is detached from the notebook computer 40 during handling. In the bay housing 70, when the operation knob 94 is slid in the Y1 direction to unlock the operation knob 92 and the operation knob 92 is pressed, the claws 80 and 81 come out of the latching recesses 44a and 44b. And removed from the notebook computer 40.

  Next, a state in which the notebook computer 40 is used in an expanded manner on a table will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 22, the notebook personal computer 40 raises the tilt legs 76, 77, and moves closer to Y <b> 1 among the tilt legs 76, 77 and the lower surface 70 b of the bay housing 70 (notebook computer function expansion device 60). Of the inclined surface 70b1 and the bottom surface 41b of the main body 41 of the notebook computer 40, the portion 41b1 at the end in the Y2 direction is supported by the table surface 220, and the keyboard 43 is slightly inclined toward the front so that the key operation is easy. Supported. The bay housing 70 (notebook personal computer function expansion device 60) serves as a stand with the tilt legs 76 and 77 raised.

  The lower surface 70 b of the function expansion device 60 floats from the table surface 220, and a gap 221 is formed between the lower surface 70 b of the function expansion device 60 and the table surface 220. In addition, the rotary fan 100 operates, and air is blown obliquely into the gap 221 from the air hole 102 as indicated by reference numeral 222, the air in the gap 221 is pushed out, and the outside air enters the gap 221. The air in 221 is smoothly exchanged by the outside air.

  Therefore, the heat of the lower surface 70b of the function expansion device 60 is efficiently taken and the function expansion device 60 is efficiently air-cooled.

  Even in the case where the rotary fan 100 sucks air from the air holes 102, the air in the gap 221 is efficiently replaced by the outside air, so that the function expansion device 60 is efficiently air-cooled.

  Even when the rotary fan 100 is not provided and only the gap 221 is formed, the heat of the lower surface 70b of the function expansion device 60 is naturally air-cooled, which is effective.

  Note that the bay housing may have no tilt leg, and the entire lower surface of the bay housing may be in contact with the table surface 220 to serve as a stand for the notebook computer 40.

In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the tilt legs 76 and 77 are erected, the bay housing 70 (notebook computer function expansion device 60) can be made thinner than the case where the entire lower surface of the bay housing is in contact with the table surface 220. .
[2] Accommodating AC / DC Adapter 180 As shown in FIG. 23, the AC / DC adapter 180 is carried integrally with the bay housing 70 while being inserted into the bay 73 of the bay housing 70.

  Therefore, the portability is better than when the AC / DC adapter 180 is brought separately from the bay housing 70.

  The bay housing 70 into which the AC / DC adapter 180 is inserted is attached to the notebook computer 40 as shown in FIG. 22, and the AC / DC adapter 180 and the notebook computer 40 are in the state shown in the upper diagram of FIG. The notebook computer 40 is operated with a commercial power source.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the battery pack 190 in which the DC power obtained by converting the commercial power source into a DC voltage through the AC / DC adapter 180 is accommodated in the battery pack accommodating portion 74 by the charging circuit 103 is charged. This charging is possible even when the bay housing 70 is removed from the notebook computer 40. Therefore, the bay housing 70 also functions as a charger by mounting the AC / DC adapter 180 in the bay 73. In addition, the battery pack 47 of the notebook computer 40 can be charged using the AC / DC adapter 180 by providing a charging circuit in the notebook computer body.

  Here, since the battery pack 190 is the same as the battery pack 47 of the notebook computer 40, after the battery pack 47 is consumed, the battery pack 47 is removed and the battery pack 190 charged by the bay housing 70 is mounted. Thus, it can be used as a battery pack of the notebook computer 40.

  The charging circuit 103 may be provided in the AC / DC adapter 180. In this case, the battery pack 47 of the notebook computer 40 can be charged without providing a charging circuit in the notebook computer body.

  The bay housing 70 may be connected to the notebook computer 40 with a cable.

  Further, the charging circuit may be provided outside the bay housing 70 and the casing of the charging circuit may be connected to the lower side of the bay housing 70. In this case, the charging circuit housing, the bay housing (function expansion device 60), and the notebook personal computer 40 are arranged in this order from the bottom.

A first invention is an electronic device function expansion device that is used by being connected to a portable electronic device and extends the function of the portable electronic device.
A bay housing having a structure attached to the bottom surface of a portable electronic device and having a bay in which peripheral devices can be replaced;
An electronic device function expansion device is constructed by inserting a peripheral device selected from a plurality of types of peripheral devices having the same external shape, which is prepared as an option, into the bay.

  Peripheral devices such as a magneto-optical disk, a high-density recording floppy (registered trademark) disk (LS-120), a digital video disk, etc., in addition to a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a CD-ROM that can be inserted into the space are separately provided. The expandability can be increased by preparing and selecting peripheral devices as required and inserting them into the bay.

  In a second aspect of the invention, the bay housing has a single bay.

  Since there is one bay, the electronic device function expansion device can be made smaller, and the electronic device function expansion device can be carried.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function expansion device for an electronic device that is used by being connected to a portable electronic device and extends a function of the portable electronic device.
A bay housing having a bay that has a structure that can be attached to the bottom surface of a portable electronic device and that can replace peripheral devices;
A plurality of peripheral devices having the same outline prepared as an option and an AC / DC adapter having the same outline,
The AC / DC adapter is inserted into the bay.

  By inserting the AC / DC adapter into the bay of the electronic device function expansion device, it can be carried together with the electronic device function expansion device. There is no need to carry the AC / DC adapter alone. In addition, the portable electronic device can be operated with a commercial power source.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the bay housing has a battery pack housing portion that can house a battery pack.

  The battery pack for expansion can be attached to the function expansion device for electronic devices, and therefore, the connector for connecting the additional battery pack is provided in the electronic device as compared with the conventional configuration in which the additional battery pack is attached to the electronic device. There is no need.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bay housing includes a battery pack housing portion that can house the battery pack, and a charging circuit that charges the battery pack housed in the battery pack housing portion.
The AC / DC adapter is inserted into the bay to charge the battery pack housed in the battery pack housing portion.

  It is possible to use the electronic device function expansion device as a battery pack charger.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the battery pack housing portion is configured to accommodate a battery pack having the same shape as the battery pack of the electronic device.

  The battery pack charged with the electronic device function expansion device can be mounted on the electronic device and used as the battery pack of the electronic device.

  In a seventh aspect of the invention, the bay housing is attached to a portion of the bottom surface of the portable electronic device that is closer to the rear side, and has a shape that supports the portable electronic device on a table in a posture that allows easy key operation. It is a configuration.

  The function expansion device for electronic devices can be used as a stand for portable electronic devices.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bay housing is normally tilted to a portion of the bottom surface closer to the back side, so that the portable electronic device can be easily operated on the table by standing up when the portable electronic device is used. The tilt leg is supported. When a portable electronic device is used on a table, the bottom surface of the electronic device function expansion device can be lifted from the table, and a gap is created below the bottom surface of the electronic device function expansion device, thus for electronic devices. Compared with the case where the bottom surface of the function expansion device is in contact with the table, air cooling is performed and the cooling effect is improved.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the bay housing, the function expansion device for electronic devices is operated by keying the portable electronic device on the table by being normally tilted and stood on a portion closer to the back side of the bottom surface. It has a configuration in which a tilt leg that supports a posture that is easy to break, a rotating fan, and an air hole formed in the bottom surface.

  The fan sends air to the gap below the bottom of the electronic device function expansion device or sucks air in the gap, and the air in the gap is efficiently replaced with outside air, which can enhance the air cooling effect. Become.

The tenth invention comprises a plurality of types of peripheral devices having the same outer shape,
An AC / DC adapter having the same external shape as the peripheral device;
A bay having a structure attached to the bottom surface of a portable electronic device and capable of inserting the peripheral device or the AC / DC adapter, and a battery pack having the same outer shape as the battery pack of the portable electronic device A bay housing having a battery pack housing portion that can be housed, and a charging circuit that charges the battery pack housed in the battery pack housing portion;
A mode in which a peripheral device selected from a plurality of types of peripheral devices is inserted into the bay of the bay housing and used as a function expansion device for electronic equipment, and the AC / DC adapter is inserted into the bay of the bay housing to be portable A mode in which a commercial power source is used to operate an electronic device, a mode in which the battery pack is housed in the battery pack housing portion, and the AC / DC adapter is inserted into a bay of the bay housing to charge the battery pack. The configuration is possible.

  It is possible to increase usability and improve usability.

It is a figure which shows the functional apparatus for notebook computers which becomes one Example of this invention with a notebook computer. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a function expansion apparatus and a notebook personal computer. It is a perspective view of a bay housing. It is a perspective view of the bay housing turned upside down. It is a side view of a bay housing. It is a figure which decomposes | disassembles and shows a bay housing. It is a figure which shows a floppy (trademark) disk apparatus. It is a figure which shows a CD-ROM apparatus. It is a figure which shows a battery pack. It is a figure which shows the back surface and bottom face of a notebook computer. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of an expansion of the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers. It is a figure which shows the state in which the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers was attached to the notebook computer. It is a figure which shows mounting operation to the bay housing of a battery pack. It is a figure which shows attachment operation to the notebook personal computer of a bay housing. It is a figure which shows the example 2 of an expansion of the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers. It is a figure which shows the example 3 of an expansion of the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers. It is a figure which shows the example 4 of expansion of the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers. It is a figure which shows the example 5 of expansion of the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers. It is a figure which shows the example 6 of expansion of the function expansion apparatus for notebook computers. It is a figure explaining extraction from the bay of a peripheral device. It is a figure which shows an identification device. It is the figure seen from the back side in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state using an AC / DC adapter. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an AC / DC adapter and a notebook personal computer. It is a figure which shows the conventional function expansion apparatus for portable electronic devices.

Explanation of symbols

40 notebook computer 60 function expansion device for notebook computer 50 notebook computer related accessory group 70 bay housing 73 bay 74 battery pack housing portion 76, 77 tilt leg 78, 79, 80, 81 claw 84 lock mechanism 90 lock release mechanism 95 connector 96 Lock mechanism 100 Fan 102 Air outlet 103 Charging circuit 110 Floppy (registered trademark) disk device 111, 131, 141, 151, 161, 171 Connector 130 CD-ROM device 140 Magneto-optical disk device 150 High capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk device 160 Digital Video Disc Device 170 Hard Disk Device 180 AC / DC Adapter 190 Battery Pack

Claims (10)

A function expansion device that is detachably connected to an electronic device and expands the function of the electronic device,
A function expansion device comprising a storage unit that detachably stores a component unit that expands the function of the electronic device.   The function expansion device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores a battery pack that drives the electronic device or the component unit stored in the storage unit.   The function expansion device according to claim 2, further comprising a charging unit configured to charge the battery pack stored in the storage unit.   The function expansion device according to claim 2, wherein the accommodating portion is configured to accommodate a battery pack having the same shape as the battery pack accommodated in the electronic device. A component unit that is detachably connected to an electronic device and is detachably accommodated in a function expansion device that extends the function of the electronic device,
A component unit comprising means for converting a commercial power source into a power source for driving the electronic device.   6. The component unit according to claim 5, further comprising means for charging a battery pack accommodated in the function expansion device by a power source for driving the electronic device.   2. The function expansion device according to claim 1, further comprising means for cooling the inside of the device.   2. The function expansion device according to claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting a support angle of the device main body.   2. The function expansion device according to claim 1, wherein the function expansion device has a shape that supports a posture in which key operations of the electronic device can be easily performed in a state where the electronic device is connected to a bottom surface near the back side. An electronic device that is detachably connected to a function expansion device that expands the function of the main body,
An electronic device, wherein the electronic device is detachably connected to a function expansion device including a storage unit that detachably stores a component unit that extends the function of the electronic device.

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