JP2006228268A - Module unit housing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a module unit housing apparatus in which a module unit connected electrically by joining an electric connector by slide-moving to the prescribed housing position can be slide-housed without imposing a dynamics load to the electric connector. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus has such constitution that a sliding protuberance part 31 is provided at a siding part 22 of a module unit 30, and the module unit 30 can be rotated in the vertical direction by the prescribed angle using the sliding protuberance part 31 as a fulcrum. Manufacturing errors of attachment positions of electric connectors 23, 15 are adjusted and the electric connectors 23, 15 can be inserted smoothly by changing an angle using the sliding protuberance part 31 as the fulcrum and adjusting positions in the vertical direction of the electric connectors 23, 15. Since weight of the module unit 30 is supported by a guide rail 14 through the sliding protuberance part 31, it can be prevented that dynamic load is imposed to the electric connectors 23, 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage device for storing a unit device having an independent module structure such as a hard disk device, a DVD, or a CD-RW. The present invention relates to a module unit storage device.

  Many of various data processing devices such as an automatic deposit machine (ATM), a server device, a personal computer, and a POS terminal device are equipped with unit devices such as a hard disk device and a DVD. These unit devices have an independent module structure having independent functions, are housed and fixed inside the data processing device, and are electrically connected via an electrical connector. In the present specification, these unit devices having an independent module structure mounted on a data processing device or the like are referred to as “module units”. For storing these module units, the cover, parts, etc. around the data processing device are removed and then the module unit is placed at a predetermined mounting position and fixed by screwing or the like. There is a module that slides and fixes a module unit from a predetermined opening to a storage position.

  The present invention relates to a slide type storage device in which a module unit is slid and inserted from an opening. As such a storage technique, there is a technique in which guide rails are provided in multiple stages inside the storage case, and the hard disk device is detached from the front surface of the storage case (see Patent Document 1). FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of another conventional data processing apparatus. In the conventional example shown in FIG. 6, the cover of the data processing apparatus 10 is removed, and the module unit 20 is slid and stored in the data processing apparatus 10 from the back. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the state in which the outer cover of the data processing apparatus 10 is removed as viewed from the lower left side of the back surface in order to easily understand the structure of the opening 13 of the storage unit 12 and the sliding unit 22 of the module unit 20. As shown. The module unit 20 is inserted from the opening 13 of the data processing apparatus 10 and stored in the storage unit 12. The module unit 20 housed in the housing part 12 is fixed to the screwing part 17 of the device frame 11 by the screw 40 (FIG. 7) through the screw hole 26.

  FIG. 7 shows a right side view of the data processing apparatus 10 in which the module unit 20 is stored. The module unit 20 is mounted and fixed on the module frame 21. The module unit 20 is inserted from the left side of FIG. 7 and is fixed to a storage position (position shown in FIG. 7) in the storage unit 12 constituted by the device frame 11 of the data processing apparatus 10. The module unit 20 inserted from the opening 13 (FIG. 6) is guided to the storage position along the guide rail 14 (FIG. 7) provided in the device frame 11. The module unit 20 is provided with a sliding portion 22 that slides on the guide rail 14 and moves to the storage position. When the module unit 20 moves to the storage position, the module connector 23 provided in the module unit 20 and the device connector 15 provided in the back of the storage portion 12 of the device frame 11 are mounted, and electrical connection is ensured. Is done. This is the same as in the prior art described in Patent Document 1.

  These module connector 23 and device connector 15 (electrical connectors 23, 15) are preferably attached accurately so that the positions of both connectors are accurately aligned when the module unit is inserted. However, in reality, it is difficult to accurately attach the positions of both connectors without error, and a slight manufacturing error (for example, around 1 mm) occurs. Despite these manufacturing errors, in order to connect the device connector 15 and the module connector 23, it is necessary to guide the module connector 23 to the connection position of the device connector 15. Therefore, in the prior art, the electrical connectors 23 and 15 are aligned by widening the insertion slot of the electrical connector according to the manufacturing error range and moving the module connector 23 while lifting the tip upward. It is carried out.

The module unit 20 is fixed to the screwing portion 17 of the device frame 11 with screws 40 in a state where the electrical connectors 23 and 15 are connected. Thereby, the module unit is fixed to the storage position.
JP-A-6-309859

  However, the module connector 23 is fixed to a circuit board (not shown) provided in the module unit 20 by soldering or the like. Therefore, when the module connector 23 is lifted and the electrical connectors 23 and 15 are aligned as described above, the right end of the module unit 20 is lifted upward (the gap a shown in FIG. 7 is generated). As a result, when the module unit 20 is stored in the storage position, the right end of the module type device 20 is supported by the device connector 15 and the module connector 23.

  Therefore, in a state where the module unit 20 is fixed at the storage position, the connectors 23 and 15 are always subjected to stress (dynamic load) due to the weight of the module unit 20. Since the module connector 23 is soldered and fixed on the circuit board, when subjected to vibration in this state, mechanical stress due to its own weight and vibration is transmitted to the fixed part and circuit board due to the soldering of the module connector 23. As a result, the electrical connectors 23 and 15 and the board may be damaged, or a soldered portion of the board wiring may be cracked, resulting in poor contact. In particular, in a POS terminal or the like, vibration accompanying opening and closing of the cash drawer frequently occurs, so that contact failure due to these stresses, breakage of the connector or the board, etc. are serious problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a module unit storage device in which a mechanical load is not applied to an electrical connector when a module unit is mounted and stored. .

  The present invention provides a guide rail in which a sliding ridge is provided on either the guide rail of the storage unit or the sliding portion of the module unit, and the weight of the module unit is fixed to the device frame via the sliding ridge. With this configuration, the electrical connector is not subjected to stress due to the weight of the module unit, and the above-described problem is solved.

  A module unit storage device according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided in a storage unit for connecting an electrical connector while storing the module unit by slidingly inserting the module unit from the opening, and is provided in the storage unit. A guide rail that guides the unit to the storage position of the storage unit and supports the module unit in the storage unit at the storage position, and a sliding unit that is provided in the module unit and slides on the guide rail when the slide is inserted. A sliding ridge is provided on either the sliding portion or the guide rail, and the module unit can be moved up and down like a seesaw on the guide rail using the sliding ridge as a fulcrum.

  According to this aspect, a protrusion or a raised portion having a low height is provided on a sliding surface for sliding and inserting a hard disk device, a DVD or other module unit into the storage position of the storage portion, and the insertion end of the module unit is inserted when the module unit is inserted. The provided electrical connector can be moved up and down. By adjusting the angle using such a sliding bulge as a fulcrum, it is possible to adjust the connector position shift due to a manufacturing error. On the other hand, since the weight of the module unit is supported by the guide rail via the sliding bulge portion, the weight of the module does not hit the connector portion.

  The module unit storage device according to another aspect of the present invention further includes a first engagement portion provided on the bottom surface of the module unit, and a first engagement portion when the module unit is inserted to the storage position. A second engaging portion provided in the storage portion so as to be engaged, and one or both of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may It is biased in a direction to increase the degree of adhesion.

  In this aspect, the module unit and the storage portion are brought into close contact with each other when the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged. The module unit is not only on the guide rail, but also by using an elastic force or the like to urge it so that it is in close contact with the module unit. As a result, the electrical connector vibrates up and down, so that no mechanical load (stress) is applied to the electrical connector. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent damage to the connector and soldering of the wiring board due to the influence of vibration. For example, by configuring either or both of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion with a leaf spring, it is possible to have a configuration in which both engaging portions are urged in a close contact direction. is there.

  In the module unit storage device according to another aspect of the present invention, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged on or in the vicinity of the rotation support shaft of the seesaw operation with the sliding ridge portion as a fulcrum. It is comprised so that it may match.

  In this aspect, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to engage on the rotation support shaft of the seesaw operation in which the sliding bulge portion and the guide rail are in contact with each other. is there. As a result, the urging force for bringing both engaging portions into close contact is applied to the module unit and the guide rail on the rotation support shaft, and it is possible to prevent the force for making close contact from acting on the electrical connector.

  A module unit storage device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a fixture that fixes one end of the module unit inserted to the storage position near the opening. This is to maintain the angle of the module unit adjusted for the alignment of the electrical connector by fixing the module unit inserted to the storage position in that state. As a result, the module unit is mechanically fixed by the sliding bulge and the fixture, so that the seesaw-like vertical movement cannot be performed, and a mechanical load can be prevented from being applied to the electrical connector at the other end.

  The module unit storage device according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the sliding bulge is disposed substantially at the center of the module unit in the storage position. In this aspect, the sliding ridges are arranged at the left and right balance centers of the substantially central module unit. Thereby, all the weights of the module units are supported by the guide rails via the sliding ridges. Therefore, a load for supporting the weight of the module unit is not applied to the fixed portion. Therefore, the module unit can be fixed so that the angle of the module unit does not change with a relatively weak force.

  According to the present invention, since the module unit is supported by the guide rail fixed to the apparatus frame and the fixed portion by providing the sliding raised portion, the electrical connector is not stressed by the weight of the module unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the electrical connector, damage to the wiring board, and poor contact due to stress or vibration.

  The best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module unit 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to make the structure of the present invention easy to understand, a perspective view seen from the lower left rear side is shown. A sliding raised portion 31 is provided on the sliding surface 24 of the sliding portion 22 of the module unit 30. A module connector 23 is provided at the rear end of the module unit 30, and a first engagement portion 32 is provided on the bottom surface. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the module unit 30 of FIG. A fixing plate 33 for fixing the module unit 30 to the device frame 11 is provided at the front portion of the module unit 30, and the fixing plate 33 has a fixing groove 34 for passing the screw 50. By using the fixing groove 34 instead of the screw hole, the fixing position in the vertical direction has a degree of freedom. The fixing plate 33 and the screw 40 function as a fixing tool that fixes the module unit in the storage position.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the module unit 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention is inserted to the storage position and fixed to the data processing apparatus 10. When the module unit 30 moves to the storage position in FIG. 3, the module connector 23 and the apparatus connector 15 are aligned. On the sliding surface of the sliding portion 22 of the module unit 30, a sliding raised portion 31 is provided. Thereby, the module unit 30 can be rotated (vertically moved) in a seesaw shape with the sliding ridge 31 provided on the sliding portion 22 as a fulcrum when moving by slide insertion ( It is shown as a vertical arrow on the left and right in FIG. 3). As a result, the electrical connectors 23 and 15 are aligned not by lifting the module unit 30 but by adjusting the angle by a rotating operation with the sliding bulge as a fulcrum. For example, when the angle of the module unit 30 is changed by rotating it counterclockwise with the sliding ridge 31 as a fulcrum, the right end (module connector side) of the module unit rises upward, and the left end (opening side) decreases. Go down in the direction. As a result, the electrical connector 23.15 can be aligned.

  This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the sliding ridge 31 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, in order to explain the operation of the sliding bulge portion 31 in an easy-to-understand manner, the description of portions unnecessary for the explanation is omitted. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the module connector 23 of the module unit 30 is most lifted by turning the two sliding ridges 31 counterclockwise about the fulcrum (support shaft). The state of rotating counterclockwise and the left end 36 of the sliding portion 22 contacting the guide rail 14 is the maximum counterclockwise rotation angle. The maximum range of clockwise rotation is indicated by a broken line. The angle at which the right end 37 of the sliding portion 22 contacts the surface of the guide rail 14 is the maximum rotation angle α in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 4A, the height of the right end of the module unit 30 can be adjusted by changing the rotation angle with the sliding ridge 31 as a fulcrum. This maximum rotation angle α varies depending on the height γ of the sliding ridge 31 and the ratio γ / β of the distance γ from the sliding ridge 31 to the left end 36 of the sliding portion and the distance β from the right end 37. On the other hand, when the maximum rotation angle α is constant, the adjustable range (height width) increases as the distance β increases. That is, as the angle α is larger, the adjustable range is widened, and even if the angle is constant, the adjustable range is wider as the distance β is larger.

  FIG. 4B shows a state where the module unit 30 is stored in the storage position. The alignment of the electrical connectors 15 and 23 is adjusted by changing the angle with the sliding ridge 31 as a fulcrum. At this time, the weight of the module unit 30 is supported by the guide rail 14 via the sliding ridge 31 as a fulcrum, and the electrical connectors 15 and 23 are not subjected to stress due to the weight of the module unit 30. This adjusted appropriate angle is fixed by the screw 40.

  FIG. 4C is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion that supports the weight of the module unit 30 when the module unit 30 is fixed at the storage position. The module unit 30 is supported by the two left and right sliding ridges 31 and the screw 40 at the left end. Thus, the difference in the height of the electrical connectors 23 and 15 due to manufacturing errors is adjusted by adjusting the angle by rotating the sliding ridge 31 as a fulcrum (support shaft). As a result, it is possible to connect the electrical connectors 23 and 15 without applying stress due to the weight of the module unit. An appropriate angle at the storage position adjusted so that no stress is applied to the electrical connectors 15 and 23 is fixed to the device frame 11 by screws 40. Accordingly, the weight of the module unit 30 is supported at the three points of the two sliding raised portions 31 and the screw 40.

  Also, by providing the two sliding ridges 31 near the center of the left and right balance of the weight of the module unit 30, the weight of the module unit 30 can be supported only by the sliding ridges 31 and the guide rails 14. The load on the screw 40 can be reduced. When the sliding bulges are provided at the left and right balance centers, the screw 40 is fixed so that the rotation angle of the module unit 30 is not shifted, and the module unit 30 is prevented from jumping out of the opening. It has the function of fixing the movement in the left-right direction.

  With reference to FIG. 3 again, the 1st engaging part 32 and the 2nd engaging part 16 are demonstrated. The device frame 11 is provided with a second engagement portion 16 at a position where the module frame 30 is engaged with the first engagement portion 32 in the storage position of the module unit 30. The first engaging portion 32 is made of an elastic member, and is configured to draw the second engaging portion 16 toward the module unit 30 by elastic force when engaged with the second diameter portion 16. . As a result, the module unit 30 comes into close contact with the apparatus frame 11 by the elastic force of the first engaging portion 32, and the module unit 30 is lifted from the guide rail 14 even if the entire data processing apparatus 10 vibrates up and down. This can prevent the electrical connectors 23 and 15 from being stressed due to vertical movement. In the example of FIG. 3, the first engaging portion 32 is an elastic member, but the second engaging portion 16 may be an elastic member. Moreover, you may urge | bias so that the module unit 30 and the apparatus frame 11 may contact | adhere using other urging members.

  It is desirable that the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 16 be configured to engage with each other on the same axis (on the rotation support shaft) as the rotation support shaft of the module unit 30. Engaging on the same axis as the rotation support shaft of the module unit 30 means that the position of the sliding ridge 31 and the positions of engagement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are lateral as shown in FIG. Seeing from the direction, it is almost the same position.

  When the position of the sliding ridge 31 is shifted from the engaging position, the elastic force of the first engaging portion acts as a rotational force that rotates the module unit 30 with the sliding ridge 31 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when the engagement position is shifted, a force in the rotational direction due to the elastic force is applied to the connector as a load (stress). On the other hand, by adjusting the position of the sliding ridge 31 and the engagement position of the first and second engaging portions, the elastic force of the engaging member is not generated by the elastic force, and all of the elastic force of the engaging member is the sliding ridge. To the guide rail 14. In this way, by aligning the engagement positions of the first and second engagement members with the positions of the sliding ridges, it is possible to prevent stress due to elastic force from being applied to the electrical connectors 23 and 15. It becomes.

  From the above, it is preferable that the sliding raised portion 31 is provided on or near the balance center axis in the left-right direction in FIG. 3 of the module unit 30, and the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 16. However, it is preferable to be configured to engage on the same axis as the sliding ridge 31.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the shape of the sliding raised portion 31 according to the embodiment of the module unit storage device of the present invention. The sliding ridge 31 may have a spherical shape such as a hemisphere obtained by cutting a part of a sphere in a plane, but a shape obtained by cutting a part of a cylinder as shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. As shown in a side view in (c), the shape may be a gradually inclined mountain shape and the apex may be a curved shape.

  The height of the sliding ridge 31 can be freely set according to manufacturing errors. As described above, by increasing the height of the sliding ridge 31, it is possible to increase the seesaw-shaped rotation angle, and to increase the moving distance between both ends of the module unit. Therefore, when the manufacturing error is large, it is desirable to increase the height of the sliding ridge 31. Since the height of the sliding protrusion 31 is determined according to the size of the module unit, manufacturing error, and the like, the range of the height cannot be uniquely determined. However, for example, in the case of a module unit such as a hard disk used for a POS terminal device or the like, the sliding ridge 31 is set to a height of about 0.5 mm to 2 mm unless there are special circumstances. Thus, the electrical connectors 23 and 15 can be aligned.

  The position of the sliding protrusion 31 can be freely determined according to the height of the sliding small protrusion and the manufacturing error of the connector mounting position. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when provided closer to the insertion end of the module unit than the intermediate position of the module unit 30 (closer to the module connector 23), as shown in FIG. The distance becomes longer and the module unit 30 can be supported in a stable state. However, since the moving distance of the vertical movement on the insertion tip side (module connector 23 side) is smaller than the vertical movement on the insertion rear end side (opening 13 side) in the seesaw-shaped rotation, the width of the alignment by angle Becomes narrower. On the other hand, if it is provided at a position closer to the rear end of the insertion than the intermediate position, the alignment width can be increased, but the support of the module tends to become unstable. Further, if the sliding bulge is provided at the intermediate position (more precisely, the position where the right and left weight balance is balanced in FIG. 3), the weight of the module unit is entirely applied to both the bulging ridges, and the fixed portion by the screw 40 It is possible to reduce the load applied to.

  In the above description, an example in which the sliding ridge is provided on the sliding portion of the module unit has been described. However, the sliding ridge may be provided on the guide rail instead of the module unit. Even when the sliding bulge is provided on the guide rail, the sliding bulge can be shaped as shown in FIG. Furthermore, by providing a slightly wider guide rail and a corresponding sliding portion at the center of the bottom surface of the module unit 30, the module unit storage device of the present invention is configured by one guide rail and the sliding portion. Is also possible.

  Further, the module frame body 21, the device frame body 11, the first engagement portion 32, and the second engagement portion 16 are formed of a metal material, and the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 16 are formed. It is desirable that the module frame body 21 of the module unit 30 and the apparatus frame body 11 are electrically connected by contact to protect the module unit 30 from static electricity.

It is a back perspective view of a module unit concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front perspective view of the module unit of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which inserted the module unit concerning one Embodiment of this invention to the accommodation position, and was fixed to the data processor. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect | action of the sliding protrusion part of this invention. The example of the shape of the sliding bulge part concerning one Embodiment of the slide storage support tool of this invention is shown. It is a back perspective view which shows the prior art example of the data processor which slide-stores a module unit. It is a right view of the prior art example which accommodated the module unit in the data processor 10.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Data processing apparatus 11 Apparatus frame 12 Storage part 13 Opening part 14 Guide rail 15 Apparatus connector 16 2nd engaging part 20 Conventional module unit 21 Module frame 22 Sliding part 23 Module connector 24 Sliding surface 30 of this invention Module unit 31 Sliding raised portion 32 First engaging portion 33 Fixing plate 34 Fixing groove 40 Screw

Claims (5)

A storage unit that connects the electrical connector while storing the module unit by slidingly inserting the module unit from the opening; and
A guide rail that is provided in the storage unit, guides the module unit to a storage position of the storage unit, and supports the module unit in the storage unit at the storage position;
A sliding portion provided on the module unit and sliding on the guide rail when the slide is inserted;
With
A sliding ridge is provided on either the sliding portion or the guide rail, and the module unit can be moved up and down like a seesaw on the guide rail using the sliding ridge as a fulcrum. Module unit storage device. Furthermore, a first engagement portion provided on the bottom surface of the module unit, and the storage portion are provided so as to engage with the first engagement portion when the module unit is inserted to the storage position. A second engaging portion,
One or both of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are biased in a direction to increase the degree of adhesion between the sliding bulge portion and the guide rail during engagement. The module unit storage device according to claim 1.   The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to engage on or in the vicinity of a rotation support shaft of a seesaw operation with the sliding bulge as a fulcrum. The module unit storage device according to claim 2.   4. The module unit storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixture that fixes one end of the module unit inserted to a storage position near the opening. 5. 5. The module unit storage device according to claim 4, wherein the sliding bulge portion is disposed substantially at the center of the module unit at the storage position.

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