JP2008108148A - Extending device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a miniaturized extending device that can certainly prevent the attachment and detachment of an IC card in a mounted state to the computer and improves the receiving sensitivity and portability of a communication device. <P>SOLUTION: This extending device to be connected to an external port 2 of a computer 1 comprises an attaching/detaching section 31 for attaching/detaching a PIM (Personal Identity Module) card 3, a connector 11 connected to the external port 2 of the computer 1, a slider 13 that is disposed in parallel to the connector 11 and can move in the inserting/removing direction of the connector 11, and an energizing means (torsion spring 14) for energizing the slider 13 so that it projects in the tip direction of the connector 11. When the connector 11 is inserted into the computer 1, the slider 13 prevents the attaching/detaching of the PIM card 3 by covering the attaching/detaching section 31 of the PIM card 3 by inserting force. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an expansion device connected to an external port of a computer.

  Conventionally, various expansion devices for extending the functions of a computer by connecting to an external port of the computer have been provided. Among them are, for example, a wireless communication device that provides a communication function, a card reader for reading and writing data in a memory module, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  Among the expansion devices, there are expansion devices that can be mounted with IC cards such as a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module card), a UIM card (User Identity Module card), and a PIM card (Personal Identity Module Card). These IC cards are used for authority authentication (so-called dongle) for using an application, personal authentication for communication, and the like. For this reason, the IC card is handled so as not to be attached or detached while the expansion device is attached to the computer.

  However, when the user is unfamiliar, there is a possibility that an IC card may be accidentally pulled out during use of the expansion device and an error will occur. Therefore, there is a demand for a configuration in which the IC card cannot be removed while the expansion device is mounted on the computer. Conventionally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-280639 (Patent Document 1) discloses a cover that rotates to protect the USB connector and prevent the UIM card from being removed during use.

  On the other hand, when the expansion device includes a wireless communication device, an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves is provided. Conventionally, various types of antennas have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-010681 (Patent Document 2) discloses a configuration in which a thin plate-like antenna is provided in a movable manner. Also, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-514482 (Patent Document 3) discloses an antenna that slides and protrudes from the expansion device body.

Also, a cover may be provided depending on the type of expansion device. This is to protect against the dirt and dust so as not to impair the function of the expansion device. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-070831 (Patent Document 4) discloses a configuration in which a fingerprint detection unit is provided with a cover.
JP 2004-280639 A JP 2000-010681 A Special table 2003-514482 gazette JP 2004-070831 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the cover of the USB connector is rotated to the back side to prevent the UIM card from being removed. Therefore, it is left to the user to rotate the cover to a position that prevents removal, and it must be said that the reliability is low.

  In addition, the antenna in the wireless communication apparatus may be a built-in type as long as it is in a short distance, but it is necessary to have a certain size (length) if the sensitivity is to be increased, and it is desirable that the angle can be adjusted. . However, since communication devices that are frequently used when going out are important to miniaturization and portability, the antenna is also very limited in size, and it is difficult to improve reception sensitivity. Further, if the rod antenna is attached with a movable joint so that the angle can be adjusted, the rod is exposed to the outside of the expansion device during transportation, and there is a problem that portability is impaired.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an expansion device that can reliably prevent the IC card from being attached or detached when it is attached to a computer. It is also intended to improve the receiving sensitivity and portability of the communication device and reduce the size.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a typical configuration of an expansion device according to the present invention is an expansion device connected to an external port of a computer, and is an insertion / removal unit for attaching / detaching an IC card, and being inserted into an external port of the computer And a connector that is attached to the connector and is movable in the insertion / removal direction of the connector, and an urging means that urges the slider so as to protrude toward the distal end of the connector. The slider inserts the connector into the computer. In this case, the IC card is brought into contact with a housing near the external port of the computer, moves against the urging force of the urging means by the insertion force, and prevents the IC card from being attached or detached by covering the attaching / detaching portion.

  According to the above configuration, as the expansion device is attached to the computer, the slider protrudes so as to cover the detachable portion. Therefore, the user can surely prevent the IC card from being attached or detached without requiring any operation.

  Another typical configuration of the expansion device according to the present invention is an expansion device connected to an external port of a computer, an attachment / detachment portion for attaching / detaching an IC card, and a connector inserted and connected to an external port of the computer And a slider that is attached to the connector and is movable in the insertion / removal direction of the connector, a biasing means that biases the slider so as to protrude in the tip direction of the connector, and a hinge shaft that is orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction of the connector. A lid body that covers the detachable portion and a lid body regulating portion that is provided near the hinge shaft of the lid body, and the slider contacts and inserts the housing near the external port of the computer when the connector is inserted into the computer. It moves against the urging force of the urging means by force, and restricts the opening of the lid body by contacting or meshing with the lid body regulating portion.

  According to the above configuration, the lid is inevitably closed or cannot be opened as the expansion device is attached to the computer. Therefore, the user can surely prevent the IC card from being attached or detached without requiring any operation.

  The slider is preferably formed in a shape that covers part or all of the outer periphery of the connector. As a result, the connector can be protected by the slider.

  The slider is preferably formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the shape of the connector can be visually recognized. Thereby, even if the slider covers the connector, the user can insert the connector into the external port of the computer without hesitation.

  Another typical configuration of the expansion device according to the present invention is an expansion device connected to an external port of a computer, an attachment / detachment portion for attaching / detaching an IC card, and a connector inserted and connected to an external port of the computer And a connector cover that rotates around a hinge axis orthogonal to the connector insertion / removal direction to cover the connector, a slider that can move in the connector insertion / removal direction, and a link mechanism that converts opening / closing of the connector cover into movement of the slider When the connector is inserted into the computer, the slider moves by opening the connector cover, and the IC card prevents the IC card from being attached or detached by covering the attaching / detaching portion.

  According to the above configuration, the slider covers the attaching / detaching portion as the connector cover is opened to insert the expansion device into the computer. Therefore, the user can surely prevent the IC card from being attached or detached without requiring any operation.

  Another typical configuration of the expansion device according to the present invention is an expansion device connected to an external port of a computer, an attachment / detachment portion for attaching / detaching an IC card, and a connector inserted and connected to an external port of the computer A cover that covers the connector by rotating around a hinge axis orthogonal to the connector insertion / removal direction, a cover that rotates around the hinge axis orthogonal to the connector insertion / removal direction to cover the attachment / detachment portion, When the connector is inserted into the computer, the lid body restricting portion provided in the vicinity of the hinge shaft, a slider movable in the connector insertion / extraction direction, and a link mechanism that converts opening / closing of the connector cover into movement of the slider. When the connector cover is opened, the slider moves, and the opening of the lid is regulated by contacting or meshing with the lid regulating part. .

  According to the above configuration, the lid body is inevitably closed or cannot be opened as the connector cover is opened to insert the expansion device into the computer. Therefore, the user can surely prevent the IC card from being attached or detached without requiring any operation.

  It is preferable that a wireless communication unit connected to the computer via the connector and an antenna unit connected to the wireless communication unit to transmit and receive radio waves are configured integrally with the lid or the connector cover. The antenna unit may be attached to the inside of the cover, or may be embedded in the cover.

  According to the above configuration, a large antenna can be provided according to the area of the cover, so that reception sensitivity can be improved. In particular, when the unit is configured to be integrated with the connector cover, the cover with the antenna unit integrated when carrying it physically protects the connector, and when used while connected to a computer, the angle of the antenna unit can be increased by opening the cover. Can be adjusted, and the optimum receiving sensitivity can be obtained. Further, since the antenna portion does not protrude outside the apparatus, a compact form can be obtained by closing the cover, and miniaturization and portability can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the IC card from being attached / detached in a state where it is attached to a computer. In addition, it is possible to improve the receiving sensitivity and portability of the communication device and to reduce the size.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of an expansion device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the expansion device is a PHS terminal (Personal Handy-phone System), which is a wireless communication device. In addition, a PIM card (Personal Identity Module Card) as an example of an IC card can be attached to this apparatus. The PIM card is a personal authentication card used for PHS, and stores a unique ID associated with a telephone number and a storage area for storing a telephone number and the like.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating the configuration of an expansion device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the expansion device mounted on a computer, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the expansion device, and FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the schematic structure of an apparatus. Note that dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the following embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a wireless communication device 10 as an example of an expansion device includes a connector 11 that is inserted into and connected to a USB port 2 as an example of an external port of a computer 1. The computer 1 may be connected to the computer 1 as long as it is connected to an external port. Examples of the connection method include USB (Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE1394.

  A wireless communication unit 20 is connected to the connector 11, and an antenna unit 21 is connected to the wireless communication unit 20. As the wireless communication unit 20, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) controller, a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) controller, a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) controller, or the like can be used. In this embodiment, a PHS controller is exemplified. .

  In addition to the wireless communication unit 20, the wireless communication device 10 includes a memory controller 30 for reading and writing the PIM card 3 and an attachment / detachment unit 31 for attaching / detaching the PIM card 3. Since the attaching / detaching portion 31 is open, the lid 12 is provided on the casing of the main body of the wireless communication device 10 to protect it. When the wireless communication device 10 is carried, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the detachable portion 31 by closing the lid 12. The lid 12 can be opened and closed by a hinge portion 12 a having a hinge shaft orthogonal to the insertion / extraction direction of the connector 11. The open / close type is easier to handle than the separated type and is easy to handle for the user because there is no risk of losing the cover.

  The connector 11 is provided with a slider 13 that can move in the connector insertion / removal direction. The slider 13 includes a cover portion 13 a disposed so as to cover the connector 11 and a card restricting portion 13 b that protrudes toward the detachable portion 31. The slider is urged so as to protrude in the distal direction of the connector 11 by a torsion spring 14 as an example of urging means. As the biasing means, an elastic member such as a helical spring or resin can be used in addition to the torsion spring.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the slider 13 abuts against the casing near the external port 2 of the computer 1 when the connector 11 is inserted into the computer 1, and the insertion force is wireless against the urging force of the torsion spring 14. It moves toward the internal direction (arrow direction in the figure) of the communication device 10. Here, the attaching / detaching direction of the PIM card 3 of the attaching / detaching unit 31 is substantially orthogonal to the inserting / removing direction of the connector 11 to / from the computer 1. Therefore, when the card restricting portion 13 b of the slider 13 covers at least a part of the detachable portion 31, the card restricting portion 13 b protrudes into the moving range of the PIM card 3. Accordingly, since the PIM card 3 cannot move in the attaching / detaching direction, the attaching / detaching thereof can be prevented. That is, the user can surely prevent the PIM card 3 from being attached or detached without only consciously requiring any operation by simply connecting the wireless communication device 10 to the computer.

  The cover portion 13 a of the slider 13 is configured to cover a part or all of the connector 11. In the present embodiment, a U-shaped cross section that covers three surfaces of the connector 11 is used. Thus, the connector 11 can be protected by the slider 13. However, at this time, the position of the connector 11 becomes difficult to understand, and it may be difficult to insert the connector 11 into the external port 2 of the computer 1. For this reason, it is preferable that the slider 13 is formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the shape of the connector 11 can be visually recognized. Thereby, even if the slider 13 covers the connector 11, the user can insert the connector 11 into the external port 2 of the computer 1 without hesitation.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the antenna part 21 is attached to the inner side of the cover body 12, and is comprised integrally. The antenna unit 21 is connected to the wireless communication unit 20 through the inside of the hinge unit 12a. In the figure, the antenna unit 21 shows a loop antenna, but various known antennas such as a rod antenna and a helical antenna can be selected. The antenna unit 21 is attached to the inside of the lid body 12 in the figure, but may be embedded in the lid body 12. In addition, the hinge part 12a becomes a structure which can stop the cover body 12 by arbitrary opening / closing angles.

  According to the above configuration, the lid body 12 with which the antenna unit 21 is integrated protects the detachable unit 31 when being carried. Further, when used by connecting to the computer 1, the angle of the antenna unit 21 can be easily adjusted by opening the lid 12, and optimum reception sensitivity can be obtained. Also, the reception sensitivity can be improved in that the antenna portion 21 can be made large according to the area of the lid 12. If the lid 12 is opened, the presence or absence of the PIM card 3 can be easily recognized, and can be easily attached or detached.

  In addition, since the antenna unit 21 does not protrude outside the apparatus, a compact configuration can be obtained by closing the lid 12. Therefore, the portability can be improved and the size can be reduced as compared with the case where a movable external antenna such as a rod antenna is provided.

  Further, on the inner surface of the lid body 12, a protrusion 12 b that abuts against the card restricting portion 13 b of the slider 13 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, when the slider 13 moves toward the inside of the wireless communication device 10, the card restricting portion 13b comes into contact with the protruding portion 12b. The protrusion 12b is formed with an inclined surface, and a force in the direction in which the lid 12 is opened acts when the card restricting portion 13b comes into contact therewith. That is, the lid body 12 is automatically opened slightly only by connecting the wireless communication device 10 to the computer 1. As a result, the user can be made aware that the lid 12 is movable, and the user can communicate with a good radio wave state by prompting angle adjustment.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the expansion device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the expansion device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the expansion device according to the second embodiment, which overlaps with the description of the first embodiment. About the part to attach, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the PIM card 3 is prevented from being attached / detached by the slider 13 covering the attaching / detaching portion 31 of the PIM card 3 has been described. In contrast, the present embodiment is configured to prevent the PIM card 3 from being attached or detached by restricting the opening of the lid 12.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, a cam portion 12 c as an example of a lid body restricting portion is formed in the vicinity of the hinge portion 12 a of the lid body 12. On the other hand, the slider 13 is extended to a position where the end of the slider 13 reaches the cam portion 12c, and a regulation contact portion 13c is formed. As the slider 13 moves toward the inside of the wireless communication device 10, the restriction contact portion 13c contacts the cam portion 12c. The cam portion 12c and the regulation abutting portion 13c abut on a plane that rubs in a state where the lid 12 is closed. Thereby, the slider 13 can maintain the closed state of the cover body 12, and can restrict the opening thereof. Further, when the slider 13 moves, the lid 12 can be closed when it is opened at an angle within a predetermined range.

  That is, according to the above configuration, the lid 12 is inevitably closed or cannot be opened as the wireless communication device 10 is attached to the computer 1. Therefore, the user can surely prevent the PIM card 3 from being attached or detached without requiring any operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a groove 12d may be provided in the vicinity of the hinge portion 12a of the lid 12, and an end of the slider 13 may be extended to provide a wedge portion 13d that meshes with the groove 12d. In the configuration of FIG. 5, there is a possibility that the connector 11 may be disconnected when the lid 12 is forcibly opened while the wireless communication device 10 is connected to the computer 1. However, the configuration of FIG. As long as the connector 11 is not pulled out, the lid 12 cannot be rotated. When the lid 12 is opened, the slider 13 cannot contact the hinge portion 12a and move inward, so the wireless communication device 10 cannot be connected to the computer. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably regulate the opening of the lid 12 and prevent the PIM card 3 from being attached or detached.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment of the expansion device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the expansion device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the expansion device according to the third embodiment, which overlaps with the description of the first embodiment. About the part to attach, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the slider 13 is moved using the force for inserting the connector 11 into the external port 2 of the computer 1 has been described. On the other hand, this embodiment is a structure which moves a slider by rotation of the connector cover 15 which protects the connector 11. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a connector cover 15 that covers the connector 11 by rotating around a hinge axis orthogonal to the insertion / extraction direction of the connector 11 is provided. The connector cover 15 is configured to cover part or all of the connector 11. In the present embodiment, a U-shaped cross section that covers three surfaces of the connector 11 is used. The connector cover 15 is provided with a long hole 15a, and the slider 13 is provided with a pin 13e that fits and slides into the long hole 15a.

  When the wireless communication device 10 is attached to the external port 2 of the computer 1, the connector cover 15 is rotated to expose the connector 11. At this time, the opening / closing movement of the connector cover 15 is converted into the movement of the slider 13 by the link mechanism including the long hole 15a and the pin 13e. As a result, the card restricting portion 13b of the slider 13 covers the attaching / detaching portion 31 of the PIM card 3, and the attachment / detachment of the PIM card 3 can be prevented. In the configuration of the present embodiment, the torsion spring 14 that urges the slider 13 so as to protrude toward the distal end of the connector 11 is unnecessary.

  As described above, the slider 13 covers the detachable portion 31 as the connector cover 15 is opened to insert the expansion device into the computer 1. Therefore, the user can surely prevent the PIM card 3 from being attached or detached without requiring any operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the opening of the lid body 12 may be regulated by providing a cam portion 12 c near the hinge portion 12 a of the lid body 12 and providing a regulating contact portion 13 c on the slider 13. .

  In the configuration of FIG. 8, the angle of the lid 12 cannot be adjusted while the wireless communication device 10 is connected to the computer 1. For this reason, it is preferable to provide the antenna part 21 integrally in the connector cover 15 instead of the cover body 12 (not shown). As a result, the angle of the antenna unit 21 can be easily adjusted to improve the reception sensitivity.

  In each of the above embodiments, the card restricting portion 13b of the slider 13 has been described as being configured to cover the attaching / detaching portion 31. However, in order to restrict card insertion / removal, it is only necessary to block the direction of travel, that is, the card restriction unit 13b may be configured to protrude into the movement range of the IC card. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of another embodiment according to the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the slider. In FIG. 9, the card restricting portion 13 f of the slider 13 protrudes in the attaching / detaching direction of the PIM card 3 with respect to the attaching / detaching portion 31 and prevents the movement of the PIM card 3. Thereby, while preventing the PIM card 3 from being attached or detached, it is possible to easily confirm the presence or absence of the PIM card 3 or improve the visibility of the label notation.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  The present invention can be used as an expansion device connected to an external port of a computer.

It is an appearance perspective view explaining the composition of the expansion device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the expansion apparatus with the state with which the computer concerning the embodiment was mounted | worn. It is a side surface fragmentary sectional view of the expansion device concerning the embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the schematic structure of the expansion apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the expansion apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the other structure of the expansion apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the expansion apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the other structure of the expansion apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of other embodiment concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer 2 ... External port 3 ... PIM card 10 ... Wireless communication apparatus 11 ... Connector 12 ... Lid 12a ... Hinge part 12b ... Projection part 12c ... Cam part (lid body control part)
12d ... groove 13 ... slider 13a ... cover part 13b, 13f ... card restricting part 13c ... restricting contact part 13d ... wedge part 13e ... pin 14 ... torsion spring (biasing means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Connector cover 15a ... Slot 20 ... Wireless communication part 21 ... Antenna part 30 ... Memory controller 31 ... Detachable part

Claims (8)

An expansion device connected to an external port of a computer,
An attaching / detaching part for attaching / detaching the IC card;
A connector to be inserted and connected to an external port of the computer;
A slider that is attached to the connector and is movable in the insertion / extraction direction of the connector;
Biasing means for biasing the slider so as to protrude in the direction of the distal end of the connector;
The slider contacts the housing near the external port of the computer when the connector is inserted into the computer and moves against the urging force of the urging means by the insertion force to cover the detachable portion. An expansion device characterized in that the IC card is prevented from being attached and detached. An expansion device connected to an external port of a computer,
An attaching / detaching part for attaching / detaching the IC card;
A connector to be inserted and connected to an external port of the computer;
A slider that is attached to the connector and is movable in the insertion / extraction direction of the connector;
A biasing means for biasing the slider so as to protrude in the direction of the distal end of the connector;
A lid that rotates around a hinge axis perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction of the connector and covers the detachable part;
A lid body restricting portion provided near the hinge shaft of the lid body,
When the connector is inserted into the computer, the slider abuts against a casing near the external port of the computer, and moves by the insertion force against the urging force of the urging means, so that the lid restricting portion and the slider come into contact with each other. An expansion device, wherein opening of the lid is restricted by contact or meshing.   The expansion device according to claim 1, wherein the slider is configured to cover a part or all of the outer periphery of the connector.   The expansion device according to claim 3, wherein the slider is formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the shape of the connector can be visually recognized. An expansion device connected to an external port of a computer,
An attaching / detaching part for attaching / detaching the IC card;
A connector to be inserted and connected to an external port of the computer;
A connector cover that rotates around a hinge axis perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction of the connector and covers the connector;
A slider movable in the insertion / extraction direction of the connector;
A link mechanism that converts opening and closing of the connector cover into movement of the slider,
An expansion device characterized in that, when the connector is inserted into the computer, the slider moves by opening the connector cover, and the IC card prevents attachment / detachment of the IC card by covering the attachment / detachment portion. An expansion device connected to an external port of a computer,
An attaching / detaching part for attaching / detaching the IC card;
A connector to be inserted and connected to an external port of the computer;
A connector cover that rotates around a hinge axis perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction of the connector and covers the connector;
A lid that rotates around a hinge axis perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction of the connector and covers the detachable part;
A lid body restricting portion provided near the hinge shaft of the lid body;
A slider movable in the insertion / extraction direction of the connector;
A link mechanism that converts opening and closing of the connector cover into movement of the slider,
When inserting the connector into the computer, the slider moves by opening the connector cover, and the slider abuts or meshes with the lid regulating portion to regulate the opening of the lid. Feature expansion device. A wireless communication unit connected to the computer via the connector;
An antenna unit connected to the wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving radio waves,
The expansion device according to claim 2, wherein the antenna unit is configured integrally with the lid. A wireless communication unit connected to the computer via the connector;
An antenna unit connected to the wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving radio waves,
The expansion device according to claim 5, wherein the antenna unit is configured integrally with the connector cover.

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