JP3040688B2 - Data processing unit and expansion pack - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus in which an extension pack is removably mounted, and an expansion pack removably mounted in the data processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a data processing device and an extension pack that can be removed only by a user without using special tools.

2. Description of the Related Art In a data processing apparatus such as a notebook computer, when an additional device or the like is to be added, an expansion pack in which a device or the like to be added is mounted in a resin-molded case in consideration of expansion work, measures against static electricity, measures against dust and the like. And a configuration in which it is detachably attached to a dedicated slot of the data processing device. This expansion pack may be stolen. From now on, it is necessary to make it possible for only the user who knows how to remove the extension pack to remove it. At this time, it is preferable to use a special tool without using it.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to allow an expansion pack to be removably mounted in an expansion pack slot of a data processing apparatus, a restriction projection and a tap hole are provided in the expansion pack slot. Then, by adopting a configuration in which an L-shaped groove and a screw hole are provided, by engaging the restraining projection with the L-shaped groove, the extension pack is attached to the slot for the extension pack, and then the tap hole is removed from the screw hole. In this case, the extension pack is fixed to the extension pack slot by screwing it to the slot. Here, the dedicated slot may have an L-shaped groove, and the extension pack may have a restraining projection.

[0004] That is, if the expansion pack slot has a restraining projection and the expansion pack has an L-shaped groove, the expansion pack 2 is mounted on the back side of the data processing device 1 as shown in FIG. And a tap hole 4 that can be screwed from the back side is provided in the slot 3 for the additional pack.
A configuration in which a plurality of restraining projections 6 are provided on one side surface 5 is adopted. Here, a connector mechanism for performing electrical connection with the extension pack 2 is arranged on the front face 7 of the extension pack slot 3.

On the other hand, the extension pack 2 is provided with screw holes 8 corresponding to the tapped holes 4, and the two side faces 9 are provided.
In addition, an L-shaped groove 10 is provided in which one L-shaped end is opened on the upper surface of the extension pack 2 and the other L-shaped end is closed in the connector unplugging direction, corresponding to the restraining projection 6. Here, a connector mechanism for performing an electrical connection with the data processing device 1 is arranged on the front surface 11 of the extension pack 2.

According to this configuration, when the extension pack 2 is mounted in the extension pack slot 3, the L-shaped groove 1
The extension pack 2 is inserted into the extension pack slot 3 while engaging the opening side L-shaped flat portion of 0 with the restraining projection 6, and subsequently, the closed L-shaped flat portion of the L-shaped groove 10 is restrained. By connecting the connector mechanism of the extension pack 2 and the connector mechanism of the data processing device 1 while engaging with the projections 6, the extension pack 2 is extended by screwing the screw holes 8 into the tap holes 4 subsequently. It was fixed to the pack slot 3.

[0007]

However, according to such a conventional technique, there is a problem that a person other than the user can remove the extension pack 2 with only a driver. There was a problem that the system including the system could not be guaranteed.

In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to adopt a method in which a special tool is used for attaching and detaching the extension pack 2. However, if this method is adopted, the user stores the special tool. The inconvenience of having to do so arises.

In addition, according to such a conventional technique, when the extension pack 2 is detached, the extension pack 2 falls due to its own weight. (Including data destruction).

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has a configuration in which an extension pack is detachably mounted. Only a user who knows how to remove the extension pack can use a special tool. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new data processing device capable of being detached without using the same, and to provide a new expansion pack detachably attached to the data processing device.

[0011]

In order to achieve this object, a data processing apparatus equipped with the present invention has a connector mechanism for electrically connecting an extension pack on a front surface, and has two side faces corresponding to the extension pack. Then, the insertion part is opened L
By providing an additional pack slot having either a U-shaped groove or a restraining projection engaged with the L-shaped groove, in a data processing device in which the additional pack is mounted, one of the side surfaces of the additional pack slot is oriented in the additional pack direction. When the connector is connected, the fitting portion loosely fits dimensionally with the concave portion of the extension pack to loosen the movement of the extension pack in the connector removal direction. Restraining, the fitting portion includes a lock lever mechanism having a tapered portion that allows slot insertion of the extension pack, and another side surface is provided to face an opening of the exterior of the data processing device main body, At the time of connector connection, a configuration is provided in which a through hole is provided that is locked to the protrusion of the locking member of the extension pack to tightly restrict the movement of the extension pack in the connector removal direction.

On the other hand, in order to achieve this object, an extension pack equipped with the present invention has a connector mechanism for electrically connecting to a data processing device on the front surface, and has two side surfaces corresponding to slots for the extension pack. , The insertion part is open L
In an extension pack having either a groove or a restraining projection engaged with the L-shaped groove, one of the side faces is loosely dimensionally fitted to a fitting portion of a lock lever mechanism of an extension pack slot when a connector is connected. The connector has a concave portion that loosely restrains the movement in the connector unplugging direction, and the other side has elasticity in the pack inner direction, and locks into the through hole of the additional pack slot when the connector is connected. In this configuration, a locking member for tightly restraining the movement in the connector unplugging direction is provided by having the protruding portion.

[0013] Here, instead of the extension pack slot having the lock lever mechanism, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the extension pack is equipped with a lock lever mechanism. By fitting loosely with the fitting portion of the lock lever mechanism of the extension pack, a concave portion is provided to restrict the movement of the extension pack in the connector removal direction.

[0014]

When the extension pack of the present invention is mounted on the data processing apparatus of the present invention, the user first engages the L-shaped groove and the restraining projection provided on the side of the extension pack and the slot for the extension pack. By moving the extension pack in the slot insertion direction, the extension pack is inserted into the extension pack slot. At this time, since the fitting portion of the lock lever mechanism of the extension pack slot has a tapered portion that allows the slot of the extension pack to be inserted, the user does not need to release the urging force of the fitting portion. Even so, an extension pack can be inserted.

Subsequently, the user moves the extension pack in the connector insertion direction and engages the connector mechanism while engaging the L-shaped groove and the restraining projection provided on the side surface of the extension pack and the slot for the extension pack. Connect to data processing device. At this time, the protrusion of the locking member of the extension pack is locked in the through hole of the slot for the extension pack, so that the movement of the extension pack in the connector removal direction is restricted, and the extension pack is attached to the extension pack. And the fitting portion of the lock lever mechanism of the additional pack slot loosely fits dimensionally into the concave portion of the additional pack according to the urging force.

When removing the attached extension pack, the user inserts an appropriate object through an opening provided in the exterior of the data processing apparatus main body, and a through-hole provided in the extension pack slot located behind the opening. By moving the extension pack in the connector unplugging direction while removing the projections that lock the connector, the connector connection with the data processing device is released. At this time, since the fitting portion of the lock lever mechanism of the extension pack slot is loosely fitted in the concave portion of the extension pack, the connector connection can be released, and the extension pack can be removed by its own weight. It does not fall from the slot for additional packs. Then, the user removes the additional pack from the additional pack slot by releasing the urging force of the fitting portion of the lock lever mechanism of the additional pack slot.

As described above, the present invention employs a method of removing the extension pack by inserting an appropriate object through the opening of the exterior of the data processing device main body.
A person who does not know how to remove the extension pack cannot remove the extension pack, and an original user who knows how to remove the extension pack can remove the extension pack without using a special tool. Then, when removing the extension pack, it is possible to prevent an accident of dropping the extension pack by mistake.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a data processing apparatus 1 having the present invention. In the figure, the area indicated by the broken line is the slot 3 for the additional pack.

As shown in FIG. 1, a data processing apparatus 1 equipped with the present invention adopts, for example, a configuration in which an additional pack slot 3 is provided on the back side of the apparatus. Here, the portion A in the drawing is provided with a pack connection connector for electrically connecting to the additional pack 2 mounted in the additional pack slot 3.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show an embodiment of an additional pack slot 3 constructed according to the present invention. FIG.
Is a view of the additional pack slot 3 of the present invention viewed from the back side of the data processing apparatus 1. A portion shown in the figure corresponds to an arrangement portion of the above-described pack connector, and B portion corresponds to a front surface of the data processing device 1. .

FIG. 3 shows a slot 3 for an additional pack according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view as viewed from XX in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view as viewed from YY in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the slot 3 as viewed from ZZ in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a through hole 2 is formed on the side surface 20 on the front side of the slot 3 for an additional pack according to the present invention.
1 and two upper and lower restraint projections 22 and 23, and the through hole 21 has a decorative hole 70 (a hole like a wind hole) of the data processing device 1 as shown in FIG.
Will be provided at a position behind the Here, in FIG.
24 is a keyboard cover, 25 is a CPU board, 26 is the above-mentioned pack connector, and 27 is a base cover.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a lock lever mechanism 31 and two upper and lower restraint projections 32, 33 are provided on the side surface 30 of the expansion pack slot 3 of the present invention on the apparatus side.
Are provided. Here, in FIG. 4, reference numeral 34 denotes a keyboard unit.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lock lever mechanism 31 includes a lock lever 310, a coil spring 311 for urging the lock lever 310 in the slot direction, and a pressing part 312 for holding the coil spring 311.
The lock lever 310 has a fitting portion 313 protruding into the slot, and a knob 314 for pushing the fitting portion 313 back against the urging force of the coil spring 311. When the pack 2 is inserted, a tapered portion 315 that causes an operation of pushing back the fitting portion 313 is formed.

The extension pack slot 3 of the present invention having such a structure is manufactured integrally with the main body of the data processing apparatus 1 by molding. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the additional pack 2 of the present invention which is mounted in the additional pack slot 3 of the present invention having this structure. Here, reference numeral 40 in the figure denotes a slot connector which is coupled to the pack connector 26 of the additional pack slot 3.

As shown in this figure, the side face 50 of the additional pack 2 of the present invention (which abuts against the side face 20 of the additional pack slot 3) has an opening in the front face, and has a closed part in the connector removal direction. It has an L-shape that has a linear groove 51 that engages with the upper and lower restraint projections 22 of the additional pack slot 3 and an opening on the upper surface and that has a closed part in the connector removal direction. An L-shaped groove 52 that engages with the upper and lower restraint projections 23, and a locking member 54 that is formed by making a U-shaped cut in the side plate and that has a projection 53 thereon is provided. I have. Then, this projection 53
Is formed with a tapered portion 55 that enables the extension pack 2 to move smoothly in the connector insertion direction and also allows the extension pack 2 to move smoothly in the slot insertion direction. In this embodiment, the L-shaped groove is not used for the straight groove 51 because there is a space for the slot connection connector 40.

On the other hand, the side surface 60 of the extension pack 2 of the present invention
An upper surface of the extension pack slot 3 has an L-shape having an opening on the top surface and an obstruction in the connector unplugging direction. And an L-shaped groove 61 having an opening on the upper surface and having a closed portion in the connector unplugging direction, and which engages with the upper and lower restraint projections 33 of the additional pack slot 3. A groove 62 and a concave portion 63 that fits into the fitting portion 313 with a size larger than the fitting portion 313 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the additional pack slot 3 are provided. In this embodiment, the concave portion 63 has a shape that opens on the upper surface, but this is for the sake of manufacturing convenience.

The extension pack 2 having such a structure is manufactured by molding as two upper and lower covers, but if all the above-mentioned engaging / fitting functions are integrated into one cover, the dimensional accuracy becomes higher. There is an advantage of going out.

When attaching the extension pack 2 of the present invention having such a structure to the above-described extension pack slot 3 of the present invention, the user first needs to
The vertically running groove portions of the L-shaped groove 52 / L-shaped groove 61 / L-shaped groove 62 are engaged with the upper / lower restraining projections 23/32/32 of the expansion pack slot 3. The extension pack 2 is inserted into the extension pack slot 3 by moving the extension pack.

At this time, the locking member 5 of the extension pack 2
4 has a tapered portion 55 that enables the extension pack 2 to smoothly move in the slot insertion direction, so that the user can insert the extension pack 2 into the extension pack slot 3 without difficulty. At this time, the fitting portion 31 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the additional pack slot 3 is provided.
3 has a tapered portion 315 that allows the slot of the extension pack 2 to be inserted, so that the user can move the extension pack 2 to the extension pack slot 3 with one touch without operating the knob 314 of the lock lever mechanism 31. Will be able to insert.

Subsequently, the user places the groove portion running in the front-rear direction of the straight groove 51 / L-shaped groove 52 / L-shaped groove 61 / L-shaped groove 62 of the extension pack 2 in the vertical direction of the extension pack slot 3. Projection 22 / vertical restraint protrusion 23 / vertical restraint protrusion 32
By moving while engaging with the upper and lower restraint projections 33, the slot connection connector 40 of the extension pack 2
Pack connector 26 of extension pack slot 3
And

At this time, the locking member 5 of the extension pack 2
4 has a tapered portion 55 that enables the extension pack 2 to smoothly move in the connector insertion direction, so that the user can easily connect the slot connection connector 40 and the pack connection connector 26 with each other. become.

In this way, when the slot connector 40 of the extension pack 2 and the pack connector 26 of the extension pack slot 3 are connected, the projection 53 of the locking member 54 of the extension pack 2 However, the extension pack 2 is locked in the through hole 21 of the extension pack slot 3 so that the movement of the extension pack 2 in the connector removal direction is restricted, whereby the extension pack 2 is mounted in the extension slot 3. become. At this time, the fitting portion 313 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the extension pack slot 3 is
According to the urging force of 11, the fitting is fitted into the concave portion 63 of the extension pack 2.

When the extension pack 2 is mounted, the movement of the extension pack 2 in the vertical direction is restricted by the linear groove 51 / L-shaped groove 52.
This is realized by engagement of the / L-shaped groove 61 / L-shaped groove 62 with the upper and lower restraint protrusions 22 / the upper and lower restraint protrusions 23 / the upper and lower restraint protrusions 32 / the upper and lower restraint protrusions 33.

When removing the attached extension pack 2, the user first inserts the tip of a mechanical pen through the decorative hole 70 of the data processing apparatus 1 so as to be positioned behind the decorative hole 70. The coupling between the slot connector 40 and the pack connector 26 is released by moving the extension pack 2 in the connector unplugging direction while removing the projection 53 that is engaged with the through hole 21 of the extension pack slot 3. .

At this time, the fitting portion 313 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the extension pack slot 3 is
Dimensionally loosely fits into the concave portion 63 of the extension pack 2 so that the connector connection can be released and the extension pack 2
Does not fall from the extension pack slot 3 by its own weight.

Subsequently, the user operates the knob 314 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the extension pack slot 3 to push the fitting portion 313 of the lock lever mechanism 31 back, thereby connecting the extension pack 2 to the extension pack. Remove from slot 3.

As described above, the present invention employs a configuration in which the extension pack 2 can be removed only when an appropriate object is inserted through the decorative hole 70 of the data processing apparatus 1.

The expansion pack 2 of the present invention is basically constructed so that only the intended user can remove it, so that the removal is somewhat troublesome. From now on, when simple removal is required (for example, when the frequency of attachment and detachment is high), the extension pack 2 shown in FIG. 8 should be used instead of the extension pack 2 of the present invention shown in FIG. Is preferred.

The extension pack 2 shown in FIG. 8 has a configuration in which the locking member 54 provided in the extension pack 2 of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 is omitted, and the extension pack 2 of the present invention shown in FIG. The difference is that a recess 63 a having substantially the same dimensions as the fitting portion 313 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the extension pack slot 3 is provided instead of the recess 63 provided.

According to this configuration, when the slot connector 40 of the extension pack 2 is connected to the pack connector 26 of the extension pack slot 3 according to the above-described operation, the lock lever of the extension pack slot 3 is locked. By fitting the fitting portion 313 of the mechanism 31 into the concave portion 63a having the tight dimension, the movement of the extension pack 2 in the connector unplugging direction is restrained. It will be attached to.

When removing the attached extension pack 2, the user operates the knob 314 of the lock lever mechanism 31 of the extension pack slot 3 to push the fitting portion 313 of the lock lever mechanism 31 back. At the same time, in accordance with this, the extension pack 2 is moved in the connector removal direction, and the connection between the slot connection connector 40 and the pack connection connector 26 is released.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, the dimension from the slot end point to the through hole 21 is a, the dimension of the slot portion is b, and the vertical restraint projections 22, 23, 32,.
The dimension of 33 is c and the lock lever mechanism 3
1, the dimension up to the end face is d, the width dimension of the lock lever mechanism 31 is e, the dimension from the pack end point to the projection 53 is f, the width dimension of the projection 53 is g, the full length dimension of the pack is h, and the L-shaped groove is used. If the dimensions of the upper and lower restrained portions of 61 and 62 are defined as j, the dimension from the pack end point to the recess 63 is defined as k, the dimension of the recess 63 is defined as m, and the dimension from the pack end point to the recess 63a is defined as n. Include: a = f + α ₁ , b = h + α ₂ , j = (g + c) + α ₃ ,
d = n + α ₄ , n = (k + g) + α ₅ , (e + g) = m
+ Α ₆ , (d + g) = k + α ₇ However, a relational expression that α _i is a positive value as small as possible is satisfied.

The invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
The present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the embodiment, the extension pack slot 3 is
1, and the extension pack 2 is provided with a concave portion 63 fitted therein. Conversely, the extension pack slot 3 has the concave portion 63, and the extension pack 2 has the lock lever mechanism 31. A configuration may be adopted.

Further, in the embodiment, the extension pack slot 3 is provided with the upper and lower restraining projections, and the extension pack 2 is provided with the L-shaped groove to be engaged therewith. The slot 3 may be provided with an L-shaped groove, and the extension pack 2 may be provided with a vertical restraint projection.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, a method of removing the extension pack by inserting an appropriate object through the opening of the exterior of the main body of the data processing apparatus is adopted. Those who do not have the ability to remove the extension pack, and the original user who knows how to remove the extension pack can remove the extension pack without using special tools.

Further, when removing the extension pack, it is possible to prevent an accident of dropping the extension pack by mistake, and it is possible to attach the extension pack with one touch. Further, there is an advantage that another additional pack using a simple removing method can be mounted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a data processing apparatus provided with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of an additional pack slot;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of an additional pack slot.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of an additional pack slot;

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of an additional pack slot.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a position of a through hole.

FIG. 7 is an example of an extension pack.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of another usable expansion pack.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 data processing device 2 extension pack 3 extension pack slot 21 through hole 22 vertical restraint protrusion 23 vertical restraint protrusion 31 lock lever mechanism 32 vertical restraint protrusion 33 vertical restraint protrusion 40 slot connector 51 linear groove 52 L-shaped groove 61 L-shaped groove 62 L-shaped groove 63 recess 70 decorative hole

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An L-shaped groove having an insertion portion opened or a restraining projection engaged with the L-shaped groove corresponding to the additional pack is provided on two sides of the connector mechanism. In the data processing device to which the extension pack is mounted, one of the side surfaces has a fitting portion that urges and protrudes in the direction of the extension pack. The fitting portion loosely fits the concave portion of the extension pack in dimension, thereby loosely restraining the movement of the extension pack in the connector removal direction, and enables the fitting portion to insert the slot of the extension pack. A lock lever mechanism having a tapered portion, and the other side surface is provided so as to face an opening portion of the exterior of the data processing device main body. Data processing apparatus by locking, which further comprising a through hole for tightly constraining the connector pull-out movement indicated by the expansion pack, characterized in. 2. A data processing device, which is mounted in an additional pack slot, has a connector mechanism on the front surface for electrical connection with the data processing device, and has an opening on two sides corresponding to the additional pack slot. An additional pack having either an L-shaped groove to be engaged or a restraining projection engaged with the L-shaped groove, wherein one of the side surfaces is dimensionally connected to a fitting portion of a lock lever mechanism of an additional pack slot when the connector is connected. The connector has a concave portion that loosely fits into the connector to loosen the movement of the connector in the removal direction. The other side surface has elasticity in the pack inner direction, and has a through hole that the extension pack slot has when the connector is connected. An extension pack characterized in that the extension pack has a locking member that has a projection that locks into the hole and tightly restrains movement in a connector unplugging direction. 3. An L-shaped groove having an opening formed therein corresponding to the extension pack, or a restraining projection engaging with the L-shaped groove, the connector having a connector mechanism for electrically connecting the extension pack to the front surface. In the data processing device to which the additional pack is attached, one of the side surfaces is dimensionally loosened with the fitting portion of the lock lever mechanism of the additional pack when the connector is connected. A mating portion provided with a concave portion for loosely restraining a movement of the extension pack in a connector pulling-out direction, wherein the other side surface is provided to face an opening of the exterior of the main body of the data processing device; A data processing device characterized in that the data processing device is provided with a through-hole that locks the movement of the expansion pack in the connector removal direction by being locked to the protrusion of the locking member of the expansion pack. Place. 4. An expansion pack slot of the data processing device, which has a connector mechanism on the front surface for electrically connecting to the data processing device, and has two side openings corresponding to the expansion pack slots. An additional pack having either an L-shaped groove to be engaged or a constraining projection engaged with the L-shaped groove, wherein one of the side surfaces has a fitting portion which urges and protrudes in the direction of the slot for the additional pack. Sometimes, the fitting portion loosely fits into the concave portion of the additional pack slot in dimension, thereby loosely restraining the movement of the connector withdrawal direction, and the fitting portion prevents insertion into the additional pack slot. A lock lever mechanism having a tapered portion enabling the other side surface to have elasticity in the inward direction of the pack, and to be engaged with a through hole of an additional pack slot when the connector is connected. Parts By having, further comprising a locking member for restraining the connector pull-out movement, expansion pack, characterized. 5. The extension pack according to claim 2, wherein the projection of the locking member has a tapered portion that enables a smooth movement of the extension pack in the slot insertion direction, and a connector of the extension pack. An expansion pack characterized by having a tapered part that enables smooth movement in the insertion direction.