JP3065187U - Replacement operation panel for external power supply of microcomputer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An object of the present invention is to enable a micro computer to perform an operation input as usual while supplying power from the outside. An operation panel is replaced with an existing operation panel and mounted on a step between a thick portion and a thin flat plate portion of a microcomputer. This operation panel 22
Is provided with several switch operators 26 corresponding to the switch buttons 12, and a battery box 28 is integrally formed at the front end thereof. When the operation panel 22 is mounted, the plug 30 provided on the outer wall of the battery box 28 is connected to the receptacle 14 provided on the front end of the thin flat plate portion 10. The battery connection terminal of the battery box 28 and the terminal of the plug 30 are electrically connected, and when the plug 30 and the receptacle 14 are connected,
Power is supplied to the microcomputer 2 from the battery housed in the battery box 28.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 The present invention relates to an operation panel attached to a microcomputer in which a game program or the like is downloaded from a combined video game machine and can be enjoyed while carrying the game outside, and is particularly pre-installed in the microcomputer. The present invention relates to an improved operation panel used in place of an operation panel.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 Recently, a very small computer called "Pocket Station" (trade name) has gained popularity. This microcomputer is connected to a video game machine called “Play State” (trade name) and functions as a backup memory for saving game contents, and also downloads game programs and the like from the video game machine. You can also enjoy games while carrying it outside. FIG. 6 shows the appearance of the ultracompact computer. The ultracompact computer 2 is formed of a flat plastic casing 4 whose outside is a palm size. Inside the casing 4, a high-performance processor, a large-capacity nonvolatile memory, a power battery, and the like are provided. Built-in. An operation panel 7 having several switch operators 26 for operation input is mounted on the front part. When the switch operators 26 are operated, a pressing operation is performed on the switch button 12 provided on the back side of the operation panel. It is reported that operation input can be performed on a microcomputer. The operation panel 7 is mounted on the casing 4 via a hinge, and is lifted as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 when the microcomputer 2 is connected to the video game machine to download a game program or the like. Can be The microcomputer 2 has a thin flat plate portion 10 formed into a predetermined shape so as to be inserted into the slot portion 5, and a thick portion 6 formed thereby to be thick and to which a liquid crystal display 8 is mounted. When the operation panel 7 is lifted, the thin flat plate portion 10 is exposed to the outside. At this time, the receptacle 14 at the front end of the thin flat plate portion 10 that has been covered and closed by the front end wall 7a of the operation panel 7 is also exposed to the outside. Then, the thin flat plate portion 10 exposed to the outside is inserted into a predetermined slot portion 5 provided in the video game machine 3, and the receptacle 14 at the tip of the thin flat plate portion is internally communicably connected to the video game machine 3. .

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

 However, since the above-mentioned ultracompact computer 2 has a high-performance processor, it consumes a large amount of power and does not have a long power battery. When the batteries were exhausted, it was necessary to remove the screws on the battery housing cover on the back of the casing 4 with a screwdriver in order to replace them with new batteries. In addition, although the data backed up in the non-volatile memory remains without being erased, the current time and the like are reset, so it is necessary to set these again.

In order to minimize the consumption of the power battery and to avoid resetting the current time when replacing the battery, it is conceivable to supply an auxiliary power from the outside. Fortunately, the microcomputer 2 has a power supply terminal for receiving power from the outside in the receptacle 14 of the thin flat plate portion 10, and when connected to the video game machine 3, the video game machine 3 Power is supplied from the machine 3 side.

However, when the receptacle 14 is not connected to the video game machine 3, the receptacle 14 is covered with a wall at the tip of the operation panel 7, so that power is supplied from outside. In order to do so, it is necessary to remove the operation panel 7 itself, or to lift the operation panel 7 as when inserting it into the video game machine 3. When the operation panel 7 is removed or lifted, the switch operator 26 of the operation panel 7 and the switch button 12 of the thin flat plate portion 10 are separated, and the pressing operation of the switch operator is applied to each switch button 12 respectively. It will not be transmitted and input operations will not be possible. Therefore, the game cannot be enjoyed using an external power supply. In this case, even if power can be supplied from the outside, it has no meaning.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform operation input as usual while supplying power from the outside in a microcomputer as described above. Is to do.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is specified by the following items (1) to (4). (1) An external power supply type replacement operation panel to be used by replacing it with a hinge type operation panel attached to a microcomputer. (2) The microcomputer to be used has a built-in power battery in a palm-sized flat casing, a liquid crystal display is mounted on the thick part of the casing, and is mounted on the thin flat plate part of the casing. A plurality of switch buttons are arranged. A receptacle with a power terminal for connection to a host computer is provided on the front end face of the thin flat plate portion. A hinge portion is provided at a step between the thick portion and the thin flat plate portion, and an operation panel with a switch operator is detachably attached thereto with a snap-fit structure. The operation panel is locked in a state of being substantially in close contact with the thin flat plate portion, and in this state, the opening of the receptacle is closed by the front wall portion of the operation panel. (3) The externally-powered replacement operation panel is detachably mounted on the hinge portion of the microcomputer by a snap-fit structure, is locked in a state of being almost in contact with the thin flat plate portion, and in this state, the switch button is provided. And a plug terminal connected to a power terminal of the receptacle. (4) A battery case is formed integrally with the external power supply type replacement operation panel, and the battery connection terminal and the plug terminal are electrically connected.

In the externally-powered exchange operation panel according to the present invention, the externally-powered exchange operation panel includes an AC adapter connected to an external commercial power supply instead of the battery case. And the cable and the plug terminal may be electrically connected.

In the external power supply type replacement operation panel according to the present invention, the battery case is provided with a connection terminal to which an AC adapter separate from the case is connected. The plug terminal may be electrically connected.

[0010]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 << First Embodiment >> FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an externally powered exchange operation panel of a microcomputer according to the present invention. The operation panel 20 is one in which an existing operation panel (not shown), which is previously attached to the microcomputer 2 called “Pocket Status” (product name), is removed, and is replaced with the operation panel. . The operation panel 20 has a panel main body portion 22 which is locked in a state of being almost in close contact with the thin flat plate portion 10 of the microcomputer 2 like the existing operation panel. The panel main body 22 is made of, for example, a material substantially the same as the casing 4 of the ultracompact computer 2, for example, plastic, etc., and is formed integrally on both sides of the rear end with projecting pin portions 24. Is elastically deformed outward, and is detachably attached to a hinge portion 16 provided at a step portion between the thick portion 6 and the thin plate portion 10 of the microcomputer 2 on which the liquid crystal display 8 is mounted by a snap-fit structure. Engaged. The panel main body 22 is provided with switch operators 26 corresponding to a plurality of switch buttons 12 for operation input arranged on the upper surface of the thin flat plate 10 of the microcomputer 2. Each of the switch buttons 12 is pressed on the rear side so as to be able to protrude and retract into a hole formed in the through hole 22.

At the front end of the panel body 22, a battery box 28 made of plastic is integrally formed. The battery box 28 is arranged such that when the panel main body 22 is mounted on the microcomputer 2, it faces the opening of the receptacle 14 at the front end of the thin flat plate portion 10 of the microcomputer 2 from the front. It is formed below the panel surface of the part 22. The inside of the battery box 28 is formed in a size that accommodates one or a plurality of batteries such as a C2, AA, or AAA battery, and is located at both positive and negative terminal positions of the accommodated battery. A battery connection terminal (not shown) is provided correspondingly. A plug 30 is integrally provided on the outer wall of the battery box 28 so as to face the receptacle 14 of the microcomputer 2. The plug 30 is formed in a horizontally long plate shape according to the shape of the opening of the receptacle 14. When the panel body 20 is mounted on the microcomputer 2, the plug 30 is inserted into the opening of the receptacle 14 and connected. Is done. The plug 30 is provided with a plug terminal (not shown) corresponding to the power supply terminal of the microcomputer 2 provided in the receptacle 14. When the plug 30 is inserted into the receptacle 14, A lug terminal is connected to the power terminal. Since the plug terminal is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal of the battery box 28 by a lead wire or the like, the panel body 22 is mounted on the microcomputer 2, and the plug 30 is connected to the receptacle 14. Then, the driving power is supplied to the microcomputer 2 from the battery housed in the battery box 28. Thus, it is possible to supply power from the outside while performing operation input to the microcomputer 2.

<< Second Embodiment >> FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the externally powered exchange operation panel of the microcomputer according to the present invention. The operation panel 20 is attached to the ultra-compact computer 2 called “Pocket Station” (product name), which is the same as the first embodiment, instead of the existing operation panel, and has almost the same configuration as the first embodiment. It has a panel body 22. A plug 30 that is inserted into and connected to the opening of the receptacle 14 of the microcomputer 2 is formed integrally with a front end wall portion formed on the front end portion of the panel main body 22 so as to protrude downward. Like the first embodiment, the plug 30 is provided with a plug terminal that is connected to a power terminal of the receptacle 14 when the plug 30 is connected to the receptacle 14. The plug terminal is electrically connected to a power supply line in a cable 36 of the AC adapter 32 extending from the back of the front end wall 31. The AC adapter 32 is connected to a cable 36 extending from the front of the front end wall 31 of the operation panel, and to a commercial power outlet provided at the end of the cable 36 and has an AC / DC converter inside. And a converter 38 incorporating the same. The power that has been DC-converted by the converter 38 is supplied through the cable 36. Accordingly, when the panel body 22 is mounted on the microcomputer 2 and the plug 30 is connected to the receptacle 14, an external commercial power supply is supplied to the microcomputer 2 as drive power.

<< Third Embodiment >> FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the externally powered exchange operation panel of the microcomputer according to the present invention. In the operation panel 20, a pin jack terminal 34 is provided as a connection terminal for connecting an external AC adapter 32 to the battery box 28 of the operation panel 20 of the first embodiment. The pin jack terminal 34 conforms to the general standard of the AC adapter 32, and the connection pin portion 40 of the commercially available AC adapter 32 is inserted. The pin jack terminal 34 is electrically connected to the terminal of the plug 30 together with the battery connection terminal of the battery box 28. Therefore, when the panel body 22 is mounted on the microcomputer 2 and the plug 30 is connected to the receptacle 14, the microcomputer 2 can be connected to the microcomputer 2 from a battery housed in the battery box 28 or from the AC power source. Power can be supplied from either of the commercial power sources through the adapter 32. When power is supplied from both the battery in the battery box and the AC adapter 32, means such as a circuit and a switch for selecting one of them may be provided.

=== Other Embodiments === (1) In the first to third embodiments, the microcomputer 2 can be easily operated while being held by the user. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the panel main body 22 may be formed wider than the casing 4 of the microcomputer 2.

(2) In the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5B, four switch operators 26 provided up, down, left, and right provided on the front left side of the panel main body are provided. A cross-shaped swing-type switch operator 27 may be provided.

(3) In the operation panel 20, the power supplied from the battery housed in the battery box 28 or the commercial power supply via the converter 38 is adjusted to an appropriate voltage suitable for the microcomputer 2. A voltage conversion circuit for conversion may be provided.

(4) The plug 30 need not necessarily be formed in the same shape as the opening of the receptacle 14, and the connection between the terminal of the plug 30 and the power supply terminal of the receptacle 14 is ensured. If so, it may be formed in a size smaller than the opening of the receptacle 14.

[0018]

[Effect of the invention]

 According to the externally-powered replacement operation panel of the microcomputer according to the present invention, the existing operation panel previously attached to the microcomputer is removed and replaced with another completely new operation panel having an external power supply function. With this configuration, operation input can be performed while power is supplied to the microcomputer from the outside. In this way, when the internal battery of a microcomputer is almost exhausted, it is possible to supply power from the outside and enjoy games as usual without having to replace the internal battery.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a microcomputer according to the present invention and an externally powered exchange operation panel mounted on the computer.

FIG. 2 is a diagram when viewed from the side of the operation panel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the ultracompact computer according to the present invention and an externally powered exchange operation panel mounted on the computer.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the ultracompact computer according to the present invention and an externally-powered replacement operation panel mounted on the computer.

5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing a case where an externally powered exchange operation panel having another type of panel unit is mounted on the microcomputer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the microcomputer according to the present invention is held.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the microcomputer according to the present invention and a video game machine connected thereto.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state when the operation panel of the microcomputer according to the present invention is lifted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Ultracompact computer 4 Casing 6 Thick part 8 Liquid crystal display part 10 Thin flat plate part 12 Switch button 14 Receptacle 16 Hinge part 20 Operation panel 22 Panel body part 24 Pin part 26 Switch operator 28 Battery box 30 Plug 32 AC adapter 34 Pin Jack terminal

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihisa Nagata 640 Hori Electric Co., Ltd., Saedo-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Hiroshi Moriguchi 640 Saori-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Hori Electric Co., Ltd. Inside

Claims (3)

[Utility model registration claims] 1. A device specified by the following items (1) to (4). (1) An external power supply type replacement operation panel to be used by replacing it with a hinge type operation panel mounted on a microcomputer. (2) The ultracompact computer that is the target device has a built-in power battery in a palm-sized flat casing, a liquid crystal display is mounted on the thick part of the casing, and a plurality of Switch buttons are arranged. A receptacle with a power supply terminal for connecting to a host computer is provided on a front end face of the thin flat plate portion. A hinge portion is provided at a step portion between the thick portion and the thin flat plate portion, and an operation panel with a switch operator is detachably attached thereto by a snap-fit structure. The operation panel is locked in a state of being substantially in close contact with the thin flat plate portion, and in this state, the opening of the receptacle is closed by the front wall portion of the operation panel. (3) The externally-powered replacement operation panel is detachably attached to the hinge portion of the microcomputer by a snap-fit structure, and is locked in a state of being almost in close contact with the thin flat plate portion. And a plug terminal connected to a power terminal of the receptacle. (4) A battery case is formed integrally with the external power supply type replacement operation panel, and the battery connection terminal and the plug terminal are electrically connected. 2. The operation panel for externally powered exchange of a microcomputer according to claim 1, wherein:
A device specified by the following item (41) instead of (41) An AC adapter connected to an external commercial power supply is integrally connected to the external power supply type replacement operation panel, and the power supply introduction line and the plug terminal are electrically connected. 3. The operation panel for external power supply type replacement of a microcomputer according to claim 1, wherein the battery case is provided with a connection terminal to which an AC adapter separate from the case is connected. The connection terminal and the plug terminal are electrically connected.