JPH04167012A - External unit provided with connection part - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily connect the external unit to a computer main body by uniting the external unit and a battery pack in one body and setting them at the battery pack storage part of a computer by an adapter means. CONSTITUTION:The external unit 10 for the computer which is powered up from the battery pack 18 to operate is equipped with an external unit main body 10a which functions as an external device of the computer 17 and an adapter part 11 which is inserted into and fixed in the battery pack storage part 20 to fix the external unit main body 10a to the computer 17. Further, the external unit is equipped with power supply parts 12a and 12b which connect the battery pack 18 to the computer 17 while the battery pack 18 is set at the adapter part 11 and connection parts 19a and 19b which connect the external unit main body 10a and computer 17 together. Consequently, the external unit 10 has the connection parts 19a and 19b which can easily be connected to the computer main body 17 and is superior in portage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) This invention relates to an external unit for a hard disk device, a floppy e-disk device, etc.

(Prior art) Conventionally, an external hard disk device (hereinafter abbreviated as HDD)
As methods for connecting an external HDD to a computer, there are known methods such as inserting an external HDD into an expansion box of a computer, and connecting an external HDD to an expansion connector of a computer.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) According to the conventional method, when connecting an external BDD to the computer main body, a large expansion box,
It was necessary to provide an expansion connector, etc. For this reason, conventional external HDDs are difficult to connect to the computer main body and have problems in portability.

These problems are not limited to external HDDs, but also apply to other external units such as floppy disk drives and memory card holders.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an external unit that has a connection part that can be easily connected to a computer main body and is highly portable.

[Structure of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problems) (1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a battery pack removably set in a battery pack housing section is provided with a An external unit for a computer that operates based on electric power includes an external unit main body that functions as an external device of the computer, and an external unit main body that is attached to the external unit main body and inserted and fixed in the battery pack storage section. , an adapter portion for fixing the external unit main body to the computer; a battery adapter to which the battery pack removed from the battery pack storage portion is set; the adapter portion is inserted into the battery pack storage portion; Connecting the battery pack and the computer with the battery pack set in a battery adapter,
The battery pack is characterized by comprising a power supply section that supplies power to the computer, and a connection section that connects the external unit main body and the computer when the adapter section is inserted and fixed in the battery pack storage section. do.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an external unit for a computer having a battery pack storage section includes an external unit main body including an external device of the computer, and an adapter for fixing the external unit main body to the computer. Department and
a battery adapter, the external unit body is fixed to the computer by inserting the adapter part into the battery pack storage part of the computer, and the battery pack removed from the computer is attached to the battery adapter. It is characterized in that power is supplied to the computer by setting it to .

(Function) According to the above configuration, an external unit provided with the connection portion of the present invention, such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, or memory card holder, can be connected to a computer as follows. be done.

First, the battery pack is removed from the battery pack housing of the computer. The adapter means is inserted into the battery pack housing of the computer and secured. This fixes it to the external unit body or the computer body. At this time, the configuration may be such that the external unit and the signal terminal of the computer are automatically connected. The battery pack removed from the battery pack storage section of the computer is set in the battery adapter of the external unit main body. This results in
Supply of power from the battery pack to the computer main body begins.

With this configuration, the computer, the external unit, and the battery pack can be integrated by simply setting the adapter means in the battery pack storage section of the computer. Further, if the adapter means is configured to be movable, the external unit can be made into a compact shape after use, making it convenient for carrying.

(Embodiment) An external hard disk drive according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

It consists of an adapter 11 that is placed on the body 10 and slides on the body 10.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the side surface 1 of the adapter 11
1c and Hd are provided with protrusions (rails) 13 for allowing the adapter 11 to slide. Further, the front surface 11a of the adapter 11 is provided with a connection terminal 12a that is connected to a battery pack 18, which will be described later, and the rear surface 11b is provided with a connection terminal 12a that is connected to a power terminal 12 in a battery pack storage section 20 of a computer, which will be described later. Although not shown, the connection terminal 12b is provided.
a and the connection terminal L2b are connected inside the adapter 11. In addition, on the bottom surface of the adapter 11, there is a
), a spring 15a is arranged as will be described later.

The main body 10 includes a hard disk device (not shown) inside. A pair of ears are arranged on the upper side of the main body 10. A groove 14 into which the protrusion 13 of the adapter 11 is slidably inserted is formed in the opposing surface 10b of the ear.

A recess 15b for fixing the adapter 11 is provided on the surface 10a of the main body 10. The depression 15b is for fixing the spring 15a mentioned above.

Furthermore, a child (male) 19a housed inside is provided on the rear surface of the main body 1O.

Next, the structure of the spring 15a and the recess 15b will be explained with reference to FIG. 1(c). FIG. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view of the external hard disk drive shown in FIG. 1(a) taken along line AA-.

As shown in FIG. 1(C), the spring 15a is attached to the adapter 1.
1 on the bottom of 1. A recess 15b is provided on the upper surface of the main body lO. In a normal state, the spring 15a has a "<" shape, projects from the adapter 11, and is inserted into the recess 15b. Thereby, the adapter 11 is fixed in the position shown in FIG. 1(a) or FIG. 1(b).

On the other hand, when a force is applied to the spring 15'a in the horizontal direction in the drawing,
Its shape is distorted. Therefore, the adapter 11
and grooves 14 allow movement in the horizontal direction.

Next, the structure of a computer (including a special purpose machine such as a word processor or a computer) in which the external hard disk device of this embodiment is used will be explained with reference to FIG.

The computer main body 17 has a removable battery pack 18
Equipped with Battery pack storage section 2 of computer main body 17
A groove is formed on the inner surface of the battery pack 0 into which the adapter 11 and the protrusion 13 formed on the battery pack 18 are inserted. Furthermore, a first
A recess (not shown) similar to the recess 15b shown in Figure (b) is provided. This depression is the adapter 1 in Figure 1(c).
By engaging with the spring 15a of No. 1, the adapter 11 is fixed to the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17.

Further, the battery pack storage section 20 is provided with a battery terminal 12 that contacts the output terminal of the battery pack 18 and the terminal 12b of the adapter 1.1. On the back side of the computer main body 17, a signal terminal 19b of the computer main body corresponding to the signal terminal 19a is provided at a position where it can be connected to the signal terminal 19a of the main body 10.

The battery pack 18 described above includes a protrusion, a spring, and an output terminal. The protrusions are provided at the center of both sides of the battery pack 18 and have the same shape as the protrusions 13 provided on the sides of the adapter 11.

The protrusion is slidably inserted into a groove provided on the side surface of the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17. The spring is provided on the bottom surface of the battery pack 18,
It has the same structure as the spring 15a provided on the lower surface of the adapter 11. The above spring is the computer main body 17
The battery pack 18 is fixed to the storage section 20 by engaging with a recess (not shown) provided in the battery pack storage section 20 . In addition, a depression 15 is formed in a space on the main body 10 caused by the sliding movement of the adapter 11, which will be described later.
By engaging with b, the battery pack 18 is fixed in the space. The output terminal is provided on the rear surface of the battery pack 18. The output terminal contacts the battery terminal 12 when the battery pack 18 or the battery pack housing section 20 is housed. Further, the output terminal contacts the connection terminal 12a of the adapter 11 with the battery pack 18 housed in the space created by sliding the adapter 11.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be explained.

In order to attach the external hard disk drive to the computer main body 17, the battery pack 18 is removed from the computer main body 17, as shown in FIG. 2(b).

A force is applied to the front surface 11a of the adapter 11 shown in FIG. 1(b). As a result, the spring 15a is crushed,
The connection between the spring 15a and the recess 15b is released, and the adapter 11 slides horizontally by the protrusion 13 and the groove 14.

When the adapter 11 slides a predetermined distance, the spring 15
a protrudes into the recess 15b, and the adapter 11 is shown in FIG.
), it is fixed at a position protruding horizontally from the main body IO.

Next, the operator aligns the protrusion 13 of the adapter 11 with the groove formed in the battery pack storage part 20, and pushes the adapter 11 into the battery pack storage part 20, as shown in FIG. When the adapter 11 is fully pushed into the battery pack storage part 20, the spring 15a of the adapter 11 enters the recess in the battery pack storage part 20, and the adapter 11 is fixed to the battery pack storage part 20 and the main body lO is also fixed to the computer main body 17. Furthermore, in the process of inserting the adapter 11 into the battery pack housing 20, the signal terminal 19a of the main body 10 is automatically inserted into the signal terminal 19b provided on the back side of the computer main body 17. This results in
Signals can be exchanged between the main body 10 and the computer main body 7.

Next, the operator attaches the battery pack 18 to the main body 10. Specifically, the protrusion of the battery pack 18 is slid in the horizontal direction along the groove 14, and the battery pack ■
8 into the space created by sliding the adapter 11. Thereby, the battery pack 18 and the computer main body 17 are electrically connected via the connection terminal 12a and the connection terminal 12b internally connected to the connection terminal 12a. This state is shown in FIG.

In this state, the external hard disk drive is fixed to the computer main body 17, can operate using power from the battery pack 18, and can be accessed via the signal terminal 19b.

After using the external hard disk device,
When removing the disk device, the operator first slides the battery pack 18 to remove it from the main body 10, slides the adapter 11, and removes the external hard disk device from the computer main body 17. Next, slide the adapter 11, and as shown in FIG. 1(a),
Return to original position.

Thereafter, the battery pack 18 is stored in the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17.

The external hard disk device in the above embodiment is the adapter 11.
By sliding the , you can easily connect an external hard disk drive to the computer. Furthermore, the external hard disk drive can be kept compact during normal times.

Note that the position of the connection terminal of the external hard disk device is not limited to the above example. For example, when the output terminal is provided on the bottom surface of the battery pack 18, the connection terminal 12a is provided on the surface 10a of the external hard disk device main body IO, and the connection terminal 12b is provided on the bottom surface lie of the adapter 11. Although not shown, the connection terminal 12a and the connection terminal 12b are connected inside the hard disk drive.

Next, an external hard disk drive according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the adapter 11 is connected to the main body 10.
This is a removable example.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, two recesses 15b are provided on each side of the opposing surfaces of the ear portions of the main body 10. In addition, there are two on the side 11c of the adapter 11, and two on the side lid.
A spring 15a is provided.

The structure of the spring 15a and the recess 15b is similar to that used in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(b). In a normal state, the spring 15a has a "<" shape, projects from the adapter 11, and is inserted into the recess 15b. Thereby, the adapter 11 is fixed in the desired position. On the other hand, when force is applied to the spring 15a, its shape is distorted and the adapter 11 becomes movable.

Incidentally, a spring having a structure similar to that provided on the adapter 11 is provided on the side surface of the battery pack 18 used in this embodiment.

In the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17, '
- a recess is provided with a structure similar to that provided in the ear of the body 10;

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the configuration other than the recess 15b provided on the opposing surface of the ear portion of the main body IO and the spring 15a provided on the adapter 11 is the same as that shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be explained.

In order to attach the main body 10 to the computer main body 17,
The battery pack is removed from the computer. 6th
As shown in the figure, the adapter 11 is removed from the main body IO.

Next, the signal terminal 19a of the main body 10 is connected to the computer main body 17.
is inserted into the signal terminal 19b of. After that, adapter 11
When pushed into the main body 10 and the battery pack housing, the spring 15
a enters the recess 15b, and the adapter 11 fixes the main body 10 to the computer main body 17. Thereafter, the battery pack 18 is pushed into the space created by the movement of the adapter 11 and fixed to the main body 10.

Thereby, the battery pack 18 and the computer main body 17 are electrically connected via the adapter 11.

In this state, the external hard disk device is fixed to the computer main body 17, the computer can operate using power from the battery pack 18, and the hard disk device can be accessed via the signal terminal 19b.

After using the external hard disk device,
When removing the disk device, the operator must remove battery pack 1.
8 vertically and remove the battery pack 18 from the main body lO.

Next, move the adapter 11 upward and remove it from the main body [0 and the battery pack storage section 20.

As a result, the main body IO is removed. Thereafter, the extracted adapter 11 is pushed into the main body lO. The situation will look like this. Thereafter, the battery pack 18 is stored in the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17.

By moving the adapter 11, the external/%-1 hard disk device according to the above embodiment can be easily connected to the computer main body. The X-drive disk device can be kept in a compact shape.

An external hard disk drive according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, grooves 14. A groove 24 is provided, and protrusions 13. A protrusion 23 is provided. A lock portion 16 is provided at the center of the adapter 11 and at the front end of the battery pack 18. Further, a groove 34 is provided on the front surface of the adapter 11. The groove 34 has a structure that allows the adapter 11 to slide on the external hard disk device main body IO without colliding with the latch piece 16a.

In addition, in order to fix the adapter 11 on the main body 10, the main body I
A recess 15b is provided in the surface 10a of the adapter 11.
A spring 15a is provided on the bottom surface lie.

As shown in FIG. 8(C), the locking portion 16 includes a knob 18b, a latch groove 16d1 tip lee, and a rotating shaft 16c that fixes the knob 18b and the latch groove lad. The latch groove 16d is opened by the operator using the knob 1.
By pulling 6b toward you, it rotates around axis 16C,
The connection with the latch piece 16a, which will be described later, is released.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the latch piece lea is attached to the upper surface 10a of the external hard disk main body 10.
and are provided on the upper surface of the battery pack storage section 20, respectively.

The latch piece 16a and the groove 16d engage as shown in FIG. 8(C).

In FIG. 8, the structure other than the lock part 16, latch piece 16a, protrusion 23, and groove 24.34 is the same as that shown in the first embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Therefore, the explanation will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be explained.

First, in order to remove the battery pack 18 from the battery pack storage section 20, rotate the knob 16b toward you. This causes the latch groove 16d to rotate upward. This releases the connection between the latch groove led and the latch piece lea. In this state, the battery pack 18 is slid and removed from the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17, as shown in FIG. 8(b).

Next, the adapter 11 is moved horizontally, as shown in FIG. 8(b).
As shown in , it is fixed at a position protruding from the main body 10 in the horizontal direction by a spring 15a and a recess 15b.

When the adapter 11 is inserted into the battery pack storage part 20 in this state, the latch piece lea engages with the latch groove led, and the adapter 11 is fixed to the battery pack storage part 20. Accordingly, the main body 10 is fixed to the computer main body 17,
The signal terminal 19a of the main body 10 is automatically connected to the signal terminal 19b of the computer main body 17.

Next, the battery pack 18 is attached to the space created by the movement of the adapter 11 on the main body IO. Connection terminal 12
The battery pack 18 and the computer main body 17 are electrically connected by this.

In this state, the external hard disk drive is fixed to the computer main body 17. The computer has a battery pack 18
It can operate using power from the computer and can access external nodes and disk devices.

After using the external hard disk device,
When removing the disk device, the operator must remove battery pack 1.
Rotate the knob 1I3b of 8 toward you to release the connection between the latch groove led and the latch piece lea, and slide the battery pack 18 to remove it from the main body IO.

Next, the knob tab of the adapter 11 is rotated toward the user, and at this time, the main body 10 is also removed from the computer main body 17.

Next, the adapter 11 is slid back to its original position, and the battery pack 18 is stored in the battery pack storage section 20 of the computer main body 17.

The external hard disk drive according to this embodiment allows the external hard disk drive to be easily connected to the computer main body, and allows the external hard disk drive to be kept in a compact shape under normal conditions.

Note that the above connection method can be applied not only to external hard disks but also to other external units such as floppy disk devices, optical disk devices, memory devices, card holders, etc.

Further, the configuration for moving and fixing the adapter is not limited to the above embodiment. Further, the adapter may be fixed to the main body of the external hard disk device.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the external unit having the connecting portion of the present invention, the external unit can be easily connected to the computer main body.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing the external configuration of an external hard disk device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing the external hard disk device with the adapter 11 moved. FIG. 1(C) is a cross-sectional view of the external hard disk drive shown in FIG. 1(b), and FIG.
a) and (b) are views showing the computer main body and battery pack, Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the external hard disk drive main body and the computer main body, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the computer main body, external hard disk drive and battery pack. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of the external hard disk device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the external hard disk device main body according to the second embodiment. and adapter, No. 7
Figure (a) is a diagram showing the external configuration of the external hard disk drive with the adapter 11 moved, and Figure 7(b) is the disconnection of the external hard disk drive shown in Figure 7CB).
- A top view, FIG. 8(a) is a view showing the battery pack and computer main body according to the third embodiment of the joint invention, and FIG. 8(b) is a view showing the external hardware according to the third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8(c), which is a diagram showing the disk device, is a diagram showing the configuration and operation of the locking section according to the 31st embodiment. IO...External hard disk device main body, 11...
Adapter, 12...Battery terminal, 12a, 12b.
...Connection terminal, 13, 23...Protrusion, 14.24.
34... Groove, 15a... Spring, 15b... Recess,
16...Lock part, tea...Latch piece, 16b.
...Knob, 16C...; = Width I axis, 16d...Latch groove, lee...Tip, 17...Computer body, 18...Battery pack, 19a, i9b...
・Signal terminal, 20...Battery pack storage section. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue (a) jl1 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 6] U Figure 7 (b)

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) An external unit for a computer that operates based on power from a battery pack that is removably set in a battery pack storage section, the external unit main body functioning as an external device of the computer; an adapter means attached to the external unit main body, inserted and fixed in the battery pack storage part, thereby fixing the external unit main body to the computer; and the battery pack removed from the battery pack storage part. The battery adapter and the adapter means are inserted into the battery pack housing, and with the battery pack set in the battery adapter, the battery pack and the computer are connected to supply power to the computer. A connection section is provided, comprising: a power supply means; and a connection means for connecting the external unit main body and the computer in a state in which the adapter means is inserted and fixed in the battery pack storage section. external unit. (2) An external unit for a computer having a battery pack storage section, comprising an external unit main body including an external device for the computer, adapter means for fixing the external unit main body to the computer, and a battery adapter. , fixing the external unit main body to the computer by inserting the adapter means into the battery pack storage portion of the computer, and setting the battery pack removed from the computer in the battery adapter, thereby fixing the external unit body to the computer. A connection method for an external unit that is characterized by supplying power to the