JPH04333909A - Device with function extending slot - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To miniaturize the device by reducing the number of slots at the device and to reduce the presentation of over functions to a user by providing the slot to mount one part or all the parts of an additive circuit unit in common. CONSTITUTION:At a device 1, the user selecting an additive circuit unit 3 for extending a host interface function mounts the unit 3 to a slot 2 of the device 1 so as to connect a connector 10 of the unit 3 to a connector 9 of the slot 2, and a circuit board 13 extends the interface function. At the device 1, the user selecting an additive circuit unit 6 or 8 mounts the unit 6 or 8 to the slot 2 of the device 1 so as to connect a connector 11 on the unit 6 or a connector 12 on the unit 8 to a connector 4 of the slot 2. Thus, the circuit board 13 in the device 1 can extend the function of an option card 5 or an option cartridge 7.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device with a slot for function expansion, such as a personal computer or a terminal printer, which has a plurality of types of expansion circuit units as options.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing a state in which an expansion circuit unit is installed in a function expansion slot in a conventional device. As shown in the figure, expansion circuit units 14 and 1
5, if their functions or connection interfaces with the main device 16 are different, the device 16 includes an expansion slot 17 for the expansion circuit unit 14 and an expansion slot 18 for the expansion circuit unit 15. Ta.

0003

In the conventional apparatus, expansion slots 17 and 18 were provided for each expansion circuit unit depending on the function of the expansion circuit unit or the interface for connecting to the main body. This has been an impediment to miniaturization of the device. Furthermore, this has caused the problem of providing excessive functionality to users who only use specific expansion circuit units.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to miniaturize a device that is provided with a plurality of types of expansion circuit units having different functions or interfaces for connecting to the main device, and to provide the user with excessive functionality. The aim is to reduce the provision of

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a device that can freely attach and detach a plurality of types of expansion circuit units having different main unit connection interfaces prepared for functional expansion. A slot is provided in which a part or all of the expansion circuit units are commonly installed.

[0006]

[Operation] By providing the above-mentioned function expansion slots in the device, the number of slots in the device can be reduced and the device can be made smaller. It also reduces the need to provide excessive functionality to users.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a function expansion slot 2 provided in a device 1 has two types of connectors 4 and 9. The connector 9 is a connector for connecting an additional circuit unit 3 for expanding the host interface function. Further, the connector 4 is a connector for connecting an extension circuit unit 6 for use with the option card 5 and an extension circuit unit 8 for use in the option cartridge 7.

In the apparatus 1, in order to expand the host interface function, the user who has selected the extension circuit unit 3 installs the extension circuit unit 3 into the slot 2 of the apparatus 1.
0 and the connector 9 of slot 2 are connected. Thereby, the circuit board 13 in the device 1 expands the host interface function.

Further, in the device 1, a user who selects the expansion circuit unit 6 or 8 in order to expand the functionality of the option card 5 or the option cartridge 7 inserts the expansion circuit unit 6 or 8 into the slot 2 of the device 1. By installing the expansion circuit unit 6
The connector 11 on the top or the connector 12 on the expansion circuit unit 8 and the connector 4 in the slot 2 are connected. As a result, the circuit board 13 in the device 1 expands the function of an option card or an option cartridge.

0010

[Effects of the Invention] In the device with a function expansion slot of the present invention, part or all of a plurality of types of expansion circuit units having different functions or different main unit connection interfaces can be installed in the same function expansion slot. This reduces the number of slots in the device.
This has the effect that the device can be made smaller. It also has the effect of reducing excessive functionality for the user.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing a state in which an expansion circuit unit is installed in a function expansion slot in a conventional device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Equipment 2 Slot 3, 6, 8 Expansion circuit unit 4,9 Connector 5,7 Option card 13 Circuit board

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A device capable of attaching and detaching a plurality of types of expansion circuit units having different main unit connection interfaces prepared for function expansion, wherein a part or all of the expansion circuit units are commonly installed. A device with a function expansion slot, characterized in that it is provided with a slot for.