JPH10145767A - Set top box - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a set top box capable of easily exchanging a network part, having a simple locking mechanism and a rational construction contributing to cost reducing and miniaturizing or the like. SOLUTION: A network part storing slot to which a network part 5 storing a network board 4 is inserted is provided at the back of the set top box housing 2. At the moment when the network part is inserted to the network part storing slot, a network board connector 7 projecting from the housing of the network part is combined with a data processing board connector 6. At this time, the network board 4 and a data processing board 3 are disposed so that they are to be the same height, and an external interface board 8 connected between the data processing board 3 and an external equipment is disposed in the upper spape of the network part 5 in the set top box housing 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a set-top box which is a home terminal for cable television or satellite broadcasting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital transmission systems for converting video and audio signals into digital data for transmission in cable television, digital satellite broadcasting, and the like have been developed and put into practical use. Various transmission systems, that is, network systems, have been developed, and home terminals, ie, set-top boxes, corresponding to the respective systems have been developed and are rapidly spreading.

Hereinafter, a conventional set-top box will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a satellite broadcast receiver as an example of a conventional set-top box. The network unit 5 is attached with the housing cover 16 removed. A main body substrate 12 is attached to the housing 2, and a laminated board-to-board connector 15 is mounted on the substrate 12. The network unit 5 connected to the network is mounted so as to be superimposed on the main body board 12, and the main body board 12 and the network board 4 are electrically connected by board-to-board connectors 14 and 15. Thereafter, the housing cover 16 is put on. The back panel of the network unit 5 forms a part of the back panel unit 10 of the main body, and there is no outer case (housing) of the network unit 5 itself. Although not shown, the housing cover is usually fixed to the chassis with screws.

In order to connect to a cable television network other than satellite broadcasting, the network unit 5 must be replaced. It is also necessary to replace the network unit when moving to an area with a different network system, or when a cable television company providing service changes the network system. As a cable television network system, for example, MMDS, ADS
There are methods such as L, HFC, FTTC, FTTH, and the like.

[0005]

However, in the set-top box having the conventional structure as described above, if the network section is to be replaced, it is necessary to loosen all screws and remove the housing cover from the chassis, which is troublesome. Take it. Also, set-top boxes are usually provided with physical security for security reasons,
It takes time to remove it. Further, if the housing cover is removed, the main body substrate will be exposed, so that there is a possibility that the main body substrate may be damaged when the network section is replaced.

Further, a multilayer board capable of high-density mounting is used for the main body board in order to perform high-speed digital processing.
Components requiring a large mounting area, such as external connectors for audio and video, are also mounted on the main board. For this reason, the mounting area of a relatively expensive multilayer board cannot always be utilized effectively, which has hindered cost reduction and downsizing of the set-top box.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention has a rational structure that facilitates replacement of a network unit, has a simple locking mechanism, and contributes to cost reduction and downsizing. It aims to provide a set-top box.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a set-top box, wherein a network section storage slot into which a network section storing a network board is inserted is provided on a back surface of a set-top box housing, and the network section is provided with the network section. A network unit housing for accommodating a network board, wherein a network board connector protruding from the network unit housing when the network unit is inserted into the network unit housing slot is coupled to a data processing board connector, thereby forming the network. The board and the data processing board are electrically connected, and at this time, the network board and the data processing board are arranged so as to have substantially the same height, and further connected between the data processing board and an external device. External interface board Characterized in that it is arranged above the space of the network part of the top box enclosure.

According to such a configuration, the exchange work and handling of the network unit are facilitated. In addition, easily available and inexpensive connectors can be used as the network board connector and the data processing board connector. Using a relatively expensive multi-layer board for the data processing board consisting of high-density digital circuits, and using an inexpensive board material for the connector board, and arranging this connector board above the network section, The space in the box housing can be effectively used, and the size of the set-top box can be reduced.

Preferably, the network board connector is fixed together with the network board connector to the network section housing by fixing means, and the data processing board connector is connected to the set-top box housing with the data processing board. Together with the fixing means. In this way, it is possible to prevent a force from being applied between each connector and each substrate when attaching and detaching the network unit, thereby damaging the electrical connection unit.

It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a detachment assisting means for assisting connection or disconnection between the network board connector and the data processing board connector when the network section is attached or detached. The attachment / detachment assisting means may include, for example, a connection between an attachment / detachment assistance lever, an insertion hole of the attachment / detachment assistance lever provided in the set-top box housing, and a tip end of the attachment / detachment assistance lever provided in the network unit housing. It can be composed of a hole. The insertion hole is inserted into the insertion hole of the set-top box housing, and the tip is engaged with the engagement hole of the network unit housing. With this lever, the network board connector and the data processing board connector can be attached and detached with a relatively small lever operating force. The attachment / detachment assisting lever is preferably detachable from the set-top box. Usually, by removing the attachment / detachment lever, it becomes difficult to attach / detach the network unit for the purpose of mischief or fraud.

Also, in a normal installation position of the set-top box, the removal of the network section from the network section storage slot is prevented, and the attitude of the network section from the network section storage slot is changed by changing the position of the set-top box. It is preferable to provide a lock mechanism that enables extraction.

This lock mechanism is, for example, a lock lever which is suspended from the upper surface of the network section insertion slot, and which is rotatable from this state in the insertion direction of the network section but not in the reverse direction. And a lock groove provided on the upper surface of the network unit casing. Then, when the network portion is inserted into the network portion insertion slot, and the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 are connected, the lock lever 29 hangs down and engages with the lock groove. I do.

With such a simple structure of the lock mechanism, the network section cannot be easily pulled out, so that attachment and detachment of the network section for the purpose of mischief or fraud can be prevented.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are a top view, a side view, and a rear view, respectively, showing an outline of a board layout inside a set-top box according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a set-top box (front part), 2 is a set-top box housing, 3 is a data processing board, 4 is a network board, 5 is a network section, 6 is a data processing board connector, 7 is a network board connector, 8 is an external connector board, and 9 is a power supply unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the network unit is to be stored in the set-top box. In FIG. 2, 2 is a set-top box housing, 5 is a network unit, 10 is a back surface of the set-top box, 11 is a slot for storing a network unit, and 13 is a coaxial terminal connected to a cable of a cable network or an antenna cable of a satellite broadcast. It is.

As shown in FIG. 1, inside the set-top box 1, a data processing board 3 for processing data sent through a network or data sent to the center is installed. The data processing board connector 6 is attached to this board. The data processing board 3 generally incorporates a digital circuit for high-speed processing, and uses a multilayer board capable of high-density mounting. FIG.
The storage slot 11 of the network unit is provided on the back surface 10 of the set-top box housing 2 as described above, and the network unit 5 connected to the cable of the cable network or the antenna of the satellite broadcast is stored in the storage slot 11.

The network section 5 has the network board 4 housed in a housing. A network board connector 7 is attached to the network board 4, and a distal end of the network board connector 7 projects out of the housing. By placing the network unit 5 in a housing as a slot insertion type, the exchange work and handling become easy. When the network section 5 is accommodated in the storage slot, the network board connector 7 and the data processing board connector 6 are connected, and the network board 4 and the data processing board 3 are electrically connected.

Inside the set-top box case 2, the network board 4 in the network section 5 and the data processing board 3 are made to have substantially the same height. What is easily available on the market as a horizontal connector for connecting a board to a board is usually a pair of connectors having the same height from the board. Therefore, since the network board 4 and the data processing board 3 have substantially the same height, easily available and inexpensive connectors can be used as the network board connector 7 and the data processing board connector 6.

An external connector board 8 is arranged above the network section 5 in the set-top box housing 2. As mentioned above, set-top boxes use a number of external connectors for audio and video. Generally, these connector pins are often inserted into through-holes and require a large mounting area, but cannot mount components under the connector. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the data processing board 3 and the external connector board 8 are connected by a cable or the like. Since high speed is not required as much as the connection between the network unit and the data processing board, there is no problem if the data processing board 3 and the external connector board 8 are connected by a cable or the like if the interface part is considered. A power supply unit 9 is also provided in the set-top box housing 2 and is similarly connected by a cable or the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the work of replacing the network unit according to the type of the network unit is facilitated, and the inside of the set-top box is hardly exposed at the time of replacement. Also excellent in terms of. Further, as for the connection between the boards for transmitting and receiving the high-speed signal, a pair of inexpensive connectors that are easily available can be used.

Further, since the external connector board is separated from the data processing board and arranged on the network portion, the connector board can be used while using a relatively expensive multi-layer board for the data processing board composed of high-density digital circuits. Inexpensive substrate materials can be used. Further, the space in the set-top box housing 2 can be effectively used, and the size of the set-top box can be reduced. On the other hand, since the upper space of the data processing board can be made free, it is advantageous for heat radiation of a high-density digital circuit board that generates a lot of heat. Note that the shape and aspect ratio of each substrate are not limited to those shown.

Next, a side view of the internal structure of the set-top box according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
(B). These figures show basically the same structure as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG.
4A shows a state before the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 are connected, and FIG. 4B shows a state where both connectors 6 and 7 are connected. In the figure, 17 is a fixing screw, 18 is an external connector, 19 is a set-top box case, 20 is a network unit case, and 21 is a network unit slot guide.

The first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the data processing board 3 and the network board 4 are arranged at substantially the same height, and inexpensive and easily available connectors are used for the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7. Is the same as In the second embodiment, the data processing board connector 7 is further fastened together with the data processing board 3 to the housing with the fixing screw 17, and the network board connector 8 is also fastened together with the network board 4 with the fixing screw 17. I have.

As described above, by integrally fixing each connector and each housing, it is possible to prevent a force from being applied between each connector and each substrate when the network portion is attached or detached, thereby preventing the electrical connection portion from being damaged. be able to. Further, when the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 are coupled to each other, it is possible to prevent stress generated between each connector and each board from being applied to each board. The connector between the data processing board and the network board used in the digital set-top box has a large number of pins (requires a large attaching / detaching force). The effect is great. In this embodiment, a screw is used as a means for fixing the connector to the housing together with the board, but other means such as a fixing bracket may be used.

FIG. 5 shows, for comparison, an integrated substrate 22 on which both a conventional data processing circuit and an external connector circuit are arranged.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a structure when the network unit 5 is arranged above the network unit by using FIG. In this case, it is necessary to use a high-profile connector 23 for electrical connection between the network board 4 and the integrated board 22. Such connectors are expensive and difficult to obtain. Further, parts such as metal fittings for fixing the connector are required separately for reinforcement.

Next, FIG. 6A is a side view showing the internal structure of the set-top box according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
To (c). This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that a detachment assisting unit for facilitating attachment / detachment of the network unit, that is, attachment / detachment of the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 is added. FIG. 6 (a)
FIG. 6B shows a change from the attached state to the detached state by a change from a broken line to a solid line, and FIG. 6B shows a change from the detached state to the attached state by a change from a broken line to a solid line. Also,
FIG. 6C is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the attachment / detachment assisting means in FIG. In these figures, 19 is a set-top box case, 22 is a network unit case, 24 is a detachable assist lever that constitutes detachable assist means, 25 and 26.
Is an arrow indicating the operation direction of the attachment / detachment assist lever, 27 is a hole provided at the bottom of the network unit housing, for inserting and engaging the tip of the attachment / detachment assist lever, 28 is provided at the bottom of the set top box housing, It is a hole through which the detachable auxiliary lever is inserted.

As can be easily understood from FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c), when the attachment / detachment assist lever 24 is operated in the direction of arrow 25 or 26, the hole 2 in the bottom of the set top box housing is opened.
The data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 can be attached and detached with a relatively small lever operating force by using a lever having the fulcrum 8 as a fulcrum and the hole 27 at the bottom of the network unit housing as an operation point.

When mounting the set-top box 5,
When the set-top box 5 is inserted into the slot to some extent, the hole 27 at the bottom of the network unit housing becomes visible from the hole 28 at the bottom of the set-top box housing.
The attachment / detachment auxiliary lever 24 is inserted into the hole 28 at the bottom of the set-top box housing, and its tip is inserted into and engaged with the hole 27 at the bottom of the network unit housing. In this state, FIG.
As shown in (b), when the detachable auxiliary lever 24 is operated in the direction of arrow 26, the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 are connected. Conversely, when the detachable lever 24 is operated in the direction of arrow 25 shown in FIG. 6A while the set-top box 5 is mounted, the connection between the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 is released. The network section 5 can be pulled out of the set-top box housing 19.

It is not necessary to equip the set-top box with a detachable auxiliary lever as standard. The frequency of network section replacement is very low, and once the replacement operation is completed, the detachable auxiliary lever is not needed for the time being. Therefore, the attachment / detachment assist lever has a structure that can be removed from the set-top box. If the attachment / detachment auxiliary lever is removed, it is possible to make it difficult to attach / detach the network unit for the purpose of mischief or fraud.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the provision of the network section attachment / detachment assisting means allows the network section to be attached to and detached from the set-top box housing with relatively small force. Further, by adopting a structure in which the attachment / detachment assisting lever constituting the attachment / detachment assisting means can be removed, it is possible to make it difficult to attach / detach the network unit for the purpose of mischief or fraud.

Next, FIG. 7A is a side view showing the internal structure of a set-top box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
To (c). In the present embodiment, a lock mechanism is added to the embodiment described above so that the network unit cannot be removed in the normal posture (normal installation posture) of the set-top box. FIG. 7A shows a state in the middle of mounting the network unit in the normal posture of the set-top box, and FIG. 7B shows a state when mounting of the network unit to the set-top box is completed. FIG. 7C shows a state in which the set-top box is turned upside down to remove the network unit. In these figures, 29 is a lock lever, 30 is a lock groove provided on the upper surface of the network unit housing, 31 is an arrow indicating a direction in which the lock lever does not rotate, and 32 is an upside down position of the set top box. It is an arrow showing the rotation direction of the lock lever at the time.

The lock lever 29 is pivotally supported so as to hang down from the upper surface of the network section insertion slot. In this state, the lock lever 29 can rotate in the insertion direction of the network section 5 but is restricted from rotating in the opposite direction. . In addition, the lock groove 30 provided on the upper surface of the network unit housing has the network unit inserted into the network unit insertion slot and the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7.
When the lock lever 29 is coupled, the lock lever 29 hangs down and just engages with the lock groove 30.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), when the network section 5 is inserted into the network section insertion slot, the lower end of the lock lever 29 pushes the network section 5 so that the lock lever 29 is pressed. Part 5
In the insertion direction. Then, as the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 are completely connected, the lock lever 29 rotates in the direction of hanging down by its own weight and engages with the lock groove 30. Lock lever 2
9 is regulated so as not to rotate in the direction of arrow 31 in FIG. 7B from the hanging state, so that the lock lever 29 is locked in the lock groove 30 even if the network portion 5 is to be pulled out as it is. The network unit 5 cannot be pulled out and locked.

The lock lever 29 is only suspended by its own weight, and is not biased by a spring or the like. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the set-top box on which the network unit 5 is mounted is turned upside down, the lock lever 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow 32 due to gravity and engages with the lock groove 30. Cancel. In this state, the network section can be extracted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lock lever provided on the upper surface of the network section insertion slot,
By the function of the lock mechanism including the lock groove provided on the upper surface of the network unit casing, the network unit is configured to be unable to be easily pulled out, and illegal acts can be prevented. Since the lock mechanism has such a simple structure, the lock mechanism can be realized at a small cost. Furthermore, the set-top box may simply be turned upside down without any particularly complicated work in the formal network section replacement work. As can be seen from FIGS. 7B and 7C, the back of the set-top box may be set up and the network unit may be pulled upward. In this way, the network part can be pulled out in a simple manner simply by changing the posture of the set-top box, but it will not always be easy for a person who does not know that to find this unlocking method.

The lock lever and the lock groove constituting the lock mechanism are not required over the entire width of the network portion, but may be provided at least in part. Also,
FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (a) to 7 (c) show a structure in which the lock is applied when the network unit is inserted for free and the lock is released when the set-top box is changed in posture.
The structure is not limited to the specific structure shown in FIG.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a set-top box provided with a simple fraud prevention structure, as well as easy replacement of the network unit. In addition, an easily available low-cost connector and its substrate can be used, and an optimal mounting method can be adopted for each substrate, so that significant cost reduction including reduction in the number of manufacturing steps can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top view, a side view, and a rear view showing an internal layout of a set-top box according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a network unit is to be stored in the set-top box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a conventional set-top box.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the internal structure of a set-top box according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing an internal structure of a set-top box as a comparative example in which a network unit is arranged above an integrated substrate.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the internal structure of a set-top box having an attachment / detachment assisting unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the internal structure of a set-top box having a lock mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 set-top box 2 set-top box housing 3 data processing board 4 network board 5 network section 6 data processing board connector 7 network board connector 8 external connector board 9 power supply section 10 back of set top box 11 network section insertion slot 13 cable terminal 17 Fixing screw 18 External connector 19 Set-top box housing 20 Network unit housing 21 Network unit slot guide 24 Attaching / detaching auxiliary lever 27 Hole in network unit housing (hole for tip engagement of attaching / detaching auxiliary lever) 28 Set-top box housing Hole (insertion hole for the attachment / detachment assist lever) 29 Lock lever 30 Lock groove

Claims (7)

[Claims] An exchangeable network board connected to at least one type of network, and a data processing board electrically connected to the network board with at least one pair of connectors for processing transmission / reception data are housed in a set-top box housing. A network unit housing slot into which a network unit housing the network board is inserted is provided on a back surface of the set top box housing, wherein the network unit is a network housing the network board. A network board connector protruding from the network section housing when the network section is inserted into the network section storage slot, and a network processing board connector. The network board and the data processing board are arranged so as to be substantially at the same height, and further, an external interface board connected between the data processing board and an external device. Is disposed in a space above the network unit in the set top box housing. 2. The network board connector is fixed to the network unit casing together with the network board connector by fixing means, and the data processing board connector is fixed to the set-top box casing together with the data processing board. The set-top box according to claim 1, wherein the set-top box is fixed by fixing means. 3. The set-top box according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment / detachment assisting unit that assists in connecting / disconnecting the network board connector and the data processing board connector when attaching / detaching the network unit. 4. The attachment / detachment assisting means includes an attachment / detachment assistance lever, an insertion hole of the attachment / detachment assistance lever provided in the set-top box housing, and a tip of the attachment / detachment assistance lever provided in the network unit housing. By operating the attachment / detachment lever, the tip of which is inserted into the insertion hole of the set-top box housing and the front end of which is engaged with the engagement hole of the network unit housing. 4. The data processing board connector according to claim 3, wherein the network board connector and the data processing board connector are attached and detached with a relatively small lever operation force by a lever having the insertion hole as a fulcrum and the engagement hole as an operation point. Set top box. 5. The set-top box according to claim 4, wherein the attachment / detachment auxiliary lever is detachable from the set-top box. 6. In a normal installation posture of the set-top box, the removal of the network unit from the network-unit storage slot is prevented, and the posture of the network unit is changed from the network-unit storage slot by changing the posture of the set-top box. The set-top box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a lock mechanism that enables extraction. 7. The lock mechanism is suspended from an upper surface of the network section insertion slot, and from this state, the lock is pivotally supported so as to be able to rotate in the insertion direction of the network section but not in the reverse direction. A lever, and a lock groove provided on an upper surface of the network unit housing. When the network unit is inserted into the network unit insertion slot and the data processing board connector 6 and the network board connector 7 are coupled to each other. 7. The set-top box according to claim 6, wherein said lock lever 29 is configured to hang down and engage with said lock groove.