JP3389576B2 - Portable computer with extension unit - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for connecting peripheral devices.
Portable computer with expanded function and computer
Data unit unit. FIG. 12 shows a conventional comparatively small disc drive.
2 shows the circuit configuration of the main unit 120 of the laptop computer.
FIG. The main body unit 120 has a CPU
(Central processing unit) 121 and a system that controls the entire system
A stem control unit 122, a semiconductor memory 123, and a serial or
Is I / O (input / output) control for input / output of parallel data
Unit 124 and a display unit 12 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel.
5 and a hard disk 126 for storing large amounts of data
And a drive unit 127 for driving the flexible disk.
Flexible disk that controls the flexible disk
Interface 128 and the extension unit.
Extension connector 129 for connection. FIG. 13 shows an extension unit for the main unit 120 described above.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state in which knits 130 are connected. This
Expansion unit 130 has expansion boards 131 and 132 respectively.
It has expansion slots 133 and 134 for connection.
Yes, these expansion slots 133 and 134 have expansion boards 13
1 and 132 are connected to the main unit 12
Functions that do not exist in 0 can be realized. FIG. 14 shows a conventional relatively small disk top.
2 shows the circuit configuration of the main unit 140 of the portable computer.
It is a block diagram. This main unit 140 is portable
It is configured not to incorporate a hard disk for emphasis
The hard disk 126 is changed from the one shown in FIG.
It has the same configuration as that excepted. In FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
I have. FIG. 15 shows an extension unit for the above-mentioned main unit 140.
It is a block diagram showing the state which connected the knit 150. Expansion
Expansion unit 150 has expansion slots 133 and 134 and hardware
A disk 151 is provided. Other configurations are shown in FIG.
3 and the same reference numerals are used for similar components.
Numbered. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show the problems to be solved.
System, the main unit 120 is
6 and the flexible disk drive 127
Therefore, both the weight and the shape are large.
However, there is a disadvantage that portability is not good. In the systems shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,
Indicates that the main unit 140 does not have a hard disk
Portability is good, but requires a large-capacity storage device.
Disadvantage is that it is not suitable for some applications. [0008] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide the minimum necessary elements.
And compact portable computer and computer
A main body unit. Another object of the present invention is to require a large capacity memory.
It is compatible with applications that require
Provide portable computer and computer main unit
To provide. [0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems,
For example, the present invention provides a memory, a CPU, an input unit, and a display unit.
And a book with an extension connector connected to a common bus line
Body unit and physical units not provided in the body unit
Resources are stored in separate housings, and the expansion connector
The first expansion connector that can be connected to
Has a second expansion connector to which the first expansion connector can be connected
Equipped with a plurality of extension units,
Connect the first expansion connector to the
Connect the first connector of the other extension unit to the
Make sure that each expansion unit is connected to the knit bus line.
A portable computer with an extension unit
is there. The present invention also relates to a main body of a portable computer.
Connected to the extension connector provided on the unit,
Physical resources that are not provided in the body unit
An extension unit housed in the extension unit.
The first expansion connector that can be connected to the expansion connector
And the first expansion connector of another expansion unit can be connected
Provide a second expansion connector and connect each connector to each other.
By connecting each extension unit to the portable computer
Characterized by being connected to a bus line
It is an extension unit. The expansion unit or the portable computer according to the present invention
Data, the expansion unit is a portable computer
Connected to the body's expansion connector with the first expansion connector,
The second expansion connector is connected to the first expansion connector of another expansion unit.
Extension units are connected to the bus line of the main unit.
Connected. Each expansion unit is connected to the main unit.
Physical resources that are not provided, such as flexible disks
Drives and expansion memory boards are housed in separate housings
The weight and shape of the main unit are reduced,
The expansion unit that is highly
Can be freely selected. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
You. FIG. 1 shows a portable telephone as a first embodiment of the present invention.
Of the computer main unit in a portable computer
It is a block diagram showing a road composition. The computer main unit 10 includes a CPU
(Central processing unit) 11 and a system that controls the entire system
System control unit 12, RAM (random access memory), etc.
Semiconductor memory 13 and a keyboard not shown in FIG.
And I / O for inputting / outputting serial or parallel data
O (input / output) control unit 14, LCD (liquid crystal display) panel
Display unit 15 and a hardware capable of storing large amounts of data.
Power supply 18 with disk 16 and rechargeable battery 17
And an extension unit (in this embodiment, one of the
Connected to the provided flexible disk unit)
And a body expansion connector 19 for
It is connected to each bus line. The system control unit 12 has a system program.
Information such as fonts, character fonts, and other fixed information
ROM (read only memory) to store, memory control
Circuit, timing generation circuit, and the like. I / O control
The unit 14 is an I / O port for controlling input and output in the main unit 10.
And a keyboard control circuit. Semiconductor memo
The work area 13 includes registers, counters, and other work areas.
RAM where the program area, data area, etc. are formed
Contains. The display unit 15 has a liquid crystal display,
Includes ray drive circuit, liquid crystal display controller, etc.
In. The hard disk 16 has, for example, a 20 Mbyte hard disk.
Hard disk, its controller, and the like. this
Each circuit is connected to a common bus line,
It is controlled by the CPU 11. The computer main unit 10 is rechargeable
DC power supply by a power supply unit 18 having a
receive. The power supply 18 has an AC / D
C-converted DC power is supplied from the outside. Compu
The data main unit 10 is located in a place equipped with an AC outlet.
When operated, DC power from outside via AC adapter
Operated indoors and outdoors without an AC outlet
When it is made, it is driven by battery power. The DC power from the power supply 18 is
Of course, it is supplied to each circuit in the main unit 10.
The flexible disk via the expansion connector 19
The flexible disk unit is also supplied to the unit.
Drive the unit. FIG. 2 is an external view of the computer main unit 10.
It is a perspective view which shows (state at the time of use). As shown in FIG.
Is a panel housing the liquid crystal display 20 and its driving circuit.
1 and a keyboard section 22 on the surface.
And a base unit 23 provided with the circuit shown. panel
The part 21 and the base part 23 are hinged at the rear end.
24 and 25 are rotatably connected to each other,
Signal cable between panel part 21 and base part 23
A section 26 is provided. When the panel 21 is not in use, the key
Cover 22 completely, and lock it with a lock mechanism (not shown).
It is locked by the base portion 23 and can be carried. Ma
At the time of use, the hinge 24 and 25 work at any angle
To stop the rotation. The size of the computer main unit 10 is as follows.
Because it is A4 size and the thickness is as small as about 30 mm,
It can be stored in an attache case. FIG. 3 shows the main unit 10 attached to and detached from the computer.
Flexible disk, one of the possible expansion units
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a unit 30. The flexible disk unit 30 is
A drive unit 31 for driving the flexible disk,
Flexible disk drive 31
Flexible disk that controls disk read and write
Disk interface 32 and this flexible disk
Connected to interface 32 and the computer itself
Expansion for coupling with the main unit expansion connector 19 of the unit 10
The connector 33 is provided. FIG. 4 shows the computer main unit 10 and the frame.
Connect the Kibble Disk Unit 30 to the main unit expansion connector 19 and
Block showing the status of connection via the
FIG. In this state, the flexible disk
Interface 32 of the computer main unit 10
Expansion connector 33 and main unit expansion connector on common bus line
19, and the power supply 18 of the main unit 10.
From the main unit expansion connector 19 and expansion connector 33
Is supplied to the flexible disk unit 30 through
ing. With the connection in this way,
Data and programs from the disk unit 30
It is configured so that it can be preloaded on disk 16.
You. FIG. 5 shows the computer main unit 10 and the frame.
Describes the specific connection form with the Kisible disk unit 30.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the computer main unit.
It is a rear view of 10. As shown in both figures, in this embodiment,
The sibble disk unit 30 is located behind the main unit 10.
Main unit expansion connector 19 and expansion
The connectors 33 are connected to each other and directly connected. Fret
Hand screws 50 and 51 are provided on the front of the
These hand screws 50 and 51 are
Screw holes 60 and 61 provided on the back of the
Flexible disk unit 30 and
The connection of the main unit 10 is securely fixed. The body
A screw hole 62 provided on the back surface of the unit 10
To secure the connection with the expansion slot unit
Screw holes. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the power is turned on, the main body unit 10
After making the initial settings for each circuit,
Sibble disk unit 30, Function expansion slot unit
To determine whether an extension unit such as
Determine what is connected and respond to the connected unit.
Make the same system settings. Nothing is connected to expansion connector 19.
If it is determined that there has not been any
Application programs stored on the hard disk 16
Configure the system to launch the program. General city
Sales software is based on ordinary flexible disks.
There are many programs that are fixed and programmed.
Error or runaway when using software for hard disk
May cause flexible disk unit
If it is determined that unit 30 is connected,
Disk unit 30 and hard disk 16
To work as a normal computer system
The system is set. The hard disk 16 has a flexible
Data and programs from the disk unit 30
Preloaded. The main unit 10 is provided with a predetermined
By detecting the potential of the connection detection terminal of
Check whether the expansion unit is connected to connector 19.
It is configured so that a determination can be made. Also,
Flexible disk unit corresponding to this detection terminal
The terminal of the extension connector 33 on the 30 side is grounded. FIG. 7 shows the operation of the computer main unit 10.
A flowchart is shown, and the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The operation of the example will be described in more detail. When the main unit 10 is powered on,
First, in step S1, initialization of each circuit in the main unit is performed.
Together with the OS (operating system)
To execute initialization. In the next step S2, the extension connector
Read the output from the 19 connection detection terminal and
To determine if an expansion unit is connected to
U. For example, if the detection terminal output is "0", the extension unit
Is connected, and if "1", the extension unit
Is not connected. If the extension unit is not connected,
Proceed to step S3 to check whether the extension unit
Switch on. If an expansion unit is connected,
Proceed to step S4 to connect the flexible disk unit 30
This unit is used to determine if
Access 30. That is, the flexible disk unit
This unit is assumed to be properly connected to
Flexible disk controller built into 30
To determine the number of tracks on a flexible disk
Output command. Whether there is a response to this seek command
The determination is made in the next step S5. That is, the response is normally
In some cases, the flexible disk unit 30 is
And proceeds to the next step S6.
Automatically set disk conditions, and
Program stored on the
The data is loaded into the memory 13 of the program 10. If there is no normal response, the flexible data
When a flexible disk is mounted on the disk unit 30,
Is not connected or flexible disk unit 30 is connected.
And proceeds to step S7, where
Flexible Disk Not Ready Flag
Is turned on. This flexible disk knot ready
If the flag is on, flex
When a request for access to a
Treated as a de-error. Next, proceed to step S8, where the hard disk
16 conditions are automatically set and the hard disk 16
Is loaded into the memory 13. As described above, the flexible disk unit
If the disk 30 is connected, the
Automatically starts up and the flexi
If the disc unit 30 is not connected,
The program stored on the disc 16 starts automatically.
Will be raised. Next, in step S9, a manual
Other conditions are set, and in the next step S10
The application program is started. The flexible disk unit 30
Even when connected, the hardware
What you can do to access disk 16 is
It is the same as the case of the desktop type computer. As described above, according to this embodiment, the computer
The main unit 10 is connected to the flexible disk drive 31
It does not have a flexible disk interface 32,
Only the built-in hard disk 16
Applications that require large amounts of memory
Can respond to different options. In addition, flexible disk
Moved disk programs and data to hard disk 16
Data of the main unit 10 on a flexible disk.
Transfer or store such programs or data.
Data transfer time is very short.
Flexible disk unit 30 only when
It can be connected to the unit 10. FIG. 8 shows a computer according to another embodiment of the present invention.
One of the extension units that can be attached to and detached from the computer main unit 10
Block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the function expansion slot unit 80.
It is a lock figure. Note that the computer in the present embodiment
Of the main unit 10 and the flexible disk unit 30
The configuration is the same as the first configuration described with reference to FIGS.
The configuration is completely the same as that of
One reference number is assigned. The function expansion slot unit 80 is
Expansion connector for connecting to the main unit expansion connector 19 of the
Connector 81 and this expansion connector 81 via an expansion bus 82.
The expansion core of the flexible disk unit 30
An expansion connector 83 for coupling with the connector 33 and an expansion connector
A plurality of (two in this embodiment) expansion switches connected to the
Lots 84 and 85 are provided. Expansion slots 84 and 85
, Expansion boards 86 and 87 can be arbitrarily installed by the user
Is done. These expansion boards 86 and 87 are, for example,
CRT display unit provided separately from knit 10
A control board, a modem, an additional memory, and the like. The function expansion slot unit 80 is shown in the figure.
Power supply with built-in AC-DC converter
are doing. From this power supply section, inside the expansion slot unit 80
More flexible to expansion boards 86 and 87 mounted on
It is configured to supply DC power to the disk unit 30.
Have been. Therefore, the main unit extension connector of the main unit 10
DC power supplied through the expansion slot unit 19
Corresponding to the expansion connector 81 so that it is not
No wiring for DC power supply from the power supply terminal. Extension
The reason why the power unit is provided in the lot unit 80 is that the CRT control button is provided.
In order to be able to install many expansion boards such as
When mounted as such, the power supply unit 18 (special
In order to reduce the burden on the battery 17),
Lot unit 80 does not require carrying
Because there is no. The extension connector 19 of the main unit 10
Expansion slot on the expansion slot unit 80 side corresponding to the connection detection terminal
The terminal of the extension connector 81 is grounded. Main unit 10
Is detected by detecting the potential of this connection detection terminal.
The expansion unit is connected to the expansion connector 19
Is determined. For example, an external CRT display
If it is connected, check the connection and the
Disable display 15 and automatically display on external CRT display
Switch to. Also, the started application program
If the ram is a program using an expansion board, this
Perform error processing by connection judgment and confirmation, and runaway
Can be prevented. FIG. 9 shows the computer main unit 10 and functions.
The main unit expansion connector 19 and the expansion slot unit 80
Extension connector 81, and a function expansion slot
Expansion of unit 80 and flexible disk unit 30
Connected via connector 83 and extension connector 33
It is the block diagram shown. In this state, the flexible disk
Interface 32 of the computer main unit 10
Expansion connector 33, expansion connector 83, expansion connector
Expansion bus 82, expansion connector 81,
And a main body expansion connector 19. Further
The DC power supply from the power supply section of the function expansion slot unit 80
Is flexibly connected via the expansion connector 83 and the expansion connector 33.
It is supplied to the bull disk unit 30 side. like this
Connected to the flexible disk unit 30
Data and programs to the hard disk 16
It is configured so that it can be loaded. FIG. 10 shows the computer main unit 10 and the machine.
Expansion slot unit 80 and flexible disk unit
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a specific connection form with the socket 30. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the function is expanded.
The tension slot unit 80 is coded on the rear side of the main unit 10.
Expansion connector 19 and expansion connector
Are connected directly to each other. Function extension
Hand screws 90 and 91 are provided on the front of the slot unit 80.
These hand screws 90 and 91 are
Screw holes 60 and 62 provided on the back (see Fig. 6)
The function expansion slot unit 80 and
The connection of the main unit 10 is securely fixed. The function of the flexible disk unit 30 is expanded.
Do not use a cord or the like behind the
Extension connector 33 and extension connector 83
Connected directly. Also, the hand screws 50 and 51 have expanded functions.
Screw holes provided on the back of the tension slot unit 80 (shown
None) to secure the flexible disk unit.
Connection between the slot 30 and the function expansion slot unit 80
Fixed. Regarding the flexible disk unit 30
The operation of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment.
You. Similarly, expansion of the function expansion slot unit 80
Control of CRT display unit installed in slot
Automatic determination of board, modem, additional memory, etc., and installation
It is also possible to automatically set conditions according to. As described above, according to this embodiment, the computer
The main unit 10 is connected to the flexible disk drive 31
It does not have a flexible disk interface 32,
Only the built-in hard disk 16
Applications that require large amounts of memory
Can respond to different options. In addition, flexible disk
Disk unit 30 and this flexible disk unit
It has an expansion slot unit 80 to which 30 can be connected.
Therefore, the following usage methods are possible. That is, the main unit 10 and the expansion slot unit
When combined with slot 80, only expansion board is required
Can handle applications. Main unit 10 and expansion slot unit 80
When combining with the flexible disk unit 30
Has the same function as a desktop computer
Can be made. Of course, flexible disk
Transfer programs and data to the hard disk 16
Transfer the data of the main unit 10 to a flexible disk
For storage or use with other computers
Both are possible. Transfer of such programs and data
Time is very short, only in that case
Connect flexible disk unit 30 to main unit 10.
You can continue. As described above, the display is changed from the configuration emphasizing portability.
Up to configurations with the same functions as desktop computers,
A system configuration that allows the user to freely select according to the situation
I can take it. Also, the main unit 10 and the expansion slot unit
Between the 80 and the flexible disk unit 30
There is no duplication, so users do not have to worry about double investment
Absent. As shown in the first and second embodiments,
Connect the expansion slot unit 80 to the body unit 10
Flexible disk unit
Or connect it directly to the main unit 10.
Connect and use the flexible disk unit 30
Can be. In addition, the flexible disk
Remove the disk unit 30 and the expansion slot unit 80
It is, of course, possible to connect and use the same. FIG. 11 shows a book according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Obliquely showing the connection form between the body unit 10 and the extension unit 110
FIG. The computer main unit in this embodiment is
10 is the same as the main unit 10 of the first and second embodiments.
It is. The expansion unit 110 is a flexible
Disk drive and flexible disk control
Connect the flexible disk interface to the expansion board
Expansion slot for connecting
Expansion slot unit 80 and flexi in the second embodiment
The same machine as that combined with the Bull Disc Unit 30
It has a function. The computer main unit 10 and the expansion unit
When connecting the main unit 110 to the
Place the unit on the
Connector 19 and the extension connector 111 of the extension unit 110.
Combine. Unlike the first and second embodiments,
No fixation is performed by the device. The portable computer in this embodiment is
As in the first and second embodiments, the portability is not impaired.
Applications that require a large amount of memory
I can respond. In combination with the extension unit 110
The same as a desktop computer
Function can be provided. In addition, in the second embodiment,
As in the case, the main unit 10 and the extension unit 110
If the user makes a double investment because the devices are not duplicated
Don't worry about getting As described above, the extended unit according to the present invention is
To Portable computer with According to the weight of the body
Both the volume and the shape are small, and the portability is good.
The required expansion unit can be freely selected according to the situation. A portable device equipped with the extension unit of the present invention
According to the type computer, the user needs according to the situation
The extension unit can be freely selected. Also the extension unit
The other extension units can be connected to each other
Desktop without multiple expansion connectors on the unit
It can have the same function as a type computer.
Furthermore, the portable computer itself and the extension unit are
Users are forced to make a double investment because instruments do not overlap
There is no distribution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a computer main unit in a portable computer as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a computer main unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a flexible disk unit which is one of expansion units detachable from the computer main unit. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a state in which a computer main unit and a flexible disk unit are connected. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a specific connection form between a computer main unit and a flexible disk unit. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the computer main unit. FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the computer main unit. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an expansion slot unit in a portable computer as a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a state in which a computer main unit, an expansion slot unit, and a flexible disk unit are connected. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a specific connection mode among a computer main unit, an expansion slot unit, and a flexible disk unit. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a specific connection form between a main unit and an extension unit in a portable computer as a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a computer main body unit according to the related art. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a state in which a computer main unit and an expansion slot unit are connected in a conventional technique. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a computer main body unit according to the related art. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a state in which a computer main unit and an expansion slot unit are connected in the related art. [Description of Signs] 10 Computer main unit 11 CPU 12 System control unit 13 Semiconductor memory 14 I / O control unit 15 Display unit 16 Hard disk 17 Battery 18 Power supply unit 19 Main unit expansion connector 30 Flexible disk unit 31 Flexible disk drive unit 32 Flexible disk Interface 33, 81, 83 Expansion connector 80 Function expansion slot unit 82 Expansion bus 84, 85 Expansion slot 86, 87 Expansion board 110 Expansion unit

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-1-300319 (JP, A) JP-A-57-17041 (JP, A) JP-A-4-617 (JP, A) JP-A-2-63119 (JP, A) , U) Jikai Sho 49-61931 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 1/16-1/18

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] (1) At least a memory and a CPU connected to a CPU.
Connected to the external extension unit.
A first connector connectable to the first connector;
Has first fitting means for assisting connection with the external extension unit
And the physical resources that are not provided in the main unit
At least two extension units stored in the body
Te, a possible direct connection to the first connector of the main unit
2 connector and the main unit provided near the 2nd connector.
A second fitting means for assisting the connection with the
And a third connector to which the
Installed in the vicinity of the extension unit to assist the connection with other extension units
A first extension unit having third fitting means, and a first connector of the main unit or a first extension unit.
Direct connection to one of the 3rd connectors is possible
And a main body provided near the fourth connector.
First fitting means or first extension unit provided in the unit
Alternatively fitted with any one of the third fitting means provided in
A second extension unit having fourth fitting means, wherein the second extension unit is connected to the first and fourth fitting means;
The first and fourth connectors electrically connect to the main unit.
A first mode for performing an eject connection, and the third and fourth fitting hands
Step, and first and second extension units by third and fourth connectors
To take the second mode of electrical direct connection with
A portable computer comprising an extension unit characterized in that it is configured .