JP4401646B2 - Device accommodation apparatus and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device storage apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a device storage apparatus and an information processing apparatus that store a device cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the improvement of computer processing power and the speed of communication lines, multimedia data including large-capacity data such as still images and moving images has become widely handled, and there is a demand for more comfortable and flexible handling of data. Is growing. This is no exception for storage devices, and in addition to demands for larger capacity, higher speed, and smaller size, there is also an increasing demand for portable large-capacity data.
[0003]
On the other hand, the improvement in the recording density of the storage medium makes it possible to reduce the size and increase the capacity of the storage device, and a relatively large capacity storage device suitable for portability has also appeared. For example, a compact flash (R) card (CF card), an SD memory card, a micro drive, and the like.
[0004]
By the way, a wide variety of interface standards such as ATA / ATAPI, SCSI, PCMCIA, USB, IEEE1394 are widely used to connect these storage devices, cartridges including them, and personal computers such as adapters that convert the interfaces of these storage devices into desired interfaces. It is used.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described interface, there has been a demand for an apparatus that is excellent in usability and can use various interfaces when the connector of the main body device and the connector of the device are fitted.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having excellent usability.
[0007]
Another object of the present invention is to prevent communication between a foreign object stored in the device storage device and the main body device in the device storing the device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a device storage apparatus of the present invention includes a connection unit to which a device is connected, a device position detection unit that detects whether or not the device is positioned at a predetermined storage position, Reception for receiving a wearing signal indicating that the device and the connection means are connected from the device connected to the connection means Means and the device is located in the predetermined storage position And outputting the received mounting signal to the main unit connected to the connection means, And a communicable means for enabling communication with the device.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system to which the present invention is applied as a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]
The system includes a main unit 170, a socket 100, and a device cartridge 140.
[0016]
The main device 170 is, for example, a personal computer, a server, or the like that includes a CPU 171, ROM 172, RAM 173, main device power supply unit 174, interface unit 175, and the like.
[0017]
The socket 100 includes a mounting signal control unit 101, a cartridge housing detection unit 102, an interface unit 103 connected to the main body device 170, a board connector 104, a flexible cable 105, a cable end connector, and the like 106. The cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects whether or not the device cartridge 140 is accommodated in the socket 100.
[0018]
The device cartridge 140 has a connector 141 that can be connected to the cable end connector 106 of the socket 100, and a mounting signal output unit 142. When the connector 141 is connected to the connector of the host device, the mounting signal output unit 142 outputs a connector mounting signal indicating that the host device is mounted on its own connector. Here, the connector mounting signal also serves as a cartridge information signal indicating cartridge information such as the type of the device cartridge 140. The device cartridge 140 is various devices that can be connected to the cable end connector 106 of the socket, such as a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory card, or a computer peripheral device such as a TV tuner.
[0019]
The main unit 170 and the socket 100 connect signals and supply power from the main unit 170 to the socket 100 via the interface units 175 and 103, respectively. The connection form of the main device 170 and the socket 100 and the mounting form of the socket 100 on the main device 170 may be any form.
[0020]
For example, the main unit 170 and the socket 100 may be directly attached to a connector on a main board (motherboard) in the main unit 170 or an expansion board such as a PCI card, or may be connected via a cable. Further, the socket 100 may be housed inside the main body device 170 or may be installed outside the main body device 170.
[0021]
The device cartridge 140 and the socket 100 are connected via the cable end connector 106. The device cartridge 140 is connected to the cable end connector 106 to connect signals and supply power. Setting of the device cartridge 140 to the socket 100 and removal from the socket 100 can be easily performed by the user.
[0022]
Here, the mounting signal output unit 142 is connected to the mounting signal control unit 101 via the connector 141, the cable end connector 106, the flexible cable 105, and the board connector 104. The mounting signal control unit 101 controls the connector mounting signal output from the mounting signal output unit 142 based on the detection result by the cartridge housing detection unit 102 (details will be described later).
[0023]
First, a mechanical sequence at the time of setting the device cartridge 140 in the socket 100 and at the time of removal from the socket 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0024]
2 to 4 are perspective views of the socket 100 and the device cartridge 140 accommodated therein.
[0025]
FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts of mechanical sequences when the device cartridge 140 is set in the socket 100 and when the device cartridge 140 is removed from the socket 100, respectively.
[0026]
The user inserts the device cartridge 140 into the socket 100 (FIG. 2) and attaches it to the cable end connector 106. At this time, the cable end connector 106 is supported by the spring 107 and is in a fixed position until the device cartridge 140 is fitted (step 301 in FIGS. 3 and 5).
[0027]
When the device cartridge 140 is further inserted, the spring 107 contracts, the cable end connector 106 moves to a predetermined accommodation position and stops, and the setting is completed (steps 302 to 303 in FIG. 5).
[0028]
At this time, the front side of the device cartridge 140 (the side opposite to the side on which the connector for connecting to the cable end connector 106 of the socket 140 is mounted) is the front side of the socket 100 (the side having an opening into which the device cartridge is inserted). ) And substantially the same plane (FIG. 4).
[0029]
Here, the accommodating operation (FIGS. 3 to 4) of the device cartridge 140 in the socket 100 after the cable end connector 106 is mounted may be performed manually by a user or automatically by an electromechanical mechanism.
[0030]
The sequence at the time of removal from the socket 100 of the device cartridge 140 is the reverse of the sequence at the time of setting. That is, based on the user's instruction to eject the device cartridge 140, the spring 107 is extended, and the device cartridge 140 can be removed from the cable end connector 106 by a user's hand from a predetermined storage position while being attached to the cable end connector 106. It moves to the predetermined extraction position and stops when it comes into contact with the stopper 108 (FIGS. 4 to 3 and FIG. 5, steps 401 to 404). Thereafter, it is pulled out from the cable end connector 106 by the user's hand (step 405 in FIGS. 2 and 5).
[0031]
Here, the ejection of the device cartridge 140 may be started by providing a switch in the socket 100 or the main device 170 and pressing it, or by issuing a command from the main device 170. Further, the movement of the device cartridge 140 from the predetermined accommodation position to the predetermined removal position may be manually performed by a user or automatically by an electromechanical mechanism.
[0032]
Sockets as described above, that is, sockets for receiving and discharging up to a predetermined position with the device mounted on the connector, have the same interface but different size devices, for example, 2.5 type and 1.8 type. It is suitable for accommodating a device such as iVDR (Information Versatile Disk for Removable usage) in which a plurality of sizes are defined (FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7 to 9). The description is the same as in FIGS. 2 to 4 except for the size of the device cartridge, and is omitted).
[0033]
This embodiment enables usability to be improved in a system including such a socket.
[0034]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
[0035]
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a sequence when the device cartridge 140 is set in the socket 100.
[0036]
The user inserts the device cartridge 140 into the socket 100 and attaches it to the cable end connector 106 (step 601).
[0037]
At this time, the device cartridge 140 outputs a connector mounting signal from the mounting signal output unit 142. However, the wearing signal control unit 101 that has received this does not transmit this to the interface unit 103 (step 602).
[0038]
Further, when inserted into the socket 100, it moves to a predetermined accommodation position and stops (steps 603 to 604).
[0039]
When the cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects that the device cartridge 140 is accommodated in the predetermined accommodation position, the attachment signal control unit 101 outputs the connector attachment signal received from the attachment signal output unit 142 to the interface unit 103. (Step 605).
[0040]
The main unit 170 receives the connector mounting signal from the interface unit 103 of the socket 100 via the interface unit 175, thereby recognizing the device cartridge 140 and making the device cartridge 140 accessible (step 606).
[0041]
The cartridge storage detection unit 102 monitors whether or not the device cartridge 140 is stored in a predetermined storage position (step 607).
[0042]
When the cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects that the device cartridge 140 is out of the predetermined accommodation position, the attachment signal control unit 101 stops outputting the connector attachment signal to the interface unit 103 (step 608).
[0043]
The main unit 170 cannot recognize the device cartridge 140 and is inaccessible (step 609).
[0044]
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a sequence when the device cartridge 140 is removed from the socket 100.
[0045]
The user issues a discharge instruction for the device cartridge 140 (step 701).
[0046]
When the ejection of the device cartridge 140 is started and the cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects that the device cartridge 140 has moved from the predetermined accommodation position, the attachment signal control unit 101 stops outputting the connector attachment signal to the interface unit 103 ( Steps 702-704).
[0047]
The main unit 170 cannot recognize the presence of the device cartridge 140 and becomes inaccessible (step 705).
[0048]
The device cartridge 140 moves to a predetermined removal position and stops (Steps 706 to 707).
[0049]
The device cartridge 140 is removed from the cable end connector 106 by the user's hand (step 708).
[0050]
FIG. 12 shows an example of a system implementation including the socket 100 in the present embodiment.
[0051]
Buses 801 to 804 between the main body 170 and the device cartridge 140 are connected via the socket 100. The buses 801 to 804 are a power line 801 that supplies power from the main unit 170 to the device cartridge 140, a data / control line 802 that transmits and receives data or control signals between the main unit 170 and the device cartridge 140, and a cable end connector of the device cartridge 140. It consists of a connector mounting signal line 803 and a grounding line 804 indicating the mounting state to 106.
[0052]
There are a plurality of connector mounting signal lines 803, and the combination of their voltage levels indicates not only the mounting state of the device cartridge 140 to the connector but also device cartridge information indicating the type of the device cartridge 140 and the like. The connector mounting signal line 803 is pulled up in the main unit 170, and a predetermined line is grounded in the device cartridge 140 based on the device cartridge information.
[0053]
The socket 100 divides the bus 804 into a connector mounting signal line 803 and other lines 801, 802, and 804, and a switch 805 is inserted into the connector mounting signal line 803 so that it is divided between the main unit 170 and the device cartridge 140. To do.
[0054]
The switch 805 is turned on when the device cartridge 140 is housed in a predetermined position, and the connector mounting signal line 803 is conducted. Otherwise, the switch 805 is off and the connector attachment signal line is not conducting.
[0055]
Therefore, when the device cartridge 140 is not attached to the cable end connector 106 of the socket 100 or is not housed in a predetermined position, the voltage level of the connector attachment signal line 803 viewed from the main unit 170 is high. It becomes. On the other hand, when the device cartridge 140 is attached to the cable end connector 106 of the socket 100 and accommodated in a predetermined position, at least one predetermined line grounded based on the device cartridge information is at a low level.
[0056]
As a result, the main body stand 170 can recognize and access the device cartridge 140 only when the device cartridge 140 is mounted on the cable end connector 106 of the socket 100 and accommodated in a predetermined position.
[0057]
Here, the switch for detecting the housing state of the device cartridge 140 includes a switch for connecting the connector mounting signal line 803 and a switch for disconnecting the switch as a physically independent switch. You may make it turn on or off independently at intervals in time.
[0058]
In the above example of mounting, the accommodation detection function of the device cartridge 140 and the connection / disconnection function of the connector mounting signal line 803 are realized by inserting one switch 803 into the connector mounting signal line 803. This can be easily realized by combining one or more elements such as a switch, a photo interrupter, a relay, a transistor, and an IC.
[0059]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a connector mounting signal output unit that outputs a connector mounting signal indicating device cartridge information such as mounting to its own connector and the type of device cartridge to the host device. The device cartridge includes a socket for housing a device cartridge, and the device cartridge is moved to a predetermined storage position after being mounted on the connector of the socket by the user, and is mounted in the connector of the socket. In a system in which the device cartridge is ejected from the predetermined storage position and removed from the connector by the user, a system is realized in which the device cartridge is recognized and accessible only from the main body device when the device cartridge is stored in the predetermined storage position in the socket. Is done.
[0060]
Thus, a state in which the user will not recognize that the device is usable with respect to the main apparatus, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the device cartridge is mounted on the connector, but is accommodated in the main apparatus. It is possible to prevent the device cartridge from being recognized and accessible by the main body apparatus in a state where it is not.
[0061]
In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the device cartridge accommodation detection and the connector attachment detection signal are controlled only by the socket, there is no need for a separate signal line for transmitting the device cartridge accommodation detection between the main unit and the socket. The connection can be made only with a general-purpose interface such as ATA / ATAPI, SCSI, PCMCIA, USB, IEEE1394.
[0062]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a system that is excellent in usability and can be used in various interfaces and devices is realized.
[0063]
In particular, in a state where the connection of the device is unstable (when there is a possibility of being disconnected by the user), the main body apparatus does not access the device, and the reliability is improved.
[0064]
(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, power is always supplied via the connector 106. However, in the second embodiment, power is not supplied when the device is attached or removed. Will be explained.
[0065]
FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a system including a socket to which the present invention is applied as a second embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a main unit 170, a socket 100, and a device cartridge 140.
[0066]
The main device 170 is, for example, a personal computer, a server, or the like including a CPU 171, a ROM 172, a RAM 173, a main device power supply unit 174, an interface unit 175, and the like.
[0067]
The socket 100 includes a power supply control unit 201, a cartridge housing detection unit 102, an interface unit 175 connected to the main body device 170, a board connector 104, a flexible cable 105, a cable end connector, and the like 106. The power supply control unit 101 controls power supply to the device cartridge 140. The cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects whether or not the device cartridge 140 is accommodated in the socket 100.
[0068]
The device cartridge 140 has a connector 141 that can be connected to the cable end connector 106 of the socket 100. The device cartridge 140 is various devices that can be connected to a cable end connector of a socket, such as a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory card, or a computer peripheral device such as a TV tuner.
[0069]
The main unit 170 and the socket 100 connect signals and supply power from the main unit 170 to the socket 100 via the interface units 175 and 103, respectively. The connection form of the main device 170 and the socket 100 and the mounting form of the socket 100 on the main device 170 may be any form.
[0070]
For example, the main unit 170 and the socket 100 may be directly attached to a connector on a main board (motherboard) in the main unit 170 or an expansion board such as a PCI card, or may be connected via a cable. Further, the socket 100 may be housed inside the main body device 170 or may be installed outside the main body device 170.
[0071]
The device cartridge 140 and the socket 100 are connected via the cable end connector 106. The device cartridge 140 is connected to the cable end connector 106 to connect signals and supply power. Setting of the device cartridge 140 to the socket 100 and removal from the socket 100 can be easily performed by the user.
[0072]
This embodiment makes it possible to improve usability and protect devices in the systems shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 in the above-described embodiment.
[0073]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
[0074]
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a sequence when the device cartridge 140 is set in the socket 100.
[0075]
The user inserts the device cartridge 140 into the socket 100 and attaches it to the cable end connector 106 (step 1601).
[0076]
Further, when inserted into the socket 100, it moves to a predetermined accommodation position and stops (steps 1602 to 1603).
[0077]
When the cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects that the device cartridge 140 is accommodated in the predetermined accommodation position, the power supply control unit 101 starts supplying power to the device cartridge 140 (step 1604).
[0078]
After the power supply to the device cartridge 140 is started, the cartridge accommodation detector 102 monitors whether or not the device cartridge 140 is accommodated in a predetermined accommodation position (step 1605).
[0079]
When the cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects that the device cartridge 140 is out of the predetermined accommodation position, the power supply control unit 101 stops the supply of power to the device cartridge 140 (step 1606).
[0080]
FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of a sequence when the device cartridge 140 is removed from the socket 100.
[0081]
The user issues a discharge instruction for the device cartridge 140 (step 1701).
[0082]
When the ejection of the device cartridge 140 is started and the cartridge accommodation detection unit 102 detects that the device cartridge 140 has moved from the predetermined accommodation position, the power supply control unit 101 stops the supply of power to the device cartridge 140 (step 1704). ).
[0083]
The device cartridge 140 moves to a predetermined removal position and stops (step 1706).
[0084]
The device cartridge 140 is removed from the cable end connector 106 by the user's hand (step 1707).
[0085]
FIG. 16 shows an example of implementation of a system including the socket 100 in the present embodiment.
[0086]
Buses 1801 to 1803 between the main unit 170 and the device cartridge 140 are connected via the socket 100.
[0087]
The socket 100 separates the buses 1801 to 1803 into a power line 1801 and other signal lines 1802 such as data lines and control lines, and switches the power line 1801 so that power supply from the main unit 170 to the device cartridge 140 can be controlled. 1804 is inserted.
[0088]
The switch 1804 is turned on when the device cartridge 140 is stored in a predetermined position, the power line 1801 is conducted, and power is supplied to the device cartridge 140. Otherwise, the switch 1804 is off, the power line is not conducted, and no power is supplied to the device cartridge 140.
[0089]
Here, the switch 1804 for detecting the storage state of the device cartridge 140 is physically independent of a switch for starting the supply of power to the device cartridge and a switch for stopping the supply of power to the device cartridge. It may be provided as a switch, and both switches may be turned on or off independently at a time interval.
[0090]
The accommodation detection function of the device cartridge 140 and the switch function of the power line 1801 are easily realized by combining one or more elements such as a micro switch, a photo interrupter, a relay, a transistor, and an IC.
[0091]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system includes a socket that accommodates a device cartridge that operates by receiving power from the main unit, and the device cartridge is attached to the connector of the socket by the user. In a system in which the device cartridge is removed from the connector after being moved to and stored in the socket connector and is attached to the connector of the socket and then removed from the connector by the user, the device cartridge is stored in the socket. A system is realized in which power is supplied to the device cartridge only in a state where the device cartridge is housed.
[0092]
Thus, a state in which the user may not recognize that the device is usable with respect to the main apparatus, for example, the device cartridge is mounted on the connector as shown in FIG. Can prevent a state in which power is continuously supplied to the device in a state where the device is not accommodated.
[0093]
In addition, by moving the device cartridge during operation, it is possible to prevent data and even the device itself from being destroyed, particularly in a device having a mechanical drive unit such as a hard disk.
[0094]
Furthermore, the power can be turned on in the same sequence regardless of the difference in the power-on sequence when the interface or device supports hot-swap, or does not support hot-swap.
[0095]
In addition, according to the present embodiment, the device cartridge accommodation detection and the power supply control are performed only by the socket, so that the connection between the main unit and the socket is a general purpose such as ATA / ATAPI, SCSI, PCMCIA, USB, IEEE1394, etc. It can be done only with the interface.
[0096]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a system that is excellent in terms of usability, power consumption, data or device protection, and that can be used in various interfaces and devices is realized.
[0097]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a system including a socket 900 to which the present invention is applied as a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0098]
The system includes a main body device 970, a socket 900, and a device cartridge 940.
[0099]
The main device is, for example, a personal computer, a server, or the like including a CPU 971, a ROM 972, a RAM 973, a main device power supply unit 974, an interface unit 975, and the like.
[0100]
The socket 900 includes a socket power supply unit 907, a power supply control unit 901, a cartridge housing detection unit 902, an interface unit 903 connected to the main body device 970, a board connector 904, a flexible cable 905, a cable end connector 906, and the like. The socket power supply unit 907 converts a voltage generated outside the socket 900 or a voltage generated inside the socket 900 into an appropriate voltage and supplies the converted voltage to an internal circuit of the socket 900. The socket power supply unit 907 may be installed outside the socket 900 or may be built in the socket 900. The socket power supply unit 907 is, for example, an AC adapter or a battery.
[0101]
The power supply control unit 901 controls power supply to the device cartridge 940. The cartridge accommodation detection unit 902 detects whether or not the device cartridge 940 is accommodated in the socket 900.
[0102]
The device cartridge 940 has a connector 941 that can be connected to the cable end connector 906 of the socket 900. The device cartridge 940 is various devices that can be connected to the cable end connector 906 of the socket 900, such as a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory card, or a computer peripheral device such as a TV tuner.
[0103]
The main unit 970 and the socket 900 perform signal connection via the interface units 975 and 903, respectively. The connection form of the main body device 970 and the socket 900 and the mounting form of the socket 900 on the main body apparatus 970 are not related to the present invention, and any form may be used. For example, the main body device 970 and the socket 900 may be directly attached to a connector on a main board (motherboard) in the main body device 970 or an expansion board such as a PCI card, or may be connected via a cable. Further, the socket 900 may be housed inside the main body device 970 or may be installed outside the main body device 970.
[0104]
The device cartridge 940 and the socket 900 are connected via a cable end connector 906. The device cartridge 940 is connected to the cable end connector 906 to connect signals and supply power. The user can easily set the device cartridge 940 to the socket 900 and remove the device cartridge 940 from the socket 900.
[0105]
The mechanical sequence when the device cartridge 940 is set to the socket 900 and when the device cartridge 940 is removed from the socket 900 in the present embodiment, and when the device cartridge 940 is set to the system including the socket 900 to which the present invention is applied and from the socket 900 Since the sequence at the time of removal is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, an example of the implementation of the system including the socket 900 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0106]
Buses 1001 to 1003 between the main unit 970 and the device cartridge 940 are connected via a socket 900.
[0107]
The socket 900 separates the buses 1001 to 1003 from the main apparatus into a power line 1001 and other signal lines 1002 such as data lines and control lines, and connects the signal lines 1002 except the power line 1001 to the device cartridge 940. Here, the connection of the signal line 1002 between the main body device 970 and the socket 900 may be a wireless connection.
[0108]
The power supply to the internal circuit of the socket 900 is performed from a commercial AC power source through an AC adapter 1005 connected to the socket 900 or by a battery built in the socket 900. FIG. 20 shows a case where power is supplied from a commercial AC power supply via an AC adapter 1005 connected to the socket 900.
[0109]
A switch 1004 is inserted into a power supply line 1006 that supplies power from the battery built in the AC adapter 1005 or the socket 900 to the device cartridge 940 so that power supply can be controlled.
[0110]
The switch 1004 is turned on when the device cartridge 940 is stored in a predetermined position, the power supply line 1006 is conducted, and power is supplied to the device cartridge 940. Otherwise, the switch 1004 is turned off, the power supply line 1006 is not conducted, and no power is supplied to the device cartridge 940.
[0111]
Here, the switch 1004 for detecting the storage state of the device cartridge 940 is physically independent of a switch for starting the supply of power to the device cartridge and a switch for stopping the supply of power to the device cartridge. It may be provided as a switch, and both switches may be turned on or off independently at a time interval.
[0112]
The accommodation detection function of the device cartridge 940 and the switching function of the power supply line 1006 are easily realized by combining one or more elements such as a micro switch, a photo interrupter, a relay, a transistor, and an IC.
[0113]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a device cartridge that operates by receiving power supply from a commercial AC power source through an AC adapter connected to the socket or from a battery built in the socket is accommodated. The device cartridge is mounted on the socket connector by the user and then moved to and stored in a predetermined storage position by the user. In addition, the device cartridge is ejected from the predetermined storage position in a state of being mounted on the socket connector. In a system in which the user removes the connector from the connector, a system is realized in which power is supplied to the device cartridge only when the device cartridge is housed in a predetermined housing position in the socket.
[0114]
Thus, a state in which the user may not recognize that the device is usable with respect to the main apparatus, for example, the device cartridge is mounted on the connector as shown in FIG. Can prevent a state in which power is continuously supplied to the device in a state where the device is not accommodated.
[0115]
In addition, by moving the device cartridge during operation, it is possible to prevent data and even the device itself from being destroyed, particularly in a device having a mechanical drive unit such as a hard disk.
[0116]
Furthermore, the power can be turned on in the same sequence regardless of the difference in the power-on sequence when the interface or device supports hot-swap, or does not support hot-swap.
[0117]
In addition, according to the present embodiment, the device cartridge accommodation detection and the power supply control are performed only by the socket, so that the connection between the main unit and the socket is a general purpose such as ATA / ATAPI, SCSI, PCMCIA, USB, IEEE1394, etc. It can be done only with the interface.
[0118]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a system that is excellent in terms of usability, power consumption, data or device protection and that can be used in various interfaces and devices is realized.
[0119]
(Specific device examples)
Here, as a specific example of the device 140, the removable hard disk 1 will be briefly described.
[0120]
19 and 20 are cross-sectional views of the removable hard disk 1.
[0121]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a removable hard disk, which includes an upper case 2, a lower case 3, and a connector 141. A groove portion connected to the groove portion 11 formed on the side surface of the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 is formed on the side surface of the connector 141. And in the inside, a shock absorbing material, a hard disk, a flexible printed board, etc. for absorbing an impact are incorporated. In addition, since these are general, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0122]
FIG. 19 shows a state in which the shutter 112 is locked by the lock unit 114, and FIG. 20 shows a state in which the lock unit 114 is released and the shutter 112 is opened when the connector 4 and the connector 23 are coupled. Yes.
[0123]
In order to protect the connection part 111 of the connector 141 of the removable hard disk 1, a shutter 112 is provided, and the movement of the shutter 112 is locked by the lock part 113.
[0124]
In the locked state, the shutter 112 is closed by the spring 116.
[0125]
When the connector 141 and the connector 106 are coupled, the lock portion 114 is pushed inward by the convex portion of the connector 106, and the lock is released. Then, the shutter 112 is pushed by the convex portions around the connection portion of the connector 106, the connection portion 111 and the connection portion of the connector 106 are connected, and the removable hard disk 1 and the main body such as a personal computer are electrically connected. It becomes possible to send and receive information.
[0126]
When removing the connector 141 from the connector 106 (when removing the removable hard disk 1 from the PC main body), the connection portion 111 and the connection portion of the connector 23 are pushed away by the convex portions around the connection portion of the connector 106. The shutter 112 is returned by the force of the spring 116, whereby a part of the lock part 114 is exposed from the opening part 115, and a part of the lock part 114 is exposed from the opening part 115 by its own spring action. The shutter 112 is locked.
[0127]
(Specific example of automatic mounting)
Further, a specific example in the case where the above-described removable hard disk 1 is automatically attached / detached will be described.
[0128]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example of an autoloading device for automatic mounting / removal, and is a perspective view of the above-mentioned removable hard disk 1 and the removable hard disk autoloading device 5 as viewed obliquely from the lower right. Note that the autoloading device 5 is provided in a personal computer or the like. FIG. 21 shows a part of the personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) and the autoloading device 5.
[0129]
Reference numeral 5 denotes an autoloading device for the removable hard disk 1, which includes a frame 6, a pallet 7, a pulse motor 8, and the like. Reference numeral 9 denotes a part of a main PCB such as a PC for controlling a removable hard disk, an auto loading device, and the like, and a CPU 35 and the like to be described later are mounted.
[0130]
FIG. 22 shows an opening in the upper part of the frame 6 of the autoloading device 5 of the removable hard disk 1 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, and the lower part of the pallet 7 is also seen from the same direction as FIG. It is a perspective view (part cut model). FIG. 23 is a side view of the state seen from the right side, and FIG. 24 is a plan view of the state seen from the top (partially cut model).
[0131]
Grooves 11 connected to the connector 141 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the removable hard disk 1, and lock grooves 11 a and 11 b are provided in a direction perpendicular to the groove 11.
[0132]
The left and right side surfaces of the inner side of the pallet 7 of the autoloading device 5 are provided with long round convex portions 12a, 12b, 12c so as to be fitted to the grooves 11, and the removable hard disk 1 is along the convex portions 12a, 12b, 12c. Then, it is inserted into the autoloading device 5.
[0133]
Protrusions 14 are provided on the left and right side surfaces on the outer side of the pallet 7, and are slidably inserted into grooves 15 provided on the left and right side surfaces on the inner side of the frame 6. A mounting plate 16 is integrally provided on the lower surface of the pallet 7, and a bearing 17 is press-fitted into the mounting plate 16. The bearing 17 is provided with a convex portion 17a in order to receive a radial force.
[0134]
A mounting plate 18 is integrally provided on the lower surface of the frame 6, and the pulse motor 8 is fixed to the mounting plate 18 with screws 19.
[0135]
The pulse motor 8 has a lead screw shaft 8a as a rotation shaft, and is engaged with a bearing 17 so that the pallet 7 approaches the pulse motor 8 when the shaft 8a rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the shaft 8a direction. is doing.
[0136]
In FIG. 24, shafts 21 are provided on the left and right sides of the top surface of the pallet 7, and the claws 20 are rotatably inserted into the left and right shafts 21. The claws 20 are opened outward by the springs 22 inserted into the shafts 21. Is being energized.
[0137]
Further, a connector 23 (same as 106 described above) that is electrically connected to the connector 141 of the removable hard disk 1 is provided on the top surface of the pallet 7 and is firmly fixed to the pallet 7 by screws 24 and nuts 25. . The connector 23 is soldered to the PCB 26 and is electrically coupled. Further, the connector 23 is mechanically and firmly fixed to the PCB 26 with screws 27 and nuts 28 using a stepped hole 23a provided in the connector 23 (see FIG. 29).
[0138]
A flexible cable connector 29 is soldered to the back surface of the PCB 26, and a flexible cable 30 is inserted into the connector 29 and electrically coupled thereto. The other end of the flexible cable 30 is inserted into a connector 31 soldered to the PCB 9. The PCB 26 is soldered with a switch 32 that detects that the removable hard disk 1 is completely coupled to the connector 23. The pulse motor 8 is electrically coupled to the PCB 9 by a lead wire and a connector (not shown). With the above configuration, the removable hard disk 1 can transmit / receive data to / from the CPU 35 on the PCB 26 via the connector 4, connector 23, connector 29, flexible cable 30, and connector 31.
[0139]
Next, the actual operation of the autoloading device 5 configured as described above will be described in detail. The following control is executed under the control of the CPU 35.
[0140]
FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the autoloading device 5, and FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the operation of the autoloading device 5 when the power source 36 is turned on.
[0141]
In this apparatus, in order to move from the state where the pallet 7 is moved to the abutting portion on the pulse motor 8 side to the state where the removable hard disk 1 is not attached (FIG. 21 and the like), the pulse motor 8 is moved clockwise. It is set to drive 15.5 revolutions. Further, in order to transfer the pallet 7 from the state where the pallet 7 is moved to the abutting portion on the pulse motor 8 side to the state where the removable hard disk 1 is retracted (FIG. 30 and the like), the pulse motor 8 is moved clockwise by 0.5. It is set to rotate. Therefore, regardless of the position of the pallet 7, the pallet 7 can be moved to the abutment portion by driving the pulse motor 8 counterclockwise 16 times.
[0142]
In step S101, when the power source 36 is turned on by a user instruction, in step S102, a pulse is sent so that the pulse motor 8 is driven 16 rotations counterclockwise by a command of the CPU 35. By this driving, regardless of the position of the pallet 7, the pallet 7 hits the connector 23 side, and the pulse motor 8 stops while stepping out.
[0143]
Next, in step S103, it is determined whether the switch 32 is ON or OFF (equivalent to determining whether the removable hard disk 1 is inserted). If the switch 32 is ON, the process proceeds to step S105, the pulse motor 8 is driven by 0.5 rotation clockwise, the process proceeds to step S106, and the removable hard disk 1 is accessible from the CPU 35 or the like. If the switch 32 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S104, the pulse motor 8 is driven 15.5 rotations in the clockwise direction, the process proceeds to step S107, the initial process after the power is turned on is terminated, and a standby state is entered.
[0144]
In the following description, the case where the process proceeds to the standby state in step S107 will be described.
[0145]
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the state in which the removable hard disk 1 is slightly inserted into the autoloading device 5 as viewed from the upper right side. The removable hard disk 1 is provided with a groove 11 provided on the side surface in the pallet 7. The protrusions 12a and 12b are fitted. At this time, the positional relationship between the pallet 7 and the frame 5 remains in a standby state, and the detection unit 32a of the switch 32 is also in a free state.
[0146]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the operation from the standby state in step S107 until the removable hard disk 1 is pulled into the autoloading device 5.
[0147]
In step S108, when the switch 32 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S109 and enters a standby state for 0.5 seconds. Next, the process proceeds to step S110, and it is determined again whether the switch 32 is ON or OFF. If it is OFF, a standby state of step S107 is entered. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S111, and the pulse motor 8 is driven counterclockwise by 15 rotations. Then, the process proceeds to step S106, where the removable hard disk 1 is accessible.
[0148]
Next, the above state will be described in detail with reference to mechanical drawings.
[0149]
26, 27, 28, and 29 show a state where the user has inserted the removable hard disk 1 into the autoloading device 5 and the connector 4 has been completely inserted into the connector 23. FIG. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the state seen from the upper right side, FIG. 27 is a perspective view seen from the lower right side, FIG. 28 is a side view seen from the right side, and FIG. FIG. 29B is a detailed view of a B section in FIG. 29A. In FIG. 29A, the internal components of the removable hard disk 1 are omitted.
[0150]
The connector 4 and the connector 23 of the removable hard disk 1 are completely coupled. At this time, the detection unit 32a of the switch 32 is in a fully pressed state (ON state). Further, in this state, since the pulse motor 8 has not started rotating, the positional relationship between the frame 6 and the pallet 7 also remains in the standby state (initial state).
[0151]
Here, the detection of the switch 32 will be described in detail.
[0152]
In the present embodiment, the length (contact length) from when the connector 23 and the connector 4 are electrically joined to when the connectors completely abut each other is 5 mm ± 0.3 mm. The switch 32 is attached so as to be turned on when 3 mm is inserted after the connector 23 and the connector 4 start to be electrically connected. The mounting error between the connector 23 and the switch 32 is ± 0.3 mm. The error of the switch ON timing is also ± 0.3 mm. Therefore, even if the worst state is taken into account, the switch 32 is not turned on unless the connector 23 and the connector 4 are electrically joined. Further, if the connector 23 and the connector 4 are inserted until they abut against each other, the switch 32 is configured to be surely turned on.
[0153]
In FIG. 29 (a), the claw 20 is pressed toward the inner side of the frame 6 by the spring 22, and abuts against a convex portion 34 provided on the pallet 7. Therefore, in this state, the claw tip portion 20 a is not inserted into the lock groove 11 a provided on the side surface of the removable hard disk 1. Therefore, in this state, the removable hard disk 1 can be easily removed.
[0154]
Next, when the CPU 35 determines that the switch 32 is turned on, the CPU 35 instructs the pulse motor 8 to drive 15 rotations counterclockwise as viewed from the shaft 8a side after 0.5 seconds. Since the pitch of the lead screw shaft 8a is 2 mm, when the pulse motor 8 rotates 15 counterclockwise, the pallet 7 advances toward the 30 mm pulse motor 8 and stops. At this time, since the connector 4 and the connector 23 are coupled, the removable hard disk 1 also advances 30 mm in the direction of the pulse motor 8 together with the pallet 7 and is drawn into the autoloading device 5.
[0155]
30, 31, and 32 all show a state in which the removable hard disk 1 is pulled 30 mm into the autoloading device 5 together with the pallet 7. 30 is a perspective view seen from diagonally lower right, FIG. 31 is a side view seen from the right side, FIG. 32A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 31, and FIG. It is D section detail drawing. In FIG. 32, internal components of the removable hard disk 1 are omitted as in FIG.
[0156]
When the pulse motor 8 rotates counterclockwise 15 times, the pallet 7 stops by moving the convex portion 14 along the groove 15 by 30 mm. In this state, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), since the projection 20b of the claw 20 rides on the projection 33 inside the frame 6, the claw 20 rotates inward from the standby state (initial state). The tip 20a of the claw 20 is inserted into the lock groove 11a. Therefore, in this state, the removable hard disk 1 cannot be pulled out from the pallet 7. Further, the pallet 7 is engaged with the lead screw shaft 8 a by a bearing 17. Therefore, even if a force in the pulling direction is applied to the removable hard disk 1 or the pallet 7, the pulse motor 8 does not rotate, so that the pallet 7 cannot move along the groove 15. Therefore, in this state, the removable hard disk 1 is securely fixed and becomes accessible as in the above-described embodiment.
[0157]
Next, the ejection operation of the removable hard disk 1 will be described.
[0158]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the ejecting operation of the removable hard disk 1.
[0159]
When an eject command is issued in step 113, the process proceeds to step S114, and the ON / OFF state of the switch 32 is determined. If it is OFF, the process enters a standby state in step S107. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S115, and it is determined whether or not the removable hard disk 1 is in an access state. The eject command is generated from the PC side by an instruction from a user using a keyboard or mouse (not shown) or by pressing an eject button (not shown).
[0160]
When accessing from the PC side, the process proceeds to step S116, the access is stopped, and the process returns to step S115 again. If not being accessed, the process proceeds to step S117, and the pulse motor 8 is driven to rotate 15 times in the clockwise direction. As a result, the pallet 7 moves 30 mm away from the pulse motor 8 and proceeds to step S107 to enter a standby state.
[0161]
Since this state is shown in FIG. 32, the removable hard disk 1 can be removed from the autoloading device 5.
[0162]
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, since a removable hard disk autoloading mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent hard disk destruction due to ejection while accessing the hard disk, and user operability. Will also improve.
[0163]
In addition, the autoloading device with greatly improved reliability can be realized because the lock when the removable hard disk is mounted can be surely performed in a very simple form and the electrical connection can be surely performed.
[0164]
In addition, since the frame and the pallet have a two-layer structure, and the pallet has a locking mechanism with the hard disk, the reliability at the time of mounting is increased.
[0165]
By combining such an autoloading apparatus and the above-described embodiment, reliable access to the device at the time of mounting can be performed.
[0166]
The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, for example, a form in which the socket is inseparably integrated with the main body device, a form in which only the socket is used independently without any equivalent to the main body device, etc. It is applied in various forms based on the claims.
[0167]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an apparatus for storing a device, communication between a foreign object stored in the device storage apparatus and the main body apparatus can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of setting / removing a device cartridge in a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of setting / removing a device cartridge in a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of setting / removing a device cartridge in a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a mechanical sequence flowchart when a device cartridge is set in a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 6 is a mechanical sequence flowchart when a device cartridge is removed to a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a setting / removing operation of a short type device cartridge to a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a setting / removing operation of a short type device cartridge to a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a setting / removing operation of a short type device cartridge to a socket to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 10 is a sequence flowchart when a device cartridge is set in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a sequence flowchart at the time of device cartridge removal in the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a mounting example of the system in the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system in the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a sequence flowchart when a device cartridge is set according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a sequence flowchart at the time of device cartridge removal according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a mounting example of the system in the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a system in a third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a mounting example of the system in the third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a removable hard disk that is a specific example of a device.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a removable hard disk as a specific example of a device.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example of an autoloading device for automatic mounting.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view in which a part of the upper and lower parts of the autoloading device according to the present embodiment is opened and seen from the same position as FIG.
23 is a side view of the autoloading device in the state of FIG. 22 as viewed from the right side.
24 is a plan view of the autoloading device in the state of FIG. 22 as viewed from above.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the state in which the movable hard disk is slightly inserted into the autoloading device, as viewed from the upper right side.
26 is a perspective view of the state in which the removable hard disk is inserted to the connector in the autoloading apparatus in the state of FIG.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the autoloading device in the state of FIG.
FIG. 28 is a side view of the auto-losing device in the state of FIG. 26 as viewed from the right side.
29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 28. FIG.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the state in which the removable hard disk is set inside the autoloading device as seen from the lower right side.
31 is a side view of the autoloading device in the state of FIG. 30 as viewed from the right side.
32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 31. FIG.
FIG. 33 is a block diagram of an autoloading device.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the autoloading apparatus when the power is turned on.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the operation from when the autoloading apparatus is in a standby state until the removable hard disk 1 is pulled into the apparatus.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the ejecting operation of the removable hard disk.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 socket
101 Wear signal control unit
102 Cartridge accommodation detection unit
103 Socket interface part
104 Board connector
105 Flexible cable
106 Cable end connector
140 Device cartridge
141 Device cartridge connector
142 Wear signal output section
170 Main unit
171 CPU
172 ROM
173 RAM
174 Main unit power supply
174 Main unit interface section

Claims (3)

A connection means to which the device is connected;
Device position detecting means for detecting whether or not the device is located at a predetermined storage position;
Receiving means for receiving a mounting signal indicating that the device and the connecting means are connected from the device connected to the connecting means ;
When the device is located at the predetermined storage position, the received attachment signal is output to the main device connected to the connection means, thereby enabling communication between the main device and the device. A device storage device comprising a communicable means.   The device storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movement changing unit that moves the connection unit to which the device is connected based on a user instruction. A connection means to which the device is connected;
Device position detecting means for detecting whether or not the device is at the predetermined storage position;
Receiving means for receiving a mounting signal indicating that the device and the connecting means are connected from the device connected to the connecting means ;
When the device is located at the predetermined storage position, a signal control means for notifying that the device is connected by outputting the received mounting signal to a main unit connected to the connection means. When,
Receiving means for receiving notification by the signal control means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: access means for accessing the device based on reception by the receiving means.

Images