Connection structure and optical disc driver

Abstract

The invention provides a connection structure and an optical disc drive (20) capable of suppressing the influence of noise. The connection structure electrically connects an electronic device (10) and an optical disc drive (20) removably attached to the electronic device (10), the structure comprising: a connector terminal (22) provided to the optical disc drive (20); a connector terminal (13) provided to the electronic device (10) and connectable to the connector terminal (22); a circuit board (11) which is housed in the housing (12) of the electronic device (10) and on which the connector terminal (13) is mounted; a ground provided to the circuit board (11); and a gasket (40) that electrically conducts ground and a metal portion of the optical disc drive (20) in a state in which the connector terminal (22) and the connector terminal (13) are connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure and an optical disc drive. Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 and PTL 2 each disclose an optical disc drive mounted on an electronic device such as a game machine, a personal computer, or an AV (audio-visual) device.

[0003] [Citation List]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [PTL 1]

[0006] JP 2015-022780A

[0007] [PTL 2]

[0008] JP 2015-022779A Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical Problem

[0010] An electronic device without an optical disc drive can be connected to an external optical disc drive via a cable. However, it may be troublesome for a user to attach the external optical disc drive to the electronic device, and the cable exposed outside the electronic device may be annoying. An alternative to this can be to adopt a structure for attaching the optical disc drive to the electronic device without relying on a cable. However, such a structure requires countermeasures against noise such as electromagnetic waves generated near the involved connector.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connection structure and an optical disc drive capable of suppressing the influence of noise.

[0012] Solution to the Problem

[0013] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a connection structure that allows an electronic device and an optical disc drive detachably attached thereto to be electrically connected to each other. The connection structure includes a first connector terminal provided on the optical disc drive, a second connector terminal provided on the electronic device so as to be connectable to the first connector terminal, a circuit board accommodated in a housing of the electronic device, the circuit board having the second connector terminal mounted thereon, a ground portion provided on the circuit board, and a conductive member that electrically connects the ground portion and a metal portion of the optical disc drive to each other in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided an optical disc drive detachably attached to an electronic device. The optical disc drive includes connector terminals connectable to device-side connector terminals of a circuit board mounted in the electronic device, and a conductive member electrically connected to a ground portion provided on the circuit board in a state where the connector terminals are connected to the device-side connector terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A is a perspective view depicting an electronic device unit according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 1B is a plan view depicting the electronic device unit according to the embodiment as viewed from above.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view depicting the electronic device unit according to the embodiment, in which a drive cover covering the optical disc drive has been removed from the electronic device unit.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view depicting how the optical disc drive is to be connected to an electronic device in the electronic device unit according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view depicting an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting the optical disc drive according to the embodiment as viewed obliquely from above.

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view depicting the optical disc drive according to the embodiment as viewed obliquely from below.

[0022] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line VII-VII in Figure 1B .

[0023] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line IIX-IIX in Figure 1B .

[0024] Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically depicting a connector connection structure of the electronic device unit according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 is a top view depicting a circuit board accommodated in a housing of the electronic device as viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 10 is a bottom view depicting the circuit board accommodated in the housing of the electronic device as viewed from below. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0027] Figure 11 is a perspective view depicting the drive cover as viewed obliquely from below.

[0028] Figure 12 is a left view showing how the optical disk drive is covered by the drive cover as viewed from the left side.

[0029] Figure 13 is a left view showing how the optical disk drive is covered by the drive cover as viewed from the left side.

[0030] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line passing through the rear locking claw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The electronic device unit 1 (hereinafter referred to as the embodiment) of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The electronic device unit 1 includes an electronic device 10 and an optical disk drive 20 detachably attached to the electronic device 10. The optical disk drive 20 is configured to be manually attached to and detached from the electronic device 10 by a user without the aid of tools. The optical disk drive 20 is configured to be directly connected to the electronic device 10 without cables exposed outside the electronic device 10.

[0032] In the following description and drawings, the directions indicated by reference numerals Y1 and Y2 will be referred to as front and rear, respectively, the directions indicated by reference numerals Z1 and Z2 will be referred to as up and down, respectively, and the directions indicated by reference numerals X1 and X2 will be referred to as right and left, respectively. These directions are used to illustrate the relative positions of the components, parts, and members of the electronic device 10 and do not limit the posture of the electronic device 10. For example, the electronic device 10 can be used in a state where the upper part (i.e., the part on the side indicated by Z1) in its drawing is located below. Note that the drawings depict an example in which the optical disk drive 20 is attached to the electronic device 10 in such a manner that the optical disk is inserted from front to back. In the embodiment, the front-rear direction is the first width direction of the optical disk drive 20, and the right-left direction is the second width direction of the optical disk drive 20.

[0033] Figure 1A is a perspective view depicting the electronic device unit of the embodiment. Figure 1B is a plan view depicting the electronic device unit of the embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 2 is a perspective view depicting the electronic device unit according to the embodiment with the drive cover covering the optical disk drive removed therefrom. Figure 3 is a perspective view depicting how the optical disk drive will be connected to the electronic device in the electronic device unit according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view depicting the electronic device of the embodiment. FIGS. 1 to Figure 4 ​​​​Illustrates an electronic device 10, with some of its external parts omitted.

[0034] Figure 5 Is a perspective view showing the optical disc drive of this embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. Figure 6 Is a perspective view showing the optical disc drive of this embodiment as viewed obliquely from below. Figure 7 Is along Figure 1B The sectional view taken along the section line VII-VII in Figure 7 Is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line passing through the guide pin, showing the optical disc drive to be attached to the electronic device. Figure 8A Is along Figure 1B The sectional view taken along the section line IIX-IIX in Figure 8A Is a sectional view of the electronic device unit taken along the section line passing through the locking claw provided on the housing of the optical disc drive. Figure 8A Also includes an enlarged sectional view depicting the locking claw provided on the housing of the optical disc drive and its surrounding members. Figure 8B Is a schematic sectional view schematically depicting the connector connection structure of the electronic device unit of the embodiment.

[0035] [Overview of Electronic Device 10]

[0036] For example, the electronic device 10 is an entertainment device used as a game console or an AV device. However, this is not a limitation on the electronic device, which can also be, for example, a personal computer. The electronic device 10 outputs the moving image data generated by executing a game program and the audio / video data obtained via a network to a display device such as a television receiver. The electronic device 10 also outputs the audio / video data obtained from an optical disc, which is a recording medium inserted into the optical disc drive 20, to the display device.

[0037] The electronic device 10 has a housing 12 (refer to Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 etc.) that houses a circuit board 11. Electronic components such as a CPU (central processing unit) and a GPU (graphics processor unit) can be mounted on the circuit board 11. Although not depicted, the housing 12 can preferably house a cooling fan, a heat pipe, a heat sink, or other components for cooling the electronic components mounted on the circuit board 11.

[0038] [Overview of Optical Disc Drive 20]

[0039] The optical disc drive 20 is a device that uses a laser or similar means to read information stored on an optical disc. The optical disc is an information recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), etc. The optical disc drive 20 can preferably be compatible with, for example, an optical disc having a diameter of 12 cm.

[0040] The optical disc drive 20 has a housing 21, and an insertion opening 21b is formed in the housing 21 through which the optical disc will be inserted, as Figure 5 shown elsewhere. The optical disc drive 20 is configured to have a housing 21 that houses a transport mechanism for transporting the optical disc or a capture mechanism for fixing the optical disc, etc. The housing 21 has a box-like shape that constitutes at least a part of the exterior of the optical disc drive 20. The housing 21 is preferably Figure 6 configured to constitute the exterior of the optical disc drive 20 together with the metal lower plate 21U shown. The lower plate 21U can be directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 21 via some other members. The housing 21 is not limited to being constituted by a single member and can be constituted by a combination of multiple members.

[0041] [Detachable structure]

[0042] The optical disc drive 20 has a connector terminal 22 (first connector terminal) that is exposed to the outside from its left rear portion, as Figure 6 shown elsewhere. The connector terminal 22 is mounted on a circuit board housed in the housing 21. The electronic device 10 has a connector terminal 13 (device-side connector, second connector terminal) that is exposed to the outside from its left rear portion, as Figure 4 depicted, etc. The connector terminal 13 is mounted on a circuit board 11 housed in the housing 12. The housing 12 has an opening 12f that exposes the connector terminal 13 to the outside.

[0043] The connector terminal 22 is provided so as to protrude downward beyond the lower plate 21U, and the lower plate 21U constitutes at least a part of the exterior of the optical disc drive 20 and constitutes the bottom surface of the optical disc drive 20.

[0044] In a state where the supported portion formed on the housing 21 is supported by the electronic device 10, the connector terminal 22 is provided so as to be pivotable between a non-connection position where the connector terminal 22 is not connected to the connector terminal 13 and a connection position where the connector terminal 22 is connected to the connector terminal 13.

[0045] The optical disc drive 20 includes a locking claw 21a, and the locking claw 21a is a supported portion formed on the housing 21, as Figure 5As shown, the locking claws 21a are formed on the front end of the housing 21. Two locking claws 21a are formed separately from each other in the left-right direction (the second width direction). Specifically, the two locking claws 21a are formed on the front end of the right side portion of the housing 21 and on the front end of its left side portion.

[0046] Each of the locking claws 21a includes an extending portion 211a extending downward and a claw portion 212a protruding forward from the bottom end of the extending portion 211a. The claw portion 212a can preferably have its tip in the protruding direction positioned in front of the front end of the housing 21.

[0047] In addition, an elastic portion 212b is provided below each of the claw portions 212a. As Figure 8A shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view in, the elastic portion 212b is provided in a manner of protruding downward from the bottom end of the claw portion 212a.

[0048] As Figure 4 depicted, the electronic device 10 has a locking hole 12h formed in the outer housing 12. The locking hole 12h is formed in the front portion of the outer housing 12. In addition, in the outer housing 12, two locking holes 12h are formed separately from each other in the left-right direction. Specifically, the locking holes 12h are formed in the front portion of the outer housing 12 in a manner corresponding to the positions of the locking claws 21a of the optical disc drive 20.

[0049] In addition, as Figure 8A shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view in, in a state where the locking claws 21a are inserted into the locking holes 12h, the electronic device 10 has an upper contact portion 12a that contacts the top surface of the claw portion 212a of the locking claws 21a, and a lower contact portion 12b that contacts the bottom surface of the elastic portion 212b provided on the claw portion 212a. In this embodiment, the upper contact portion 12a is a part of the outer housing 12, and the lower contact portion 12b is a part of the upper shielding member 111 to be discussed later.

[0050] When the optical disc drive 20 is to be attached to the electronic device 10, the two locking claws 21a are first inserted into the two locking holes 12h in the forward-downward direction. That is, as Figure 3 shown, in a state where the front portion of the optical disc drive 20 is inclined downward, the locking claws 21a are inserted into the locking holes 12h. The locking claws 21a inserted into the locking holes 12h are locked by the upper contact portion 12a.

[0051] With the locking claw 21a locked by the upper contact portion 12a, the optical disc drive 20 pivots relative to the electronic device 10 about the locking claw 21a serving as a fulcrum. As a result, the back of the optical disc drive 20 moves downward. When the back of the optical disc drive 20 moves downward, the elastic portion 212b is sandwiched between the claw portion 212a and the lower contact portion 12b and is thereby compressed. As the back of the optical disc drive 20 further moves downward, the optical disc drive 20 is placed on the placement surface 12c of the housing 12 of the electronic device 10.

[0052] In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the optical disc drive 20 also has a guide pin 23a that projects downward. The guide pin 23a is provided to guide the moving connector terminal 22 when the connector terminal 22 is connected to the connector terminal 13. For this purpose, the guide pin 23a can preferably be located in the left rear portion of the optical disc drive 20 and close to the connector terminal 22.

[0053] Specifically, the guide pin 23a can preferably be provided on the connector housing 23 that houses at least a part of the connector terminal 22. The connector housing 23 is made of metal and projects downward from the lower plate 21U, as Figure 6 depicted. In a state where the connector terminal 22 is in the connection position, at least a part of the connector housing 23 is fitted into an opening 12f formed in the housing 12 of the electronic device 10, and is thereby housed inside the housing 12.

[0054] In addition, as Figure 8B shown, a guide hole H is formed in the electronic device 10, and the guide pin 23a is inserted through the guide hole H. The guide hole H can preferably be formed in at least a part of a plurality of members housed in the housing 12 of the electronic device 10. Figure 8B and Figure 9 depicts an example in which the guide hole H is formed in the circuit board 11 and the upper shield 111.

[0055] The guide hole H can preferably be formed such that the guide pin 23a is inserted through the guide hole H before the connector terminal 22 is connected to the connector terminal 13. For this purpose, the tip of the guide pin 23a in its extending direction can preferably be positioned farther from the lower plate 21U placed on the electronic device 10 than the tip of the connector terminal 22 protruding from the lower plate 21U. The inner peripheral surface of the guide hole H can preferably have a function of guiding the moving guide pin 23a. In an embodiment, the guide pin 23a has a cylindrical shape, and the guide hole H has an opening that is circular when viewed from above. Note that the guide hole H can be either a through hole or a bottomed groove.

[0056] The guide pin 23a can preferably be provided in front of the connector terminal 22. That is to say, the guide pin 23a can preferably be closer to the locking claw 21a than the connector terminal 22 in the front-rear direction. In addition, the guide pin 23a can preferably be more on the left side than the connector terminal 22.

[0057] When the locking claw 21a of the optical disc drive 20 is to be locked by the electronic device 10, the optical disc drive 20 is pushed forward. At this time, if the locking claw 21a is not precisely inserted into the locking hole 12h, the position of the connector terminal 22 is shifted forward relative to the connector terminal 13. In the case where the guide pin 23a is located behind the connector terminal 22 or at the same position as the connector terminal 22 in the front-rear direction, when the connector terminal 22 is connected to the connector terminal 13, the guide pin 23a may inadvertently interfere with the connector terminal 13. In the embodiment, the guide pin 23a is arranged in front of the connector terminal 22, so that even if the position of the connector terminal 22 is shifted forward relative to the connector terminal 13, the guide pin 23a does not interfere with the connector terminal 13.

[0058] In the above detachable structure of the embodiment, the optical disc drive 20 can be easily manually attached to the electronic device 10 by the user without resorting to tools. And, in the detachable structure of the embodiment, the locking claw 21a is provided at the front part of the housing 21, and the connector terminal 22 is provided at the rear part of the housing 21. In this way, the locking claw 21a serving as the pivot fulcrum and the connector terminal 22 are arranged separately from each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, when the connector terminal 22 is connected to the connector terminal 13, there is a small angle between the connector terminal 13 and the connector terminal 22. The presence of the guide pin 23a allows the connector terminal 22 to be precisely positioned relative to the connector terminal 13. Adopting this structure enables the load on them to be reduced when the connector terminals 22 and 13 are in contact with each other.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the connector terminal 22 on one side of the optical disc drive 20 protrudes downward, while the connector terminal 13 on one side of the electronic device 10 is formed in the recessed portion of the outer shell 12. That is, there is no protruding portion related to the connector connection structure on the placement surface 12c of the electronic device 10. Thus, in the state where the optical disc drive 20 is not attached, there is no unnecessary protrusion on the electronic device 10. Thereby, the appearance of the electronic device 10 is prevented from being deformed due to the presence of the connector structure.

[0060] [Shielding structure]

[0061] Figure 9 is a top view depicting a circuit board housed in the outer shell of an electronic device as viewed from above. Figure 10 is a bottom view depicting a circuit board housed in the outer shell of an electronic device as viewed from below.

[0062] The electronic device 10 has a shielding member that covers electronic components such as integrated circuits on a circuit board 11 to block electromagnetic waves (noise) emitted from the electronic components or to block electromagnetic waves from the outside. For example, when the shielding member is provided, the shielding member prevents radio waves emitted by an antenna on the circuit board from affecting other electronic components housed in a housing 12 of the electronic device 10, or protects the antenna from radio waves emitted from other electronic components.

[0063] The upper shielding member 111 is provided so as to cover the upper side of the circuit board 11, as Figure 9 depicted. The lower shielding member 112 is provided so as to cover the lower side of the circuit board 11, as Figure 10 shown. The upper shielding member 111 and the lower shielding member 112 are fixed to the circuit board 11 by a plurality of screws or rivets. The upper shielding member 111 and the lower shielding member 112 are each formed of a conductor (a metal such as iron, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.).

[0064] A ground pattern 11G (see Figure 9 ) is formed on the top surface of the circuit board 11. In Figure 9 , the hatched areas are where the ground pattern 11G is formed, and at the same time they are covered by the upper shielding member 111. The ground pattern 11G is formed, for example, along the outer peripheral edge of the circuit board 11. The outer peripheral portion 111a of the upper shielding member 111 is in contact with the ground pattern 11G. The outer peripheral portion 111a and the ground pattern 11G both serve as ground portions.

[0065] As Figure 9 shown, the connector terminal 13 is mounted on the outer peripheral edge of the top surface of the circuit board 11. An opening 111b surrounding the connector terminal 13 is formed in the left rear portion of the upper shielding member 111. That is, the upper shielding member 111 covers the upper side of the circuit board 11 in a manner that avoids the connector terminal 13. Therefore, the connector terminal 13 is exposed in the left rear portion of the upper shielding member 111.

[0066] As Figure 6 and elsewhere shown, a washer 40, which is a conductive member, is provided at the bottom end of the connector housing 23. The washer 40 has an annular shape surrounding the connector terminal 22 when viewed from below. In a state where the connector terminal 22 and the connector terminal 13 are connected to each other, the washer 40 can preferably be provided so as to surround at least any one of the connector terminal 22 or the connector terminal 13.

[0067] Further, the washer 40 is made of a conductive elastic material. The connector housing 23 equipped with the washer 40 and the lower plate 21U equipped with the connector housing 23 are both made of conductive materials such as metal. Note that the connector housing 23 can preferably be a part of the lower plate 21U. That is, the lower plate 21U and the connector housing 23 can preferably be integrally formed.

[0068] As Figure 8B depicted, in a state where the connector terminal 22 is in the connected position, the washer 40 is arranged to contact the ground portion of the electronic device 10. Further, in a state where the connector terminal 22 is located in the connected position, the washer 40 is compressed between the ground portion of the electronic device 10 and the connector housing 23. This positions the connector terminals 13 and 22 in a region shielded by the board on which the connector is mounted, by the connector housing 23, and by the washer 40.

[0069] In a state where the connector terminal 22 is located in the connected position, the washer 40 is electrically connected to the ground pattern 11G and the upper shield 111. This allows the ground portion of the electronic device 10, and the connector housing 23 and the lower plate 21U of the optical disc drive 20 to be electrically integrated with each other.

[0070] Adopting the above shielding structure prevents electromagnetic waves from being emitted via the region where the upper shield 111 does not exist (i.e., the region forming the opening 111b that exposes the connector terminal 13). In addition, this structure also protects the connector terminals 13 and 22 from the influence of electromagnetic waves emitted from the electronic components mounted on the circuit board 11.

[0071] Above, the embodiment has been discussed with the example of the metal parts that are electrically connected to the ground portion of the electronic device 10 via the washer 40 being the connector housing 23 and the lower plate 21U. However, this is merely an example. Alternatively, the metal parts that are at least part of the optical disc drive 20 only need to be electrically connected to the ground portion of the electronic device 10 through the washer 40 made of a conductive material.

[0072] The above also discussed the embodiment using the example of the washer 40 being fixed to the connector housing 23. Alternatively, the washer 40 can be fixed to the side of the electronic device 10.

[0073] [Drive cover 30]

[0074] Figure 11 is a perspective view depicting the drive cover as viewed obliquely from below. Figure 12 is a left view showing how the optical disc drive is covered by the drive cover as viewed from the left side. Figure 13 is a left view showing how the optical disc drive is covered by the drive cover as viewed from the left side. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line passing through the rear locking claw.

[0075] The electronic device unit 1 has a drive cover 30 which forms part of the exterior of the electronic device 10 and covers the optical disc drive 20 attached to the electronic device 10. The drive cover 30 is configured to be manually attachable to and detachable from the electronic device 10 by a user without the aid of tools.

[0076] In the state of being attached to the electronic device 10, the drive cover 30 is shaped to have a receiving space R for receiving the optical disc drive 20. The drive cover 30 forms the receiving space R by a front portion 31, a left portion 32, a right portion 33, and an upper portion 34.

[0077] The upper portion 34 of the drive cover 30 is shaped to include an inclined surface that gently slopes downward toward the back. The left portion 32, the right portion 33, and the upper portion 34 are connected to each other at their bottom ends. The left portion 32, the right portion 33, and the front portion 31 are connected to each other at their bottom ends. The front portion 31, the left portion 32, the right portion 33, and the upper portion 34 form a substantially rectangular opening.

[0078] Rear locking claws 34a are formed at the rear of the upper portion 34 of the drive cover 30. Two rear locking claws 34a are formed separately from each other in the left - right direction. Specifically, the two rear locking claws 34a are located in the left - rear portion and the right - rear portion of the drive cover 30. Each of the rear locking claws 34a has a shape that protrudes backward, as Figure 14 shown in the enlarged cross - sectional view.

[0079] In addition, as Figure 14 shown in the enlarged cross - sectional view, rear locking claws 12d for locking the rear locking claws 34a are formed on the housing 12 of the electronic device 10. Each of the rear locking claws 12d has a shape that protrudes forward. The rear locking claws 12d can preferably be formed in such a way that they can be bent in the front - rear direction by elastic deformation.

[0080] Front locking claws 31a are formed on the front portion 31 of the drive cover 30. The front locking claws 31a are formed in two parts separated from each other in the left - right direction (second width direction). Further, the locking claws 31a are provided on the side opposite to the side where the connector terminals 22 are provided in the front - rear direction (first width direction).

[0081] An insertion opening 31b is formed on the front portion 31 of the drive cover 30 through which the optical disc will be inserted. In the state where the drive cover 30 is attached to the electronic device 10, the insertion opening 31b can preferably be formed in such a way that it coincides with the insertion opening 21b of the optical disc drive 20 in the up - down direction and the left - right direction.

[0082] As Figure 11As depicted, the protruding edge 31c is formed at the front portion 31 of the drive cover 30 along the insertion opening 31b. The protruding edge 31c protrudes rearward. That is, the protruding edge 31c protrudes toward the receiving space R.

[0083] The front locking claws 31a each include an extension portion 311a extending downward from the protruding edge 31c and a claw portion 312a protruding rearward from the bottom end of the extension portion 311a. The front locking claws 31a are locked by the housing 12 when inserted into the locking holes 12e formed in the front portion of the housing 12 of the electronic device 10. Note that three front locking claws 31a may be provided to be locked by the three locking holes 12e shown in Figure 4 the figure.

[0084] When the front locking claws 31a are locked by the housing 12, the portion of the front portion 31 of the drive cover 30 located below the protruding edge 31c can be bent to displace the front locking claws 31a. This configuration that allows the front portion 31 to deform so that the front locking claws 31a are locked by the housing 12 enables the front locking claws 31a to be formed with a shape and size that resist deformation. Thereby, the durability of the front locking claws 31a is improved. When the extension portion 311a of the front locking claws 31a is integrally formed with the protruding edge 31c, the strength of the front portion 31 of the drive cover 30 is also improved.

[0085] In the state of covering the optical disc drive 20, the drive cover 30 can preferably contact the top surface portion of the optical disc drive 20. This enables the optical disc drive 20 to be more reliably positioned in the up and down direction.

[0086] Moreover, in the state of covering the optical disc drive 20, the drive cover 30 can preferably be in elastic contact therewith. The portion of the drive cover 30 that contacts the optical disc drive 20 can preferably be on the side opposite to the side where the locking claw 21a is provided on the housing 21 of the optical disc drive 20 in the direction of optical disc insertion.

[0087] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the elastic portion 24 is provided at the rear portion of the housing 21. In addition, as Figure 11 shown, the drive cover 30 is provided with a protruding portion 34b that contacts the elastic portion 24 in the state where the drive cover 30 covers the optical disc drive 20.

[0088] In this configuration, the front portion of the optical disc drive 20 is positioned in the up and down direction by the above-mentioned elastic portion 212b, and the rear portion of the optical disc drive 20 is positioned in the up and down direction by the elastic portion 24. When positioned by the two elastic portions 212b and one elastic portion 24, the optical disc drive 20 has a stable posture by three-point support.

[0089] In addition, as Figure 11As shown elsewhere, the drive cover 30 may preferably be provided with a positioning portion 35. The positioning portion 35 is used to position the drive cover 30 relative to the electronic device 10 in the front-rear and left-right directions. Positioning holes may preferably be formed in the electronic device 10 to allow the positioning portion 35 to be inserted through the positioning holes in a state where the drive cover 30 is attached to the electronic device 10.

[0090] In this embodiment, the drive cover 30 that forms a part of the exterior of the electronic device 10 covers the optical disc drive 20. As a result, as opposed to the case where an external optical disc drive is connected to the electronic device 10 via a cable, deformation of the appearance of the electronic device 10 is prevented. In addition, the presence of the drive cover 30 better stabilizes the attitude of the optical disc drive 20 attached to the electronic device 10.

[0091] [Other]

[0092] The portion of the connector terminal 22 that contacts the connector terminal 13 may preferably be in a floating structure. Specifically, the portion of the connector terminal 22 that contacts the connector terminal 13 may preferably be elastically displaced in the front-rear direction. In the case where the connector terminal 22 in an inclined state is connected to the connector terminal 13, this structure allows for connection without overloading the connector terminal 22. Alternatively, instead of the connector terminal 22, the connector terminal 13 may be in a floating structure.

[0093] The embodiments have been discussed above using an example in which two locking claws 21a are formed on the housing 21. Optionally, one locking claw 21a or three or more locking claws 21a may be provided. In the case where one locking claw 21a is provided, the locking claw 21a may preferably be formed at the center of the housing 21 in the left-right direction. Similarly, one front locking claw 31a and one rear locking claw 34a, or three or more front locking claws 31a and three or more rear locking claws 34a may be formed on the drive cover 30.

[0094] The embodiments have also been discussed above using an example in which the locking claws 21a are formed on the housing 21. Optionally, instead of the locking claws 21a, a supported portion supported by the electronic device 10 may be provided at one end of the housing 21. The supported portion may be supported by the electronic device 10 in a manner that allows the connector terminal 22 to pivot between a connected position and a non-connected position.

[0095] [Conclusion]

[0096] For example, the connection structure and the optical disc drive may be configured in the following manner.

[0097] (1) A connection structure that allows an electronic device and an optical disc drive detachably connected thereto to be electrically connected to each other, the connection structure including: a first connector terminal provided on the optical disc drive; a second connector terminal provided on the electronic device in a manner connectable to the first connector terminal; a circuit board accommodated in a housing of the electronic device, the circuit board having the second connector terminal mounted thereon; a grounding portion provided on the circuit board; and a conductive member that electrically connects the grounding portion and a metal portion of the optical disc drive to each other in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

[0098] (2) The connection structure according to (1), wherein the grounding portion includes a ground pattern and a shield, the ground pattern being formed on the circuit board, and the shield covering electronic components mounted on the circuit board.

[0099] (3) The connection structure according to (2), wherein the shield is provided on the circuit board in a manner exposing the second connector.

[0100] (4) The connection structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the conductive member has an annular shape surrounding at least any one of the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

[0101] (5) The connection structure according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the conductive member is made of an elastic material that elastically contacts the shield in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

[0102] (6) The connection structure according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the conductive member is fixed to the optical disc drive.

[0103] (7) The connection structure according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the metal portion includes a conductive connector housing that houses the first connector terminal, and the conductive member is fixed to the connector housing.

[0104] (8) The connection structure according to (7), wherein the connector housing is provided with a guide pin that guides the moving first connector terminal when the first connector terminal is connected to the second connector terminal, and a guide hole is formed on the circuit board through which the guide pin is inserted.

[0105] (9) The connection structure according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the metal portion includes a lower plate of the optical disc drive placed on the electronic device.

[0106] (10)The connection structure according to (9), wherein a connector housing for receiving the first connector terminal is formed on the lower plate.

[0107] (11)An optical disc drive detachably attached to an electronic device, the optical disc drive including a connector terminal and a conductive member, the connector terminal being connectable to a device-side connector terminal mounted on a circuit board of the electronic device, and the conductive member being electrically connected to a ground portion provided on the circuit board in a state where the connector terminal is connected to the device-side connector terminal.

Claims

1. A connection structure that allows an electronic device and an optical disc drive detachably attached thereto to be electrically connected to each other, the connection structure comprising: a first connector terminal provided on the optical disc drive; a second connector terminal provided on the electronic device in a manner connectable to the first connector terminal; a circuit board accommodated in the housing of the electronic device, the circuit board having the second connector terminal mounted thereon; a grounding portion provided on the circuit board; and a conductive member that electrically connects the grounding portion and a metal portion of the optical disc drive to each other in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the grounding portion includes a ground pattern and a shield, the ground pattern is formed on the circuit board, and the shield covers electronic components mounted on the circuit board.

3. The connection structure according to claim 2, wherein the shield is provided on the circuit board in a manner exposing the second connector.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, wherein the conductive member has an annular shape surrounding at least one of the first connector terminal or the second connector terminal in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

5. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is made of an elastic material that elastically contacts the shield in a state where the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal are connected to each other.

6. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is fixed to the optical disc drive.

7. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the metal portion includes a conductive connector housing that houses the first connector terminal, and the conductive member is fixed to the connector housing.

8. The connection structure according to claim 7, wherein the connector housing is provided with a guide pin that guides the moving first connector terminal when the first connector terminal is connected to the second connector terminal, and a guide hole is formed on the circuit board, and the guide pin is inserted through the guide hole.

9. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the metal portion includes a lower plate for placing the optical disc drive on the electronic device.

10. The connection structure according to claim 9, wherein the connector housing that houses the first connector terminal is formed on the lower plate.

11. An optical disc drive detachably attached to an electronic device, the optical disc drive comprising: a connector terminal connectable to a device-side connector terminal mounted on a circuit board of the electronic device; and a conductive member that is electrically connected to a grounding portion provided on the circuit board in a state where the connector terminal is connected to the device-side connector terminal.

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