electronic machines

Abstract

An electronic device according to the present disclosure comprises: a battery storage that stores a battery; and a housing provided with the battery storage. The battery storage is configured so that a module for reading or writing data of a storage medium can be attached thereto.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Some electronic devices include detachable components such as a battery and a memory card inside a housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-115091 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for electronic devices with improved usability.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device that improves usability.

[0006] The electronic device according to the present disclosure includes a battery storage section for storing a battery; Delivery The battery storage section is configured to allow a module that reads or writes data from or to the storage medium to be attached thereto.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device with improved usability is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a battery is stored in a battery storage section in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3]2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a card reader module is attached to a battery storage section in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a battery storage section and a lid section of the electronic device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a battery storage section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the AA section of the electronic device shown in FIG. [Figure 7A] 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the mechanical switch in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 when the cover is open. [Figure 7B] 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the mechanical switch in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 when the cover is closed. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a battery stored in a battery storage section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9A] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a card reader module stored in a battery storage section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9B] 1. FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view showing an example of a card reader module stored in the battery storage section of the electronic device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) In recent years, in order to improve usability, there has been a demand for electronic devices that can use a variety of modules, such as modules that read or write data from or to a storage medium.

[0010] On the other hand, electronic devices are required to be smaller, and the space available for installing modules is limited. Therefore, a configuration that allows modules to be attached and detached from electronic devices is being adopted. For example, a method is adopted in which the module is externally connected to the electronic device using a connection cable such as USB.

[0011] However, external connection of the module poses problems in terms of portability, etc. Furthermore, it is difficult to externally connect a module to a waterproof and / or dustproof electronic device.

[0012] For these reasons, there is a demand for detachably storing modules inside electronic devices in order to realize miniaturization of electronic devices and improve usability.

[0013] Therefore, the present inventors have discovered a configuration in which a module for reading or writing data from or to a storage medium can be attached to a battery storage section that stores a battery, and have arrived at the present disclosure.

[0014] An electronic device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing provided with a battery storage section for storing a battery, and the battery storage section is configured to allow attachment of a module for reading or writing data from or to a storage medium.

[0015] Such a configuration can improve usability.

[0016] In the electronic device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the battery storage section is provided with a component attachment / detachment opening for attaching and detaching the battery and the module, the electronic device is equipped with a lid section for opening and closing the component attachment / detachment opening and a mechanical switch for detecting the open / closed state of the lid section, and the storage medium may be a magnetic storage medium.

[0017] With this configuration, the open / closed state of the cover is detected by the mechanical switch, so data can be read or written safely without being affected magnetically by the mechanism that detects the open / closed state of the cover.

[0018] In the electronic device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the mechanical switch includes a sliding member arranged to be slidable in the battery storage section, a lever arranged around the sliding member in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the sliding member, and a protrusion provided on the lid section, and when the lid section is closed, the sliding member may slide by coming into contact with the protrusion and come into contact with the lever.

[0019] With this configuration, the sliding range (stroke length) of the slide member is increased, and the slide member and the lever are in reliable contact with each other.

[0020] In an electronic device of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a peripheral wall that defines the component attachment / detachment opening and a sealing member provided on the lid portion, and the mechanical switch may be arranged inside the peripheral wall, and when the lid portion is closed, the peripheral wall and the sealing member may come into contact to seal the component attachment / detachment opening.

[0021] This configuration can prevent liquids such as water from entering the housing through the component attachment / detachment opening, providing a waterproof effect for the mechanical switch.

[0022] In the electronic device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the cover may be disposed on a side surface of the housing, and the component attachment / detachment opening may be provided on the side surface of the housing.

[0023] This configuration allows the battery or module to be easily attached and detached.

[0024] In the electronic device of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery storage section may include a first terminal connected to the battery and a second terminal located at a position different from the position at which the first terminal is located and connected to the module.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the battery from being connected to the second terminal and the module from being connected to the first terminal.

[0026] In the electronic device of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the module may include a stopper, and the battery storage section may include a recess in which the stopper is stored when the module is attached to the battery storage section.

[0027] This configuration allows the module to be secured to the battery compartment.

[0028] In an electronic device of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing may be provided with an indicator that indicates whether the battery can be attached or detached when the battery is stored in the battery storage section, and the indicator may be arranged on a surface of the housing that includes an input interface.

[0029] This configuration allows the user to easily check whether the battery stored in the battery storage section is detachable or not, and also allows the user to easily check the indicator.

[0030] In the electronic device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the indicator may indicate whether the module is detachable when the module is attached to the battery storage section.

[0031] With this configuration, it is possible to easily check whether the module housed in the battery housing section can be attached or detached.

[0032] In the electronic device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the indicator may include an LED, and indicate whether the attachment or detachment is possible depending on the lighting state of the LED.

[0033] This configuration allows the user to easily check the indicator.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, elements are exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0035] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of the feature. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the X, Y, and Z directions in the drawings indicate the width, depth, and height directions of the electronic device 1, respectively.

[0036] (Embodiment 1) (Overall configuration of electronic device) 1, the electronic device 1 is a notebook-type personal computer (laptop PC). The electronic device 1 includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 each have a thin, box-like outer shell and are rectangular.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are connected via a first hinge unit 7. The first hinge unit 7 rotatably connects the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. The first hinge unit 7 allows the first housing 2 and / or the second housing 3 to rotate, switching the electronic device 1 between an open state and a closed state. The "open state" refers to a state in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are separated, exposing the display unit 4 and the input interfaces 5 and 6. The "closed state" refers to a state in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are disposed opposite each other, the display unit 4 and the input interfaces 5 and 6 face each other, and the display unit 4 and the input interfaces 5 and 6 are not exposed.

[0038] The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are made of a metal material, for example, a magnesium alloy.

[0039] (1st cabinet) The first housing 2 houses a display unit 4. The display unit 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display surface of the display unit 4 is exposed from the first housing 2. The first housing 2 also houses a camera, an antenna, and the like.

[0040] (Second housing) The second housing 3 houses an input interface. The input interface is, for example, a keyboard 5 and a touchpad 6. The input interface is exposed from the surface of the second housing 3. In this specification, the keyboard 5 and the touchpad 6 may be referred to as the input interfaces 5, 6. The second housing 3 also houses circuits such as a CPU and memory.

[0041] In this specification, the surface of the second housing 3 on which the input interface is exposed is also referred to as the top surface 3A of the second housing 3. The surface of the second housing 3 opposite the top surface 3A is also referred to as the bottom surface 3B of the second housing 3. The surface connecting the top surface 3A and the bottom surface 3B is also referred to as the side surface 3C of the second housing 3. In addition, the side of the side surface 3C of the second housing 3 that connects to the first housing 2 is also referred to as the back surface of the second housing 3, and the surface opposite the back surface is also referred to as the front surface of the second housing 3.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the second housing 3 further includes a battery storage section 20 that stores a battery 50. The white arrow along the X direction shown in Fig. 2 indicates the direction in which the battery 50 is removed from the electronic device 1. In this embodiment, when the second housing 3 is viewed from the front, one battery storage section 20 is provided on each of the right and left sides of the side surface 3C, but one battery storage section 20 or three or more battery storage sections 20 may be provided on the side surface 3C of the second housing 3.

[0043] 3, the battery storage section 20 is configured to be able to attach a module 60 that reads or writes data from or to a storage medium. The outline arrow along the X direction shown in FIG. 3 indicates the direction in which the module 60 is removed from the electronic device 1.

[0044] (battery compartment) 4, the battery storage section 20 is defined by the inner wall of the second housing 3. The battery storage section 20 of the second housing 3 is provided with a component attachment / detachment opening 21 for attaching and detaching the battery 50 and the module 60.

[0045] The component attachment / detachment opening 21 is provided on a side surface 3C of the second housing 3. Specifically, of the two battery storage sections 20, the component attachment / detachment opening 21 of one battery storage section 20 is provided on the right side of the side surface 3C when viewed from the front of the second housing 3. The component attachment / detachment opening of the other battery storage section (not shown) is provided on the left side of the side surface 3C when viewed from the front of the second housing 3.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner walls defining the battery compartment 20 include, for example, a first inner wall 22A, a second inner wall 22B, a third inner wall 22C, a fourth inner wall 22D, and a fifth inner wall 22E. The first inner wall 22A is an inner wall close to the top surface 3A of the second housing 3. The third inner wall 22C faces the first inner wall 22A and faces the bottom surface 3B of the second housing 3. The second inner wall 22B is an inner wall close to the front surface of the second housing 3. The fourth inner wall 22D faces the second inner wall 22B and faces the back surface of the second housing 3. The fifth inner wall 22E is the innermost inner wall of the second housing 3 as viewed from the component attachment / detachment opening 21. In this specification, the expression "opposing" two inner walls means that the two inner walls are disposed opposite each other and is not limited to being disposed parallel to each other.

[0047] More specifically, the first to fourth inner walls 22A to 22D each have one end close to the side surface 3C of the second housing 3 and the other end far from the side surface 3C of the second housing 3 in the X direction, and extend in the X direction. The fifth inner wall 22E extends in the Y direction. In the YZ cross section of the battery storage section 20, the first to fourth inner walls 22A to 22D have a substantially rectangular shape.

[0048] The battery storage section 20 may include members other than the inner walls of the second housing 3. Furthermore, the first inner wall 22A to the fifth inner wall 22E are not limited to flat surfaces, and may include steps, irregularities, etc.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the battery storage section 20 has a peripheral wall 24 that defines the component attachment / detachment opening 21. The peripheral wall 24 is provided, for example, at one end in the X direction of each of the first inner wall 22A to the fourth inner wall 22D. The peripheral wall 24 is provided along one end in the X direction of each of the first inner wall 22A to the fourth inner wall 22D. When the battery storage section 20 is viewed from the X direction, the peripheral wall 24 has a substantially rectangular shape. A recess 25 is formed around the peripheral wall 24 on the side surface 3C of the second housing 3. The recess 25 is a groove provided along the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 24 on the side surface 3C of the second housing 3.

[0050] 4, the battery storage section 20 includes a first terminal 26 that is connected to a battery terminal 52 of the battery 50 when the battery 50 is stored in the battery storage section 20. The battery storage section 20 also includes a second terminal 27 that is connected to a module terminal 63 of the module 60 when the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20.

[0051] Different voltages are applied to the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27. Specifically, the rated voltage of the battery 50, for example, a voltage between 5 V and 20 V, is applied to the first terminal 26. The rated voltage of the module 60, for example, a voltage between 4 V and 7 V, is applied to the second terminal 27.

[0052] The first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27 are provided, for example, on the fifth inner wall 22E. The first terminal 26 is provided within an upper range of the fifth inner wall 22E. The first terminal 26 is provided within this range, in a central portion of the fifth inner wall 22E in the Y direction. The second terminal 27 is provided, for example, below the first terminal 26. The second terminal 27 is provided within a lower range of the fifth inner wall 22E. The second terminal 27 is provided within this range, in a central portion of the fifth inner wall 22E in the Y direction.

[0053] 4 and 6, the battery storage section 20 has two protrusions 23A and 23B. When the battery 50 is stored in the battery storage section 20, the two protrusions 23A and 23B are stored in a third recess 54 and a fourth recess 55 of the battery 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, when the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20, the two protrusions 23A and 23B are stored in a sixth recess 65 and a seventh recess 66 of the module 60, which will be described later.

[0054] The two protrusions 23A, 23B are provided on, for example, the third inner wall 22C. The two protrusions 23A, 23B have, for example, a triangular shape in the XZ cross section. The length in the Z direction of the two protrusions 23A, 23B is, for example, equal to or less than half the distance between the first inner wall 22A and the third inner wall 22C, i.e., the length in the Z direction of the battery storage section 20.

[0055] 5, a first recess 28 is provided in the battery storage section 20. A stopper 62 of the module 60, which will be described later, is inserted into the first recess 28 when the module 60 is attached to the battery storage section 20. The first recess 28 is provided, for example, near one end of the second inner wall 22B in the X direction.

[0056] (Lid) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the second housing 3 includes a lid 10 that opens and closes the component attachment / detachment opening 21 of the battery storage section 20. The lid 10 is provided on the side of the second housing 3. By opening the lid 10, the battery 50 and the module 60 can be attached and detached from the battery storage section 20. Furthermore, by closing the lid 10, the inside of the battery storage section 20 can be separated from the outside of the second housing 3.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 10 is connected to the second housing 3 by a second hinge 12, for example.

[0058] A seal member 11 is disposed on the inner surface of the lid 10. Specifically, a rectangular frame-shaped groove is provided on the inner surface of the lid 10, and the seal member 11 is disposed in the groove. The seal member 11 is an elastic material such as rubber. When the lid 10 is closed, the seal member 11 contacts the peripheral wall 24 of the battery storage section 20 to seal the component attachment / detachment opening 21.

[0059] (mechanical switch) The electronic device 1 includes a mechanical switch 30 that detects whether the cover 10 is open or closed. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the mechanical switch 30 includes a protrusion 31, a sliding member 33, and a lever 32 disposed around the sliding member 33. As shown in Figures 5, 7A, and 7B, the protrusion 31 is provided on the inner surface of the cover 10, and the sliding member 33 and lever 32 are provided in the battery compartment 20.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7A, protrusion 31 is provided on the inside of seal member 11 of lid 10. Protrusion 31 is provided in a position that will come into contact with slide member 33 when lid 10 is closed. The length from the inner surface of lid 10 to the tip of protrusion 31 is d. Length d is, for example, 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Protrusion 31 is, for example, cylindrical in shape.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the slide member 33 and the lever 32 are disposed on the first inner wall 22A of the battery storage section 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the first inner wall 22A is provided with a step on which the slide member 33 and the lever 32 are disposed. As shown in FIG. 5, the slide member 33 and the lever 32 are disposed near an indicator 8, which will be described later. The slide member 33 and the lever 32 are disposed on the first inner wall 22A below the indicator 8, for example. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the slide member 33 and the lever 32 are covered by a switch cover 38. The switch cover 38 is fixed to the first inner wall 22A with, for example, screws or the like.

[0062] The sliding member 33 is a member that slides in the X direction. The sliding member 33 slides in the X direction between a position close to the side surface 3C of the second housing 3 shown in FIG. 7A and a position far from the second housing 3 shown in FIG. 7B. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the sliding member 33 has a first end 33A that is close to the side surface 3C of the second housing 3 and a second end 33B that is far from the side surface 3C of the second housing 3. far and a second end 33B. At least a first end 33A of the slide member 33 is exposed from the switch cover 38. The first end 33A of the slide member 33 comes into contact with a protrusion 31 provided on the cover 10 when the cover 10 is closed.

[0063] The slide member 33 further includes a flap 34 extending in a direction intersecting the sliding direction (X direction) of the slide member 33. Specifically, the flap 34 extends in the Y direction from the slide member 33. The flap 34 is provided, for example, at the second end 33B opposite to the first end 33A.

[0064] The slide member 33 includes, for example, a head portion 35 including a first end portion 33A and a main body portion 36 including a second end portion 33B. The head portion 35 is, for example, cylindrical. The main body portion 36 includes, for example, a first leg portion 36A and a second leg portion 36B that branch into two from the main body portion 36. The first leg portion 36A and the second leg portion 36B extend in the X direction. The main body portion 36 further includes, at the second end portion 33B, a connection portion 36C that connects one end of the first leg portion 36A in the Z direction to one end of the second leg portion 36B in the Z direction. A flap 34 is provided at each of the second end portions 33B of the first leg portion 36A and the second leg portion 36B. The flap 34 may be provided on the leg closer to the lever 32, i.e., the second leg 36B in Figures 7A and 7B, and may not be provided on the leg farther from the lever 32, i.e., the first leg 36A in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0065] One end of a first spring 37 is connected to the slide member 33. The first spring 37 is disposed to extend in the X direction. The other end of the first spring 37 is connected to and fixed to a part of the switch cover 38. The other end of the first spring 37 is located farther from the side surface 3C of the second housing 3 than the one end of the first spring 37.

[0066] Specifically, the first spring 37 is connected to, for example, the head portion 35 of the slide member 33. The first spring 37 extends between, for example, the first leg portion 36A and the second leg portion 36B. A portion of the first spring 37 is covered by, for example, the connection portion 36C.

[0067] The lever 32 is disposed around the sliding member 33 in a direction intersecting the sliding direction (X direction) of the sliding member 33. Specifically, the lever 32 is disposed around the sliding member 33 in the Y direction.

[0068] The lever 32 has a contact portion 32A. As the slide member 33 slides, the flap 34 and the contact portion 32A come into contact with or separate from each other, thereby moving the lever 32.

[0069] The lever 32 is, for example, an elongated member having a contact portion 32A at one end. The other end (not shown) of the lever 32 is fixed to the switch cover 38. The contact portion 32A is, for example, in the shape of a substantially triangular prism.

[0070] One end of a second spring (not shown) is connected to the lever 32. One end of the second spring is connected, for example, to the vicinity of the other end of the lever 32. The other end of the second spring is connected to and fixed to the switch cover 38.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the cover 10 is open, the slide member 33 is located in the first slide position. The first slide position is a position where the slide member 33 is not in contact with the lever 32. Specifically, the first slide position is a position close to the side surface 3C. When the slide member 33 is located in the first slide position, the lever 32 is located in the first lever position. The first lever position is a position where the lever 32 is not in contact with the slide member 33. Specifically, the first lever position is a position where the lever 32 is separated from the flap 34 and does not apply force to the second spring.

[0072] When the lid 10 is closed from its open state (the state shown in FIG. 7A), the protrusion 31 comes into contact with the first end 33A of the sliding member 33, as shown in FIG. 7B. The protrusion 31 contacting the first end 33A applies a force to the sliding member 33, causing the sliding member 33 to slide in the X direction. As a result, the force applied to the first spring 37 increases, causing the first spring 37 to contract. Furthermore, as the sliding member 33 slides, the flap 34 comes into contact with the lever 32 and applies a force to the lever 32, moving the lever 32 from the first lever position. The force applied by the flap 34 to the lever 32 causes it to rotate within a predetermined angle range around the other end as an axis. As the lever 32 moves, a force is applied to the second spring, causing it to compress.

[0073] When the cover 10 is further closed, the slide member 33 reaches the second slide position. The second slide position is a position moved in the X direction from the first slide position by the length d of the protrusion 31. The second slide position is a position farther from the side surface 3C of the second housing 3. When the slide member 33 reaches the second slide position, the lever 32 reaches the second lever position. The second lever position is a position where the lever 32 has rotated a predetermined angle from the first slide position.

[0074] The distance between the first slide position and the second slide position, that is, the length d of the protrusion 31, is the stroke length of the slide member 33.

[0075] When lid 10 is opened from a closed state (the state shown in FIG. 7B), first, the force applied from protrusion 31 to slide member 33 decreases. As a result, the force applied to first spring 37 decreases, causing first spring 37 to expand. Slide member 33 slides in the X direction due to the biasing force of first spring 37. As slide member 33 moves, the force applied from flap 34 to lever 32 decreases, causing the second spring to expand.

[0076] When the cover 10 is further opened and the protrusion 31 moves away from the slide member 33, the slide member 33 reaches the first slide position due to the biasing force of the first spring 37. The flap 34 also moves away from the lever 32. As a result, the lever 32 reaches the first lever position due to the biasing force of the second spring.

[0077] The control unit (for example, CPU) of the electronic device 1 detects whether the cover 10 is open or closed based on the position of the lever 32.

[0078] The control unit detects that the cover 10 is open when the lever 32 is in the first lever position, and detects that the cover 10 is closed when the lever 32 is in the second lever position.

[0079] The specific open / closed state is detected, for example, by sending a predetermined signal to the control unit when the lever 32 is in the second lever position, and not sending the predetermined signal to the control unit when the lever 32 is in the first lever position.

[0080] (indicator) As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 further includes an indicator 8 that indicates whether the battery 50 stored in the battery storage section 20 can be attached or detached. An indicator 8 is provided for each battery storage section 20. The indicator 8 is disposed on the top surface 3A of the surface of the second housing 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the indicator 8 is disposed near the mechanical switch 30, for example, on the top surface 3A above the slide member 33 or lever 32.

[0081] The indicator 8 may further indicate whether the module 60 can be attached or detached when the module 60 is housed in the battery housing 20 .

[0082] The indicator 8 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and indicates to the user whether or not hot swapping of the battery 50 and the module 60 is possible depending on the lighting state of the LED. In other words, the indicator 8 changes the lighting state of the LED depending on whether or not hot swapping of the battery 50 and the module 60 is possible. The lighting state of the LED is, for example, a lit LED, a flashing LED, an off LED, a lit or flashing color of the LED, etc.

[0083] When the electronic device 1 detects that the cover 10 is open using the mechanical switch 30 while the battery 50 is stored in the battery storage section 20, it switches the main electrical supply line to the sub-battery or power source. This enables the battery 50 to be attached or detached, i.e., hot swapped. When hot swapping is possible, the indicator 8 notifies the user that hot swapping is possible. As described above, the control unit of the electronic device 1 detects the open / closed state of the cover 10 according to the position of the lever 32, and the indicator 8 indicates whether the battery 50 can be attached or detached according to the detected open / closed state of the cover 10.

[0084] When the electronic device 1 detects that the cover 10 has been opened by the mechanical switch 30 while the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20, it detects whether the module 60 is writing to or reading from the storage medium. If it detects that the module 60 is writing to or reading from the storage medium, the indicator 8 informs the user that hot swapping is not possible. If it detects that the module 60 is not writing to or reading from the storage medium, the indicator 8 informs the user that hot swapping is possible.

[0085] When the indicator 8 includes an LED, the lighting state of the LED changes, for example, as follows. (i) When a battery 50 or module 60 is not stored in the battery storage section 20, and when it is detected that a battery 50 or module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20 and the lid section 10 is closed, the LED is turned off. (ii) When it is detected that the battery 50 or module 60 is stored in the battery storage compartment 20 and the cover 10 is open, but hot swapping of the battery 50 or module 60 is not possible, the LED lights up. For example, the LED lights up in red. (iii) When a battery 50 or a module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20, the open state of the cover 10 is detected, and hot swapping of the battery 50 or the module 60 is possible, the LED lights up in a color different from that in the above (ii). For example, the LED lights up in green.

[0086] In the above example, whether the battery 50 and the module 60 can be hot swapped or not is indicated by the difference in the color of the lit LED, but it may also be indicated by the LED being on or off. For example, the LED may be on (or off) when hot swapping is possible, and may be off (or on) when hot swapping is not possible.

[0087] (battery) As shown in FIG. 6, the battery 50 housed in the battery housing section 20 includes one or more battery cells 51A and a battery case 51B that houses the battery cells 51A.

[0088] 8, the battery 50 includes a battery terminal 52 electrically connected to the first terminal 26 of the battery storage section 20. The battery 50 has a second recess 53 that accommodates the second terminal 27 of the battery storage section 20 when the battery 50 is stored in the battery storage section 20. The battery 50 has a third recess 54 and a fourth recess 55 that accommodate the protrusions 23A and 23B of the battery storage section 20 when the battery 50 is stored in the battery storage section 20.

[0089] Specifically, the battery 50 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape including an upper surface 50A and a lower surface 50B that face each other, a first short side surface 50C and a second short side surface 50D that face each other, and a first long side surface 50E and a second long side surface 50F that face each other. In this specification, the term "opposing" two surfaces means that the two surfaces are disposed facing each other, and is not limited to being disposed parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper surface 50A, the lower surface 50B, the first short side surface 50C, the second short side surface 50D, the first long side surface 50E, and the second long side surface 50F are not limited to being flat surfaces, and may include steps, irregularities, etc.

[0090] The battery 50 is stored in the battery storage section 20 so that the first short side surface 50C is exposed to the component attachment / detachment opening 21.

[0091] The battery terminal 52 is provided on the second short side surface 50D. The battery terminal 52 is provided within an area above the second short side surface 50D. The battery terminal 52 is provided within this area, in a central portion in the width direction of the second short side surface 50D. The width direction of the second short side surface 50D refers to the direction from the end of the second short side surface 50D that connects to the first long side surface 50E toward the end that connects to the second long side surface 50F (or the direction opposite to this direction).

[0092] The second recess 53 is provided in the second short side surface 50D. The second recess 53 is provided within a range below the second short side surface 50D. The second recess 53 is provided within this range, in a central portion in the width direction of the second short side surface 50D. The second recess 53 is provided across the second short side surface 50D and the lower surface 50B. In other words, the second recess 53 has openings in the second short side surface 50D and the lower surface 50B.

[0093] The third recess 54 and the fourth recess 55 are provided in the second short side surface 50D. The third recess 54 and the fourth recess 55 are provided below the second short side surface 50D. The third recess 54 and the fourth recess 55 are provided on the second short side surface 50D, sandwiching the second recess 53 therebetween. The third recess 54 is provided across the second short side surface 50D, the bottom surface 50B, and the first long side surface 50E. That is, the third recess 54 has openings in the second short side surface 50D, the bottom surface 50B, and the first long side surface 50E. The fourth recess 55 is provided across the second short side surface 50D, the bottom surface 50B, and the second long side surface 50F. That is, it has openings in the second short side surface 50D, the bottom surface 50B, and the second long side surface 50F.

[0094] (module) The module 60 housed in the battery storage section 20 reads and writes data from and to a storage medium. The storage medium is a magnetic storage medium. For example, the storage medium is an IC contact card with a magnetic stripe. The module 60 includes a reader 61A and a reader module package 61B that houses the reader 61A. The reader 61A has a storage medium insertion port 67. The storage medium insertion port 67 is exposed from the reader module package 61B. In other words, the storage medium insertion port 67 is exposed on the surface of the module 60. The module 60 also includes a stopper 62. The stopper 62 secures the module 60 in the battery storage section 20 when the module 60 is housed in the battery storage section 20.

[0095] 9A and 9B, the module 60 includes a module terminal 63 electrically connected to the second terminal 27 of the battery storage section 20. The module 60 has a fifth recess 64 that accommodates the first terminal 26 of the battery storage section 20 when the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20. The module 60 has a sixth recess 65 and a seventh recess 66 that accommodate the protrusions 23A and 23B of the battery storage section 20 when the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20.

[0096] Specifically, module 60 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape including an upper surface 60A and a lower surface 60B facing each other, a first short side surface 60C and a second short side surface 60D facing each other, and a first long side surface 60E and a second long side surface 60F facing each other. Top surface 60A, bottom surface 60B, first short side surface 60C, second short side surface 60D, first long side surface 60E, and second long side surface 60F are not limited to being flat surfaces, and may include steps, irregularities, etc.

[0097] The module 60 is housed in the battery storage section 20 so that the first short side surface 60C is exposed to the component attachment / detachment opening 21.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 9A, the storage medium insertion slot 67 is exposed on the first short side surface 60C of the module 60.

[0099] The stopper 62 is, for example, a member that moves along the surface of the module 60. The stopper 62 moves between a stopper stored position and a stopper protruding position. The stopper stored position is a position where the stopper 62 is stored within the module 60. The stopper protruding position is a position where the stopper 62 protrudes from the surface of the module 60. The stopper 62 is provided, for example, on the first short side surface 60C.

[0100] When the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20 or removed from the battery storage section 20, the stopper 62 is placed in the stopper storage position. When the module 60 is stored in the battery storage section 20, if the stopper 62 is set to the stopper protruding position, the tip 62A is inserted into the first recess 28 of the battery storage section 20 shown in FIG.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 9B, the module terminal 63 is provided on the second short side surface 60D. The module terminal 63 is provided within a range below the second short side surface 60D. The module terminal 63 is provided within this range, in a central portion in the width direction of the second short side surface 60D. The width direction of the second short side surface 60D means the direction from the end of the second short side surface 60D that connects to the first long side surface 60E toward the end that connects to the second long side surface 60F (or the direction opposite to this direction).

[0102] The sixth recess 65 and the seventh recess 66 are provided on the second short side surface 60D. The sixth recess 65 and the seventh recess 66 are provided on the lower side of the second short side surface 60D. The sixth recess 65 and the seventh recess 66 are provided on the second short side surface 60D, sandwiching the module terminal 63 therebetween. The sixth recess 65 is provided across the second short side surface 60D, the bottom surface 60B, and the first long side surface 60E. That is, the sixth recess 65 has openings in the second short side surface 60D, the bottom surface 60B, and the first long side surface 60E. The seventh recess 66 is provided across the second short side surface 60D, the bottom surface 60B, and the second long side surface 60F. That is, the seventh recess 66 has openings in the second short side surface 60D, the bottom surface 60B, and the second long side surface 60F.

[0103] The fifth recess 64 is provided in the second short side surface 60D. The fifth recess 64 is provided within an upper range of the second short side surface 60D. The fifth recess 64 is provided within that range, in a central portion in the width direction of the second short side surface 60D. The fifth recess 64 has an opening in the second short side surface 60D.

[0104] (effect) In the electronic device 1 configured as described above, the battery 50 and the module 60 can be attached to the battery storage section 20. This can improve usability.

[0105] The electronic device 1 configured as described above can read and write data from and to the magnetic storage medium using the module 60, and can detect whether the cover 10 is open or closed using the mechanical switch 30.

[0106] Generally, electronic devices with a battery compartment detect whether the cover is open or closed using a magnetic sensor switch provided on the cover and the battery compartment. The magnetic sensor switch includes, for example, a magnet. When detecting whether the cover is open or closed using such a magnetic sensor switch, there is a problem that the magnetic storage medium is subject to magnetic influence from the magnet of the magnetic sensor switch. Specifically, when inserting or removing a magnetic storage medium into or from a module attached to the battery compartment, the magnetic storage medium passes near the magnet of the magnetic sensor switch. At this time, there is a problem that data stored on the magnetic storage medium may be lost due to the magnetic influence from the magnet.

[0107] However, in the electronic device 1 equipped with the mechanical switch 30 as described above, the magnetic storage medium is not affected by the magnetic influence of the mechanism that detects the open / closed state of the cover 10. As a result, even if the module 60 that reads and writes data from and to the magnetic storage medium is attached to the battery storage section 20, data can be read from and written to the magnetic storage medium without being affected by the magnetic influence of the mechanism that detects the open / closed state of the cover 10.

[0108] In electronic device 1 configured as described above, lever 32 is disposed in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of slide member 33, which allows the stroke length of slide member 33 to be increased. This clearly distinguishes between a state in which slide member 33 is in contact with lever 32 and a state in which slide member 33 is separated from lever 32. In other words, the first lever position and the second lever position of lever 32 are clearly distinguished. As a result, it is possible to prevent electronic device 1 from erroneously detecting the open / closed state of cover 10.

[0109] In the electronic device 1 configured as described above, the mechanical switch 30 is disposed inside the peripheral wall 24 that defines the component attachment / detachment opening 21, and when the lid 10 is closed, the peripheral wall 24 and the sealing member 11 come into contact with each other to seal the component attachment / detachment opening 21. This prevents liquids such as water from flowing into the second housing 3 through the component attachment / detachment opening 21, providing a waterproof effect for the mechanical switch 30.

[0110] In the electronic device 1 configured as described above, the cover 10 and the component attachment / detachment opening 21 are provided on the side surface of the second housing 3. This allows the battery 50 and the module 60 to be easily attached to and detached from the battery storage section 20.

[0111] The electronic device 1 configured as described above includes the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27, which are disposed at different positions and to which different voltages are applied. This prevents the battery 50 from being connected to the second terminal 27 and the module 60 from being connected to the first terminal 26. In other words, it is possible to prevent the battery 50 and the module 60 from being applied with voltages different from their rated voltages.

[0112] In the electronic device 1 configured as described above, when the module 60 is attached to the battery storage section 20, the stopper 62 of the module 60 is of The module 60 is inserted into the first recess 28. This allows the module 60 to be fixed to the battery storage section 20.

[0113] The electronic device 1 configured as described above includes an indicator 8 on the top surface of the second housing 3, which indicates whether the battery 50 can be attached or detached. This allows the user to easily check whether the battery 50 stored in the battery storage section 20 can be attached or detached. Furthermore, this configuration allows the user to easily check the indicator 8.

[0114] The indicator 8 of the electronic device 1 configured as described above indicates whether the module 60 can be attached or detached. This makes it easy to check whether the module 60 housed in the battery housing section 20 can be attached or detached.

[0115] In the electronic device 1 configured as described above, the indicator 8 indicates whether the battery 50 and the module 60 can be attached or detached by turning on or off the LED. This allows the user to easily check the indicator 8.

[0116] The electronic device 1 configured as described above has protrusions 23A and 23B on the battery storage section 20. The battery 50 also has a third recess 54 and a fourth recess 55 on the underside of the second short side surface 50D, and the module 60 has a sixth recess 65 and a seventh recess 66 on the underside of the second short side surface 60D. This prevents the battery 50 and the module 60 from being stored upside down when they are stored in the battery storage section 20. As a result, the battery 50 can be prevented from being connected to the second terminal 27, and the module 60 can be prevented from being connected to the first terminal 26.

[0117] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The present disclosure can improve usability and is therefore applicable to, for example, electronic devices that house batteries internally (such as laptop PCs and tablet PCs). [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 electronic equipment, 2. First enclosure 3 Second enclosure 4 Display section 5 Keyboard 6 Touchpad 7 First hinge part 8 Indicators 10 Lid 11 Sealing material 12 Second hinge part 20 Battery Compartment 21 Parts attachment / detachment opening 22A~22E 1st inner wall~5th inner wall 23A, 23B protrusion 24 Peripheral wall 25 recess 26 1st terminal 27 2nd terminal 28 First recess 30 Mechanical Switch 31 Protrusion 32 Lever 32A contact part 33 Slide member 33A 1st end 33B 2nd end 34 Flap 35 Head 36 Main body 36A 1st leg 36B 2nd leg 36C Connection 37 First Spring 38 Switch cover 50 Battery 50A top 50B Bottom 50C 1st short side 50D 2nd short side 50E 1st long side 50F 2nd long side 51A battery cell 51B Battery Case 52 Battery terminal 53 Second recess 54 Third recess 55 4th recess 60 modules 60A top 60B Bottom 60C 1st short side 60D 2nd short side 60E 1st long side 60F 2nd long side 61A Reader 61B Reader Module Package 62 Stopper 62A Tip 63 Module terminal 64 5th recess 65 6th recess 66 7th Recess 67 Storage Media Slot

Claims

1. a battery storage section that accommodates a battery or a module that reads or writes data from or to a storage medium; a housing provided with the battery storage section; a component attachment / detachment opening for attaching / detaching the battery or the module to / from the battery storage section; a cover portion that opens and closes the component attachment / detachment opening; a mechanical switch for detecting the open / closed state of the lid; a control unit that receives an output from the mechanical switch and detects whether the lid unit is open or closed, The mechanical switch is a slide member slidably disposed in the battery storage section; a lever disposed around the slide member in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the slide member; a protrusion provided on the lid, When the cover is closed, the slide member slides by contacting the protrusion, moving the lever, and outputs a signal to the control unit based on the position of the lever. The storage medium is a magnetic storage medium. electronic equipment.

2. a peripheral wall defining the component attachment / detachment opening; a seal member provided on the lid portion; Furthermore, the mechanical switch is disposed inside the peripheral wall; The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein when the cover is closed, the peripheral wall and the sealing member come into contact with each other, thereby sealing the component attachment / detachment opening.

3. the lid is disposed on a side surface of the housing, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the component attachment / detachment opening is provided on a side surface of the housing.

4. The battery storage section a first terminal connected to the battery; a second terminal that is disposed at a position different from the position at which the first terminal is disposed and that is connected to the module; The electronic device of claim 1 , comprising:

5. the module includes a stopper; The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery storage section includes a recess into which the stopper is inserted when the module is attached to the battery storage section.

6. the housing includes an indicator that indicates whether the battery is detachable when the battery is housed in the battery housing section, The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the indicator is disposed on a surface of the housing that includes an input interface.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6 , wherein the indicator indicates whether the module is detachable when the module is attached to the battery storage section.

8. the indicator includes an LED; The electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the detachable / detachable state is indicated by a lighting state of the LED.

9. the housing includes an indicator that indicates whether the battery is detachable when the battery is housed in the battery housing section, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the indicator indicates whether the battery is detachable or detachable depending on the position of the lever.

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