Compact electronic apparatus including individual units each having single function

• US 6,236,796 B1
• Filed: 07/29/1998
• Issued: 05/22/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Original Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Inventors: Iwano, Nobuhiro, Fujimoto, Jun, Tamura, Tetsuya, Terasawa, Tomoya, Tani, Masashi
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, John D.
• Application Number:
  US09/124,066
• Time in Patent Office: 1,028 Days
• Field of Search: 385/134, 385/135, 395/200.53, 395/200.3, 361/600
• US Class Current: 385/135
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements

Abstract

In a compact, electronic apparatus, a plurality of units are provided. Each of the units has a single function and has a functional component secured to a cabinet.

Claims

1. A compact electronic apparatus comprising a plurality of individual units each having a single function and having a functional component removably secured to its own cabinet,

wherein each of said units has at least one of an input connector and an output connector for electric signals, and

wherein said input connector comprises an optical receiver, and said output connector comprises an optical transmitter.

2. The compact electric apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input connector comprises a lens in front of said optical receiver.

3. The compact electric apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said output connector further comprises a flexible arm fixed to said cabinet, for supporting said optical transmitter.

4. The compact electric apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of optical connector cables each connected between said output connector and said input connector.

5. The compact electric apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said optical connector cables comprise optical fibers.

6. A compact electronic apparatus comprising a plurality of individual units each having a single function and having a functional component removably secured to its own cabinet,

wherein each of said units comprises anchor connectors, formed on said cabinet, for rigidly holding said each of said units with another of said units, and

wherein each of said anchor connectors comprises an array of cylindrical projections.

7. A compact electronic apparatus comprising a plurality of individual units each having a single function and having a functional component removably secured to its own cabinet,

wherein each of said units comprises a lid inserted into a slide guide arranged at said cabinet, and an anchor connector, formed on said lid, for rigidly holding said each of said units with another of said units, and

wherein said anchor connector comprises an array of cylindrical projections.