Electronic apparatus

An electronic apparatus including a connector configured to electrically connect with a terminal of a second electronic device; a first detector configured to detect an electrical connection between the connector and the terminal; a second detector configured to detect physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and circuitry configured to control a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus capable of preventing data from being destroyed when a storage medium is unintentionally pulled out.

In general, a storage-medium drive device is provided inside a slot formed on an electronic apparatus. Further, when a storage medium is inserted into the slot, a connection terminal of the storage medium connects with a terminal electrode of the storage-medium drive device. As a result, the electronic apparatus and the storage medium are capable of sending/receiving information signals. In such a storage-medium drive device, if a storage medium is pulled from a slot when information signals are being written in a storage medium, a memory area of the storage medium may be destroyed. As a result, information written in the storage medium may be lost. Alternatively, the storage medium may not be used after that.

In view of this, there is known an electronic apparatus including a lock mechanism, which is configured to prevent a storage medium from being pulled from a slot when information signals are being written in the storage medium. The lock mechanism is configured to lock a storage medium in a storage-medium drive device, in a state where the storage medium is mounted on the storage-medium drive device. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-334562 describes an electronic apparatus including the following structure. That is, in a state where a storage medium is mounted on a storage-medium drive device, an electromagnetic actuator actuates a lock member such that the lock member engages with an engagement concave portion of the storage medium. As a result, a lock status is established.

SUMMARY

However, the structure, in which a storage medium is mechanically positioned, may cause relative movement between the storage medium and an electronic apparatus within a shape tolerance of the lock member, within a shape tolerance of the engagement concave portion, or within a positional tolerance between the engagement concave portion and the lock member. Because of this, if a position, at which a storage medium is electrically disconnected from an electronic apparatus, is in the tolerance range, information written in the storage medium may be lost. Alternatively, the storage medium may not be used after that.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is desirable to provide an electronic apparatus capable of preventing data from being destroyed when a storage medium is unintentionally pulled out.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is provided An electronic apparatus including a connector configured to electrically connect with a terminal of a second electronic device; a first detector configured to detect an electrical connection between the connector and the terminal; a second detector configured to detect physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and circuitry configured to control a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

The electronic device may further include a main case; and a front panel attached to the main case, wherein the front panel includes a slot in which the second electronic device is inserted. The electronic device may also include an unlock button disposed on the front panel, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the lock structure to be in an unlocked state when an input is received at the unlock button.

The electronic apparatus may further include the lock structure configured to lock or unlock the second electronic device to the connector based on a control signal output by the circuitry. The lock structure may include the lock structure includes an arm member that is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position based on a control signal received from the circuitry.

The first detector may be configured to detect whether electricity is conducted between connector and the terminal. The first detector may also be configured to output a detection signal generated based on whether electricity is conducted between connector and the terminal.

The second detector may include a switch element disposed in the slot and configured to be actuated when the second electronic device is inserted into the slot. The second detector may also be configured to output a detection signal generated based on an actuation status of the switch.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method performed by an electronic apparatus, the method comprising: detecting an electrical connection between a connector of the electronic apparatus and a terminal of a second electronic device; detecting physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and controlling a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer program instructions, which, when executed by an electronic apparatus, cause the electronic apparatus to perform a process comprising: detecting an electrical connection between a connector of the electronic apparatus and a terminal of a second electronic device; detecting physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and controlling a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

As described above, according to the present technology, it is possible to prevent data from being destroyed when a storage medium is unintentionally pulled out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[Entire Structure of Electronic Apparatus]

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing the entire structure of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology.FIG. 2is a front view showing main part of the electronic apparatus. In the drawings, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction show horizontal directions orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis direction shows the vertical direction.

An electronic apparatus1of this embodiment includes a case10and a drive device D (seeFIG. 4). The case10includes an insertion slot11. A storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11. The drive device D is provided inside the case10. The electronic apparatus1functions as a data processing apparatus configured to process data stored in the storage medium M. The electronic apparatus1of this embodiment is connected to an information processing apparatus (not shown), for example. The electronic apparatus1functions as a data transfer apparatus configured to transfer data, which is read from the storage medium M, to the information processing apparatus.

The case10includes a rectangular-parallelepiped main case101and a front panel102. The main case101has a front opening. The front panel102is attached to the front of the main case101. The insertion slot11is formed on the front panel102. An unlock button13(first button) is arranged in the vicinity of the insertion slot11of the front panel102. The unlock button13(first button) is pressed when the storage medium M is to be ejected.

The insertion slot11is a slot having a longitudinal direction in the Y-axis direction. The storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11in the X-axis direction, and is ejected from the insertion slot11. A user presses the unlock button13, and then pulls the storage medium M. As a result, the storage medium M is ejected from the insertion slot11. How to eject the storage medium M from the insertion slot11will be described later in detail. In this case, part of the back end of the storage medium M, which is inserted into the insertion slot11, partially protrudes from the front panel102. Because of this, a user may eject the storage medium M easily.

An emergency button14(second button), a display unit15, and the like are arranged on the front panel102. The display unit15displays various operating statuses of the electronic apparatus1. The emergency button14is pressed when the storage medium M is to be ejected from the insertion slot11, in a state where the electronic apparatus1is powered off. The emergency button14will be described later in detail. The display unit15includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as light sources. The display unit15is configured to blink at predetermined light-emitting patterns to show operating statuses (status, network connection status, and the like) of the electronic apparatus1. Note that the above-mentioned information processing apparatus supplies power to the electronic apparatus1. Alternatively, a button for independently supplying power to the electronic apparatus1may be arranged on the front panel102.

As shown inFIG. 1, the electronic apparatus1is installed such that the longitudinal direction of the front panel102is in parallel with the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the electronic apparatus1may be installed such that the longitudinal direction of the front panel102is in parallel with the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

FIG. 3is a perspective view showing the entire storage medium M.

The storage medium M includes a built-in semiconductor memory having a predetermined capacity (for example, 256 GB). The storage medium M is a plate-like package memory. The storage medium M includes engagement parts M1and a connection terminal M2on its outer surfaces. The storage medium M is used as a removal storage medium for storing materials to be broadcasted, for example. The storage medium M stores image data picked up by an image-pickup camera (not shown).

The engagement parts M1are concaves or grooves, which are formed at predetermined positions on both of the side surfaces of the storage medium M, respectively. In this example, the engagement parts M1are formed on both of the side surfaces of the storage medium. Alternatively, the engagement part M1may be formed on one side surface.

The connection terminal M2includes a plurality of connecting pins. The plurality of connecting pins are formed on an insertion end (end portion) Ma of the storage medium M. The storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11. As a result, the connection terminal M2is electrically connected to the drive device D, which is arranged inside the electronic apparatus1.

Next, the drive device D will be described in detail.

FIG. 4is a structural diagram schematically showing the drive device D of this embodiment. The drive device D includes a terminal electrode20, a lock mechanism30, a controller unit40.

The terminal electrode20is arranged inside the case10. The terminal electrode20is capable of engaging with the connection terminal M2of the storage medium M. The storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11in an X1direction (first direction). The terminal electrode20is electrically connected to a controller41of the controller unit40.

The lock mechanism30prevents the storage medium M, which is inserted into the insertion slot11, from being pulled out unintentionally. That is, the lock mechanism30is configured to, in the state where the connection terminal M2of the storage medium M is connected to the terminal electrode20, prevent the storage medium M from being pulled out by a user from the insertion slot11, in a case where the storage medium M has not received a predetermined unlock operation.

The lock mechanism30includes an arm member. The arm member is capable of moving between a lock position and an unlock position in response to instructions from the controller41. The arm member at the lock position engages with the engagement part M1of the storage medium M. The lock mechanism30restricts the storage medium M from moving in an X2direction, which is opposite to the X1direction.

The controller unit40includes the controller41(controller), a switch element21, a driver42for driving the lock mechanism30, a lock position sensor43a,and an unlock position sensor43b. The controller41controls the driver42in response to outputs from the unlock button13, the lock position sensor43a, and the unlock position sensor43b. The controller41is configured to switch between a lock status and an unlock status of the storage medium M by means of the lock mechanism30mainly based on electric conduction statuses between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M, on open/close statuses of the switch element21, and on input operations into the unlock button13.

Next, the drive device D will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a plan view showing the structure of the drive device D seen in the Z-axis direction.

The drive device D includes a base plate50, the terminal electrode20, and a holder51. The base plate50is made of metal. The base plate50is fixed to the inside of the case10. The terminal electrode20is fixed to the base plate50. The holder51is mounted on the base plate50. The holder51includes a path52inside. The insertion slot11is in communication with the terminal electrode20via the path52. The storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11. The holder51guides the connection terminal M2of the storage medium M to a position, at which the connection terminal M2connects with the terminal electrode20, through the path52.

The interior space (path52) of the holder51functions as an accommodating portion having a width and a thickness slightly larger than the width and the thickness of the storage medium M. The interior space (path52) holds the storage medium M, which is accommodated in the path52and is connected to the terminal electrode20. The holder51includes a pair of side walls51a,51b. The side walls51a,51bface both of the side surfaces of the storage medium M, respectively. The side walls51a,51brestrict the storage medium M in the path52from moving in the width direction (Y-axis direction ofFIG. 5). The terminal electrode20is fixed on the base plate50such that the terminal electrode20faces the connection terminal M2of the storage medium M. The terminal electrode20is mounted on a circuit board53, which is electrically connected to the controller41(FIG. 4).

The lock mechanism30is arranged between the insertion slot11and the terminal electrode20. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism30is mounted on the base plate50, and is arranged outside of the side wall51aof the holder51. The lock mechanism30includes an arm member301and a biasing member302.

The arm member301is capable of moving between a lock position and an unlock position. At the lock position, the arm member301is capable of engaging with the engagement part M1of the storage medium M. At the unlock position, the arm member301does not engage with the engagement part M1. In this embodiment, a supporting shaft A1(rotation shaft) supports the arm member301. The arm member301is configured to freely rotate between the lock position and the unlock position. The biasing member302is a member having elasticity. The biasing member302biases the arm member301toward the lock position. In this embodiment, the biasing member302is a torsion spring.

The driver42includes a cam421, a motor423, and a motor circuit board425. The cam421is capable of engaging with the arm member301. The motor423rotates the cam421in the anticlockwise direction ofFIG. 5. The motor circuit board425is configured to drive the motor423. The cam421is formed on one surface of the gear422, which is supported by a supporting shaft A2. The cam421is capable of engaging with the arm member301in a case where the gear422is at a predetermined rotation position.

The motor423has a rotation shaft. A worm gear424is mounted on the rotation shaft. The worm gear424engages with the gear422. Various circuit components are mounted on the motor circuit board425. The circuit components are electrically connected to the motor423and the controller41(FIG. 4). The circuit components are configured to generate drive signals, which are output to the motor423in response to control signals from the controller41.

FIG. 6andFIG. 7are enlarged views showing the lock mechanism30and the driver42in detail.FIG. 6shows a state where the arm member301is at the unlock position.FIG. 7shows a state where the arm member301is at the lock position.FIG. 8is a side view showing the lock mechanism30and the driver42ofFIG. 7seen in the Y-axis direction.

The arm member301includes a first arm301a, a second arm301b, and a connector301c. The connector301cconnects the first arm301aand the second arm301b.The connector301cis rotatably mounted on the supporting shaft A1. The first arm301arotates around the supporting shaft A1such that the first arm301amoves between a lock position and an unlock position. At the lock position, the first arm301aprotrudes inside the path52through an opening51w, which is formed on the side wall51aof the holder51. At the unlock position, the first arm301ais outside of the path52. The second arm301bextends to a position, at which the second arm301bis capable of engaging with the cam421. The second arm301bengages with the cam421. The cam421rotates in the anticlockwise direction ofFIG. 6. As a result, the second arm301brotates the first arm301avia the connector301c.

One end of the biasing member302engages with an appropriate position on the base plate50. The other end of the biasing member302engages with the first arm301a.As a result, the biasing member302always biases the arm member301toward the lock position. The first arm301aabuts on an end51sof the opening51w, which is formed on the side wall51aof the holder51. Because of this, the protrusion length of the first arm301atoward the path52side is limited.

The gear422is arranged between the second arm301bof the arm member301and the base plate50. The gear422is rotatably mounted on the supporting shaft A2. The cam421is integrally formed on one surface of the gear422. An operation plate430is formed on the other surface of the gear422such that the operation plate430protrudes toward the base plate50side. The operation plate430is capable of operating the lock position sensor43aand the unlock position sensor43b, which are mounted on the motor circuit board425. The operation plate430has the length approximately the same as the radius of the gear422. The operation plate430rotates around the supporting shaft A2together with the gear422.

The lock position sensor43aand the unlock position sensor43bare arranged between the gear422and the base plate50. As shown inFIG. 8, the lock position sensor43aincludes an operation piece Sa, and the unlock position sensor43bincludes an operation piece Sb. The operation pieces Sa, Sb are capable of engaging with the operation plate430of the gear422. The operation plate430engages with the operation pieces Sa, Sb, and thus mechanically presses the operation pieces Sa, Sb. As a result, the operation pieces Sa, Sb are configured to output predetermined signals.

The lock position sensor43aand the unlock position sensor43bare configured to detect rotation positions of the cam421. The lock position sensor43afaces the operation plate430when the gear422is at a rotation position, at which the arm member301is at the lock position (FIG. 7). Meanwhile, the unlock position sensor43bfaces the operation plate430when the gear422is at a rotation position, at which the arm member301is at the unlock position (FIG. 6).

The drive device D further includes a push plate140. The push plate140is arranged outside of the side wall51aof the holder51, and is arranged between the gear422and the base plate50. The push plate140is capable of moving in the X-axis direction along the outer surface of the side wall51a. A front end141(FIG. 6) of the push plate140faces the first arm301aof the arm member301. A back end of the push plate140functions as the emergency button14, which faces the front panel102.

A first holder142is formed on the push plate140. One end of a coil spring144engages with the first holder142. A second holder143is formed on the base plate50. The other end of the coil spring144engages with the second holder143. The coil spring144biases the push plate140toward a standby position (seeFIG. 6). Normally, the push plate140is withdrawn at a position where the front end141of the push plate140does not contact the arm member301(FIG. 6andFIG. 7).

Meanwhile, a predetermined pressure piece P presses the emergency button14. As a result, the push plate140moves against a biasing force of the coil spring144in the X1direction.FIG. 9is an enlarged view showing the lock mechanism30when the emergency button14is pressed. In this case, the front end141of the push plate140presses the first arm301a, which is at the lock position, in the X1direction (seeFIG. 7). As a result, the first arm301amechanically moves from the lock position to the unlock position side.

As described above, the electronic apparatus1of this embodiment is capable of unlocking the lock status of the storage medium M also when the emergency button14is operated. In general, the emergency button14is arranged below the front surface of the front panel102, i.e., inside the apparatus. Because of this, it is possible to prevent the storage medium M from being ejected unintentionally. Further, the emergency button14is configured to be operated by using a relatively fine piece such as a pin. Because of this, the emergency button14is not operated with a finger. As described above, the emergency button14is not used under the normal condition. The emergency button14is used when the apparatus is out of control for any reason and when the normal unlock operation is invalid.

The controller unit40includes a first detection mechanism, a second detection mechanism, and a driver mechanism. The first detection mechanism detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M when the storage medium M is at a first position. An engagement length of engagement between the connection terminal M2and the terminal electrode20in the X1direction is a first engagement length when the storage medium M is at the first position. The second detection mechanism detects that the terminal electrode20mechanically contacts the storage medium M when the storage medium M is at a second position. An engagement length of engagement between the connection terminal M2and the terminal electrode20is a second engagement length when the storage medium M is at the second position. The second engagement length is larger than the first engagement length. The driver mechanism moves the arm member301from the unlock position to the lock position when the first detection mechanism detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M, and when the second detection mechanism detects that the terminal electrode20mechanically contacts the storage medium M. After the controller unit40moves the arm member301to the lock position, the controller unit40reads information from the storage medium M or writes information in the storage medium M (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “data processing”.).

In this embodiment, the first detection mechanism mainly includes the controller41. The second detection mechanism includes the switch element21, an operation piece22, and the controller41. The driver mechanism includes the driver42.

As shown inFIG. 5, the switch element21is mounted on the circuit board53such that the switch element21faces an end Ma of the storage medium M, which is inserted into the insertion slot11, in the X-axis direction. The switch element21is a microswitch. The switch element21is configured to open/close operated by the operation piece22. The operation piece22is arranged between the switch element21and the end portion of the storage medium M.

The operation piece22is arranged between the insertion slot11and the switch element21. The operation piece22operates the switch element21in sync with movement of the storage medium M from the first position to the second position. Because of this, the switch element21is capable of detecting the inserted storage medium M at the second position.

The operation piece22is fixed on an inner-surface side of a top wall of the holder51. The operation piece22is formed by bending a plate spring such that the plate spring has a predetermined shape. The operation piece22includes a fixed end22aand a free end22b.The fixed end22ais fixed on the holder51. The free end22bis capable of elastically deforming when the free end22bcontacts the end Ma of the storage medium M. Two arms22cconnect the fixed end22aand the free end22bsuch that the free end22bis capable of elastically deforming in the X-axis direction.

Each ofFIG. 10andFIG. 11is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the main part of the drive device D. The top wall of the holder51is not shown in each ofFIG. 10andFIG. 11.FIG. 12Ais a schematic diagram showing a relation between the switch element21, which is turned off, and the engagement length of engagement between the terminal electrode20and the connection terminal M2.FIG. 12Bis a schematic diagram showing a relation between the switch element21, which is turned on, and the engagement length of engagement between the terminal electrode20and the connection terminal M2.

The operation piece22is arranged between the end Ma of the storage medium M and the switch element21. As shown inFIG. 12A, the operation piece22includes a first end-strip22b1and a second end-strip22b2. The first end-strip22b1faces the end Ma of the storage medium M. The second end-strip22b2faces the operation piece of the switch element21. The end Ma of the storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11, and presses the first end-strip22b1. As a result, the arms22celastically deforms in an X1-axis direction, and thus the free end22belastically deforms in the X1-axis direction. The second end-strip22b2moves in the X1-axis direction, and thus operates the switch element21(FIG. 11andFIG. 12B).

FIG. 12Ashows the state where the storage medium M is at the first position. InFIG. 12A, the connection terminal M2engages with the terminal electrode20. In this case, the engagement length is a first engagement length F1. When the connection terminal M2engages with the terminal electrode20and the engagement length is the first engagement length F1, an electrode20aof the terminal electrode20contacts the connection terminal M2. The storage medium M electrically connects with the drive device D (electronic apparatus1). The controller41always monitors electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M. The controller41detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M, which is at the first position.

The first engagement length F1may be an engagement length of engagement between the connection terminal M2and the electrode20aat a time when the connection terminal M2starts to contact the electrode20a.Alternatively, the first engagement length F1may be an engagement length of engagement between the connection terminal M2and the terminal electrode20at a time when the connection terminal M2further moves from the contact-start position. When the storage medium M is at the first position, the arm member301does not move to the lock position. Because of this, data is not processed.

FIG. 12Bshows the state where the storage medium M is at the second position. InFIG. 12B, the connection terminal M2engages with the terminal electrode20. In this case, the engagement length is a second engagement length F2. When the connection terminal M2engages with the terminal electrode20and the engagement length is the second engagement length F2, the storage medium M electrically connects with the drive device D (electronic apparatus1), similar to the state where the storage medium M is at the first position. Further, in the state where the storage medium M is at the second position, the end Ma of the storage medium M contacts and presses the free end22bof the operation piece22. As a result, the operation piece22elastically deforms in the X1direction. The free end22bcontacts the switch element21, and turns on the switch element21.

The second engagement length F2has any length as far as the second engagement length F2is larger than the first engagement length F1. For example, the second engagement length F2may be determined in consideration of a stroke length until the switch element21is turned on. Further, the difference between the second engagement length F2and the first engagement length F1may be determined in consideration of, for example, a positional tolerance of the arm member301, which engages with the engagement part M1of the storage medium M. In other words, the positional tolerance of the arm member301is a minute displacement of the storage medium M in the X-axis direction, in a state where the storage medium M engages with the arm member301, and where the storage medium M is restricted from moving.

In this embodiment, the arm member301is capable of engaging with the engagement part M1in a case where the storage medium M is between the first position (FIG. 12A) and the second position (FIG. 12B). According to this structure, in a case where the storage medium M is unintentionally pulled and thus moves from the second position to the first position, the electric conduction between the connection terminal M2and the terminal electrode20may be maintained stably.

The controller41receives a signal, which indicates that the switch element21is turned on. The controller41thus detects that the storage medium M is connected to the terminal electrode20. Then, the controller41controls the driver42to move the arm member301to the lock position. As a result, the arm member301engages with the engagement part M1of the storage medium M. The storage medium M is restricted from moving in the X-axis direction.

The controller41is configured to determine the type of the storage medium M when detecting electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M. The controller41is configured not to move the arm member301to the lock position in a case where the type is an unintended type. Because an unintended storage medium is not locked, the storage medium may be ejected right away without the need of an unlock operation.

Next, how the electronic apparatus1typically works will be described.FIG. 13is a flowchart showing an example of how the electronic apparatus1is operated and an example of how the controller unit40(the controller41) works.

When the electronic apparatus1is powered on, the controller unit40drives the motor423. The motor423rotates the gear422. The gear422moves the arm member301to the unlock position (seeFIG. 6) (Steps ST101,102). The information processing apparatus as a superior apparatus may supply power to the electronic apparatus1. Alternatively, a commercial power source may supply power to the electronic apparatus1via a power cord, which is attached to the electronic apparatus1.

Based on a signal output from the unlock position sensor43b, the controller41detects that the arm member301is at the unlock position. The unlock position sensor43bdetects that the operation plate430of the gear422presses the operation piece Sb. The unlock position sensor43boutputs a signal and supplies the signal to the controller41. In response to the signal output from the unlock position sensor43b, the controller41stops the motor423. As a result, the arm member301may move to the unlock position precisely.

In this manner, a standby status is set. In the standby status, the insertion slot11waits for the storage medium M to be inserted. The electronic apparatus1is usually initialized in this manner, irrespective of an initial position of the arm member301. As a result, the appropriate standby status is established every time the electronic apparatus1is used.

The storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11(Step ST103). Then, as shown inFIG. 10, the connection terminal M2of the storage medium M engages with the terminal electrode20. Then, as shown inFIG. 12A, the engagement length of engagement between the terminal electrode20and the connection terminal M2reaches the first engagement length F1. Then, the controller41detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M (Step ST104).

The storage medium M is further inserted. As a result, the engagement length of engagement between the terminal electrode20and the connection terminal M2reaches the second engagement length F2. As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12B, the operation piece22turns on the switch element21(Step ST105).

The controller41detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M when the storage medium M is at the first position. The controller41detects that the storage medium M mechanically contacts the switch element21when the storage medium M is at the second position. After that, the controller41drives the motor423. The motor423rotates the gear422in the anticlockwise direction. The gear422moves the arm member301to the lock position (seeFIG. 7) (Step ST106). The controller41detects that the arm member301is at the lock position based on a signal output from the lock position sensor43a. The lock position sensor43adetects that the operation plate430of the gear422presses the operation piece Sa. The lock position sensor43aoutputs a signal and supplies the signal to the controller41. In response to the signal output from the lock position sensor43a, the controller41stops the motor423. As a result, the storage medium M is in the lock status. In the lock status, the storage medium M may not be pulled out in the X2direction.

Subsequently, the controller41processes data in the storage medium M (Step ST107). In this embodiment, the controller41processes data as follows. That is, the controller41reads data stored in the storage medium M via the terminal electrode20. The controller41transfers the read data to an information processing apparatus (not shown). Alternatively, the controller41outputs the read data to a display apparatus (not shown). The display apparatus (not shown) reproduces images. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus transfers information to the controller41. The controller41writes the received information in the storage medium M.

After data is processed, the controller41detects that the unlock button13is pressed by a user (Step ST108). Then, the controller41drives the motor423. As shown inFIG. 6, the motor423rotates the gear422around the supporting shaft A2in the anticlockwise direction by a predetermined angle. As a result, the arm member301moves to the unlock position (Step ST109).

In this case, as shown inFIG. 6, the cam421on the gear422engages with the arm member301(specifically, second arm301b). As a result, the arm member301(specifically, first arm301a) moves to the unlock position against a biasing force of the biasing member302. At the unlock position, the arm member301(specifically, first arm301a) is outside of the side wall51a. As a result, the storage medium M is unlocked. The storage medium may be pulled out in the X2direction (Step ST110).

After that, if a storage medium M is inserted into the insertion slot11again, the above-mentioned behaviors are repeated. Further, if the electronic apparatus1is powered off (Step ST111), the drive device D is turned off irrespective of a position of the arm member301.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the controller41detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode20and the storage medium M, which is at one position. The controller41mechanically detects the storage medium M, which is at another position. As a result, even if the storage medium relatively moves between those positions, an electronically-connected status between the storage medium M and the electronic apparatus1may be maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent data stored in a medium from being destroyed even if the medium is unintentionally pulled out.

Further, according to this embodiment, the motor423rotationally drives only in one direction to thereby move the arm member301between the lock position and the unlock position. As a result, the structure may be simplified, and the controller41may perform simple procedures.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the cam moves the arm from the lock position to the unlock position. Alternatively, for example, a directly-operable plunger driven by a solenoid, a ball-screw unit, or the like may directly press the arm. As a result, the arm moves from the lock position to the unlock position.

Further, the lock mechanism30is arranged at one side wall51aof the holder51. Alternatively, the lock mechanism30may be arranged at the other side wall51b.Alternatively, the lock mechanisms30may be arranged at the side walls51a,51b, respectively.

Note that the present technology may employ the following structures.

(1) An electronic apparatus comprising: a connector configured to electrically connect with a terminal of a second electronic device; a first detector configured to detect an electrical connection between the connector and the terminal; a second detector configured to detect physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and circuitry configured to control a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

(2) The electronic device of (1), wherein the second electronic device is a storage medium configured to store data.

(3) The electronic device of any of (1) to (2), wherein the second electronic device includes an engagement surface on an outer surface of the second electronic device, the engagement surface configured to engage with the lock structure.

(4) The electronic device of (1) to (3), further comprising: a main case; and a front panel attached to the main case, wherein the front panel includes a slot in which the second electronic device is inserted.

(5) The electronic device of (4), further comprising: an unlock button disposed on the front panel, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the lock structure to be in an unlocked state when an input is received at the unlock button.

(6) The electronic device of (4) to (5), further comprising: a lock button disposed on the front panel, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the lock structure to be in a locked state when an input is received at the lock button.

(7) The electronic device of (4) to (6), wherein the connector is configured to electrically connect with the terminal of the second electronic device when the second electronic device is disposed within the slot.

(8) The electronic apparatus of (1) to (7), further comprising: the lock structure configured to lock or unlock the second electronic device to the connector based on a control signal output by the circuitry.

(9) The electronic device of (8), wherein the lock structure includes an arm member.

(10) The electronic device of (9), wherein the arm member is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position based on a control signal received from the circuitry.

(11) The electronic device of (10), wherein the arm member, when in the lock position, engages with an engagement portion of the second electronic device and restricts movement of the second electronic device.

(12) The electronic device of (10) to (11), wherein the lock structure includes a driver, wherein the driver is configured to move the arm member between the lock position and the unlock position based on a control signal output by the circuitry.

(13) The electronic device of (1) to (12), wherein the first detector is configured to detect whether electricity is conducted between connector and the terminal.

(14) The electronic device of (13), wherein the first detector is configured to output a detection signal generated based on whether electricity is conducted between connector and the terminal.

(15) The electronic device of (4), wherein the second detector includes a switch element disposed in the slot and configured to be actuated when the second electronic device is inserted into the slot.

(16) The electronic device of (13), wherein the second detector is configured to output a detection signal generated based on an actuation status of the switch.

(17) The electronic device of (1) to (16), further comprising: a display configured to display an operational status of the electronic device.

(18) The electronic device of (4), further comprising: an emergency button disposed on an exterior portion of the main housing, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the lock structure to unlock the second electronic device when an input is received at the emergency button.

(19) A method performed by an electronic apparatus, the method comprising: detecting an electrical connection between a connector of the electronic apparatus and a terminal of a second electronic device; detecting physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and controlling a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

(20) A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer program instructions, which, when executed by an electronic apparatus, cause the electronic apparatus to perform a process comprising: detecting an electrical connection between a connector of the electronic apparatus and a terminal of a second electronic device; detecting physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and controlling a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.

a case including an insertion slot, a storage medium being inserted into the insertion slot in a first direction, the storage medium including a connection terminal and an engagement part on an outer surface;

a terminal electrode arranged inside the insertion slot, the terminal electrode being capable of engaging with the connection terminal;

a lock mechanism arranged between the insertion slot and the terminal electrode, the lock mechanism including an arm member, the arm member being capable of moving between a lock position and an unlock position, the arm member at the lock position engaging with the engagement part to thereby restrict the storage medium from moving in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, the arm member at the unlock position being not engaged with the engagement part; and

a controller unit including a first detection mechanism, a second detection mechanism, and a driver mechanism,the first detection mechanism being configured to detect electric conduction between the terminal electrode and the storage medium when the storage medium is at a first position, an engagement length of engagement between the connection terminal and the terminal electrode in the first direction being a first engagement length when the storage medium is at the first position,the second detection mechanism being configured to detect that the connection terminal mechanically contacts the storage medium when the storage medium is at a second position, an engagement length of engagement between the connection terminal and the terminal electrode being a second engagement length when the storage medium is at the second position, the second engagement length being larger than the first engagement length,the driver mechanism being configured to move the arm member from the unlock position to the lock position when the first detection mechanism detects electric conduction between the terminal electrode and the storage medium, and when the second detection mechanism detects that the connection terminal mechanically contacts the storage medium.

(22) The electronic apparatus according to (21), wherein

the second detection mechanism includesa switch element arranged inside the insertion slot, andan operation piece arranged between the insertion slot and the switch element, the operation piece being configured to operate the switch element in sync with movement of the storage medium from the first position to the second position.

(23) The electronic apparatus according to (21) or (22), wherein

the arm member is capable of engaging with the engagement part in a case where the storage medium locates between the first position and the second position.

(24) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (21) to (23), wherein

the controller unit is configuredto determine a type of the storage medium by means of the first detection mechanism, andto cause the arm member not to move to the lock position in a case where the type is an unintended type.

(25) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (21) to (4), further comprising:

a first button for ejecting the storage medium from the insertion slot in the second direction, the first button being provided on the case, wherein

the controller unit is configured to move the arm member from the lock position to the unlock position in response to an input operation in the first button.

(26) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (21) to (25), further comprising:

a second button provided on the case, the second button being configured to mechanically move the arm member from the lock position to the unlock position when the second button is pressed.