Computer system having monitor with detachable module for providing diverse functionality

摘要

A monitor is transformed into a predetermined type of digital computer system by attaching a personality module to the rear thereof. The module contains one or more circuit cards for imparting the desired personality to the system. The monitor includes an internal power supply for providing power to the module. Mating video and power connectors are included at the interface surfaces of the monitor and module for conveying video signals from the module to the monitor and power from the monitor to the module. Apertures at the top of the rear mounting surface of the monitor engage hooks at the top of the mounting surface of the module to form a disengagable hinged interface therebetween. Apertures are included at the bottom of the mating surface of the monitor for engaging rotary latches disposed at the bottom of the module. Each rotary latch comprises a triple-cut lead screw engaged in a nut captured in the module. A locking lever orthogonal to the lead screw imparts locking and unlocking rotation thereto. A latching tab coupled with the lead screw engages the associated aperture at the bottom of the monitor. The module is attached to the monitor by rotating the levers so that the lead screws impart sufficient travel to the latching tabs to pull the mating surfaces of the monitor and module together. Detents maintain the lead screw latches in the locked or unlocked position against axial forces tending to unscrew the lead screws from the nuts.