JP3876845B2

JP3876845B2 - Memory card adapter

Info

Publication number: JP3876845B2
Application number: JP2003074510A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 博久田中; 利弘山本
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-18
Filing date: 2003-03-18
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-18
Also published as: JP2004280718A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、小型メモリカードを一回り大きな大型メモリカード用のソケットに接続するためのメモリカード用アダプタに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、図１１に示すようなＳＤメモリカードやマルチメディアカード（ＭＭＣ）のようなメモリカードＭＣが提供されている。
【０００３】
このメモリカードＭＣは外周形状が矩形状になっており、メモリカードＭＣの後部（挿入側）の裏面側には複数個のＩ／Ｏ接触面（図示せず）が並設されている。またメモリカードＭＣの後部の一方の角を落として切欠部６１を形成するとともに、裏面部の両側部には、表面側の幅よりも裏面側の幅を狭くした段部６２，６２を形成してあり、切欠部６１と段部６２とでメモリカードＭＣを挿抜自在に接続するソケットへの逆差しを防止している。
【０００４】
メモリカードＭＣにおいて切欠部６１を形成した一方の側縁には矩形状に陥没したロック用切欠６３が設けられており、メモリカードＭＣをソケットに接続した際にソケットのロック片がロック用切欠６３と係止することによって、メモリカードＭＣの脱落を防止するようになっている。またメモリカードＭＣにおいて切欠部６１を形成した側と反対側の側面には、ライトプロテクトのスイッチＳＷの摘み６４が露出する凹部６５を設けており、スイッチＳＷの摘み６４の凹部６５内の移動位置によって、ライトプロテクト状態にあるか否かを示すようになっている。
【０００５】
ところで、近年メモリカードＭＣを使用するＰＤＡなどの機器の小型化に伴ってＳＤメモリカードの小型化が望まれており、図１２及び図１３に示すような構造を有しＳＤメモリカードの外形を一回り小さくしたミニＳＤカードＭＳＤが提案されている。
【０００６】
ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤは扁平な略矩形板状であって、ＳＤメモリカードに比べて外形が一回り小さくなっており、後部（挿入側）の一方の角には切欠部５１が形成されている。また、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの後部下面には凹所５２が形成され、この凹所５２には複数（ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの場合は１１個）のＩ／Ｏ接触面５３が並行に配設されている。また、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの挿入側の左右両側縁には上向き段部５４，５４を形成してあり、上記切欠部５１よりも前側（挿入側と反対側）の位置には上面の左右両側縁にロック用凹所５５，５５を形成している。
【０００７】
このようなミニＳＤカードＭＳＤは従来のメモリカードＭＣに比べて外形が一回り小さいので、従来のメモリカードＭＣ用のソケットにミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを接続するためには、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを保持してメモリカードＭＣ用のソケットに接続され、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤとソケットとの間を電気的に接続するメモリカード用アダプタが必要となる。なお、この種のメモリカード用アダプタとしては、例えば特許文献１に示されるようにＰＣカードを装着して、フレキシブルディスクのドライブ装置に接続するためのものが従来より提供されている。
【０００８】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−３４０５号公報（第３頁−第５頁、及び、第２図）
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上述のメモリカード用アダプタにおいては、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのロック用凹所５５，５５に係脱自在に係止するロック爪を設け、ロック爪をロック用凹所５５，５５に係止することでメモリカード用アダプタからミニＳＤカードが不用意に抜き取られることがないようにしている。しかしながら、メモリカード用アダプタのカード挿入口からミニＳＤカードが一部露出しているため、ソケットに接続されているメモリカード用アダプタを抜き取る際にミニＳＤカードの前記露出部位を指でつまんでいた場合に、メモリカード用アダプタがソケットから抜けずにミニＳＤカードのみがメモリカード用アダプタから抜き取られてしまうことがあった。このように機器に設けられているソケットにメモリカード用アダプタが接続された状態でミニＳＤカードのみがメモリカード用アダプタから抜き取られてしまうと機器が動作しなくなったり、あるいは抜き取られたものと異なる別のミニＳＤカードがメモリカード用アダプタに接続されてデータが不用意に書き換えられて必要なデータが消失してしまうといった不具合が発生する虞があった。
【００１０】
本発明は上記事情に鑑みて為されたものであり、その目的は、ソケットに接続された状態からメモリカードのみがアダプタ本体から抜き取られることがないメモリカード用アダプタを提供することにある。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１の発明は、上記目的を達成するために、扁平な略矩形板状であってソケットに挿入される側の端部には一面に複数のＩ／Ｏ接触面が並行に配設されたメモリカードを装着して、前記メモリカードよりも外形が大きい大型メモリカード用の前記ソケットに前記メモリカードを電気的且つ機械的に接続するためのメモリカード用アダプタであって、前記大型メモリカードと縦、横、厚みの各寸法が同じ寸法に形成され、縦方向の一端側には厚み方向の一面に複数の端子片が前記大型メモリカードと同じ端子配列で横方向に並べて配置され、縦方向他端側の側面の略全体に開口するカード挿入口を通してメモリカードが挿抜されるカード収納室を内部に設けた箱状のアダプタ本体と、カード挿入口を通してアダプタ本体の内部に挿入されるメモリカードの複数のＩ／Ｏ接触面にそれぞれ対向配置されて各Ｉ／Ｏ接触面と弾接する複数の接触ばね片と複数の前記端子片とがそれぞれ一体に形成された複数の導電部材とを備え、前記アダプタ本体を、前記大型メモリカードと縦、横、厚みの各寸法が同じ寸法の箱状であって厚み方向の一面に開口し且つ前記カード挿入口に連通する凹所で前記カード収納室が形成されるとともに当該カード収納室に収納されたメモリカードのＩ／Ｏ接触面と対向する形で前記導電部材を支持する樹脂製のハウジングと、前記凹所の内底面に対向する矩形板状の主部を有し当該主部が凹所内底面と略平行になる閉位置とカード挿入口側における前記主部の端部が凹所内底面から離れる向きに傾いた開位置との間でハウジングに対して回動自在に軸支された可動シェルとで構成し、該可動シェルが開位置にあるときはカード挿入口よりカード収納室に挿入されるメモリカードと干渉せず可動シェルが閉位置にあるときに前記カード収納室に収納されているメモリカードのカード挿入口側の端部と干渉してメモリカードのカード挿入口からの引き抜きを規制する規制部を前記ハウジングの凹所内底面におけるカード挿入口側の端部に設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、前記ハウジングを、前記大型メモリカードと縦、横の各寸法が同じ寸法の箱状であって前記ソケットに対する縦方向手前側に前記凹所が設けられ、メモリカードのＩ／Ｏ接触面に対向する前記凹所内底面に前記導電部材を配設してなる樹脂製のベースと、該ベースの前記ソケットに対する縦方向手前側において厚み方向の前記一面に被着される樹脂製のカバーとを結合して構成し、前記ベースのカード挿入口に突出するリブで前記規制部を形成し、前記可動シェルを前記閉位置と開位置との間で回動自在とする軸部を、前記ベースにおけるカード挿入口が開口する端部と導電部材を配設した端部との間に設けるとともに、前記軸部を挿通して軸支する軸受け孔部を、前記ソケットへの挿入方向である縦方向における前記可動シェルの主部両端縁より凹所内底面側へ垂下された脚片に設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項３の発明は、請求項１又は２の発明において、可動シェルの導電部材側の端部と対向する前記凹所内底面に、可動シェルを開位置に回動したときにメモリカードが前記凹所内底面と干渉しないように逃げる逃がし部を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
請求項４の発明は、請求項１又は２又は３の発明において、互いに凹凸嵌合して前記可動シェルを閉位置に固定する固定用突起及び固定用凹部を、可動シェルが閉位置にあるときに可動シェル並びにハウジングの互いに対向する部位に設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１〜４の何れかに記載の発明において、前記閉位置にある可動シェルに対して開位置から閉位置への回動向きにおいて可動シェルと干渉するストッパ部を前記ハウジングに設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
請求項６の発明は、請求項１〜５の何れかの発明において、前記複数の導電部材のうちで接地用の前記コンタクトに接続される導電部材には、前記接触ばね片に代えて少なくとも閉位置にあるときの可動シェルに弾接する弾接片を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
請求項７の発明は、請求項２の発明において、前記軸部の根本部分で軸部を支える支持部を前記ベースに設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１８】
請求項８の発明は、請求項１〜７の何れかの発明において、前記凹所内底面に、前記ハウジングの外から前記カード収納室内に指先を挿入可能な寸法を有する操作孔が設けられたことを特徴とする。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明に係るメモリカード用アダプタの一実施形態を図１〜図１０を参照して詳細に説明する。なお、以下の説明では特に断りが無い場合、図２における矢印ａ−ｂ方向を前後方向、矢印ｃ−ｄ方向を左右方向、矢印ｅ−ｆ方向を奥行き方向として説明を行う。
【００２０】
本実施形態のメモリカード用アダプタＡは、図１２及び図１３に示すミニＳＤカードＭＳＤをＳＤメモリカード用のソケットに接続するために用いられるもので、前面に凹所２ａが設けられ、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのＩ／Ｏ接触面５３に対向する奥側の前面端部に導電部材としての複数本（ミニＳＤカードの場合は例えば９本）のコンタクト４_１〜４_９を配設してなる樹脂製のベース２と、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのＩ／Ｏ接触面５３の裏面を覆うようにベース２の前面に被着される樹脂製のカバー１と、凹所２ａの前面開口の少なくとも一部を閉じる閉位置と前面開口を開く開位置との間でハウジングに対して回動自在に設けられる金属製の可動シェル３と、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤに対するデータの書込許可／書込禁止を切り換えるための操作摘み７とで構成される。カバー１とベース２とは、コンタクト４_１〜４_９と操作摘み７とを間に挟んだ状態で接合され、手前側の側面にはミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを挿入するためのカード挿入口４０が開口し、カード挿入口４０に連通する凹所２ａがミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを収納するカード収納室１０となっている。なお、カバー１とベース２と可動シェル３とで構成されるアダプタ本体はＳＤメモリカードと縦、横、厚みの各寸法が同じ寸法に形成されている。
【００２１】
カバー１は合成樹脂成型品からなり、略矩形板状の主部１ａの奥側端部には一方の角を落として切欠部５ａが形成してある。カバー１の手前側の端部において切欠部５ａを形成した側（右側）の外側縁には鈎形の切欠６ａが設けられ、切欠部５ａを形成した側と反対側（左側）の手前側端部から鈎形の突出片２８が突設され、この突出片２８の外側縁には操作摘み７が露出する切欠部８ａが設けられている。
【００２２】
またカバー１の主部１ａには、図５に示すようにベース２との対向面の後部に平面視の形状が矩形状に形成された複数（本実施形態では９個）の端子片支持台１４が左右方向に並べて並設され、またベース２との対向面の手前側端縁には左右方向に沿って延びるコンタクト受け台１３がベース２側に向かって突設されている。このコンタクト受け台１３には、後述する弾接片２６に対応する部位に切欠溝１３ａが形成されている。またコンタクト受け台１３の左右両側には、後述する可動シェル３の固定片４３，４３に対向する部位に、それぞれ固定片４３，４３と干渉する凹溝からなるストッパ部２７，２７がそれぞれ形成されている。
【００２３】
一方、ベース２は合成樹脂成型品からなり、図３に示すように平面視の形状が略矩形状に形成されており、カバー１の切欠部５ａに対応する角を落として切欠部５ａとともに逆差し防止用切欠５を構成する切欠部５ｂが形成されている。ベース２において切欠部５ｂを形成した一方（右側）の側縁には、カバー１の切欠６ａに対応する部位に切欠６ａとともにロック用切欠６を構成する鈎形に陥没した切欠６ｂが設けられ、切欠部５ｂを形成した側と反対側（左側）の側縁には操作摘み７が露出する切欠部８ｂが設けられている。またベース２の前面には、切欠部８ｂに連通する矩形状の摘み収納凹部３５が形成され、摘み収納凹部３５の後方には手前から奥（図３における上下方向）に向かって延びる凹溝３６が形成されており、凹溝３６底面の奥行き方向（図３における上下方向）における中間部には前方に向かって係止突起３７が突設されている。また、凹所２ａの底面にはミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの挿抜方向（奥行き方向）に沿って凹所２ａの中間部から奥側端部まで延びる幅細の複数本（例えば９本）の溝１６が左右方向に並べて形成され、底面の手前側略中央にはミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを前方へ押し動かす際に指が入り込む長円形の操作孔９が形成してある。さらに、凹所２ａ底面の手前側端部にはカード挿入口４０に突出するリブからなる規制部１１が形成されている。ここで、凹所２ａの中間部から奥側における両端の溝１６の外側には、図３に示すように手前から奥に向かっておよそ２〜３度の角度で後方へ傾斜する傾斜面２０ａを有した逃がし部２０，２０がそれぞれ設けてある。
【００２４】
凹所２ａの左右両側にはそれぞれ幅細の突壁２ｂ，２ｃが前方へ突設され、左側の突壁２ｃの奥側には可動シェル３と当接するＬ字形の支持壁３１が突壁２ｃと連続一体に前方へ突設されるとともに、この支持壁３１の手前側端面には、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの切欠部５１の傾斜面に当接する傾斜面３１ａが形成されている。また、各突壁２ｂ，２ｃの奥側端部にはそれぞれ前方及び内方に向かって開放された凹溝２ｄ，２ｄが設けられ、図３（ｂ）及び（ｄ）に示すように、各凹溝２ｄ，２ｄの底面には、後述するように可動シェル３を回動自在に軸支するための軸部２ｅと、その根本部分で軸部２ｅを支える支持部２ｆとが一体に形成されている。軸部２ｅは凹所２ａ底面に対向する面を円筒面とする半円筒形に形成され、支持部２ｆはベース２の後方から前方（図３（ｂ）における下から上）に向かって突壁２ｂ，２ｃに近づく向きに傾斜する角柱状に形成されており、根本部分を支持部２ｆで支えることにより、後述するように可動シェル３を回動させる際に軸部２ｅが変形したり、破損したりするのを防ぐことができる。
【００２５】
またベース２の奥側部位には、カバー１に設けた端子片支持台１４に対向する部位に、ベース２の表裏を貫通する矩形状の貫通孔１７が左右方向に並べて形成され、各貫通孔１７の前側の端面には貫通孔１７に連通する幅狭の圧入溝１９が形成されており、ベース２の後面における各貫通孔１７の周縁部には、後面側に開放された複数の凹溝３２が形成されている（図５参照）。ここに、貫通孔１７及び端子片支持台１４の配列はＳＤメモリカードの端子配列と同じ配列になっている。
【００２６】
９本のコンタクト４₁〜４₉は、導電性の良好な金属（例えばリン青銅など）のフープ材に抜き加工及び曲げ加工を施すことによって、一体に連結された状態で形成され、前面側から見て９番ピンのコンタクト４₉が右端に配置され、９番ピンのコンタクト４₉の左に１番ピンから８番ピンまでのコンタクト４₁〜４₈が順番に配置されている。
【００２７】
各コンタクト４₁〜４₉は、矩形板状の端子片２１と、端子片２１の前端部略中央から一体に連設される幅狭の固定片２２と、一端部が固定片２２を介して端子片２１に連結された中央片２３と、中央片２３の他端部から後向きに折り曲げられた折曲片２４と、折曲片２４の先端から手前に向かって突出する接触ばね片２５とを連続一体に形成して構成される。各接触ばね片２５の側面視の形状は、図５に示すように中間部が両端部に比べてカバー１側に向かって突出するような形状（例えばへ字状）に形成されている。そして隣接するコンタクト４₁〜４₉の間は中央片２３における固定片２２との連結部位の側方から連続一体に延設されたコ字形の連結片で連結されている。ここで、少なくとも閉位置（後述する）にあるときの可動シェル３に弾接する弾接片２６が接地用のコンタクト４₃に設けてある。この弾接片２６の側面視の形状は、図５に示すようにカバー１側に向かって突出する略Ｌ字形であって、カバー１に対向する先端部分が円弧形に形成されている。
【００２８】
可動シェル３は、金属の薄板に抜き加工及び曲げ加工を施すことにより、図４に示すように矩形板状の主部４１と、主部４１の奥行き方向略中央における左右両端縁より後方へ垂下された脚片４２と、脚片４２よりも奥側（図４（ａ）における上側）における主部４１の周縁より後方へ垂下された壁部４７と、側部４７の後側縁の左右両側部からそれぞれ奥側に向かって突出する固定片４３，４３と、脚片４２よりも手前側（図４（ａ）における下側）における主部４１の左右両端縁より後方へ垂下された略鈎形の腕片４４とが連続一体に形成されてなる。脚片４２はベース２に設けた軸部２ｅ及び支持部２ｆが挿通される軸受け孔４２ａを有した略Ｕ字形に形成され、軸受け孔４２ａの手前側の側縁が後方から前方へ向かって手前に２〜３度傾斜させてある（図４（ｃ）参照）。また、主部４１の左右両側の壁部４７は、手前から奥に向かって前方へ同じく２〜３度傾斜させてある（図４（ｃ）参照）。さらに、腕片４４の手前側の先端部分には左右方向の外側に向かって突出する固定用突起４４ａが設けてある。
【００２９】
またライトプロテクト用の操作摘み７は合成樹脂成型品からなり、略直方体状の操作部７ａと、操作部７ａの一側面の上部から側方に突出する断面Ｔ字形の係止片７ｂとで構成される。操作摘み７は、係止片７ｂの先端から上下に突出する爪７ｃ，７ｃをベース２の凹溝３６内に挿入した状態で摘み収納凹部３５内に配置され、操作部７ａは切欠部８ａ，８ｂ内に露出する。そして操作摘み７は、爪７ｃ，７ｃが凹溝３６内を移動することによって前後方向に移動可能となっており、爪７ｃ，７ｃの前後の側面が係止突起３７と係止することにより、切欠部８ａ，８ｂ内で手前側端又は奥側端の切換位置に保持されるようになっており、操作摘み７の位置によってライトプロテクトの状態にあるか否かが切り換えられる。
【００３０】
而して、端子片２１を貫通孔１７内に挿入するとともに接触ばね片２５を溝１６内に配置するようにして、コンタクト４₁〜４₉を前方からベース２に圧入することにより、各コンタクト４₁〜４₉の固定片２２が圧入溝１９内に圧入されるなどしてベース２に固定される。そして、ベース２の凹溝２ｄに脚片４２を位置合わせして可動シェル３を前方からベース２に押しつけるようにすれば、脚片４２が支持部２ｆの傾斜面に案内されて内側に撓み、やがて軸部２ｅを乗り越えて軸受け孔４２ａに軸部２ｅ及び支持部２ｆが挿通されて可動シェル３がベース２の軸部２ｅに軸支される。このとき、可動シェル３の腕片４４に設けられた固定用突起４４ａがベース２の両突片２ｂ，２ｃの内側面に設けられた固定用凹部２ｇ，２ｇとそれぞれ凹凸嵌合する。その後、ベース２の摘み収納凹部３５内に操作摘み７を組み込み、カバー１をベース２の前方から被せて、カバー１とベース２とを接合することで組立が完了する。なおカバー１とベース２とは、超音波溶着、熱着、接着、かしめなどの適宜の方法を用いて接合すれば良い。
【００３１】
組立完了状態においては、各コンタクト４₁〜４₉の端子片２１がカバー１の端子片支持台１４に当接しており、端子片２１の後端の折曲部は、端子片支持台１４の後面に設けた傾斜面に当接して、ベース２の貫通孔１７の周縁部と端子片支持台１４の傾斜面との間で挟持されている。また可動シェル３は、脚片４２の軸受け孔４２ａにおいてベース２の軸部２ｅに軸支されており、軸受け孔４２ａの手前側の側縁を後方から前方へ向かって手前に２〜３度傾斜させるとともに、主部４１の左右両側の壁部４７を手前から奥に向かって前方へ同じく２〜３度傾斜させてあることから、主部４１がベース２に対して２〜３度傾いた開位置と、主部４１がベース２と略平行となる閉位置との間でカード挿入口４０に対するミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの挿入方向に平行な面内において上記角度の分だけ回動自在となっている。なお、可動シェル３の奥側に突出する固定片４３，４３がカバー１のストッパ部２７，２７に対向する位置に配置されるから、可動シェル３が閉位置にあるときに固定片４３，４３がストッパ部２７，２７に干渉することで可動シェル３が閉位置からさらに先に回動するのを防いでいる。また可動シェル３の奥側の壁部４７にはグランド（ＳＤメモリカードの場合は３番ピンと６番ピン）の一方のコンタクト４₃に設けられた弾接片２６が弾接し、ソケットに装着した際にコンタクト４₃の弾接片２６を介してソケット側のグランドのコンタクトに接続されて可動シェル３が接地されるから、アダプタ本体のシールド性能を向上することができる。
【００３２】
次に、図６〜図９を参照して本実施形態のメモリカード用アダプタにミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを挿着する際の動作を説明する。可動シェル３が図５に示す閉位置にあるときにはベース２に設けた規制部１１によってカード挿入口４０の前後方向の開口寸法がミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの厚み寸法よりも小さくなっているために挿入することができないので、まず、手前側の端部を指で引っ掛けるようにして、可動シェル３を閉位置から図６に示す開位置まで回動させてカード挿入口４０を拡げる必要がある。そして、可動シェル３を開位置に保持した状態で、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを手前と奥及び表裏の各方向を正規な方向に向けてカード挿入口４０からカード収納室１０の内部に挿入すると（図７参照）、カード収納室１０内に並行配設される接触ばね片２５がミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの裏面に設けたＩ／Ｏ接触面５３に摺接して（図８参照）、接触ばね片２５がＩ／Ｏ接触面５３に電気的に接続される。さらにミニＳＤカードＭＳＤをカード収納室１０の内部に挿入すると、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの切欠部５１が支持壁３１の傾斜面３１ａに当接してミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのそれ以上の挿入が規制される。また、このときにはミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの裏面におけるＩ／Ｏ接触面５３が設けられた凹所５２の左右外側の部位をベース２の凹所２ａ底面に設けられた逃がし部２０で逃がすことにより、可動シェル３の回動範囲を拡げてミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを挿抜する際の作業性を向上させている。
【００３３】
この状態で可動シェル３を開位置から閉位置に回動させれば、図９に示すようにミニＳＤカードＭＳＤがカード収納室１０内に収まるとともに、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの手前側の端部がベース２に設けた規制部１１に当たってミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのカード挿入口４０からの引き抜きが規制される。また閉位置においては、可動シェル３の腕片４４に設けられた固定用突起４４ａがベース２の両突片２ｂ，２ｃの内側面に設けられた固定用凹部２ｇ，２ｇとそれぞれ凹凸嵌合して可動シェル３がハウジングに固定されるため、可動シェル３が閉位置から開位置に不用意に回動するのを防ぐことができる。ここで、可動シェル３の回動支点（軸部２ｅ）を、ベース２におけるカード挿入口４０が開口する手前側の端部とコンタクト４₁〜４₉を配設した奥側の端部との間に設けているため、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのＩ／Ｏ接触面５３がコンタクト４₁〜４₉から受ける接圧力が可動シェル３を開位置から閉位置に回動させる力の向きに一致するため、このことからも可動シェル３が閉位置から開位置に不用意に回動するのを防いでいる。
【００３４】
一方、メモリカード用アダプタに挿着されたミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを取り外す際には、図１０に示すように操作孔９からカード収納室１０内に指先Ｆ等を挿入してミニＳＤカードＭＳＤを前方へ押すと、固定用突起４４ａと固定用凹部２ｇ，２ｇの凹凸嵌合が解除され、可動シェル３がミニＳＤカードＭＳＤとともに閉位置から開位置に回動するから、規制部１１による規制がなくなって、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤをカード挿入口４０を通してメモリカード用アダプタから容易に取り外すことができる。
【００３５】
上述のように本実施形態では、可動シェル３を開位置から閉位置に回動させてミニＳＤカードＭＳＤがカード収納室１０内に収まると、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤの手前側の端部がベース２に設けた規制部１１に当たってミニＳＤカードＭＳＤのカード挿入口４０からの引き抜きが規制されるため、本アダプタをソケットに接続した状態でミニＳＤカードＭＳＤが不用意にアダプタ本体から抜き取られてしまうことがなく、ミニＳＤカードＭＳＤがアダプタ本体から不用意に抜けてミニＳＤカードＭＳＤに記憶されたデータが消失するといった不具合の発生を防ぐことができる。
【００３６】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の発明は、扁平な略矩形板状であってソケットに挿入される側の端部には一面に複数のＩ／Ｏ接触面が並行に配設されたメモリカードを装着して、前記メモリカードよりも外形が大きい大型メモリカード用の前記ソケットに前記メモリカードを電気的且つ機械的に接続するためのメモリカード用アダプタであって、前記大型メモリカードと縦、横、厚みの各寸法が同じ寸法に形成され、縦方向の一端側には厚み方向の一面に複数の端子片が前記大型メモリカードと同じ端子配列で横方向に並べて配置され、縦方向他端側の側面の略全体に開口するカード挿入口を通してメモリカードが挿抜されるカード収納室を内部に設けた箱状のアダプタ本体と、カード挿入口を通してアダプタ本体の内部に挿入されるメモリカードの複数のＩ／Ｏ接触面にそれぞれ対向配置されて各Ｉ／Ｏ接触面と弾接する複数の接触ばね片と複数の前記端子片とがそれぞれ一体に形成された複数の導電部材とを備え、前記アダプタ本体を、前記大型メモリカードと縦、横、厚みの各寸法が同じ寸法の箱状であって厚み方向の一面に開口し且つ前記カード挿入口に連通する凹所で前記カード収納室が形成されるとともに当該カード収納室に収納されたメモリカードのＩ／Ｏ接触面と対向する形で前記導電部材を支持する樹脂製のハウジングと、前記凹所の内底面に対向する矩形板状の主部を有し当該主部が凹所内底面と略平行になる閉位置とカード挿入口側における前記主部の端部が凹所内底面から離れる向きに傾いた開位置との間でハウジングに対して回動自在に軸支された可動シェルとで構成し、該可動シェルが開位置にあるときはカード挿入口よりカード収納室に挿入されるメモリカードと干渉せず可動シェルが閉位置にあるときに前記カード収納室に収納されているメモリカードのカード挿入口側の端部と干渉してメモリカードのカード挿入口からの引き抜きを規制する規制部を前記ハウジングの凹所内底面におけるカード挿入口側の端部に設けたことを特徴とし、可動シェルを開位置まで回動してカード挿入口を通してメモリカードをアダプタ本体に挿入した後に可動シェルを閉位置まで回動すれば、ハウジングに設けた規制部によってメモリカードのカード挿入口からの引き抜きが規制されるため、本アダプタをソケットに接続した状態でメモリカードが不用意にアダプタ本体から抜き取られてしまうことがなく、メモリカードがアダプタ本体から不用意に抜けてメモリカードに記憶されたデータが消失するといった不具合の発生を防ぐことができる。
【００３７】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、前記ハウジングを、前記大型メモリカードと縦、横の各寸法が同じ寸法の箱状であって前記ソケットに対する縦方向手前側に前記凹所が設けられ、メモリカードのＩ／Ｏ接触面に対向する前記凹所内底面に前記導電部材を配設してなる樹脂製のベースと、該ベースの前記ソケットに対する縦方向手前側において厚み方向の前記一面に被着される樹脂製のカバーとを結合して構成し、前記ベースのカード挿入口に突出するリブで前記規制部を形成し、前記可動シェルを前記閉位置と開位置との間で回動自在とする軸部を、前記ベースにおけるカード挿入口が開口する端部と導電部材を配設した端部との間に設けるとともに、前記軸部を挿通して軸支する軸受け孔部を、前記ソケットへの挿入方向である縦方向における前記可動シェルの主部両端縁より凹所内底面側へ垂下された脚片に設けたことを特徴とし、メモリカードのＩ／Ｏ接触面が導電部材から受ける接圧力が可動シェルを開位置から閉位置に回動させる力の向きに一致するため、可動シェルが閉位置から開位置に不用意に回動するのを防ぐことができる。
【００３８】
請求項３の発明は、請求項１又は２の発明において、可動シェルの導電部材側の端部と対向する前記凹所内底面に、可動シェルを開位置に回動したときにメモリカードが前記凹所内底面と干渉しないように逃げる逃がし部を設けたことを特徴とし、可動シェルの回動範囲を拡げてメモリカードを挿抜する際の作業性が向上する。
【００３９】
請求項４の発明は、請求項１又は２又は３の発明において、互いに凹凸嵌合して前記可動シェルを閉位置に固定する固定用突起及び固定用凹部を、可動シェルが閉位置にあるときに可動シェル並びにハウジングの互いに対向する部位に設けたことを特徴とし、閉位置においては固定用突起と固定用凹部が凹凸嵌合して可動シェルがハウジングに固定されるため、可動シェルが閉位置から開位置に不用意に回動するのを防ぐことができる。
【００４０】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１〜４の何れかに記載の発明において、前記閉位置にある可動シェルに対して開位置から閉位置への回動向きにおいて可動シェルと干渉するストッパ部を前記ハウジングに設けたことを特徴とし、可動シェルが閉位置からさらに先に回動するのを防ぐことができる。
【００４１】
請求項６の発明は、請求項１〜５の何れかの発明において、前記複数の導電部材のうちで接地用の前記コンタクトに接続される導電部材には、前記接触ばね片に代えて少なくとも閉位置にあるときの可動シェルに弾接する弾接片を設けたことを特徴とし、可動シェルを金属板のような導電性部材で形成した場合に弾接片を通じて接地用の導電部材と導通させることができる。
【００４２】
請求項７の発明は、請求項２の発明において、前記軸部の根本部分で軸部を支える支持部を前記ベースに設けたことを特徴とし、支持部で支えることによって軸部の変形や破損を防ぐことができる。
【００４３】
請求項８の発明は、請求項１〜７の何れかの発明において、前記凹所内底面に、前記ハウジングの外から前記カード収納室内に指先を挿入可能な寸法を有する操作孔が設けられたことを特徴とし、操作孔を通して指先等によりメモリカードに押圧力を加えることで可動シェルを閉位置から開位置に向けて回動させることができてアダプタ本体からメモリカードを抜き取る際の作業性が向上する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施形態の分解斜視図である。
【図２】同上の外観斜視図である。
【図３】（ａ）は同上のベースにコンタクトを組み込んだ状態の平面図、（ｂ）は同図（ａ）のＡ−Ａ線断面矢視図、（ｃ）は同図（ａ）のＣ−Ｃ線断面矢視図、（ｄ）は同図（ｂ）の要部断面図である。
【図４】同上における可動シェルを示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は下側面図、（ｃ）は右側面図である。
【図５】同上の断面図である。
【図６】ミニＳＤカードを挿入し始めた状態を示す同上の断面図である。
【図７】ミニＳＤカードを奥に挿入した状態を示す同上の断面図である。
【図８】ミニＳＤカードをさらに奥に挿入した状態を示す同上の断面図である。
【図９】ミニＳＤカードを挿着した状態を示す同上の断面図である。
【図１０】操作孔から挿入した指先でミニＳＤカードを押して可動シェルを閉位置から開位置に回動させた状態を示す断面図である。
【図１１】ＳＤメモリカードの外観斜視図である。
【図１２】本実施形態に装着されるミニＳＤカードを示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は右側から見た側面図、（ｃ）は下面図である。
【図１３】同上のミニＳＤカードを示し、（ａ）は背面図、（ｂ）は上面図である。
【符号の説明】
１カバー
２ベース
３可動シェル
４₁〜４₉ コンタクト
１１規制部
４０カード挿入口４０[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a memory card adapter for connecting a small memory card to a socket for a larger large memory card.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a memory card MC such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card (MMC) as shown in FIG. 11 has been provided.
[0003]
The memory card MC has a rectangular outer peripheral shape, and a plurality of I / O contact surfaces (not shown) are arranged in parallel on the back side of the rear portion (insertion side) of the memory card MC. In addition, a notch 61 is formed by dropping one corner of the rear portion of the memory card MC, and step portions 62 and 62 having a width on the back surface side narrower than a width on the front surface side are formed on both sides of the back surface portion. The notch portion 61 and the stepped portion 62 prevent the memory card MC from being inserted back into the socket that is detachably connected.
[0004]
One side edge of the memory card MC in which the notch 61 is formed is provided with a lock notch 63 that is recessed in a rectangular shape, and when the memory card MC is connected to the socket, the lock piece of the socket is the lock notch 63. And the memory card MC is prevented from falling off. Further, on the side of the memory card MC opposite to the side on which the notch 61 is formed, a recess 65 is provided in which the knob 64 of the write protection switch SW is exposed. Indicates whether or not it is in a write protect state.
[0005]
By the way, in recent years, with the miniaturization of devices such as PDAs using the memory card MC, miniaturization of the SD memory card is desired. The external shape of the SD memory card having the structure shown in FIGS. A mini SD card MSD that is slightly smaller has been proposed.
[0006]
The mini SD card MSD has a flat and substantially rectangular plate shape, and its outer shape is slightly smaller than that of the SD memory card, and a notch 51 is formed at one corner of the rear portion (insertion side). Further, a recess 52 is formed in the lower surface of the rear portion of the mini SD card MSD, and a plurality of (11 in the case of the mini SD card MSD) I / O contact surfaces 53 are arranged in parallel in the recess 52. Yes. Further, upward stepped portions 54, 54 are formed on the left and right side edges on the insertion side of the mini-SD card MSD. Are formed with locking recesses 55, 55.
[0007]
Since such a mini SD card MSD is slightly smaller in outer shape than the conventional memory card MC, in order to connect the mini SD card MSD to the socket for the conventional memory card MC, the mini SD card MSD is held. Therefore, a memory card adapter that is connected to the socket for the memory card MC and electrically connects the mini SD card MSD and the socket is required. As this type of memory card adapter, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-133707, a PC card is mounted and connected to a flexible disk drive device.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-3405 (pages 3 to 5 and FIG. 2)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-mentioned memory card adapter, a lock claw that is detachably engaged with the lock recess 55, 55 of the mini SD card MSD is provided, and the lock claw is engaged with the lock recess 55, 55. This prevents the mini-SD card from being inadvertently removed from the memory card adapter. However, since the mini SD card is partially exposed from the card insertion slot of the memory card adapter, the user has pinched the exposed portion of the mini SD card with a finger when removing the memory card adapter connected to the socket. In some cases, only the mini SD card is removed from the memory card adapter without the memory card adapter being removed from the socket. In this way, if only the mini SD card is removed from the memory card adapter with the memory card adapter connected to the socket provided in the device, the device will not operate or is different from the one that has been removed. There is a risk that another mini-SD card is connected to the memory card adapter and the data is inadvertently rewritten and necessary data is lost.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an adapter for a memory card in which only the memory card is not removed from the adapter main body from the state connected to the socket.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 A flat, substantially rectangular plate having a plurality of I / O contact surfaces arranged in parallel on one end at the end inserted into the socket. For a large memory card that has a memory card and has an outer shape larger than that of the memory card. Above A memory card adapter for electrically and mechanically connecting the memory card to a socket, The large memory card has the same vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions, and a plurality of terminal pieces are arranged in one side of the thickness direction on one end in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction with the same terminal arrangement as the large memory card. It is arranged and opens to substantially the entire side surface on the other end in the vertical direction The memory card is inserted / removed through the card slot. A card storage room is provided inside A box-shaped adapter body; A plurality of contact spring pieces and a plurality of the terminal pieces are arranged to face each of the plurality of I / O contact surfaces of the memory card inserted into the adapter main body through the card insertion slot and are in elastic contact with each I / O contact surface. Each formed integrally A plurality of conductive members, the adapter body, The card storage chamber is formed in a recess having a box shape having the same vertical, horizontal and thickness dimensions as the large memory card, opening in one surface in the thickness direction and communicating with the card insertion slot. The conductive member is supported so as to face the I / O contact surface of the memory card stored in the card storage chamber. A resin housing; A rectangular plate-like main portion facing the inner bottom surface of the recess, the closed position where the main portion is substantially parallel to the inner bottom surface of the recess, and the end of the main portion on the card insertion slot side are separated from the bottom surface of the recess. Leaning in the direction Rotating with respect to the housing between open positions Pivoted A movable shell, and the movable shell When in the open position, the movable shell does not interfere with the memory card inserted into the card storage chamber from the card insertion slot. When in the closed position Stored in the card storage room Memory card End of the card slot A restricting portion that interferes with the memory card and restricts the memory card from being pulled out from the card insertion slot. End on the card insertion slot side in the bottom of the recess It is characterized by being provided in.
[0012]
The invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1, wherein the housing is The large-sized memory card has a box shape with the same vertical and horizontal dimensions, and is on the front side in the vertical direction with respect to the socket. The recess is provided and faces the I / O contact surface of the memory card. Bottom surface in the recess A resin base having the conductive member disposed thereon, The one surface in the thickness direction on the front side in the vertical direction with respect to the socket of the base A resin cover that is attached to the base, and the restriction portion is formed by a rib protruding from the card insertion slot of the base. Between the closed position and the open position. Rotate Shaft Between the end of the base where the card insertion opening is open and the end where the conductive member is disposed. In addition, a bearing hole portion that is supported by being inserted through the shaft portion is provided in a leg piece that is suspended from the both end edges of the main portion of the movable shell in the longitudinal direction, which is the insertion direction into the socket, toward the bottom surface inside the recess. It is characterized by that.
[0013]
The invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 1 or 2, The recess facing the end of the movable shell on the conductive member side Memory card when the movable shell is turned to the open position on the inner bottom So that it does not interfere with the bottom of the recess It is characterized by providing an escape part for escaping.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, or third aspect of the present invention, the fixing protrusion and the fixing recess for fitting the concave and convex portions to fix the movable shell in the closed position are provided. When the movable shell is in the closed position Movable shell and housing Parts facing each other It is characterized by being provided in.
[0015]
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the movable shell according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the movable shell is in the closed position. Movable shell in the rotation direction from the open position to the closed position A stopper portion that interferes with the housing is provided on the housing.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 6 is the conductive member connected to the contact for grounding among the plurality of conductive members according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. In place of the contact spring piece, It is characterized in that at least a resilient contact piece resiliently contacting the movable shell when in the closed position is provided.
[0017]
The invention of claim 7 is claimed in claim 2 In the invention of Above A support part that supports the shaft part at the base part of the shaft part The base It is characterized by being provided in.
[0018]
The invention of claim 8 is the invention of any one of claims 1 to 7, An operation hole having a dimension capable of inserting a fingertip from the outside of the housing into the card storage chamber is provided on the bottom surface of the recess. It is characterized by that.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the arrow ab direction in FIG. 2 will be described as the front-rear direction, the arrow cd direction as the left-right direction, and the arrow ef direction as the depth direction unless otherwise specified.
[0020]
The memory card adapter A of this embodiment is used to connect the mini SD card MSD shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to a socket for an SD memory card, and is provided with a recess 2a on the front surface. A plurality of (for example, nine in the case of a mini-SD card) contacts 4 at the front end on the far side facing the I / O contact surface 53 of the card MSD ₁ ~ 4 ₉ A resin base 2 that is disposed on the front surface of the base 2 so as to cover the back surface of the I / O contact surface 53 of the mini SD card MSD, and the recess 2a. A metal movable shell 3 provided to be rotatable with respect to the housing between a closed position for closing at least a part of the front opening and an open position for opening the front opening, and permission to write data to the mini SD card MSD / And an operation knob 7 for switching write prohibition. Cover 1 and base 2 are contacts 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ And the operation knob 7 are sandwiched between them, a card insertion slot 40 for inserting a mini SD card MSD is opened on the front side surface, and a recess 2a communicating with the card insertion slot 40 is a mini It is a card storage chamber 10 for storing the SD card MSD. Note that the adapter main body composed of the cover 1, the base 2 and the movable shell 3 is formed in the same dimensions as the SD memory card in the vertical, horizontal and thickness dimensions.
[0021]
The cover 1 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and a notch 5a is formed by dropping one corner at the back end of the substantially rectangular plate-shaped main portion 1a. A flange-shaped notch 6a is provided at the outer edge of the front side end of the cover 1 where the cutout portion 5a is formed (right side), and the front side end opposite to the side where the cutout portion 5a is formed (left side) A hook-shaped projecting piece 28 is provided so as to protrude from the portion, and a notch portion 8 a through which the operation knob 7 is exposed is provided on the outer edge of the projecting piece 28.
[0022]
Further, the main portion 1a of the cover 1 has a plurality (9 in this embodiment) of terminal piece support bases formed in a rectangular shape in plan view at the rear of the surface facing the base 2 as shown in FIG. 14 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and a contact cradle 13 extending along the left-right direction is projected toward the base 2 side at the front side edge of the surface facing the base 2. The contact cradle 13 is formed with a notch groove 13a at a portion corresponding to an elastic contact piece 26 described later. Further, on both the left and right sides of the contact cradle 13, stopper portions 27 and 27 each formed of a concave groove that interferes with the fixed pieces 43 and 43 are formed at portions facing the fixed pieces 43 and 43 of the movable shell 3 to be described later. ing.
[0023]
On the other hand, the base 2 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and the shape in plan view is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3, and the corner corresponding to the cutout portion 5a of the cover 1 is dropped and the reverse difference is made together with the cutout portion 5a. A cutout portion 5b constituting the cutout prevention cutout 5 is formed. On one (right side) side edge of the base 2 where the notch portion 5b is formed, a notch 6b is provided in a portion corresponding to the notch 6a of the cover 1 and the notch 6b is formed in a bowl shape that forms the lock notch 6 together with the notch 6a. A notch 8b through which the operation knob 7 is exposed is provided on the side edge on the opposite side (left side) to the side where the notch 5b is formed. Further, a rectangular knob housing recess 35 communicating with the notch 8b is formed on the front surface of the base 2, and a groove 36 extending from the front to the back (vertical direction in FIG. 3) is provided behind the knob housing recess 35. A locking projection 37 projects from the middle of the bottom surface of the groove 36 in the depth direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3). A plurality of narrow grooves 16 (for example, nine) extending from the middle portion of the recess 2a to the back end along the insertion / extraction direction (depth direction) of the mini SD card MSD are formed on the bottom surface of the recess 2a. An oblong operation hole 9 into which a finger enters when the mini-SD card MSD is pushed forward is formed in the approximate center on the near side of the bottom surface. Further, a restricting portion 11 made of a rib protruding from the card insertion slot 40 is formed at the front side end of the bottom surface of the recess 2a. Here, on the outer side of the grooves 16 at both ends on the back side from the middle part of the recess 2a, as shown in FIG. 3, there is an inclined surface 20a inclined backward at an angle of about 2 to 3 degrees from the front to the back. The provided relief parts 20 and 20 are provided, respectively.
[0024]
Narrow projecting walls 2b and 2c project forward from the left and right sides of the recess 2a, respectively, and an L-shaped support wall 31 that abuts the movable shell 3 is disposed on the rear side of the left projecting wall 2c. And an inclined surface 31a that abuts against the inclined surface of the cutout portion 51 of the mini SD card MSD is formed on the front end surface of the support wall 31. In addition, concave grooves 2d and 2d that are open toward the front and inward are provided at the rear end portions of the protruding walls 2b and 2c, respectively, and as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, As will be described later, a shaft portion 2e for pivotally supporting the movable shell 3 and a support portion 2f that supports the shaft portion 2e at its base portion are integrally formed on the bottom surfaces of the concave grooves 2d and 2d. ing. The shaft portion 2e is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with a surface facing the bottom surface of the recess 2a as a cylindrical surface, and the support portion 2f protrudes from the rear of the base 2 to the front (from the bottom to the top in FIG. 3B). 2b, 2c is formed in a prismatic shape that is inclined toward the direction, and the base portion is supported by the support portion 2f, so that the shaft portion 2e is deformed or damaged when the movable shell 3 is rotated as described later. Can be prevented.
[0025]
In addition, rectangular through holes 17 penetrating the front and back of the base 2 are formed side by side in the left and right direction in the portion facing the terminal piece support 14 provided on the cover 1 in the back side portion of the base 2. A narrow press-fitting groove 19 that communicates with the through hole 17 is formed on the front end surface of 17, and a plurality of concave grooves that are open to the rear surface side are formed at the periphery of each through hole 17 on the rear surface of the base 2. 32 is formed (see FIG. 5). Here, the arrangement of the through holes 17 and the terminal piece support 14 is the same as the terminal arrangement of the SD memory card.
[0026]
9 contacts 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ Is formed by connecting and bending a hoop material made of a metal having good conductivity (for example, phosphor bronze), so that it is integrally connected. ₉ Is located at the right end, and contact 4 of pin 9 ₉ Contact 4 from pin 1 to pin 8 on the left ₁ ~ 4 ₈ Are arranged in order.
[0027]
Each contact 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ Are a rectangular plate-shaped terminal piece 21, a narrow fixed piece 22 integrally connected from the front end portion of the terminal piece 21, and one end portion connected to the terminal piece 21 via the fixed piece 22. The central piece 23, a bent piece 24 bent backward from the other end of the central piece 23, and a contact spring piece 25 protruding toward the front from the tip of the bent piece 24 are formed integrally and continuously. Is done. As shown in FIG. 5, each contact spring piece 25 is formed in a shape (for example, a letter-like shape) such that the intermediate portion protrudes toward the cover 1 as compared with both ends. And adjacent contact 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ The middle piece 23 is connected by a U-shaped connecting piece continuously and integrally extending from the side of the connecting portion with the fixed piece 22 in the central piece 23. Here, the elastic contact piece 26 which makes elastic contact with the movable shell 3 at least in the closed position (described later) is the contact 4 for grounding. _Three Is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the shape of the elastic contact piece 26 in a side view is a substantially L-shape projecting toward the cover 1, and a tip portion facing the cover 1 is formed in an arc shape.
[0028]
The movable shell 3 hangs backward from the rectangular plate-shaped main portion 41 and the left and right edges at the approximate center in the depth direction of the main portion 41 by punching and bending a metal thin plate as shown in FIG. Leg piece 42, wall 47 that hangs rearward from the periphery of main part 41 on the back side (upper side in FIG. 4A) from leg piece 42, and both left and right sides of the rear edge of side part 47 Fixing pieces 43, 43 projecting from the respective portions toward the back side, and substantially scissors hung rearward from the left and right edges of the main portion 41 on the front side (lower side in FIG. 4A) of the leg pieces 42 A shaped arm piece 44 is formed continuously and integrally. The leg piece 42 is formed in a substantially U shape having a shaft hole 2e provided in the base 2 and a bearing hole 42a through which the support portion 2f is inserted, and the side edge of the front side of the bearing hole 42a is frontward from the rear to the front. 2 to 3 degrees (see FIG. 4C). Further, the wall portions 47 on both the left and right sides of the main portion 41 are similarly inclined by 2 to 3 degrees forward from the front toward the back (see FIG. 4C). Furthermore, a fixing protrusion 44 a that protrudes outward in the left-right direction is provided on the front end portion of the arm piece 44.
[0029]
The write protect operation knob 7 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped operation portion 7a and a T-shaped locking piece 7b protruding sideways from the upper portion of one side of the operation portion 7a. Is done. The operation knob 7 is disposed in the knob housing recess 35 with the claws 7c and 7c protruding vertically from the tip of the locking piece 7b inserted in the recess groove 36 of the base 2, and the operation section 7a includes the notch 8a, 8b is exposed. The operation knob 7 can be moved in the front-rear direction when the claws 7c, 7c move in the concave groove 36, and the front and rear side surfaces of the claws 7c, 7c are engaged with the engagement protrusions 37, The notch portions 8a and 8b are held at the switching position of the front side end or the back side end, and whether or not they are in the write protect state is switched depending on the position of the operation knob 7.
[0030]
Thus, the terminal piece 21 is inserted into the through-hole 17 and the contact spring piece 25 is arranged in the groove 16 so that the contact 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ Is pressed into the base 2 from the front, so that each contact 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ The fixing piece 22 is fixed to the base 2 by being press-fitted into the press-fitting groove 19. If the leg piece 42 is aligned with the concave groove 2d of the base 2 and the movable shell 3 is pressed against the base 2 from the front, the leg piece 42 is guided by the inclined surface of the support portion 2f and bent inward. Eventually, the shaft 2e and the support 2f are inserted into the bearing hole 42a over the shaft 2e, and the movable shell 3 is pivotally supported by the shaft 2e of the base 2. At this time, the fixing protrusions 44 a provided on the arm pieces 44 of the movable shell 3 are respectively engaged with the fixing recesses 2 g and 2 g provided on the inner side surfaces of the two protruding pieces 2 b and 2 c of the base 2. Thereafter, the operation knob 7 is assembled in the knob housing recess 35 of the base 2, the cover 1 is covered from the front of the base 2, and the cover 1 and the base 2 are joined to complete the assembly. The cover 1 and the base 2 may be joined using an appropriate method such as ultrasonic welding, heat welding, adhesion, or caulking.
[0031]
In the assembled state, each contact 4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ The terminal piece 21 is in contact with the terminal piece support base 14 of the cover 1, and the bent portion of the rear end of the terminal piece 21 is in contact with the inclined surface provided on the rear face of the terminal piece support base 14. Are sandwiched between the peripheral edge portion of the through hole 17 and the inclined surface of the terminal piece support base 14. The movable shell 3 is pivotally supported by the shaft portion 2e of the base 2 in the bearing hole 42a of the leg piece 42, and the side edge of the front side of the bearing hole 42a is inclined by 2 to 3 degrees from the rear to the front. In addition, since the wall portions 47 on the left and right sides of the main portion 41 are similarly inclined to the front from the front to the back by 2 to 3 degrees, the main portion 41 is opened at an angle of 2 to 3 degrees with respect to the base 2. Between the position and the closed position where the main portion 41 is substantially parallel to the base 2, it is freely rotatable by the above angle in a plane parallel to the insertion direction of the mini SD card MSD with respect to the card insertion slot 40. . Since the fixed pieces 43, 43 protruding to the back side of the movable shell 3 are disposed at positions facing the stopper portions 27, 27 of the cover 1, the fixed pieces 43, 43 when the movable shell 3 is in the closed position. Prevents the movable shell 3 from rotating further from the closed position by interfering with the stopper portions 27, 27. In addition, a wall 47 on the back side of the movable shell 3 has one contact 4 of a ground (pin 3 and pin 6 in the case of an SD memory card). _Three When the elastic contact piece 26 provided in the contact is elastically attached to the socket, the contact 4 _Three Since the movable shell 3 is connected to the ground contact on the socket side via the elastic contact piece 26, the shield performance of the adapter body can be improved.
[0032]
Next, the operation when the mini SD card MSD is inserted into the memory card adapter of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. When the movable shell 3 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 5, it is inserted because the opening dimension in the front-rear direction of the card insertion slot 40 is smaller than the thickness dimension of the mini SD card MSD by the restriction portion 11 provided in the base 2. Therefore, it is necessary to first widen the card insertion slot 40 by rotating the movable shell 3 from the closed position to the open position shown in FIG. 6 by hooking the front end with a finger. Then, with the movable shell 3 held in the open position, the mini-SD card MSD is inserted into the card storage chamber 10 from the card insertion slot 40 with the front, back, and front and back directions facing normal directions (see FIG. 7), the contact spring piece 25 arranged in parallel in the card storage chamber 10 is brought into sliding contact with the I / O contact surface 53 provided on the back surface of the mini SD card MSD (see FIG. 8). It is electrically connected to the I / O contact surface 53. Further, when the mini SD card MSD is inserted into the card storage chamber 10, the notch 51 of the mini SD card MSD comes into contact with the inclined surface 31a of the support wall 31, and further insertion of the mini SD card MSD is restricted. Further, at this time, by moving the left and right outer portions of the recess 52 provided with the I / O contact surface 53 on the back surface of the mini SD card MSD with the escape portion 20 provided on the bottom surface of the recess 2a of the base 2, The workability at the time of inserting / removing the mini SD card MSD is improved by expanding the rotation range of the shell 3.
[0033]
If the movable shell 3 is rotated from the open position to the closed position in this state, the mini SD card MSD is housed in the card storage chamber 10 as shown in FIG. Pulling out of the mini SD card MSD from the card insertion slot 40 is restricted by hitting the restricting portion 11 provided on the base 2. In the closed position, the fixing projection 44a provided on the arm piece 44 of the movable shell 3 is engaged with the fixing recesses 2g and 2g provided on the inner side surfaces of the two protruding pieces 2b and 2c of the base 2, respectively. Since the movable shell 3 is fixed to the housing, it is possible to prevent the movable shell 3 from inadvertently rotating from the closed position to the open position. Here, the rotating fulcrum (shaft portion 2 e) of the movable shell 3 is connected to the front end of the base 2 where the card insertion opening 40 opens and the contact 4. ₁ ~ 4 ₉ The I / O contact surface 53 of the mini SD card MSD is contacted with the contact 4. ₁ ~ 4 ₉ Since the contact pressure received from the same position coincides with the direction of the force for rotating the movable shell 3 from the open position to the closed position, this also prevents the movable shell 3 from inadvertently rotating from the closed position to the open position. Yes.
[0034]
On the other hand, when removing the mini SD card MSD inserted in the memory card adapter, the fingertip F or the like is inserted into the card storage chamber 10 from the operation hole 9 as shown in FIG. , The concave / convex fitting between the fixing projection 44a and the fixing recesses 2g, 2g is released, and the movable shell 3 is rotated together with the mini SD card MSD from the closed position to the open position. Thus, the mini SD card MSD can be easily removed from the memory card adapter through the card insertion slot 40.
[0035]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the mini SD card MSD is accommodated in the card storage chamber 10 by rotating the movable shell 3 from the open position to the closed position, the front end of the mini SD card MSD is the base 2. Since the mini SD card MSD is pulled out from the card insertion slot 40 when it hits the restricting portion 11 provided on the card, the mini SD card MSD may be inadvertently pulled out from the adapter body with the adapter connected to the socket. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the mini SD card MSD is carelessly removed from the adapter body and the data stored in the mini SD card MSD is lost.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
The invention of claim 1 A flat, substantially rectangular plate having a plurality of I / O contact surfaces arranged in parallel on one end at the end inserted into the socket. For a large memory card that has a memory card and has an outer shape larger than that of the memory card. Above A memory card adapter for electrically and mechanically connecting the memory card to a socket, The large memory card has the same vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions, and a plurality of terminal pieces are arranged in one side of the thickness direction on one end in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction with the same terminal arrangement as the large memory card. It is arranged and opens to substantially the entire side surface on the other end in the vertical direction The memory card is inserted / removed through the card slot. A card storage room is provided inside A box-shaped adapter body; A plurality of contact spring pieces and a plurality of the terminal pieces are arranged to face each of the plurality of I / O contact surfaces of the memory card inserted into the adapter main body through the card insertion slot and are in elastic contact with each I / O contact surface. Each formed integrally A plurality of conductive members, the adapter body, The card storage chamber is formed in a recess having a box shape having the same vertical, horizontal and thickness dimensions as the large memory card, opening in one surface in the thickness direction and communicating with the card insertion slot. The conductive member is supported so as to face the I / O contact surface of the memory card stored in the card storage chamber. A resin housing; A rectangular plate-like main portion facing the inner bottom surface of the recess, the closed position where the main portion is substantially parallel to the inner bottom surface of the recess, and the end of the main portion on the card insertion slot side are separated from the bottom surface of the recess. Leaning in the direction Rotating with respect to the housing between open positions Pivoted A movable shell, and the movable shell When in the open position, the movable shell does not interfere with the memory card inserted into the card storage chamber from the card insertion slot. When in the closed position Stored in the card storage room Memory card End of the card slot A restricting portion that interferes with the memory card and restricts the memory card from being pulled out from the card insertion slot. End on the card insertion slot side in the bottom of the recess If the movable shell is rotated to the open position, the memory card is inserted into the adapter body through the card insertion slot, and then the movable shell is rotated to the closed position, the memory is controlled by the restriction provided on the housing. Since the card is not pulled out from the card insertion slot, the memory card will not be accidentally pulled out of the adapter body while the adapter is connected to the socket, and the memory card may be accidentally pulled out of the adapter body. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem such as loss of data stored in the memory card.
[0037]
The invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1, wherein the housing is The large-sized memory card has a box shape with the same vertical and horizontal dimensions, and is on the front side in the vertical direction with respect to the socket. The recess is provided and faces the I / O contact surface of the memory card. Bottom surface in the recess A resin base having the conductive member disposed thereon, The one surface in the thickness direction on the front side in the vertical direction with respect to the socket of the base A resin cover that is attached to the base, and the restriction portion is formed by a rib protruding from the card insertion slot of the base. Between the closed position and the open position. Rotate Shaft Between the end of the base where the card insertion opening is open and the end where the conductive member is disposed. In addition, a bearing hole portion that is supported by being inserted through the shaft portion is provided in a leg piece that is suspended from the both end edges of the main portion of the movable shell in the longitudinal direction, which is the insertion direction into the socket, toward the bottom surface inside the recess. Since the contact pressure received from the conductive member on the I / O contact surface of the memory card matches the direction of the force that rotates the movable shell from the open position to the closed position, the movable shell is moved from the closed position to the open position. Inadvertent rotation can be prevented.
[0038]
The invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 1 or 2, The recess facing the end of the movable shell on the conductive member side Memory card when the movable shell is turned to the open position on the inner bottom So that it does not interfere with the bottom of the recess An escape portion is provided to escape, and the workability when inserting and removing the memory card by expanding the rotation range of the movable shell is improved.
[0039]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, or third aspect of the present invention, the fixing protrusion and the fixing recess for fitting the concave and convex portions to fix the movable shell in the closed position are provided. When the movable shell is in the closed position Movable shell and housing Parts facing each other In the closed position, the fixing projection and the fixing recess fit into the recesses and the movable shell is fixed to the housing, so that the movable shell is inadvertently rotated from the closed position to the open position. Can be prevented.
[0040]
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the movable shell according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the movable shell is in the closed position. Movable shell in the rotation direction from the open position to the closed position A stopper portion that interferes with the housing is provided on the housing, and the movable shell can be prevented from rotating further from the closed position.
[0041]
The invention according to claim 6 is the conductive member connected to the contact for grounding among the plurality of conductive members according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. In place of the contact spring piece, It is characterized in that at least a resilient contact piece that elastically contacts the movable shell when in the closed position is provided. When the movable shell is formed of a conductive member such as a metal plate, it is electrically connected to the conductive member for grounding through the resilient contact piece. Can be made.
[0042]
The invention of claim 7 is claimed in claim 2 In the invention of Above A support part that supports the shaft part at the base part of the shaft part The base The shaft portion can be prevented from being deformed or damaged by being supported by the support portion.
[0043]
The invention of claim 8 is the invention of any one of claims 1 to 7, An operation hole having a dimension capable of inserting a fingertip from the outside of the housing into the card storage chamber is provided on the bottom surface of the recess. The movable shell can be rotated from the closed position to the open position by applying a pressing force to the memory card with a fingertip or the like through the operation hole, and the workability when removing the memory card from the adapter body is improved. improves.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the same.
3A is a plan view of a state in which a contact is incorporated in the base, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3A, and FIG. CC sectional view taken on the line, (d) is a sectional view of the main part of FIG.
4A and 4B show the movable shell, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a lower side view, and FIG. 4C is a right side view.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the above.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the above showing a state in which a mini SD card has been inserted.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the mini SD card is inserted in the back.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the same showing a state where the mini SD card is further inserted.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the same showing a state in which a mini SD card is inserted.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a mini SD card is pushed with a fingertip inserted from an operation hole and a movable shell is rotated from a closed position to an open position.
FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an SD memory card.
12A and 12B show a mini SD card mounted in the present embodiment, where FIG. 12A is a front view, FIG. 12B is a side view seen from the right side, and FIG.
FIGS. 13A and 13B show the mini SD card of the same, where FIG. 13A is a rear view and FIG. 13B is a top view.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Cover
2 base
3 Movable shell
4 ₁ ~ 4 ₉ contact
11 Regulatory Department
40 Card insertion slot 40

Claims

A memory card having a flat and substantially rectangular plate shape and having a plurality of I / O contact surfaces arranged in parallel on one side is attached to the end portion on the side to be inserted into the socket. the memory card in the socket for a large memory card to a memory card adapter for electrically and mechanically connected large,
The large memory card has the same vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions, and a plurality of terminal pieces are arranged in one side of the thickness direction on one end in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction with the same terminal arrangement as the large memory card. A box-shaped adapter main body provided with a card storage chamber in which a memory card is inserted and removed through a card insertion opening that is disposed and opened to substantially the entire side surface on the other end in the vertical direction ;
A plurality of contact spring pieces and a plurality of the terminal pieces are arranged to face each of the plurality of I / O contact surfaces of the memory card inserted into the adapter main body through the card insertion slot and are in elastic contact with each I / O contact surface. A plurality of conductive members formed integrally with each other ;
The adapter main body is a box having the same vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions as the large memory card, and is opened in one surface in the thickness direction and is a recess that communicates with the card insertion slot. A resin-made housing that is formed and supports the conductive member so as to face the I / O contact surface of the memory card stored in the card storage chamber, and a rectangular plate-like shape that faces the inner bottom surface of the recess Between the closed position where the main part has the main part is substantially parallel to the bottom surface in the recess and the open position where the end of the main part on the card insertion slot side is inclined away from the bottom surface in the recess. And a movable shell that is pivotally supported by
Card insertion of the movable shell memory card movable shell does not interfere with the memory card is accommodated in the card accommodating chamber when in the closed position to be inserted from the card insertion port into a card compartment when in the open position An adapter for a memory card, characterized in that a restricting portion that interferes with an end on the mouth side and restricts the extraction of the memory card from the card insertion port is provided at the end on the card insertion port side in the bottom surface of the recess of the housing. .

The housing is shaped like a box having the same vertical and horizontal dimensions as the large memory card, and the recess is provided on the front side in the vertical direction with respect to the socket, and faces the I / O contact surface of the memory card. A resin base formed by arranging the conductive member on the inner bottom surface of the recess , and a resin cover attached to the one surface in the thickness direction on the front side of the base with respect to the socket A card portion in the base is provided with a shaft portion configured to form the restricting portion with a rib protruding from the card insertion port of the base, and allowing the movable shell to rotate between the closed position and the open position. There Rutotomoni provided between the end portion which is disposed an end portion and the conductive member having an opening, a bearing hole for rotatably supporting by inserting the shaft portion, wherein in the longitudinal direction which is the direction of insertion into the socket movable Both ends of the main part of the shell Memory card adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that provided in the leg that is more drooping into the recess in the bottom side.

An escape portion is provided on the bottom surface of the recess facing the conductive member side end of the movable shell so that the memory card does not interfere with the bottom surface of the recess when the movable shell is rotated to the open position. 3. The memory card adapter according to claim 1, wherein the memory card adapter is a memory card adapter.

A fixing projection and a fixing recess for fitting the concave and convex portions to fix the movable shell in the closed position are provided at portions of the movable shell and the housing that face each other when the movable shell is in the closed position. The memory card adapter according to claim 1, 2 or 3.

5. The stopper according to claim 1, wherein a stopper portion that interferes with the movable shell in a rotational direction from the open position to the closed position with respect to the movable shell in the closed position is provided in the housing. Memory card adapter.

Of the plurality of conductive members, a conductive member connected to the contact for grounding is provided with an elastic contact piece that elastically contacts the movable shell when in the closed position instead of the contact spring piece. A memory card adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Claim 2 memory card adapter wherein a supporting portion for supporting the shaft in the base portion of the shaft portion provided on the base.

8. The memory card adapter according to claim 1 , wherein an operation hole having a dimension capable of inserting a fingertip from the outside of the housing into the card storage chamber is provided on the bottom surface of the recess. .