JP2000259780A - Ic card installation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hold a connection state so that data transfer between housing units is possible, to form a device itself to be thin, to miniaturize the housing unit, and to make the performance of the housing unit high even in a case where plural IC cards are installed. SOLUTION: Plural IC card connectors 3 are arranged on a holder 2 so that IC cards 4 overlap each other in respectively obliquely shifted states and can be installed. The connectors are fitted to the holder 2 so that they can turn in the vertical direction to the holder 2. A notch part is formed on the back of the connector for IC card so that a contactor on the face of the installed IC card 4 is exposed. When an IC card installation device 1 is stored in a personal computer 10, the contactor on the face of the IC card 4, which is exposed from the notch part, and an electrode part 5a are brought into contact with each other and they are electrically connected. Thus, the contactor on the face of the IC card and the personal computer 10 are electrically connected. Thus, the IC card installation device can be made thin, thereby contributing to making an external unit miniaturized and have high performance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an I-card capable of mounting a plurality of card-shaped recording media (hereinafter referred to as IC cards).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a C card mounting device, and more particularly, to an IC card mounting device capable of realizing miniaturization and high performance of the device, expanding an application range with an external device, and achieving multi-function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a small IC card called a "smart media card" has been used as a video recording medium such as a digital camera.

This IC card is formed in a card shape, and has an integrated circuit memory (non-volatile memory) built therein. Since it is formed in a card shape and has the advantage of being thin and having a large amount of memo capacity, it is necessary to reduce the size of the electronic device for recording, reproducing, or displaying video data or audio data. This is effective in achieving higher performance. FIG. 8 shows such an IC card.

FIG. 8A shows the contact surface of the IC card 50. On the contact surface of the IC card 50, an on-surface contactor 51 connected to the integrated memory circuit is provided. This on-surface contactor 51 has an I described later.
A plurality of electrode portions 51a, 51a,... Electrically connected to the contacts (contact portions) of the C card connector are arranged.
These electrode portions 51a are insulated from each other in the front in the insertion direction, and are exposed in two stages in parallel.

The arrangement of the electrode portions 51a, 51a... Corresponds to the position of the contact projecting into the insertion path in the IC card connector, and the IC card is completely inserted into the card insertion path. .. Are in contact with the corresponding contacts and are electrically connected. Thus, image data and audio data are exchanged with an external video device or an external audio device via the plurality of electrodes 51a.

As shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), a label 52 is provided on an end of the IC card 50 opposite to the insertion direction via a contact surface and a contacted surface. Can be attached. This label 52 is used for the IC card 5
0, the type of data stored in the IC card 5 can be described.
It is possible to identify the storage information within 0. Note that there are two types of IC cards 50, one operating at 5V power supply voltage shown in FIG. 8A and the other operating at 3.3V power supply voltage shown in FIG. A tapered notch 53 is formed on the left and right sides of the front end so as not to be erroneously inserted into the connector.

Such an IC card is mounted on an IC card connector as described above.

As this IC card connector, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, both sides 61a of an insulating case 61 are raised to have a U-shaped cross section, and the inside of the U-shape is an IC card 50A (this example). An IC card connector 60 is known as a card insertion path 62 into which a 3.3 V power supply voltage operation is inserted.

A large number of conductive contacts 63 are attached to the insulating case 61 in parallel with each other at a predetermined pitch so that the contact portions are exposed in the card insertion path 62. The opening surface of the card insertion path 62 is
a, 61a, and is covered by a metal cover 64 installed between them.

On one side 61a of the insulating case 61,
Groove 6 for accommodating stopper piece 65 made of a strip-shaped metal plate
6 is formed, and the stopper piece 65 has a concave groove 6 at its base end.
It is folded back around a pin 67 in 6 and is rotatably supported by an insulating case 61 about a base end. By attaching the stopper piece 65 in this manner, the IC card 50 in which a portion corresponding to the projecting position of the tip of the stopper piece 65 is cut out by the taper 53 (see FIG. 8).
Only when A is inserted, the IC card 50A can be inserted into the insertion path 62, and the electrode portion 51a and the conductive contact 63 can be electrically connected.

By the way, the above-mentioned IC card connector is a connector for mounting one IC card.
Attention has been paid to an IC card mounting device in which a plurality of C card connectors are provided so that a plurality of IC cards can be mounted. By making it possible to mount a plurality of IC cards, the data recording capacity can be increased accordingly, contributing to higher performance of electronic devices incorporating the same. FIG. 10 shows a conventional IC card mounting apparatus capable of mounting such a plurality of IC cards.

As shown in FIG. 10, there are at least three types of conventional IC card mounting devices.
One is a plurality of ICs as shown in FIG.
This is a vertical insertion type in which the card connectors 60 are arranged side by side on a base, for example, and the IC cards 50 are inserted and mounted from the vertical direction of the respective IC card connectors 60. The other is, as shown in FIG. 10B, a plurality of IC card connectors 60 on a base, for example.
A are laid side by side with each IC card 50
Is inserted horizontally into the IC card connector 60A and mounted. further,
The other is as shown in FIG. 10C, in which the contact surface of the IC card 50 is attached to the IC card connector itself, for example.
The IC card connector 60B has been improved so that it can be mounted and mounted on the card connector 60B.
A plurality of Bs are arranged side by side, and each IC card 50 is mounted in a vertical direction, thereby enabling mounting with each IC card connector 60B.

However, in the above-described horizontal insertion type or mounting type IC card mounting apparatus, since a plurality of IC card connectors are arranged in the horizontal direction, the mounting area is inevitably large, and a plurality of IC card connectors are required. Even if an IC card can be accommodated, the entire mounting device becomes large. In the vertical insertion type, the mounting area can be reduced. However, since the mounting is performed in the vertical direction with respect to the insertion path of the IC card connector, a vertical height enough to accommodate these IC cards is required. This also results from an increase in the size of the device. Further, in this case, since each IC card 50 is vertically mounted, the label 52 becomes invisible, and it is difficult for the user to identify the IC card. Therefore, while the miniaturization of the video / audio data recording / reproducing apparatus has been conventionally required, an IC mounting a plurality of such IC cards has been demanded.
When the card mounting device is mounted, there is a problem that the demand cannot be satisfied and the size cannot be reduced.

[0014]

As described above, in a conventional IC card mounting apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of IC cards, at least three mountings of a vertical insertion type, a horizontal insertion type, and a mounting type are structurally performed. Although there is a method, the horizontal insertion type and the mounting type require a large mounting area with respect to the mounting surface of the IC card, and the vertical insertion type requires a vertical height enough to accommodate the IC card. This is necessary, and as a result, there is a problem in that any type of electronic device incorporating the IC card mounting device is increased in size and cannot be reduced in size.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when a plurality of IC cards are mounted, the connection state is maintained so that data can be exchanged between accommodated devices, and the device itself is formed thin. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an IC card mounting device capable of reducing the size and performance of a housing device.

[0016]

According to the present invention, there is provided an IC card mounting apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of IC cards, which are card-shaped recording media, comprising: a substrate having a line for electrical connection; IC card holding means capable of holding the plurality of IC cards obliquely at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the substrate in a positional relationship such that at least some of the IC cards overlap with each other, and an IC card held by the IC card holding means. A contactor for electrically connecting an electrode to a line of the substrate; and an external connection terminal electrically connected to an electrode of the IC card via the contactor. It is a feature.

According to the present invention, in an IC card mounting device capable of mounting a plurality of IC cards as card-shaped recording media, the substrate has a line for electrical connection,
The IC card holding means can hold the plurality of IC cards obliquely at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the substrate in a positional relationship such that at least a part of the IC cards overlaps. Can reduce the mounting area and accommodation volume, and as a result, the mounting device itself for an IC card can be made thin. Further, the contactor means includes an IC card holding means for holding the IC card holding means.
For electrically connecting the electrode of the C card and the line of the substrate, the holder means has external connection terminal means electrically connected to the electrode of the IC card via the contactor means. Therefore, when the IC card mounting device is housed in an external electric device, the external electric device and the electrodes of the IC card can be electrically connected via the external connection terminal means. As a result, the thickness of the IC card mounting device can be reduced, which contributes to miniaturization and high performance of external devices.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an IC card mounting apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the apparatus and a personal computer when the apparatus is configured for a personal computer. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an IC card mounting device 1 according to the present invention is configured for a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) as an accommodation device, and is provided in a housing of the personal computer 10. It is built in.

The configuration of the IC card mounting apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a holder 2 housed in the housing of the personal computer 10 and a plurality of tilted and rotatable juxtaposedly mounted on the holder 2. IC card connector 3 and ICs mounted on these IC card connectors 3 respectively.
A card (smart media) 4; and a plurality of elastic contactors 5 provided at predetermined positions on the holder 2 for holding the IC connector 3 in an inclined state and for making an electrical connection with the IC card 4. It is composed of

The holder 2 is formed like a tray. The holder 2 is accommodated in the personal computer 10 by sliding while the plurality of IC cards 4 are mounted on the corresponding IC card connectors 3. . This operation method may be either a motor drive type such as a CD drive provided in a normal personal computer 10 or a manual type.

The holder 2 is composed of a holder plate 2a formed of an insulating member and a printed board 2b such as a flexible board laminated on its surface. The upper surface of the printed circuit board 2b is covered with an insulating member, and is formed so as not to be affected by contact with any conductive member.

At the end of the holder 2 on the side of the personal computer 10, there is provided a connecting portion 2c for making an electrical connection by contacting a connecting portion in the personal computer 10. This connection 2
c is electrically connected to the elastic contactor 5 provided at a predetermined position on the holder 2 via the printed board 2b.
When the holder 2 is configured as an adapter type to be mounted in another storage device, a similar connection portion 2c may be provided at the opposite end. The connection between the connection part 2c and the main body of the personal computer 10 is performed when the holder 2 is inserted into the personal computer 10.
The connector into which the connector c is fitted may be provided inside the personal computer 10, or a flexible board is provided in the personal computer 10, and the flexible board is brought into contact with the connection portion 2c so as to be electrically connected. May be configured.

A notch 2d is formed at a predetermined position on one side surface of the holder plate 2a, and the holder 2 is inserted from the insertion opening 11 of the personal computer 10 into the insertion path 11A.
When the slider 13 is slid in the direction, the locking portion 13a of the slider 13 fixed in the personal computer 10 is locked.
In this case, since the slider 13 is urged in the vertical direction by the spring member 14, the locking portion 13a and the notch 2
d can be maintained in a locked state. Note that the holder 2 may be configured to be freely detachable from the personal computer 10.

In this embodiment, in order to reduce the thickness of the IC card mounting apparatus 1 itself and to reduce the size of the electronic equipment to be accommodated, the IC card mounting apparatus 1 can be rotated on the holder 2 in an inclined state. A plurality of IC card connectors 3 are arranged side by side. The inclined state of the IC card connector 3 is maintained at a predetermined angle and is pivotally supported via a rotating shaft 3a so as to be rotatable downward from the inclined state. Note that the rotation shaft 3a may be started to be fully rotatable without being fixed so as to be held at a predetermined angle.

The IC card connector 3 is simply
A connector for inserting a C card, the main part of which is
It is composed of an insulating case 3b. The insulating case 3b is formed of a conductive member, and has a notch formed on the back surface thereof. This notch is used when the IC card 4 is inserted.
The contactor on the contact surface of the IC card 4 is formed so as to be exposed.

On the other hand, the elastic conductor 5 is provided with a plurality of electrode portions 5a arranged in accordance with the arrangement of each electrode of the contactor on the surface of the IC card 4. That is, the IC card 4 is attached to the IC card connector 3 and the personal computer 10
When the holder 2 is slid into the holder 2, the upper surface of the insulating case 3 b of the IC card connector 3 is placed on the upper surface inside the insertion slot 11 of the personal computer 10.
And the IC card connector 3 pivots downward so that the contactor on the surface of each IC card 4 and each electrode of the corresponding elastic contactor 5 are
It comes into contact and is electrically connected.

In this case, since the elastic contactor 5 is composed of a pair of leaf spring members having different heights (lower in the insertion direction and higher in the opposite side), The tilted state of each IC card connector 3 that rotates based on this difference can be held by this difference in height. In addition, since the urging force against the contact surface of the IC card 4 can be obtained by utilizing the elastic characteristics of the elastic contactor 5, the connection between each electrode of the contactor on the surface of the IC card 4 and each electrode of the elastic contactor 5 is achieved. The state can be reliably maintained.

Each electrode portion 5a of the elastic contactor 5 is electrically connected to the printed board 2b of the holder 2 described above. Therefore, the contactor on the surface of the IC card 4 is I
After the C-card connector 3 is mounted, if it is accommodated in the personal computer 10, each electrode 5
a, the printed circuit board 2b, the connection portion 2c of the holder 2 and the connection portion in the personal computer 10 are electrically connected to each other to be in a conductive state, and an image between the personal computer 10 and the personal computer via the signal transmission path thus formed. Data and voice data are exchanged.

Therefore, by adopting such an arrangement structure, even when a plurality of IC cards 4 are mounted, these IC cards 4 can be mounted alternately at a predetermined inclination angle. As a result, the IC card mounting device 1 itself can be made thin. Further, since all of the labels 4a of each IC card 4 can be viewed, the IC card can be identified by the user, and the range of application such as printing on the label 4a can be expanded.

Incidentally, the IC card connector 3 may be constructed in substantially the same manner as the connector described in the prior art. In this case, by configuring each electrode section in the connector to be electrically connected to the printed board 2b, each electrode section 5a provided on the elastic contactor 5 can be made unnecessary.

Next, the operation of the IC card mounting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Now, each of the IC card connectors 3 of the IC card mounting device 1 has a plurality of I
It is assumed that the C card 4 is inserted and housed in the personal computer 10. In this case, the IC cards 4 inserted into the corresponding IC card connectors 3 are each mounted obliquely at a predetermined inclination angle as shown in FIG.
The labels 4a are mounted so that they can be seen from each other. Therefore, at this time, if some kind of recording information is described in advance in each label 4a, the user can easily identify each IC card.

Thereafter, when the mounting of each IC card 4 is completed, the holder 2 is moved by the user's manual operation or the motor drive of the personal computer 10 as shown by the arrow in the figure.
To the insertion path 11A.

Then, when the holder 2 slides along the insertion path 11A of the personal computer 10, the insulating case 3b surface of the IC card holder 3 and the contact of the personal computer 10 are sequentially placed from the IC card holder 3 arranged on the side of the personal computer 10 at the insertion opening 11 side. Contact 12
Contact with the IC card connector 3
Is rotated to the position shown by the dashed line A in the figure via the rotation shaft 3a.

At this time, the contactors on the respective surfaces of the IC card 4 exposed from the back surface of the respective insulating cases 3b are pressed against the contact portions 12 in a downward direction, and the corresponding contact portions of the elastic contactors 5 are respectively formed. And is electrically connected, and this connection state is maintained.

Insertion path 11A of holder 10 for personal computer 10
Is completed, the locking portion 13a of the slider 13 fixed in the personal computer 10 becomes the notch 2d of the holder 2.
, The stored state of the holder 2 is maintained. In this way, the accommodation of the IC card mounting device in the personal computer 10 is completed, and data is transmitted and received between each IC card and the processing circuit inside the personal computer.

When the IC card 4 is ejected, the locking state of the locking portion 13a with respect to the notch 2d of the holder 2 is released by manual operation of the user or driving of the motor of the personal computer 10, and then the holder 2 is driven by the motor or the like. When driven, the slide slides in a direction opposite to the insertion path 11A of the personal computer 10, that is, outside. If the motor is not driven,
The slide of the holder 2 is driven by a tongue structure in which the holder 2 urges in the direction opposite to the insertion path 11A of the personal computer 10.

At this time, when the holder 2 is ejected from the insertion path 11A of the personal computer 10, the contact portion of the personal computer 10 is sequentially started from the IC card connector 3 on the base end side (opposite side of the insertion side) of the holder 2. When the downward urging force of the IC card 12 is released and the IC card 4 is rotated through the rotation shaft 3a, the IC card connectors 3 return to the inclined state at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. It is ready for extraction.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of IC cards are mounted, the above-described I
By employing the arrangement structure of the C card connector, the size of the IC card mounting device 1 itself can be reduced, and the structure of the accommodating device corresponding thereto can be minimized. In addition, since data can be reliably transmitted and received between the plurality of IC cards 4 and the personal computer 10, the performance of the personal computer 10 can be further improved, which contributes to higher performance.

In this embodiment, the case where each IC card connector 3 is rotatably mounted on the holder 2 via a rotating shaft has been described. However, for example, each IC card connector 3 is inclined at a certain inclination angle. 3 is fixedly installed, the electrical connection to the elastic contactor 5 is performed, and the height of the insertion path 11A of the holder 2 is formed so that it can be accommodated with the IC card mounted in accordance with this. good. Even in this case, the mounting device can be made thinner than in the prior art.

By the way, in the present invention, the IC card connector mounting structure is improved so as to have a pop-up function, so that the IC card can be discharged more easily. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the IC card mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
Of each I with the pop-up function
It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the mounting structure and operation | movement of a connector for C cards and a holder. The device shown in FIG.
The same components as those in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. For simplification of description, one IC card connector 3 out of a plurality of IC card connectors 3 will be described. Is shown.

The IC card mounting apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the IC card mounting apparatus according to the above embodiment. The difference is that the mounting structure between each IC card connector 3 and the holder 2 is improved to have a pop-up function. That is, as shown in FIG.
A spring member 3c is provided in each of a plurality of IC card connectors 3 which are pivotally supported by a rotation shaft 3a on the holder 2 and are arranged in a rotatable manner by 90 °. These tongue members 3c are arranged near the rotation shafts 3a in the respective insulating cases 3b. Due to the spring characteristics of the spring members 3c, the insulating cases 3b are directed upward from above the holder 2. It is urged to rotate. That is, when the pressing force on each insulating case 3b is released as in the contact portion 12 of the above-described embodiment, each insulating case 3b is caused to stand in the vertical direction from its inclined state due to the spring characteristic of the tongue member 3c. Then, the rotary shaft 3a is turned around.

In order to stop the rotation of the insulating case 3b while standing in the vertical direction, and to maintain this state, the insulating case 3b is fixed on the holder 2 at a position facing the rotation direction side of each insulating case 3b. A member 2e is provided. These fixing members 2e stop rotating by being joined to the surface of the rotating insulating case 3b, and maintain this stopped state, that is, the state of standing in the vertical direction.

In this embodiment, the electrical connection between the contactor 4b on the surface of the IC card 3 and the electrode portion 5a of the elastic contactor 5 when the IC card 3 is accommodated in the personal computer 10 is, of course, the same as that in the above embodiment. It is implemented by operating similarly.

In the present embodiment, the IC card 4 is mounted on each of the IC card mounting devices, and the personal computer 1
If the IC card is inserted into the IC card,
As shown in FIG. 3A, the respective IC card connectors 3 are fixed to the fixing members 2a by the urging force of the spring members 3c.
It will be in the state of being in contact with the position. In other words, the IC card connector 3 stands in the vertical direction,
The cart 4 is inserted from the vertical direction. That is, since all of the IC card connectors 3 stand, the user can easily insert the IC card 4.

After the insertion of the IC card 4, when the holder 2 itself starts to slide into the insertion path 11A via the insertion port 11 of the personal computer 10 as in the above-described embodiment, the insertion port of the personal computer 10 of the holder 2 is started. By sequentially contacting the surface of the insulating case 3b with the contact portion 12 of the personal computer 10 from the IC card holder 3 arranged on the
As shown in (b), each IC card connector 3 rotates via a rotation shaft 3a, and thereafter, the inclination angle determined by the height of the contact portion 12 as in the above-described embodiment. The rotation continues until.

When the housing of the holder 2 is completed, as shown in FIG. 3C, each IC card connector 3
Due to the contact with the elastic contactor 5, the state is inclined at a predetermined angle, and I exposed from the back surface of each insulating case 3b.
The contactors 4a on each side of the C card 4 are
The contact portions 5a of the corresponding elastic contactor 5 are securely contacted by the downward pressing of the elastic contactor 5 and the upward urging force of the elastic contactor 5 to be electrically connected. In order to maintain the inclined state of the IC card connector 3 without relying on the contact by the contact portion 12, the IC card connector 3 is provided with a unique locking mechanism, so that the IC card connector 3 You may comprise so that the connection state of the connector 4a and the elastic contactor 5 may be maintained.

When the holder 2 is ejected and the IC card 4 is taken out, the reverse operation is performed.

The mechanism for accommodating and ejecting the holder 2 in the personal computer 10 is the same as in the above embodiment.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those of the first embodiment, it is possible to easily mount or remove the respective IC cards 4.

In this embodiment, in order to obtain a pop-up function, a spring member 3c is provided in the IC card connector 3, and a fixing member 2e provided at a corresponding position on the holder 2.
However, the present invention is not limited to this case. When the IC card is inserted, the IC card connector 3 is automatically set up to facilitate the insertion of the IC card 4, and when the personal computer 10 is accommodated. Any pop-up structure may be employed as long as the surface contactor 4a and the elastic contactor 5 are reliably electrically connected.

In the first and second embodiments,
Although it has been described that the holder 2 is inserted into the personal computer 10 so that the IC card 2 is pressed from above and brought into contact with the elastic contactor 5, the present invention is not limited to this. Is provided at a position where the contact between the IC card 2 and the elastic contactor 5 is maintained, and the holding mechanism also serves as a pop-up function, and is configured to pop up by releasing the holding state. May be.

By the way, in the first and second embodiments, the personal computer 10 is described as an electronic device which accommodates and is electrically connected to the IC card mounting device. It is also possible to expand the range of use by configuring as a common adapter such as an audio recording / reproducing device that reproduces and records audio data exclusively without using it for a personal computer. FIG. 4 shows an example of such an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the IC card mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
1 is a perspective view showing a configuration in a case where the present embodiment is configured as an adapter common to audio recording / reproducing devices. In the device shown in FIG. 4, the same components as those in the device shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different portions will be described.

In the present embodiment, the IC card mounting device 1
This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that the present embodiment is configured for an adapter so that it can be used together with all devices such as an audio recording / reproducing device and the personal computer 10.

That is, unlike the holder 2 of the above-described embodiment, the IC card mounting device 1A of the present embodiment can be accommodated in any device such as an audio recording / reproducing device or a personal computer. An adapter type holder 2A is provided.

The holder 2A has substantially the same structure as the holders 2 of the first and second embodiments, and the mounting structure of the plurality of IC card connectors 3 is also the same. That is, I
When each C card 4 is attached, the IC card 4
Are electrically connected between the contactor 4a, the elastic contactor 5, the point distribution sheet 2b, and the connecting portion 2c. The connection section 2c is electrically connected to a connection section common to all electronic devices such as an audio recording / reproducing apparatus and a personal computer. Also, this IC card mounting device 1
The external size of A is such that the vertical and horizontal size of the holder 2A is formed to a size that can be accommodated in common for all electronic devices.

For this reason, all the electronic devices using the adapter type IC card mounting device 1A have the shape of the IC card mounting device 1A, the shape of the adapter insertion opening capable of accommodating the IC card mounting device 1A, and the electrical connection. It is necessary to unify the structure provided with the connection part for the connection inside. By unifying, the adapter type IC card mounting device 1A
Can be housed and used in, for example, a mini component or radio cassette deck compatible with an IC card, a console box for a vehicle component or a navigation system, and all electronic devices such as a personal computer. In this case, when the adapter type IC card mounting device 1A is accommodated, the connection portion 2c of the holder 2A and the connection portion in the electronic device accommodating the holder 2A are electrically connected to transmit / receive data.

The rotation mechanism in each IC card connector 3 employs the rotation mechanism in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the operation and function are the same. .

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the IC
By configuring the card mounting device as an adapter type IC card mounting device 1A having a unified shape,
It can be accommodated and used in all electronic devices compatible with IC cards, and it is possible not only to improve the performance of the electronic device but also to widen the range of use of the mounting device.

By the way, in the IC card mounting device of the present invention, a plurality of IC mounted devices are mounted on the IC card mounting device itself.
By providing a selection switching function capable of selecting use of any one of the IC cards, a plurality of IC cards 4 can be used.
Of these, it is possible to reduce the processing circuit scale in an external device necessary for operating any one of the IC cards, and to reduce the number of connection lines and terminals for switching when mounting the IC card. FIG. 5 shows an example of an embodiment in which such an IC card selection switching function is added.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the IC card mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the configuration of an IC card mounting apparatus provided with a selection function, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a selection switching operation in the device. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, the same components as those of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described.

Conventionally, in an IC card mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of IC cards, in order to select these IC cards and operate the selected IC card, an electronic device (for example, a personal computer) accommodating the IC card mounting apparatus is required. Within 10), a processing circuit for selecting a plurality of IC cards and controlling the switching operation of the selected IC cards is required. In addition, in the circuit configuration in the IC card mounting device, an IC card, a connection line for connecting between the connection portions 2c and an output terminal (further, a connection terminal for taking in a base, a drive signal, and the like) are required for each of the plurality of IC cards. The IC card mounting device itself cannot select and switch which IC card to use, and the switching and driving of an arbitrary IC card are controlled on the processing circuit side.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of IC cards 4A, 4B, 4C, 4
A selection switching function for selecting one of the IC cards to be used from D and 4E is added.

Specifically, as shown in FIG.
The card mounting device 1B is provided with a selection button 6 provided for each IC card 4 at a predetermined position on the holder of each IC card connector 3. The selection button 6 can switch input / output of the corresponding IC card 4 depending on whether or not the button is pressed. That is, these select buttons 6
By pressing the selection button 6 corresponding to the IC card 4 to be used, the surface contactor 4a, the elastic contactor 5, the printed circuit board 2b, and the connection portion 2c of the corresponding IC card 4 are electrically connected, Data transmission / reception with the corresponding IC card 4 becomes possible via the connection section 2c.

In this embodiment, for example, when the user
When the corresponding selection button 6a is pressed to select the use of the C card 4A, the switch means 6A shown in FIG. 5B electrically connects the IC card 4A and the connection terminal of the connection section 2c. The input / output signal is switched so that data can be transmitted / received to / from the external device or the personal computer 10 as the accommodation device.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, the provision of the selection switching function allows connection with the signal connection line 16 (not shown, but also including a signal line for a drive signal) as shown in FIG. 5B. Since data can be transmitted and received between the corresponding IC cart and the electronic device (external device) via the terminal 2c, the number of connection lines and output terminals conventionally required for a plurality of IC cards can be reduced. Becomes In addition, since an IC card to be used can be arbitrarily selected on the IC card mounting apparatus side, an IC card selection switching function is provided in a processing circuit in an electronic device (for example, the personal computer 10) on which the mounting apparatus 1B is mounted. Therefore, there is also an effect that a circuit for the above is not required, that is, the circuit scale can be reduced. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 2
b may be provided with a microcomputer for selecting an IC card to perform read / write and a display means for displaying which IC card is selected.

By using the IC card mounting device of the present invention, it is possible to construct a multifunctional, high-performance wide system by utilizing the large data storage amount. An application example of such an IC card mounting device is shown below.

FIG. 6 shows an application example of the IC card mounting apparatus of the present invention. A system configuration in which a personal computer as an electronic device to be accommodated is provided with a data management control unit and a display control unit between a plurality of IC cards. FIG. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different portions will be described.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The personal computer 10 that houses the card mounting device 1 and is electrically connected includes a data management control unit 10A and a display control unit 1.
0B is provided in a processing circuit necessary for operating the IC card mounting apparatus 1.

The data control unit 10A controls operations such as copying, moving, and deleting data between a plurality of IC cards mounted on the IC card mounting apparatus 1 based on, for example, a key operation input by a user. Of course, separately from the information source in the IC card 4, the data from the personal computer 10 can be operated on all of the plurality of IC cards 4 or an arbitrary IC card in the same manner as described above.

The display control unit 10B displays the control operation of the data control unit 10A on, for example, a display monitor 21 connected to the personal computer 10 via a cable 20. That is, the control operation between the plurality of IC cards 4 is displayed on the monitor, so that the user can immediately recognize the control contents such as to which IC card 4 data is recorded or data is being reproduced. .

Therefore, according to the above configuration, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained, and a plurality of information sources on the IC card side and on the external device side stored in the plurality of IC cards can be provided. Various data controls can be performed between the IC cards, and the control contents can be displayed, so that the original functions of the IC card mounting device can be sufficiently exhibited, and high-performance data recording can be performed. A reproduction system can be constructed.

In this embodiment, the case where the personal computer 10 according to the first or second embodiment is used as an external device has been described. However, for example, data recording by an audio recording / reproducing device such as a radio cassette deck is performed. A data management control unit and a display control unit may be provided in any electronic device that requires reproduction, and may be configured as a system including the IC card mounting device 1. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

Although it is possible to provide a data management control unit and a display control unit in the IC card mounting apparatus itself, it is actually preferable to provide the IC card mounting apparatus in an external device as described above. .

FIG. 7 shows another application example of the IC card mounting apparatus of the present invention, in which a personal computer accommodating the IC card mounting apparatus and a music distribution company which distributes music information to the personal computer via a server. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a system configuration when a system is configured with a distribution device on the side. FIG.
In the figure, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system according to the present embodiment includes a music distribution device 30 provided at a music distribution company that performs a distribution business for distributing music information for each general genre. The music information supplied from the music distribution device 30 is transmitted to a specific contract store (for example, a CD store),
Alternatively, it is configured to include a server 31 for transmitting a request from a contract shop to a music distribution company, and a personal computer 10 which accommodates and is connected to the IC card mounting device 1 arranged in a specific contract shop.

In such a system, two-way communication such as a request and a response is possible, and these two-way communication are performed through the server 31.

On the music distribution company side, when there is a request from the CD store which is a contract store, the music distribution device 30 transmits music information based on this request. The transmitted specific music information is taken into the personal computer 10 of the CD store via the cable 20, the server, and the cable.

When the CD store fetches the music information according to the request, all the IC cards 4 mounted on the IC card mounting device 1 or a specified part of the ICs are operated based on the key operation of the personal computer 10. The music information taken in the card 4 is stored. In this case, since the personal computer 10 is provided with the data management control unit 10A and the display control unit 10B similarly to the above-described application example, the data management control unit 1
0A and the display control 10B control the management of the stored data, and the control contents are displayed on the screen of the monitor 21.

In this way, at the CD store, all the music information according to the request can be stored in the specified IC card 4, and the stored IC card 4 is sold or rented to the customer. Of course, sales operations,
Copying work, rental work, and the like require a copyright contract with a music distribution company that is a source of music information, and must be legally satisfied with a CD store.

In this example, the personal computer 1 of the CD store
0 is provided with a label printing function. That is, since the IC card mounting device 1 of the present invention is mounted with a plurality of IC cards 4 stacked obliquely shifted from each other, the advantage that all the labels 4a can be seen is utilized. By using the label printing function 10c, it is possible to print identification information of storage data such as a title on the label 4a. Note that the structure of a printing portion necessary for performing the label printing function is suitable for the structure of the IC card mounting device 1. Thereby, the identification information such as the title of the music information stored in each of the plurality of IC cards 4 can be printed immediately, so that when the distribution system described in this example is constructed, Especially effective. Of course, such a label printing function is effective even when performing personal data recording.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the above-mentioned application example can be obtained, and a music information distribution system can be constructed. It greatly contributes to industrial development.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and application examples, but may be a combination of the embodiments and application examples. Further, the present invention can be applied to any electronic device that accommodates an IC card mounting device and is electrically connectable and that needs to record and reproduce data.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even when a plurality of IC cards are mounted, the connection state can be maintained so that data can be exchanged between the accommodated devices, and the device itself can be formed thin. Thereby, this IC
The effect that the accommodation equipment which accommodates a card mounting apparatus can be reduced in size and high performance can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an IC card mounting apparatus according to the present invention, showing a configuration in a case where it is configured for a personal computer.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a second embodiment of the IC card mounting device of the present invention and illustrating a pop-up operation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the IC card mounting apparatus according to the present invention, and showing a configuration in the case of being configured as an adapter type.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the IC card mounting device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram for explaining an application example of the IC card mounting device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram for explaining another application example of the IC card mounting device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an IC card.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an IC card connector.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a problem in a conventional IC card mounting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... IC card mounting apparatus, 2 ... Holder, 2a ... Holder plate, 2b ... Printed board, 2c ... Connection part, 2d ... Notch part, 2e ... Fixing member, 3 ... IC card connector, 3a ... Rotating shaft, 4 ... IC card (smart media), 4a ... label, 4b ... surface contactor, 5 ... elastic contactor, 5a ... electrode part, 10 ... computer (housing), 11 ... insertion opening, 12 ... contact part, 13 ... slider 13a: locking portion; 14: spring member.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An IC card mounting apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of IC cards, which are card-shaped recording media, such that a substrate having a line for electrical connection and at least a part of the plurality of IC cards overlap with each other. IC card holding means capable of holding the substrate at a predetermined angle at an oblique angle with respect to the surface of the substrate, and an IC card held by the IC card holding means.
Holder means having contactor means for electrically connecting the electrode of the C card and the line of the substrate, and external connection terminal means electrically connected to the electrode of the IC card via the contactor means. IC card mounting device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder is formed in a tray shape that can be pulled out of the main body of the electric device, and the external connection terminal is electrically connected to a circuit of the electric device. 2. The IC card mounting device according to claim 1, wherein said IC card is exchangeable with said IC card holding means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said holder means includes at least said IC.
A plurality of types of electrical devices having a function of reproducing data recorded on a card are commonly housed and formed so as to be removable, and in the housed state, the external connection terminal means is connected to a circuit of the electrical device. The IC card mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the IC card mounting device is configured to be electrically connected. 4. The holder means includes a selection switch means for selecting the plurality of IC cards to be mounted, and the switch is electrically connected to the electric device by the switch.
2. The IC card mounting device according to claim 1, wherein a C card can be selected. 5. The IC card holding means is supported rotatably with respect to the substrate, and is elastic in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface from a state in which the IC card is held obliquely with respect to the surface of the substrate. The IC card mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pop-up mechanism that is urged, and a rotation restricting member that restricts a vertical rotation position. 6. The IC card holding means is supported rotatably with respect to the substrate, and accommodates the holder means in the electric device, so that an electric connection between the electrode of the IC card and the contactor means is provided. The IC card mounting device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the IC card mounting device is configured to maintain a static connection state. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said holder means comprises a control means for copying or moving data recorded between a plurality of IC cards mounted on said IC card holding means. The IC card mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. Copying or moving data recorded between IC cards mounted on said IC card holding means while said holder means is electrically connected to said external connection terminal means. The IC card mounting device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the IC card mounting device is configured to be capable of performing the following. 9. The plurality of IC cards each have a label attached to an end face thereof, and a printing function provided in the electric device when the holder means is accommodated in the electric device main body. 3. The IC card mounting device according to claim 2, wherein identification information can be printed.