JP2005044177A - Memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a memory card that makes it possible to make sure the condition of a switch even while the card is set in an electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: The memory card includes a case 2 for enclosing an electronic device; a sliding switch knob 12 mounted on the surface of the case enclosed in a connector 8 of the electronic device, with the case set in the connector 8; a window 14 formed on the surface 9 of the case exposed from the connector, with the case attached to the connector; an interlocking member 15 provided inside the case, with one end of the interlocking member secured to the switch knob and the other end extending to the opposite position of the window, the other end changing its position relative to the window according to the switched condition of the switch knob; and switch condition display parts 16a, 16b each of which displays a different switched condition of the switch knob via the window as the other end of the interlocking member changes position relative to the window. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a memory card that stores various types of information.

  As a storage medium for storing and holding various types of information handled by small information electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and portable AV devices, third-generation memory cards that can be easily attached to and detached from these electronic devices have been put into practical use. (See Non-Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 9 shows an external view of the memory card. In the memory card 1, a large number of electronic elements such as a CPU, an interface, and a flash memory are accommodated in a case 2 formed in a cheek box shape. A large number of terminals 4 are arranged on one end surface 3 of the case 2. A recess 6 is formed on one side surface 5 of the case 2, and a slide type switch knob 7 is attached in the recess 6.

  The switch knob 7 detects the switch state (slide position) of the switch knob 7 on the electronic device side where the memory card 1 is mounted, such as a write-protect switch of a floppy (registered trademark) disk. A switch for determining whether information can be written to the memory card 1 or not. Accordingly, the operator inserts the switch state (slide position) of the switch knob 7 into the connector 8 of the electronic device shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the slide position of the switch knob 7 is moved in the direction of the end face 3 on the terminal 4 side in the recess 6, “write is possible”, and the slide position of the switch knob 7 is set in the recess 6. Is moved to the direction of the end face 9 opposite to the direction of the end face 3, the writing is prohibited.

  In this way, by attaching the slide type switch knob 7 on which the operator manually sets “write enabled” or “write prohibited” to the side surface 5 of the case 2, the memory card 1 is mistakenly detected on the electronic device side. It is possible to prevent information from being written to the computer.

  However, as shown in FIG. 10, the memory card 1 is provided with the slide type switch knob 7 on which the operator manually sets “writable” or “writable” on the side surface 5 of the case 2 as described above. In addition, in a state in which the memory card 1 is mounted in the connector 8 of the electronic device, most of the memory card 1 is inserted into the slot (mounting hole) of the connector 8.

  In this state, one end surface 9 of the case 2 of the memory card 1 is exposed from the connector 8, but most of the side surface 5 of the case 2 is inserted into the connector 8. As a result, the slide type switch knob 7 attached to the side surface 5 of the case 2 is not exposed from the connector 8. As a result, in a state where the memory card 1 is mounted on the connector 8, the operator cannot confirm the switch state of the switch knob 7.

  Therefore, in order to confirm the switch state of the switch knob 7, the operator needs to remove the memory card 1 from the connector 8 or activate the electronic device and actually access the memory card 1 for confirmation. There is.

For the operator, the confirmation of the switch state is very complicated. Further, in the method of actually starting up an electronic device and accessing the memory card 1, there is a concern that information is erroneously written to the memory card 1.
Hiroto Okada, "SD Memory Card Revolution", Electronics, February 2001 issue, Ohmsha, February 1, 2001, p60-p63

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the operator can easily confirm the switch state of the switch knob in a state where the operator is hidden in the connector while being attached to the connector of the electronic device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a memory card that can significantly improve the memory card and that can reduce the probability of occurrence of an erroneous operation on a mounted electronic device.

  In order to solve the above problems, in a memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention, a case for storing an electronic element, and a surface stored in the connector of the case with the case attached to the connector of the electronic device A sliding switch knob attached to the case, a window formed on the surface of the case exposed from the connector with the case attached to the connector, and one end portion fixed to the switch knob. The other end portion extends to the window facing position, and the position of the other end portion relative to the window changes in accordance with the switch state of the switch knob. Accordingly, a switch state display unit for displaying different switch states of the switch knob through the window is provided.

  Further, in a memory card according to another aspect of the present invention, a case for storing an electronic element, and a slide attached to a surface of the case that is stored in the connector in a state in which the case is mounted on the connector of the electronic device Switch knob, a window formed on the surface of the case exposed from the connector with the case attached to the connector, a light emitting element disposed at a position facing the window in the case, and the case A switch state detection circuit for detecting a switch state of the switch knob, and a drive for controlling energization of the light emitting element according to the switch state detected by the switch state detection circuit in a state where the case is attached to the connector of the electronic device Circuit.

  With a memory card configured in this way, the operator can easily check the switch state of the switch knob hidden in the connector while it is mounted on the connector of the electronic device, greatly improving operability. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the probability of an erroneous operation on the attached electronic device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a memory card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the conventional memory card shown in FIG.

  In the memory card 10 of the first embodiment, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2A and 2B, a large number of CPUs, interfaces, flash memories, and the like are provided in a case 2 formed in a cheek box shape. The electronic elements are housed. A large number of terminals 4 are arranged on one end surface 3 of the case 2. A recess 6 is formed on one side surface 5 of the case 2, and a slide type switch knob 12 is attached in the recess 6. Specifically, the switch knob 12 is movably attached to a rail provided in the recess 6.

  The slide type switch knob 12 detects whether or not information can be written to the memory card 10 by detecting the switch state (sliding position) of the switch knob 712 on the electronic device side where the memory card 10 is mounted. This is a switch for judging whether or not the insertion is prohibited. Accordingly, the operator inserts the switch knob 12 in the connector 8 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 10 in a state in which the switch state (slide position) of the switch knob 12 is manually set to be writable or writable in advance.

  When the slide position of the switch knob 12 is moved in the direction of the end face 3 on the terminal 4 side in the recess 6, “write is possible”, and the slide position of the switch knob 12 is opposite to the direction of the end face 3 in the recess 6. When it is moved in the direction of the end face 9 on the side, it is “write prohibited”.

  Further, a rectangular window 14 is formed on the side surface 5 side of the end surface 9 of the case 2 of the memory card 10 where the switch knob 12 is provided.

  2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a state in which the case 2 of the memory card 10 shown in FIG. 1 is cut in the horizontal direction. In the case 2, one end portion 15 a of a long metal plate 15 having flexibility is fixed to the switch knob 12. A pair of paints 16 a and 16 b having different colors are applied to the other end portion 15 b of the metal plate 15. The color of the paint 16 a corresponds to the “write prohibited” state of the switch knob 12, and the color of the paint 16 b corresponds to the “write enabled” state of the switch knob 12.

  The long metal plate 15 having flexibility maintains a linear state as shown in FIG. 3 when no external force is applied. In the case 2, a pair of guides 17 a and 17 b are provided that bend the flexible metal plate 15 and guide the other end portion 15 b of the metal plate 15 to the opposed position of the window 14 formed on the end surface 9. It is integrally formed with the case 2. Accordingly, one of the paints 16 a and 16 b faces the window 14.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “writable” state. In this state, since the metal plate 15 has moved to the end surface 3 side, the paint 16 b on the other end 15 b of the metal plate 15 faces the window 14.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “write-inhibited” state. In this state, since the metal plate 15 has moved to the end surface 9 side, the coating material 16a of the other end 15b of the metal plate 15 faces the window 14.

  Therefore, the metal plate 15 constitutes an interlocking member, and the paints 16a and 16b as a pair of different color portions applied to the other end portion 15b of the metal plate 15 constitute a switch state display portion.

  In the memory card 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above, when the operator manually sets the switch state (slide position) of the switch knob 12 to “writable” or “write prohibited” in advance, The color of the paint 16 b or the color of the paint 16 a corresponding to “Writable” or “Writing prohibited” is displayed in the window 14 on the end surface 9 of the case 2.

  When the memory card 10 in this state is attached to the connector 8 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 10, the switch knob 12 provided on the side surface 5 of the memory card 10 is hidden behind the connector 8 and cannot be seen. The end face 9 is exposed from the connector 8. Therefore, the operator of the electronic device in which the memory card 10 is mounted has the “write enable” or “write prohibit” switch knob 12 displayed in different colors on the window 14 formed on the end face 9. You can easily check the switch status.

  Therefore, the operator does not have to remove the memory card 10 from the connector 8 in order to confirm the switch state of the switch knob 7. Furthermore, it is not necessary to activate the electronic device and actually access the memory card 10 for confirmation. Therefore, the operability of the electronic device to which the memory card 10 is attached can be greatly improved, and the probability of occurrence of an erroneous operation on the attached electronic device can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a memory card according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same portions as those of the memory card 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the overlapping portions is omitted.

  In the memory card 10a of the second embodiment, a pair of guide rollers 18a and 18b are provided instead of the pair of guides 17a and 17b in the memory card 10 of the first embodiment. The pair of guide rollers 18 a and 18 b bend the flexible metal plate 15 and guide the other end 15 b of the metal plate 15 to a position facing the window 14 formed on the end surface 9. Other configurations are almost the same as those of the memory card 10 of the first embodiment.

  Also in the memory card 10a of the second embodiment configured as described above, the metal plate 15 moves to the end face 3 side when the switch knob 12 is set to the “writable” state. The paint 16 b on the other end 15 b of the plate 15 faces the window 14.

  In the state where the switch knob 12 is set to the “write-inhibited” state, as shown in FIG. 4, the metal plate 15 has moved to the end face 9 side, so that the other end 15 b of the metal plate 15 The paint 16 a faces the window 14.

  Therefore, substantially the same operational effects as the memory card 10 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of a memory card according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the memory card 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the overlapping parts is omitted.

  In the memory card 10b of the third embodiment, a color member 19 applied in a color corresponding to the “writeable” state of the switch knob 12 at a position opposed to the window 14 formed on the end surface 9 in the case 2. Is arranged. Further, in the case 2, one end portion 15 a of a long metal plate 15 having flexibility is fixed to the switch knob 12. The other end 15 b of the metal plate 15 is located at a position facing the window 14. In addition, the coating materials 16a and 16b are not applied to the other end portion 15b of the metal plate 15.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to a “writeable” state. In this state, since the metal plate 15 has moved to the end surface 3 side, the other end 15 b of the metal plate 15 does not face the window 14. Therefore, in this state, the color member 19 applied to the color corresponding to the “writable” state is displayed on the window 14.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “write-inhibited” state. In this state, since the metal plate 15 has moved to the end face 9 side, the other end portion 15 b of the metal plate 15 faces the window 14. Therefore, in this state, the color member 19 corresponding to the “writable” state is not displayed on the window 14.

  In this way, the other end 15b of the metal plate 15 interlocked with the switch state of the switch knob 12 is selectively inserted between the window 14 and the color member 19, so that “writeable” The color member 19 corresponding to the “state” is displayed only when the switch state of the switch knob 12 is “writable”.

  Therefore, the operator can confirm the switch state of the switch knob 12 by looking at the display color of the window 14 formed on the end face 9. Therefore, the memory card 10b according to the third embodiment can achieve substantially the same operational effects as the memory card 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of a memory card according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the memory card 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the overlapping parts is omitted.

In the memory card 10c of the fourth embodiment, instead of the long metal plate 15 having flexibility of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 as the interlocking member, FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, a metal plate 20 having one end portion 20a fixed to the switch knob 12 and the other end portion 20b bent is employed.
A window 14 is formed on the end surface 9 of the case 2.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “writable” state. In this state, since the metal plate 20 has moved to the end face 3 side, the other end 20b formed by bending the metal plate 20 is remote from the window 14 by a moving range (sliding range) of the switch knob 12. Located in position. Therefore, in this state, the window 14 is in an open state.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “write-inhibited” state. In this state, since the metal plate 20 has moved to the end face 9 side, the other end portion 20 b formed by bending the metal plate 20 is located at a close position close to the window 14. Therefore, in this state, the window 14 is in a closed state.

  Therefore, the operator can confirm that the switch knob 12 is in the “writable” state when the window 14 on the end surface 9 of the case 2 is opened, and the window 14 on the end surface 9 of the case 2 is closed. , It can be confirmed that the switch knob 12 is in the “write-inhibited” state.

  Therefore, also in the memory card 10c of the fourth embodiment, substantially the same operational effects as the memory card 10 of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of a memory card according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the memory card 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the overlapping parts is omitted.

  In the memory card 10d of the fifth embodiment, a light emitting element 21 made of, for example, an LED is installed at a position facing the window 14 formed on the end face 9 in the case 2. Further, a contact 22 as a switch state detection circuit for detecting the switch state of the slide type switch knob 12 is incorporated in the case 2. One terminal 22 a of the contact 22 is fixed to the switch knob 12 and is connected to the cathode terminal of the light emitting element 21. The other terminal 22 b of the contact 22 is connected to a ground terminal 4 a provided on the end surface 3 of the case 2. The anode terminal of the light emitting element 21 is connected to a power supply terminal 4 b provided on the end surface 3 of the case 2.

  In the memory card 10d of the fifth embodiment having such a configuration, when the memory card 10d is attached to the connector 8 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 10, the electronic device side enters the memory card 10d via the power supply terminal 4b. A direct current driving power is supplied to each of the stored electronic elements.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “writable” state. In this state, since the terminal 22a has moved to the end face 3 side, the contact 22 is closed. In a state where the memory card 10d is attached to the connector 8 of the electronic device, a driving current flows from the power supply terminal 4b to the ground terminal 4a via the light emitting element 21 and the contact 22, so that the light emitting element 21 is lit. Therefore, in this state, the window 14 is lit.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which the switch knob 12 is set to the “write-inhibited” state. In this state, since the terminal 22a has moved toward the end face 9, the contact 22 is open. Therefore, even if the memory card 10d is mounted on the connector 8 of the electronic device, no drive current flows through the light emitting element 21, so that the light emitting element 21 remains off. Therefore, in this state, the window 14 is turned off.

  The ground terminal 4a, the power supply terminal 4b, the wiring connecting the power supply terminal 4b and the light emitting element 21, the wiring connecting the light emitting element 21 and the contact 22, and the wiring connecting the contact 22 and the ground terminal 4a are the contact 22 The drive circuit which controls energization of the light emitting element 21 according to the open / close state of is configured.

  Therefore, the operator can confirm that the switch knob 12 is in the “writable” state when the window 14 on the end surface 9 of the case 2 is lit, and the window 14 on the end surface 9 of the case 2 is off. It can be confirmed that the switch knob 12 is in the “write prohibited” state.

  Therefore, the memory card 10d according to the fifth embodiment can achieve substantially the same operational effects as the memory card 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

  Although the mechanical contact 22 is employed as the switch state detection circuit for detecting the switch state of the slide type switch knob 12, an optical contact such as a photocoupler can also be employed.

1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a memory card according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Sectional schematic diagram which shows the state which cut | disconnected the case of the memory card of 1st Embodiment in the horizontal direction The perspective view which shows the metal plate integrated in the memory card of the said 1st Embodiment Sectional schematic diagram which shows the state which cut | disconnected the case of the memory card concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention in the horizontal direction Sectional model which shows the state which cut | disconnected the case of the memory card concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention in the horizontal direction Sectional model which shows the state which cut | disconnected the case of the memory card concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention in the horizontal direction The perspective view which shows the metal plate integrated in the memory card of the same 4th Embodiment Sectional schematic drawing which shows the state which cut | disconnected the case of the memory card concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention in the horizontal direction External view showing schematic configuration of conventional memory card Schematic diagram showing the state where the memory card is inserted into the connector of the electronic device

Explanation of symbols

  2 ... case, 3, 9 ... end face, 4 ... terminal, 4a ... grounding terminal, 4b ... power supply terminal, 5 ... side surface, 6 ... concave, 8 ... connector, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d ... memory card, 11 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Electronic element, 12 ... Switch knob, 14 ... Window, 15, 20 ... Metal plate, 16a, 16b ... Paint, 17a, 17b ... Guide, 18a, 18b ... Guide roller, 19 ... Color member, 21 ... Light emitting element, 22 …contact

Claims (5)

A case for storing electronic elements;
With the case attached to the connector of the electronic device, a slide type switch knob attached to the surface of the case housed in the connector;
With the case mounted on the connector, a window formed on a surface of the case exposed from the connector;
Provided in the case, one end is fixed to the switch knob, the other end extends to a position facing the window, and the position of the other end relative to the window according to the switch state of the switch knob An interlocking member that changes,
A memory card, comprising: a switch state display unit that displays different switch states of the switch knob through the window according to a change in a position state of the other end portion of the interlocking member with respect to the window.   The switch state display unit has a pair of different color portions corresponding to each switch state formed separately from each other at the other end of the interlocking member, and the position of the other end of the interlocking member with respect to the window 2. The memory card according to claim 1, wherein different color portions are displayed through the window according to a state change.   The switch state display unit includes a color member having a color corresponding to one switch state disposed at a position facing the window in the case, and a position state of the other end portion of the interlocking member with respect to the window 2. The memory card according to claim 1, wherein the other end is selectively inserted between the window and the color member in accordance with a change.   The switch state display unit positions the other end portion in the vicinity of the window or in a remote position according to a change in a position state of the other end portion of the interlocking member with respect to the window. Memory card. A case for storing electronic elements;
With the case attached to the connector of the electronic device, a slide type switch knob attached to the surface of the case housed in the connector;
With the case mounted on the connector, a window formed on a surface of the case exposed from the connector;
A light emitting element disposed at a position facing the window in the case;
A switch state detection circuit provided in the case for detecting a switch state of the switch knob;
A memory card comprising: a drive circuit that controls energization of the light emitting element according to a switch state detected by the switch state detection circuit in a state where the case is attached to a connector of an electronic device.

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