JP2006031126A - Pc card - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a PC card capable of easily improving reliability and operability by preventing breakage of a circuit board or the like by twisting or abrasion and preventing a situation that a chip holder cannot be pulled out by being caught. <P>SOLUTION: This PC card 1 comprises a card body and a chip holder 10. The chip holder 10 is composed of a holder base 11 and a holder cover 12. The holder base 11 is fixed to a card holding part 4. The holder cover 12 is rotatably supported by the holder base 11 and engaged with the holder base 11 when closed. The holder cover 12 is adapted to hold a SIM card 2 while sliding it in an opened state and to oppose its top edge to the inner surface of the mouth of a PC slot when it is closed and installed to a PC. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a PC card inserted into an information device such as a portable computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and in particular, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, a UIM (User Identity Module) card, or a USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity). The present invention relates to a technology for connecting and holding a chip card in which identification information is recorded, such as a module card, to a PC card.

  In general, some PC cards of this type extend the functions of information devices and are used as transmission / reception terminals for wireless communication. When one of these PC cards is used by multiple persons, a chip card in which identification information such as personal data and contract telephone numbers is recorded is installed in the PC card in order to manage the use of each subscriber. In this state, the PC card is inserted from the slot of the information device to be electrically connected, and the chip card identification information is transmitted via the PC card.

  By the way, the size of the PC card is defined by width: 54 mm × length: 86.5 mm × thickness: 5 mm (Type 2) according to the standard of PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). When a chip card with a thickness of 0.8 mm is mounted on such an ultra-thin PC card, an eject mechanism that is usually applied to a portable computer is adopted from the viewpoint of installation space and the like. It is difficult (for example, refer nonpatent literature 1).

  Therefore, in the prior art, a mechanism that simply slides and inserts the chip card inside the PC card is adopted, and when removing, the exposed part of the chip card is gripped, so that the operability is poor, and the gripped part Since bending stress is generated, internal destruction may occur and there is a problem in reliability.

  In recent years, PC cards that employ an eject mechanism have been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of operability and reliability. In this PC card, the middle part of the PC card is cut out, and the chip card is inserted and removed in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the PC card by an eject mechanism attached to the part.

A PC card with a chip holder attached has also been proposed. In this chip holder, a holder cover is hinged to a holder base that electrically connects the chip card to the PC card, and is engaged with the holder base in a closed state. In the state where the PC card is mounted on the information device, the chip holder is arranged with the open end (opposite side of the hinge) facing the internal terminal of the information device.
“JI Systems”, [July 6, 2004 search], Internet <http://www.jisystems.co.jp/jisys/icsys/icsys.html>

  However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.

  In the case of a PC card using an eject mechanism, the operability of the chip card is improved, but a notch for the eject mechanism is formed in the middle part of the PC card, and the strength of the PC card itself is weak and reinforced. However, there is a problem in terms of reliability because the circuit board may be broken due to twisting of the PC card or the like, and there is also a layout problem that the circuit board or the like cannot be installed in the reinforced part.

  In the case of a PC card using a chip holder, when the holder cover is disengaged due to vibration of the information device or the like, the holder cover opens to the inside of the information device and is scratched by the tip of the holder cover. Since there is a risk of destroying the internal mechanism of the information device, there is a problem in reliability, and when removing the PC card, the chip holder is caught and the PC card is removed from the information device, so that the operability is improved. There was also a problem.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a PC card that can prevent the breakage of a circuit board or the like due to twisting or scratching, prevent the chip holder from being caught and pulled out, and improve the reliability and operability easily. There is.

  The present invention includes a card body having a terminal portion formed at one end and a chip holder that holds the chip card and is electrically connected to the card body, and the card body is mounted in a slot of an information device. In the PC card electrically connected to the information device via the terminal portion, the chip holder includes a holder base fixed to a region including the other end portion on the opposite side to the terminal portion, and other than the terminal portion. A holder cover that is rotationally supported by the holder base so as to open and close on the side of the holder and that engages with the holder base in a closed state. The above object is achieved by providing a PC card characterized in that is arranged in the mouth of the slot.

  In the present application, the “side other than the terminal portion” means, for example, the terminal portion side of the four sides in the insertion direction of the PC card and the direction orthogonal to the slot arranged on one side of the information device. That is, the three sides except “inside slot”, “outside slot”, “outside side”, and “outside side” of the information equipment. Such a positional relationship is the same even when the slots are arranged on other side surfaces such as the front surface and the back surface of the information device.

  According to the present invention, since the opening / closing side of the holder cover is set to a side other than the terminal portion, and the edge portion of the holder cover is arranged in the mouth of the slot in a state where the PC card is mounted on the information device, Even if the information device receives vibration or the like and the holder cover is disengaged, the holder cover can be prevented from opening in the slot.

  As a result, it is possible to improve reliability by preventing breakage of the circuit board and the like due to twisting and rubbing, and it is possible to improve operability by preventing a situation where the chip holder is caught and the PC card cannot be removed. .

  Hereinafter, first to fourth embodiments of a PC card according to the present invention will be sequentially described.

  Here, in the first to fourth embodiments, a portable computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) is exemplified as an information device, and the PC slot (slot) is arranged on the right side surface of the PC. And As shown in FIG. 1, with respect to the PC slot, “slot inner side A +”, “slot outer side A−”, “PC (equipment) in the insertion direction A of the PC card and the longitudinal direction B of the PC orthogonal thereto ) Four sides, “front side B +” and “PC (device) back side B−”, are defined.

  A preferred embodiment (first embodiment) of a PC card according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the PC card according to the present embodiment (a state where the holder cover is opened), and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the PC card (a state where the holder cover is closed). . FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the chip holder of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the PC card 1 of the present embodiment (first embodiment) expands the functions of the PC by mounting a SIM card (chip card) 2 having connection terminals on the back surface. It is used as a transmission / reception terminal for wireless communication. The PC card 1 is a thin case-like card body formed by superposing thin metal plates on a resin frame.

  On one end face of the PC card 1, a card terminal (terminal portion) 3 that is electrically connected to a PC card bus (32 bits) is formed. The card terminal 3 is electrically connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) disposed inside the PC card 1.

  On the other side of the PC card 1, a card gripping part (other end part) 4 is formed which is gripped when the user attaches / detaches the PC card 1.

  Here, in the case of the present embodiment, in a state where the PC card 1 is mounted in the insertion direction A, the end face 4a of the card gripping portion 4 is the same as the end face of the PC slot and becomes the reference end face.

  The card holder 4 is provided with a chip holder 10. The area occupied by the card gripper 4 is not limited as long as it includes the end face 4a, and is determined by the size and arrangement of the chip holder 10. The chip holder 10 connects and holds the SIM card 2 and transmits identification information recorded on the SIM card 2 to the PC card 1. Hereinafter, the configuration of the chip holder 10 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the chip holder 10 includes a holder base 11 and a holder cover 12. The holder base 11 is formed in a thin case shape and accommodates the SIM card 2. The holder cover 12 is the same size as the holder base 11 and is formed in a rectangular shape having holding hook portions 12a on both sides, and the back surface of the SIM card 2 is exposed to hold both sides.

  A pair of support shafts 11 a are fixed to the rear end portion of the holder base 11, and a pair of long holes 12 b are formed in the rear end portion of the holder cover 12. The holder cover 12 rotates around the support shaft 11a fitted in the long hole 12b, and moves linearly in a predetermined range in the axial direction C + approaching the support shaft 11a or the axial centrifugal direction C- moving away from the support shaft 11a. It is supposed to be. The holder cover 12 is urged in the axial centrifugal direction C- by a leaf spring (not shown) attached between the holder base 11 and the holder cover 12.

  A pair of engaging hook portions 12 c are formed at the tip portion of the holder cover 12, and a pair of locking projections 11 b are formed at the tip portion of the holder base 11. The holder cover 12 is adapted to be engaged with or released from the holder base 11 depending on the positional relationship between the engagement hook portion 12c and the locking projection 11b accompanied by this rotational movement and linear movement.

  As shown in FIG. 1, with respect to such a chip holder 10, the card gripping portion 4 is formed with a recess that fits the chip holder 10, and a holder base 11 is fixed to the recess. The holder cover 12 is arranged such that the axial direction D of the rotation is perpendicular to the insertion direction A of the PC card 1 and opens and closes at the slot outer side A−.

  In addition, when the holder cover 12 is closed, the upper surface of the holder cover 12 is flush with the upper surface of the PC card 1 so that the leading edge of the holder cover 12 does not protrude from the end surface 4a of the card holding part 4. Has been.

  When the PC card 1 is installed in the PC slot, the end surface 4a of the card gripping portion 4 is located on the same plane as the side surface of the PC slot, so that the leading edge of the holder cover 12 does not protrude from the PC slot. It faces the inner surface of this mouth.

  A spring terminal (not shown) is disposed on the holder base 11 so as to protrude from the bottom upper surface, and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board of the PC card 1. Such a spring-type terminal has a function of elastically pressing the SIM card 2 against the back surface of the holder cover 12 and maintaining a constant electrical connection with the printed circuit board when the holder cover 12 is closed. When the engagement of the holder cover 12 is released, the holder cover 12 is biased in the opening direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or 3, a positioning protrusion 12 d is formed on the back surface of the holder cover 12. The positioning protrusion 12d has a function of locking the SIM card 2 slid along the back surface of the holder cover 12 and determining the position of electrical connection with respect to the spring-like terminal.

  Next, the usage mode or operation of the chip holder will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, when the SIM card 2 is attached to the PC card 1, the SIM card 2 is inserted along the holder cover 12 and then slid to abut against the positioning protrusion 12 d. Thereafter, when the holder cover 12 is pushed in the axial direction C + and then closed, the urging force causes the holder cover 12 to move straight in the axial centrifugal direction C−, and the engagement hook portion 12c engages with the locking protrusion of the holder base 11. Engages with part 11b.

  When the holder cover 12 is closed in this way, the engaging hook portion 12c is pressed against the locking projection 11b by the urging force acting in the axial centrifugal direction C- with respect to the holder cover 12, so that the holder cover 12 is somewhat Does not open even when subjected to vibration. Further, since the spring terminal is pressed against the back surface of the holder cover 12 together with the SIM card 2 by the elastic force of the spring terminal acting on the SIM card 2, the SIM card 2 is electrically connected to the spring terminal in a state of being pressed against the spring terminal. Connecting.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC card 1 is inserted in the PC slot in the insertion direction A. When the PC card 1 is mounted in the PC slot, the front end edge of the holder cover 12 faces the inner surface of the mouth of the PC slot, and the open / close side of the holder cover 12 is set to the slot outer side A−. Therefore, even if the engagement state of the holder cover 12 is released, the holder cover 12 is not opened in the PC slot, and the holder cover 12 is not caught on the upper surface of the PC slot even when the PC card 1 is pulled out.

  In addition, when the PC card 1 is installed in the PC slot, the tip edge of the holder cover 12 does not protrude from the PC slot, so that the user may accidentally remove the SIM card 2 during communication of the PC card 1. Can not. When removing the SIM card 2, after the PC card 1 is removed from the PC slot, the holder cover 12 is pushed in the axial direction C + to release the engagement state, and then opened.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the chip holder 10 is provided in the card holding part 4 without forming a notch in the PC card 1, and the opening / closing side of the holder cover 12 is set to the slot outer side A-. In addition, since the tip edge of the holder cover 12 is opposed to the inner surface of the mouth of the PC slot with the PC card 1 mounted on the PC, even if the engagement of the holder cover 12 is released, It is possible to prevent the holder cover 12 from opening. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability by preventing breakage of the circuit board or the like due to twisting or rubbing, and to improve the operability by preventing the situation where the chip holder 10 cannot be removed.

  In particular, in the case of this embodiment, reliability and operability can be further improved in the following points.

(1) Since the leading edge is prevented from protruding from the PC slot when the holder cover 12 is closed, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally pulling out the SIM card 2 during communication of the PC card 1.

(2) The elasticity of the spring terminal is used to press the SIM card 2 against the SIM card 2 and the connection position between the SIM card 2 and the spring terminal is stabilized by the positioning protrusion 12d of the holder cover 12. The reliability of conduction with the printed circuit board can be secured.

(3) About the holder cover 12, since the linear movement in the axial direction C + or the axial centrifugal direction C- is applied to the rotational movement around the support shaft 11a with a biasing force with respect to the support shaft 11a, the structure is simple. Operability similar to that of the eject mechanism can be obtained.

  Next, another preferred embodiment (second embodiment) of the PC card of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the PC card according to the second embodiment (a state where the holder cover is opened), and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the PC card (a state where the holder cover is closed). is there.

  As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the PC card 1 </ b> A of the present embodiment (second embodiment) is mainly different from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the chip holder 10 </ b> A in the PC card 1 </ b> A. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail, and the other components and the like will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and description thereof will be omitted.

  The PC card 1A of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the holder cover 12 is disposed so that the axial direction D of the rotation is parallel to the insertion direction A of the PC card 1A. The front B + of the PC is open.

  Further, the holder cover 12 is arranged so that the side edge of the slot outer side A- does not protrude from the end face 4 a of the card gripping portion 4. A knob portion 12 e is formed at the tip of the holder cover 12. The knob 12e extends along the ridgeline of the leading edge to the slot outer side A- and is flush with the end surface 4a of the card gripper 4 when the holder cover 12 is closed. Correspondingly, an engaging groove 4c is formed on the ridge line of the outer wall portion 4b forming the outer wall in the concave portion of the card gripping portion 4 so as to be fitted to the knob portion 12e.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the holder cover 12 opens and closes at the front B + of the PC, so that when the user inserts / removes the PC card 1A into / from the PC slot, the PC card 1A is kept in the insertion direction A in its posture The holder cover 12 can be opened and closed and the SIM card 2 can be inserted and removed without changing the above, which is more advantageous than the first embodiment in terms of such operability.

  In the case of this embodiment, among the side edges of the holder cover 12, only the knob 12e is arranged on the end surface 4a of the card gripper 4 to ensure operability when opening and closing, and PC This strength is ensured without forming a notch on the side surface of the card 1A.

  Other configurations and operational effects of the PC card 1A are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, another preferred embodiment (third embodiment) of the PC card of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the PC card according to the third embodiment (a state where the holder cover is opened).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the PC card 1 </ b> B of the present embodiment (third embodiment) mainly includes an extension portion 40 formed at the other end opposite to the card terminal 3, and the chip holder 10. The arrangement of the PC card 1B is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail, and the other components and the like will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and description thereof will be omitted.

  The card gripping portion 4A of the present embodiment has an extended portion 40 formed on the end surface 4a of the card gripping portion 4 in the first and second embodiments. The extended portion 40 protrudes from the end surface 4a of the card gripping portion 4 to the slot outer side A- and the upper side, and an antenna, an external connection terminal, and the like are provided therein. The expansion unit 40 is arranged so as to protrude from the PC slot when the PC card 1B is installed in the PC slot.

  In the present embodiment, the boundary surface between the portion corresponding to the card gripping portion 4 in the first and second embodiments and the expansion portion 40 is the same as the end surface of the PC slot and becomes the reference end surface. Then, in a state where the PC card 1B is mounted in the PC slot, the expansion unit 40 is arranged so that the inner surface thereof is opposed to the side surface of the PC slot with a gap that prevents a user's finger from being inserted. It has become.

  The chip holder 10 according to the present embodiment is disposed in a region close to the extension portion 40, and the inner edge of the extension portion 40 protrudes from the end face of the PC slot in a state where the tip edge of the holder cover 12 is attached to the PC. It arrange | positions so that it may not contact | abut. In other words, the tip of the holder cover 12 is exposed in the gap between the extension 40 and the PC slot, but it cannot be touched by the user unless the PC card 1B is removed from the PC slot. Yes.

  In the case of the present embodiment, since the tip of the holder cover 12 is exposed so as not to be touched by the user's hand, if the holder cover 12 is made transparent, the SIM card 2 is in communication with the PC card 1B. Presence / absence can be confirmed, which is more advantageous than the first and second embodiments in terms of operability.

  Other configurations and operational effects of the PC card 1C are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, another preferred embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the PC card of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the PC card according to the fourth embodiment (a state where the holder cover is opened).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the PC card 1C of the present embodiment (fourth embodiment) is similar to the third embodiment in the configuration of the card gripping portion 4A, and the arrangement of the chip holder 10A on the PC card 1C is the same. It is slightly different from the second embodiment. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail, and the other components and the like will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and description thereof will be omitted.

  The chip holder 10 </ b> A of the present embodiment is arranged so that the side edge of the holder cover 12 protrudes from the end surface of the PC slot and does not contact the inner surface of the extended portion 40 in a state where the holder cover 12 is attached to the PC. In other words, the side edge of the holder cover 12 is exposed in the gap between the extension portion 40 and the PC slot, but it cannot be touched by the user's hand unless the PC card 1C is removed from the PC slot. ing.

  Other configurations and operational effects of the PC card 1C are the same as those in the second and third embodiments.

It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure (state where a holder cover is opened) of a PC card of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure (state in which the holder cover was closed) of the PC card of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure (state where a holder cover is opened) of a chip holder of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure (state in which the holder cover was opened) of the PC card of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure (state in which the holder cover was closed) of the PC card of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure (state in which the holder cover was opened) of the PC card of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure (state in which the holder cover was opened) of the PC card of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 SIM card (chip card)
3 Card terminal part (terminal part)
4, 4A Card grip (other end)
40 Extension part 10, 10A Chip holder 11 Holder base 12 Holder cover A Insertion direction D Axial direction

Claims (6)

A card body having a terminal portion formed at one end thereof, and a chip holder that holds the chip card and is electrically connected to the card body, and the terminal is mounted in a slot of the information device. In a PC card that is electrically connected to the information device via a unit,
The chip holder has a holder base fixed to a region including the other end on the side opposite to the terminal portion, and is rotatably supported by the holder base so as to open and close on the side other than the terminal portion, and in a closed state. A holder cover that engages with the holder base, and when mounted in the slot, the holder cover is configured such that the edge portion is disposed in the mouth of the slot. PC card.   The holder cover is arranged such that a rotational axis direction thereof is orthogonal to an insertion direction of the card body, and when the holder cover is mounted in the slot, a leading edge does not protrude from an end surface of the slot. The PC card according to claim 1.   The holder cover is arranged such that the axial direction of the rotation is parallel to the insertion direction of the card body, and when the holder cover is mounted in the slot, the side edge does not protrude from the end face of the slot. The PC card according to claim 1. A card body having a terminal portion formed at one end and an extension portion formed at the other end, and a chip holder for holding and electrically connecting the chip card to the card body, the card body connecting the expansion portion to an information device. In a PC card that is electrically connected to the information device via the terminal portion in a state of protruding outside and mounted in the slot,
The chip holder is engaged with the holder base in a closed state while being rotatably supported by the holder base so as to be opened and closed on a side other than the terminal portion, and a holder base fixed to a region close to the extension portion. A PC card comprising a holder cover, wherein when mounted in the slot, the holder cover is configured such that the end edge portion is disposed in the mouth of the slot.   The holder cover has an axial direction of rotation orthogonal to the insertion direction of the card body so that the tip edge protrudes from the end surface of the slot and is not in contact with the extension portion when mounted on the information device. The PC card according to claim 4, wherein the PC card is arranged. When the holder cover is mounted on the information device with its rotational axis direction parallel to the card body insertion direction, the side edge does not protrude from the end face of the slot and abut against the extension portion. The PC card according to claim 1, wherein the PC card is arranged in a card.

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