JP3313087B2 - Memory card storage and memory card case - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a plurality of memory cards, and with their protective case or memory card storage device in which a memory card is suitable for storing a plurality of protective cases are respectively inserted, the memory card storage With the function of a tool
And a memory card case .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, light passing through a lens
2. Description of the Related Art Digital cameras that receive an image by an image sensor, convert the digital signal into a digital signal, and record the digital signal on an image recording medium are widely used. As one type of this image recording medium, various types of thin and small memory cards, for example, image memory cards with a built-in semiconductor memory, have been developed and are commercially available. These memory cards are promising in a wide range of fields as recording media for not only image data but also music data and personal computer data.

In many cases, when a memory card is commercially available, a protective case for the memory card, an index label, a write protect seal, and the like are included in a package of the memory card as accessories. The protective case is formed by laminating two flexible sheet materials formed of a synthetic resin containing an antistatic material, and joining the side edges and the lower edge of both sheet materials by welding or the like. If the memory card is carried or stored in the protective case, various data recorded on the memory card can be prevented from being destroyed by static electricity.

[0004] In addition to the above-mentioned various accessories, there may be cases where a dedicated storage case having a flat rectangular box shape is included. The inside of the storage case is a space for storing a memory card, a protection case, or a protection case containing a memory card (hereinafter, referred to as a “storage object” when it is not necessary to distinguish them). If this storage case is used, a plurality of storage objects can be stored in an overlapping state. The storage case is thin and small, so it is convenient to carry.

[0005]

However, the conventional storage case has the following various problems. One is that, when a plurality of storage objects are stored, adjacent storage objects are in contact with each other, and it is troublesome to take out only necessary ones (especially memory cards) from them. . In addition, it is troublesome to put another storage object at a desired position of a plurality of storage objects overlapping each other. Another problem is that when a plurality of storage objects are stored, they overlap each other, and the storage objects other than the top storage object are hidden. For this reason, it is difficult to identify each of the storage objects, and it takes time and effort to find the required memory card. Furthermore, the storage case is designed mainly to store a plurality of storage objects compactly, and does not exhibit any other function.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel memory card storage device in which a plurality of storage objects can be easily taken in and out, and can be made compact when being carried or stored. Another object of the present invention is to provide a memory card storage device capable of storing a plurality of storage objects in a state where they can be easily distinguished from each other. It is another object of the present invention to provide a case for a memory card storage tool that not only can accommodate the above-mentioned memory card storage tool but also performs other functions. further,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a memory card case having both the functions of the memory card storage device and the case.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory card storage device including a memory card, a protective case for the memory card, and a protective case containing the memory card. A bottom plate, a plurality of card storage units arranged in a row along the bottom plate, and each of the plurality of card storage units storing the storage object one by one with a part thereof being exposed; Are separated from each other,
Each card storage portion is connected to the bottom plate in a bendable manner so that the inclination can be changed between a first inclined state inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate and a second inclined state overlapping with each other along the bottom plate. And a plurality of connecting portions, the connecting portion,
When stress is applied to the card storage section, the card storage section is elastically deformed.
The card storage portion in the second inclined state, and
When the card is removed, the card storage section is
A synthetic resin hinge for returning to the first inclined state.
It is.

According to the first aspect of the invention, in the memory card storage device, the plurality of card storage portions each connected to the bottom plate by the connection portion take one of the first inclined state and the second inclined state. In the first inclined state, the plurality of card storage units are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate. This state is suitable for taking in and out of the storage object. Because the adjacent card storage units are separated from each other, there is sufficient space around the card storage unit to be put in and taken out of the storage object, and there are few obstacles to the movement of the finger (obstacles). is there. In a state where the storage object is stored in the card storage unit, a part of the storage object is exposed. The exposed portion is a place where a finger touches when the object to be stored is taken out of the card storage unit. On the other hand, in the second inclined state, the plurality of card storage units overlap each other along the bottom plate. The angle that the card storage section makes with the bottom plate is
It becomes smaller than in the case of the first inclined state. Therefore, when each of the card storage sections in which the storage objects are stored is in the second inclined state, the gap between adjacent storage objects is also small, and the memory card storage device is low in height from the bottom plate and is suitable for carrying. Size.

[0009]

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion made of a hinge made of a synthetic resin changes the inclined state of the card storage portion depending on whether or not stress is applied to the card storage portion. When no stress is applied, each connection keeps the card storage in the first inclined state. This is the same whether the object is stored in the card storage unit or not. On the other hand, when stress is applied, each connection portion is elastically deformed, and the card storage portion is brought into the second inclined state. Then, when the stress is removed, the connection portion automatically returns the card storage portion to the first inclined state by the elastic restoring force. As described above, in the memory card storage device, the first inclined state suitable for taking in and out of the storage object is used as a reference, and a stress is applied as necessary, so that the second inclined state suitable for carrying, storing, and the like is obtained. .

A second invention according to a second aspect is the first invention.
In addition to the above arrangement, the protective cases are superimposed on each other.
And a pair of soft joints joined at least at the side edges.
Made of a soft sheet material, each of the card storage units is one
An insertion port large enough to allow only the
Large enough to store a part of the storage object inserted from the entrance
And a thin box having a storage space for
In the storage space, sandwich the side edge of the protective case from both sides.
There is provided a pair of locking portions for locking by inserting.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the storage object is stored, the storage object is inserted into each card storage portion through the insertion port. Only one storage object can pass through one insertion port. Then, a part of the inserted storage object is stored in the storage space, and the remaining portion does not fit in the storage space and is exposed from the card storage unit. The exposed portion is a place where a finger touches when the object to be stored is taken out of the card storage unit.

By the way, each card storage section is thin. This is because each card storage section is constituted by a box having an insertion slot and a storage space, and they have a minimum size and shape required to store one storage object. It is. For this reason, in the first inclined state, the gap between the adjacent card storage portions is wider, and in the second inclined state, the memory card storage device is lower.

[0014]

Further, according to the second aspect of the invention, when the protection case containing the memory card is inserted into each card storage portion through the insertion port as a storage object, the protection case is provided by a pair of locking portions provided in each storage space. Side edges of the protective case are sandwiched from both sides. Due to the friction between the side edge portion and the locking portion due to the sandwiching, the protection case is locked to the card storage portion so as not to fall off. In addition, the pair of sheet materials of the protective case sandwiched between the side edges tends to adhere to the memory card. For this reason, the memory card also becomes difficult to fall out of the protective case.

The third invention according to claim 3, in addition to the second aspect of the invention, each of the card storage section has a pair of support plates for supporting the each of the container from its front and back sides, at least A projection protruding toward the other support plate is provided on a side of one support plate, and the projection constitutes at least one of the locking portions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, at the location where the projection is provided, that is, at the side of the storage space, the interval between the pair of support plates of each card storage is narrower than other locations in the storage space. Has become. When the storage object is stored, the side edge of the protection case is inserted into the narrowed portion. The side edge is sandwiched by a pair of locking portions, at least one of which is formed by a projection.

The fourth invention according to claim 4, in addition to the second aspect of the invention, each of the card storage section, a front support plate and rear support plate supports each of the container from its front and back sides A notch is provided in at least a part of the front support plate facing the surface of the container.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the memory card having the connection terminals exposed on the surface is stored in the card storage unit as the storage object, if the notch is located in front of the connection terminals. , The connection terminals do not contact the front support plate. When the memory card to which the index label is affixed on at least the surface or the protective case containing the memory card is stored in the card storage unit as a storage object, the notch is located in front of the index label. If so, the index label is visible through the notch or through the notch and the protective case.

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] The fifth invention of claim 5, the memory comprising a container body composed of a box body whose upper surface is opened, consists box body is open on the bottom side, and a lid for covering the container body In the card case, the memory card, the protective case for the memory card, and the protective case containing the memory card are used as receiving objects, and are arranged in a row along the bottom plate of the container main body, and a part thereof is exposed. A plurality of card storage units for storing one by one in a state in which the plurality of card storage units are separated from each other and inclining at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate; A plurality of connecting portions for bendably connecting each card storage portion to the bottom plate so as to be able to change the tilt between the overlapping second tilted state, wherein the connection portions correspond to the card storage portions.
When a force is applied, the card storage part is elastically deformed.
In the second inclined state, the elasticity is obtained when the stress is removed.
The card storage unit is returned to the first inclined state by a restoring force.
It consists of a hinge made of synthetic resin.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the memory card case, the plurality of card storage portions and the connection portions exhibit the same operation as the first aspect. When the lid is removed and the container body is opened, each card storage section
If the inclined state is adopted, the adjacent card storage sections are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate. Since a sufficient space is created around the card storage unit to be put in and taken out of the storage object, and there are few obstacles to obstruction (obstruction) of finger operation, the storage object can be easily put in and out. In a state where the storage object is stored in the card storage unit, a part of the storage object is exposed, and this is a place where a finger touches when removing the storage object from the card storage unit.

On the other hand, when the lid is put on the container main body, a storage space for storing all the card storage portions, all the connection portions, and all the storage objects is formed between them. At this time, if each card storage section adopts the second inclined state, they overlap each other along the bottom plate, the gap between adjacent storage objects becomes small, and the height from the bottom plate to the top end of the storage object decreases. . For this reason, if the storage space is the minimum size necessary to store the card storage portion or the like in the second inclined state or a size close to the minimum, the memory card case has a low height from the bottom plate and is portable. It will be suitable. Since the card storage part and the connection part form a part of the memory card case, it is not necessary to separately prepare a container body and a lid when carrying and storing the memory card.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, the storage object stored in the memory card storage device will be briefly described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a memory card 1, a protection case 2 for a memory card, and a protection case 3 containing a memory card (see FIG. 3) 3 are accommodated.

Although various types of memory cards 1 are commercially available, in this embodiment, a very thin substantially square plate-shaped image memory card incorporating a semiconductor memory is used. In this type of memory card 1, a connection terminal (also referred to as a contact surface) 4 is provided in an exposed state in a lower half portion of the surface. A write protect seal 5 is attached near the connection terminal 4 as needed. The sticker 5 is for making it impossible to record new data or to erase already recorded data. An index label 6 is attached to the upper part of the memory card 1 on both front and back sides. This label 6
Is for writing the contents of the recorded data. The protective case 2 is formed by stacking two flexible sheets 7 and joining the side edges 7a and the lower edges 7b of both sheets 7 by welding or the like. Sheet material 7
As the material, a material formed of a synthetic resin mixed with an antistatic material (also called an antistatic agent or an antistatic agent) may be used, or a material formed of a synthetic resin not mixed with the antistatic material may be used. Is also good.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the memory card storage device 8 is for storing a large number of the above-described storage objects, and is entirely formed of a synthetic resin. The memory card storage device 8 includes a common bottom plate 9 made of a rectangular plate, a plurality of (for example, five) card storage units 11,
One accessory storage unit 12 and a plurality of (same as the total number of the card storage units 11 and the accessory storage units 12, in this case, six) connection units are provided. The card storage section 11 and the accessory storage section 12 are arranged at regular intervals so as to form one row along the length direction of the bottom plate 9 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 2A and 2B). .

Each card storage section 11 is for storing one storage object with a part thereof exposed. As shown in FIG. 1, each card storage unit 11 is formed of a thin box having an insertion port 14 and a storage space 15. The insertion port 14 is formed in such a size that one protective case 3 containing a memory card can just pass therethrough. The storage space 15 includes the front support plate 16 and the rear support plate 1.
7 and is formed in a size that can accommodate a part of the storage object inserted from the insertion port 14. The rear support plate 17 is composed of one plate-like member, while the front support plate 16 is composed of two plate-like members separated from each other. The portion sandwiched between the left and right front support plates 16 is a notch 18. In this embodiment, the notch 18 is large, and the lower end thereof is
The notch 18 may be provided at least in a part of the front support plate 16.

As shown in FIGS.
5 is provided with a pair of locking portions that lock the side edge 7a of the protective case 2 from both sides. In the present embodiment, the rear support plate 1 is provided on the rear side of the front support plate 16.
A locking projection 19 protruding toward the side 7 is provided.
The locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17 form a locking portion. The gap between the locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17 is slightly larger than the thickness of the side edge 7a. The end 19a of the locking projection 19 on the insertion port 14 side is formed in a curved surface so that the side edge 7a can smoothly enter the gap.

The locking projection 19 may be provided on the side of the rear support plate 17 instead of the front support plate 16, or may be provided on both the front support plate 16 and the rear support plate 17. Is also good. In short, the locking projection 19 is provided on at least one of the support plates 1.
6 (or 17), and the other support plate 17
(Or 16) as long as it protrudes toward the side, and at least one of the locking portions may be configured by the locking projection 19. Further, instead of being formed as a curved surface, the end portion 19a may be formed as an inclined surface (flat surface) by chamfering. Further, a locking portion (for example, locking projection 19)
May be formed in a tapered shape or in a jagged shape (a state in which irregularities are alternately arranged like saw teeth). In particular, in the case of a jagged shape, the side edge portion 7a easily enters between the locking portions and hardly comes off.

As shown in FIG. 5, the accessory storage section 12
Accessories included in the memory card 1 package,
For example, it is for storing the above-described write protect seal 5, index label 6, instruction manual (not shown), and the like. The accessory storage section 12 has a thin box-like shape and has an insertion port 21 for accessories and a storage space 22 for storing accessories inserted from the insertion port 21. Unlike the card storage section 11, the accessory storage section 12 is not provided with the notch 18 and the locking section.

Each of the connection portions is such that the storage portions 11 and 12 are
As shown in FIG. 2A, the first inclined state is separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle α with respect to the bottom plate 9, and the second inclined state overlaps along the bottom plate 9 as shown in FIG. Each storage part 11,
12 is connected to the bottom plate 9 in a bendable manner. Each of the connecting portions is elastically deformed when stress is applied to the storage portions 11 and 12 from the outside, and the storage portions 11 and 12 are brought into the second inclined state. When the stress is removed, the first elastic recovery force is applied to the first and second connection portions. It consists of a hinge 13 made of a synthetic resin for returning to an inclined state.
A portion indicated by a broken line in the hinge 13 in FIG. 3 is a bent portion 13a formed to be thinner than other portions.

In the first inclined state, each of the storage portions 11 and 12
Is preferably 35 ° or more, more preferably around 45 °. If the angle α is smaller than 35 °, the interval between the adjacent storage portions 11 and 12 is small, and it is difficult to put the storage object in and out. The hinge 13 keeps the card storage unit 11 inclined at the angle α even when a load (weight) is applied to the storage object in the card storage unit 11, It is desirable that the angle holding function can be maintained even if the rod 11 is repeatedly bent.

Next, the memory card storage case (hereinafter simply referred to as “case”) 23 will be described. Figure 6
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the case 23 includes a container body 24, a lid 25, a first bearing 26, a second bearing 27, and a support shaft 28. Is formed by The container main body 24 is formed of a low-height box body whose upper surface is open, and the bottom plate 24 b is formed slightly larger than the bottom plate 9 of the memory card storage device 8. The lid 25 is formed of a low-height box with an open lower surface, and is covered with the container main body 24 from above to form a storage space 29 with the container main body 24. The size of the storage space 29 is determined by
Is large enough to just fit the memory card storage device 8 in the second inclined state.

The container body 24 and the lid 25 are provided with a projection 31 and a claw 32 which engage with each other when the lid 25 is put on the container body 24. In the present embodiment, the projection 31 is provided on the container body 24 and the claw 32 is provided on the lid 25.
1 may be provided on the lid 25, and the claw portion 32 may be provided on the container body 24.

The first bearing 26 is provided on the left and right side plates 2 of the lid 25.
5a comprises a recess provided at one end (the lower end in FIG. 6) of the inner surface. The second bearing 27 is formed of a concave portion provided at the other end (the upper end in FIG. 6) of the inner surface of the both side plates 25a. Furthermore, a groove is formed on the inner surface of both side plates 25a,
Further, a guide portion 33 connecting the two bearings 26 and 27 is provided. The support shaft 28 is provided on the left and right side plates 24 a of the container body 24.
At one end. The support shaft 28 includes the bearings 26,
27 so as to be rotatable and removable.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the support shaft 28 is supported by the first bearing 26, the lid 25 rotates in front of the container body 24,
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the support shaft 28 is supported by the second bearing 27, the lid 25 rotates behind the container main body 24. Instead of the groove, a long hole may be provided in the side plate 25a, the long hole may be used as the guide portion 33, and the end portion may be used as the first bearing 26 and the second bearing 27.

The left and right side plates 24a of the container body 24 are provided with rotation restricting portions 34. The rotation restricting portion 34 is configured such that the lid 25 disposed behind the container main body 24 is attached to the second bearing 2.
With the support shaft 28 engaged with the support 7 as a fulcrum, the rotation is restricted in a direction approaching the container body 24 by a predetermined angle β or more. Here, when the rotation restricting portion 34 is provided, as shown in FIG. 7, when the lid 25 is rotated with the support shaft 28 locked to the first bearing 26 as a fulcrum, especially when the lid 25 is rotated, When covering the container main body 24, it is necessary that the rotation restricting portion 34 does not hinder the rotation. In the present embodiment, the thick portions 24 are provided on the left and right side plates 24a.
c is provided, and one end thereof is located near the support shaft 28. This end serves as a rotation restricting portion 34.
Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lid 25 is attached to the container main body 24 using the support shaft 28 supported by the second bearing 27 as a fulcrum.
When the angle at which the two 25 and 24 intersect becomes β, the side plate 25 a of the lid 25 is designed to come into contact with the rotation restricting portion 34.

In consideration of the manner in which the storage object is stored, it is preferable that the above-mentioned memory card storage device 8 and the case 23 have been subjected to an antistatic treatment. The storage mode here means that the memory card 1 is inserted into the protective case 2 in which the antistatic material is not mixed, and these are inserted into the memory card storage device 8.
And the memory card 1 is directly stored in the memory card storage device 8 without using the protective case 2. However, if the protection case 2 is formed of a synthetic resin containing an antistatic material and the memory card 1 is always inserted and stored in the protection case 2, this processing can be omitted. As the antistatic treatment, a method of mixing an antistatic material into a synthetic resin which is a molding material of the memory card housing 8 and the case 23, and a method of applying a surfactant or the like to the surfaces of the memory card housing 8 and the case 23 Etc.

The memory card storage device 8 and the case 2
3 may be any of transparent, colored transparent, translucent, and opaque, but if the lid 25 is made transparent or colored transparent, even if the container main body 24 is closed, the container inside the case 23 will be covered with the lid. You can see it through 25.

Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. (I) When only the memory card storage device 8 is used, (ii) The memory card storage device 8 is
3 will be described separately.

(I) When Only the Memory Card Storing Tool 8 is Used for Storing the Stored Object The plurality of card storing sections 11 and accessory storing sections 12 are shown in FIG.
One of a first inclined state shown in FIG. 2A and a second inclined state shown in FIG. 2B is adopted. Which state to take depends on whether or not stress is applied to the card storage unit 11 or the accessory storage unit 12 from the outside. When no stress is applied, each hinge 13 is
1 and 12 are kept in the first inclined state. This is the storage unit 11,
The same applies to the case where the storage object or the like is stored in the storage unit 12 and the case where it is not stored. On the other hand, when stress is applied,
Each hinge 13 is elastically deformed to bring the storage portions 11 and 12 into the second inclined state. When the stress is removed, the hinge 13 automatically returns the storage portions 11 and 12 to the first inclined state by its own elastic restoring force.

In the first inclined state, the storage portions 11 and 12 are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle α with respect to the bottom plate 9. When storing the objects to be stored, the upper part thereof is grasped, and the objects to be stored are inserted into the respective card storage portions 11 through the insertion ports 14. At this time, since the adjacent storage units 11 and 12 are separated from each other, there is a sufficient space around the front and rear sides of the card storage unit 11 to be inserted, and the movement of the finger is prevented (obstruction). ) Can be easily inserted.

The storage object is a protective case 3 containing a memory card.
In the case of (1), the side edge 7a of the protective case 2 is sandwiched between the front and back sides by a pair of locking portions (here, the locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17) in the process of inserting the container. . Due to the friction between the locking portion and the side edge portion 7a due to the sandwiching, the protective case 2 is locked to the card storage portion 11 so as not to fall off. Further, since the pair of sheet members 7 of the protective case 2 come into close contact with the memory card 1 from both the front and back sides, the memory card 1 is also difficult to fall out of the protective case 2.

Then, when one storage object is inserted until it hits the bottom plate 20, the lower part and the central part of the storage object are stored in the storage space 15. The rest of the container (top)
Is exposed from the card storage unit 11 without entering the storage space 15. The index label 6 is located in this exposed portion. In the first inclined state, adjacent card storage units 11
Are separated from each other, so that the stored objects stored therein are also separated from each other. Therefore, unlike the related art in which the protective case containing the memory card is stacked and stored, the index label 6 can be viewed directly or through the protective case 2 from the side or above the memory card storage device 8. The contents of the data recorded on the memory card 1 can be easily known based on the characters, numerals, and the like written on the index label 6.

It should be noted that the insertion port 14 has a size that can pass only one protection case 3 containing a memory card, and the distance between the locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17 is equal to that of the protection case 2. Because the side edge 7a is only as thick as the thickness of the side edge portion 7a, another storage object is inserted into the card storage portion 1.
It cannot be inserted into one.

As described above, in a state where the storage object is stored in each of the card storage portions 11, the notch portion 18 is located near the surface of the storage object. Therefore, the front support plate 16 does not contact the storage object at the location where the notch portion 18 is provided.
For this reason, when the memory card 1 whose connection terminals 4 are exposed on the surface is stored in the card storage portion 11 as a storage object, the connection terminals 4 do not contact the front support plate 16. There is no fear that the connection terminal 4 is adversely affected by the contact, for example, there is no damage.

When taking out the storage object from the card storage section 11, the exposed portion of the storage object from the card storage section 11 is grasped by a finger and pulled out. At this time, since there is sufficient space around the card storage unit 11 (front side and rear side) and there are few obstacles to obstruction (obstruction) of finger movement, the object to be stored is easily pulled out of the card storage unit 11. be able to. On this occasion,
It is also possible to take out only the memory card 1 while leaving the memory card 1 as a storage object and the protection case 2 in the card storage section 11. Since the side edge 7a of the protective case 2 is sandwiched between the locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17, an operation such as pressing with a finger so that the protective case 2 does not come off following the memory card 1 is performed. You don't have to. Just grasp the top of the memory card 1 and pull it up. If the protection case 2 is left in the card storage unit 11,
There is no risk of the case 2 being lost. Of course, the memory card 1 can be taken out together with the protection case 2.

On the other hand, in the second inclined state, the plurality of card storage portions 11 and the accessory storage portions 12 overlap with each other along the bottom plate 9. The angle formed by the storage portions 11 and 12 with respect to the bottom plate 9 is smaller than in the first inclined state. Therefore,
When each of the storage portions 11 and 12 in which the storage objects are stored is in the second inclined state, the gap between adjacent storage objects becomes small,
The height of the memory card storage device 8 is lower than that in the first inclined state, and is a size suitable for carrying or storing, for example, a size that can fit in a pocket. If the memory card storage device 8 in this state is put in a container having a storage space slightly larger than that, it becomes bulky and suitable for carrying, and a plurality of memory cards 1 can be carried.
The container may be a dedicated case 23 in the present embodiment or a commercially available general-purpose case. Further, even when the memory card storage device 8 is in various postures (inclinations) when being carried, the side edge portion 7a of the protective case 2 is sandwiched between the locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17 as described above. Therefore, the protection case 2 and the memory card 1 inserted therein do not fall out of the card storage units 11.

As described above, the memory card storage device 8 of the present embodiment can store a plurality of (five in this case) storage objects.
In addition, by setting all the card storage units 11 to the first inclined state, it is possible to easily put a storage object into and out of each card storage unit 11. Further, by setting the entire card storage section 11 and the accessory storage section 12 to the second inclined state, the memory card storage device 8 can be made compact, so that it is convenient to carry and store without being bulky.

In the memory card storage device 8,
Since the hinge 13 made of synthetic resin is used as the connection part, each card storage part 11 and accessory storage part 12 are maintained in the first inclined state unless a stress is applied. For this reason,
When the storage object is taken in and out, each of the storage portions 11 and 12 is moved to the first position.
There is no need to perform any special operation to make the vehicle tilt. When carrying or storing the card, the card storage section 11 can be brought into the second inclined state only by applying a stress, and can be automatically returned to the first inclined state by removing the stress. For this reason, the memory card storage device 8 becomes very easy to handle.

(Ii) When the Memory Card Storage Tool 8 and the Case 23 are Used for Storage of the Stored Object FIG. 7 shows a case where the container main body 24 in which the support shaft 28 is supported by the first bearing 26 is flat on a desk, table or the like. At the position, and shows a state where the lid 25 is erected. Open container body 24
Inside, the memory card storage device 8 is placed with the bottom plate 9 down. At this time, no stress is applied to the storage sections 11 and 12 from the outside, and all the storage sections 11 and 12 are in the first inclined state.

When the lid 25 is rotated from the above state in a direction in which the container body 24 is closed (clockwise in FIG. 7), the lid 25 presses the container closest to the support shaft 28 from above. . Due to the stress caused by the pressing, the card storage portion 11 closest to the support shaft 28 is bent downward with the bent portion 13a of the hinge 13 as a fulcrum. When the lid 25 is further rotated, the card storage portion 11 closest to the support shaft 28 hits the adjacent card storage portion 11 and presses it from above. In this manner, as the lid 25 rotates, the stress from the upper side is sequentially propagated toward the accessory storage section 12, and the storage sections 11 and 12 are tilted. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the container body 24 is completely closed by the lid 25, and the claw portion 32 is
, All the storage portions 11 and 12 are in the second inclined state. The memory card storage device 8 and the case 23 are in a form suitable for being carried or stored (to be compact). The engagement between the claw portion 32 and the protruding portion 31 causes the lid 25 to move.
The rotation of the cover 2 is prevented, so the cover 2
There is no danger that the container body 24 will be opened due to the careless rotation of the container body 24.

In the memory card storage device 8 in the case 23, the upper portion of the memory card 1 protrudes from the card storage portion 11. In addition, each of the storage portions 11 and 12 is attached to the bottom plate 9 at regular intervals. For this reason, the upper parts of the storage objects do not overlap. An index label 6 is usually attached to this upper part. Therefore, if the lid 25 is transparent or colored and transparent, the index labels 6 can be externally passed through the lid 25 and the protective case 2 even though the memory card storage device 8 is placed in the case 23.
Can be seen. It is possible to know what kind of data is stored in the memory card 1 and what kind of memory card 1 is required without opening the lid 25.

Subsequently, when the claws 32 are removed from the projections 31 and the lid 25 is rotated in the direction in which the container body 24 is opened, the stress applied to each of the storage portions 11 and 12 due to the rotation ( The pressing force of the lid 25) is reduced, and the storage portions 11, 12 try to return to the first inclined state by the elastic restoring force of the hinge 13. When the lid 25 is rotated by a predetermined angle or more, the pressing force by the lid 25 is lost, and all the storage portions 11 and 12 are in the first inclined state. All storage units 11, 1
2 is inclined at the angle α, so that the storage object can be easily taken in and out of the card storage portion 11 and the accessory can be easily taken in and out of the accessory storage portion 12.

When the support shaft 28 is supported by a single bearing (the first bearing 26 or the second bearing 27), the cover 2
There is a limit on the rotation angle of No. 5. Therefore, as mentioned above,
In one bearing (first bearing 26), when the lid 25 is supported to be able to open and close with respect to the container body 24, the lid 2
It is difficult to rotate 5 to the back of container body 24. Therefore, in this case, the support shaft 28 is supported by the other bearing (the second bearing 27). Specifically, the lid 25 is shifted with respect to the container body 24, and the support shaft 28 is shifted from one bearing (the first bearing 26) to the guide portion 33. Support shaft 28
Is slid along the guide portion 33. Guide part 33
, The support shaft 28 engages with the other bearing (second bearing 27). For example, referring to FIG. 7 as an example, the container main body 24 with the lid 25 standing upright.
Is translated upward. With this translation, the first
The support shaft 28 in the bearing 26 passes through the guide portion 33 and moves to the second bearing 27.

When the support shaft 28 is supported by the second bearing 27, it is impossible to close the open portion of the container main body 24 with the lid 25, but the lid 25 is rotated behind the container main body 24. Becomes possible. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 9, the opened container main body 24 is inclined, and this is supported by the lid 25 from behind, that is,
The container main body 24 and the lid 25 can be formed in a mountain shape. In the memory card storage device 8 stored in the container body 24, each component (the bottom plate 9, the storage portion 11,
12) is inclined at a different angle from the case where the container main body 24 is placed on a horizontal place (see FIG. 7). Here, each card storage unit 11 becomes lower toward the insertion port 14 side. The object to be stored is also inclined so as to be lower toward the upper side (index label side). However, as described above, since the side edge 7a of the protective case 2 is sandwiched between the locking projection 19 and the rear support plate 17, the protective case 2 and the memory card 1 inserted therein are each It does not fall out of the card storage unit 11.

The rotation of the lid 25 about the support shaft 28 at the second bearing 27 as a fulcrum is restricted by a rotation restricting portion 34.
Due to this restriction, the lid 25 does not approach the container main body 24 by a predetermined angle β or more. For this reason, the container main body 24 can be maintained in the above-mentioned inclined state. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, if the lid 25 is placed in a substantially
Is kept inclined at the angle β. This container body 24
In the memory card storage device 8 stored in the
Each component (the bottom plate 9, the storage portions 11, 12 and the like) is inclined at an angle different from the case where the container main body 24 is placed on a horizontal place (see FIG. 7) or the case where the container body 24 is inclined (see FIG. 9). I do. Each card storage section 11 and the storage object stand upright in a state close to vertical, and are in a state of being arranged in a step-like manner.

As described above, according to the case 23 of the present embodiment, the lid 25 is rotated and the container main body 24 is opened in a state where the memory card storage device 8 is placed in the container main body 24, so that By automatically setting the storage units 11 and 12 to the first inclined state and rotating the lid 25 to close the container body 24, all the storage units 11 and 12 can be automatically set to the second inclined state. . All the storage portions 11 and 12 enter the first inclined state or the second inclined state in conjunction with the rotation of the lid 25. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform any special operation on the memory card storage device 8 and the handling is excellent.

The case 23 not only stores the memory card storage device 8 but also has a function of displaying (exhibiting and displaying) the memory card storage device 8 in a plurality of forms. In addition, the bottom plate 9 of the memory card storage device 8 can be made horizontal (see FIG. 7), can be greatly inclined (see FIG. 9), can be slightly inclined (see FIG. 10), and the display can be varied. . Further, when changing the form of the display, the support shaft 28 is slid along the guide portion 33 without separating the lid 25 from the container body 24, and the support shaft 28 is moved. It can be moved to another bearing. Also in this respect, the case 23 is very easy to handle.

This embodiment has the following features in addition to the items described above.

(A) Each of the storage portions 11 and 12 in the memory card storage device 8 is thin. This is storage unit 1
1 and 12 are insertion ports 14 and 21 and storage spaces 15 and 22
This is because they have the minimum size, shape, and the like required to store one storage object. For this reason, in the first inclined state, the gap between the adjacent storage portions 11 and 12 is wider, and in the second inclined state, the memory card storage device 8 is lower. First
In the inclined state, it is easier to put the storage object in and out, and in the second inclined state, the memory card storage device 8 is further reduced in size.

(B) In each card storage section 11, a locking projection 19 is provided on the side of the front support plate 16, so that the distance between the front and rear support plates 16, 17 is narrower than other places. Although it is a simple structure, it is possible to exert a large function of locking the protective case 2 so that it cannot fall off.

(C) Memory card storage device 8 and case 23
Are separated from each other, so that only one case 23 is required to store various types of memory card storage tools 8 (however, those having the same size when in the second inclined state). No problem. Also, even if the memory card storage device 8 is damaged, it is only necessary to replace it with a new memory card storage device, and the case 23 can be continuously used as it is.

The present invention can be embodied in another embodiment described below.

(1) Each of the storage sections 11, 1 is used as a connection section.
2 may be connected to the bottom plate 9 in a bendable manner, and may be maintained in the first inclined state when no stress is applied.
Other than the hinge 13 made of synthetic resin, for example, a leaf spring or the like may be used.

(2) The locking portion may be any as long as it sandwiches the side edge 7a of the protective case 2 from both front and back surfaces. Instead of the locking projection 19, for example, a leaf spring may be used.

(3) Put the memory card storage device 8 in the case 23
When used in the case, the accessory storage section 12 can be omitted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the rightmost card storage unit 11 in the second inclined state,
Since a space 35 is formed between the bottom plate 24b of the container main body 24 and the left and right side plates 24a, the space 35 may be used as a storage location for accessories.

(4) The present invention may be applied to a memory card storage device for storing a memory card of a different type from the above-described embodiment. As a memory card, for example, FIG.
1 are mentioned. The memory card 1 has a rectangular plate shape, and is provided with a connection terminal and an erroneous erasure prevention switch (both not shown) on the back surface. An index label 6 is attached to most of the front surface of the memory card 1 and an upper portion of the back surface. Although the shapes of the protection case 2 and the card storage 11 slightly differ depending on the shape of the memory card 1, the basic configuration is the same as that of the above embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to the memory card storage device 8, the following functions and effects can be expected in addition to the above embodiment.
The index label 6 is elongated, and a part of the index label 6 enters the card storage unit 11. However, a notch 18 is provided in the front support plate 16, and the notch 18 is located just in front of the index label 6. The portion corresponding to the notch 18 in the storage object is exposed. Therefore, when the memory card 1 is stored in the card storage unit 11 as it is or in the protective case 2, the index is provided through the notch 18 or through the notch 18 and the protective case 2. It is possible to see the label 6 and the letters, numbers, etc. written on it.

(5) As shown in FIG.
The card storage section 11 may be arranged horizontally so that the opening is at the side. In this case, the direction in which the stored object is put in and taken out is the horizontal direction (the direction along the bottom plate 9), but the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

(6) As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of card storage sections 11 may be arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, two rows). In this case, as the number of rows increases, the number of storable objects increases, but the horizontal width (left and right width in FIG. 12) of the memory card storage tool 8 also increases. For this reason, when each card storage part 11 is narrow, it is preferable to form a plurality of rows.

(7) The members provided with the support shaft 28 and the bearings 26 and 27 may be reversed from those in the above-described embodiment. That is, the support shaft 28 is provided on the side plate 25a of the lid 25, and the bearing 2
6 and 27 may be provided on the side plate 24 a of the container body 24.

(8) The guide portion 33 is omitted, and the first bearing 2
The sixth and second bearings 27 may be independent from each other. In this case, the support shaft 28 can be engaged with each of the bearings 26 and 27, and the support shaft 28 can be taken out from the bearings 26 and 27.

(9) The lid 25 is made approximately the same size as the container body 24, and the memory card storage
May be placed.

(10) The memory card storage device 8 and the case 23 in the above embodiment may be combined into one article (hereinafter referred to as a “memory card case”). This memory card case includes a container body formed of a box with an open upper surface, and a lid formed of a box with an open lower surface and placed over the container body. Further, a plurality of card storage units arranged in a row along the bottom plate of the container body, each storing one by one with a part of the storage object exposed, and And a plurality of connecting portions that bendably connect. Each connection part changes the inclination between a first inclined state in which the plurality of card storage parts are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate, and a second inclined state in which the card storage parts overlap each other along the bottom plate. Connect the card storage to the bottom plate to obtain.

In this case, in the memory card case, the plurality of card storage portions and the connection portions exhibit the same operation as the above embodiment. If each card storage section assumes the first inclined state when the container body is opened, the adjacent card storage sections are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate. Since there is a sufficient space around the card storage unit to be put in and taken out of the storage object, and there are few obstacles to obstruction (obstruction) of finger operation, the storage object can be easily put in and taken out. In a state in which the storage object is stored in the card storage unit, a part of the storage object is exposed, so that the storage object can be taken out of the card storage unit by touching the finger (for example, by pinching). .

On the other hand, when the container body covered with the lid is closed, a storage space for storing all the card storage units, all the connection units, and all the storage units is formed therebetween. On this occasion,
If each card storage section adopts the second inclined state, all card storage sections overlap each other along the bottom plate, the gap between adjacent storage objects becomes small, and the height from the bottom plate to the top end of the storage object decreases. . For this reason, if the storage space is set to the minimum size necessary to store the card storage portion or the like in the second inclined state or a size close to the minimum, the height of the memory card case from the bottom plate is low and the memory card case is portable. It will be suitable. Since the card storage part and the connection part form a part of the memory card case, it is not necessary to separately prepare a container body and a lid when carrying and storing the memory card. Further, since the bottom plate of the container body also functions as the bottom plate of the memory card storage device, the number of members (materials) can be reduced as compared with a case where the memory card storage device and the case are separately provided. Further, the card storage portion, the connection portion, the container body, and the like can be integrally formed by molding. Manufacture is easier than when these are separately provided.

Note that each part of the memory card case can be implemented and changed within the range described in the above-described embodiment and the like (including another embodiment). For example, the connection portion may be configured by a hinge, a locking portion may be provided in each card storage portion, a notch portion may be provided, a pair of bearings and a guide portion may be provided in a container body (or a lid), or a lid may be provided. (Or the container body) may be provided with a support shaft. The operation and effect in that case are the same as those of the above-described embodiment and the like.

[0086]

As described above, the memory card storage device of the first invention can store a plurality of storage objects,
They can be easily taken in and out, and can be made compact for carrying or storing. In addition, no stress
As long as each card storage section is kept in the first inclined state,
The card storage section is in the first inclined state when the storage body is taken in and out.
No special operation is required to perform Mobile or storage
In this case, simply apply stress to the card storage section and
And by removing stress
It is possible to automatically return to the first inclined state. For this reason,
The memory card storage is easy to handle.

[0087]

[0088] According to the second invention, in addition to the effects of the first invention, in the first inclined state, out of the container becomes more easily, and in the second inclined state, the memory card storage device is more It will be smaller and more portable. Further, it is possible to prevent the stored protective case or the protective case containing the memory card from being accidentally dropped out of the card storing portion.

[0089]

According to the third aspect , in addition to the effects of the second aspect , the locking portion can have a very simple structure.

According to the fourth aspect , in addition to the effect of the second aspect , when the memory card is stored in the card storage portion as a storage object, the connection terminals are prevented from contacting the support plate and being adversely affected. it can. Further, since the index label can be visually recognized through the notch, a plurality of storage objects formed of the memory card or the protection case containing the memory card can be stored in a state where they can be easily identified from each other.

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

By using the memory card case of the fifth invention, not only can a plurality of storage objects be stored, but also those storage objects can be easily taken in and out, and compactness can be achieved for carrying or storing. . Further, when carrying or storing the memory card, it is not necessary to separately prepare the container body and the lid.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a memory card, a protective case, and a card storage section in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a memory card storage device in which a card storage unit is in a first inclined state, and FIG. 2B is a side view of a memory card storage device in which the card storage unit is in a second inclined state. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the memory card storage device.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an accessory storage section in the memory card storage tool.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a case.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which a container body is opened by erecting a lid in a case in which a memory card storage device is stored.

8A is a plan cross-sectional view of a case in which a memory card storage device is stored, and FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing one mode of a display of a memory card storage device using a case.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing one mode of a display of a memory card storage device using a case.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a memory card storage device for storing another type of memory card.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing another type of memory card storage device in which card storage units are arranged in two rows.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Memory card 2 Protective case 3 Protective case with memory card 7 Sheet material 7a Side edge of sheet material 8 Memory card storage 9 Bottom plate 11 Card storage 13 Hinge as connection part 14 Insertion port 15, 29 Storage space 16 Front Support plate 17 Rear support plate forming a part of locking part 18 Notch part 19 Locking projection forming part of locking part 23 Memory card storage case 24 Container body 24a, 25a Side plate 25 Cover 26 First bearing 27 Second bearing 28 Support shaft 33 Guide part 34 Rotation restricting part α, β Angle

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-38238 (JP, A) JP-A-2-9695 (JP, A) JP-A-4-291692 (JP, A) JP-A-11- 113618 (JP, A) JP-A-8-90970 (JP, A) JP-A-9-301471 (JP, A) JP-A-63-306096 (JP, A) JP-A-1-242293 (JP, A) Registered utility model 3007394 (JP, U) Registered utility model 3053442 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 19/00-19/18 B42D 15/10 B42F 1/00 -21/12 B65D 85/57

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] A memory card, a memory card, a protection case for a memory card, and a memory card storage device having a storage case containing a memory card as an object to be stored, wherein the memory card storage device is arranged in a row along the common bottom plate, A plurality of card storage units for storing the storage object one by one with a part thereof being exposed; and the plurality of card storage units are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate. to a first inclined position, as it can vary the inclination between the second inclined state overlap each other along the bottom plate, and a plurality of connecting portions for connecting the bendable each card accommodation portion in the bottom plate, the connection The unit is configured such that when stress is applied to the card storage unit,
Elastically deforms the card storage portion into the second inclined state
When the stress is removed, the elastic restoring force
The synthetic resin cap returning the card storage section to the first inclined state.
Memory card storage device, characterized in that it consists Nji. (2)The protective cases are superimposed on each other
And a pair of soft joints joined at least at the side edges.
Made of soft sheet material, Each of the card storage units may allow only one storage object to pass through.
Port of the same size as the
A storage space large enough to store a part of the storage body
It consists of a thin box, In each of the storage spaces, the side edges of the protective case are
There is a pair of locking parts that sandwich and lock from the side
The memory card storage according to claim 1, wherein:
Utensils. 3. Each of the card storage sections has a pair of support plates that support each storage object from both front and back sides, and at least one support plate has a side portion protruding toward the other support plate side. The memory card storage device according to claim 2 , wherein a protrusion is provided, and the protrusion forms at least one of the locking portions. 4. Each of the card storage units has a front support plate and a rear support plate for supporting each storage object from both sides thereof, and at least one of the front support plates facing the surface of the storage object. The part is provided with a notch
The memory card storage device according to claim 2 . 5. A memory card case, comprising: a container body formed of a box having an open upper surface; and a lid formed of a box having an open lower surface and covered by the container body. Lined up along a line,
A plurality of card storage units each of which is a memory card, a protection case for a memory card, and a protection case containing a memory card, each of which is to be stored one by one with a part thereof exposed; Each card storage unit is arranged such that the storage units can be tilted between a first inclined state in which the storage units are separated from each other and inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the bottom plate, and a second inclined state in which the storage units overlap with each other along the bottom plate. And a plurality of connection portions that bendably connect to the bottom plate, wherein the connection portion is configured such that when stress is applied to the card storage portion.
Elastically deforms the card storage portion into the second inclined state
When the stress is removed, the elastic restoring force
The synthetic resin cap returning the card storage section to the first inclined state.
Memory card case, characterized in that it consists of Nji.