JP3497604B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device having a card housing portion for removably housing a card type peripheral device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of electronic equipment have been proposed in the past, which are equipped with a card housing portion for detachably housing a card type peripheral device.

As such an electronic device, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-73392 discloses an example of a device having a general card accommodating portion.

That is, the apparatus described in the publication is a printing apparatus provided with an external storage card loading / unloading mechanism, and a swing operation lever for opening / closing the lid of the external storage card loading / unloading mechanism,
A spring is provided which has the function of opening the lid and the function of causing the external storage card to pop out.

When an external storage card having a storage means such as a RAM is stored in a card holder which is a card storage portion of the printing apparatus, the external storage card is inserted from the card insertion opening of the card holder. This printing apparatus is configured to accommodate only one type of card having a predetermined size and shape.

[0006] Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-124262 discloses a memory cartridge adapter used when a small memory cartridge is loaded in a loading chamber in which a standard memory cartridge is loaded. The main body, the connector to which the external terminals of the small memory cartridge provided in the adapter main body are connected, and the guides formed in the small memory cartridge that are different in shape from each other A mounting guide that engages with and guides the guide when the memory cartridge is inserted, and at least one of the mounting guides. A memory card consisting of a blocking unit that blocks the loading of the cartridge. Cartridge adapter is described.

Thus, the second card-type peripheral device having a smaller volume than the first card-type peripheral device is to be accommodated in the card-accommodating portion which accommodates the first card-type peripheral device having a predetermined shape. In this case, the second card-type peripheral device is attached to the adapter so that the second card-type peripheral device has the same shape as the first card-type peripheral device and is inserted into the card accommodation portion of the electronic device.

[0008]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 392, when a second card type peripheral device having a shorter length than the first card type peripheral device having the predetermined size is inserted into the card storing part, In some cases, rattling may occur inside, and further, because the second card-type peripheral device may come off, it may not be possible to exchange signals with the electronic device and the operation may not be guaranteed.

Further, in the one described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-124262, when the second card type peripheral device is used, it must be attached to the adapter before it is inserted, and it is necessary to mount it on the adapter. The operation was complicated.

Further, if the card accommodating portions for accommodating the first card type peripheral device and the second card type peripheral device are provided independently of each other, the cost becomes high and the electronic equipment becomes large in size, which is desirable. Was not.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a second card type peripheral device having a smaller volume than that of the first card type peripheral device can be easily and reliably provided in the same card receiving portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide a small electronic device that can be housed in.

[0012]

To achieve the above object, according to the Invention The first electronic device of the present invention, an electronic apparatus and detachable card-type peripheral device that exchanges each species signals, upper Symbol A card-type peripheral device having a predetermined shape as a card-type peripheral device and a second card-type peripheral device having a smaller volume than the first card-type peripheral device can be accommodated. Card storage unit and the above
The first or second car provided in the card housing
A card guide portion for accommodating a card-type peripheral device at a predetermined position,
Arranged independently of the card guide section
The first card type peripheral device having the first claw portion
To exchange various signals with the electronic device.
When the first car is stored in the predetermined position of the door storage part,
First immobilization tool that performs fixed placement on the peripheral device
The same side as the step and the card guide portion having the first claw portion
The card guide is installed independently so that it can appear and disappear freely.
A second card type peripheral device having a second claw portion
To exchange various signals with the electronic device.
The second card when stored in a predetermined position
Second immobilization means for fixedly arranging the mold peripheral device
And the first and second solid members having the first and second claw portions described above.
Resolve the fixed state of each card type peripheral device of the standardization means
Common operating member for removing
And

A second electronic device of the present invention is the first electronic device described above.
In the child device, the first and second claw portions are the car
It is provided on the side wall of the guide section.
It

A third electronic device of the present invention is the second electronic device described above.
In the electronic device of 3, the first and second claws are
Elasticity for performing the retracting operation with respect to the card guide part
It is characterized by being given.

A fourth electronic device of the present invention is the first electronic device described above.
In a child device, a first device having the first and second claws
And the second fixing means is made of an elastic material.
Is characterized by.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, first, an example of a card type peripheral device used in an electronic apparatus of each embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a first card type peripheral device formed in a predetermined size.

That is, the card type peripheral device 91 shown in FIG. 16 (A) is formed to have predetermined dimensions of depth D, width W and height H, and is mechanically fitted to one end face in the depth direction. A plurality of pin-shaped electric contacts 92 for electrically transmitting and receiving information are provided in a protruding manner.

The card-type peripheral device 93 shown in FIG. 16B is also formed to have predetermined dimensions of depth D, width W, and height H, but no electrical contact is provided. Such contactless card type peripheral devices include a type that performs so-called electromagnetic communication to exchange data with an electronic device, and a type that uses light to exchange data.

The card type peripheral devices 91, 93 and the like formed in the predetermined dimensions will be collectively referred to as a first card type peripheral device.

In comparison with the first card type peripheral device as described above, there is a card type peripheral device having a smaller size, in other words, a smaller volume. This is shown in FIG.

FIG. 17A shows the card type peripheral device 9 described above.
1 shows a card type peripheral device 94 in which only the dimension in the depth direction is smaller than that of 1, and has a depth D1, a width W, and a height H, and D1 <D. Further, the card-type peripheral device 94 also has a plurality of pin-shaped electrical contacts 95 provided on one end face in the depth direction.

FIG. 17B shows the card type peripheral device 9 described above.
4 shows a contactless card type peripheral device 98 which is provided in the same size and shape as that of No. 4 but has no electric contact.

FIG. 17C shows the card type peripheral device 9 described above.
1 shows a card-type peripheral device 96 having a small depth, width, and height, and has a depth D2, a width W2, and a height H2, and D2 <D, W2 <W, H
2 <H. Further, the card-type peripheral device 96 is provided with a plurality of circular electrical contacts 97 on its upper end surface.

FIG. 17D shows the card type peripheral device 9 described above.
1 shows a card-type peripheral device 99 having only a small dimension in the width direction, the depth D, the width W3, and the height H.
And W3 <W. The card-type peripheral device 99 has no electrical contact.

Card type peripheral devices 94, 9 formed to have a size smaller than that of the first card type peripheral device.
6, 98, 99 and the like will be collectively referred to as a second card type peripheral device.

The combination of the size of the card type peripheral device and the means for exchanging information such as pin-shaped electric contacts is not limited to the above-mentioned one, and various other combinations are possible. Needless to say.

Next, the function of the card type peripheral device will be described. In the present specification, "card type peripheral device"
Is a processing unit, storage unit, transfer unit, or signal conversion function unit of the information (or data) of the electronic device to which the application is applied, or a corresponding unit of the photoelectric conversion unit or the energy conversion unit, All card-like structures including functional units capable of exchanging information (data), signals, or energy correspond to this.

Specifically, there are, for example, a memory card, a card type hard disk, a card having a communication function such as a modem card or a LAN card, and the like.

In the memory card, a memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory is provided inside a card-shaped casing, and image data or the like is electrically stored in this memory.

The hard disk is a device in which a magnetic disk is built in a card-shaped housing and magnetically stores, for example, image data on the magnetic disk.

The modem card has a function of a modem for performing communication via a general telephone line and is housed in a card-shaped casing.

The LAN card has a communication function of a local area network, which is a computer network which operates in a relatively narrow range, in a card-shaped casing.

By connecting such a card type peripheral device to an electronic device to exchange signals, the electronic device can be provided with various functions.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device in which the card type peripheral device as described above is inserted and used.

The electronic apparatus 2 is, for example, an electronic still camera, and has a release button 2a on the upper surface for performing an exposure operation by pressing and an LCD for displaying various information such as the number of shots and shutter speed. And a display unit 2b that is provided.

A card housing 3 for housing a memory card, which is a card-type peripheral device, is provided on the back side of the electronic device 2, and the card-type peripheral device is inserted into the card housing part 3. A notch 4a is formed as an operation opening for facilitating the operation.

The card accommodating portion 3 of such an electronic device 2 has a first shape having a predetermined shape as shown in FIG.
The card-type peripheral device 1a and the second card-type peripheral device 1b having a smaller volume than that of the first card-type peripheral device 1a as shown in FIG. 17 are accommodated.

The second card type peripheral device 1 shown here
In particular, b is formed in a short shape, for example, in the insertion direction so that the area of the surface having the maximum area is smaller than the area of the surface having the maximum area of the first card type peripheral device 1a. .

Further, the electronic device 2 as shown in FIG.
In the first card type peripheral device 1 of a predetermined size.
It is also possible to accommodate a battery which is a and can house the coin-shaped battery 1d for backing up data and the like.

In the electronic device 2 into which the first card type peripheral device 1a for accommodating the battery 1d is inserted, the electronic device 2 shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), the notch 4 corresponds to the position of the battery 1d.
By providing b on the lower side of the back surface of the electronic device 2,
Not only is it easy to insert the first card-type peripheral device 1a, but also the battery 1d can be replaced without removing the first card-type peripheral device 1a.
Therefore, data is not lost because power is supplied from the electronic device 2 when the battery is replaced.

Next, a more detailed structure of the card accommodating portion 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

The card accommodating portion 3 is formed in a size and shape capable of accommodating the first card type peripheral device 1a.

The card accommodating portion 3 is provided with a notch 4 as an operation opening which is long in the insertion direction so that the card type peripheral device 1 can be easily inserted with a finger or the like.

The notch 4 has a predetermined surface exposed from the outside regardless of whether the card type peripheral device 1 is the first card type peripheral device 1a or the second card type peripheral device 1b. It can be easily inserted by inserting your fingertip.

Further, the bottom surface and the side surface of the card accommodating portion 3 serve as a card guide portion 6, and the card type peripheral device 1
It will guide you when you insert.

At the central portion of the bottom surface of the card guide portion 6,
In order to facilitate the insertion of the card-type peripheral device 1 by the finger, a groove 5 along the insertion direction is formed at a position facing the notch 4.

In such a card accommodating portion 3, from the side wall of the card guide portion 6, a locking claw 12 which is a claw portion of the fixing means.
a and 12b are provided so as to project and retract independently of the card guide portion 6.

More specifically, the locking claw 12b is provided in the middle of the inside of the card housing 3 and is a fixing means for locking the second card type peripheral device 1b.
Reference numeral 2a is another fixing means which is provided in the vicinity of the insertion opening of the card housing portion 3 and which locks the first card type peripheral device 1a.

When either the first card type peripheral device 1a or the second card type peripheral device 1b is locked to the side of the card housing portion 3, the fixed state is released. An eject button 11 which is a common operation member for ejecting the sheet is provided.

Next, a mechanism in which the eject button 11 and the locking claws 12a and 12b are interlocked will be described with reference to FIG.

A shaft 13 is integrally extended from the eject button 11 and its tip is rotatably connected to a lever 14 via a connecting portion 14b.

The lever 14 is attached to the support shaft 14a so as to be rotatable around the support shaft 14a.
4a is fixed to a member (not shown) of the card storage portion 3. Further, the other end of the lever 14 has a connecting portion 14c.
It is rotatably connected to the plate member 15 via.

This plate member 15 is used for the card type peripheral device 1.
A plurality of ejection claws 15a for ejecting a card are projected on one side which is a tip side when the card is inserted, and a plurality of elastic extending portions 15b are projecting from the side. The locking claws 12a and 12b are formed on the respective sides.

Although only the extending portion 15b may be formed of an elastic material, if the whole plate member 15 is integrally formed of an elastic material, the assembly is easy.

These locking claws 12a and 12b project from a rectangular hole 7 (see FIG. 4) formed in the side surface of the card guide portion 6 of the card storage portion 3 and are stored in the card-type peripheral device 1. The end face on the insertion opening side is locked.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. When the card type peripheral device 1 is inserted into the card housing portion 3 of the electronic device 2 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, the card type peripheral device 1 is guided inside along the card guide portion 6.

When the tip of the card type peripheral device 1 reaches the locking claws 12a, 12b, the elasticity of the extending portion 15b causes the locking claws 12a, 12b to retract into the rectangular hole 7. At this time, since the locking claws 12a and 12b are formed with slopes that are raised with respect to the card insertion direction, the rectangular hole 7 can be smoothly retracted into the inside.

In this way, the card type peripheral device 1 is smoothly inserted into the inside without being caught by the locking claws 12a and 12b, and the rear end portion thereof is located inside the at least one of the locking claws 12a and 12b. Reach the predetermined position. Then, the locking claws 12a and 12b that have reached this position are returned to the state of projecting inside the card storage portion 3 due to the elasticity of the extension portion 15 itself.

In this way, when the card type peripheral device 1 is the first card type peripheral device 1a, the locking claw 12a is formed.
The second card type peripheral device 1b is locked by the locking claw 12b.

Next, the operation of ejecting the card type peripheral device 1 from the card storage portion 3 by pressing the eject button 11 will be described.

When the eject button 11 is pushed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, the lever 14 rotates counterclockwise in FIG.
The plate member 15 is moved in the card ejection direction.

As a result, the discharge claw 15a of the plate member 15
Comes into contact with the tip of the card-type peripheral device 1 in the insertion direction,
The card-type peripheral device 1 is moved in the direction in which it is ejected.
When this operation is performed, if the card-type peripheral device 1 is mechanically fitted to the electric contact of the electronic device 2 by the electric contact of the tip end, the fitting is released at the same time. become.

At the same time, the locking claws 12a and 12b also move in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4, and the slopes thereof come into contact with the ends of the rectangular holes 7 to resist the elastic force of the card housing part 3 itself. Since the operation of gradually retreating from the inside of the card is performed, the operation of ejecting the card type peripheral device 1 can be smoothly performed without any hindrance.

Although the notch 4 and the groove 5 which are continuous from the end portion of the exterior of the electronic device 2 are provided in the above description, the first card-type peripheral device 1a has the rear end portion when inserted into the card accommodating portion 3. Since it is almost at the same position as the exterior, it can be inserted without providing them. Therefore, in order to handle only the case where the second card type peripheral device 1b is inserted with a finger or the like, the end portion of the exterior may be connected to form an elongated hole instead of the notch. In this case, similarly, the groove 5 provided corresponding to the notch 4 may be provided only in the portion corresponding to the elongated hole.

According to the first embodiment as described above, even if the second card-type peripheral device having a small volume is accommodated in the card accommodating portion capable of accommodating the first card-type peripheral device, the second card-type peripheral device is internally stored.
The card-type peripheral device is not rattled. Thus
A small electronic device that can easily and surely accommodate a second card-type peripheral device having a smaller volume than the first card-type peripheral device. Further, since the locking claws serving as the fixing means are provided on the side surface side of the card housing portion, it is advantageous when it is desired to downsize the electronic device in the thickness direction of the card type peripheral device.

FIG. 5 shows a first modification of the first embodiment, in which locking claws 12a and 12b serving as fixing means are provided on the side of the bottom surface of the card accommodating portion 3.

The mechanism in which the locking claws 12a and 12b and the eject button 11 are interlocked is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 3, but when the first card type peripheral device 1a is inserted, The locking claws 12a and 12b are configured to be retracted downward from the card storage portion 3.

That is, when the first card-type peripheral device 1a is inserted into the card accommodating portion 3, the end faces of the first card-type peripheral device 1a on the insertion direction side are the locking claws 12a and 12b.
Of the locking claw 12 by abutting on the slope provided on the insertion opening side of the
a and 12b are pushed down and retracted.

According to the first modification as shown in FIG. 5, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above is obtained, and the locking claw serving as the fixing means is provided on the bottom side of the card accommodating portion. In addition, it is advantageous when it is desired to downsize the electronic device in the width direction of the card-type peripheral device.

FIG. 6 shows a second modification of the first embodiment, in which locking claws 12a and 12b serving as fixing means are provided in the central portion of the bottom surface of the card accommodating portion 3. The mechanism in which the locking claws 12a and 12b and the eject button 11 are interlocked is the same as that shown in FIG.

The second card type peripheral device 1h in this embodiment is the same as the first card type peripheral device 1a in the longitudinal direction and in the thickness but only in the width direction.

The operation when the first card-type peripheral device 1a is inserted into the card accommodating portion 3 of the second modification is the same as that of the first modification shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the second card type peripheral device 1h is inserted, the right side faces of the locking claws 12a and 12b in FIG. 6 come into contact with the left side face of the second card type peripheral device 1h in FIG. The horizontal position is fixed without rattling.

According to the second modification as shown in FIG. 6, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above are obtained, and the second card type peripheral device which is small in the width direction is accommodated without rattling. can do.

7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an electronic device. In the second embodiment, description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and mainly different points will be described.

The electronic device 2 is, for example, an electronic still camera, and as described above, displays a release button 2a for performing an exposure operation by pressing and various information such as the number of shots and shutter speed. A display section 2b made of an LCD or the like is provided, and a lens barrel 2c having a built-in photographing lens is projected from the front side, and on the left side of the back side, one end thereof is configured to be freely openable and closable. A lid 21 that is a rotating lid is provided.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the card storage portion 3 when the lid 21 is open.

The lid 21 is provided with an engaging convex portion 23a at its end, and is a locking member as a fixing means formed by bending an elongated leaf spring, which is an elastic material, into a V shape. 24 is fixed to the inside of the lid 21, which is the lid, at the center thereof.

The locking member 24 is located at a position where the end portion of the second card type peripheral device 1b is pressed along the accommodating direction of the second card type peripheral device 1b accommodated in the card accommodating portion 3. It is provided.

The locking member 24 has both end portions 24a.
Is lifted in a direction away from the lid 21, and locking claws 24b, which are claws, are provided at the tips of both ends 24a.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the tip of the locking member 24 has locking claws 24b protruding substantially perpendicularly to the plate surfaces of both ends 24a. 24b
Further, a curved portion 24c for smoothly locking the second card peripheral device 1b is formed at the tip of the.

When the card-type peripheral device is accommodated on the bottom surface of the card accommodating portion 3, the second card-type peripheral device 1 is stored.
An index 26a indicating the position where the end on the insertion opening side of b should come
And an index 26b indicating the position where the end of the first card type peripheral device 1a on the insertion opening side should come.

These indicators 26a and 26b indicate that the internal electrical contacts are surely connected when they are inserted up to these positions, and the insertion positions are indicated by lines and the like, and "HALF" and "FULL" are shown. By displaying characters and symbols such as "," the type of card-type peripheral device is clearly indicated.

Further, the eject button 11 for ejecting the card type peripheral device is provided on the right side inside the card accommodating portion 3, for example, and its mechanism is the same as that of the first embodiment. .

A lid release button 25 for releasing the lock of the lid 21 in the closed state is provided on the outer surface of the card accommodating portion 3 near the insertion opening.

An engaging concave portion 23b for engaging with the engaging convex portion 23a of the lid 21 is provided at an end portion on the insertion opening side inside the card accommodating portion 3, and this engaging concave portion is formed. Two
A locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the engaging protrusion 23a in association with the operation of the lid release button 25 is provided inside 3b.

Next, the operation of inserting the card type peripheral device into the electronic apparatus of the second embodiment will be described.

When the lid release button 25 is slid and moved, the engaging projection 23a held by the locking mechanism (not shown) in the engaging recess 23b is released, and the lid 21 is released.
Can be opened.

When the lid 21 is opened, the card storage section 3 is put into the second position.
The card type peripheral device 1b is inserted, and is inserted up to a predetermined position indicated by the index 26a. Next, when the lid 21 is closed, the locking member 24 begins to come into contact with the end face of the second card type peripheral device 1b on the insertion opening side by the curved portion 24c of the locking claw 24b, and the lid 21 is completely closed and engaged. When the convex portion 23a is locked by the locking mechanism in the engaging concave portion 23b, it is fixed at a predetermined position while being biased by the locking claw 24b.

In this way, the locking member 24 presses the end portion of the second card type peripheral device 1b in the process of closing the lid 21.

At this time, the locking member 24 presses the upper surface of the second card type peripheral device 1b by its both ends 24a to regulate the displacement in the thickness direction, and the locking claw 24
By b, the end face of the second card type peripheral device 1b on the insertion port side is locked and the position thereof is regulated.

Further, when the first card type peripheral device 1a is inserted, when the lid 21 is closed by inserting it to a predetermined position indicated by the index 26b, the locking member 24 is moved to the first position.
Of the card-type peripheral device 1a, but is elastically deformed on the lid 21 side so that it is housed in the gap formed between the first card-type peripheral device 1a and the lid 21, The lid 21 can be closed.

Also in this case, the pressing force of the locking member 24 can prevent the first card type peripheral device 1a from being displaced in the thickness direction.

According to the second embodiment as described above, substantially the same effect as that of the above-described first embodiment is obtained, and when the card type peripheral device is inserted, for example, the insertion position is slightly different in the same direction. Even if it shifts, the elasticity of the locking member can absorb the shift and push it to a predetermined position.

FIG. 10 shows a modification of the second embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the lid 21 is removed from the electronic device 2.

The card accommodating portion 3 of the electronic device 2 has a plurality of engaging recesses 23b on the left end and the locked portion 22 on the right inside.
b are provided respectively.

A lid 21 is detachably attached to the card housing portion 3. This lid 21
The engaging recess 22a is made of a substantially rectangular plate member with one end bent, and the engaging recess 22a corresponds to the engaged part 22b.
A plurality of engaging protrusions 23a corresponding to 3b are provided.

Further, the locking member 24, which is a fixing means, is attached to the inner surface of the lid 21 when the lid is closed.

Next, the operation of accommodating the card type peripheral device in this modification will be described.

With the lid 21 removed, the card-type peripheral device is moved along the card guide portion 6 into the card accommodating portion 3.
Insert it until it comes into place.

Next, when the lid 21 is inserted in the direction shown by the arrow, the engaging portion 22a and the engaged portion 22b are engaged with each other, and the engaging convex portion 23a and the engaging concave portion 23b are engaged with each other, so that the lid 21 is engaged. Is fixed to the main body of the electronic device 2. At this time, the card type peripheral device housed inside, depending on the type,
As described above, it is fixed while being biased to a predetermined position by the locking member 24.

According to such a modification as shown in FIG. 10, the same effects as those of the above-described second embodiment can be obtained, and the card type peripheral device can be inserted and removed with the lid completely removed. To do so, the operation can be performed very easily.

11 and 12 show a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electronic device.

In the third embodiment, description of the same parts as those of the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

The electronic device 31 of this embodiment is, for example, a laptop personal computer, and is provided with a liquid crystal display 32 for performing various displays, a keyboard 33 for inputting characters and the like, and a front side of the keyboard 33. Pointing device 34 having the same function as a mouse
And pointing device 34
A lid 35, which is a lid, is provided on the side of the.

As shown in FIG. 12, the lid 35 closes the card housing portion 3, and is opened and closed as indicated by an arrow by a hinge mechanism, for example.

The second card type peripheral device 1l accommodated in the card accommodating portion 3 has the same width and thickness directions as the first card type peripheral device 1k having a predetermined size. Only the length in the insertion direction is shortened. The first and second card-type peripheral devices 1k and 1l are so-called non-contact type devices without electrical contacts.

The lid 35 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, and from two sides thereof, an L-shaped side shielding portion 35a for shielding the inside of the card storage portion 3 from the outside when the lid is closed. Has been extended to.

On the inner surface side of the lid 35, there is provided a locking member 36 which is a fixing means for locking the second card type peripheral device 1l when the cover 35 is closed, which is a fixing means. The locking member 36 floats in a direction away from the lid 35 toward the tip side, and a locking claw 36a is provided at the tip portion thereof.

Next, the electronic device 3 of the third embodiment will be described.
The operation at the time of inserting the card type peripheral devices 1k and 1l into 1 is almost the same as that of the second embodiment described above, and the inserted second card type peripheral device 1l is inserted into the locking claw 36a of the locking member 36. It abuts smoothly and is locked.

However, the card type peripheral device 1 of this embodiment
Since k and 11 are contactless as described above, they may be inserted in the longitudinal direction as shown by arrow A in the figure, or may be inserted in the thickness direction B.

When the first card type peripheral device 1k is housed, the end surface of the first card type peripheral device 1k is locked by the side masking portion 35a of the lid 35 and fixed without rattling. Since the peripheral device has no contact, it may be fixed while the lid 35 is closed. When the lid 35 is open, the peripheral device may move inside the card housing portion 3. .

According to the third embodiment as described above, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows a modification of the above-mentioned third embodiment, in which the card accommodating portion 3 provided in the electronic device 31.
3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of FIG.

The card accommodating portion 3 and the lid 21 are constructed in substantially the same manner as that shown in FIG. 8 in the above-described second embodiment, and the first card type peripheral device is provided inside the card accommodating portion 3. Common to 1m and the second card type peripheral device 1b,
Alternatively, there is provided an electric contact (not shown) serving as a separate signal transmitting / receiving connection means.

Further, the first card-type peripheral device 1m accommodated in the card accommodating portion 3 is provided with a plurality of small circular electric contacts 38a on the upper surface thereof, and is a locking member as a fixing means of the lid 21. On the inner surface on which 24 is arranged, the electric contact 3
A plurality of needle-like electrical contacts 38b corresponding to signal transmitting / receiving connecting means corresponding to 8a are provided in a protruding manner.

Although not shown, the second card type peripheral device 1b is provided with an electric contact serving as a signal transmitting / receiving connecting means on the end face in the insertion direction, and the above-mentioned electric power inside the card accommodating portion 3 is not shown. It is designed to exchange signals with contacts.

The operation of accommodating the card type peripheral device in this modification is almost the same as that of the second embodiment.

In the state where the first card type peripheral device 1m is housed in the card housing portion 3, its electrical contact 38a and the electrical contact 38b provided on the lid 21 are electrically contacted to each other, and The card type peripheral device 1m and the electronic device 31 electrically exchange signals.

According to the modification shown in FIG. 13,
By disposing the locking member and the contact in the space provided between the card-type peripheral device and the lid, the space can be effectively used. In this way, it is possible to accommodate the first card-type peripheral device and the second card-type peripheral device having the electrical contacts at the distal end in the insertion direction, and the other card having the electrical contacts on the upper surface. It becomes possible to accommodate one card type peripheral device.

FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a card accommodating portion and a card type peripheral device accommodated therein. In the fourth embodiment, description of the same parts as those of the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

The card accommodating portion 3 of this embodiment is adapted to accommodate the first card type peripheral device 1a, or the adapter device 1p and the second card type peripheral device 1n.

The adapter device 1p has substantially the same size and shape as the first card type peripheral device 1a, and has a signal transmitting / receiving connection for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the electronic device 2 at the tip end portion in the insertion direction. In addition to having electrical contacts as means, a plurality of electrical contacts 44a also serving as signal sending / receiving connection means for sending / receiving signals to / from the second card type peripheral device 1n are provided on the upper surface.

The adapter device 1p has a built-in driver circuit 43 for controlling the recording of a signal to, for example, a flash memory card as the second card type peripheral device 1n.

The second card type peripheral device 1n has a length, width, and height of 3 with respect to the first card type peripheral device 1a.
All the directions are small, and one surface thereof is provided with a plurality of circular electric contacts 44b as signal transmitting / receiving connecting means corresponding to the electric contacts 44a of the adapter device 1p.

On the inner surface side of the lid 21 for closing the card accommodating portion 3, there is provided a locking member 41 which is a fixing means and is a card holding means which is formed by bending an elastic plate member. In the vicinity of the locking member 41, a plurality of protrusions 42 for restricting the position of the second card type peripheral device 1n when housed are projected.

Next, the operation of accommodating the card type peripheral device in the card accommodating portion 3 will be described.

First, the operation for accommodating the first card type peripheral device 1a is almost the same as that in each of the above-described embodiments.

When accommodating the second card type peripheral device 1n in the locking member 41, at the same time, the adapter device 1 is inserted.
p is stored in the same manner as when storing the first card-type peripheral device 1a.

When the lid 21 is closed, the second card type peripheral device 1n is connected to the adapter device 1p via the electrical contacts 44b and 44a, and the adapter device 1p performs a predetermined process by the driver circuit 43. After that, a signal is exchanged with the electronic device by an electric contact provided at the tip in the insertion direction.

Furthermore, the eject button 11 can be used not only for ejecting the first card type peripheral device 1a but also for ejecting the adapter device 1p.

Incidentally, in the above description, the second card type peripheral device 1 is used.
Although a leaf spring-shaped locking member 41 is used as a means for fixing n to the lid 21, it may be attracted by, for example, magnetism or a suction cup.

According to the fourth embodiment as described above, when the second card type peripheral device is inserted into the electronic device, it is not necessary to previously attach the adapter device, which is convenient. Further, once the adapter device is set in the electronic device, even when the second card type peripheral device is replaced with one having another function, only the other second card type peripheral device is set and the lid is closed. It becomes possible to put it into use by a simple operation of just closing it. Further, since the adapter device is provided with the driver circuit and the like, it is not necessary to incorporate the circuit into the electronic device, which is advantageous for downsizing the electronic device.

FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a card accommodating portion and a card type peripheral device accommodated therein. In the fifth embodiment, description of the same parts as those of the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

The adapter device 1s in this embodiment is
Although the adapter device 1p of the above-described fourth embodiment is constructed in substantially the same manner, the electrical contact 55a is formed due to the relative positional relationship between the adapter device 1s and the second card type peripheral device 1n.
Are provided at other positions.

In this embodiment, the first card housing portion 53 for housing the first card type peripheral device 1a is provided on the lid 51 which is a lid body which can be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like. The first card storage portion 53 also serves as an adapter holding unit that holds the adapter device 1s.

The space inside the first card accommodating portion 53 is opened or closed by the opening / closing operation of the lid 51.

The lid 51 further facilitates insertion / removal of the card type peripheral device 1a and enables connection of the electrical contact 44b of the second card type peripheral device 1n and the electrical contact 55a of the adapter device 1s. Rectangular notch 52 for
Are formed.

The electronic device 2 is provided with a rectangular recess 56 for accommodating the lid 51, and this recess 56 is provided.
A second card housing portion 54 for housing the second card type peripheral device 1n is further provided on the bottom surface of the.

The depth of the second card type accommodating portion 54 is formed to be substantially the same as the thickness of the second card type peripheral device 1n, and when the second card type peripheral device 1n is accommodated. The upper surface of the concave portion 56 is formed to have substantially the same height as the bottom surface of the concave portion 56.

Next, the operation of accommodating the card type peripheral device in the electronic apparatus 2 of this embodiment will be described.

First, when accommodating the first card-type peripheral device 1a, the lid 51 is opened and the first card-type peripheral device 1a is inserted into the first card-accommodating portion 53 to a predetermined position. The electrical contact provided on the tip side is electrically connected to the electrical contact provided in the first card accommodating portion 53. At this time, since the notch 52 is provided, it is easy to perform the operation of inserting the first card type peripheral device 1a.

Then, by closing the lid 51, the first
The card-type peripheral device 1a can be arranged at a predetermined position of the electronic device 2, and the electronic device 2 can directly exchange signals with the first card-type peripheral device 1a to use its function. You can

Next, when accommodating the second card type peripheral device 1n, the lid 51 is opened and the electric contact 44b is placed on the second card accommodating portion 54 provided on the bottom surface of the recess 56. And store.

Further, the adapter device 1s is the lid 5 which is the same place where the first card type peripheral device 1a is accommodated.
The first card housing portion 53 of No. 1 is housed with the electrical contact 55a on the lower side. At this time, the electrical contact provided at the tip of the adapter device 1s is connected to the electrical contact of the electronic device 2 provided in the first card accommodating portion 53.

Next, when the lid 51 is closed, the adapter device 1
The electrical contact 55a of S contacts the electrical contact 44b of the second card-type peripheral device 1n through the notch 52 and is electrically connected to each other.

As a result, the electronic device 2 can use the function of the second card-type peripheral device 1n via the adapter device 1s.

According to such a fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment.

[0184]

As described above , the first electric power source of the present invention is used.
According to the slave device, when the second card type peripheral device is inserted,
It can be accommodated without rattling. Especially contactless
It is easy to move like a card type peripheral device of
Is effective for. And the play of the card type peripheral device
It is possible to avoid contact failure and communication failure because there is no damage.
Therefore, the reliability of the electronic device can be improved. Also,
When storing any of the second card type peripheral devices,
Rattling can be prevented, and two on the same surface
Since the immobilizing means of is arranged, it is advantageous in layout.
It Further, since the claw portion is arranged so that it can be retracted and retracted, the claw portion can be
Make sure that the card-type peripheral device is provided with notches, etc. for passing it.
Does not require Furthermore, depending on the type of card-type peripheral device,
Instead, immobilization suitable for each can be performed. Well
In addition, the card type peripheral device can be easily removed.
In addition, by using a common operating member,
Easy to grow.

According to the second electronic device of the present invention, the electronic device
It is possible to reduce the thickness of the container.

According to the third electronic device of the present invention, a card
The immobilization means prevent its movement when accommodating the mold peripheral.
No harm, housed the first card-type peripheral
The condition can be maintained in good condition. Also a special drive
Card-type peripherals are fixed automatically without the need for a mechanism
can do.

According to the fourth electronic device of the present invention,
There is no need to use a spring member or the like, and the structure is simple.

[0188]

[0189]

[0190]

[0191]

[0192]

[0193]

[0194]

[0195]

[0196]

[0197]

[0198]

[0199]

[0200]

[0201]

[0202]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a card storage portion in an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device into which a card-type peripheral device is inserted and used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a mechanism in which an eject button and a locking claw are interlocked with each other in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the retracting operation of the locking claws in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a card accommodating portion in a first modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a card accommodating portion in a second modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an electronic still camera that is an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a card housing portion of the electronic device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a locking claw of the locking member of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a modified example of the second embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the lid is removed from the electronic device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a notebook personal computer which is an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing a card storage portion of the electronic device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a modified example of the third embodiment, and is an enlarged perspective view showing a card storage portion of an electronic device.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a card accommodating portion and a card type peripheral device accommodated therein in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a card accommodating portion and a card-type peripheral device accommodated therein in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of a first card-type peripheral device used in the electronic device of each of the embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of a second card-type peripheral device used in the electronic device of each of the embodiments.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Card type peripheral device 1a, 1k, 1m ... 1st card type peripheral device 1b, 1h, 1l, 1n ... 2nd card type peripheral device 1p, 1s ... Adapter device 2, 31 ... Electronic device 3 ... Card accommodation Part 4, 4a, 4b ... Notch (operation opening) 5 ... Groove 6 ... Card guide 11 ... Eject button (operation member) 12a, 12b, 24b, 36a ... Locking claw (fixing means, claw) 21, 35, 51 ... Lid (lid body) 24, 36 ... Locking member (fixing means) 41 ... Locking member (fixing means, card holding means) 53 ... First card storage section (adapter holding means) 54 ... Second card housing

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 1/16 G06K 17/00 H01R 23/68 301 H01R 13/629

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electronic device in which a card-type peripheral device for transmitting and receiving various signals is detachable, wherein a first card-type peripheral device having a predetermined shape as the card-type peripheral device and the first card-type peripheral device. A card accommodating part capable of accommodating any card-type peripheral device of the second card-type peripheral device having a smaller volume than the device; and the card accommodating part provided in the card accommodating part.
A card guide portion for accommodating the card-type peripheral device in a predetermined position, and a first claw portion which is independently arranged with respect to the card guide portion so as to be retractable and retractable. When the mold peripheral device is housed in a predetermined position of the card housing portion for transmitting and receiving various signals to and from the electronic device, the first fixing is fixedly arranged with respect to the first card mold peripheral device. And a second guide disposed on the same side as the card guide section having the first claw section so that the card guide section can independently project and retract.
When the second card type peripheral device is housed in a predetermined position of the card housing part to exchange various signals with the electronic device, the second card type peripheral device Second fixing means for fixedly arranging with respect to the device, and first and second fixing means having the first and second claw portions are released from the fixing state with respect to each card type peripheral device. An electronic device, comprising: a common operation member for: 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second claw portions are provided on a side wall of the card guide portion. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second claw portions are provided with elasticity for performing a retracting operation with respect to the card guide portion. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second fixing means having the first and second claw portions are made of an elastic material.