JP7002115B2 - Card connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a card connector. In particular, the present invention relates to a card connector structure capable of sharing two types of cards having the same external dimensions and thickness but having a partially different arrangement of connection terminals.

In recent years, UHS-I compatible SD memory cards or UHS-II compatible SD memory cards with improved memory transfer speeds have appeared. It is said that the UHS-II compatible SD memory card can realize a transfer speed that is about three times the transfer speed of the UHS-I compatible SD memory card. Hereinafter, the UHS-I compatible SD memory card is referred to as a first card, and the UHS-II compatible SD memory card is referred to as a second card.

By the way, there is a demand for a card connector that can share the first card and the second card. The first card and the second card have the same external dimensions of these rectangles and their thickness. Further, the first card and the second card have the same arrangement of the plurality of first connection terminals formed at the end on the insertion side. On the other hand, the second card is different from the first card in that a plurality of second connection terminals are arranged after the plurality of first connection terminals.

As an entity, the first card has a plurality of first connection terminals arranged on the bottom surface of the first groove portion recessed from the back surface thereof. On the other hand, the second card has a plurality of first connection terminals and a plurality of second connection terminals arranged on the bottom surface of the second groove portion recessed from the back surface thereof. That is, the length from the edge of the first groove is shorter than the length from the edge of the second groove.

For example, a conventional card connector has a housing having a recess into which a first card or a second card can be inserted, a plurality of first contacts capable of contacting a first connection terminal, and a plurality of contacts capable of contacting a second connection terminal. It has a second contact. Further, these first contacts and second contacts are arranged on the bottom surface of the recess of the housing.

The conventional card connector can electrically connect the second card to the first contact and the second contact by inserting the second card into the recess of the housing. On the other hand, when the first card is inserted into the recess of the housing, there is a concern that the step of the first groove abuts on the second contact and the step of the housing is scraped. Then, there is a concern that the shavings adhere to the contact of the second contact and the second connection terminal and the second contact do not surely come into contact with each other.

To deal with such a problem, a first ridge portion that contacts only the back surface of the first card and a second ridge portion that contacts only the second connection terminal are separately provided on the tip end side of the second contact. The card connector is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-146444

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first card according to the present invention, and is a state diagram of the first card as viewed from the front side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first card according to the present invention, and is a state diagram of the first card as viewed from the back surface side.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second card according to the present invention, and is a state diagram of the second card as viewed from the front side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second card according to the present invention, and is a state diagram of the second card as viewed from the back surface side.

Referring to FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the first card C1 shows a UHS-I compatible SD memory card. The outer shape of the first card C1 is formed into a rectangular shape. Further, the first card C1 has a notch Ca formed at a corner to prevent erroneous insertion. Further, the first card C1 has a plurality of first groove portions D1 formed at one end thereof. The first groove portion D1 is recessed by providing a step from the back surface Bf of the first card C1. The first connection terminal 1ct is arranged on the bottom surface of the first groove portion D1.

Referring to FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the first card C1 houses an IC chip (not shown) inside a plastic housing ch1 having an insulating property. This IC chip is connected to a plurality of metal foils attached to the bottom surface of the first groove portion D1. The metal leaf is the first connection terminal 1ct of the first card C1. The first connection terminal 1ct can be electrically connected to the first contact 91 described later.

With reference to FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, the second card C2 shows a UHS-II compatible SD memory card. The outer shape of the second card C2 is formed into a rectangular shape. Further, the second card C2 has a notch Ca formed at a corner to prevent erroneous insertion. Further, the second card C2 has a plurality of second groove portions D2 formed at one end thereof. The second groove portion D2 is recessed by providing a step from the back surface Bf of the second card C2. The first connection terminal 1ct and the second connection terminal 2ct are arranged on the bottom surface of the second groove portion D2.

Referring to FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, the second card C2 houses an IC chip (not shown) inside the insulating plastic housing ch2. This IC chip is connected to a plurality of metal foils attached to the bottom surface of the second groove D2. The metal leaf is the first connection terminal 1ct and the second connection terminal 2ct of the second card C2. The second connection terminal 2ct of the second card C2 can be electrically connected to the second contact 92 described later.

Referring to FIG. 12, the second connection terminal 2ct includes a pair of signal terminals 2st and 2st, a power supply terminal 2et, and three ground terminals 2gt. The pair of ground terminals 2gt and 2gt are arranged on both sides of the pair of signal terminals 2st and 2st.

Comparing FIGS. 9 and 11, the first card C1 and the second card C2 have the same external dimensions of these rectangles and their thickness t when viewed from the surface Sf side thereof.

Further, when FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 are compared, the first card C1 and the second card C2 have the same arrangement of the plurality of first connection terminals 1ct formed at the end on the insertion side. On the other hand, the second card C2 is different from the first card C1 in that a plurality of second connection terminals 2ct are arranged after the plurality of first connection terminals 1ct.

Further, when FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 are compared, there is a difference that the length of the first groove portion D1 from the edge is shorter than the length of the second groove D2 from the edge.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a card connector according to the prior art. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the second contact 92 provided in the card connector according to the prior art. 13 and 14 of the present application correspond to FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) of Patent Document 1.

Referring to FIG. 13, the prior art card connector 9 comprises a rectangular housing 9h with recesses 9a, a plurality of first contacts 91, and a plurality of second contacts 92. The first contact 91 and the second contact 92 are arranged on the bottom surface of the recess 9a of the housing 9h. The first card C1 or the second card C2 can be inserted into the housing 9h from the insertion opening 9b formed in the front portion thereof (see FIGS. 9 to 12).

When the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 9a with reference to FIG. 9 or FIGS. 10 and 13, the contact of the first contact 91 can be brought into contact with the first connection terminal 1ct (see FIG. 10). Then, the first card C1 and the first contact 91 can be electrically connected.

When the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 9a with reference to FIG. 9 or FIGS. 10 and 13, the contact of the first contact 91 can be brought into contact with the first connection terminal 1ct (see FIG. 12). Further, the contact of the second contact 92 can be brought into contact with the second connection terminal 2ct (see FIG. 12). Then, the second card C2 and the first contact 91 can be electrically connected, and the second card C2 and the second contact 92 can be electrically connected.

Referring to FIG. 14, the second contact 92 has a first mountain portion 921 and a second mountain portion 922 on the tip end side. The first mountain portion 921 is arranged on the proximal end side of the second contact 92. The second mountain portion 922 is arranged on the tip end side of the second contact 92.

With reference to FIG. 13 or FIG. 14, in the card connector 9 according to Patent Document 1, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 9a, the second contact 92 is tilted and only the first mountain portion 921 is formed. It is said that the second mountain portion 922 abuts on the back surface Bf of the first card C1 and does not abut on the back surface Bf of the first card C1.

On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 13 or FIG. 14, in the card connector 9 according to Patent Document 1, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 9a, the first mountain portion 921 comes into contact with the second connection terminal 2ct. It is said that only the second mountain portion 922 can contact the second connection terminal 2ct without any problem. The card connector 9 according to Patent Document 1 states that when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 9a, the first mountain portion 921 does not come into contact with the second connection terminal 2ct, so that the contact reliability can be improved.

However, referring to FIGS. 9 to 14, the card connector 9 according to Patent Document 1 can prevent the shavings of the first card C1 from adhering to the second mountain portion 922, but the second contact. Since the tip end side of the 92 abuts on the step of the first groove portion D1, it is considered difficult to suppress the generation of shavings of the first card C1. Referring to FIG. 14, since the width w on the tip end side of the second contact 92 is narrow, it is considered to be particularly difficult to suppress the generation of shavings of the first card C1.

A first card in which a plurality of first connection terminals are arranged on the bottom surface of the first groove portion and a second card in which a plurality of first connection terminals and a plurality of second connection terminals are arranged on the bottom surface of the second groove portion can be shared. There is a demand for a card connector that can suppress the generation of shavings on the first card. And, the above can be said to be the subject of the present invention.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is a card connector capable of sharing two types of cards having the same external dimensions and thickness but having a partially different arrangement of connection terminals. It is an object of the present invention to provide a card connector capable of suppressing the generation of shavings of a first card.

The present inventors provide a convex piece protruding from the plate thickness surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the second contact extends on the tip end side of the second contact, and housing a first card having a first groove portion at the end portion. When inserted into the concave portion of the first card, the step of the first groove portion of the first card comes into contact with the wide surface of the second contact including the convex piece, so that the generation of shavings of the first card can be suppressed, and based on this. , Invented the following new card connectors.

(1) The rectangular first card in which a plurality of first connection terminals are arranged on the bottom surface of the first groove portion recessed by providing a step from the back surface of one end has the same external dimensions and thickness as the first card. It is a card connector that can be shared with a rectangular second card in which a plurality of the first connection terminals and a plurality of second connection terminals are arranged on the bottom surface of a second groove portion recessed from the back surface of one end portion. A plate-shaped housing having a recess into which the first card or the second card can be inserted, and a plurality of first contacts arranged behind the recess of the housing and capable of being connected to the first connection terminal. The second contact is provided with a plurality of second contacts arranged on the opening side of the recess of the housing and can be connected to the second connection terminal, and the second contact is the first in a state where the first card is inserted into the recess. A contact that can contact the second connection terminal when the second card is inserted into the recess without contacting the back surface of the card, and the first card when the first card is inserted into the recess. A card connector having a convex piece that can abut on a step in a groove and protrudes from a plate thickness surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the second contact extends.

(2) The card connector according to (1), wherein the contact is formed at the top of a curved portion having a large radius of curvature arranged on the tip end side of the second contact.

(3) The card connector according to (1) or (2), wherein the convex piece protrudes from one side of the tip end side of the second contact.

(4) The card connector according to (1) or (2), wherein the convex piece protrudes from both sides on the tip end side of the second contact.

(5) The second connection terminal includes a plurality of paired signal terminals and ground terminals arranged on both sides of the paired signal terminal, and the second contact is the paired signal terminal. The first signal contact forming a pair including the first signal contact forming a contact-free pair and the ground contact contactable with the ground terminal, the first signal contact forming the pair has the convex pieces arranged in opposite directions. The card connector according to (1) or (2).

(6) The second connection terminal includes a plurality of paired signal terminals and ground terminals arranged on both sides of the paired signal terminal, and the second contact is the paired signal terminal. 2. The card connector according to (1) or (2).

The card connector according to the present invention is a first card having a convex piece protruding from the plate thickness surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the second contact extends on the tip end side of the second contact and having a first groove portion at the end. Is inserted into the concave portion of the housing, the step of the first groove portion of the first card comes into contact with the wide surface of the second contact including the convex piece, so that the generation of shavings of the first card can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the connector for a card by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the connector for a card by 1st Embodiment, and is the state figure which removed the cover plate. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the card connector by 1st Embodiment, and is the state figure which looked at the card connector from the direction different from FIG. It is a perspective view of the 1st contact and the 2nd contact provided in the card connector by 1st Embodiment, and is the state figure before molding the 1st contact and the 2nd contact into a housing. It is an enlarged perspective view of the 2nd contact provided in the card connector by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the card connector by 1st Embodiment, the left column of FIG. 6 shows the plan view of the card connector by 1st Embodiment, and the right column of FIG. 6 is the card by 1st Embodiment. An enlarged vertical sectional view of the connector is shown, FIG. 6 (A) is a state diagram before inserting the first card or the second card into the card connector, and FIG. 6 (B) is a state diagram in which the second card is used for a card. FIG. 6C, which is a state diagram inserted into the connector, is a state diagram in which the first card is inserted into the card connector. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the connector for a card by 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the state figure which removed the cover plate. It is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of FIG. 7. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 1st card which concerns on this invention, and is the state figure which looked at the 1st card from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 1st card which concerns on this invention, and is the state figure which looked at the 1st card from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd card which concerns on this invention, and is the state figure which looked at the 2nd card from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd card which concerns on this invention, and is the state figure which looked at the 2nd card from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the connector for a card by a prior art. It is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the 2nd contact 92 provided in the connector for a card by the prior art.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of card connector)
First, the configuration of the card connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a card connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the card connector according to the first embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the cover plate is removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the card connector according to the first embodiment, and is a state diagram of the card connector viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. 2.

(overall structure)
Next, the overall configuration of the card connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the card connector (hereinafter, abbreviated as a connector) 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plate-shaped housing 1 and a cover plate 2. Further, the connector 10 includes a plurality of first contacts 3 and a plurality of second contacts 4.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the housing 1 forms a recess 11 into which the first card C1 or the second card C2 can be inserted. The recess 11 is surrounded by a pair of side walls 1a and 1b and a rear wall 1c. Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the cover plate 2 covers the recess 11. The recess 11 covered with the cover plate 2 can be used as a storage space for the first card C1 or the second card C2.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the first contact 3 is arranged on the inner side of the recess 11. The first contact 3 can contact the first connection terminal 1ct of the first card C1 (see FIG. 10). Further, the first contact 3 can contact the first connection terminal 1ct of the second card C2 (see FIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the second contact 4 is arranged on the opening side of the recess 11. The second contact 4 can contact the second connection terminal 2ct of the second card C2 (see FIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the second contact 4 includes two pairs of first signal contacts 4s · 4s, a power contact 4e and three ground contacts 4g.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the paired first signal contacts 4s and 4s can be electrically connected to the paired signal terminals 2st and 2st (see FIG. 12). The power contact 4e can be electrically connected to the power terminal 2et. The ground contact 4g can be electrically connected to the ground terminal 2gt (see FIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 5, the first signal contact 4s has a contact 4c on the tip side. The contact 4c is formed at the top of a curved portion having a large radius of curvature arranged on the tip end side of the second contact 4. The contact 4c does not abut on the back surface Bf of the first card C1 when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11. On the other hand, the contact 4c can come into contact with the second connection terminal 2ct when the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11.

Further, referring to FIG. 5, the first signal contact 4s has a rectangular convex piece 4t on the tip end side. The convex piece 4t protrudes from the plate thickness surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the first signal contact 4s extends. Further, the convex piece 4t protrudes from one side of the first signal contact 4s on the tip end side. It can also be said that a part of the second contact has a convex piece 4t on the tip end side. In the embodiment, the paired first signal contacts 4s and 4s have a set of convex pieces 4t and 4t arranged in opposite directions.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11, the wide surface of the second contact 4 including the convex piece 4t can abut on the step of the first groove D1. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of shavings on the first card C1.

(Housing configuration)
Next, the configuration of the housing 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 1 is made of an insulating synthetic resin, and the insulating synthetic resin can be molded to obtain a plate-shaped housing 1.

(Structure of eject mechanism)
Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, housing 1 has an eject mechanism E arranged at one end of the recess 11. When the first card C1 or the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11, the eject mechanism E can operate so as to stop the first card C1 or the second card C2, and the stopped first card C1 or the second card C2 can be stopped. When is pressed, the first card C1 or the second card C2 can be ejected. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the eject mechanism E will be described on behalf of the first card C1.

Referring to FIG. 3, the eject mechanism E is composed of a flat plate-shaped slide member E1, a compression coil spring E2, and a guide rod E3. The slide member E1 is freely connected to the housing 1 in a direction parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the first card C1. Further, the slide member E1 has an L-shaped piece formed at the tip thereof that engages with the notch Ca of the first card C1. Further, the slide member E1 has a protrusion Ea that can be engaged with a groove portion (see FIG. 11) formed on the side surface of the first card C1. Further, the slide member E1 has a heart-shaped cam groove (not shown) formed from the upper surface.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the compression coil spring E2 is held inside the slide member E1. Further, the compression coil spring E2 urges the slide member E1 in the direction in which the first card C1 is discharged. One end of the guide rod E3 is connected to a heart-shaped cam groove (not shown). Further, the guide rod E3 has other ends rotatably connected to the housing 1.

With reference to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11 and the slide member E1 is moved to the back side of the housing 1 against the urging force of the compression coil spring E2, the guide rod E3 One end moves to the junction of the heart-shaped cam groove. Then, when one end of the guide rod E3 reaches the branch point of the heart-shaped cam groove, the guide rod E3 can lock the slide member E1 and can define the stop position of the first card C1.

With reference to FIG. 2 or 3, once the first card C1 is pushed from the state where one end of the guide rod E3 is located at the branch point of the heart-shaped cam groove, one end of the guide rod E3 becomes heart-shaped. It is released from the branch point of the cam groove and moves relatively to the return stroke of the heart-shaped cam groove. Then, the compression coil spring E2 moves the slide member E1 to the opening side of the housing 1, so that the first card C1 can be discharged.

With reference to FIG. 2 or 3, once the first card C1 is pushed from the state where one end of the guide rod E3 is located at the branch point of the heart-shaped cam groove, one end of the guide rod E3 becomes heart-shaped. It is released from the branch point of the cam groove and moves relatively to the return stroke of the heart-shaped cam groove. Then, the compression coil spring E2 moves the slide member E1 to the opening side of the housing 1, so that the first card C1 can be discharged.

(Configuration of card detection switch)
Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the housing 1 has a card detection switch (hereinafter abbreviated as a detection switch) Sw arranged at the other end of the recess 11. The detection switch Sw is composed of a strip-shaped movable plate Cm and a strip-shaped fixed plate Cs.

Referring to FIG. 3, the movable plate Cm and the fixing plate Cs have their base ends fixed to the side wall 1b of the housing 1. Further, the tip portions of the movable plate Cm and the fixed plate Cs overlap each other. The tip end side of the movable plate Cm is curved toward the recess 11.

When the first card C1 or the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11 with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the tip end side of the movable plate Cm can be displaced, and the tip end portion of the movable plate Cm is the tip portion of the fixing plate Cs. You can move towards. In a state where the tip of the movable plate Cm is in contact with the tip of the fixed plate Cs, the movable plate Cm and the fixed plate Cs can be electrically conductive. As a result, the detection switch Sw is turned on, and the insertion of the first card C1 or the second card C2 can be detected.

When the first card C1 or the second card C2 is pulled out from the recess 11 with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the tip end side of the movable plate Cm can be elastically restored, and the tip end portion of the movable plate Cm is the tip end of the fixing plate Cs. You can separate from the part. As a result, the detection switch Sw is turned off, and the non-insertion of the first card C1 or the second card C2 can be detected.

(Composition of cover plate)
Next, the configuration of the cover plate 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the cover plate 2 is made of a conductive metal plate. The cover plate 2 is composed of a top plate 21 and a pair of side plates 22 and 23.

Referring to FIG. 1, the top plate 21 is arranged to face the recess 11. The pair of side plates 22 and 23 are formed by bending both ends of the top plate 21 at a right angle. The pair of side plates 22 and 23 can be brought into close contact with both side surfaces of the housing 1. A part of the pair of side plates 22 and 23 can be further bent so as to be in close contact with the bottom surface of the housing 1. Then, by inserting the cover plate 2 toward the recess 11 of the housing 1, the cover plate 2 can be assembled into the housing 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, a window 21w is opened in the top plate 21 so that a plurality of second contacts 4 can be easily visually recognized. Further, the top plate 21 has a set of leaf spring pieces 21a and 21a that press the first card C1 or the second card C2 from the surface Sf side. Further, the top plate 21 has a leaf spring piece 21b that presses the slide member E1. Further, the top plate 21 has a leaf spring piece 22b that presses the other end of the guide rod E3.

By covering the housing 1 with the conductive cover plate 2 with reference to FIG. 1, the first card C1 or the second card C2 housed therein can be protected from electromagnetic interference.

Subsequently, the configuration of the connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first contact and the second contact provided in the card connector according to the first embodiment, and is a state diagram molded into the housing. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the second contact provided in the card connector according to the first embodiment.

(Structure of first contact)
Next, the configuration of the first contact 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 4, the first contact 3 is made of a conductive metal plate on which a developed plate (not shown) is formed, and the developed plate is punched or bent to form a conductive cantilever. You can get bellows contacts. A copper alloy is preferably used for the first contact 3 in consideration of ease of processing, spring characteristics, conductivity, and the like, but the first contact 3 is not limited to the copper alloy.

Referring to FIG. 4, the ten first contacts 3 are separated from each other, but the ten first contacts 3 may be chained contacts partially connected to each other, and the fixed portion of the first contact 3 may be formed. After the housing 1 is molded by molding, the ten first contacts 3 can be individually separated by appropriately punching the chained contacts.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the first contact 3 has its fixed end fixed to the housing 1. On the other hand, the free end portion of the first contact 3 is inclined and extends from the bottom surface of the recess 11. Then, the top of the free end of the first contact 3 forms a contact 3c that can contact the first connection terminal 1ct (see FIG. 4).

Referring to FIG. 4, the first contact 3 forms a lead piece at its fixed end. These lead pieces can be soldered to one side of a printed circuit board (not shown). That is, the connector 10 is a surface mount type connector.

(Structure of second contact)
Next, the configuration of the second contact 4 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 4, the second contact 4 is made of a conductive metal plate 4p on which a developing plate (not shown) is formed. The unfolded plate can be punched or bent to obtain a conductive cantilevered bellows contact. A copper alloy is preferably used for the second contact 4 in consideration of ease of processing, spring characteristics, conductivity, and the like, but the second contact 4 is not limited to the copper alloy.

With reference to FIG. 4, the central portion of the metal plate 4p can be molded to form the housing 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the second contact 4 separately separates the first signal contact 4s, the power supply contact 4e, and the ground contact 4g.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the first signal contact 4s has its fixed end fixed to the housing 1. Further, the free end portion of the first signal contact 4s is inclined and extends from the bottom surface of the recess 11. Then, the top of the free end of the first signal contact 4s forms a contact 4c that can contact the signal terminal 2st (see FIG. 5).

Similarly, referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the fixed ends of the power contact 4e and the ground contact 4g are fixed to the housing 1. On the other hand, the free ends of the power contact 4e and the ground contact 4g extend from the bottom surface of the recess 11. The top of the free end of the power contact 4e and the ground contact 4g forms a contact 41c that can contact the power terminal 2et or the ground terminal 2gt (see FIG. 5).

(Action of card connector)
Next, the operation and effect of the connector 10 will be described while explaining the operation of the connector 10 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a card connector according to the first embodiment, the left column of FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the card connector according to the first embodiment, and the right column of FIG. 6 is a first. An enlarged vertical sectional view of the card connector according to the embodiment is shown, FIG. 6A is a state diagram before inserting the first card or the second card into the card connector, and FIG. 6B is a second. FIG. 6C is a state diagram in which the card is inserted into the card connector, and FIG. 6C is a state diagram in which the first card is inserted into the card connector.

Referring to FIG. 6A, in the state before the first card C1 or the second card C2 is inserted into the connector 10, the contact 3c of the first contact 3 is arranged to face the cover plate 2. Further, the contact 4c of the first signal contact 4s is arranged to face the cover plate 2.

When the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11 of the housing 1 from the state shown in FIG. 6A, the second card C2 can be advanced toward the rear wall 1c. With reference to FIG. 6B, when the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11 of the housing 1, the contact 3c of the first contact 3 is in contact with the first connection terminal 1ct (see FIG. 12). .. Further, in a state where the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11 of the housing 1, the contact 4c of the first signal contact 4s is in contact with the first connection terminal 1ct (see FIG. 12).

When the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11 of the housing 1 from the state shown in FIG. 6A, the first card C1 can be advanced toward the rear wall 1c. With reference to FIG. 6C, in the process of advancing the first card C1 toward the rear wall 1c, the step of the first groove portion D1 can abut on the wide surface of the first signal contact 4s including the convex piece 4t. ..

As the first card C1 further advances toward the rear wall 1c with reference to FIG. 6C, the step of the first groove D1 pushes the second contact 4 and the second contact 4 including the first signal contact 4s. Can be tilted. When the first signal contact 4s is tilted, the contact 4c of the first signal contact 4s is configured so as not to come into contact with the bottom surface of the first groove portion D1. Thereby, the contact 4c of the first signal contact 4s can be protected. Further, in a state where the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11 of the housing 1, the contact 3c of the first contact 3 is in contact with the first connection terminal 1ct (see FIG. 10).

As described above, in the connector 10 according to the first embodiment, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11, the wide surface of the second contact 4 including the convex piece 4t can abut on the step of the first groove portion D1. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of shavings on the first card C1. Further, the connector 10 according to the first embodiment is configured so that the contact 4c of the first signal contact 4s does not abut on the bottom surface of the first groove portion D1 when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11. Therefore, the contact 4c of the first signal contact 4s can be protected.

[Second Embodiment]
(Configuration of card connector)
Next, the configuration of the card connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the card connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a state diagram in which the cover plate is removed. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of FIG. 7. In addition, since the components having the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment have the same action, the description thereof may be omitted.

(overall structure)
Next, the overall configuration of the card connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the card connector (hereinafter, abbreviated as a connector) 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plate-shaped housing 1 and a cover plate 2. Further, the connector 20 includes a plurality of first contacts 3 and a plurality of second contacts 4.

Referring to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the housing 1 forms a recess 11 into which the first card C1 or the second card C2 can be inserted. The recess 11 is surrounded by a pair of side walls 1a and 1b and a rear wall 1c. Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the cover plate 2 covers the recess 11. The recess 11 covered with the cover plate 2 can be used as a storage space for the first card C1 or the second card C2.

Referring to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the first contact 3 is arranged on the inner side of the recess 11. The first contact 3 can contact the first connection terminal 1ct of the first card C1 (see FIG. 10). Further, the first contact 3 can contact the first connection terminal 1ct of the second card C2 (see FIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the second contact 4 is arranged on the opening side of the recess 11. The second contact 4 can contact the second connection terminal 2ct of the second card C2 (see FIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the second contact 4 includes two pairs of second signal contacts 5s · 5s, a power contact 4e and three ground contacts 4g.

Referring to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the paired second signal contacts 5s and 5s can be electrically connected to the paired signal terminals 2st and 2st (see FIG. 12). The ground contact 4g can be electrically connected to the ground terminal 2gt (see FIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 8, the second signal contact 5s has the contact 5c on the tip end side. The contact 5c is formed at the top of a curved portion having a large radius of curvature arranged on the tip end side of the second contact 4. The contact 5c does not abut on the back surface Bf of the first card C1 when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11. On the other hand, the contact 5c can come into contact with the second connection terminal 2ct when the second card C2 is inserted into the recess 11.

Further, referring to FIG. 8, the second signal contact 5s has a rectangular convex piece 5t on the tip end side. The convex piece 5t protrudes from the plate thickness surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the second signal contact 5s extends. Further, the convex piece 5t protrudes from both sides on the tip end side of the second signal contact 5s. It can also be said that a part of the second contact has a convex piece 5t on the tip end side. In the embodiment, the paired second signal contacts 5s have a pair of convex pieces 5t and 5t arranged in opposite directions.

Although the first signal contact 4s and the second signal contact 5s are substantially the same, they are distinguished by changing the reference numerals for convenience of explanation. The first signal contact 4s projects a convex piece 4t from one side on the tip side, whereas the second signal contact 5s projects a pair of convex pieces 5t and 5t from both sides on the tip side. There is a difference.

Further, although the contact 4c and the contact 5c are the same, they are distinguished by changing the reference numerals for convenience of explanation. Similarly, the convex piece 4t and the convex piece 5t are substantially the same, but are distinguished by changing the reference numerals for convenience of explanation.

With reference to FIG. 7 or 8, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11, the wide surface of the second contact 4 including the pair of convex pieces 5t and 5t can abut on the step of the first groove D1. .. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of shavings on the first card C1.

(Action of card connector)
Next, the operation and effect of the connector 20 according to the second embodiment will be described.

By analogy with FIG. 6, in the connector 20 according to the second embodiment, when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11, the wide surface of the second contact 4 including the pair of convex pieces 5t and 5t is the first groove portion D1. Can contact steps. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of shavings on the first card C1. Further, the connector 200 according to the second embodiment is configured so that the contact 5c of the second signal contact 5s does not abut on the bottom surface of the first groove portion D1 when the first card C1 is inserted into the recess 11. Therefore, the contact 5c of the second signal contact 5s can be protected.

The present invention is a card connector that can share two types of cards that have the same external dimensions and thickness but have a partially different arrangement of connection terminals, and is for cards that can suppress the generation of shavings on one of the cards. Although the connector has been disclosed, if the technical idea of the present invention is applied, it can be applied not only to a card but also to a printed circuit board or an electric connector having a connection terminal made of metal foil on the surface.

1 Housing 1ct 1st connection terminal 2ct 2nd connection terminal 3 1st contact 4 2nd contact 4s 1st signal contact 4c contact 4t convex piece 10 connector (connector for card)
11 Recessed Bf Back side C1 1st card C2 2nd card D1 1st groove D2 2nd groove

Claims (5)

The rectangular first card in which a plurality of first connection terminals are arranged on the bottom surface of the first groove portion recessed by providing a step from the back surface of one end has the same external dimensions and thickness as the first card. A card connector capable of sharing a rectangular second card in which a plurality of the first connection terminals and a plurality of second connection terminals are arranged on the bottom surface of a second groove portion recessed from the back surface of one end portion.
A plate-shaped housing having a recess into which the first card or the second card can be inserted,
A plurality of first contacts arranged on the inner side of the recess of the housing and connectable to the first connection terminal,
A plurality of second contacts, which are arranged on the opening side of the recess of the housing and can be connected to the second connection terminal, are provided.
The second contact is
A narrow contact that does not abut on the back surface of the first card when the first card is inserted into the recess, and can contact the second connection terminal when the second card is inserted into the recess. When,
With the first card inserted in the recess, a wide convex piece that can abut on the step of the first groove and protrudes from the plate thickness surface in a width direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the second contact extends. Has a card connector. The card connector according to claim 1 , wherein the convex piece protrudes from one side of the tip end side of the second contact. The card connector according to claim 1 , wherein the convex piece protrudes from both sides on the tip end side of the second contact. The second connection terminal is
Multiple pairs of signal terminals and
Includes ground terminals located on both sides of the paired signal terminals.
The second contact is
The first signal contact, which forms a pair that can be freely contacted with the pair of signal terminals,
Including a ground contact that can be contacted with the ground terminal.
The card connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of first signal contacts has the convex pieces arranged in opposite directions. The second connection terminal is
Multiple pairs of signal terminals and
Includes ground terminals located on both sides of the paired signal terminals.
The second contact is
The second signal contact, which forms a pair that can be freely contacted with the pair of signal terminals,
Including a ground contact that can be contacted with the ground terminal.
The card connector according to claim 1 , wherein the second signal contact projects the convex piece from both sides on the tip end side thereof.

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