JPH0281287A - Loading device for memory cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent destruction of internal parts even at the time of leaving a memory cartridge loaded to a connector for a long time by pushing up the revolving shaft of a roll interlocked with the feed operation of an engaging feed means to draw back the roll so that it does not press the memory cartridge. CONSTITUTION:A driving lever 88 of a slide plate driving part 80 is placed in such position that its pressing piece 88C presses a pin 68 of a drawing-in claw 60 against the energizing force of a spring 66 to open the drawing-in claw 60. Consequently, a claw part 60A of the drawing-in claw 60 is drawn back so that movement of a memory cartridge 10 in the direction of cartridge insertion is not hindered. Thus, the roll is not deformed though the memory cartridge 10 is left connected to a connector 26 for a long time, and an unnecessary external force due to pressing of the roll is not applied to the memory cartridge 10 for a long time, and therefore, internal parts are not broken down.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a memory cartridge mounting device for mounting a memory cartridge into a main body of a device using a memory cartridge by driving a motor.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, memory cartridges have attracted attention as external storage means for electronic devices and the like. This type of memory cartridge includes, for example, something called a +C card or memory cartridge, which houses semiconductor memory (εFROM, SRAM, etc.), a microcomputer, a backup battery, etc. in a card-like housing. It is configured. In addition, a large number of terminals are arranged to be connected to a connector on the electronic device side for accessing a semiconductor memory or the like.

The thickness of the casing is generally several mm, but some casings are relatively worn.

Such memory cartridges are manually inserted into or removed from the connectors of electronic devices;
Due to the large number of terminals, the resistance was large, and a large amount of force was required to insert and remove them.

Therefore, in the past, the memory cartridge was protruded from the main body of the device in order to remove the memory cartridge, and it was necessary to secure a finger grip for removing the memory cartridge. There was a risk of damage.

On the other hand, there is a memory cartridge ejecting mechanism that is constructed whenever the entire memory cartridge enters the apparatus main body, and uses a lever to facilitate the removal of the memory cartridge when the memory cartridge is removed.

Further, as a device for transporting card-like items such as cash cards by motor drive, there is a loading device that pulls in or pulls out the card by a frictional force applied through a rotating rubber roller.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, in the case of the conventional manual memory cartridge ejection mechanism using a lever, there is a limit to the reduction of the contact load, especially in the case of small stationary equipment. There is a problem in that the entire device moves due to the operating force during attachment and detachment.

Furthermore, since the memory cartridge has a large load when attached to and detached from the connector, it is extremely difficult to stably attach and detach the memory cartridge using a loading device that uses a probe such as a rubber roller.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of transporting the required amount of memory cartridges by driving a motor, and at the same time, it is possible to apply the necessary force to attach the memory cartridge to the connector. It is an object of the present invention to provide a memory cartridge mounting device that can perform reliable mounting with good operability.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a roller that presses a memory card (IJ) inserted into a predetermined position in a main body of an apparatus using a memory cartridge so as to generate a constant frictional force against the IJ edge. a friction feeding means that pulls in the IJ edge by the FJ Pal force by driving the roller in the cartridge insertion direction; An engaging member that engages with the memory cartridge when the memory cartridge is drawn in a certain amount is provided on a slide member that is movable in the cartridge insertion and ejection direction, and the slide member is driven by a motor in the cartridge insertion direction to insert the memory cartridge into the device. an engagement feeding means that is pushed into the connector in the main body;
The present invention is characterized by comprising a roller retraction mechanism that pushes up the rotating shaft of the roller in conjunction with the feeding operation of the engaging and feeding means in the cartridge insertion direction, and retracts the roller so that it does not press the memory cartridge.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, the memory cartridge is mounted by combining the friction feeding means and the engagement feeding means, each of which is driven by a motor. That is, the memory cartridge is first drawn into the vicinity of the connector by the friction feeding means, and then the memory cartridge is pushed into the connector by the engagement feeding means. Here, the frictional feeding means draws the memory cartridge by the frictional force by driving a motor in the cartridge inserting direction of a roller that presses the memory cartridge so as to generate a constant frictional force. As a result, the pulling force is weak), but for example, if the memory cartridge is inserted backwards, the load on the memory cartridge will be greater than the frictional force mentioned above, causing it to slip, so it is recommended not to pull it in any more than necessary. There are advantages. On the other hand, the engagement feed means engages the engagement member with the memory cartridge by exerting sufficient force to push the memory cartridge into the connector. In addition, the above-mentioned engaging member is
During the retraction operation by the friction feeding means, the memory cartridge is retracted and the retraction of the memory cartridge is prevented.

Further, the roller retraction mechanism pushes up the roller shaft of the frictional feeding means in conjunction with the feeding operation of the engagement feeding means, and retracts the roller so that it does not press the memory cartridge. This prevents the roller from deforming even if the memory cartridge is left attached to the connector for a long time, and also prevents unnecessary external force from pushing the roller against the memory cartridge for a long time. There is no risk of damaging internal parts.

〔Example〕

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a memory cartridge attachment/detachment device to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of essential parts of the device.

As shown in these drawings, this memory cartridge attachment/detachment device mainly includes a guide member 20 of the memory cartridge 10, slide plates 30 and 40, an ejection claw 50, a retraction claw 60, and a roller 70 (FIG. 1). and a slide plate drive section 80 (Fig. 2).

The guide member 20 guides the memory cartridge 10 in the cartridge insertion/ejection direction, and has four mounting legs 22.
It is fixedly disposed on the chassis 81 by. Further, a connector 26 is screwed to the deep end of the guide member 20 by screws 24 and 24. Furthermore, the guide member 20
Bearing pieces 2OA, 2OA for pivotally supporting the rotating shaft 72 of the roller 70 are formed protruding approximately at the center.

The slide plates 30 and 40 move the ejection claw 50 and the retraction claw 60, respectively, in the cartridge insertion and ejection direction, and each of the slide plates 30 and 40 has three elongated holes 30A1 and three elongated holes 40A. These elongated holes 30A and 40A are made to substantially coincide with each other by overlapping the slide plate 40 on the slide plate 30, as shown in FIG.
The guide member 2 is fixed to the guide member 20 by the three guide pins 32 fixed to the guide member 20 through the elongated holes 30A and 40A.
0, so as to be movable in the cartridge insertion/ejection direction.

Further, a pin 34 is installed on the lower surface of the slide plate 30 to which a driving force is transmitted from a slide plate drive member 80, which will be described later.On the other hand, a retracting claw 60 is rotatably supported on the slide plate 40. A bearing piece 42.42 is provided, and the bearing piece 42.42 is provided with a tapered cam N for pushing up the rotating shaft 72 of the roller 70 when the slide plate 40 moves.
42A, 42A are formed.

Further, hooks 36 are provided on each of the slide plates 30 and 40.
．． 36 and 44.44 are formed, and a coil spring 46.4 is connected between these hooks 36.36 and 44.44.
6 is stretched. In addition, the slide plates 30 and 40 are
With these coil springs 46.46 3-4 kg
They are connected to each other by some degree of force.

The ejection claw 50 is screwed to the slide plate 30 by four screws 52, and the claw portions 50A and 150A enter into the connector 26 through the notches 26A and 26A formed in the connector 26 to remove the memory card (IJ). It is designed so that it can abut and engage with the front surface of the cage 10. The ejection claw 50 moves with the movement of the slide plate 30, and ejects the memory cartridge 10 attached to the connector 26 at least until it is detached from the connector 26.

On the other hand, the retracting claw 60 has an arm portion 608160C.
By inserting the shafts 62A, 62B provided in the slide plate 40 into the holes 42B, 42B of the bearing pieces 42.42 of the slide plate 40, and then fitting the E-ring 64 to the shaft 62B, the slide plate 40 can be rotated freely. will be placed. In addition, the retractable claw 6
0 is provided with a coil spring 66 that biases the retracting claw 60 in the closing direction, and a driving force for opening the retracting claw 60 against the biasing force of the coil spring 66 is transmitted to the arm portion 60B. A pin 68 is planted.

The retracting claws 60 are closed and moved as the slide plate 40 moves in the cartridge insertion direction, and the claws 160A, 60A are moved toward the memory cartridge 1.
0, and push the memory cartridge 10 into the connector 26.

The roller 70 (FIG. 1) is made of a material with a large friction coefficient (for example, rubber) and is fixed on a rotating shaft 72.

A gear 74 is fixed to this rotating shaft 72, and this gear 74
Rotational driving force is transmitted from a reversible motor (not shown), whereby the roller 70 is driven forward in the cartridge insertion direction or reversed in the cartridge ejection direction.

Further, both ends of the rotating shaft 72 are provided with support members 75.7, respectively.
5, and is constantly urged to be rotatable by a lever 78.78 which is biased by a spring 76.76. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, before the memory cartridge 10 is inserted, the rotating shaft 72 is
When the memory cartridge 10 is inserted into a predetermined position, the roller 70 is pushed up by the memory cartridge IO against the biasing force of the springs 76 and 76, and is pressed against the memory cartridge 1D with a constant pressing force. come into contact with

As a result, when the roller 70 rotates forward or reverse, a frictional force from the roller 70 in the cartridge insertion direction or ejection direction is applied to the memory card (IJ), and this frictional force causes the memory cartridge 10 to be pulled in or out. .

The slide plate drive unit 80 (FIG. 2) is composed of a motor 82, a worm 83, gears 84, 85, 86, 87, and a drive lever 88. Motor 82/81
A worm 83 is disposed on the motor shaft 82A. Further, the gears 84, 85, 86, and 87 are respectively rotatably disposed on the chassis 81, and the rotational driving force of the motor 82 is generated by the worm 83, the gears 84, 85, and 87.
．． It is transmitted to gear 87 via 86.

On the other hand, the drive lever 88 is rotatably arranged around the shaft 84A of the gear 84 as a common support shaft. This drive lever 88
A cam groove 88Δ and a long hole 88B are formed in the cam groove 88Δ, and a pressing piece 88C is bent.
8 A is engaged with the pin 87 on the gear 87, A, and the elongated hole 88B is engaged with the pin 34 of the slide plate 30.
Ru. Further, the pressing shell 88C is adapted to press the pin 68 of the retracting pawl 60 according to the position of the drive lever 88.

That is, the drive lever 88 is rotated by the shaft 84 due to the rotation of the gear 87.
When rotating in the direction of the arrow, the drive force is transmitted to the slide 1N30 through the elongated hole 88B and the pin 34, and the slide plate 30 is moved in the cartridge insertion direction. At the same time, the pressure on the pin 68 is released by the pressing piece 88C to close the retracting claw 60. Also, when rotating in the direction of arrow B, a driving force is applied to the slide plate 30 through the elongated hole 88B and the pin 34. is transmitted to move the slide plate 30 in the cartridge ejection direction, and the pin 68 is pressed by the pressing piece 88C to open the retraction claw 60.

Furthermore, this memory cartridge attachment/detachment device includes photosensors 91, 92 (Fig. 1) and photosensors 93.
Three photosensors (Fig. 2) are arranged. The photosensor 91 detects the retraction start position of the memory cartridge 10, and detects the tip of the IJ edge 10 when the tip of the memory cartridge 10 comes into contact with the roller 70 or when it is slightly under the roller 0. is detected optically. The photo sensor 92 detects when the memory cartridge 10 approaches the contact point of the connector 26, and optically detects the rear end of the memory cartridge 10 when the memory cartridge 10 approaches the contact point of the connector 26. Note that the photosensor 92 is connected to the connector 26.
The memory cartridge 10 is arranged near the connector 2.
The tip of the memory cartridge 10 when approaching the contact point 6 may be optically detected.

On the other hand, the photosensor 93 is disposed on the connector 81 as shown in FIG. 2, and detects whether the memory cartridge 10 is attached to the connector 26 or It is detected that the memory cartridge 10 is removed from the connector 26.

The reversible motor for rotating the roller 70 and the motor 82 for moving the slide plate 30.40 are controlled by the detection output of the photo sensor 91.92.93.

Next, the operation of the memory car (+1) attachment/detachment device having the above configuration will be explained.

First, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the retractable claw 60
The opening/closing operation of the slide plate 30 and the operation of the slide plate 30 will be explained.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are a side view and a plan view of the main parts of the retracting pawl and the slide plate driving section, respectively, and show a state in which the retracting pawl 60 is open.

As shown in the figure, the drive lever 88 of the slide plate drive unit 80 has a pressing piece 88C that is attached to the pin 68 of the retracting claw 60.
is in a position where it is pressed against the biasing force of the spring 66 to open the retracting claw 60. Thereby, the claw portion 60A of the retracting claw 60 is retracted so as not to prevent the movement of the memory cartridge 10 in the cartridge insertion direction.

Also, the position of the drive lever 88 at this time, that is, the gear 87
The position of the upper pin 87A is determined by a photo sensor 93 that detects the position of the lever 93A that swings due to the rotation of the gear 87.
(FIG. 2), it is detected that the memory cartridge 10 is disconnected from the connector 26. still,
The pin 87A on the gear 87 is connected to the cam groove 8 of the drive lever 88.
8A, the pin 87A is located in a groove having the same curvature as the movement of the pin 87A. Therefore, even if the gear 87 rotates by a certain amount, the drive lever 88 does not rotate, and as a result, the position of the drive lever 88 can be accurately detected even if the position detection accuracy of the photosensor 93 is low.

Here, when the gear 87 is rotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG.
The pressure on pin 68 by 8C is released. This results in
The retraction claw 60 is closed by the biasing force of the spring 66, and the claw portion 60A thereof can be engaged with the rear end surface of the memory cartridge 10.

Further, due to the rotation of the drive lever 88, the pin 34 of the slide plate 3 engages with the elongated hole 88B of the drive lever 88.
0 moves in the cartridge insertion direction, and the retraction claw 60 also moves in the same direction.

Subsequently, when the gear 87 is rotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5, the drive lever 88 further rotates clockwise about the shaft 84A. The retraction claw 60 moves in the cartridge insertion direction in conjunction with the movement of the pin 34 that is engaged with the elongated hole 88B. As a result, the retracting claw 60 has a claw portion 60A.
engages the rear end of the memory cartridge 10 to push the memory cartridge 10 into the connector 26. Further, the pressing piece 88C of the drive lever becomes separated from the pin 68. Note that FIG. 5 shows the state in which the drive lever 88 is rotated the most in the cartridge insertion direction.

Next, when the gear 87 is rotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6, the drive lever 88 is slightly rotated counterclockwise about the shaft 84A. As a result, the slide plate 30 is slightly returned in the cartridge ejection direction. Note that this position is determined by the photo sensor 93 when the memory cartridge! 0 is detected as the position attached to the connector 26, and at this time, the pin 87A on the gear 87 is connected to the drive lever 88 in the same way as explained in FIG.
Among the cam grooves 88A, the pin 87A is located in another groove having the same curvature as the movement of the pin 87A.

Then, when the gear 87 is rotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG.
8 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 84A.

As a result, the slide plate 30 moves in the cartridge ejection direction as described later, and the ejection claw 50 also moves in the same direction to eject the memory cartridge 10 from the connector 26.

Further, the retraction claw 60 opens again when the pin 68 is pressed by the pressing piece 88C of the drive lever 88.
Allows the memory cartridge IO to be pulled out.

Incidentally, the drive lever 88 acts as a lever bar when driving the slide plate 30, and the drive lever 88 acts as a lever bar when driving the slide plate 30.
It is possible to apply a larger force (approximately twice the force) to the slide plate 30 via the pin 34 than the force applied from the pin 34.

Next, the mounting and ejecting operations of the memory cartridge will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

First, when the memory cartridge 10 is inserted into the position shown in FIG. 7(A), the photosensor 91 detects the leading end of the memory cartridge 10, and its output signal rises to H level (FIG. 8(A)).

At the rising edge of the output signal of the photosensor 91, the reversible motor that drives the roller 70 is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and the roller 70, which contacts the memory cartridge 10 with a constant pressure, rotates in the cartridge insertion direction to move the memory cartridge 10 to its li distant place. (Fig. 8(D)).

The memory cartridge 10 is moved by the roller 70 as shown in FIG.
When the memory cartridge lOO is pulled in to the position shown in B), the rear end of the memory cartridge lOO passes through the detection position of the photosensor 92, so the output signal of the photosensor 92 drops to the L level (FIG. 8(B)).

When the output signal of the photosensor 92 falls, the retracting operation of the roller 70 is stopped, and the motor 82 of the slide plate drive section 80 is driven to drive the slide plate 3.
0 begins to move in the cartridge insertion direction (FIGS. 8(D) and (E)). Note that at this time, the tip of the memory cartridge 10 is located just in front of the contact point of the connector 26.

When the slide plate 30 starts moving in the IJ insertion direction, the retraction claw 60 closes as described above, and the memory cartridge 10 can be pushed in by the retraction claw 60 (FIG. 7(C)).

When the slide plate 30 moves from the rightmost position in FIG. 7(D) to the position in FIG. 7(E), the output signal of the photosensor 93 rises to H level ( Figure 8(C)). When the output signal of the photosensor 93 rises, the motor 82 is stopped and the movement of the slide plate 30, that is, the movement of the retracting claw 60, completes the operation of attaching the memory cartridge 10 to the connector 26 (FIG. 8(E)). .

By the way, the retraction claw 60 is connected to the coil spring 46 from the slide plate 30 via the coil spring 46 and the slide plate 40.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 7(D), the slide plate 30 is further overstroked in the cartridge insertion direction from the position where the memory cartridge 10 is attached to the connector 26. It is supposed to be done. Therefore, a load corresponding to the extension of the coil spring 46 due to this overstroke (for example, 3 kgf
) is temporarily inserted between the memory cartridge 10 and the connector 26 to ensure its attachment.

Further, the tapered cam portion 42A provided on the bearing piece 42 of the slide plate 40 engages with the rotating shaft 72 of the roller 70 as the slide plate 40 moves in the cartridge insertion direction, and pushes up the roller 70, as shown in FIG. ) When the installation of the memory cartridge 10 is completed, the roller 70 is prevented from coming into contact with the memory cartridge IO. As a result, even if the memory cartridge 10 is left attached to the connector 26 for a long time, the roller 70 is not in contact with the memory cartridge IO, so deformation of the roller 70 can be prevented, and furthermore, the memory cartridge 10 can be Since no unnecessary external force is applied due to the pressure of the roller 70, there is no risk of damaging the internal parts.

On the other hand, when taking out the memory card (IJ) 10, set the eject button etc. to ○N and press the slide plate drive section 8.
0 motor 82 again to move the slide plate 30)
Move the IJ in the direction of ejection.

As a result, the ejection claw 50 fixed to the slide plate 30 enters the connector 26 and engages with the front surface of the memory cartridge 10.
from the connector 26.

In this way, the memory cartridge 10 is connected to the connector 2.
6, the output signal of the photosensor 93 becomes L.
level (Fig. 8 (C)). When the photo sensor 93 falls, the motor 82 is stopped, the ejection operation of the memory cartridge IO from the connector 26 by the movement of the slide plate 30, that is, the movement of the ejection claw 50 is completed, and the ejection operation by the roller 70 is started. (Fig. 8 (D), (E)). That is, the reversible motor that drives the roller 70 is driven in reverse, and the memory cartridge 10
The roller 70, which contacts with a constant pressure, rotates in the cartridge ejection direction and pulls out the memory cartridge 10 by its frictional force.

When the memory cartridge 10 is pulled out to the position where the roller 70 finishes pulling out the memory cartridge 10, the output signal of the photosensor 91 falls to the L level (FIG. 8(A)). When the output signal of the photo sensor 91 falls, the drive of the reversible motor is stopped and the pulling out operation of the roller 70 is completed (FIG. 8(D)).
〉.

By the above-mentioned ejecting operation of the memory cartridge 10, the memory cartridge 10 comes to protrude from the main body of the apparatus in which the memory cartridge 10 is used by an amount sufficient for a finger to catch when removing the memory cartridge 10, and can then be easily removed manually.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1, the memory cartridge IO includes
A guide groove 10A is formed on the surface of the memory cartridge IO to prevent it from being inserted backwards or forwards, and a convex portion (not shown) that enters the guide groove 10A is formed on the connector 26. . Therefore, when the memory cartridge 10 is reversely inserted, the memory cartridge 10 is pulled in by the roller 70, but since the edge of the memory cartridge 10 comes into contact with the protrusion of the connector 26, the memory cartridge 10 is held in a predetermined position, that is, the connector It becomes impossible to pull the contact point 26 to the position just before the contact point. As a result, the output signal of the photosensor 92 does not go to L level, and the memory cartridge 1
0 to the connector 26 is blocked. Further, at this time, a slip occurs between the roller 70 and the memory cartridge 10, and the roller 70 rotates idly. For example, if the roller 70 rotates for more than the time required for retracting the memory cartridge 10, the memory cartridge 10 If it is determined that the memory cartridge 10 has been inserted backwards and the roller 70 is reversed in the cartridge ejection direction, the memory cartridge 10 inserted backwards can be removed.
can be automatically discharged.

Furthermore, although the memory cartridge attachment/detachment device has been described in this embodiment, it is also possible to mount the memory cartridge only by driving the motor as in the above embodiment, and to remove the memory cartridge manually.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, since the memory cartridge is mounted by combining the friction feeding means using motor-driven rollers and the engagement feeding means using retracting claws, etc., the operation The memory cartridge can be installed reliably. In addition, the rotating shaft of the roller is pushed up in conjunction with the feeding operation of the engagement feeding means, and the roller is retracted so that it does not press the memory cartridge, so the memory cartridge can be left attached to the connector for a long time. However, the rollers do not deform, and unnecessary external force due to roller suppression is not applied to the memory cartridge for a long time.
There is also no risk of damaging the internal parts.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of essential parts of the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS.
The figures are diagrams showing each operation state used to explain the opening/closing operation of the retracting claw and the operation of the slide plate, respectively, and Figures 7(A) to (E) are diagrams illustrating the attachment/detachment operation of the memory cartridge, respectively. 8(A) to 8(E) are timing charts showing the relationship between the sensor output and the attachment/detachment operation, respectively. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Memory cartridge, 20...Guide member, 26-...Connector, 30.40...
Slide plate, 50... Ejection claw, 60... Retraction claw, 70... Roller, 80... Slide plate drive unit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] The device has a roller that presses the memory cartridge inserted at a predetermined position in the main body of the device using the memory cartridge so as to generate a constant frictional force, and the roller is driven by a motor in the cartridge insertion direction. a friction feeding means for drawing the memory cartridge by the frictional force; and an engaging member that retracts from the memory cartridge during the drawing operation by the friction feeding means and engages with the memory cartridge when the memory cartridge is drawn in a certain amount. is provided on a slide member movable in the cartridge insertion and ejection direction, and an engagement feeding means for pushing the memory cartridge into the connector in the apparatus main body by driving the slide member in the cartridge insertion direction with a motor; A memory cartridge mounting device comprising: a roller retraction mechanism that pushes up a rotating shaft of the roller in conjunction with a feeding operation in a cartridge insertion direction and retracts the roller so that it does not press the memory cartridge.