JPH08339427A - Adapter device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the versatility of a terminal device and obtain superior durability and reliability at low cost by obtaining a body structure which can be inserted up to a specific position in a card slot by utilizing a card guide part provided in the car slot. CONSTITUTION: This adapter device consists of a contact type socket 2 which is provided in the card slot 9 of a contact type terminal device, the adapter device 1, and a multichannel noncontact memory card 20 equipped with a noncontact connector 10. The socket 2 has a U-shaped plane shape and also has a group of a specific number of contact pins implanted in the part facing the card slot 9. The size and shape of the body of the adapter device 1 are so determined that it can be inserted into the card slot 9 by utilizing the card guide part. This adapter device 1 is equipped with a group 3 of jacks which are mechanically coupled with the above contact pin group and as many as the contact pins and a noncontact connector 10' which is magnetically coupled with the noncontact connector 10 of the memory card on opposite sides.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an adapter device for mounting a non-contact memory card provided with non-contact type coupling means on a terminal equipped with the contact type coupling means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a memory card, which is a kind of PC card, has been used as an electronic notebook database, an external storage medium of a personal computer, an additional memory, and the like.
The demand and fields of use have expanded dramatically. There are a contact type and a non-contact type as a method of coupling the memory card and the terminal. In the contact type, signals are exchanged by inserting pins into a jack, and those that exchange signals using about 68 pins can perform 8-bit or 16-bit parallel data transfer, and thus read / write information. However, since the pins and jacks for exchanging signals are exposed from the connector, there is poor contact due to contamination and deterioration of insertion / removal resistance due to miniaturization of pins. There is a problem that troubles are likely to occur. On the other hand, the non-contact type does not cause the above-mentioned troubles because the conductor is not exposed, and is advantageous in use especially in a dirty environment, and is therefore put to practical use in various fields.

Light, electromagnetic coupling, and radio waves have been proposed as means for non-contact type power supply and signal transmission / reception, but the ones that have been put into practical use at present are cost and power consumption. Most of them are electromagnetically coupled.

FIG. 26 shows an example of mounting electronic components on a conventionally proposed electromagnetically coupled multi-channel non-contact memory card. As is clear from this figure, in the memory card of this example, the coils 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 1 are arranged along one side of the printed circuit board 105.
02e, 102f, 102g, 102h, 102i, 1
Magnetic core 10 in which 02j is wound a predetermined number of turns
3a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, 10
3f, 103g, 103h, 103i, 103j are arranged, and an amplifier 116 for amplifying a signal received by each coil to a predetermined voltage is provided on the printed circuit board 105.
a, 116b, 116c, comparators 117a, 117b for converting the amplified signal into a digital waveform, and an IC 115 for controlling reading / writing of data, and a non-contact signal processing circuit 4, and electric power supplied by AC. Power conversion IC 118 that rectifies DC to DC and stabilizes it to a constant voltage
And a memory IC 109a, 109 such as SRAM for storing data.
b, and batteries 108a and 108b for holding the data stored in the memory ICs 109a and 109b.

The magnetic cores 103a, 103b, 103c,
Coils 102a, 102b, 102c, 102 wound around 103d, 103e, 103f, 103g, 103h.
Reference numerals d, 102e, 102f, 102g, and 102h are used to exchange 8-bit data signals and address signals in a parallel format, and the coil 102i wound around the magnetic core 103i receives command signals such as read and write. is there. Further, the coil 102j wound around the magnetic core 103j receives electric power and a clock, and the larger magnetic core 103j than other magnetic cores has more coils than other coils so that stable electric power can be received. It is wound with the number of turns.

According to the above construction, since the magnetic cores 103a to 103j around which the coils 102a to 102j are wound are arranged on one side of the printed circuit board 105, the mounting area for other electronic components is not sacrificed. Since a sufficient storage capacity can be secured and multi-channel parallel data transfer is possible, data transfer can be performed at high speed.

In the actual machine, in order to improve the productivity, the coils 102a ...
It is rare to individually arrange the magnetic cores 103a to 103j around which the coil 102j is wound, and normally, as shown in FIG. 27, the magnetic core 1 around which the coils 102a to 102j are wound.
The non-contact connector 10 in which 03a to 103j are integrally molded is arranged on the short side portion of the memory card 20. Therefore, in the following description, the contactless connector 10
A multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 provided with will be described as an example. However, the multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 will be simply referred to as a "memory card 20" if it can be clearly distinguished from a contact type memory card (hereinafter referred to as "PC card").

FIG. 28 shows the memory card 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a terminal configured so that 0 can be mounted therein and a method of mounting the memory card 20 in the terminal. As is clear from this figure, the terminal device 30 of the present embodiment has a card slot 125 in a part of the outer case, and a non-contact connector 10 to be coupled with the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 20 is provided in the back. Contact connector 10 '
To the memory card 20 via a non-contact signal processing circuit 4 ′ similar to the non-contact signal processing circuit 4 mounted on the memory card 20 and a coil for power supply provided in the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 ′. A dedicated non-contact socket 60 having a built-in non-contact power transmission circuit 5 for supplying electric power is installed.
The memory card 20 is inserted into the terminal 30 through the card slot 125 with the non-contact connector 10 inside.
Memory card 20 inserted from card slot 125
Is the card guide portion 1 provided in the non-contact socket 60.
It is guided to a position facing the non-contact connector 10 'by 26, and is held at a predetermined position by a pressing spring (not shown). As a result, both contactless connectors 1
Nos. 0 and 10 'are set in the plane direction and the gap between the magnetic cores is set within a predetermined allowable error range, so that reliability of communication is secured.

[0009]

As described above, in order to realize a memory card system using a non-contact connector, a terminal equipped with a non-contact type socket must be adopted. A general terminal equipped with a contact type socket with widely used contact pins cannot be used as it is. That is, in order for a user who owns a contact-type terminal to introduce a contactless-type memory card system, a terminal equipped with a contactless-type socket must be newly introduced, which imposes a burden on equipment costs. Grows larger. As described above, although the versatility of the terminal device has various advantages over the contact-type memory card system, it is a cause of hindering the spread of the memory card system using the contactless connector. ing.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the deficiencies of the prior art, and its purpose is to improve the versatility of a terminal and to make it inexpensive and durable and reliable. To provide a card system.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with an adapter device for connecting a contactless memory card to a contact-type terminal in a card slot of the terminal. A card guide portion provided in the card slot, which has contact-type coupling means for coupling with the contact-type coupling means and non-contact type coupling means for coupling with the non-contact type coupling means provided in the non-contact memory card. It is configured to have a body structure that can be inserted up to a predetermined position in the card slot by utilizing.

When such an adapter device is attached to a contact type terminal, a contactless memory card can be attached to the contact type terminal, so that a user who owns the contact type terminal can use the contactless memory card. A contactless memory card can be used without newly introducing a dedicated terminal for using the contactless card, and a contactless card system can be constructed at low cost. Further, if the body structure of the adapter device is configured to be insertable up to a predetermined position in the card slot by using the card guide portion provided in the card slot, the adapter can be inserted in the same manner as when inserting a memory card into the card slot. Since the device can be attached and detached, the adapter device can be handled easily.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first example of an adapter device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a multi-channel non-contact memory card system using the adapter device of this example, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the memory card system shown in FIG.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the memory card system of this embodiment has a contact-type socket 2 provided in a card slot 9 of a contact-type terminal, an adapter device 1 according to the present invention, It is composed of a multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 having a contact connector 10.

The socket 2 is formed in a substantially U-shape in a plan view, and a predetermined number of contact pin groups 2a are planted in a portion facing the card slot 9. Further, on the inner surface of the parallel portion arranged in the width direction of the card slot 9, a groove-shaped card guide portion for guiding the memory card 20 inserted from the card slot 9 to the setting portion of the contact pin group 2a. 2b is formed. The card slot 9 is formed in conformity with a memory card standard such as PCMCIA (JEIDA).

The adapter device 1 includes the card guide portion 2
The size and shape of the body are configured so that the body can be inserted into the card slot 9 by using b. Specifically, it can be formed into a card shape having the same width and the same thickness as the memory card conforming to the above standard. Regarding the length of the adapter device 1, in order to increase the insertion amount of the memory card 20 into the card slot 9 and to make the insertion state of the memory card 20 stable, the memory card 2
It is preferable that the length is sufficiently smaller than the length of 0. As shown in FIG. 1, the adapter device 1 includes, on opposite sides, the same number of jack groups 3 mechanically coupled to the contact pin groups 2a planted in the socket 2, and a memory card. A non-contact connector 10 provided in 20 and a non-contact connector 10 'that is magnetically coupled to each other are provided. Also,
Power is supplied to the adapter device 1 via the contactless signal processing circuit 4'having substantially the same configuration as the contactless signal processing circuit 4 mounted on the memory card 20 and the contactless connector 10 '. The non-contact power transmission circuit 5 is installed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the non-contact signal processing circuit 4'includes a signal amplifying circuit 401 'for amplifying a weak signal output from the non-contact connector 10' and an amplified signal waveform. Waveform shaping circuit 40 for digital waveform
2'and terminal communication interface (PCMCIA)
And a signal conversion logic circuit 402 'for converting a signal format between multi-channel contactless data transfer. Further, the non-contact power transmission circuit 5 is composed of an oscillation circuit 501 for sending DC power supplied from a communication interface (PCMCIA) of the terminal by electromagnetic coupling, and a coil driver 502 for stably driving a power coil. To be done.

The contactless connector 10 'is used for the memory card 2
In order to transfer signals and power by electromagnetic coupling with the non-contact connector 10 provided in 0, in the example of FIG. 2, a predetermined number of signal coils 1a necessary for parallel data transfer are provided. 1i and a power supply coil 1j having the performance required to supply the electric power for driving the memory card 20 are incorporated. The number of coils is equal to or less than the number of contact pins in the terminal communication interface. By transmitting the data signal, the address signal, and the control signal in a time division manner so that the coils are commonly used, it is possible to reduce the number of coils to the number of contact pins or less in the terminal communication interface.

The memory card 20 has a PCMCIA standard outer shape (Type I in this case), and has a non-contact connector having the same structure as the non-contact connector 10 'provided on the adapter device 1 on the short side. Ten are arranged. In addition, the memory card 20 is transmitted from the adapter device 1 via the contactless signal processing circuit 4 having the same configuration as the contactless signal processing circuit 4 ′ built in the adapter device 1 and the contactless connector 10. The non-contact power receiving circuit 6 for receiving the supplied power, and the flash EEPROM or S
A memory element 109 such as a RAM is mounted. The non-contact signal processing circuit 4 includes a signal amplification circuit 401, a waveform shaping circuit 402, and a signal conversion logic circuit 403.
The non-contact power receiving circuit 6 includes a rectifying / smoothing circuit 601 that rectifies the AC power received by the power supply coil 1i into a DC voltage, and a constant voltage circuit 602 that stabilizes the DC power supply to a constant voltage.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an application example of the memory card system. Reference numeral 7 is a notebook type personal computer.
Reference numeral 8 indicates a card ejection button provided in the notebook computer 7, and the same reference numerals as those are displayed in the other portions corresponding to those in FIG. This example is PCMCI
A notebook type personal computer having a card slot 9 conforming to the A standard, which is a contact type memory card (PC card)
By applying the adapter device 1 to the one in which the socket 2 (see FIG. 1) is configured to be mounted, data can be read and written using the multi-channel non-contact memory card 20. The adapter device 1 inserts the jack group 3 inward into the card slot 9 and mechanically couples the jack group 3 to the contact pin group 2 a provided in the card slot 9. Thereafter, the memory card 20 is inserted into the card slot 9 with the non-contact connector 10 facing inward, and the non-contact connector 10 is magnetically coupled to the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1. Thus, it becomes possible to read and write data using the memory card 20.

According to the above configuration, since the notebook type personal computer 7 configured to mount the contact type memory card can be used to read and write data using the non-contact type memory card 20, There is no need to install a dedicated terminal for the multi-channel contactless memory card 20. Therefore,
A multi-channel non-contact memory card system can be constructed at low cost, the durability of the system can be improved, and highly reliable data communication can be realized.
Also, since the original PC card can be used by removing the adapter device 1, it is possible to select either the non-contact method or the pin contact method depending on the data access speed and the usage environment, and a highly versatile system. Can also be

The pin contact type socket 2 has a PC
Since the card and the socket 2 are coupled relatively strongly by the mechanical engagement of a large number of contact pin groups 2a of about 68 and the jack group 3, there is no means for holding the PC card. Is common. Therefore, when the non-contact funeral memory card 20 having no mechanical contact is inserted into the socket 2, the memory card 20 is held only by the frictional resistance acting between the memory card 20 and the card guide portion 2b. Therefore, when some unauthorized external force is applied from the outside, the memory card 20 is easily shaken,
In the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 20 and the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1, the position of the coil in the plane direction and the gap interval are displaced to cause a communication error, or the card slot 9 The memory card 20 is easily removed. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, when the body structure of the adapter device 1 is formed in a card shape having an outer dimension shorter than that of the PC card, the card eject button 8 is pressed to connect the jack group 3 provided in the adapter device 1 with the jack group 3. Even if the connection with the contact pin group 2a provided in the socket 2 is released, the adapter device 1 cannot be projected outside the card slot 9, the adapter device 1 remains inside the card slot 9, and the notebook computer It may be difficult to remove the adapter device 1 from the device 7.

Another embodiment of the present invention in which these points are improved will be described below.

The embodiment of FIG. 4 is provided in the memory card 20 by providing a positioning pin and a hole for tightly fitting the positioning pin at the facing portion of the adapter device 1 and the memory card 20, and fitting these together. The positioning accuracy of the non-contact connector 10 and the non-contact connector 10 'provided in the adapter device 1 is improved.

That is, in this example, as is apparent from FIG. 4, positioning pins 11a and 11b are provided on the surface of the adapter device 1 facing the memory card 20, and the positioning pins 11a and 11b are provided at positions corresponding to the positioning pins 11a and 11b. Is the positioning pin 11
Holes 12a and 12b are formed so that a and 11b can be closely fitted. Of course, these positioning pins 11a, 11b
The holes 12a and 12b are formed so that the coils incorporated in the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 'face each other in a preferable positional relationship when they are fitted together. Therefore, insert the memory card 20 into the card slot 9,
Insert the positioning pins 11a and 11b into the holes 12a and 12
When fitted in b, the coils are automatically coupled in a preferred positional relationship, and it is possible to prevent a communication error from occurring due to a positional shift between the coils. In particular, the non-contact connector 10, 10 '
In the multi-channel memory card 20 in which a large number of coils are arranged side by side, a communication error may occur because the coils are small and the communication signal is weak, and the coil setting interval is small and signals are easily mixed between adjacent coils. Since it is likely to occur, the positioning means as in this example is particularly effective. Also,
According to the configuration of this example, the adapter device 1 and the memory card 2
Since 0 and 0 can be mechanically coupled to each other, the memory card 20 can be securely held when in use,
It is also possible to eliminate the inconvenience of falling off when an external force is applied. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the positioning pins 11a, 11 are provided on the memory card 20 that is frequently carried.
Since the holes 12a and 12b are formed without projecting b, there is an advantage that the memory card 20 is easily damaged and is not easily damaged.

The adapter device 1 and the memory card 2
The diameter of the positioning pin and the hole formed on the right side of 0 and the diameter of the positioning pin and the hole formed on the left side can be made different from each other to prevent reverse insertion of the memory card 20. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the positioning pins 11a and 11b are formed in the adapter device 1 and the holes 12a and 12b are formed in the memory card 20. Conversely, the positioning pins 11a and 11b are formed in the memory card 20. Alternatively, the holes 12 a and 12 b may be formed in the adapter device 1.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 is characterized in that a combination of a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic material is used as a positioning means for the adapter device 1 and the memory card 20. That is,
In this example, as is apparent from FIG. 5, bulk permanent magnets 13a and 13b such as an alnico magnet, a cobalt samarium magnet, and a ferrite magnet are built in the surface of the adapter device 1 facing the memory card 20, and the memory card The permanent magnets 13a,
Ferromagnetic metals 14a and 14b such as iron and nickel attracted by 13b are built in. In the case of this example,
These permanent magnets 13a, 13b and ferromagnetic metals 14a, 1
4b is formed so that the coils incorporated in the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 'face each other in a preferable positional relationship when they are magnetically coupled. Also with the configuration of this example, it is possible to prevent a communication error and prevent the memory card 20 from falling out of the card slot.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 is characterized in that the adapter device 1 is provided with an extension plate to facilitate the removal of the adapter device 1 from the card slot. That is, in this example, as apparent from FIG. 6, the extension plate 15 is integrally provided on the lower surface of the adapter device 1, and the adapter device 1 including the extension plate 15 is configured in a PC card size. The thickness of the adapter device 1 is adjusted to match the card slot size of the terminal to which the adapter device 1 is applied. For example, regarding the adapter device 1 applied to a notebook type personal computer provided with a card slot of PCMCIA Type II standard, the same as the card thickness of the standard of 5.
The entire thickness of the adapter device 1 is formed at 0 mm. On the other hand, the body of the adapter device 1, that is, the portion excluding the extension plate 15 is formed to have a thickness of 3.3 mm, which is the same as the card thickness of the PCMCIA Type I standard. Therefore, the PCMC is installed in the card slot 9 in which the adapter device 1 is installed.
By inserting the IA Type I standard memory card 20, data communication and the like can be properly performed. In this case, since the extension plate 15 is provided on the lower surface of the adapter device 1, it does not interfere with the extension plate 15 when the memory card 20 is inserted.

In the adapter device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip of the extension plate 15 can be projected from the card slot 9 by pressing the card ejection button 8 provided in the notebook computer 7. Therefore, the adapter device 1 can be easily taken out, the maintainability of the adapter device 1 can be improved, and the versatility of the notebook computer 7 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the extension plate 1
Although the size of the adapter device 1 including 5 is the PC card size, the total length of the adapter device 1 including the extension plate 15 is PC.
It is possible to make it longer than the entire length of the card so that the tip of the extension plate 15 always projects from the card slot 9. By doing so, the operation of inserting the memory card 20 can be performed using the tip of the extension plate 15 as a guide, and the usability of the system can be improved.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an engaging hook for the memory card 20 is provided at the tip of the adapter device 1, and a groove is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the memory card 20 so that the engaging hook can be engaged with the hook. By engaging them, the positioning accuracy between the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 20 and the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1 is improved and stable holding of the memory card 20 is realized. It is also characterized in that the adapter device 1 can be easily taken out from the slot.

That is, as is apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9,
Hooks 16 protruding toward the mounting side of the memory card 20 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter device 1 of this example, and the hooks 16 are positioned when the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 'are opposed to each other in a predetermined arrangement. A groove 17 that can be engaged with the hook 16 is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the memory card 20.
The hook 16 is made of an elastic material such as spring steel or a resin plate. By adjusting the size and shape of the tip portion, the hook 16 is elastic enough to prevent the adapter device 1 from being pulled out from the socket 2 when the memory card 20 is taken out. The elastic force is adjusted so that the memory card 20 is held by force.

According to this example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the memory card 20 is inserted into the card slot 9 in which the adapter device 1 is installed with the groove 17 facing inward, the non-contact provided in the memory card 20 is provided. At the stage where the connector 10 and the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1 are inserted to a position where they are opposed to each other in a predetermined arrangement, the hook 16 is engaged with the groove 17 as shown in FIG. The memory card 20 is held by the elastic force. Therefore, since the positioning accuracy of the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 'is high and the memory card 20 is securely held by the adapter device 1, a communication error is prevented and the memory card 2 is prevented.
The loss of 0 is prevented. In addition, the elastic force of the hook 16
Since the adapter device 1 is adjusted so that it cannot be pulled out from the socket 2 when the memory card 20 is taken out,
The inconvenience that the adapter device 1 is pulled out from the socket 2 every time the memory card 20 is taken out does not occur. To remove the adapter device 1 from the socket 2, as shown in FIG. 10, while the memory card 20 is engaged with the adapter device 1, the card ejecting mechanism 8 provided in the socket 2 is pressed to remove the adapter device 1. This can be performed by pulling out the memory card 20 after releasing the connection between the jack group of the contact-type connector 3 provided in the device 1 and the contact pin group 2a provided in the socket 2.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, an insertion port for the memory card 20 is provided at the tip of the adapter device 1, and the non-contact connector 10 is faced downward to insert the memory card 20 into the insertion port. By the operation, the non-contact connector 10 provided on the memory card 20 and the non-contact connector 10 'provided on the adapter device 1 can be automatically positioned.

That is, as is apparent from FIGS. 11 and 12, the adapter device 1 of this embodiment is formed such that its longitudinal dimension is larger than that of the PC card, and when the adapter device 1 is mounted in the socket 2, the tip portion thereof. Are configured to project from the card slot 9 to the outside. A non-contact connector 10 ′ is provided at the tip of the adapter device 1, and a frame-shaped memory card insertion slot 22 into which the memory card 20 can be inserted is attached so as to surround the non-contact connector 10 ′. Of course, in the memory card insertion opening 22, when the memory card 20 is inserted, the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 20 and the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1 have a correct positional relationship. Are attached to the adapter device 1 in such a shape and arrangement that they are opposed to each other. As the memory card 20, the one applied to each of the above-described embodiments can be used.

According to the configuration of this example, the non-contact connector 10
By simply inserting the memory card 20 into the memory card insertion slot 22 with its face down, the contactless connector 10 provided in the memory card 20 and the contactless connector 10 provided in the adapter device 1 due to the weight of the memory card 20.
Since it is possible to abut with ′ in a predetermined positional relationship, the mounting operation of the memory card 20 can be made extremely simple. Further, since the memory card 20 can be taken out only by pulling out the memory card 20 from the memory card insertion slot 22, the operation of taking out the memory card 20 becomes extremely simple. Furthermore, since the tip of the adapter device 1 projects outward from the card socket, the adapter device 1 can be taken out easily.

FIG. 12 shows an example of how the adapter device 1 according to this example is attached to the notebook computer 7. As is clear from this figure, the notebook computer 7 to which the adapter device 1 having the memory card insertion slot 22 is attached is
Since the operation direction of 0 is vertical, the memory card 20
Memory card 2 as compared with the case where the adapter device 1 according to another embodiment in which the user must operate the left and right directions is mounted.
The space for operating 0 is small, and the usability of the notebook computer 7 can be improved.

The embodiment of FIG. 13 is characterized in that two memory card insertion openings 22a and 22b are provided at the tip of the adapter device 1 so that two memory cards 20a and 20b can be attached. The other parts of the configuration are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication. The adapter device 1 of this example has 2
Since two memory card insertion ports 22a and 22b are provided,
The memory capacity can be increased by mounting the two memory cards 20a and 20b. In this example, the number of memory card insertion openings is two, but the adapter device 1 may be provided with three or more memory card insertion openings.

Further, in the above embodiment, two multi-channel non-contact memory cards 20a, 2 having the same structure are used.
0b, memory card insertion openings 22a, 22
Although b is attached to the adapter device 1, the gist of the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 14, a memory card insertion port 22 for inserting a multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 and a pin contact type The other memory card insertion slot 24 for inserting the PC card 50 can also be attached to the adapter device 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, by making the heights of the memory card insertion openings 22 and 24 different from each other to facilitate the identification of the memory card insertion openings, it is possible to prevent erroneous insertion of the memory cards 20 and 50. It is preferable to do so. Further, in this case, if the insertion port 22 of the multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 is installed at a higher position, the insertion depth of the memory card becomes deeper and the posture becomes stable, and the non-contact connector is positioned and the memory card is held. Is more reliable, which is preferable.

According to this example, the multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 and the PC can be installed without attaching or detaching the adapter device 1.
Since the information can be communicated using the card 50, the versatility of the terminal can be improved.

11 and 14, the positioning means and the holding means for the multi-channel non-contact memory card 20 are not provided in the memory card insertion ports 22, 22a, 22b, but it is necessary. It is of course possible to provide these means according to the above. Also, FIG.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 14, the memory card insertion slots 22, 22a, 22b, and 24 are configured to face vertically upward, but they may be oriented diagonally upward or laterally.

The embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 is characterized in that the adapter device is provided with a guide portion and a positioning means for the memory card.

That is, in the adapter device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the body has a substantially U-shaped planar shape and is surrounded by the main body portion 1a and the two guide rails 1b and 1c. The recessed portion serves as an insertion portion for the memory card 40. In the part facing the memory card insertion part of the main body part 1a,
A non-contact connector 10 'for coupling with the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 40 is provided, and a portion of the main body portion 1a facing this is coupled with the contact pin group 2a provided in the socket 2. The contact-type connector 3 having a jack group for Further, an engaging portion 1d that can be inserted into a card guide portion 2b provided in the socket 2 is provided on the outer surface of the adapter device 1, and the memory card 40 is guided on the inner surfaces of the guide rails 1b and 1c. A guide groove 18 for forming is formed. Further, the spring member 2 for positioning and holding the memory card 40 is provided in one of the guide grooves 18.
1 is attached. This spring member 21 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), one end is fixed in the guide groove 18, and an end portion curved in an arc shape is projected into the guide groove 18. On the other hand, the memory card 40 is formed in a size that can be stored in the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1,
A notch 19 for fitting the tip of the spring member 21 is formed at a predetermined position on the side edge.

In this example, the adapter device 1 is formed in the same size as the PC card, and the memory card 40 is formed in a size that can be accommodated in the memory card insertion portion formed in the adapter device 1. Therefore, when the adapter device 1 is mounted in the socket 2 and then the memory card 40 is inserted into the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1, both the adapter device 1 and the memory card 40 can be completely accommodated in the card slot 9. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the memory card 40 from protruding from the terminal. Further, when the memory card 40 is inserted, the spring member 21 causes the memory card 40 to move when the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 40 and the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1 face each other at a predetermined interval. Since it is adapted to be engaged with the notch 19 formed in the above, the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 'can be stably held in a preferable coupled state. Further, since the memory card 40 is pressed in one direction by the spring member 21 to position the non-contact connectors 10 and 10 ', the positions of the coils provided in the non-contact connectors 10 and 10' are accurately determined. Therefore, information communication with high reliability can be realized.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1 is connected to the guide rails 1b and 1b.
c, the upper plate 1e, and the lower plate 1f are formed in a hole shape, and a spring member 23 for pressing the memory card 40 downward is provided on the lower surface of the upper plate 1e. In the case of this example, a notch for fitting the spring member 23 to the memory card 40 is not required. Other parts are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 described above, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. Regarding the effects, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are obtained.

The embodiment of FIG. 19 is characterized in that the adapter device 1 is provided with means for taking out the memory card 40. That is, as is apparent from FIG. 19, in the adapter device 1 of this example, a pressing member 61 set parallel to the guide rails 1b and 1c and a tip end portion of the pressing member 61 are rotatably pin-joined. Means for taking out the memory card 40, which includes the turning member 62, is provided. Pressing member 61
Is formed to have a length such that the pressing portion 61a projects outward from the adapter device 1 (card slot 9) when the memory card 40 is inserted to a predetermined position in the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1. It is slidably attached to. On the other hand, the swiveling member 62 is rotatably attached to the fulcrum 64, and its tip portion is located outside the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1 before the pressing portion 61a is operated, and the pressing portion 61a is pushed. And its tip end are arranged so as to project into the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1.

Therefore, when the memory card 40 is inserted again into the adapter device 1 from which the memory card 40 has been taken out, the front side of the memory card 40 first comes into contact with the tip of the swiveling member 62 and swivels by the inserting force of the memory card 40. The member 62 is rotated in the direction of arrow a. Then, when the memory card 40 is inserted to a predetermined position, the non-contact connector 10 provided in the memory card 40 and the non-contact connector 10 ′ provided in the adapter device 1 are coupled and the turning member 62 is attached. The memory card 40 is ejected to the outside of the memory card insertion section, and the memory card 40 and the adapter device 1 are ready for communication. Further, the pressing member 61 is moved in the direction of arrow B with the rotation of the turning member 62, and the pressing portion 61 a is projected from the adapter device 1. After the communication is completed, when the pressing portion 61a is pushed in the direction of the arrow C, the turning member 62 rotates in the direction of the arrow D, the leading end of the turning member 62 engages with the memory card 40, and the pressing force of the pressing portion 61a causes the memory. The card 40 is ejected to the outside of the memory card insertion section. Although not shown, the socket 2 is provided with an eject mechanism for ejecting a pin-bonding type memory card such as a PC card. By using this, the adapter device 1 can be appropriately connected from the socket 2. You can take it out.

The embodiment of FIG. 20 is characterized in that the memory card 40 can be ejected by using the ejecting mechanism for ejecting the memory card provided in the socket 2. 20, 71 is a pressing member, 72 is a swiveling member swung by the pressing member 71, and 73 is a swivel member 72 or a joint member operated by the memory card 40. Of these members, the pressing member 7
As for 1 and the turning member 72, those provided in the socket 2 of the terminal are used. The pressing member 61 is formed in such a length that the pressing portion 71a projects outward from the socket 2 (card slot 9) when the adapter device 1 is inserted to a predetermined position in the memory card insertion portion of the socket 2.
It is slidably attached to the socket 2. On the other hand, the revolving member 72 is pivotally attached to the fulcrum 74,
Before the pressing portion 71a is operated, its tip is located outside the memory card insertion portion of the socket 2, and the pressing portion 71a
When a is pushed in, the tip of the a is arranged to project into the memory card insertion portion of the socket 2. The joint member 73 is formed to have a size equal to or slightly shorter than the width of the main body portion 1a of the adapter device 1, slidably attached to the main body portion 1a of the adapter device 1, and one end of the joint member 73 is attached to the memory card 40. Is arranged at a position where it can be engaged with, and the other end is arranged at a position where it can abut the turning member 72.

Therefore, also in the case of this example, the pressing portion 71a of the pressing member 71 is the same as in the case of the embodiment of FIG.
By pushing the swivel member 72 and the joint member 7
The memory card 40 can be ejected from the card slot 9 via the card 3. However, since the ejecting mechanism for ejecting the memory card provided in the socket 2 is used to eject the memory card 40 attached to the adapter device 1,
It is difficult to remove the adapter device 1 from the socket 2. Therefore, the adapter device of this example is suitable when the card slot 9 provided in the terminal is used as a dedicated card slot for the multi-channel contactless memory card.
Since the adapter device 1 of this example uses the eject mechanism for ejecting the memory card provided in the socket 2, it is not necessary to provide the eject mechanism for ejecting the memory card in the adapter device 1, and the adapter device 1 can be reduced in size accordingly. Since the size of the memory card 40 and the size of the memory card 40 can be increased, the memory card 40 can be highly functionalized.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the ejecting mechanism for ejecting the memory card provided in the socket 2 is used so that the memory card 40 can be ejected, and the ejecting mechanism is also used for the adapter device. It is characterized in that even 1 can be taken out. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 75 denotes a lock member, and the other parts shown in FIG.
The same code is displayed in the portion corresponding to. The lock member 75 has a crank-shaped operation portion 75 at one end.
It is formed in a rod shape having a, and the rod portion 75b is attached to the adapter device 1 so as to be slidable in the insertion / removal direction of the memory card 40 and rotatable about the axis. The lock member 75 is arranged such that the operating portion 75 a is arranged outside the card slot 9 and the tip end portion of the rod-shaped portion 75 b contacts the joint member 73.
When the operating portion 75a is rotated while the 5b is pushed in, the engaging projection 75c formed on a part of the rod-shaped portion 75b is locked by the engaging portion (not shown) formed on the adapter device 1.

Therefore, according to the present example, the adapter member 1 is mounted in the socket 2 and the memory card 40 is mounted in the memory card insertion portion of the adapter device 1. When the engagement is released and the pressing member 71 is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the memory card 40 and the lock member 75 via the turning member 72 and the joint member 73, and the memory card 40 is ejected from the card slot 9 by itself. And lock member 75
Is projected outward. On the other hand, when the rod-shaped portion 75b is pushed and the operating portion 75a is rotated while the adapter device 1 is mounted in the socket 2, the engagement protrusion 75c is locked to the engagement portion (not shown) formed in the adapter device 1. The lock member 75 is locked to the adapter device 1. When the pressing member 71 is pressed in this state, the reaction force acts between the adapter device 1 and the socket 2 because the joint member 73 is locked by the lock member 75, and the adapter device 1 is taken out from the socket 2. .

As described above, the adapter device 1 of the present embodiment enables the memory card to be ejected and the adapter device 1 to be taken out only by providing the simple lock mechanism, so that the versatility of the terminal device is not impaired. It is possible to increase the size and functionality of the card 40.

The embodiment of FIG. 22 is characterized in that a signal transmitting / receiving coil and a power supply coil, which form a non-contact connector, are separately arranged on the main body of the adapter device and the guide rail.

That is, as is apparent from FIG. 22, the adapter device 1 of this example is formed in a substantially U-shape in plan view, and is surrounded by the main body portion 1a and the two guide rails 1b and 1c. The recessed portion serves as an insertion portion for the memory card 40. The memory card 4 is provided on the inner surface of the first guide rail 1b.
A first contactless connector 10a 'for transmitting and receiving multi-channel signals in a contactless manner with 0 is provided, and the portion of the main body 1a facing the memory card insertion portion is contactless with the memory card 40. A second non-contact connector 10b 'for supplying power is provided. Further, in the portion of the main body portion 1a facing the setting portion of the second non-contact connector 10b ',
A contact-type connector 3 for connecting to a contact pin group 2a provided in the socket 2 is provided. Further, on the inner surface of the second guide rail 1c, the memory card 40 is pressed toward the one guide rail 1b side, and at the same time, the memory card 40 is pressed.
A spring member 21 for positioning and holding is attached. On the other hand, a portion of the memory card 40 corresponding to the first non-contact connector 10a 'is provided with a third non-contact unit for non-contact transmission / reception of multi-channel signals with the first non-contact connector 10a'. A contact connector 10a is provided, and a portion of the memory card 40 corresponding to the second non-contact connector 10b 'is provided with a fourth non-contact for receiving power from the second non-contact connector 10b' in a non-contact manner. A connector 10b is provided. Other parts are configured in the same manner as the above-described embodiment examples of FIGS. 15 and 16.

According to this example, the memory card 40 is provided by the spring member 21 provided on the inner surface of the second guide rail 1c.
Is pressed toward the first guide rail 1b, so that the first non-contact connector 10 provided on the first guide rail 1b is provided.
The a'and the third non-contact connector 10a provided on the memory card 40 can be brought into close contact with each other, and the gap g between the coils forming the non-contact connectors 10a ', 10a can be reduced. Further, since the insertion position of the memory card 40 can be regulated by engaging the spring member 21 with the notch 19 formed in the memory card 40, the coils forming the non-contact connectors 10a ′, 10a can be formed. Can be exactly opposite. Therefore, weak signals can be accurately exchanged, and interference from adjacent coils can be prevented, so that more accurate information communication can be performed. Since the non-contact connectors 10b and 10b 'for exchanging power are configured with coils larger than the non-contact connectors 10a' and 10a for signal transmission / reception, it is sufficient to perform such accurate positioning. Power can be supplied.

The embodiment of FIG. 23 is characterized in that the adapter device comprises a main body and one guide rail.

That is, as is apparent from FIG. 23, the adapter device 1 of this example is formed in a substantially L-shape in a plan view, and the notch portion contacting the main body portion 1a and the guide rail 1b is the memory card 40. It is an insertion part. Body 1a
The part of the memory card 4 facing the memory card insertion part of
A non-contact connector 10 ′ for coupling with the non-contact connector 10 provided in 0. For coupling with the contact pin group 2 a provided in the socket 2, the portion of the main body 1 a facing this is connected. A contact-type connector 3 having a jack group is provided. In addition, a guide groove 18 for guiding the memory card 40 is formed on the inner surface of the guide rail 1b.
Is formed, and in the guide groove 18, the memory card 4
A spring member 21 for zero positioning and holding is attached. On the other hand, the memory card 40 applied to the adapter device 1 of this example is installed in the card slot 9 by using the guide groove 18 formed on the inner surface of the guide rail 1b and the card guide portion 2b formed on the socket 2. It is formed into a size that can be inserted, and a notch 19 for fitting the tip of the spring member 21 is formed at a predetermined position on the side. Other parts are formed in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

The adapter device of this example has the same effect as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, and the size of the memory card 40 is increased by using one guide rail, so that the memory card 40 can be highly functionalized. There is a feature called.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 24 is similar to that shown in FIGS.
The upper plate 1e of the adapter device 1 in the embodiment shown in FIG.
Further, a notch 81 for maintenance and inspection of the non-contact connector 10 'is formed. 25, the non-contact connector 10 'is provided on the upper plate 1e of the adapter device 1 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.
A window hole 82 for maintenance and inspection is formed.
Other parts of each of these embodiments are the same as those of the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18, and
The corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

According to the example embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25,
Maintenance and inspection of the non-contact connector 10 'is easy and
Since the strength of the adapter device 1 is increased as compared with the case where the body is formed in a U shape or an L shape, the reliability and durability of the adapter device 1 can be further increased.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, even if a multi-channel non-contact memory card does not have a dedicated terminal, a terminal such as a conventional notebook computer can be used as it is, thus reducing the system cost. It can be reduced. Also, if the non-contact adapter is removed, the original pin contact type P
Since the C card can be used, it is possible to provide a system having excellent versatility such that the non-contact method or the pin contact method can be selected depending on the data access speed and the usage environment.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact memory card system using an adapter device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a coupled state of the adapter device and the non-contact memory card according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an application example of the adapter device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact memory card system using an adapter device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact memory card system using an adapter device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact memory card system using an adapter device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an application example of an adapter device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using an adapter device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing a connection structure between an adapter device and a non-contact memory card according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a method for taking out the adapter device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact memory card system using an adapter device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an application example of an adapter device according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the adapter device according to the sixth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another modification of the adapter device according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact memory card system using the adapter device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing a connection structure between an adapter device and a non-contact memory card according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using an adapter device according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure between an adapter device and a non-contact memory card according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram of a contactless memory card system using the adapter device according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a mounted state of electronic components of a multi-channel non-contact memory card to which a conventional electromagnetic coupling system is applied.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a multi-channel non-contact memory card having a built-in substrate on which electronic components are mounted.

28 is a perspective view showing how the multi-channel non-contact memory card shown in FIG. 20 is attached to a terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 adapter device 2 pin contact type memory card socket 3 PC card connector (jack group) 4 non-contact signal processing circuit 4'non-contact signal processing circuit 5 non-contact power transmission circuit 6 non-contact power receiving circuit 7 note PC 8 card ejection Button 9 Card slot 10 Non-contact connector 10 'Non-contact connector 20 Multi-channel non-contact memory card 40 Multi-channel non-contact memory card 30 Non-contact terminal 50 Contact type PC card

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page (72) Inventor Yoshiharu Hino 1-88, Torora, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka, Hitachi Hitachi Maxell Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeshi Uchida 1-1-88, Tora, Ibaraki, Osaka Hitachi Maxel Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeshi Tottori 1-88, Tora, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka Hitachi Maxel Co., Ltd. (72) Masashi Yoshimura 1-88, Tora, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka Hitachi Maxell Incorporated (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Omichi 1-88, Tora-Tora, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka Hitachi Maxell Co., Ltd.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A contact type connecting means for connecting with a contact type connecting means provided in a card slot of a terminal, and a non-contact type connecting means for connecting with a non-contact type connecting means provided in a non-contact memory card. In addition, the adapter device has a body structure that can be inserted to a predetermined position in the card slot by using a card guide portion provided in the card slot. 2. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the contact-type coupling means and the non-contact-type coupling means are arranged on opposite sides of the body. 3. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the contact-type coupling means and the non-contact-type coupling means are arranged on sides of the body which are orthogonal to each other. 4. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact coupling means comprises a power supply coil and a signal transmission / reception coil, and these two coils are separated from each other on the side sides orthogonal to each other of the body. The adapter device is characterized in that it is arranged. 5. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact coupling means comprises a power supply coil and a signal transmission / reception coil, and at least the signal transmission / reception coil and the An adapter device characterized in that the body is provided with positioning means for making a signal transmitting / receiving coil provided in a non-contact memory card face each other at an accurate position in the plane direction and at a constant gap interval. 6. The adapter device according to claim 5, wherein the positioning means is a spring, and the spring presses the non-contact memory card, and at least one of non-contact coupling means provided in the body. The signal transmission / reception coil and the signal transmission / reception coil provided in the non-contact memory card are opposed to each other with a constant gap distance, and a part of the spring is formed in a notch provided in a part of the non-contact memory card. An adapter device characterized in that the position of the signal transmission / reception coil provided on the body and the signal transmission / reception coil provided on the non-contact memory card are restricted by fitting in a plane direction. 7. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein a card guide portion is formed on the body. 8. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the body is provided with a means for taking out the non-contact memory card. 9. The adapter device according to claim 8, wherein an extension plate reaching the outside of the card slot is integrally provided on the body as the take-out means. 10. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the body is provided with a maintenance window for the contact-type coupling means. 11. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the number of channels of the non-contact type coupling means is less than or equal to the number of channels of the contact type coupling means.