JPS62156780A - Compact electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To omit plural card storing parts of the main body of an electronic equipment and therefore to reduce the overall size of the equipment, by storing plural types of memory cards having different external forms and different positions of external connection terminal into the same memory card storing part. CONSTITUTION:A storing part 7 is formed at a single part of an equipment main body 1 to load and unload memory cards. The part 7 includes two card loading parts 7a and 7b with a partial area overlapping with each other for an IC card and a RAM card having different external forms and different positions of external connection terminals. Then card connection terminals 17, 17 and 20 are provided in response to those external connection terminals of said IC and RAM cards to be loaded to both parts 7a and 7b respectively. Thus it is possible to store those IC and RAM cards into the same part 7. This omits the memory card storing parts formed at plural areas of the main body 1 and therefore reduces the overall size of the electronic equipment 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a small electronic device to which a memory card is attached and which exchanges data with the memory card.

[Technical background of the invention and its problems]

Some small electronic devices such as small computers are equipped with memory cards such as RAM cards for memory expansion, ROM cards that store programs, and ROM/RAM cards, and data can be exchanged with these memory cards. . This small electronic device stores and attaches a memory card to a card storage section provided in the main body of the device, and exchanges data with the memory card.The card storage section is formed to match the external shape of the memory card. A memory card connection terminal corresponding to an external connection terminal of a memory card positioned and stored in the card storage section is provided in the card storage section.

By the way, in the past, small electronic devices could only use memory cards specifically designed for that model, but recently, memory cards for other electronic devices of different models can also be used, and small electronic devices , has the ability to read the recorded data of IC cards (a type of memory card) used as credit cards and medical cards, and uses small electronic devices to read the recorded data of this IC card (accounts payable amount, medical records, etc.). In particular, if a small electronic device is equipped with an IC card reading function, it would be possible for the owner of the IC card to collect accounts payable at a store, etc. and lose the slip. Even if you lose track of the amount, etc., you can still use this small electronic device.
By reading the recorded data on the C card, it is possible to easily know the amount of accounts payable purchased using the IC card.

However, because the standards for RAM cards, etc. are currently determined for each type of electronic device, RAM cards, etc. for electronic devices with different wire types have different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals. In addition, since the external dimensions of IC cards are specified by the Jlll rating, the external dimensions of the IC cards and the positions of external connection terminals are also R.
Since it is different from an AM card, etc., if you want a small electronic device to have the function of exchanging data with a RAM card, etc. for an electronic device, or have the function of reading an IC card, it is necessary to use a small electronic device. It is necessary to have a structure in which a plurality of types of memory cards having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals, for example, both RAM cards and IC cards, can be attached.

For this reason, conventionally, the main body of a small electronic device has a card storage section for positioning and mounting a memory card (such as a RAM card) for this electronic device, and a card storage section for positioning and mounting a memory card (RAM card, etc.) for the electronic device, and a card storage section for positioning and mounting a memory card (RAM card, etc.) for the electronic device, and a A card storage section for positioning and mounting a card, ROM card, etc.) is provided separately, and each card storage section is provided with a memory card connection terminal corresponding to an external connection terminal of a memory card installed in the card storage section. However, when card storage sections are provided at multiple locations on the device body, there is a problem in that the overall size of the electronic device increases.

[Purpose of the invention]

This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a device that can store multiple types of memory cards with different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals in the same location. The object of the present invention is to provide a compact electronic-like device that can be miniaturized as a whole.

[Summary of the invention]

That is, the present invention provides a memory card storage section that removably stores a memory card in one place in the main body of the device, and the memory card storage section stores multiple types of memory cards having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals. A plurality of card mounting portions are formed with at least a portion of their areas overlapping each other, and each of the card mounting portions corresponds to an external connection terminal of a memory card that is positioned and mounted in the card mounting portion. According to the present invention, since multiple types of memory cards having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals can be stored and installed in the same memory card storage section, Since it is not necessary to provide memory card storage sections at multiple locations, the entire device can be made smaller.

[Embodiments of the invention]

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a portable small computer equipped with a data exchange function with a RAM card for memory expansion and an IC card reading function.

Figures 1 and 2 show the external appearance of a small computer,
3 to 5 show the internal structure of this small computer.

In the figure, 1 is the main body of a small computer.

This device main body 1 includes an upper case 1a and a lower case 1.
A wiring board 2, a power supply battery (not shown), etc. are built into the case body made of synthetic resin made of b. Chip 3 is attached. Further, on the surface of the main body 1, there is provided a first keyboard section 4 in which a large number of command keys and function keys 4a, 4a are arranged in a vertical and horizontal manner, and a second keyboard section in which a large number of four arithmetic operation keys 5a, 5a are arranged in a vertical and horizontal manner. 5, and a display section 6 for displaying input information and output information. Also, 7
is a memory card accommodating portion provided on the surface of one end side of the device body 1. As shown in FIG. The memory card storage section 7 is formed by recessing the surface of the device body 1, that is, the upper surface of the upper case 1a, and the opening of the memory card storage section 7 is provided with a hole that closes the memory card storage section 7. Times that can be opened and closed
A J lid 8 is provided. This rotary lid 8 has arm portions F3a, 3a formed on both sides of the lower surface of its base end, and is inserted into the device main body 1 through a slit-shaped opening 9.9 provided on both sides of the rear end of the memory card storage section 7. When inserted, the shaft portions 8b protruding from the outer surfaces of the arm portions 8a, 8a are pivotally attached to the upper case 1a of the device main body 1, thereby being attached to the device main body 1 so as to be rotatably openable and closable. Further, an elastic locking piece 8C that removably engages with a locking portion 10 provided at the front end of the memory card storage section 7 is provided at the tip of the rotation M8. is locked in the closed state by engaging this elastic locking piece 8c with the locking part 10, and is unlocked by pushing the elastic locking piece 8C backward and separating it from the locking part 10. It looks like this. The rotary lid 8 is configured to automatically open upon unlocking due to the spring force of a spring member (not shown). In addition, this rotating lid 8
A cushioning material 8d is attached to the lower surface of the memory card storage section 7 to press down the upper surface of the memory card inserted into the memory card storage section 7.

In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 2, 11 is the device main body 1.
is provided on the surface of the memory card storage section 7 at the side edge of the memory card storage section 7! The operation knob 12 of the Ill switch (slide switch) is a movable member that is provided in the device body 1 and is moved by the sliding operation of the operation knob 11, and the power switch is a movable contact held by the movable member 12. and a plurality of fixed contacts formed on the wiring board 2 (all of which are not shown).

The movable member 12 has an operation knob mounting portion 12a protruding from the top surface of the moving member 12, which protrudes from a long hole 13 provided on the surface of the device body 1 onto the device body 1; The operation knob is fixed to the portion 12a. This power switch is turned on by moving the operating knob 11 toward the memory card storage section 7 and turned off by moving the operating knob 11 away from the memory card storage section 7. When the power switch is turned on, the end of the operating knob 11 protrudes above the memory card storage section 7 and overlaps the side edge of the rotating lid 8, as shown in FIG. The length of the operating knob 11 is such that the end of the operating knob 11 is removed from above the memory card storage section 7 when the operating knob 11 is opened.

Next, the structure of the memory card storage section 7 will be explained. This memory card storage section 7 is for interchangeably storing the IC card 30 shown in FIG. 6 and the RAM card 40 shown in FIG. The memory card storage section 7 has an I
First card mounting section 7 for positioning and mounting the C card 30
a, and a second card mounting section 7b for positioning and mounting the RAM card 4o.

IC card 3 mounted in the first card mounting section 7a
The IC card 30 has a shape as shown in Fig. 6, and the IC card 30 has 10 memories for storing ID information (card name, registration number, PIN number, etc.) and an accounts payable memory for storing amounts, medical records, etc. This IC card 3 has a built-in IC chip that constitutes a transaction data memory.
0, a plurality of external connection terminals 31, 31 connected to the IC chip are arranged in two rows, for example.

The size of this IC card 30 is specified by the JIS standard, and the dimensions of this IC card 30 are 85mm tall.
．． It is 5s x 54m wide x 0.8m thick. Also,
The RAM card 40 installed in the second card installation section 7b has a shape as shown in FIG. A plurality of external connection terminals 4 connected to the RAM chip are provided in the opening formed on one side.
1.41 are arranged in a row. This RAM card 4
0 is, for example, 60 m long x 458 m wide x 3.5 m thick.This RAM card 40 has smaller planar dimensions than the IC card 3o, but is thicker than the IC card 30 because it has a built-in power battery. It's much thicker.

The memory card storage section 7 has a width approximately equal to the width of the IC card 3o, which has a larger planar dimension among the IC card 30 and the RAM card 40, and has a width that is approximately equal to the width of the IC card 3o.
The IC card 30 is inserted in the first card mounting section 7a of the memory card storage section 7 in a lying state, and The convex portion 14 formed on the rear end side, the both side wall surfaces of the memory card storage section 7, and the memory card storage section 7
It is positioned and supported on the bottom surface of the memory card accommodating portion 7 by convex portions 15° 15 formed on both sides of the front end side. The IC card 30 positioned and mounted in the first card mounting portion 7a is held and fixed by the rotating lid 8 via the cushion material 8d on the lower surface thereof. Further, the second card mounting portion 7b into which the RAM card 40 is positioned and mounted is configured by forming a recessed portion in the bottom surface of the memory card storage portion 7 into which the RAM card 40 is fitted almost tightly. Second
The card mounting section 7b is formed extending from the front edge of the memory card storage section 7 to the first card mounting section 7a. That is, the second card mounting section 7b is formed so that a portion thereof overlaps the area of the first card mounting section 7a into which the IC card 30 is mounted, and the second card mounting section 7b is formed so as to partially overlap the area of the first card mounting section 7a into which the IC card 30 is mounted. The portion above the second card mounting portion 7b also serves as a storage space for the RAM card 40. The RAM card 40 is positioned in the second card mounting part 7b by its peripheral wall and mounted in a lying state, and is held and fixed by the rotating lid 8 via the cushioning material 8d on the lower surface thereof. .

Further, at the bottom of the first card mounting section 7a, there are a plurality of IC card connection terminals 17 corresponding to each external connection terminal 31, 31 of the IC card 30 that is positioned and mounted in the first card mounting section 7a. An IC card connection probe 16 having a diameter 17 is provided. This probe 16
A bottle-shaped IC is mounted on the probe body 16a made of an insulator.
The probe body 16a is fitted and fixed to the bottom of the first card mounting part 7a, and each IC card connection terminal 17 is slidably held.
．． 17 is connected to IC card connection electrodes 19 and 19 formed on the two surfaces of the wiring board via conductive coil springs 18, 18. Each IC card connection terminal 17.17
The IC card 3 is normally projected into the first card mounting portion 7a as shown in FIG. 3 by the spring force of the coil spring 18.
By attaching the IC card 3o and closing the rotary lid 8, the external connection terminals 31.31 of the IC card 30 are pressed down and securely connected to the external connection terminals 31.31 of the IC card 3o, as shown in FIG. It is designed to make conductive contact.

On the other hand, at the bottom of the second card mounting section 7b, there are a plurality of RAM card connection terminals corresponding to each external connection terminal section 41 of the RAM card 40 that is positioned and mounted in the second card mounting section 7b. 20.20 is arranged. This RAM card connecting terminal 20.20 is made of a leaf spring, and the base end of this RAM card connecting terminal 20.20 is connected to the RAM card connecting electrode 21 formed on the wiring board 2 surface and fixed to the wiring board 2. has been done. This R.A.
Due to its spring force, the M card connection terminal 20.20 normally protrudes into the second card mounting section 7b from an opening 22 provided at the bottom of the second card mounting section 7b, as shown in FIG. By attaching the IC card 30 to the second card attaching portion 7b and closing the rotating cover 8, the external connection terminals 41 and 41 of the RAM card 40 are pushed down and the RAM card 40 is It is designed to ensure conductive contact with each external connection terminal 41, 41.

In addition, in FIG. 1, 23 is the second card mounting section 7b.
A RAM card ejecting notch formed at one end of the RAM card 4o installed in the second card installation part 7b.
To take out the RAM, insert your fingertip through this notch 23.
This is done by pulling up the end of the card 40, and the IC card 30 mounted in the first card mounting section 7a can be removed from the second card mounting section 7b.
This is done by inserting your fingertip into the IC card 30 and pulling up the end of the IC card 30.

The small computer of this embodiment is equipped with a RAM card 40 to exchange data with the RAM card 40 when processing data in an amount exceeding its storage capacity. 8 is opened and inserted into the second card mounting section 7b of the memory card storage section 7,
By closing the rotating lid 8, the external connection terminal 41.
41 is fixed in conductive contact with the RAM card connection terminals 20 and 20. Moreover, this RAM card 40 is used for m1ll! of a small computer. After the operation is finished, the rotary lid 8 is opened and the product is taken out. In this case, if you forget to turn off the power of the small computer and the RAM card 4
If 0 is removed, the memory of the RAM card 40 may be destroyed, but in this embodiment, when the power switch of the small computer is turned on, the operation knob 11 is The end of the operating knob 11 protrudes above the memory card storage section 7 and overlaps the side edge of the rotating lid 8, and when the power switch is turned off, the end of the operation knob 11 has a length that is removed from above the memory card storage section 7. Therefore, when the power switch is in the ON state, even if the elastic locking piece 8C of the rotary M8 is pushed backward to release the lock, opening of the rotary lid 8 is prevented by the operating knob 11 of the power switch. Therefore, unless the operation knob 11 is moved in the direction away from above the memory card storage section 7 and the NWA switch is turned OFF, the rotation M
8 cannot be opened, so there is no need to worry about destroying the memory of the RAM card 40 by removing the RAM card 40 while forgetting to turn off the N power source of the small computer.

This small computer also has a function of reading data stored in the transaction data memory of the IC card 30, and can be rotated by mounting the IC card 30 in the first card mounting section 7a of the memory card storage section 7. Lid 8
Close the , turn on the power switch in this state, and enter an IC card reading command from the first keyboard section 4.
The small computer reads the data stored in the IC card 30 and displays it on the display section 6.

However, in this small computer, as mentioned above,
A memory card storage section 7 for removably storing a memory card is provided in one place of the device main body 1, and the memory card storage section 7 stores an IC card 30 and a RAM card 40 having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals. Two card mounting portions 7a and 7b for positioning and mounting the cards are formed so that a part of their area overlaps, and each card mounting portion 7a and 7b is provided with a card mounting portion 7a and a card mounting portion 7b.
, 7b and the IC card 30 and RA
External connection terminals 31° 31 and 41.4 of M card 40
1 and corresponding card connection terminals 17.17 and 20.2
0, it is possible to store and install the IC card 30 and RAM card 40, which have different external shapes and external connection terminal positions, in the same memory card storage section 7. Therefore, memory cards can be stored in multiple locations in the main body 1 of the device. Since there is no need to provide a separate section, the entire device can be made smaller.

In the above embodiment, the second card mounting section 7b for positioning and mounting the RAM card is formed such that only a portion thereof overlaps the area of the first card mounting section 7a for positioning and mounting the IC card 30. However, the second card mounting section 7b may be formed so as to overlap the entire area of the first card mounting section 7a, or each card mounting section 7a may be formed so as to overlap with the area of the first card mounting section 7a.

Card connection terminals 17.17 and 20.2 provided on 7b
0 is also not limited to the above embodiments.

Further, in the above embodiment, the upper part of the RAM card 40 mounted in the second card mounting part 7b is connected to the first card mounting part 7a.
However, the RAM card 40 is
The second card mounting portion 7b may be formed deeply so that the second card mounting portion 7b is not protruded from the first card mounting portion 7a. The memory card used is not limited to a RAM card, but may be a ROM card or a ROM/RM card.

Further, in the above embodiment, a small computer with an IC card reading function was described, but the present invention is also applicable to memory cards for other electronic devices (RAM cards, ROM cards, R.O.
It can also be applied to a small computer, etc., which has a data exchange function with an M/RM card, etc.), and in that case, the memory card storage section 7 has a card mounting section for positioning and mounting the memory card for the device, and other devices. A card mounting part for positioning and mounting a memory card for a device is formed so that at least a part of the area thereof overlaps, and a memory card to be positioned and mounted to each card mounting part is externally connected to the card mounting part. A memory card connection terminal corresponding to the terminal may be provided. In this case, if the thickness of the memory card for this device and the memory card for other devices are different, the card insertion part for installing the thicker memory card may be formed deeper, and the thickness of both memory cards may be different. If the thicknesses are the same or the difference in thickness is small, the bottom surface of each card mounting section may be made common.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention provides a memory card storage section in which a memory card is removably stored in one place in the main body of the device, and the memory card storage section stores multiple types of memory cards having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals. A plurality of card mounting portions to be positioned and mounted are formed so that at least a portion of their areas overlap, and each card mounting portion is provided with a memory corresponding to an external connection terminal of a memory card to be positioned and mounted in the card mounting portion. According to the present invention, multiple types of memory cards with different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals can be stored and installed in the same memory card storage section. Since there is no need to provide a memory card accommodating section at the location, the entire device can be made smaller.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a small computer with the rotating cover removed from the memory card storage section, FIG. 2 is an external view of the small computer, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical side view of the memory card storage section.
Figures and Figure 5 are the same < IC card installed state and RA
FIGS. 6 and 7 are an enlarged longitudinal sectional side view of the memory card storage section with the M card installed, and are perspective views of the IC card and the RAM card. 1...Device body, 7...Memory card storage section, 7a
...First card mounting part, 7b...Second card mounting part, 17...IC card connection terminal, 20...RA
M card connection terminal, 30...IC card, 31...
External connection terminal, 40...RAM card, 41...
External connection terminal. Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Figure 2 2j Shin 4

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a small electronic device in which a memory card is installed and data is exchanged with the memory card, a memory card storage section for removably storing the memory card is provided in one part of the device body, and this memory card storage section has a , a plurality of card slots for positioning and mounting a plurality of types of memory cards having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals are formed with at least a portion of their areas overlapping each other, and each of the card slots has a plurality of card slots for positioning and mounting a plurality of types of memory cards having different external shapes and positions of external connection terminals. A small electronic device characterized by having a memory card connection terminal that corresponds to an external connection terminal of a memory card that is positioned and installed in a mounting portion.