WO2003032446A1

WO2003032446A1 - Ejector mechanism for cards

Info

Publication number: WO2003032446A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/008579
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshiro Wakabayashi; Syoichi Tanamka
Original assignee: Waka Manufacturing Co., Ltd.,
Priority date: 2001-09-28
Filing date: 2001-09-28
Publication date: 2003-04-17

Abstract

An ejector mechanism for cards (9) suitable for a card connector of IC cards or PC cards, in which the cards (9) can be inserted or removed easily and surely through a simple arrangement while reducing the size, weight and cost of the mechanism and electrical and mechanical connection of the cards (9) are assisted to provide reliable and stabilized use conditions by providing guides (3, 4, 5) with a card holder (14) movably, urging the cards (9) movably, providing the card holder (14) with first and second engaging claws (16, 17), directing the forward end part of the first and second engaging claws (16, 17) in the inserting direction of the cards (9), arranging the forward end part of the first and second engaging claws (16, 17) while spacing apart in the thickness direction of the cards, and enabling a member (12) engaging with the first and second engaging claws (16, 17) to move concurrently with displacement of the cards.

Description

Specification

Ejector mechanism for cards <Technical field>

The present invention relates to a card ejector mechanism suitable for a card connector such as an IC card or a PC card. In particular, the present invention can simplify the structure, reduce the cost, and improve the operability. The present invention relates to an ejector mechanism for cards that assists electrical and mechanical connections and ensures and stabilizes the use state.

A card connector is used as a means for mechanically and electrically connecting a memory card such as an IC card or a PC card to an electronic application device such as a computer.

The card connector includes a plug connector for electrically connecting a memory card, and an ejector mechanism for removing the memory card from the connector.

Among them, the conventional ejector mechanism is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-82

No. 407, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-32 041 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 54002, an eject button is provided which is pressed when the memory card is removed, and an eject lever which pulls out the memory card from the plug connector in conjunction with the operation of the eject button. .

However, this conventional device requires an eject button and an eject lever, and the structure is complicated and expensive.In addition, the eject button is arranged on the side of the card connector, and the eject lever is connected to the card connector. Since it is located at the back, the card connector becomes large and heavy, and the memory card and Since the connection with the connector is maintained solely by the fitting force between the receptacle terminal and the connector pin, there has been a problem that the reliability of the connection to vibration or the like cannot be sufficiently obtained.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and is suitable for, for example, a card connector for cards such as an IC card and a PC card, and allows easy and reliable insertion and removal of cards with a simple configuration. At the same time, this type of mechanism is designed to be compact, lightweight and inexpensive, and to assist in the electrical and mechanical connection of the cards, and to ensure that the cards can be used reliably and stably. An object of the present invention is to provide an ejector mechanism.

The ejector mechanism for cards of the present invention satisfies the following (1) to (3).

(1) Eject button Eject lever can be eliminated, reducing the number of parts, simplifying the configuration, reducing the size and weight, and reducing the cost.

(2) Easy configuration and easy insertion and removal of cards with a simple configuration.

(3) Points suitable for implementation of the card connector.

For this reason, in the card ejector mechanism of the present invention, in the card ejector mechanism provided with a guide for guiding the movement of the cards and a card holder for detachably holding the cards in a fixed position, A card holder is provided on the guide so as to be movable in the moving direction of the cards, the cards are urged to be movable in the removing direction, and the card holder is provided with first and second engaging claws. The distal end of the second engaging claw is spaced apart in the thickness direction of the cards and the like, and an engaging member engageable with the first and second engaging claws is provided. It is possible to cooperate with the kind of movement displacement. According to this configuration, the conventional eject button lever can be eliminated, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified, and the size and weight can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. It is easy and reliable, and is suitable for implementing card connectors.

In this case, it is preferable that the engaging member is engaged with the first or second engaging claw just before the end of the insertion movement of the cards, so that the force holder can be moved in the insertion direction of the cards. A series of operations at the end of the subsequent movement of the card holder will be smooth and reliable.

In particular, at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, the card holder may be moved in the direction in which the cards are removed, and the card holder may be returned to the original position, thereby preventing the card holder from retreating at the end of the movement. In addition, a series of operations of the card holder becomes smooth and reliable.

Alternatively, at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, the card holder is displaced by a predetermined displacement in the card removing direction, the engaging members are engaged with the first and second engaging claws, and the cards are held in place. The cards may be made immovable in the direction of insertion and removal, so that the cards can be securely and securely held, and the electrical and mechanical connection of the cards can be strengthened. Use status is obtained.

In this case, it is preferable that a predetermined moving space for the card holder can be formed in front of the tip of the card holder at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, and a series of operations of the card holder at the time of removing the cards thereafter. However, it becomes smooth and reliable.

Alternatively, at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, the card holder is engaged with the engaging member and bent and displaced, and the bent portion is engaged with the guide, and the card holder is inserted into the card in the insertion direction. The movement may be restrained, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the card holder moves with the engaging member at the time of removal of the subsequent force element, A series of operations of the engagement member and the card holder is performed smoothly and reliably.

In these cases, at the start of the removal of the cards, the cards are moved in the insertion direction, the engaging member is moved under the restraint of the card holder, the engagement between the engaging member and the card holder is released, and the card is released. It is preferable that the tip of the holder is retracted from the moving area of the engaging member, so that the operation of removing the cards is smooth and reliable.

Further, engaging members are provided so as to be engageable at two positions of the guide along the moving direction of the cards, and the moving stroke of the cards or the accommodation case is regulated through these engaging positions, and the cards or It may be possible to form a rearwardly protruding displacement when the storage case is removed, so that the card can be used in various usage states and the removed cards are easily held.

Further, the engaging member may be arranged so as to be able to engage with the moving area of the cards and the like, and the engaging member can be engaged with the movement displacement of the cards and the engaging member and the cards and the like. Separately simplifies the structure of the cards and enables the use of conventional cards.

Further, the engaging member may be provided so as to protrude from the card or its storage case, and the engaging member accurately responds to the displacement of the card, and when the storage case is used, the engaging member is engaged with the card. Direct engagement with the joining member can be avoided, damage can be prevented, and conventional cards can be used. In addition, the card holder may be elastically displaceable in the thickness direction of the cards, and the engagement and disengagement operation between the engagement member and the card holder is made simple and reliable with a simple structure.

In particular, when the engaging member is arranged so as to be able to engage with the moving area of the cards or when the card holder is elastically displaceable in the thickness direction of the cards, the card holder is formed of a thin plate. It is preferable that at least the distal end of the first and second engaging claws is arranged so as to be able to engage with the engaging member, thereby providing a simple structure. As a result, the engagement and disengagement operation between the engagement member and the first and second engagement claws can be reliably and smoothly performed, and the ejector mechanism of this type can be reduced in size and weight.

When the card holder is made elastically displaceable in the thickness direction of the cards, the engaging member engages with the card holder immediately before the end of the insertion movement of the cards, at the start of the removal of the cards and immediately before the completion of the removal. It is preferable that the sound or the elastic displacement sound of the card holder or its vibration can be formed, and the insertion and removal process of the cards can be confirmed by the sound or its vibration, thereby improving the convenience in use. <Brief description of drawings>

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which an engaging member is protruded from a housing case.

FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a card holder applied to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the present invention, and is a view showing a state of a force holder before a storage case is moved.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the present invention, in which the accommodation case is moved in the card insertion direction and the engagement member is engaged with the second engagement claw of the card holder. .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the present invention, showing a state in which the card holder is pulled out immediately before the end of the insertion movement of the storage case, and the leading end thereof is engaged with the guide.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the present invention, showing a state in which the engaging member has engaged the guide immediately after the state of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a usage state of the memory card in which the card holder is pushed back at the end, the engaging member is engaged with the first and second engaging claws, and the housing case is held at a fixed position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the present invention, showing the situation of the card holder immediately after the removal of the storage case is started, and the engaging member is separated from the first and second engaging claws, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a situation in which the device is engaged.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the present invention, showing the state of the card holder during the removal of the storage case, and showing the state in which the engaging member is pushed downward.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the present invention, showing the state of the card holder immediately before the removal of the storage case is completed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, a part of which is shown in a sectional view, in which an engaging member is separated from a memory card.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 13 and is a slightly enlarged view.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 13 and is a slightly enlarged view.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a card holder applied to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation state of the second embodiment, showing the state of the card holder before the memory card is inserted and moved.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the second embodiment, showing the state of the card holder immediately after the memory force insertion movement.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the second embodiment, showing the state of the card holder immediately before the end of the insertion movement of the memory force. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the car holder is engaged with the engagement claws, the car holder is pulled out forward, and the tip end of the car holder is engaged with the guide.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment, showing a state in which the memory card further moves after the state of FIG. 22 and the engaging member is engaged with the guide. It is.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment. At the end of the insertion of the memory card, the card holder is pushed back, and the engaging members are first and second engaging claws. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a usage state in which the memory card is held in a fixed position by engaging with the memory card.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the second embodiment, showing the state of the card holder immediately after the removal of the memory card is started, and the engaging members are the first and second engaging members. It is a figure showing the situation where it was separated from the nail and engaged with the guide. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment, showing a state in which the memory card is being removed, and a state in which the card holder is pushed down by the engagement of the engagement member. FIG.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment, showing a state of the card holder immediately before completion of removal of the memory card.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a memory card. In FIGS. 1 to 12, reference numeral 1 denotes an integrally molded part in an electronic device such as a personal computer, or is provided separately from the device. A smooth slide groove 2 is formed on the surface of the ejector base, and a card case described later, which is a storage case, is slidably received in the groove 2.

The three sides of the slide groove 2 are defined by convex guides 3, 4, and 5, of which the guides 3, 4 are formed parallel to each other, and the tip of one of the guides 4 is formed. A notch 6 is formed at the end of the insertion movement of the leading end of the cards, which will be described later.

A large number of contact bins (not shown) are provided on the inner surface of the guide 5 or at the end of the slide groove 2, and these pins have sufficient contact holes of a memory card to be described later, that is, receptacle terminals (not shown). It has a long fitting length and is fitted so that it can be inserted and removed.

The card case 7 is formed of a synthetic resin into a substantially horizontally long rectangular plate shape, and leg pieces 8, 8 having a substantially L-shaped cross section are protruded inside the card case 7, and between the leg pieces 8, 8 and the force case 7. A memory card 9 such as a PC card or an IC card is slidably accommodated therein.

In this case, an elastic member such as a panel is provided inside the card case 7 so that the memory card 9 can be held in the card case 7 through the elasticity.

The length of the card case 7 is shorter than the length of the memory card 9. When the memory card 9 is inserted into the card case 7, the rear end of the memory card 9 protrudes from the rear end of the card case 7. Part can be easily held.

The memory card 9 is formed of a synthetic resin into a thin horizontally-long rectangular plate shape, and has a contact hole at the tip end thereof, which can be inserted into and removed from the contact bin, that is, a receptacle terminal (not shown).

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a torsion panel which is an eject spring provided at the tip of the guide 3, one end of which is fixed to the guide 3, and the other end of which is hung on the tip of the card case 7; The card case 7 is urged in the pull-out direction via the elasticity of 10.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a cover plate that closes the slide groove 2. In this case, instead of installing this plate 11 separately from the project base 1, the project It is also possible to integrally mold with the base 1.

A metal pin 12 serving as an engagement member is protruded from a side surface of a distal end portion of the card case 7. The pin 12 is arranged in the cutout 6 when the card case 7 is assembled. The guides 4 and 5 are facing the end faces.

A slit 13 is formed in the middle of the guide 4 along the moving direction of the card case 7, a front end of the slit 13 opens in the cutout 6, and then the cutout 6 faces from the end. The distance L to the front end face of the guide 4 is formed slightly longer than the length of a panel panel described later.

One end force S of a leaf spring 14 as a card holder is accommodated inside the slit 13 so as to be able to brake and slide in the moving direction of the card case 7. The plate panel 14 is formed by press-molding a thin stainless copper plate, which is formed in a substantially L-shaped plane shape as shown in FIG. 4, and one end of which is folded back into a substantially U-shape. It has an elastic portion 15 that exhibits elasticity in the thickness direction, and the elastic portion 15 is compressed and housed in the slit 13.

The plate panel 14 extends linearly from the elastic portion 15, bends from immediately before the distal end thereof, and bends in a gentle taper shape from the bent portion to the distal end. First and second engaging claws 16 and 17 are formed on the first and second engaging claws.

These engaging claws 16 and 17 are arranged close to the insertion end position of the leading end of the cards 9 and are formed of strips parallel to each other. Among these, the first engagement claw 16 is located outside the second engagement claw 17, and the length thereof is formed longer than the second engagement claw 17.

The second engagement claw 17 is shorter and shorter than the first engagement claw 16, and is bent downward at a steep angle as a whole, or curved downwardly as compared with the first engagement claw 16. Then, these first and second engaging claws 16 are engaged with the pins 12. Are arranged as possible.

That is, when the memory card 9 is inserted into the card case 7, the memory card 9 is inserted into the card case 7, pressed and moved in the front end direction together with the card case 7, and the pins 12 are attached to the board. The panel panel 14 is engaged with the second engaging claw 17 of the panel 14, and the plate panel 14 is moved in the insertion direction of the memory card 9. Then, the tip of the panel panel 14 comes into contact with the front end face of the guide 4 facing the notch 6, and the pin 12 pushes up the second engagement claw 17, and comes into contact with the inner surface of the guide 5. The card case 7 is pushed back by the torsion panel 10, and the pins 12 work together to engage the first and second engaging claws 16 and 17 to move the leaf spring 14 to the original position. Push it back and hold the memory card 9.

Next, when removing the memory card 9, the memory card 9 is pressed in the insertion direction to disengage the pin 12 from the first and second engaging claws 16 and 17, and the force case 7 is released. Is pushed back by the torsion spring 10, and the pin 12 is moved on the tapered portion 14a to return to the original position.

In addition, reference numeral 18 in the figure denotes a concave hole formed at the tip of the guide 3, a part of which is opened in the guide groove 2, so that the coil portion of the torsion panel 10 can be accommodated in the hole 18. Reference numeral 19 denotes a concave groove formed at the upper end of the guide 3, which can accommodate the unwinding wire of the torsion panel 10.

In this embodiment, the elastic portion 15 is formed integrally with the plate panel 14. However, the elastic portion 15 may be provided separately. I can do it.

The ejector mechanism for a memory card or the like configured in this manner is roughly composed of an eject base 1, a card case 7, and a leaf spring 14, of which the ejector base 1 is integrally formed of a resin at an appropriate place in an electronic device such as a personal computer. Or molded separately from the above equipment and molded into a block, and simultaneously molded the slide groove 2, guides 3 to 5, notch 6, slit 13 and the like. After assembling the components to them, they are retrofitted to predetermined positions of the device.

The card case 7 is resin-molded into a plate shape into which the memory card 9 can be inserted. The length of the card case 7 is shorter or shorter than that of the memory card 9, and a metal pin 12 protrudes laterally on a side surface of the tip. Set up.

The panel panel 14 is formed by press-forming a thin stainless steel plate, which is a flexible material. An elastic portion 15 is integrally formed at one end, and first and second engaging claws 16, 17 at the other end. Is molded.

By forming the elastic portion 15 integrally with the panel panel 14 in this way, the number of parts, the ease of assembly, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where these are separately provided.

When assembling the component parts manufactured in this manner, the elastic part 15 of the plate panel 14 is pressed and shrunk into the slit 13 and inserted from the side, and the front end is positioned in the notch 6. The side portions of the slit 13 are closed by appropriate means to prevent the panel 14 from falling off.

Then, house the card case 7 in the slide groove 2, and insert the pins 12

Position 6 The torsion panel 10 is attached to the tip of the guide 6, one end of the torsion panel 10 is fixed to the guide 6, and the other screw is hung on the tip of the card case 7.

Thereafter, the cover plate 11 is mounted on the guides 3 to 5 to prevent the card case 7 and the torsion spring 10 from jumping out.

The ejector mechanism thus assembled is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5, and the card case 7 is urged rearward by the elasticity of the torsion spring 10, that is, in the direction in which the memory card 9 is removed. The pin 12 integral with the case 7 is engaged with the rear end face facing the cutout 6 of the guide 4 to regulate the case 7 from retreating.

For this reason, the rear end of the card case 7 protrudes rearward of the project base 1. The memory card 9 is inserted into the slot.

The pin 12 is located directly above the slide groove 2 and its tip is located inward from the inner edge of the leaf spring 14, and the rear end of the leaf spring 14, that is, elastically. The part 15 engages with the rear end of the slit 13, presses the leaf spring 14 through its elasticity against the inner surface of the slit 13, and prevents the play of the leaf spring 14. I have.

As described above, since the ejector mechanism of the memory card or the like does not require a conventional eject button ejector lever, the number of parts is reduced correspondingly, the configuration is simplified, and it is possible to manufacture at low cost. This type of mechanism can be reduced in size and weight because no installation space is required.

Next, when using the ejector mechanism, the memory card 9 is held, the leading end is inserted into the opening at the rear end of the card case 7, and is pushed in the same direction.

By doing so, the memory card 9 is held by the elastic member (not shown) in the card case 7, and the card case 7 moves on the slide groove 2 against the elasticity of the torsion panel 10.

During the movement of the card case 7, the pin 12 engages with the taper portion 14a of the leaf spring 14 and moves while pushing up the tapered portion 14a against elasticity. The pin 12 engages with the second engaging claw 17. This situation is as shown in Fig. 6, where the leaf spring 14 bends upward with the opening of the slit 13 as a fulcrum, and its bending elasticity acts on the pin 12 to move the card case 7. Braking.

When the memory card 9 is further pushed in, the card case 7 moves together against the elasticity of the torsion panel 10, and the engaging force between the pin 12 and the second engaging claw 17 increases the elasticity of the torsion panel 10. When the bending elasticity of the panel panel 14 exceeds the bending elasticity of the panel panel 14, the panel panel 14 is pushed and the front end of the panel panel 14 engages with the front end face of the guide 4 facing the notch 6. You. This situation is as shown in FIG. 7, where the elastic portion 15 is slightly pulled out of the slit 13.

Thereafter, when the memory card 9 is further pushed in, the card case 7 stakes together with the elasticity of the torsion panel 10 and works together, and the engagement force between the pin 12 and the second engagement claw 17 is increased by the torsion panel. When the elasticity of the panel panel 14 exceeds the elasticity of the panel panel 14 and the bending elasticity of the panel panel 14, the panel panel 14 is pushed up against the elasticity, and the pin 12 slides under the second engaging claw 17 to cut out. It comes into contact with the front end face of guide 4 facing part 6. At the same time as the contact of the pins 12, the contact holes (not shown) of the memory card 9 fit into the contact bins (not shown), and they are electrically and mechanically connected.

This situation is as shown in FIG. 8, in which the pin 12 disengages from the second engaging claw 17 and engages with the lower surface of the distal end of the first engaging claw 16 instead. At this time, the first engaging claw 16 is vigorously engaged with the upper peripheral surface of the pin 12 by its elasticity, and generates a contact sound.

Therefore, the user knows from the contact sound or the vibration at the time of contact that the memory card 9 is in a state immediately before the memory card 9 cannot be held by the eddie mechanism.

On the other hand, in the above situation, the engagement between the pin 12 and the second engagement claw 17 is released, and the card case 7 can be moved backward.

For this reason, after the pin 12 abuts on the front end face of the guide 14, the card case 7 is pushed back by the elasticity of the torsion panel 10, and the pin 12 that moves with the case 7 is the first and second pins. The second engagement claws 16 and 17 are engaged, and the panel panel 14 is pushed back by being piled by the braking force of the elastic portion 15.

In this case, even if the card case 7 is pushed back as described above, the contact hole and the contact pin have a sufficiently long fitting allowance, so that their electrical and mechanical connection is hindered. Absent. This situation is as shown in Fig. 9, where the elastic part 15 of the leaf spring 14 moves to the back of the slit 13 and returns to its original position, and the plate panel 1 in front of the elastic part 15 4 is bent upward, the bent portion engages with the opening edge of the slit 13, and the pin 12 further engages with the first and second engaging claws 16, 17, and the card case 7 Prevents backward displacement.

Therefore, the connection by contact between the contact hole and the contact pin is assisted, and a stable electrical and mechanical connection state of the memory card 9 held inside the card case 7 can be obtained. Form the condition of use.

When the memory card 9 is used, the rear end of the card 9 protrudes from the rear end of the card case 7 to enable smooth and reliable holding.

On the other hand, when removing the memory card 9 from the card case 7 after use, push the rear end of the memory card 9 in the insertion direction.

By doing so, the card case 7 moves on the slide groove 2 against the elasticity of the torsion spring 10. In this case, in the panel panel 14, the bent portion in front of the elastic portion 15 is engaged with the opening edge of the slit 13, and the press-contact force prevents the pin 13 from moving together with the pin 12. Hold.

As a result, the card case 7 independently moves forward, the pins 12 release the engagement with the first and second engagement claws 16, 17, and the guide 4 facing the notch 6 Contact the front end face.

Accordingly, the plate panel 14 is displaced downward due to its bending elasticity and returns to the original position, and a vibration sound is generated when the first engagement claw 16 disengages from the pin 12. The user can know the start state of the removal of the memory card 9 by this sound or vibration.

This situation is as shown in Fig. 10, where the pin 12 is in front of the tip of the panel panel 14. Since the pin 12 and the leaf spring 14 are disengaged from each other under the bracket condition, the torsion panel 10 enables the card case 7 to be moved backward.

For this reason, after the pins 12 contact the front end face of the guide 4, the card case 7 is pushed back by the elasticity of the torsion panel 10, and the pins 12 integrated with the case 7 are on the tapered surface 14a. The tapered surface 14a is elastically piled and pushed down.

This situation is as shown in Figure 11.

Then, when the card case 7 is further pushed back, and the pin 12 passes through the tapered surface 14a, the engagement between the pin 12 and the tapered surface 14a is released, and the plate spring 14 is displaced by its own elasticity. Displaces upward and recovers its original state. At this time, the panel panel 14 emits a vibration sound when the panel panel 14 is displaced upward, and the user can know the state immediately before the removal of the memory card 9 by the sound or the vibration.

Thereafter, the card case 7 is further pushed back, and the pins 12 abut against the rear end face of the guide 4 facing the cutout portion 6, and the card case 7 returns to the original position, and the memory card 9 is removed from the case 7. Pulled out.

In this case, the rearward displacement of the card case 7 is restricted by the contact between the pins 12 and the guides 4, and the card case 7 is prevented from falling off from the ejector base 1. To prevent. As described above, according to the present invention, the insertion and removal of the memory card 9 can be performed simply and quickly simply by pressing the memory card 9 twice before and after.

In addition, since the pins 12 protrude from the card case 7, and the pins 12 are engaged or abutted with the end face of the guide 4 or the panel panel 14, the memory card 9 is directly engaged or abutted. This prevents damage to the memory card 9 and extends the life of the card. There is an advantage that the existing memory card 9 can be used without requiring a configuration.

FIGS. 13 to 25 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned card case 7 is discarded, the memory card 9 is directly engaged with the projection corresponding to the pin 12, and the memory card 9 side and the projection are separated from each other. Instead, a coil spring is employed, the spring is buried inside the guide 4, and a panel panel 14 is inserted into the slit 13 to eliminate the elastic portion 15.

That is, a guide groove 20 is formed on the inner surface of one guide 4 facing the slide groove 2, and a through hole 21 communicating with each other is formed at a position adjacent to the groove 20, and these guide grooves are formed. The movable member 22 is slidably accommodated in 20 and the through hole 21.

The movable member 22 is formed by bending a stainless steel wire, a linear portion thereof is slidably inserted into the guide groove 20, and one end of the movable member 22 is bent into a substantially U-shape to form a spring receiver 2. 3, and the spring receiver 23 is inserted into the through hole 21. The other end of the movable member 22 is bent substantially in a J-shape at a substantially right angle to the linear portion in plan view, and the base end of the bent portion, that is, the substantially U-shaped protrusion 24 is formed. It protrudes inside the linear portion, and is arranged so as to be able to engage with the tip of the memory card 9.

On the other hand, a pin-shaped portion 24a, which is an engagement member on the other end side of the projection 24, protrudes outside the linear portion, and is connected to the front and rear end surfaces of the guide 4 facing the cutout 6. Are arranged as possible.

A coil spring 25 is inserted as a project panel between the bottom of the through hole 21 and the spring receiver 23, and the movable member 22 is urged rearward by the elasticity of the spring 25. And the pin-shaped part 24 a faces the notch 6 Do 4

In the figure, reference numeral 26 denotes a locking wall protruding from the inside of the notch 6, and the pin-like portion 24a is movably hooked on the upper end surface thereof. Reference numeral 27 denotes a cover plate provided at the leading end of the slide groove 2. The free end at the rear end of the cover plate is biased toward the slide groove 2 so that the memory card 9 can be held. Numerous contact pins (not shown) are provided directly below, and allow the leading end of the memory card 9 to be inserted. Reference numeral 28 denotes a fixing plate attached to the side of the ejector base 1, which closes the opening of the slit 13.

The ejector mechanism of the memory card and the like of this embodiment eliminates the force case 7 of the above-described embodiment, thereby reducing the number of parts, simplifying the configuration and reducing the manufacturing cost, and improving the slide groove 2. The width and shallowness of the mechanism can be reduced, and the size and weight of this type of mechanism can be reduced.

In addition, since the memory card 9 is directly engaged with the projection 24, the insertion / removal operation corresponding to the displacement of the memory card 9 can be obtained more accurately than that in which the memory card 9 is moved together with the displacement of the card case 7.

Further, a coil spring is employed in place of the torsion panel 10 and the spring is buried inside the guide 4, so that this kind of mechanism can be reduced in size and weight.

In addition, the elastic portion 15 of the plate panel 14 is eliminated, and the slit 13 is formed to have a thickness approximately equal to that of the plate spring 10 instead of the plate spring 10. Since the backlash is prevented, the structure and manufacturing of the panel 14 can be simplified, material costs can be reduced, and the panel 14 can be flattened and the slit 13 can be narrowed. However, this type of mechanism will be reduced in size and weight.

Next, when assembling the main part of the ejector mechanism of this embodiment, a leaf spring 14 is inserted into the slit 13 from the side as shown in FIG. 17 and its front end is inserted into the notch 6. Position and close the side of the slit 13 with the fixing plate 28 To prevent the panel panel 14 from falling off.

Also, the coil spring 25 is inserted into the through hole 21, the spring receiver 23 is inserted into the rear end of the hole 21, and the linear portion of the movable member 22 is inserted into the guide groove 20. Further, the pin-shaped portion 24a is hooked on the rear end surface of the guide 4 facing the cutout portion 6.

The ejector mechanism assembled in this way is shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 and Fig. 18, in which the movable member 22 is arranged along the slide groove 2 and the projection 24 is locked. It engages on the part 26 and protrudes from the front end of the slide groove 2.

The movable member 22 is normally urged rearward by the elasticity of the coil spring 25, and the pin-like portion 24 a on the tip side engages with the rear end surface of the guide 4 facing the notch 6. ing. Note that the slide groove 2 is always open, and the insertion slot of the memory card 9 is open rearward.

As described above, since the ejector mechanism of the memory card or the like of this embodiment does not require the eject button eject lever as in the conventional embodiment, the number of parts is reduced and the configuration is simplified. In addition, this type of mechanism can be reduced in size and weight because unnecessary space for mounting them is unnecessary.

Next, when using the ejector mechanism, the memory card 9 is held, the leading end of the memory card 9 is inserted from the rear of the slide groove 2, and is pushed in the same direction. In this way, the tip of the memory card 9 engages with the protrusion 24 integral with the movable member 22, and the card 9 moves on the slide groove 2 against the elasticity of the coil spring 10. .

Further, the pin-shaped portion 24 a integral with the movable member 22 slides on the locking portion 26, and the tip of the memory card 9 is inserted into the inside of the cover plate 27. This situation is as shown in Figure 19.

In the process of moving the memory card 9, the pin-like portion 24a 4 to engage with the second engaging claw 17 while moving upward while pushing up the tapered portion 14a against elasticity.

When the memory card 9 is further pushed in, and the engaging force between the pin-shaped portion 24 a and the first engaging claw 17 exceeds the elasticity of the coil spring 25 and the bending elasticity of the plate panel 14, The panel panel 14 is piled up and pushed and moved by the elasticity, and the front end of the second engaging claw 17 comes into contact with the front end face of the guide 4 facing the cutout 6. This situation is as shown in FIG. 20, in which the rear end of the panel 14 is slightly pulled out of the slit 13.

Thereafter, when the memory card 9 is further pushed in, the engaging force between the pin-shaped portion 24 a and the second engaging claw 17 is increased by the elasticity of the coil spring 25 and the leaf spring 14 or the tapered portion 14 a When the elasticity exceeds the elasticity, the panel panel 14 is piled up by the elasticity and is pushed up, and the pin-shaped portion 24 a slides below the second engaging claw 17 and moves to the notch 6. Abuts the front end of guide 4 facing.

At the same time as the contact of the pin-shaped portions 24a, the contact holes (not shown) of the memory card 9 fit into the contact pins (not shown), and these are electrically and mechanically connected. .

This situation is as shown in Fig. 21, where the pin-shaped portion 24a releases the engagement with the second engagement claw 17 and instead engages with the lower surface of the distal end of the first engagement claw 16. The panel panel 14 or the tapered portion 14a receives the bending elasticity.

At that time, the first engaging claw 16 is vigorously engaged with the upper peripheral surface of the pin-shaped portion 24a by its elasticity, and generates a contact sound.

Therefore, the user knows from the contact sound or the vibration at the time of contact that the memory card 9 is in a state immediately before being held by the ejector mechanism.

On the other hand, in the above situation, the engagement between the pin-shaped portion 24a and the second engagement claw 17 is released, and the card case 7 can be moved backward. For this reason, after the pin-shaped part 24 a contacts the front end face of the guide 14, it is pushed back by the elasticity of the coil spring 25, and the protrusion 24 integral with the pin-shaped part 24 a is stored in the memory. Engage with the card 9 and push the memory card 9 back.

In this case, even when the memory card 9 is pushed back as described above, the contact hole and the contact pin have a sufficiently long fitting allowance, so that their electrical and mechanical connection is hindered. Absent.

This situation is as shown in Fig. 22. The rear end of the panel panel 14 moves to the back of the slit 13 and returns to its original position, and the panel panel 1 in front of the slit 13 4 is bent upward, the bent portion engages with the opening edge of the slit 13, and the pin-shaped portion 24 a engages with the first and second engaging claws 16, 17. However, the backward displacement of the memory card 9 is prevented.

Accordingly, the connection by fitting the contact hole and the contact pin is assisted, and a stable electrical and mechanical connection state of the memory card 9 can be obtained, and a stable use state of the card 9 is formed. When the memory card 9 is used, the rear end of the card 9 protrudes to the rear of the ejector base 7 to enable smooth and reliable holding.

On the other hand, when removing the memory card 9 after use, push the rear end of the memory card 9 in the insertion direction.

By doing so, the memory card 9 moves on the slide groove 2 against the elasticity of the coil spring 25. In this case, the bent portion in front of the slit 13 of the panel panel 14 is engaged with the opening edge of the slit 13, and the press-contact force prevents the same from moving with the memory card 9. Keep current position.

For this reason, the memory card 9 independently moves forward, the pin-shaped portion 24 a releases the engagement with the first and second engagement claws 16, 17, and the guide facing the notch 6 is provided. Contact the front end face of 4. Accordingly, the plate panel 14 is displaced downward due to its bending elasticity, and returns to the original position. Further, when the first engagement claw 16 releases the engagement with the pin-shaped portion 24a, a vibration sound is emitted, and the user can know the removal start state of the memory card 9 by this sound or vibration.

This situation is as shown in Fig. 23, in which the pin-shaped part 24a is located just above the front end of the leaf spring 14, and under the condition of the brackets, the pin-shaped part 24a and the plate panel 14 are not connected. Since the engagement is released, the coil spring 25 allows the memory card 9 to be displaced backward.

For this reason, after the pin-shaped portion 24 a comes into contact with the front end face of the guide 4, the memory card 9 is pushed back by the elasticity of the coil spring 25, and the pin-shaped portion 24 a is tapered. This situation is as shown in FIG. 24 in which the robot rides on the top and pushes down the tapered surface 14a against elasticity.

Then, when the memory card 9 is further pushed back and the pin-shaped portion 24a passes through the tapered surface 14a, the engagement between the pin-shaped portion 24a and the tapered surface 14a is released, and the plate panel 1 4 is displaced upward by its own elasticity and recovers its original state.

At this time, when the panel panel 14 is displaced upward, the panel panel 14 emits a vibration sound, and the user can know the state immediately before the removal of the memory card 9 by the sound or the vibration.

Thereafter, the memory card 9 is further pushed back, and the pin-shaped portion 24 a is cut out.

The memory card 9 returns to its original position by contacting the rear end face of the guide 4 facing 6 and the card 9 is pulled out.

Thus, in this embodiment, the card 9 can be easily and quickly inserted and removed simply by pressing the memory card 9. In addition, since the memory card 9 and the projection 24 are configured separately, the memory card 9 does not require a special configuration, and the existing memory card 9 can be used. There are advantages.

As described above, according to the present invention, the card holder is provided on the guide so as to be movable in the moving direction of the cards, and the cards are urged so as to be movable in the removing direction, and the first and second card holders are provided on the card holder. A second engaging claw is provided, the distal ends of the first and second engaging claws are directed in the card insertion direction, and the distal ends of the engaging claws are arranged apart from each other in the thickness direction of the cards. An engaging member engageable with the first and second engaging claws is provided, and the engaging member can be moved with the movement displacement of the cards, so that the conventional eject button eject lever is eliminated. In addition to reducing the number of parts and simplifying the configuration, as well as reducing the size and weight and lowering the cost, the simple configuration allows easy and reliable insertion and removal of cards, and has an effect suitable for the implementation of a card connector. Mechanism for cards It can be provided.

Claims

The scope of the claims

(1) In a card edge cutter mechanism including a guide for guiding the movement of cards and a card holder for holding the cards in a fixed position so that they can be attached and detached, the guide includes A card holder is provided so as to be movable in the moving direction of the cards, the cards are urged to be movable in the removing direction, and the card holder is provided with first and second engaging claws. The tip of the second engagement claw is oriented in the card insertion direction, and the tips of the two engagement claws are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the cards, while the first and second engagements are arranged. An ejector mechanism for cards and the like, wherein an engaging member engageable with a claw is provided, and the engaging member is made to be able to move together with the displacement of the cards and the like.

(2) The card ejector mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is engaged with a first or second engaging claw immediately before the end of the insertion movement of the card, and the card holder is attached to the card. Ejector mechanism for cards that can be moved in the insertion direction.

(3) In the card ejector mechanism according to claim 2, at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, the card holder can be moved in a direction in which the cards are removed, and the card holder can be returned to an original position. Ejector mechanism for used cards.

(4) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 1, wherein at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, the card holder is displaced by a predetermined displacement in a direction in which the cards are removed, and the engagement member is moved to the first and second positions. (2) An ejector mechanism for cards that engages with the engagement claws to hold the cards in a fixed position and to make the cards immovable in the insertion and removal directions.

(5) The card ejector mechanism according to claim 4, wherein at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, a card holder is provided in front of a front end of the card holder. An ejector mechanism for cards that can form a predetermined moving space.

(6) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 4, wherein, at the end of the insertion movement of the cards, the card holder is bent and displaced by engaging with the engaging member, and the bent portion is connected to the guide. An ejector mechanism for cards that engages and restricts the movement of the cards in the insertion direction of the card holder.

(7) In the card ejector mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, when the removal of the cards is started, the card is moved in the insertion direction, and the engagement member is restrained by the card holder. A card ejector mechanism for disengaging the engagement member from the card holder and retracting the front end of the card holder from the movement area of the engagement member.

(8) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 1, wherein the engaging members are provided so as to be engageable at two positions of a guide along a moving direction of the cards, and the cards and the like are arranged via these engaging positions. Or, an ejector mechanism for cards that regulates the movement stroke of the storage case and that can form a rearward protruding displacement when the card or the storage case is removed.

(9) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is arranged to be engageable with a moving area of the cards.

(10) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member protrudes from the card or its storage case.

(11) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 1, wherein the card holder is elastically displaceable in a thickness direction of the cards.

(12) The ejector mechanism for cards according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the card holder is formed of a thin plate, and An edge cutter mechanism for cards and the like, in which at least a tip portion of a dovetail is arranged so as to be engageable with the engaging member.

(13) In the ejector mechanism for cards and the like according to claim 11, the engagement between the engagement member and the card holder immediately before the end of the insertion and movement of the cards and immediately before and after the removal of the cards is completed. Ejector machine for cards, etc. that can generate a sound or elastic displacement sound or vibration of the card holder