WO2007020913A1

WO2007020913A1 - Memory card adaptor

Info

Publication number: WO2007020913A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/316006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tetsuo Tanaka
Original assignee: Tetsuo Tanaka
Priority date: 2005-08-15
Filing date: 2006-08-14
Publication date: 2007-02-22

Abstract

An adaptor comprising a USB terminal, a card holding unit housing a memory card, and a card reader/writer unit, wherein the card holding unit has a bottom plate to place a memory card thereon and a peripheral wall rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom plate to surround the memory card, and comprises a card locking unit opened in the top surface and capable of holding the peripheral edge of the memory card, and a connection electrode coming into contact with the electrode of the memory card held on the card holding unit to complete an electric connection. The card locking unit comprises a pocket unit to allow the insertion of the tip end of the memory card, and a hook extending from the peripheral edge of the card holding unit toward the inside of the card holding unit to lock the rear end of the card. A fitting hole capable of being fitted to a disc locking hub provided in a CD case is provided in the bottom plate of the card holding unit.

Description

Specification

Memory card adapter

Technical field

The present invention relates to a memory card adapter, and more particularly, to an adapter device (so-called card reader / writer) that can read and write data from / to a memory card through an external connection terminal (for example, a USB terminal).

Background art

In recent years, card-type recording media (memory cards) that incorporate a semiconductor memory (flash memory) and enable reading and writing of information have been rapidly spreading. Powerful memory cards are widely used in various portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, music players, and image recording / playback devices because they are small, light and capable of high-speed reading and writing.

[0003] With the spread of such memory cards, the information recorded on the cards is read, or the information is written on the memory cards using, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a PC). Various adapter devices (also referred to as memory card adapters or reader / writers) are available (see Patent Documents 1 to 3 below). In such reader / writers, a USB port is generally used for connection to a PC.

[0004] On the other hand, various digital contents such as music, video, and games have been conventionally stored and provided on disc-shaped recording media such as CDs and DVDs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as discs). When such discs are distributed in the yard, a special case made of resin is usually used.

[0005] This resin case (hereinafter referred to as the disk case) is available in various sizes and sizes! Inside, a hub that can be fitted into the center hole of the disk is provided to lock the disk inside the case.

[0006] The hub that locks the disc protrudes from the inner surface of the case (from the tray surface in the case of a type storing a disc on a tray installed in the case) and protrudes from the center hole of the disc. It has a substantially circular overall shape when viewed from the plane force so that it can be fitted, and it can be attached and detached It is composed of a plurality of spring members having flexibility in the radial direction of the hub so that the disk can be freely fixed.

[0007] In a typical case structure, the plurality of elastic members are formed by providing a plurality of slits extending radially in the radial direction of the hub, and when the disk is attached or detached, these elastic members are the hubs. By squeezing toward the center of the disk, the diameter of the entire groove is reduced, and this allows insertion into and removal from the disk center hole. On the other hand, when the disc is mounted on the hub, each of the sprung members spreads and presses against the inner surface of the disc center hole to lock the disc.

[0008] Also, in one structural example of a DVD case, for example, a groove is formed by about 2 to 3 spring members, and by pressing these spring members upward, each spring member is a hub. Some squeeze toward the center so that the disk can be easily removed.

[0009] Further, a proposal has been made to improve the convenience by allowing different recording media (disk and memory card) as described above to be stored together in a case (see Patent Document 4 below).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-166858

Patent Document 2: Utility Model Registration No. 3106612

Patent Document 3: Utility Model Registration No. 3108898

Patent Document 4: JP 2002-166987 A

Disclosure of the invention

By the way, the above-mentioned reader / writer that has also been provided with conventional power (in the present invention, not only a device that can both write and read information to a memory card, but also a device that can only read or write (reader (Although these are collectively referred to as reader / writers), some of them are considered to be portable, but they are still large in size, and are not particularly thin with a large thickness.

[0012] In addition, there is room for further improvement in convenience when considering a usage mode in which a memory card is housed in a disk case as described above and both media are provided together. This is because most current PCs have a USB port, while those with a slot for inserting a memory card require a reader / writer to access the memory card using a PC. Because. In other words, a reader / writer that only uses a memory card is also available. If it can be provided in a disk case, it is convenient that a memory card can be accessed immediately using a PC without the need for a separate reader / writer.

[0013] However, with a conventional reader / writer, it is difficult to store it together in the thickness dimension surface force disk case.

[0014] Furthermore, even if the conventional reader / writer can be made thin enough to be accommodated in the disc case, an existing case structure is required because a certain locking structure for supporting the reader / writer in the case is required. There is a need to change the (mold), and there is a difficulty that the current disk case manufactured and provided in large quantities cannot be used as it is. Even in the conventional case (Patent Document 4) in which the memory card and the disk can be stored together, it is necessary to provide a special mechanism in the case in order to support the memory card.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make the reader / writer of a memory card thinner to further improve its portability and convenience, and in particular, a reader / writer that does not change the existing disk case structure. The purpose is to be able to be stored in a disk case together with a memory card.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a memory card adapter according to a first invention of the present application accommodates an external connection terminal portion that performs electrical connection to an electronic device and a memory card. Information to the electronic device through a card holding unit for electrical connection with the memory card, a memory card communication unit for recording / reproducing information with respect to the memory card held in the card holding unit, and the external connection terminal unit. A memory card adapter having a card reader / writer unit having an external connection communication unit for transferring and receiving data, wherein the card holding unit rises from a bottom plate part on which a memory card can be placed and a peripheral part of the bottom plate part A card locking portion that has a peripheral wall portion that surrounds the periphery of the memory card and that has an open top surface and can hold the peripheral edge portion of the memory card. In contact with the electrode of the memory power over de held by the holding unit and a connection electrode for electrically connecting and said electrode.

[0017] In the memory card adapter according to the first aspect of the invention, the memory card can be held by the card holding portion, and when the memory card is mounted so as to be placed on the bottom plate portion from the opened upper surface side. , The peripheral edge of the card locking part memory card, the bottom plate The memory card is locked to the surface of the part. At this time, the electrode contacts the electrode provided on the back surface of the connection electrode force memory card, and both electrodes are electrically connected.

[0018] Further, the memory card adapter includes an external connection terminal (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal) and a card reader / writer, and the external connection terminal is connected to an electronic device (for example, a PC or a printer). When inserted into an external connection port (for example, USB port) of a PC peripheral device, game machine, electronic camera, etc., the information in the memory card is read via the external connection communication unit and memory card communication unit included in the card reader / writer unit It is possible to transmit to an external device through an external connection terminal part for reproduction, or to transmit information to a memory card through the electronic device external connection terminal part for writing.

Note that the specific circuit configuration of the card reader / writer unit that records and reproduces information to and from the memory card by using the external connection terminal unit as described above is obtained by integrating each circuit element in the present invention. Although it is preferable to reduce the size and thickness as much as possible, there is no particular limitation on the specific circuit configuration that is basically the same as the circuit configuration of the conventional card reader / writer (the second invention of the present application described later). The same applies to the adapter).

On the other hand, the adapter structure according to the first aspect of the invention has a structure in which a memory card can be attached to the adapter simply by placing it on the bottom plate part of the card holding part whose upper surface is opened as described above. Therefore, the adapter can be made thinner than the conventional reader / writer, and an adapter that can be housed together with the memory card in the existing disk case can be configured. In the conventional reader / writer, a structure in which a card is also inserted into a box-shaped housing having a top plate, a side wall, and a bottom plate is adopted. However, according to the adapter structure of the present invention, the force force holding portion is provided on the top. Since the top surface is open without a plate and the card is held so that it can be attached to the bottom plate, it can be made thinner than conventional adapters.

[0021] In the adapter according to the first aspect of the invention, the card holding hole that can be fitted into the disk locking hub provided inside the disk-shaped recording medium case for locking the disk-shaped recording medium. May be provided on the bottom plate of the unit.

[0022] Currently, various disk cases are provided. However, when the disk is stored, the upper end of the disk locking hub protrudes from the upper surface force of the disk. According to the adapter structure provided with the above fitting hole, on the hub protruding from the upper surface of the disk By using the end portion, the card holding portion is supported on the upper end portion of the hub, and the memory card and the adapter (reader / writer) can be stored together with the disc in the disc case.

[0023] The fitting hole may be a through-hole penetrating the card holding portion (bottom plate portion), or a ridge (having a bottom) that does not penetrate the card holding portion (bottom plate portion). It's OK (even in the adapter according to the second invention described later). However, from the viewpoint of making the adapter thinner and ensuring the support of the adapter to the disk locking hub, it is desirable to use a through hole. In addition, if the fitting hole is a through-hole penetrating the bottom plate portion, the memory card can be easily removed from the card holding portion by inserting a finger or a rod-like member into the fitting hole and pushing it up. It becomes possible.

[0024] An annular thick portion projecting from the bottom plate back surface may be provided around the fitting hole on the back side of the bottom plate portion.

[0025] By providing such a thick portion, it is possible to prevent the adapter from being inadvertently detached and prevent the adapter from being inadvertently detached, thereby securing the adapter to the disc case more reliably. In addition, such a structure in which the thick portion is provided is a force obtained by trial manufacture and trial of various adapters. By providing such a thick portion, the adapter is more reliably engaged with the hub. It is thought that it is caused by the following actions. First, the contact area between the inner surface of the fitting hole and the outer peripheral surface of the hub increases. Second, the entire back of the housing of the adapter does not contact the disk and only the center (annular thick part) comes into contact, so the disk can be swung upward or lifted, etc. In particular, the end edge of the adapter will not be pushed upward.

[0026] In addition, the adapter has a substantially rectangular planar shape and a substantially constant thickness, and includes a card holding part at one end and a card reader / writer part at the other end. The force at the other end of the housing that includes the body and houses the card reader / writer unit may also cause the external connection terminal unit to extend substantially horizontally.

[0027] Preferably, the external connection terminal portion includes a flat terminal plate that can be inserted into an external connection port of an electronic device, and an external connection electrode arranged on one surface of the terminal plate. To do. This is to reduce the thickness dimension of the external connection terminal and reduce the thickness of the adapter. [0028] Furthermore, the front end side of the casing provided with the external connection terminal portion so that the angle formed by the front end surfaces of the casing on both sides of the external connection terminal portion with respect to the length direction of the external connection terminal portion is smaller than 90 °. A tapered surface may be formed on the shoulder portion.

[0029] With such a housing structure, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the shoulder portion of the housing hits the periphery of the external connection port of the electronic device and obstructs the insertion of the adapter into the connection port. In addition, for example, the adapter can be pulled out from the connection port while shaking the adapter left and right (while swinging), and the adapter can be easily inserted into and removed from the external connection port.

[0030] The card locking part may include two or more locking protrusions that protrude from the peripheral edge of the card holding part toward the inside of the card holding part.

[0031] Further, the card locking portion includes a pocket portion into which the front end portion of the memory card can be inserted, and a peripheral portion force of the card holding portion also protrudes inward of the card holding portion so that the rear end portion of the memory card is And one or more locking protrusions that can be locked, and the connection electrode may be arranged in the pocket portion.

In such an adapter structure, in order to mount a memory card in the card holding portion, first, the front surface of the memory card (the surface on which the electrodes are provided is the “back surface”, and the opposite surface (the storage capacity of the card is The surface of the memory card is referred to as the “surface”) facing upward, and the tip of the memory card is diagonally above the pocket (the end on the side where the electrode is provided is the “tip”, and the opposite end is “ The rear end of the card is pushed down, and the rear end of the card is locked to the locking protrusion. As a result, the memory card is placed and held on the bottom plate portion of the card holding portion, and the electrode of the memory card and the connection electrode are brought into contact with each other and electrically connected.

[0033] Further, a slope having a downward slope from the entrance side of the pocket portion to the back may be formed on the ceiling surface of the pocket portion. If such an inclined surface is formed, the memory card is inserted by the inclined surface when the card front end portion is inserted into the pocket portion as described above, and the memory card is more smoothly attached to the card holding portion. It becomes possible.

[0034] Further, in the above adapter, it is desirable to provide a through-hole penetrating the bottom plate portion in a region where the memory card is placed on the bottom plate portion of the card holding portion. Such a through hole in the bottom plate If it is provided, it is possible to easily remove the memory card from the card holder by inserting, for example, a finger or a bar-like member into the through hole and pushing it up. In the case where a through hole is provided in the bottom plate as the fitting hole that can be fitted to the disk locking hub, the fitting hole can be used as the memory card removal hole.

[0035] On the other hand, the memory card adapter according to the second invention of the present application is an external connection terminal portion that is electrically connected to an electronic device, and holds the memory card and performs electrical connection with the memory card. A card holding unit; a memory card communication unit that records and reproduces information with respect to the memory card held in the card holding unit; and an external connection communication unit that exchanges information with the electronic device through the external connection terminal unit. A card reader / writer unit, wherein the card holding unit is provided on a flat-plate-shaped card mounting unit on which the memory card can be mounted and a peripheral portion of the card mounting unit. A holding projection capable of holding the peripheral portion of the memory force and a surface of the card mounting portion, and abutting against an electrode of the memory card held by the card mounting portion. And a connecting electrodes for electrically connecting.

[0036] In the memory card adapter according to the second invention of the present application, the memory card can be held in the card holding part, and the memory card is mounted so as to be placed on the flat card placing part. Then, the holding projection force S holds the peripheral edge of the memory card, and the memory card is locked to the surface of the card mounting portion. Further, at this time, the connection electrode provided on the front surface of the card mounting portion comes into contact with the electrode provided on the back surface of the memory card, and both electrodes are electrically connected.

[0037] The adapter includes an external connection terminal (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal) and a card reader / writer, and the external connection terminal is connected to an external connection port (for example, a PC) ( If it is plugged into a USB port, for example, the information in the memory card is read via the external connection communication unit and memory card communication unit included in the card reader / writer unit, transmitted to the external device through the external connection terminal unit, and played back. Alternatively, information can be transmitted and written from the external device to the memory card through the external connection terminal.

[0038] The adapter according to the second invention of the present application is mounted on the flat card mounting portion as described above. It is possible to mount the memory card in the adapter simply by making the adapter thinner than the conventional reader / writer, and it can be stored in the existing disk case together with the memory card. An adapter can be configured.

[0039] On the other hand, in the adapter according to the second aspect of the invention, similarly to the adapter according to the first aspect of the invention, the card holding portion locks the disk-shaped recording medium inside the case for the disk-shaped recording medium. A fitting hole that can be fitted into the provided disc locking hub may be provided. This is because the adapter is housed in the disk case so that it can be supported well.

[0040] The holding protrusion may protrude upward from the surface of the card placing portion and may have a reverse hook-like holding claw inside the tip portion.

[0041] The inverted hook-like holding claws squeeze outward when the memory card is pressed against the surface of the card mounting portion (or escape outward when the card holding portion is pinched). While the card is allowed to enter the card placement section, if the memory card is contacted with the surface of the card placement section, the card returns to the original state, thereby gripping the peripheral portion of the memory card. . Also, when the memory card is pushed up from the surface of the card placement part, the inverted hook-like holding claws similarly escape outward and allow the memory card to be detached from the card placement part. It is possible to remove the memory card with a strong adapter (card holding part).

[0042] The card holding portion further includes a notch at an edge thereof, and when the memory card is placed on the force loading portion and held between the holding protrusions, a part of the memory card is provided. It is desirable that the projection protrudes into the notch.

[0043] If such a notch is provided, the adapter force of the memory card can be easily removed by hooking and lifting the finger, for example, at the end of the memory card protruding into the notch.

[0044] The cut-out notched portion may have a substantially arc-shaped planar shape. This is to facilitate the above removal operation. A plurality of the notches may be provided.

[0045] Furthermore, when the memory card is held by the card holding part, the side on which one end of the memory force provided with the electrode is placed is the tip side of the card holding part and the electrode is provided. ! In some cases, the notch is provided on the base end side of the card holding portion when the side on which the other end portion of the memory card having no defect is placed is referred to as the base end side of the card holding portion. [0046] With this arrangement of the notches, the electrode part of the memory card is not exposed in the storage state in the adapter (card holding part), and the card holding part prevents the dirt from being attached to others. The electrode part of the memory card can be protected.

[0047] The external connection terminal portion extends from one end of the memory card adapter and is supported by the card holding portion so as to be fitted to the external connection port. It is preferable that the external connection electrodes are arranged on one surface. This is because the thickness of the external connection terminal portion is reduced to make the adapter thinner. The terminal board and the card holding part can be integrally formed with a resin.

[0048] For the same reason as in the first invention, an annular thick portion that projects the card holding portion back surface force may be provided around the fitting hole on the back surface side of the card holding portion.

[0049] Further, a cylindrical body that can be fitted into the center hole of the disk locking hub may be provided inside the fitting hole. Further, from the periphery of the fitting hole to the center of the fitting hole A spoke member that extends toward the slit and can be fitted into a slit provided in the disc locking hub is provided inside the fitting hole, and the cylindrical member is supported inside the fitting hole by the spoke member. good.

[0050] According to such an adapter structure, the adapter is supported on the hub by the cylindrical body or the spoke member that is connected only by the fitting hole, so that the adapter can be more securely and satisfactorily locked to the disc case. It can be made.

[0051] Each component of the memory card adapter (the card mounting portion, the holding projection, the cylindrical body, and the spoke member) can be integrally formed with a resin.

In each invention of the present application, “disc (disc-shaped recording medium)” refers to a disc-shaped medium on which information can be recorded. For example, CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray It includes a wide range of optical discs such as discs and other recording media in the form of discs, and is not only for playback only (eg CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) but also for recording and playback (eg CD-R, CD -RW, DVD-RAM, etc.). Cases for disc-shaped recording media (disc cases) include, for example, various types of CD cases currently on the market (types that can store only one sheet, types that can store multiple sheets, or can be misaligned) ヽIn addition to the case for DVD, various types of disc-shaped recording media that may be provided in the future Case included.

In addition, the “memory card” referred to in the present application includes various types of memory cards having a built-in semiconductor memory (flash memory), regardless of the type. For example, SD memory card, Mini SD card, Micro SD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Compact Flash, Smart media and Multimedia card ( It is possible to construct an adapter capable of storing various memory cards such as a trade name or a trade name) based on the present invention.

[0054] Further, in this application, "information" includes both various data and programs that can be used in electronic devices. For example, music and other audio data, image data such as moving images or still images, games and other It is a concept that includes various programs and so on, and the type is not particularly limited.

In the inventions of the present application, the “external connection terminal portion” means, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or other connection terminal for information input / output. The USB includes only the so-called USB 1.1. Also included are USB 2.0 and other devices with increased data transfer speeds.

[0056] According to the memory card adapter of the present invention, the reader / writer of the memory card can be thinned to further improve its portability or convenience. In addition, the reader / writer without changing the existing disk case structure can be stored together with the memory card while being well locked in the disk case.

[0057] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a memory card adapter (front side) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the memory card adapter (back side) according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment (tip of the adapter) Figure viewed from the side).

圆 5] An AA enlarged sectional view showing the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment. 圆 6] A plan view showing the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment (with the front side Z sack removed). .

FIG. 7 is a perspective view (with the sack removed) showing the tip and the sack of the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a memory card adapter according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment is housed in a CD case.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a memory card (mini SD card) is mounted on the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment and stored in a CD case.

[FIG. 11] The memory card (mini SD card) is connected to the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment.

) Is a perspective view showing a state where it is attached and inserted into a USB port of a PC.

12] A bottom view showing a memory card adapter (back side) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing a memory card adapter according to the second embodiment.

14] A plan view showing a memory card adapter (with the front side Z sack removed) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a memory card (SD card) is mounted on the memory card adapter according to the third embodiment and stored in a CD case.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a memory card adapter (front side) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

17] A bottom view showing the memory card adapter (back side) according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a memory card adapter (front side) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

圆 19] A perspective view showing a memory card adapter (back side) according to the fifth embodiment. The

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state (back side) where the memory card adapter according to the fifth embodiment is connected to a USB port.

21] A plan view showing a memory card adapter (surface side) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a memory card adapter (back side) according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the front end portion and the sack of the memory card adapter according to the sixth embodiment (with the adapter force also removed).

FIG. 24] A plan view showing a memory card adapter (front side) according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a tip portion and a sack of the memory card adapter according to the seventh embodiment (the adapter force is also removed).

[26] FIG. 26 is a B-B enlarged sectional view showing the memory card adapter according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the memory card adapter according to the seventh embodiment (in a state where the lid on the back surface side Z sack is opened).

圆 28] A plan view showing a modification of the memory card adapter according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 29] A perspective view showing the front surface side of the memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the back side of the memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which a memory card is mounted on the memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state in which the memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment is housed in a CD case. FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a state in which the memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment is housed in a CD case together with a memory card.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the surface side of a memory card adapter according to a ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the back side of the memory card adapter according to the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the memory card adapter according to the ninth embodiment is housed in a CD case.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0059] [First embodiment]

1 to 11 show a memory card adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in these figures, this memory card adapter is a reader / writer that connects a mini-SD (trademark or product name) to a USB port and allows information to be written to and read from the mini-SD. A flat-plate (cuboid) housing 11a having a substantially constant thickness, and a USB port 9a provided in an electronic device 9 such as a PC (personal computer) protruding from the tip of the housing 11a. A card reader / writer unit that enables USB card 103 (external connection terminal unit) that can be plugged in and connected to the memory card 6 installed in the card holding unit 101 to write and read information via the USB terminal. 102 and a sack 10 that covers and covers the USB terminal 103. The material of the housing 11a and the sack 10 is not particularly limited, but can be formed by, for example, a resin.

[0060] The housing 1 la includes an internal space surrounded by the top plate 14, the side wall 15 and the bottom plate 13 on the front end side (the side provided with the USB terminal 10 is referred to as the front end and the opposite side is referred to as the rear end). While the powerful reader / writer unit 102 is accommodated in the internal space, a card holding unit 101 (described later) that holds the memory card 6 and electrically connects to the memory card 6 is provided on the rear end side.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, the card reader / writer unit 102 includes a memory card communication unit 26 (memory card interface) for recording / reproducing information to / from the memory card 6 held in the card holding unit 101, and a USB terminal. Through 103, information on external devices (electronic devices such as PCs) 9 USB communication unit (USB interface Z external connection communication unit) 27 that sends and receives, control unit 25 (MPU) that controls these communication units 26 and 27, information read from memory card 6 and adapter through US B terminal unit 103 And buffer memory 28 for temporarily storing information input therein.

[0062] Circuit elements and ICs constituting the memory card communication unit 26, the USB communication unit 27, the nother memory 28, and the control unit 25 included in the card reader / writer unit 102 are on the surface or inside of a wiring board (not shown). And is housed in the internal space of the tip of the housing 11a as described above.

[0063] A USB terminal 103 is provided on the front end side of the card reader / writer unit 102 (housing 11a) so that the front end side wall of the housing 11a protrudes further forward. The USB terminal 103 includes a terminal plate 31 having a substantially rectangular planar shape, and USB electrodes 32 arranged on the front surface (which may be formed on the back surface) of the terminal plate 31.

[0064] The USB terminal provided in the existing reader / writer has a square pipe-shaped metal casing so as to cover the terminal plate and the USB electrode, like a normal USB terminal used in, for example, a PC or its peripheral devices. Generally provided and configured to insert this metal housing into the USB port! The USB terminal of this embodiment is composed of only the flat terminal board 31 and the USB electrode 32 provided on this surface. It does not have a metal casing. Therefore, it is possible to make the entire adapter thin in combination with the thin card holder 101, which is much thinner than the existing USB terminal.For example, it can be easily combined with the disk in the current disk case. It can also be stored.

[0065] The USB terminal 103 is covered with the sack 10. The sack 10 has a thickness and a width that are substantially the same as those of the housing 11a, and includes a hole 10a that can be fitted into the USB terminal 103 and accommodate the USB terminal 103.

[0066] On the rear end side of the housing 11a, a card holding unit 101 that houses the memory card 6 and makes electrical connection with the memory card 6 is provided. Specifically, the card holding part 101 is formed with a bottomed and uncovered concave part 12 having a bottom plate 13 and peripheral walls (side wall 15 and rear end wall 16) and having no top plate at the rear end portion of the casing 11a. The recessed portion 12 has a planar shape that substantially matches the shape of the memory card (mini SD) 6 so that the memory card (mini SD) 6 can be inserted. To.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the card holding unit 101 is used as a mechanism for restricting the upward movement of the memory card 6 (in the direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 13) and locking the memory card 6 accommodated in the recess 12. There are two types of locking means.

[0068] The first locking means is a pocket portion 20 provided on the front end side of the card holding portion 101 (see FIG. 5). The pocket portion 20 is a hollow portion into which the front end portion of the memory card 6 can be inserted, and holds the front end portion (electrode side) of the memory card 6 placed on the bottom plate 13. On the ceiling of the pocket 20 (the bottom surface of the top plate), as shown in FIG. 5, from the entrance of the pocket 20 (the insertion slot of the memory card having an opening in the recess 12) to the back (the tip of the adapter (In the direction), the inclined surface (inclined ceiling surface) 14a is formed so that the ceiling becomes lower (so that the distance from the bottom plate 13 becomes narrower), and the memory card 6 is inserted into the card holding portion 101 (recessed portion 12). ), The tip of the memory card 6 comes into contact with the inclined ceiling surface 14a and the movement of the memory card 6 toward the tip of the adapter is prevented.

[0069] On the floor surface of the pocket portion 20 (the surface of the bottom plate 13), connection electrodes 18 corresponding to the electrodes of the memory card to be stored (in this case, mini SD) are arranged. The inserted memory card 6 is pressed against the inclined ceiling surface 14a and the front end of the card is pressed downward, and the electrode of the memory card 6 and the connection electrode 18 provided on the surface of the housing bottom plate 13 are pressed against each other. Both electrodes are electrically connected well.

[0070] The second locking means is two locking claws 21 provided on the rear end side of the card holding portion 101.

These locking claws 21 are formed integrally with the casing 1 la so as to protrude substantially horizontally from the peripheral wall (rear end wall 16) of the casing 11a into the card holding portion 101, and the first locking means It protrudes toward the tip of the adapter 11 so as to face the pocket portion 20. When the memory card 6 is pushed into the card holding portion 101 (recessed portion 12), these locking claws 21 also hold down the rear end portion of the memory card 6 and hold the memory card 6 in the recessed portion 12.

The housing bottom plate 13 in the card holding unit 101 is provided with a substantially circular hole (fitting hole) 22 that passes through the bottom plate 13. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 10, the hole 22 has a diameter that can be just fitted into a groove 2 (protrusion for locking the disk) 2 provided in the disk case 1, and the memory card 6 Is attached to the adapter 11, and this is fitted to the hub 2 in the disc case 1. Can be stored in the disk case 1 together with the disk 5. It is also possible to easily remove the memory card 6 from the card holding portion 101 by inserting a finger into the fitting hole 22 and pushing up the memory card 6.

Furthermore, a rectangular small hole 23 that penetrates the bottom plate 13 is provided at the rear end of the card holding portion 101 (a position below the locking claw 21). These small holes 23 are used, for example, when the adapter 11 is hung from the neck through a string, or when the adapter 11 is stored in another case body, the small hole 23 is fitted into the small hole 23 in the case body. For example, the adapter 11 can be used for holding the adapter 11 on the case body. Also, the memory card 6 can be easily removed from the card holding unit 101 by inserting a pin or a rod into the small hole 23 and pushing up the memory card 6.

[0073] The adapter 11 (housing 11a) of the present embodiment is preferably configured to be as thin as possible so that the adapter 11 (casing 11a) can be stored in the disk case in a state of being overlapped with the disk as shown in FIGS. From this point of view, in the adapter 11 of the present embodiment, the depth dimension of the card holding portion 101 (recess 12) is almost the same as the thickness dimension of the memory card (mini SD in this example) to be stored. Measure the thickness of the pawl 21 with the thickness. The number and position of the locking claws 21 in the card holding portion 101 can be various in addition to the illustrated example. Further, instead of the pocket portion 20, the leading end side of the memory card can be locked by a similar locking claw.

[0074] When using the adapter 11 (recording and reproducing information to and from the memory card), the memory card 6 is inserted into the card holding unit 101 and the USB terminal unit 103 is inserted into the USB port 9a of the PC9 or the like, for example. !

[0075] When the memory card 6 is inserted into the adapter 11 (card holding part 101), the front end of the memory card 6 is inserted into the pocket part 20 with an obliquely upward force, and the rear end of the memory card 6 is pushed down to engage the locking claw 21 Just push the rear edge of the memory card 6 underneath. As a result, the upward movement of the memory card 6 is restricted by the ceiling (top plate) 14a of the pocket portion 20 and the locking claw 21, and the inclined ceiling surface 14a and the rear end wall 16 of the pocket portion 20 store the memory. Movement of the card 6 in the front-rear direction (adapter front end direction and rear end direction) is further restricted by the left and right peripheral walls (side walls 15), and the memory card 6 movement in the left-right direction is restricted. ) Holds the memory card 6. At the same time, the electrodes of the memory card 6 are brought into contact with the connection electrodes 18 arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate in the pocket portion 20 so that both electrodes are electrically connected. To remove the memory card 6 from the adapter 11, for example, insert a finger into the fitting hole 22 and push up the memory card 6.

[0076] When the memory card 6 is inserted into the card holding unit 101, the electrode 6a of the memory card 6 and the connection electrode 18 come into contact with each other, and the memory card 6 and the memory card communication unit 26 are Are electrically connected. Also, PC 9 and USB communication unit 27 are electrically connected via USB port 9a and USB terminal unit 103.

When reading information from the memory card 6, the memory card communication unit 26 reads information from the memory card 6 through the connection terminal 18 and stores it in the notch memory 28. The read information stored in the nota memory 28 is then read out by the USB communication unit 27 and transmitted to the PC 9 through the USB terminal 103 in accordance with the USB standard (USB format).

On the other hand, when information is written to the memory card 6, the information is transmitted from the USB port 9 a of the PC 9 to the USB communication unit 27 through the USB terminal unit 103 and stored in the buffer memory 28. The write information stored in the noffer memory 28 is read by the memory card communication unit 26 and written to the memory card 6 through the connection terminal 18 based on a predetermined format. These read and write operations are controlled by the control unit 25 based on a command signal from the PC 9. The driving power of the reader / writer unit 102 is supplied from the PC 9 to which the adapter 11 is connected through the USB terminal unit 103.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the memory card adapter 11 is inserted into the USB port 9 a of the PC 9. In the adapter 11 of the present embodiment, an LED (not shown) is built in the tip of the housing 11a, and a translucent part imitating a logo is provided on the top plate 14 of the housing 11a. The power supplied through 9a lights the LED so that the logo shines and emerges. The logo can be the power represented as “ABC” in the figure, for example, company name, product name, and various other characters, figures, symbols, marks, and combinations thereof.

[0080] [Second Embodiment]

12 and 13 show a memory card adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a bottom view (the back side of an adapter) and a side view. As shown in these drawings, this memory card adapter is similar to the adapter according to the first embodiment. The force card holding unit 101 holding the memory card, the USB terminal 103, the card reader / writer unit 102, The sack 10 is provided with a thick portion 50 in which the thickness of the bottom plate 13 is increased in a ring shape along the periphery of the fitting hole 22 on the back surface side of the bottom plate 13 of the housing 11a. It is.

[0081] When the thick portion 50 is formed in this way, the contact area with the hub 2 provided in the disk case increases, and the housing 1 la is mounted when the adapter 11 is mounted on the hub 2 of the disk case. The bottom surface (bottom plate 13) of the adapter no longer contacts the surface of the disk 5, and the corners and edges of the adapter 11 (bottom plate 13 and sack 10) hit the surface of the disk 5 and the adapter 11 is inadvertently detached from the hub 2. Thus, the adapter 11 can be more securely locked to the hub 2.

[0082] The memory card in the present invention is not limited to the mini SD. As already mentioned, for example, SD, micro SD (Micro SD), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Compact Flash memory card, smart media card, multimedia card (brand name), and other various memory cards are included. The card holder, pocket, By appropriately changing the shape and size 'arrangement of the claws and connection electrodes and the like, an adapter suitable for these various memory cards can be configured based on the present invention as in the present embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are a plan view showing a memory card adapter according to the third embodiment of the present invention (with the sack removed) and a storage state in the disk case. This adapter is an SD adapter, and the card holder 101 (the shape of the recess 12 and the arrangement of the electrodes 18) is configured to match the shape of the SD card 66 so that the SD card 66 can be inserted. It is. Other structures are the same as those of the adapter of the first embodiment.

[Example of use of memory card adapter]

The usage mode of the memory card adapter according to the present invention or the above embodiment is not particularly limited, but can be used as follows if one example is described (described later). The same applies to the eighth and ninth embodiments).

[0085] The same content (music, video, still image, game, etc.) as the disc 5 stored in the disc case 1 is stored in the memory card 6, 66 and stored in the disc case 1 using the above adapter. And provide. Customers who have obtained the disc product can enjoy the content using the mobile phone, portable music player, etc. with the memory power 6, 66 in addition to the disc 5. Also, the information stored in the memory card 6, 66 is played back on the PC or the like by an electronic device equipped with a USB port such as a PC using the USB terminal 103, or the information is stored in the memory card 6, 66. Can be recorded.

The adapters of the above embodiments (first to third embodiments) also have a function as means for locking the memory cards 6 and 66 in the disk case 1. Moreover, at this time, there is an advantage that the current disk case can be used as it is without changing the existing disk case structure.

[0087] Further, when the memory card 6 and 66 are provided together with the disk 5, as shown in FIG. 10, a label 7 is stuck on the surface of the memory card, and a character of a game, for example, is attached to the label 7. You can also display images, illustrations, and other various images of musicians (singer, performer, etc.). When storing and providing specific data in memory cards 6 and 66, if label 7 with such indication is attached, even when memory card 6 or 66 is removed from disk case 1, There is an advantage that the contents of the memory card 6, 66 can be immediately identified. In addition, according to the adapter of the present invention, the surface of the memory cards 6 and 66 can be seen over the entire surface even when stored in the adapter, so this can be easily seen even when the label 7 is applied as described above! , Is advantageous in terms of.

[0088] In addition, the memory card 6, 66 provided together with the disk 5 using the adapter of the present invention stores game data played using the disk 5, and stores acquired game character data. You may be able to do it. Furthermore, the memory card 6, 66 can be used to store a movie preview video or CF (Commercial Film) and be provided together with the disc 5, and the memory card 6, 66 can be used as an advertising medium.

[0089] Further, catalog data for mail order and URL for access are stored in the memory cards 6 and 66, and mail order is performed using, for example, a mobile phone or a mopile PC (notebook personal computer). You may make it possible to purchase goods and services.

[0090] Further, when the memory card 6, 66 is provided together with the disk 5 as described above, the authentication data, program, etc. for reproducing or copying the data (content) recorded on the disk 5 are stored in the memory card. 6 and 66 can be stored.

[0091] [Fourth Embodiment]

16 and 17 are a plan view (adapter front side) and a bottom view (adapter back side) showing a memory card adapter according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This adapter is the same as the adapter of the first embodiment except that the adapter force of the first embodiment also removes the fitting hole of the bottom plate (without the fitting hole 22 on the bottom plate). Locking to the hub in the case is not possible, but even with such an adapter structure, it is possible to store the memory card and adapter in the disk case. Incidentally, in order to remove the memory card from the card holding part in the adapter of this embodiment, it is sufficient to use the small hole 23 provided at the lower position of the locking claw (in the fifth embodiment described later !, But the same).

[Fifth Embodiment]

FIGS. 18 to 20 are a plan view (adapter front side), a perspective view of the back side of the adapter, and a state inserted into the USB port, respectively, of the memory card adapter according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this adapter, the casing 11a is made longer (longer) than the adapter of the first embodiment, and a mirror 55 is provided on the back surface of the casing 11a. The casing frame around the mirror 55 is made of a light-transmitting material, and the LED 56 is embedded in the frame portion, and the LED 56 is turned on by power from the USB port 9a.

[Sixth Embodiment]

FIGS. 21 to 23 are a plan view (a front surface side of the sack), a perspective view of the back surface side of the sack, and a perspective view showing the front surface side of the sack, respectively, of the memory card adapter according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This adapter is obtained by changing the sack attached to the USB terminal 103 in the adapter of the first embodiment. The sac 60 includes a thick part 60b having a hole 60a for receiving the USB terminal 103, and the adapter 11 And a thin portion 60c on which the main body (housing 11a portion) can be placed. A mirror 61 is provided on the back surface of the sack 60. [Seventh Embodiment]

24 to 27 are a plan view (adapter front side), a perspective view showing the front side of the sack, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view of the back side of the sack, respectively, showing a memory card adapter according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is. This adapter is obtained by changing the sack attached to the USB terminal 103 in the adapter of the first embodiment, and the sac 70 has a hole 70a for receiving the USB terminal 103 in the same manner as the adapter of the sixth embodiment. And the thin portion 70c on which the main body portion (housing 11a portion) of the adapter 11 can be placed. The sack 70 (the thick portion l ib and the thin portion 11c) is provided. ) Is provided with two recesses 74, and an openable and closable lid 71 for closing these recesses 74 is provided.

[0095] In the concave portion 74, for example, cosmetics (for example, eye shadow, eyebrow, lipstick, foundation, funny, scarlet, etc.) can be stored. The number of the recesses 74 may be one, or three or more. The lid 71 is attached to the sack 70 via a hinge 73, and a mirror 72 is provided on the inner surface of the lid 71.

[0096] [Shape of casing]

In addition to the rectangle, the planar shape of the housing can be various shapes such as a square, a circle, a polygon, a star, an ellipse, a shape imitating various articles, persons, animals and plants, natural objects, etc. . FIG. 28 shows a modification of the adapter according to the first embodiment. In this example, the end wall 1 lb on the front end side of the housing 1 la is formed obliquely (in a taper shape) to form a housing. The shoulder is smooth. By forming such a tapered surface l ib, it is possible to prevent the case where the shoulder of the housing 11a hits the periphery of the external connection port of the electronic device and obstructs the insertion of the adapter into the connection port. Also, for example, the adapter can be pulled out from the connection port while shaking the adapter left and right (while swinging), and the adapter can be easily inserted into and removed from the external connection port.

[Eighth Embodiment]

FIG. 29 to FIG. 34 show a memory card adapter according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in these drawings, the memory card adapter 211 is connected to a card holding unit 201 capable of holding a memory card 6 and an external connection port (USB port) 9a provided in an external device such as a PC (personal computer) 9. Connectable USB terminal (external connection terminal ) 203 and a card reader / writer unit 202 that enables writing and reading of information to and from the memory card 6 attached to the card holding unit 201 through the USB terminal unit 203.

[Card holder]

The card holding unit 201 includes a resin plate (card placement unit) 212 having an overall shape of a substantially rectangular plane, and has a substantially circular hole (fitting hole) 214 at the center of the plate 212. As shown in FIG. 5, the hub 2 of the disk case 1 can be fitted into the hole 214 so that the disk case 1 can be mounted. Although the xyz three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the following description, the positive side of the y-axis in this coordinate is the tip of the adapter, the negative direction of the y-axis is the base, and the X-axis In the following explanation, the positive side is the left side of the adapter, the negative side of the X-axis is the right side, the positive side of the z-axis is the front (front surface) of the adapter, and the negative side of the z-axis is the back (back).

[0099] In order to hold the memory card 6 (see FIG. 2) on the peripheral edge (front end, base end, and both left and right sides) of the plate 212, a plurality of (in this example, the base end and left and right sides of the plate 212 are used) When two memory projections 215a and 215b are provided along the three sides of the plate 212 and the memory card 6 is stored on the plate 212 (see FIG. 3) An end wall 202a on the base end side of the reader / writer unit 202 is disposed so as to abut on the tip of the Ricard 6. The adapter 211 of the present embodiment is configured for a mini SD (trade name) card, and the holding protrusions 215a and 215b are the outer shapes of the memory card 6 to be stored (in this example, the mini SD force card). And the holding projections 215a and 215b and the inner end side end wall 202a of the reader / writer unit 202 and the inner region of the memory card 6 are accommodated 213, and the memory card 6 (mini SD card) is placed in this portion. It just fits.

[0100] It should be noted that the memory card in the present invention is not limited to mini SD, but as already mentioned, for example, SD memory card, micro SD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Compact Flash , Smart media, multimedia cards (and trade names are also trade names) and other various memory cards. The above-mentioned plates, holding projections and connections described below are adapted to the various external configurations of these memory cards. By appropriately changing the outer shape / size 'arrangement of electrodes and the like, an adapter suitable for these various memory cards is configured based on the present invention in the same manner as this embodiment. Is possible.

[0101] The holding protrusions 215a and 215b are roughly divided into two types of protrusions that are integrally formed with the plate 212 so as to rise substantially vertically from the upper surface of the plate 212.

[0102] The first protrusion 215a is in contact with the peripheral edge of the memory card 6 and restricts the movement of the memory card 6 in the horizontal direction (X-axis and y-axis directions parallel to the surface of the plate 212). It is simply configured as a columnar member in which the surface force of the plate 212 rises. On the other hand, the second protrusion 215b regulates the movement of the memory card 6 in the vertical direction (z-axis direction orthogonal to the surface of the plate 212) in addition to the function of regulating the forceful movement in the horizontal direction. Since it has a function, it has a hook-shaped claw portion 210 that stands up from the surface of the plate 212 and protrudes toward the memory card housing portion 213 on the inner surface side of the upper end portion thereof (see FIGS. 29 to 31).

[0103] In addition, the adapter 211 of this embodiment is preferably configured to be as thin as possible so that it can be stored in the disc case 1 in a state of being overlapped with the disc 5 as shown in Figs. From this viewpoint, it is desirable to keep the height of the holding protrusions 215a and 215b as low as possible. Therefore, the first protrusion 215a has a height dimension substantially equal to the thickness of the memory card 6. On the other hand, the second protrusion 215b has a height dimension slightly higher than the thickness of the memory card 6 because the upper surface side of the memory card 6 needs to be pressed (hooked) by the claw portion 210.

[0104] The arrangement pattern of the first and second projections 215a and 215b on the plate 212 is not particularly limited, but the second projection 215b may be arranged on at least one pair of opposing sides. This is preferable in that the memory card 6 is held on the plate 212. In the present embodiment, two protrusions located on the left edge of the plate 212 and two protrusions located on the right edge are constituted by the second protrusion 215b, and two protrusions located at the base end of the plate 212. Is constituted by the first protrusion 215a.

In addition to such an arrangement example, for example, the protrusions on the left and right sides of the plate are constituted by the first protrusions 215a, while the second wall of the reader / writer unit located at the front end of the plate 212 is connected to the second wall 202a. The projections at the base end of the plate may be configured by the second projections 215b, or all projections arranged on the plate surface may be formed by the second projections 215b. It is possible to adopt various arrangement configurations. Also holding protrusion In this embodiment, two 215a and 215b are provided on each side of the plate 212, and a total of six 215a and 215b are provided. However, the number of holding projections 215a and 215b on each side or as a whole adapter is 5 or less. But it can be 7 or more.

When the memory card 6 is attached to the adapter 211 (card holding unit), the memory card 6 is inserted between the holding projections 215a, 215b and the reader / writer end wall 202a (memory card holding unit 213) from above the plate 212. Insert it. More specifically, the memory card (mini SD card) 6 is provided with an electrode 6a at the front end of the back surface (see FIG. 2), and the back side of the card is opposed to (in contact with) the surface of the plate 212. The memory card 6 may be placed on the plate surface such that the electrode 6a is positioned on the tip side of the plate 212 (the side on which the connection electrode 218 described later is disposed).

A connection electrode 218 is arranged at the front end portion of the surface of the plate 212. These connection electrodes 218 protrude from the end wall 202a on the proximal end side of the reader / writer unit 202, and come into contact with the electrodes 6a of the memory card 6 when the memory card 6 is mounted in the memory card storage unit 213. This is to make electrical connection with the electrode 6a. Each connection electrode 218 is made of a conductive metal material having flexibility (elasticity), and has a chevron-shaped overall shape with a raised middle portion, which enables good connection with each electrode 6a of the memory card 6. .

On the back surface of the plate 212, as shown in FIG. 30, a thick portion 217 in which the thickness of the plate 212 is increased in a ring shape along the periphery of the fitting hole 214 is formed. By forming this thick portion 217, the entire back surface of the plate 212 does not come into contact with the surface of the disk 5 when the adapter 211 is mounted on the hub 2 of the disk case, so that the adapter 211 (plate 212, reader / writer) It is possible to prevent the adapter 211 from inadvertently coming off the hub 2 force when the corners or edges of the portion 202) hit the surface of the disk 5.

An arc-shaped cutout 216 is formed at the base end of the plate 212. Between the holding projections 215a, 215b on the plate surface and the reader / writer end wall 202a (memory card accommodating portion 213) as described above, the force by which the memory card 6 is held is formed by forming the notch 216. A part (base end side) of the memory card 6 protrudes into the notch 216 when viewed from the back of the adapter. Therefore, when removing the memory card 6 from the adapter 211, if you hold the finger on the base end of the protruding memory card 6 and push it up, the space between the holding projections 215a and 215b The memory card 6 can be easily removed from the card. At this time, since the electrode 6a of the memory card 6 is located at the front end of the plate opposite to the notch 216, it is not necessary to touch the electrode 6a when removing the memory card 6. In addition to this example, the notches 216 may have various arrangement structures or the number of arrangements such as being formed on the left side, the right side, or both the left and right sides of the plate 212.

[0110] [USB terminal section]

A USB terminal 203 is provided on the front end side of the reader / writer unit 202 so that the end wall force on the front end side of the reader / writer unit 202 protrudes further forward. The USB terminal unit 203 includes a terminal plate 219 having a substantially rectangular planar shape integrally formed with a resin together with a plate 212 of the card holding unit 201 and a housing of the card reader / writer unit 202, and the terminal plate 219. Powered by the USB electrode 220 arranged on the back.

[0111] The USB terminal provided in the existing reader / writer has a rectangular pipe-shaped metal casing so as to cover the terminal plate and the USB electrode in the same way as a normal USB terminal used in, for example, a PC or its peripheral devices. Generally provided and configured to insert this metal housing into the USB port! The USB terminal part of this embodiment is powered only by the flat terminal board 219 and the USB electrode 220 provided on this surface. It does not have a strong metal casing. Therefore, it is possible to make the entire adapter thin in combination with a thin card holder 201, which will be described later, which is much thinner than existing USB terminals. It can also be easily stored.

[0112] [Card reader / writer]

As shown in FIG. 32, the card reader / writer unit 202 includes a memory card communication unit 26 (memory card interface) for recording / reproducing information with respect to the memory card 6 held in the card holding unit 201, and a USB terminal unit. USB communication unit (USB interface Z external connection communication unit) 27 that sends and receives information to external device 9 through 203, control unit 25 (MPU) that controls these communication units 26 and 27, and read from memory card 6 Information and information entered into the adapter through the USB terminal 203 is provided with a noffer memory 28.

[0113] These memory card communication unit 26, USB communication unit 27 included in the card reader / writer unit 202, The circuit elements and ICs constituting the nota memory 28 and the control unit 25 are mounted on the surface or inside of the wiring board, and are accommodated in the resin casing of the reader / writer unit 202 (see FIGS. 29 to 31).

[0114] When using the adapter 211 (recording and reproducing information to and from the memory card), the memory card 6 is inserted into the card holding unit 201, and the USB terminal unit 203 is inserted into a USB port 9a such as a PC 9, for example. When the memory card 6 is inserted into the card holding unit 201, the electrode 6a of the memory card 6 and the connection electrode 218 come into contact with each other, and the memory card 6 and the memory card communication unit 26 are electrically connected via the electrodes 6a and 218. Connected. Further, the PC 9 and the USB communication unit 27 are electrically connected through the USB port 9 a and the USB terminal unit 203.

When reading information from the memory card 6, the memory card communication unit 26 reads information from the memory card 6 through the connection terminal 218 and stores it in the notch memory 28. The read information stored in the notifier memory 28 is then read out by the USB communication unit 27 and transmitted to the PC 9 through the USB terminal 203 in accordance with the USB standard (USB format).

On the other hand, when information is written to the memory card 6, the information is transmitted from the USB port 9 a of the PC 9 to the USB communication unit 27 through the USB terminal unit 203 and stored in the buffer memory 28. The write information stored in the noffer memory 28 is read by the memory card communication unit 26 and written to the memory card 6 through the connection terminal 218 based on a predetermined format. These read and write operations are controlled by the control unit 25 based on a command signal from the PC 9. The driving power of the reader / writer unit 202 is supplied from the PC 9 to which the adapter 11 is connected through the USB terminal unit 203.

[Ninth Embodiment]

35 to 37 show a memory card adapter according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in these drawings, the memory card adapter 231 includes a card holding unit 201 that holds a memory card, a USB terminal unit 203, and a card reader / writer unit 202, like the adapter 211 of the first embodiment. The cylinder 232 that fits into the hole 2b (see FIG. 5) formed in the center of the hub 2 of the disc case 1 inside the fitting hole 214 provided in the center of the force plate, and this cylinder And four spokes 233 that support the body 232 inside the fitting hole 214. The cylindrical body 232 has an upper surface flush with the surface of the plate 212 so as not to disturb the storage of the memory card on the plate surface. Further, the lower end portion of the cylindrical body 232 protrudes downward from the back surface of the plate 212 as shown in FIG. This is because the adapter 231 can be more securely fixed to the hub 2 by being inserted into the center hole 2b of the hub 2. The spokes 233 that support the cylindrical body 232 are provided in a cross shape so that adjacent spokes form an angle of 90 degrees, and extend from the periphery of the fitting hole 214 toward the center.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 37, the cylindrical body 232 and the spoke 233 are formed by the center hole 2b of the hub 2 (see Fig. 33), and between the elastic members 2a (the hub 2 formed between the adjacent elastic members 2a. In this slit, the hub 2 supports the adapter 231 in cooperation with the fitting hole 214. In addition, since the support force to the hub 2 is strengthened by the cylindrical body 232 and the spokes 233 in this way, the adapter of this embodiment is different from the eighth embodiment in that the thick portion 217 is provided on the back surface of the plate. ,,,.

[0120] The power described in the embodiments of the present invention has been described above. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It is.

[0121] For example, in the present invention, a plurality of card holding units or card placement units may be provided to accommodate a plurality of memory cards. In this case, multiple memory cards of the same type can be stored, or different types of memory cards (eg, SD and memory state duo) can be stored. In addition, the memory card locking structure (number and shape of locking claws, presence / absence of pocket portion, arrangement position, etc.) of the card holding portion can be variously changed. In addition, an IC tag (for example, RFID) can be inserted into the housing or the cylindrical body to provide, for example, a shoplifting prevention function.

[0122] Furthermore, the planar shape of the plate may be various shapes other than a square, such as a circular shape, a polygonal shape, a star shape, an oval shape, or a shape imitating various articles, persons, animals and plants, natural objects, Rukoto can. Further, only the spokes may be provided without providing the cylindrical body inside the fitting hole. It is also possible to configure an adapter without a fitting hole, which does not necessarily require a fitting hole.

Explanation of symbols Disc case

Nove

a Elastic member

b Hub center hole

Disc

Memory card

Label

PC (Personal Review

a USB port

0 Sack

0a USB terminal receiving hole

1 Memory card adapter

1a Enclosure

2 Recess

3 Bottom plate

4 Top plate

4a Inclined ceiling surface

5 Side wall

6 Rear wall

8 Connection electrode

0 Pocket

1 Locking claw

2 Mating hole

3 small holes

5 Control unit

Memory card communication unit (memory-powered interface) 7 USB communication unit (USB interface)

Nota memory Terminal board

USB electrode

Ring-shaped thick part

Memory card holder Card reader / writer

USB port

Nail

, 231 Memory card adapter Grease plate (Card placement) Memory card compartment Fitting hole

a, 215b Retention protrusion

Notch

Thick part

Connection electrode

Terminal board

USB electrode

Cylinder

Spoke

Card holder

Card reader / writer

USB terminal

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An external connection terminal for electrical connection to an electronic device,

A card holding unit that houses a memory card and electrically connects to the memory card, a memory force communication unit that records and reproduces information with respect to the memory card held in the card holding unit, and the external connection terminal unit A card reader / writer unit having an external connection communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the electronic device through

A memory card adapter comprising:

The card holding unit is

A bottom plate portion on which a memory card can be placed;

A peripheral wall that rises from the peripheral edge of the bottom plate and surrounds the periphery of the memory card,

The top surface is open and

A card locking portion capable of holding the periphery of the memory card;

A connection electrode that contacts the electrode of the memory card held by the card holding unit and makes electrical connection with the electrode;

With

Memory card adapter.

[2] A fitting hole that can be fitted into a disc locking hub provided inside a disc-shaped recording medium case for locking the disc-shaped recording medium is provided in a bottom plate portion of the card holding portion. A memory card adapter as set forth in section 1 of the scope.

[3] An annular thick portion protruding from the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion is provided around the fitting hole on the back surface side of the bottom plate portion.

The memory card adapter according to claim 2.

[4] The fitting hole is a through-hole penetrating the bottom plate portion.

The memory card adapter according to claim 2 or claim 3.

[5] It has a substantially rectangular planar shape and a substantially constant thickness, and has a card-like holding part at one end, and a flat casing that houses the card reader / writer at the other end. From the other end of the housing housing the card reader / writer unit, the external connection terminal unit is substantially flushed. Laid flat

Claim 1st item power The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

[6] The external connection terminal portion includes a flat terminal plate that can be inserted into the external connection port of the electronic device, and external connection electrodes arranged on one surface of the terminal plate.

The memory card adapter according to claim 5.

[7] The front end of the casing provided with the external connection terminal portion so that the angle formed by the end faces of the casing on both sides of the external connection terminal portion with respect to the length direction of the external connection terminal portion is smaller than 90 ° Tapered surface formed on the side shoulder

The memory card adapter according to claim 5 or 6.

[8] The card locking portion includes two or more locking protrusions projecting from the peripheral edge of the card holding portion toward the inside of the card holding portion.

Claim 1st item power The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

[9] The card locking portion includes a pocket portion into which a front end portion of the memory card can be inserted, a peripheral edge force of the card holding portion, and protrudes inward of the card holding portion, after the memory force card. Including one or more locking protrusions capable of locking the end,

The connection electrodes are arranged in the pocket portion

Claim 1st item power The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

[10] On the ceiling surface of the pocket portion, a slope having a downward slope from the entrance side of the pocket portion toward the back is formed.

The memory card adapter according to claim 9.

[11] A through-hole penetrating the bottom plate portion is provided in an area of the bottom plate portion of the card holding portion where the memory card is placed.

Claim 1. The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the force is the first term.

[12] An external connection terminal portion for electrical connection to the electronic device,

A card holding unit that holds a memory card and electrically connects to the memory card, a memory force communication unit that records and reproduces information with respect to the memory card held in the card holding unit, and the external connection terminal A card reader / writer unit having an external connection communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from the electronic device through the unit; A memory card adapter comprising:

The card holding unit is

A flat card mounting portion on which the memory card can be mounted;

A holding protrusion provided on the peripheral portion of the card placement portion and capable of holding the peripheral portion of the memory card;

A connection electrode that is provided on the surface of the card placement unit and is in contact with and electrically connected to an electrode of a memory card held by the card placement unit;

Have

Memory card adapter.

[13] The card holding portion has a fitting hole that can be fitted to a disk locking hub provided inside the disk-shaped recording medium case to lock the disk-shaped recording medium.

The memory card adapter according to claim 12.

[14] An annular thick portion protruding from the back surface of the card holding portion is provided around the fitting hole on the back surface side of the card holding portion.

14. A memory card adapter according to claim 13.

[15] A cylindrical body that can be fitted into the center hole of the disc locking hub is provided inside the fitting hole.

14. A memory card adapter according to claim 13.

[16] A spoke member that extends from the peripheral edge of the fitting hole toward the center of the fitting hole and that can be fitted into a slit provided in the disk locking hub is provided inside the fitting hole. Yes,

The spoke member supported the cylindrical body inside the fitting hole.

The memory card adapter according to claim 15.

[17] The holding protrusion is

Projecting upward from the surface of the card placement section, and

Equipped with a reverse hook-shaped holding claw inside the tip

The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 16 to 16, wherein the power is claimed in claim 12.

[18] The card holding portion further includes a notch at an edge thereof, When a memory card is placed on the card placement part and held between the holding projections, a part of the memory card protrudes into the notch part.

The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 17 to 17, wherein the power is claimed in claim 12.

[19] The notch has a substantially arc-shaped planar shape.

The memory card adapter according to claim 18.

[20] When the memory card is held by the card holding part, the side on which one end of the memory card provided with the electrode is placed is the tip side of the card holding part, and the electrode is provided. When the side on which the other end portion of the memory card is placed is referred to as the card holding portion base end side, the notch portion is provided on the card holding portion base end side.

20. The memory card adapter according to claim 18 or 19.

[21] The external connection terminal portion is:

A flat terminal board supported by the card holding part so as to protrude from one end of the memory card adapter and be fitted into the external connection port;

An external connection electrode arranged on one surface of the terminal board;

Claim 12. The memory card adapter according to any one of claims 20, wherein the force is also a force.

[22] The terminal board and the card holding part are integrally formed by a resin.

The memory card adapter according to claim 21.

[23] The card mounting portion and the holding projection are integrally formed by a resin.

23. The memory card adapter according to claim 12, wherein the power is claimed in claim 12.

[24] The card mounting portion, the holding projection, the cylindrical body, and the spoke member are integrally formed from a grease filler.

The memory card adapter according to claim 16.