Patent ID: 6540560
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A card connector having a connector body for removably holding an IC card from a predetermined insertion inlet to a correct insertion position, the IC card having a front surface flat in shape, a back surface having stepped portions formed by a raised surface portion, and recessed surface portions formed at least on both side portions of the raised surface portion, the card connector having electric contacts for making electrical contact with electric contacts of the IC card when inserted to reach the correct insertion position in the connector body, the connector body comprising:side portions having guiding surfaces to guide side surfaces of the inserted IC card; a bottom portion having a support surface to support the recessed surface portions formed on both side portions of the back surface or to support the front surface of the inserted IC card, the bottom portion further having stepped portions configured to engage the raised surface portion formed on the back surface of the IC card and permit the IC card to move with respect to an IC card insertion/retraction direction when the back surface of the IC card is supported on the support surface; and a top plate portion disposed opposite the support surface of the bottom portion to keep the inserted IC card from floating upward; wherein the top plate portion has: a restriction surface being disposed opposite each of the recessed surface portions formed on both side portions of the back surface of the IC card to keep the IC card from floating upward when the IC card is inserted into the connector body with the front surface of the IC card being supported on the support surface, or the restriction surface being disposed opposite the front surface of the IC card to keep the IC card from floating upward when the IC card is inserted into the connector body with the recessed surface portions formed on both side portions of the back surface of the IC card being supported on the support surface; and a receiving groove sized to accommodate and prevent the raised surface portion from abutting the top plate portion when the IC card is inserted into the connector body with the front surface of the IC card being supported on the support surface.