Storage medium loading mechanism and storage medium drive unit

A loading device for a platelike storage medium incorporating a semiconductor memory and having at least a plurality of terminals, including a terminal portion having a plurality of connection terminals adapted to be connected to the terminals of the storage medium, the terminal portion being movable in a direction so that the terminals of the storage medium come into connection with the connection terminals of the terminal portion in loading the storage medium; and a leading portion for leading the storage medium and the terminal portion in the direction so that the terminals of the storage medium come into connection with the connection terminals of the terminal portion in loading the storage medium.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a storage medium loading mechanism and a storage medium drive unit, and more particularly to a loading mechanism for loading a platelike storage medium having a semiconductor memory and a plurality of terminal electrodes and also to a storage medium drive unit having the loading mechanism.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally known is a storage medium drive unit having a slot for insertion of a platelike storage medium having a semiconductor memory and a plurality of terminal electrodes, wherein when the storage medium is inserted into the slot and mounted in a storage medium mounting portion provided inside the slot, data reading and/or writing from/to the storage medium is performed. At present, various storage media having different sizes are provided as the platelike storage medium.

Some of these storage media have common terminal electrodes so that they can be inserted into the slot of the same storage medium drive unit for data reading and/or writing. However, these storage media having common terminal electrodes yet have different sizes, that is, they are different in length, width, and thickness. As means for using the slot commonly for the storage media different in size, an adapter is mounted to the storage medium having a smaller size to allow the insertion of this storage medium into the slot, thus allowing the use of any storage media having common terminal electrodes.

In this case where the adapter is used to allow the common use of the slot for the storage media having different sizes, however, there is a problem that every time the storage medium having a smaller size is inserted into the slot to perform data reading and/or writing, the adapter must be mounted to this storage medium, so that the usability is reduced.

As another means for using the slot commonly for the storage media different in size, it is consider to fix connection terminals adapted to be connected to the terminal electrodes of each storage medium inside the slot, provide a plurality of guides respectively corresponding to the storage media having different sizes inside the slot, detect the storage medium inserted into the slot, and select a suitable one of the guides according to the result of this detection. However, this means requires a complicated mechanism to result in an increase in manufacturing cost of the storage medium drive unit.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium loading mechanism and a storage medium drive unit which can ensure simplification of the mechanism and can improve the usability.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, there are provided a storage medium loading mechanism and a storage medium drive unit. The loading mechanism is provided by a loading device for a platelike storage medium incorporating a semiconductor memory and having at least a plurality of terminals, including a terminal portion having a plurality of connection terminals adapted to be connected to the terminals of the storage medium, the terminal portion being movable in a direction so that the terminals of the storage medium come into connection with the connection terminals of the terminal portion in loading the storage medium, and a leading portion for leading the storage medium and the terminal portion in the direction so that the terminals of the storage medium come into connection with the connection terminals of the terminal portion in loading the storage medium.

In the loading mechanism and the storage medium drive unit having the above configuration, the connection terminals of the terminal portion are led in such a direction as to approach the terminals of the storage medium when the storage medium is inserted into a holder of the loading mechanism.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the storage medium loading mechanism and the storage medium drive unit according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings.

First, a platelike storage medium adapted to be inserted into a slot formed in the storage medium drive unit for data reading/writing will be described (seeFIGS. 1 to 5).

Two kinds of storage media different in size, that is, a platelike first storage medium100and a platelike second storage medium200are used for the storage medium drive unit (seeFIGS. 1 and 2).

The first storage medium100is substantially rectangular in shape and has a length W11of 50 mm, a width W12of 21.5 mm, and a thickness W13of 2.8 mm, for example (seeFIG. 1).

The first storage medium100has a housing101incorporating a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The housing101has a first principal surface101ahaving a maximum area and a second principal surface (not shown) opposite to the first principal surface101a.

An electrode portion102is provided at one end portion of the first principal surface101ain its longitudinal direction (in the direction along the length W11). The electrode portion102is formed with a plurality of (e.g., ten) connection recesses104by a plurality of partition walls103arranged at equal intervals in the lateral direction of the first principal surface101a(in the direction along the width W12). These connection recesses104open to one end (rear end) of the first principal surface101ain its longitudinal direction and also open to one side (upper side) of the first storage medium100in its vertical direction (in the direction along the thickness W13). A plurality of terminal electrodes105are provided in the connection recesses104, respectively.

Another recess106is formed on the first principal surface101aat a corner adjacent to the electrode portion102so as to open to the upper side. The outer edge of the recess106is rounded to form a substantially arcuate chamfered portion107.

When the first storage medium100is properly inserted into the slot of the storage medium drive unit to be hereinafter described, the recess106and the chamfered portion107function as a relief from an improper insertion preventing portion provided in the slot, thereby allowing proper insertion of the first storage medium100into the slot. In the event that the first storage medium100is improperly inserted into the slot in such a manner that the first storage medium100is turned upside down or it is inserted reversely in the longitudinal direction, the other corner of the housing101at its rear end where the recess106and the chamfered portion107are not formed comes into contact with the improper insertion preventing portion to hinder the insertion of the first storage medium100into the slot, thereby preventing improper insertion of the first storage medium100.

An improper recording preventing tab (write-protect tab)108is slidably provided in the vicinity of the electrode portion102on the first principal surface101a. The improper recording preventing tab108has a function such that when it is slid to one limited position, data writing to the semiconductor memory is permitted, whereas when slid to another limited position, data writing to the semiconductor memory is inhibited.

A fall preventing recess109is formed on the first principal surface101aof the housing101on the right side thereof at a position near the improper recording preventing tab108. The fall preventing recess109functions to prevent the first storage medium100from falling out of the slot by the engagement of the recess109with a fall preventing portion provided in the slot when inserting the first storage medium100into the slot.

An engagement recess110is formed on the first principal surface101aon the side opposite to the fall preventing recess109. The engagement recess110is formed at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction of the first storage medium100. The engagement recess110is adapted to engage with an engagement projection provided in the slot, thereby detecting proper insertion of the first storage medium100into the slot.

An engagement groove111is formed on a side surface101bof the housing101where the engagement recess110is exposed. The engagement groove111is formed aside the electrode portion101so as to open to the rear end of the housing101. The engagement groove111is adapted to engage with an engagement projection provided in the slot to be hereinafter described.

The second storage medium200is also substantially rectangular in shape and has a length W21of 31 mm, a width W22of 20 mm, and a thickness W23of 1.6 mm, for example. Thus, the second storage medium200is smaller in size than the first storage medium100(seeFIG. 2).

The second storage medium200has a first principal surface210aformed with an electrode portion202similar to the electrode portion102of the first storage medium100. The electrode portion202has a plurality of partition walls203arranged at the same pitch as that of the partition walls103of the first storage medium100.

The second storage medium200further has portions or members similar to those of the first storage medium100in such a manner that terminal electrodes205are respectively placed in connection recesses204, and a housing202has a recess206, a chamfered portion207, an improper recording preventing tab208, a fall preventing recess209, and an engagement recess210. However, the second storage medium200has no engagement groove corresponding to the engagement groove111of the first storage medium100.

The width of the electrode portion202in the lateral direction of the second storage medium200is the same as the width of the electrode portion102in the lateral direction of the first storage medium100. That is, the distance D21from the right end of the rightmost terminal electrode205in the second storage medium200to the right side surface201bof the housing201is slightly smaller than the distance D11from the right end of the rightmost terminal electrode105in the first storage medium100to the right side surface101bof the housing101. Further, the distance D22from the left end of the leftmost terminal electrode205in the second storage medium200to the left side surface201bof the housing201is slightly smaller than the distance D12from the left end of the leftmost terminal electrode105in the first storage medium100to the left side surface101bof the housing101(seeFIGS. 1 and 2).

The electrode structure of the terminal electrodes105in the first storage medium100and the electrode structure of the terminal electrodes205in the second storage medium200will now be described (seeFIG. 3). The electrode structure of the terminal electrodes105is the same as that of the terminal electrodes205.

Each electrode structure of the terminal electrodes105and the terminal electrodes205is configured by arranging ten planar electrodes (terminals T1to T10) in a row.

The terminals T1and T10are terminals for detection voltage VSS. The terminal T2is an input terminal for serial protocol bus state signal BS. The terminals T3and T9are terminals for supply voltage V storage medium. The terminal T4is an input/output terminal for serial protocol data signal. The terminals T5and T7are reserve terminals. The terminal T6is a detection terminal for detection of the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200. The terminal T8is an input terminal for serial clock SCLK.

The relation between the terminals T1to T10and the internal structures of the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200will now be described (seeFIG. 4). The internal structure of the first storage medium100is the same as that of the second storage medium200.

Control ICs112and212and semiconductor memories113and213are incorporated in the housings101and201, respectively.

The control ICs112and212have a function of performing reading/writing of data from/to the semiconductor memories113and213, respectively. Each of the control ICs112and212is connected to the terminals T2, T4, and T8. The serial protocol bus state signal BS is input from the terminal T2, and the serial clock SCLK is input from the terminal T8.

In writing, data input from the terminal T4is written to each of the semiconductor memories113and213according to the serial protocol bus state signal BS input from the terminal T2and the serial clock SCLK input from the terminal T8.

In reading, data is read from each of the semiconductor memories113and213according to the serial protocol bus state signal BS and the serial clock SCLK, and the data read through the terminal T4is output to the storage medium drive unit.

The detection voltage VSS is input to the terminal T6, and a voltage at the terminal T6is detected by a resistor R in the storage medium drive unit to thereby detect whether the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200is inserted in the slot of the storage medium drive unit.

The memory controllers112aand212aperform data transfer between the semiconductor memories113and213and the page buffers112cand212caccording to parameters set in the registers112band212b, respectively. Data buffered in the page buffers112cand212care transferred through the serial interfaces112dand212dto the storage medium drive unit, respectively. Data transferred from the storage medium drive unit are buffered through the serial interfaces112dand212dinto the page buffers112cand212c, respectively.

A storage medium drive unit for performing reading/writing of data from/to the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200will now be described (seeFIGS. 5 to 7).

The storage medium drive unit1is capable of performing reading/writing of various data such as moving image data, still image data, voice data, HiFi data (audio data), computer data, and control data from/to the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200, and required components are incorporated in a housing2.

The housing2has a front surface2aprovided with a display section3formed by a liquid crystal panel (seeFIG. 6). The display section3functions to display reproduced images and characters, information on voice and music to be reproduced, operation guide messages, and the like.

The front surface2ais formed with a slot4for insertion of the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

The front surface2ais provided with a plurality of operation keys5. Operating the operation keys5allows various operations such as switching on and off of power, recording and reproduction of data, stopping of recording operation, reproducing operation, and the like, fast forward and fast reverse operations in reproduction, changing of sound volume, data editing, menu selection, and setting of operation mode.

A plurality of connection terminals to be connected to various kinds of equipment are provided at a lower end portion of the front surface2a. For example, the connection terminals are a headphone terminal6a, line output terminal6b, microphone input terminal6c, line input terminal6d, digital input terminal6e, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal6f.

The storage medium drive unit1is supplied with power from a commercial power outlet, for example, through a line cord plug7.

The storage medium drive unit1includes a file manager8, a transfer protocol interface9, and a serial interface10as an interface structure for the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200(seeFIG. 5).

The file manager8functions to manage the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200. That is, access to the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200is performed according to a command from the file manager8.

The transfer protocol interface9performs access to the register112bor212band the page buffer112cor212cof the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

The serial interface10specifies a protocol for making arbitrary data transfer in respect of the serial clock (SCLK), bus state (BS), and serial data (SDIO) when the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4, so that data exchange is carried out between the serial interface10and the serial interface112dor212dof the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

The circuit configuration in the storage medium drive unit1will now be described (seeFIG. 7).

Reference numeral11denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) functioning as a central control section in the storage medium drive unit1and performing operation control for the following components.

The CPU11has a ROM (Read Only Memory)11apreliminarily storing operation programs and various constants and a RAM (Random Access Memory)11bas a working region, for example. The CPU11performs control operations specified by the stored operation programs according to command signals input by the operation to the operation keys5.

The CPU11makes a flash memory12store system setting information on the operation of setting of various modes such as a music recording mode and a display mode. Further, the CPU11makes a buffer memory13such as a DRAM temporarily store data in reading/writing to the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

A real time clock14has a function of counting present date and time. The CPU11checks the present date and time by inputting the date and time data from the real time clock14.

A USB interface15is an interface for communication between the storage medium drive unit1and external equipment such as a personal computer connected to the USB terminal6fprovided on the housing2. The CPU11allows data communication between the storage medium drive unit1and the external equipment through the USB interface15. For example, various data such as control data, computer data, image data, and audio data are transmitted and received between the storage medium drive unit1and the external equipment.

A regulator16and a DC/DC converter17are provided as a power supply section. In switching on the power of the storage medium drive unit1, the CPU11supplies a power-on command signal to the regulator16. The regulator16performs rectifying/smoothening of an AC voltage supplied through the line cord plug7according to the command signal from the CPU11. A supply voltage from the regulator16is converted into a required voltage value by the DC/DC converter17, and this converted voltage is supplied as an operational supply voltage V storage medium to each section.

The CPU11is accessible through a memory interface18to the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200, thereby allowing execution of recording, reproduction, editing, and the like of various data.

The CPU11controls a display driver19to thereby make the display section3provided on the housing2display a required image.

As an audio signal processing system for the plural connection terminals provided on the housing2, that is, the headphone terminal6a, the line output terminal6b, the microphone input terminal6c, the line input terminal6d, and the digital input terminal6e, there are provided a SAM (Security Application Module, or encoding/expansion processing section)20, DSP (Digital Signal Processor)21, analog digital converting section22, power amplifier23, microphone amplifier24, optical input module25, and digital input section26.

The SAM20performs encoding and decoding of data between the CPU11and the DSP21, and an encoding key is exchanged between the SAM20and the CPU11. The encoding key is preliminarily stored in the flash memory12, for example. The SAM20can perform encoding and decoding by using the encoding key. The encoding and decoding by the SAM20are performed according to a command from the CPU11in transmitting data through the USB interface15to the external equipment such as a personal computer or in receiving data from the external equipment, for example.

The DSP21performs compression and expansion of audio data according to a command from the CPU11.

The analog digital converting section22performs A/D conversion and D/A conversion on an audio signal.

The digital input section26performs input interface processing for digital audio data input through the optical input module25.

Input and output operations on an audio signal are performed in the storage medium drive unit1in the following manner.

An optical signal input as digital audio data from external equipment such as a disc player through an optical cable to the digital input terminal6eis converted into an electrical signal by the optical input module25, and this electrical signal is subjected to receiving processing according to a transmission format by the digital input section26. The digital audio data thus processed by the digital input section26is compressed by the DSP21and next supplied to the CPU11for storage as recording data for the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

In the case that a microphone is connected to the microphone input terminal6c, a voice signal input from the microphone is amplified by the microphone amplifier24, next converted into a digital signal by the analog digital converting section22, and next supplied as digital audio data into the DSP21. The data supplied to the DSP21is compressed by the DSP21and next supplied to the CPU11for storage as recording data for the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

A voice signal input from external equipment connected to the line input terminal6dis converted into a digital signal by the analog digital converting section22and next supplied as digital audio data into the DSP21. The data supplied to the DSP21is compressed by the DSP21and next supplied to the CPU11for storage as recording data for the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200.

On the other hand, in outputting audio data read from the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200, the audio data is expanded by the DSP21according to a command from the CPU11. The digital audio data thus expanded is converted into an analog audio signal by the analog digital converting section22and next supplied to the power amplifier23. The analog audio signal is amplified both for the headphone and for the line output by the power amplifier23, and the resultant amplified signals are respectively supplied to the headphone terminal6aand the line output terminal6b.

The internal structure of the slot4formed in the housing2will now be described (seeFIGS. 8 to 11).

The internal structure of the slot4of the storage medium drive unit1is formed as a storage medium mounting portion27for mounting the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200(seeFIG. 8). The storage medium mounting portion27is provided with an engagement projection27aadapted to engage with the engagement groove111of the first storage medium100.

A holder28is provided in the storage medium mounting portion27. The holder28is integrally formed with a longitudinally extending platelike base portion29and a pair of guide portions30longitudinally extending from the front end of the base portion29along its opposite side edges (seeFIGS. 8 and 9). Each guide portion30is composed of a vertical wall30aprojecting vertically upward from the base portion29and a horizontal wall30bprojecting horizontally inward from the upper end of the vertical wall30a. That is, the horizontal walls30bof the right and left guide portions30project toward each other from the upper ends of the vertical walls30a.

A pair of restricting projections29aare formed on the base portion29near its rear end so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the base portion29.

The space between the vertical walls30aof the guide portions30is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the width W12of the first storage medium100(seeFIG. 9), and the space between each horizontal wall30band the base portion29is slightly larger than the thickness W13of the first storage medium100.

A leading lever31is pivotably supported at a rear end portion of the base portion29of the holder28(seeFIGS. 8 to 10). The leading lever31is integrally formed with a base portion32and a pair of elastic portions33projecting substantially frontward from the right and left ends of the base portion32.

A pivot shaft32ais provided at a laterally central position of the base portion32, so that the leading lever31is pivotably supported through the pivot shaft32ato the base portion29of the holder28.

Each elastic portion33is formed at its front end with a laterally inward projection33a. The projection33ais formed with an inclined surface33b. The projections33aof the right and left elastic portions33project toward each other, and the inclined surfaces33bof the projections33aare inclined so that the space therebetween gradually decreases toward the rear end of the holder28.

The elastic portions33are elastically displaceable relative to the base portion32in such a direction that the projections33aare moved in the substantially lateral direction of the holder28, e.g., in such a direction that the space between the projections33ais increased.

The minimum distance La between the projections33aof the leading lever31is substantially the same as the width W23of the second storage medium200(seeFIG. 9). Accordingly, when the second storage medium200is inserted into the holder28, the opposite side surfaces201bof the second storage medium200come into contact with or proximity to the projections33aof the right and left elastic portions33.

A terminal portion34is provided on the front side of the base portion32of the leading lever31. The terminal portion34is composed of ten connection terminals35. The connection terminals35are arranged at equal intervals in the lateral direction of the base portion32, and the pitch of the connection terminals35is the same as the pitch of the terminal electrodes105of the first storage medium100and the pitch of the terminal electrodes205of the second storage medium200. The width of each connection terminal35in the lateral direction is smaller than the width of each terminal electrode105and the width of each terminal electrode205.

Each connection terminal35is formed from a platelike metal member having conductivity, and it is elastically displaceable relative to the base portion32. Each connection terminal35has a leg portion35aprojecting from the base portion32and an elastic contact portion35bbent from the front end of the leg portion35aso as to have a V-shaped configuration as viewed in side elevation (seeFIG. 10). The elastic contact portion35bis elastically displaceable relative to the leg portion35ain each connection terminal35.

The terminal portion34configured by the ten connection terminals35is connected to the memory interface18(seeFIG. 7).

The leading lever31is maintained in its neutral position relative to the holder28by a neutralizing spring36, i.e., at a central position in the range of pivotal movement of the lever31, in the condition where no external force is applied to the lever31(seeFIG. 9).

Undue pivotal movement of the leading lever31is restricted by the restricting projections29aformed on the base portion29of the holder28in such a manner that the base portion32of the leading lever31comes into abutment against either of the restricting projections29a. Accordingly, in the range of pivotal movement of the leading lever31, the front ends P of the inclined surfaces33bof the right and left projections33ado not fall laterally inside of the inner surfaces Q of the vertical walls30aof the right and left guide portions30of the holder28(seeFIG. 11).

The holder28, the leading lever31, and the terminal portion34as mentioned above constitute a loading mechanism37for loading the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200into the storage medium mounting portion27.

The operation of the loading mechanism37will now be described (seeFIGS. 12 to 21). The first storage medium100or the second storage medium200is inserted from its electrode portion102or202into the slot4of the housing2.

The operation in the case of inserting the first storage medium100into the slot4will first be described (seeFIGS. 12 to 14).

When the first storage medium100is inserted into the slot4, the opposite side surfaces101bof the first storage medium100are guided by the vertical walls30aof the guide portions30of the holder28during rearward movement into the storage medium drive unit1(see FIG.12).

During the rearward movement, the first storage medium100comes into sliding contact with the inclined surfaces33bof the elastic portions33of the leading lever31(seeFIG. 13). Since the width W12of the first storage medium100is larger than the minimum distance La between the projections33a, the elastic portions33are elastically displaced in opposite directions so as to be moved apart from each other during the rearward movement of the first storage medium100(seeFIG. 14).

At this time, the first storage medium100is inserted between the elastic portions33and the terminal electrodes105of the first storage medium100are brought into connection with the respective connection terminals35(seeFIG. 14). Since the connection terminals35are elastically displaceable, the elastic contact portions35bof the connection terminals35come into elastic contact with the respective terminal electrodes105, thereby ensuring reliable connection between the connection terminals35and the terminal electrodes105. In the condition where the terminal electrodes105are connected with the respective connection terminals35, the engagement projection27ais engaged with the engagement groove111of the first storage medium100(seeFIG. 14).

The first storage medium100can be removed from the slot4by operating an eject button (not shown) provided on the housing2to operate an eject mechanism (not shown) provided in the slot4, thereby ejecting the first storage medium100from the slot4. When the first storage medium100is removed from the slot4, the elastic portions33displaced are elastically returned to their original positions where the first storage medium100is not inserted in the slot4.

The operation in the case of inserting the second storage medium200into the slot4will now be described (seeFIGS. 15 to 21).

When the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4in the leftward deviated condition with respect to the slot4, the second storage medium200comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the left elastic portion33of the leading lever31(seeFIG. 15).

During the rearward movement of the second storage medium200with the sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the left elastic portion33, that is, during the insertion of the second storage medium200into the storage medium drive unit1, the leading lever31is pivotally moved in a direction R1by a depression force of the second storage medium200to the inclined surface33bof the left elastic portion33(seeFIG. 16). Accordingly, the connection terminals35are displaced leftward.

The second storage medium200is further inserted between the elastic portions33, and the terminal electrodes205of the second storage medium200come into connection with the respective connection terminals35displaced leftward by the pivotal movement of the leading lever31in the direction R1(seeFIG. 17). Since the connection terminals35are elastically displaceable, the elastic contact portions35bof the connection terminals35come into elastic contact with the terminal electrodes205, thereby ensuring reliable connection between the connection terminals35and the terminal electrodes205.

In comparing the condition where the first storage medium100is inserted in the holder28and the condition where the second storage medium200is inserted in the holder28, the vertical position of the terminal electrodes105and the vertical position of the terminal electrodes205in the holder28are different from each other because of the difference between the thicknesses W13and W23. Accordingly, the terminal electrodes205are lower in level than the terminal electrodes105with respect to the connection terminals35. However, this difference can be absorbed by the elastic displacement of the connection terminals35, thereby ensuring reliable connection of the connection terminals35with both the terminal electrodes105and205.

In the condition where the second storage medium200is mounted in the storage medium mounting portion27and the terminal electrodes205of the second storage medium200are connected to the respective connection terminals35, the leading lever31is maintained in its neutral position by the neutralizing spring36(seeFIG. 18). In the condition where the terminal electrodes205are connected to the respective connection terminals35, the left side surface201bof the second storage medium200is in contact with the engagement projection27a.

The second storage medium200can be removed from the slot4by operating the eject mechanism to eject the second storage medium200from the slot4as in the case of the first storage medium100.

Conversely, when the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4in the rightward deviated condition with respect to the slot4, the second storage medium200comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the right elastic portion33of the leading lever31(seeFIG. 19).

During the rearward movement of the second storage medium200with the sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the right elastic portion33, the holder28is pivotally moved in a direction R2by a depression force of the second storage medium200to the inclined surface33bof the right elastic portion33(seeFIG. 20). Accordingly, the connection terminals35are displaced rightward.

The second storage medium200is further inserted between the elastic portions33, and the terminal electrodes105come into connection with the respective connection terminals35displaced rightward by the pivotal movement of the leading lever31in the direction R2(seeFIG. 21). Since the connection terminals35are elastically displaceable, the elastic contact portions35bof the connection terminals35come into elastic contact with the terminal electrodes205, thereby ensuring reliable connection between the connection terminals35and the terminal electrodes205.

In the condition where the second storage medium200is mounted in the storage medium mounting portion27and the terminal electrodes205of the second storage medium200are connected to the respective connection terminals35, the leading lever31is maintained in its neutral position by the neutralizing spring36. In the condition where the terminal electrodes205are connected to the respective connection terminals35, the left side surface201bof the second storage medium200is in contact with the engagement projection27a.

The second storage medium200can be removed from the slot4by operating the eject mechanism to eject the second storage medium200from the slot4as in the case of the first storage medium100.

As described above, when the second storage medium200is inserted into the holder28of the storage medium drive unit1, the terminal portion34and the second storage medium200are led by the leading lever31in such a direction that the connection terminals35and the terminal electrodes205come into connection with each other, respectively. Accordingly, both the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200can be selectively mounted into the storage medium mounting portion27without using any adapter. That is, the slot4can be used commonly for the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200, thereby improving the usability.

It is unnecessary to provide any detecting means for detecting the difference in size between the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200inserted into the slot4, and it is also unnecessary to provide any respective guides for the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200. Accordingly, the mechanism in the storage medium drive unit1can be simplified to thereby reduce a manufacturing cost of the storage medium drive unit1.

In the storage medium drive unit1, the terminal portion34is fixed to the leading lever31so that the terminal portion34is movable together with the leading lever31. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to provide any link mechanism for operating the terminal portion34in association with the operation of the leading lever31. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and the reliability of the operation can be improved.

Since the leading lever31has the elastic portions33elastically displaceable by the insertion of the first storage medium100into the slot4, the first storage medium100can be reliably led in such a direction that the terminal electrodes105come into connection with the connection terminals35.

Further, since the slot4can be used commonly for the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200only by pivotably mounting the leading lever31on the holder28, the mechanism can be simplified.

The first storage medium100is mounted into the storage medium mounting portion27as being guided by the holder28, and the second storage medium200is mounted into the storage medium mounting portion27as being led by the leading lever31. Accordingly, the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200can be selectively mounted into the storage medium mounting portion27properly and reliably.

In addition, even when the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4in the rightward or leftward deviated condition, the second storage medium200is always led by any one of the right and left elastic portions33. Accordingly, the terminal electrodes205can be reliably connected to the connection terminals35.

While the neutralizing spring36is provided to maintain the leading lever31in its neutral position, the neutralizing spring36is not essential in the present invention, because the front ends P of the right and left inclined surfaces33bdo not fall laterally inside of the inner surfaces Q of the right and left vertical walls30aof the holder28, respectively, in the range of pivotal movement of the leading lever31(seeFIG. 11), and the first storage medium100and the second storage medium200can always be inserted between the elastic portions33of the leading lever31.

There will now be described a holder28A and a leading lever31A as a first modification of the holder28and the leading lever31(seeFIGS. 22 to 27). In comparison with the holder28and the leading lever31, the first modification is different only in the point that the leading lever31A is laterally movably supported to the holder28A. Accordingly, this different configuration only will be described in detail and the description of the other configuration will be omitted herein with the same or like parts being denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the loading mechanism37mentioned above.

A pair of support pins28alaterally spaced apart from each other are provided on the holder28A near the rear end thereof (seeFIG. 22). The holder28A is not provided with restricting projections corresponding to the restricting projections29aformed on the holder28mentioned above.

The leading lever31A is integrally formed with a base portion32A and a pair of elastic portions33projecting substantially frontward from the right and left ends of the base portion32A. The base portion32A is formed with a pair of laterally elongated holes32blaterally spaced apart from each other. The support pins28aof the holder28A are inserted in the elongated holes32bof the leading lever31A so that the leading lever31A is laterally movably supported to the holder28A, that is, supported to the holder28A movably in the lateral direction shown by a double headed arrow S1-S2(seeFIG. 22). A terminal portion34composed of ten connection terminals35is provided on the front surface of the base portion32A.

The holder28A, the leading lever31A, and the terminal portion34constitute a loading mechanism38for loading the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200into the slot4.

The operation of the loading mechanism38will now be described (seeFIGS. 23 to 27).

When the first storage medium100is inserted into the slot4of the housing2, the first storage medium100is inserted between the elastic portions33being elastically displaced similar to the case of the loading mechanism37, and the terminal electrodes105are finally connected to the respective connection terminals35(seeFIG. 23).

When the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4of the housing2in the leftward deviated condition with respect to the slot4, the second storage medium200comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the left elastic portion33of the leading lever31and is further moved rearward. At this time, the holder28A is moved in the direction S1by a depression force of the second storage medium200to the inclined surface33bof the left elastic portion33(seeFIG. 24). Accordingly, the connection terminals35are displaced leftward, that is, in the direction S1.

The second storage medium200is further inserted between the elastic portions33, and the terminal electrodes205finally come into connection with the connection terminals35displaced leftward by the lateral movement of the holder28A in the direction S1(seeFIG. 25).

Conversely, when the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4of the housing2in the rightward deviated condition with respect to the slot4, the second storage medium200comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the right elastic portion33of the leading lever31and is further moved rearward. At this time, the holder28A is moved rightward in the direction S2by a depression force of the second storage medium200to the inclined surface33bof the right elastic portion33(seeFIG. 26). Accordingly, the connection terminals35are displaced rightward, that is, in the direction S2.

The second storage medium200is further inserted between the elastic portions33, and the terminal electrodes205finally come into connection with the connection terminals35displaced rightward by the lateral movement of the holder28A in the direction S2(seeFIG. 27).

According to the loading mechanism38, the leading lever31A is movable in the direction of arrangement of the terminal electrodes105of the first storage medium100or the terminal electrodes205of the second storage medium200when the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4. Accordingly, the connection terminals35of the leading lever31A can be reliably connected to the terminal electrodes105or205.

Further, even when the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4in the rightward or leftward deviated condition, the second storage medium200is always led by either of the right and left elastic portions33, thereby ensuring reliable connection between the connection terminals35and the terminal electrodes205.

Although not shown, a neutralizing spring for maintaining the leading lever31A in its neutral position may be provided in the loading mechanism38.

There will now be described a leading lever31B as a second modification of the leading lever31(seeFIGS. 28 to 36). The leading lever31B is different from the leading lever31only in the point that the leading lever31B has only one elastic portion33pivotably supported to the holder28, so this different configuration only will be described in detail and the description of the other configuration will be omitted herein with the same or like parts being denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the loading mechanism37mentioned above.

The leading lever31B is integrally formed with a base portion32and an elastic portion33projecting substantially frontward from any one of the right and left ends of the base portion32, e.g., the right end thereof as shown (seeFIG. 28).

The base portion32is pivotably supported through the pivot shaft32ato the base portion29of the holder28.

The leading lever31B is biased in the direction R1by an extension spring39connected between the base portion32and a spring support portion (not shown) provided in the storage medium mounting portion27(seeFIG. 28). Accordingly, in the condition where no external force is applied to the leading lever31B, the base portion29of the leading lever31B is in abutment against the left restricting projection29bformed on the base portion29of the holder28, so that the pivotal movement of the leading lever31B in the direction R1is restricted by the left restricting projection29b. In this condition where the pivotal movement of the leading lever31B in the direction R1is restricted, the front end of the inclined surface33bof the elastic portion33falls at a position just behind or on the right side the inner surface of the vertical wall30aof the guide portion30of the holder28(seeFIG. 28).

The holder28, the leading lever31B, and the terminal portion34constitute a loading mechanism40for loading the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200into the storage medium mounting portion27.

The operation of the loading mechanism40will now be described (seeFIGS. 29 to 36).

When the first storage medium100is inserted into the slot4, the opposite side surfaces101bof the first storage medium100are guided by the vertical walls30aof the guide portions30of the holder28during rearward movement into the storage medium drive unit1(seeFIG. 29).

During the rearward movement, the first storage medium100comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the elastic portion33of the leading lever31B (seeFIG. 30). At this time, the leading lever31B is pivotally moved in the direction R2by a depression force of the first storage medium100to the inclined surface33bagainst a biasing force of the extension spring39(seeFIG. 31). Accordingly, the connection terminals35are displaced rightward.

At the end of the pivotal movement of the leading lever31B in the direction R2, a center line Pm of the terminal portion34in its lateral direction is slightly deviated rightward from a center line P1of the electrode portion102of the first storage medium100in its lateral direction (seeFIG. 31).

When the first storage medium100is further moved rearward, the terminal electrodes105are brought into connection with the respective connection terminals35displaced rightward (seeFIG. 32). At this time, the center line Pm of the terminal portion34in its lateral direction is slightly deviated rightward from the center line P1of the electrode portion102of the first storage medium100. However, since the width of each connection terminal35in the lateral direction is smaller than the width of each terminal electrode105in the lateral direction, the deviation between the center line Pm and the center line P1can be absorbed by the difference in width between each connection terminal35and each terminal electrode105. Accordingly, the terminal electrodes105can be properly connected to the respective connection terminals35.

In the condition where the terminal electrodes105are connected with the respective connection terminals35, the engagement projection27ais engaged with the engagement groove111of the first storage medium100(seeFIG. 32).

When the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4in the leftward deviated condition with respect to the slot4, the second storage medium200is first moved rearward on the left side of the inclined surface33bof the elastic portion33, into the storage medium drive unit1(seeFIG. 33).

When the second storage medium200is further moved rearward, the second storage medium200comes into sliding contact with the engagement projection27abecause the second storage medium200is not formed with the engagement groove111adapted to engage with the engagement projection27a, so that the second storage medium200is slightly shifted rightward, and the terminal electrodes205are brought into connection with the respective connection terminals35(seeFIG. 34). At this time, the center line Pm of the terminal portion34in its lateral direction is slightly deviated leftward from a center line P2of the electrode portion202of the second storage medium200in its lateral direction. However, since the width of each connection terminal35in the lateral direction is smaller than the width of each terminal electrode205in the lateral direction, the deviation between the center line Pm and the center line P2can be absorbed by the difference in width between each connection terminal35and each terminal electrode205. Accordingly, the terminal electrodes205can be properly connected to the respective connection terminals35.

Conversely, when the second storage medium200is inserted into the slot4in the rightward deviated condition with respect to the slot4, the second storage medium200comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface33bof the elastic portion33of the leading lever31B.

The second storage medium200is moved rearward in sliding contact with the inclined surface33binto the storage medium drive unit1. At this time, the leading lever31B is pivotally moved in the direction R2by a depression force of the second storage medium200to the inclined surface33b(seeFIG. 35). Accordingly, the connection terminals35are displaced rightward.

When the second storage medium200is further moved rearward, the terminal electrodes205come into connection with the respective connection terminals35displaced rightward (seeFIG. 36). At this time, the center line Pm of the terminal portion34in its lateral direction is slightly deviated leftward from the center line P2of the electrode portion202of the second storage medium200in its lateral direction. However, since the width of each connection terminal35in the lateral direction is smaller than the width of each terminal electrode205in the lateral direction, the deviation between the center line Pm and the center line P2can be absorbed by the difference in width between each connection terminal35and each terminal electrode205. Accordingly, the terminal electrodes205can be properly connected to the respective connection terminals35.

According to the loading mechanism40, the leading lever31B is composed of the base portion32and the single elastic portion33, so that the mechanism can be further simplified.

While the elastic portion33of the leading lever31B is elastically displaceable relative to the base portion32, the elastic portion33may be replaced by a nonelastic portion undisplaceable relative to the base portion32.

While the leading lever31B pivotably supported to the holder28has been described as the second modification of the leading lever31, the leading lever31B may be replaced by a leading lever31C laterally movably supported to the holder28like the leading lever31A mentioned previously as a third modification (seeFIG. 37).

The leading lever31C is integrally formed with a base portion32C and an elastic portion33projecting substantially frontward from any one of the right and left ends of the base portion32C, e.g., the right end thereof as shown. The base portion32C is formed with a pair of laterally elongated holes32claterally spaced apart from each other. A pair of support pins28aof a holder28A are inserted in the elongated holes32cof the leading lever31C so that the leading lever31C is laterally movably supported to the holder28A. A terminal portion34is provided on the front surface of the base portion32C of the leading lever31C.

The leading lever31C is biased in the direction S1by an extension spring41connected between the base portion32C and a spring support portion (not shown) provided in the storage medium mounting portion27. Accordingly, in the condition where no external force is applied to the leading lever31C, the base portion32C is kept in its left position.

The holder28A, the leading lever31C, and the terminal portion34constitute a loading mechanism42for loading the first storage medium100or the second storage medium200into the storage medium mounting portion27.

The operation of the loading mechanism42is similar to that of the loading mechanism40in such a manner that the pivotal movement of the leading lever31B in the opposite directions R1-R2is replaced by the lateral movement of the leading lever31C in the opposite directions S1-S2, so the detailed description of the operation will be omitted herein.

According to the loading mechanism42, the leading lever31C is composed of the base portion32C and the single elastic portion33, so that the mechanism can be further simplified. Further, the terminal portion34fixed to the leading lever31C is movable in the direction of arrangement of the terminal electrodes105or205, so that the terminal electrodes105or205can be reliably connected to the respective connection terminals35.

It should be noted that the shape and structure of each part described in the above preferred embodiment and each modification are merely illustrative and that the description thereof is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The loading mechanism of the present invention can selectively load a plurality of storage media different in size without using any adapter and can improve the usability by commonly using the slot for insertion of these storage media.

Further, the loading mechanism of the present invention does not require any detecting means for detecting the difference in size between the storage media selectively inserted into the slot and also does not require any respective guides for the storage media. Accordingly, the mechanism can be simplified to thereby reduce a manufacturing cost of the loading mechanism.

The storage medium drive unit of the present invention can selectively load a plurality of storage media different in size without using any adapter and can improve the usability by commonly using the slot for insertion of these storage media.

Further, the storage medium drive unit of the present invention does not require any detecting means for detecting the difference in size between the storage media selectively inserted into the slot and also does not require any respective guides for the storage media. Accordingly, the mechanism can be simplified to thereby reduce a manufacturing cost of the storage medium drive unit.