JPH11232404A - Input/output device and connector for pc card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the disturbance which is caused by a new PC card that is put on a market by attaining the reading and writing of data to the PC cards even when any type of PC cards including the one that is accordant with an existing version of the PC card standard is put into a PC card socket in any direction. SOLUTION: This device has a PC card connector 2 having a switch 12 at a position corresponding to a cut 7 of a PC card 1 in place of a card insertion blocking member. Furthermore, a connection switch 5 is added to change the connection between plural terminals which are connected to an internal circuit 3 and plural male connector terminals 10 in response to the detection signal that is outputted from the switch 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a PC card input / output device and a PC card connector for writing and reading data to and from a PC card containing a large number of storage elements. The present invention relates to an improvement for improving the performance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 is an external view showing the outer shape of a conventional PC card. In the figure, 1 is a PC card, 6 is a PC card 1 which becomes a head when inserted into a PC card socket.
A female connector portion 7 provided on the front surface of the PC card 1 and comprising a plurality of female connector terminals is formed on the upper surface and one side surface of the PC card 1, and is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction from the front surface thereof. The notch 8 is formed on the other side surface of the PC card 1, and is a guide slit extending from the front surface thereof in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional PC card input / output device and its peripheral circuits. In the drawing, reference numeral 2 denotes a PC card connector having a male connector into which a PC card 1 is inserted and a female connector portion 6 of the PC card 1 is electrically connected, and 3 denotes a PC card via the PC card connector 2. 1 is an internal circuit that can be electrically connected to the internal circuit 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the conventional PC card connector 2 shown in FIG. In the figure, 9 is P
A socket portion in which the C card 1 can be inserted, a plurality of male connector terminals 10 protruding from an inner wall behind the socket portion 9,
Reference numeral 11 denotes P when the PC card 1 is inserted into the socket section 9.
A guide rail 19 is provided so as to engage with the guide slit 8 of the C card 1 and guide the guide slit 8, and 19 is a guide rail.
Notch 7 when C card 1 is inserted into socket 9
And the plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card 1 are connected to the plurality of male connector terminals 1 of the PC card connector 2.
0 is an insertion preventing member for preventing the PC card 1 from being pressed against the inner wall of the PC card connector 2 after the engagement with the PC card 1 is securely performed.

Next, the operation will be described. PC card 1
The PC card 1 is inserted into the socket part 9 with the guide slit 8 and the guide rail 11 engaged with the front side of FIG. When the PC card 1 is inserted forward to the point where the notch 7 engages with the insertion preventing member 19, the PC card 1
The card 1 stops, and the plurality of female connector terminals of the female connector section 6 of the PC card come into contact with and are electrically coupled to the plurality of male connector terminals 10 of the PC card connector 2 respectively.

As a result, the plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card 1 are electrically connected to the internal circuit 3 via the PC card connector 2, and the PC card 1 responds to a read request or a write request from the internal circuit 3. 1 allows data to be input / output to / from the internal circuit 3.

As is apparent from FIG. 9, when the PC card 1 is inserted into the socket 9 with the back of the PC card 1 facing upward, the leading edge of the PC card 1 and the insertion preventing member 1
9, the PC card 1 can be inserted only halfway. Therefore, the plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card 1 do not contact the plurality of male connector terminals 10 of the PC card connector 2.

As described above, when the PC card 1 formed according to the PC card standard and the PC card connector 2 are combined, the PC card 1 can be inserted only with its front face up. It is configured so that it can not
Thus, the PC card 1 and the internal circuit can always be connected in a fixed relationship.

[0009]

Since the conventional PC card and the connector for the PC card are constructed as described above, if the PC card is inserted by mistake in front and back, an erroneous electric connection caused by the wrong insertion is made. Connection can be prevented, but the PC card must be reinserted one by one, which is not convenient.

In particular, when the PC card connector is arranged so that the insertion opening of the PC card connector is oriented vertically, it is difficult to determine in which direction the PC card should be inserted. It was very bad.

Therefore, an improved PC card has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-155974. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the PC card disclosed in this publication. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a switch provided on a side surface opposite to the side surface on which the notch 7 of the PC card 1 is formed and sliding on the side surface in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the PC card 1. The free ends are provided side by side on the front surface which is the top when the PC card 1 is inserted. 21
Is disposed between the female connector section 6 and the internal memory of the PC card 1 and responds to a switching signal from the switch 20 to establish a connection between a plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card and pins of the internal memory. This is a connection switch for switching.
That is, the connection switch 21 connects the internal memory to each pin from one female connector terminal of the PC card 1 to another female connector terminal that is symmetrical with respect to this terminal and the center C of the front surface of the PC card 1. The connection is switched between the plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card and the pins of the internal memory so as to switch.

Next, the operation will be described. PC card 1
When the card is inserted with its front side facing upward, it is correctly mounted on the PC card connector in the same manner as in the above-described conventional example.

On the other hand, when the PC card 1 is inserted with its back face up, the free end of the switch 20 is
Abut. If you push the PC card 1 further,
The female connector section 6 of the PC card 1 and the PC card connector 2 are electrically connected. At the same time, a switching signal is output inside the PC card 1 in accordance with the movement of the switch 20, whereby the connection switch 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a connection between each female connector terminal of the PC card 1 and each pin of the internal memory, and a connection partner of each pin of the internal memory is connected from one female connector terminal of the PC card 1 to this terminal and the PC card 1. Is changed so as to switch to another female connector terminal which is symmetrical with respect to the center C of the front surface.

Therefore, when the PC card 1 is inserted with its back face up, each female connector terminal of the female connector section 6 of the PC card and each male connector terminal 10 of the PC card connector 2 are connected. The electrical connection is changed, and the connection relationship between each female connector terminal of the PC card 1 and each pin of the internal memory is similarly changed. Therefore, the female connector section 6 of the PC card and the PC card connector are changed. The connection relationship between the internal memory and the internal circuit 3 via the PC card 2 is the same as when the PC card 1 is inserted with its table facing up. Thus, no matter what direction the PC card 1 inserted into the PC card socket faces, the PC card 1 reliably inputs and outputs data to and from the internal circuit 3 in response to a read request or a write request from the internal circuit 3. can do.

[0015] However, the improved PC card capable of being inserted upside down in this way has the advantage of being able to read and write data with the PC card regardless of the orientation of the inserted PC card. The operability of a conventional PC card conforming to the above-mentioned PC card standard which is actually widely used cannot be improved, and instead, an improved PC card which can be inserted upside down is put on the market. There is a risk of creating confusion with the conventional PC card that cannot be used, and creating a confusing situation in which the user must use the PC card properly according to the type of card. There was a problem that it would.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and what kind of PC card including a PC card conforming to the existing version of the PC card standard is inserted into the PC card socket. A PC card input / output that enables reading and writing of data with a PC card even when inserted in the direction, thereby preventing confusion caused by putting a new PC card into the market as described above. It is an object to obtain a device and a connector for a PC card.

[0017]

According to the present invention, there is provided a PC card input / output device comprising: a socket portion into which a PC card can be inserted; and a PC inserted into an inner wall at the back of the socket portion.
A PC card connector having a plurality of connector terminals that can be electrically connected to a plurality of connector terminals of the card;
Detecting means provided in a socket portion of the PC card connector for detecting in which direction the front and back sides of the inserted PC card face the socket portion and outputting a detection signal indicating the detection result. And connection switching means for changing the connection between the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector and the plurality of terminals to be connected thereto in accordance with a detection signal from the detecting means.

In the input / output device for a PC card according to the present invention, the detection means may include a P card if the front and back of the inserted PC card are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket.
The switch has a switch that can be accommodated in a space partitioned by the cutout of the C card and the inner wall of the socket, and the switch has an inserted PC card whose front and back faces in an inappropriate direction with respect to the socket. The operation is performed so as not to hinder the insertion of the PC card, and as a result, the switching state of the switch is changed.

In the input / output device for a PC card according to the present invention, the switch is configured such that the plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector are electrically connected. Before changing its switching state.

The PC card connector according to the present invention comprises:
A PC card connector having a socket portion into which a PC card can be inserted, and a plurality of connector terminals provided on an inner wall behind the socket portion and capable of being electrically connected to a plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card; Detecting means for detecting in which direction the front and back of the inserted PC card are accommodated in the socket and facing the socket, and outputting a detection signal indicating the detection result.

The PC card connector according to the present invention comprises:
The detecting means has a switch which can be accommodated in a space defined by the cutout of the PC card and the inner wall of the socket portion if the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket portion. The switch operates so as not to hinder the insertion of the PC card if the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an inappropriate direction with respect to the socket portion. It is provided so that the state changes.

The PC card connector according to the present invention comprises:
The switch changes its switching state before the plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector are electrically connected.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a P according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the input / output device for C cards, and its peripheral circuit. In the figure, 1 is a PC card, 2 is P
A PC card connector into which the C card 1 is inserted and which is electrically connected to the female connector section 6 of the PC card 1, 3 is an internal circuit for reading and writing to the PC card 1, and 4 is a PC card connector 2 is a detection circuit (detection means) that detects the back of the PC card 1 inserted into the PC card 1 and outputs a LOW active detection signal, and detects the back of the inserted PC card 1 to detect the front and back of the PC card 1. Is detected with respect to the PC card connector 2. Numeral 5 is disposed between the PC card connector 2 and the internal circuit 3 and responds to a detection signal from the detection circuit 4 to allow the PC card connector 2 to respond.
A connection switching device (connection switching means) for switching the connection between the plurality of male connector terminals and the plurality of connection terminals (not shown) connected to the internal circuit 3.

FIG. 2 shows a PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a partial cutaway perspective view of a card connector and a PC card. In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes a female connector portion having a plurality of female connector terminals, which is provided on the front surface when the PC card 1 is inserted, and 7 is provided on the upper surface and one side surface of the PC card 1. A notch 8 extending from the front surface in the longitudinal direction thereof is a guide slit 8 provided on the other side surface of the PC card 1 and extending from the front surface of the PC card 1 in the longitudinal direction. 9 is a PC card 1
Is a socket portion which can be inserted, 10 is a plurality of male connector terminals (connector terminals) projecting from the inner wall at the back of the socket portion 9 and electrically connected to the female connector portion 6 of the PC card, and 11 is PC card 1 in socket 9
A guide rail which engages with the guide slit 8 of the PC card 1 when inserted into the PC card 1 and guides the guide slit 8;
When the C card 1 is inserted into the socket portion 9 with the front of the PC card 1 facing upward, for example, the C card 1 can be accommodated in a space partitioned by the notch 7 of the PC card 1 and the inner wall of the socket portion 9. Switch.

FIG. 3 shows a PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a main circuit configuration of the card input / output device. In the figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a pull-up resistor for connecting one terminal of the switch 12 to the high-voltage side power supply, and reference numeral 14 denotes a back side of the PC card 1 into which the switch 12 is inserted, which is generated by the pull-up resistor 13 and the switch 12. Is an inverter for inverting a detection signal indicating that the
Each of the terminals 8 corresponds to a corresponding male connector terminal 10 of the socket part 9 and one terminal 30 connected to the internal circuit 3 in response to a detection signal from the detection circuit 4 or an output of the inverter 14, that is, an inverted version of the detection signal. Is an analog switch that electrically connects

FIG. 4 shows a PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pin arrangement of a 68-pin female connector section 6 of the card. As shown in the figure, the PC card 1 has a configuration in which 68 female connector terminals are arranged in two rows. When the PC card 1 is viewed from the front with the table facing upward,
The terminal located at the upper right is referred to as terminal 1, the terminal located at the upper left is referred to as terminal 34, the terminal located at the lower left is referred to as terminal 35, and the terminal located at the lower right is referred to as terminal 68.

The connection switching device 5 shown in FIG. 3 switches the connection between the plurality of male connector terminals 10 of the PC card connector 2 and the plurality of terminals 30 connected to the internal circuit 3. More specifically, the connection switch 5 is
The connection partner of each terminal 30 connected to the internal circuit 3 is switched from one male connector terminal of the PC card connector 2 to another male connector terminal that is symmetrical with respect to this terminal and the center C on the front surface of the PC card 1. Thus, the connection between the plurality of male connector terminals 10 and the plurality of terminals 30 is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in response to a LOW active detection signal from the detection circuit 4, the internal circuit 3
Is connected to the 36th male connector terminal of the PC card connector 2 from the 2nd male connector terminal.

Next, the overall operation of such a PC card input / output device will be described. 5 (a) and 5 (b)
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the PC card 1 is inserted with its front face up in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
5A is a diagram showing a state before the PC card 1 is inserted, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a state after the PC card 1 is inserted. When the PC card 1 is inserted face up as described above, the switch 12 is completely accommodated in the space defined by the notch 7 of the PC card 1 and the inner wall of the socket portion 9, and the switch 12 is operated. The detection circuit 4 does not output a detection signal, that is, a switching signal. That is, the input of the inverter 14 remains HIGH. Therefore, PC
The plurality of female connector terminals of the card 1 are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 30 connected to the internal circuit 3 without being switched. For example, the PC card connector 2
In the case of the terminals No. 36 and No. 36, as is apparent from FIG.
In accordance with the output of the inverter 14 at the OW level, the analog switches 15 and 17 remain on, and the detection circuit 4
The analog switches 16 and 18 remain off in accordance with the HIGH level output from. As a result, the terminals 2 and 36 of the PC card connector 2 are connected to the internal circuit 3
Are electrically connected to the No. 2 and No. 36 terminals, respectively.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the operation when the PC card 1 is inserted with its back face up in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state before the PC card 1 is inserted, and FIG.
FIG. 6C is a view showing a state in which the C card 1 is partially inserted, and FIG. 6C shows the state after the PC card 1 is inserted until the female connector portion is electrically connected to the PC card connector 2. It is a figure showing a state. When the PC card 1 is inserted into the socket section 9 with its back face up as described above, the switch 12 is not accommodated in the space partitioned by the notch 7 of the PC card 1 and the inner wall of the socket section 9. . Instead, the switch 12 mechanically operates so as to abut on the leading end of the PC card 1 so as not to prevent the PC card 1 from being inserted into the socket 9, and the switching state of the switch 12 changes. That is, the switch 12 is closed. Preferably, as shown, the switch 12 has a movable contact tip bent toward the fixed contact.
As a result, the detection circuit 4 outputs a LOW active detection signal, that is, a switching signal. In response to the LOW level detection signal, the connection partner of each terminal 30 connected to the internal circuit 3 is connected from one corresponding male connector terminal of the PC card connector 2 to this terminal and the center of the front surface of the PC card 1. C
The connection switch 5 changes the connection between the plurality of male connector terminals 10 and the plurality of terminals 30 of the PC card connector 2 so that the connection is switched to another male connector terminal that is symmetric with respect to. For example, in the case of the No. 2 and No. 36 terminals of the PC card connector 2, as is clear from FIG.
In response to the output of the inverter 14 at the GH level, the analog switches 15 and 17 are turned off, and the LO
The analog switches 16 and 1 respond to the W level signal.
8 turns on. As a result, the PC card connector 2
The # 36 and # 36 terminals are electrically connected to the # 36 and # 2 terminals connected to the internal circuit 3, respectively.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which direction the front and back of the PC card 1 inserted into the socket 9 of the PC card connector 2 face the socket 9. And outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result, and a plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector and a plurality of terminals to be connected to the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector according to the detection signal from the detection circuit 4. A connection switch 5 for changing the connection is provided, and the detection circuit 4
If the front and back of the C card 1 are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket 9, the switch 1 can be accommodated in a space defined by the notch 7 of the PC card 1 and the inner wall of the socket 9.
2, the switch 12 operates so as not to hinder the insertion of the PC card if the front and back sides of the inserted PC card 1 are oriented in an improper direction with respect to the socket section 9, and as a result, Since the switching state of the switch 12 is changed, even a PC card that conforms to the conventional standard can be inserted upside down.
In addition, input and output to and from the PC card 1 can be performed in the same manner as when the PC card 1 is inserted with the front and back faces in appropriate directions. Therefore, even if a PC card of any kind is inserted into a PC card socket in any direction, it is possible to accurately perform input / output.
There is an effect that it is possible to prevent confusion due to the introduction of the new and improved PC card described above into the market.

The switch 12 outputs a detection signal before the plurality of male connector terminals 10 of the PC card connector 2 and the plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card 1 are electrically connected. Therefore, the connection to the internal circuit 3 can be switched before the plurality of female connector terminals of the PC card and the plurality of male connector terminals 10 of the PC card connector 2 are electrically connected. Therefore, the connection state from the plurality of male connector terminals 10 to the internal circuit 3 can be stabilized, and the female connector section 6 of the PC card can be electrically connected to the PC card connector 2, and switching noise can be reduced. PC card 1
PC can be prevented from being input into
There is an effect that adverse effects such as data loss of the card 1 can be prevented.

[0032]

According to the present invention, the PC card input / output device detects which direction the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are facing with respect to the socket, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result. A PC card connector having detection means for outputting, and a connection switching means for changing a connection between a plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector and a plurality of terminals to which the plurality of connector terminals are connected in accordance with a detection signal from the detection means. Was provided. Furthermore, preferably, the detecting means includes:
If the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket, the PC card has a switch that can be accommodated in a space partitioned by the cutout of the PC card and the inner wall of the socket. The switch is inserted P
If the front and back of the C card are oriented in an inappropriate direction with respect to the socket, the C card operates so as not to hinder the insertion of the PC card, and as a result, the switching state of the switch is changed. It is. Therefore, even if the PC card conforms to the conventional standard, it can be inserted upside down, and input / output can be performed in the same manner as when the PC card is inserted in the correct direction with respect to the socket. it can. Therefore, regardless of the type of the PC card, even if it is inserted upside down, it is possible to accurately perform input / output, and it is possible to prevent confusion due to the introduction of an improved new PC card shown in the prior art into the market. is there.

According to the present invention, the detecting means for detecting which direction the front and back of the PC card inserted into the PC card connector faces the socket portion, and outputting a detection signal indicating the detection result. Is obtained. Further, the detection means may be a switch which can be accommodated in a space separated by the cutout of the PC card and the inner wall of the socket portion if the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket portion. The switch operates so as not to hinder the insertion of the PC card if the front and back of the inserted PC card are oriented in an inappropriate direction with respect to the socket portion,
As a result, the switching state of the switch is provided to change. Therefore, if a PC card input / output device is formed using the PC card connector, it is determined which direction the front and back of the PC card are facing, and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector and the connection partner thereof are accordingly determined. Can be changed with a plurality of terminals. Therefore, regardless of the type of PC card, even if it is inserted upside down, it is possible to perform accurate input / output, and there is an effect of preventing confusion due to introduction of an improved new PC card shown in the prior art into the market. .

According to the present invention, the switch changes its switching state before the plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector are electrically connected. So that P
Before the plurality of connector terminals of the C card and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector are respectively electrically coupled, the connection between the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector and the plurality of terminals to be connected thereto is made. Can be changed. Therefore, after stabilizing the connection from the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector to the plurality of terminals that can be connected to the internal circuit, the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card are connected to the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector. PC noise can be prevented from being input to the PC card by switching noise.
This has the effect of preventing adverse effects such as data loss on the card from occurring.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC card input / output device and peripheral circuits according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a PC card connector and a PC card according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the PC card input / output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a pin arrangement of a female connector of the PC card according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation when a PC card is inserted with its front face up in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation when a PC card is inserted with its back face up in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing an outer shape of a conventional PC card.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional PC card input / output device and its peripheral circuits.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of a conventional PC card connector.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional improved PC card.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 PC card, 2 PC card connector, 4 detection circuit (detection means), 5 connection switching device (connection switching means), 6
Female connector, 7 notch, 9 socket,
10 male connector terminals (connector terminals), 12 switches.

Claims (6)

[Claims] A socket part into which a PC card can be inserted;
A PC card connector having a plurality of connector terminals provided on the inner wall at the back of the socket portion and capable of being electrically connected to a plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card; and accommodated in the socket portion of the PC card connector Detecting which direction the front and back of the PC card inserted into the PC card connector face with respect to the socket portion of the PC card connector, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result. A PC card input device comprising: a detection unit; and a connection switching unit configured to change a connection between the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector and a plurality of terminals to be connected thereto in accordance with a detection signal from the detection unit. Output device. 2. The detecting means according to claim 1, wherein the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket, and the detecting means is provided in a space defined by the cutout of the PC card and the inner wall of the socket. A switch that can be accommodated, wherein the switch operates so as not to hinder insertion of the PC card if the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an inappropriate direction with respect to the socket portion; 2. The PC card input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the switching state of the switch is changed as a result. 3. The switch changes its switching state before the plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector are electrically connected. 2. The PC card input / output device according to 2. 4. A socket portion into which a PC card can be inserted, a plurality of connector terminals provided on an inner wall behind the socket portion and capable of being electrically connected to a plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card; And a detecting means for detecting which direction the front and back of the PC card inserted into the socket is oriented with respect to the socket, and outputting a detection signal indicating the detection result. Connector for PC card. 5. The detecting means according to claim 1, wherein the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an appropriate direction with respect to the socket, and the detecting means is provided in a space defined by the notch of the PC card and the inner wall of the socket. A switch that can be accommodated, wherein the switch operates so as not to hinder insertion of the PC card if the front and back sides of the inserted PC card are oriented in an inappropriate direction with respect to the socket portion; 5. The PC card connector according to claim 4, wherein the switching state of the switch is changed as a result. 6. The switch changes its switching state before the plurality of connector terminals of the inserted PC card and the plurality of connector terminals of the PC card connector are electrically connected. 5. The PC card connector according to 5.