DE10060650A1 - Smart-Card Conenctor for two smart cards - Google Patents

Abstract

Smart card connector for two smart in particular SIM cards with a contact carrier, in which a first set of contact elements are provided for contacting the contact zone of a first SIM card and with a second contact carrier, preferably articulated to the contact carrier, in particular in the form of a cover that carries a second contact set for contacting a second SIM card, means being provided which ensure the connection of the contact elements of the second contact set to the printed circuit board.

Description

The invention relates to a smart card connector for two smart Cards. In particular, the invention relates to a Smart Card Con nector for two SIM cards.

Smart card connector for two smart cards (short: cards), in particular SIM cards are also known. Compare, for example, the DE-199 13 923 A1. Smart card connectors are used on many applications areas, used for example in telephones, payment terminals, etc. Often, more than one smart card connector must be used, which is often the case fig leads to difficulties with the space required. In general The smart card connectors are mounted on a circuit board. frequently The assembly is done by the smart card connector (s) be soldered on. There are already use cases in which up to four Smart card connectors are attached to a circuit board. Here it would be useful when reducing the space required on the circuit board (or otherwise in any device) possibly only two Smart Card Con nectors should be used, of which each smart card reader ever because it would take two cards.

DE-199 13 923 A1 shows, for example, a contacting device for a SIM card, d. H. a smart card reader, where the smart card has a SIM Card is. With this contacting device, two SIM cards are used a drawer inserted into the side of the device. The handling part is the Drawer part of the outer wall of the device or it must be behind a sol Chen be attached. Another disadvantage is the intervention in the housing design and losing the drawer. According to the invention, a smart card Connector that is as small as possible, accessible from above secure contact is guaranteed, precise contact is guaranteed and is inexpensive to manufacture.  

According to the invention, one is designed to hold two SIM cards Smart card connector provided such that in a contact carrier Kon Clock elements for which a SIM card are arranged while in a front preferably on the contact carrier hinged cover contact elements for a second SIM card are arranged. The contacts are preferred zones of both cards led separately to the circuit board. As a type of connection SMT is preferably provided.

According to the invention, the "access from above" requirement is met Concept of a hinged sliding lid, the cards used in the Cover are and the lid, or at least parts thereof, slidably are. The contact carrier carries reading contacts for the in a known manner first card. Furthermore, one side of the contract holder with the cover bearing and the other side is provided with locking elements.

The cover forms a slot for the first card and one second slot above the first slot for the second card. In Dec Read contacts are arranged for the second card. Furthermore, the Hinge elements on one side and Ver riege development elements.

The connections of the second read contact set are preferably designed as "float" Contacts "from the cover. These connections of the second Le Contact set can include a third integrated in the contact carrier or a Contact molded contact set. This third contact set has contact elements that on the one hand make contact with the float contacts of the cover can put and on the other hand preferably SMT connections to the form the circuit board.

When the cover is open or unlocked, the contact is the contact elements of the second contact set with the contact elements of the third Contact set interrupted. The cones only close when the lid is locked  contacts. Locking the lid causes a self-cleaning contact tion.

In contrast to a smart card called "SIMLOCK" (brand) Connectors according to DE-199 13 923 A1 are preferred according to the invention the cards moved when locking with the lid. But this does not have to be the case be like that, but could also be solved differently. When locking with the Cover and when moving the cards, the first card slides over the ver Locking path via the reading contacts in the contact carrier. The second or top The card is slid under the reading contacts in the cover.

There is also a polarization corner or slope for the first card in the contact carrier. If the card is inserted incorrectly, it cannot be locked. For the second card, the polarization slope or corner is in front of the cover seen. An incorrectly inserted card cannot be fully inserted here and the lid cannot be locked.

In addition, a stop is provided in the contact carrier, on the one hand prevents the locking of incorrectly inserted cards and also prevents them that cards can move out of the cover when the cover is locked. Preferably, the lid is closed and not yet locked state in which the SIM Card Connector pick and place and reflow solderable.

In addition, the invention provides a switch that the locked Condition of the lid reports. For this purpose there are two additional contacts elements are provided in the cover and are used when punching the reading contacts modified together and form with two other contact elements adjacent to the third set of contacts a short circuit bridge at Lock.  

In summary, it can be said that the present invention is the sub two cards in a hinged sliding lid. First, second and third contact sets are in the contact carrier or fold-slide Cover provided, wherein one of the contact sets float contact elements bil det, which is opened with the lid open and unlocked and with the lid locked Lids are closed.

The locking position of the cover in its unlocked state enables the transport and the soldering process without the contact elements me are mechanically burdened.

The invention particularly sees a SIM card connector according to the To say 1 before. Preferred embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims. Further advantages, aims and details of the invention result from the description of an embodiment with reference to FIG Drawing; in the drawing shows:

Figure 1 shows a SIM card connector according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the lid and switch are open.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the SIM card connector of Figure 1 with the lid closed, which has not yet been moved into its locking position, so that a locking switch is not yet closed.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the SIM card connector of Figures 1 and 2, wherein the lid is locked and closed the switch..;

Fig. 4 shows a detail of Figure 3 in a slightly different perspective view.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view approximately along line 5-5 in Figure 2, but the lid is shown opened.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view approximately along line 5-5 of Figure 2 wherein the lid is closed but not yet locked shown.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view approximately along line 5-5 of Figure 2, but the lid is in its locking position.

Fig. 8 is a very schematic section through the SIM card connector of FIG. 1;

Fig. 9 is an extremely schematic section through the SIM card connector of FIG. 2, the contact zones of the smart or SIM card are shown, but the contact tips of the contact elements should actually be placed on these contact zones 2 , which is not the case is;

FIG. 10 is an extremely schematic sectional view of the SIM card connector of FIG. 3;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a cover accommodated in the contact set together with two bridged switch contact elements of the interlock switch;

Figs. 12-14 are partial perspective views of a further Ausführungsbei which means are game of the invention as provided to set the lid in a closed but not yet locked condition in a so-called pre-locking position, and wherein the lid is still open in Fig. 12, in Fig . Dec the angle is closed but not locked shown 13, and is also closed locked in Fig. 14, the lid both.

The Fig. 1 as well as Figs. 2 to 11 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a smart card connector according to the invention, in particular in the form of a SIM card connector 10th The SIM card connector 10 shown can also be referred to as SIMLOCK (R) for two cards. In the figures, the smart card, which is in the form of a SIM card, is designated by the reference number 1 .

The SIM card connector 10 has a generally stationary contact carrier 11 , on which a movable contact carrier 12 , which is referred to below as the cover 12 , is attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 12 is pivotally mounted on the contact carrier 11 . The Dec angle 12 is also for the purpose of locking (in particular in its closed position) on the contact carrier 11 with respect to the contact carrier 11 to and fro. The pivoting and sliding movements of the cover 12 with respect to the contact carrier 11 are made possible by a total of 13 designated articulation means.

The contact carrier 11

The contact carrier 11 and the lid 12 are preferably made of plastic by injection molding. The contact carrier 11 forms a plate part 14 (hereinafter plate 14 for short) in which read contact elements 61 are arranged, for example injected. The read contacts 61 , also referred to as read contacts or short contacts, form a first contact set 60 for contacting the contact zones 2 of a first or lower (see FIG. 10) SIM card 1 .

The plate 14 forms on its two longitudinal sides longitudinal side edges 21 which form a longitudinal side bearing surface 20 which is lowered in relation to a bearing surface 23 of the plate 14 . The plate 14 forms a guide surface 230 on both sides, which are provided vertically between the horizontal bearing surface 23 and the likewise horizontally extending longitudinal side bearing surfaces 20 , which prevent the cover from being supported on the printed circuit board.

In the plate 14 slots 22 are formed, the passage of Kon taktkuppen 62 of the contact elements 61 of the first contact set 60 permit.

The contact carrier 11 also has contact or locking elements 30 and 40 formed on the plate 14 on both sides. The contact element 30 is angularly formed by a longitudinal wall 33 and a transverse wall 34 , a locking cutout 32 being provided in the longitudinal wall. The longitudinal wall 33 forms a guide surface 35 , and the transverse wall 34 forms a surface 36 on . The contact element 30 also forms a polarization surface 37 , which runs obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the contact carrier, and cooperates with the corresponding polarization slope of the first or lower SIM card 1 .

The contact element 40 also has a longitudinal wall 43 and a transverse wall 44 . The transverse wall 44 forms a contact surface 46 . A locking cutout 42 is formed in the longitudinal wall 43 .

The two longitudinal side support surfaces 20 are opposed to the locking cutouts 32 and 42 by webs 39 .

On the transverse side of the plate 14 , which is opposite to the transverse side forming the contact elements 30 , 40, plate-side articulation means are provided which work together with articulation-side articulation means (hinge elements). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plate-side articulation means of articulation means 13 consist of two spaced-apart bearing blocks 50 and 51 , which are offset somewhat inwards relative to the longitudinal side edges 21 and protrude high relative to the contact surface 23 . Figs. 2, 4 and 8 to 10 show the construction of the bearing blocks 50, 51 in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, a bearing pin or pin 91 of the cover-side articulation means (to be described in more detail) each sits in the bearing blocks 50 , 51 . These journals 91 can be inserted from above through slots 52 in the bearing blocks 50 , 51 and then sit in a transverse slot 58 (compare for example Fig. 8), so that the cover 12 from its position shown in Figs. 1 and 8 in a position shown in Fig. 2 and 9 (closed position) can be pivoted. The transverse slot 58 is divided by a slightly raised web portion 56 ( FIG. 8), so that a certain force must be applied to the cover 12 from the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 into the position in FIGS. 3 and 10 shown position (locking position) to move.

In addition to the cover-side articulation means 13 just described, a transverse rib 53 preferably runs between the bearing blocks 50 , 51 , which can be clearly seen, for example, in FIGS . 1, 2 and 5 to 7. This transverse rib 53 is formed together with the plate 14 and has a base part 55 with the width B ( FIG. 6) in the longitudinal direction and then also a web part 56 which projects upwards and ends at the top with a curve 54 . The web part 56 (see FIG. 6) has a smaller width b than the base part 55 .

In addition to the first contact set 60 in the base part, a second contact set 80, which will be described in more detail, is accommodated in the cover 12 and is used for contacting the contact zones 2 of the upper (compare FIG. 7) SIM card 1 . This second contact set 80 can come into contact with a third contact set 70 which, like the first contact set 60 , is accommodated in the plate part 14 , but separately from it. The third contact set 70 to be described here serves practically to connect the second contact set 80 to a printed circuit board on which the underside 38 of the SIM card connector 10 is generally placed.

The third contact set 70 generally consists of six identically formed contact elements 71 which are fastened in the plate 14 between the articulation means 50 , 51 , preferably injected. Each contact element 71 forms a contact tip 72 , which includes the aforementioned curve 54 of the web part 56 . Subsequent to the contact tip 72 , the contact element 71 forms a vertically extending contact arm 73 , which runs on the outside on the ( FIG. 5) left-facing surface of the web part 56 . The contact arm 73 "dips" with its lower end into the base part 55 and continues in an angled portion 74 , which is also fastened in the base part, for example injected. The angled section 74 continues in a horizontal section 75 , which emerges from the base part 55 in order to subsequently merge into a vertical section 76 , which in turn ends in a horizontal connection or connection section 77 , which provides an SMD connection. The formation of the sections 75 to 77 provides a certain elasticity for the horizontal connecting section 77 .

It should be mentioned at this point that, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the third contact set 70 having six contact elements 71 has two additional (switch) contact elements 701 and 702 which cooperate with corresponding additional contact elements 801 , 802 in the cover 12 .

The lid 12

The box-shaped cover 12 is articulated by the already mentioned steering means 13 on the plate 14 . The articulation means 13 in addition to the plate-side articulation means cover-side articulation means (hinge elements) 13 , which in particular include the already mentioned bearing journal 91 and also the bearing arms 91 carrying articulation arms 90 . It should be mentioned at this point that the storage of the cover 12 on the plate part 14 could also take place in a kinematic reversal in such a way that for example the trunnions on the plate part 14 and thus cooperating de slots on the cover 12 could be provided. Since the articulation arms 90 can have a certain elasticity, the embodiment shown is preferred at the time.

The lid 12 has an upper wall 93 , in which a plurality of slots 98 are formed, in which the contact elements 81 of the second contact set 80 extend partially. The cover 12 also has two perpendicular to the obe ren wall 93 extending side walls 97 and an abutment wall 99 (see the same Fig. 3 and 5). Also protrude into the space spanned by the upper wall 93 and the side walls 97, longitudinal webs 197 , 198 , which, compare z. Define B. Fig. 6, a second or upper well 95 and a first or un direct duct 96. The upper shaft 95 is formed by the inner surface 199 of the upper wall 93 and the upper side longitudinal webs 197 . The lower shaft 96 is formed by the undersides of the longitudinal webs 197 and the upper sides of the longitudinal webs 198 . The thickness D (cf. FIG. 5) of the longitudinal webs 198 lying opposite in the longitudinal direction corresponds approximately to the height H (cf. FIG. 1) of the step 230 in order to achieve a flat overall height. Locking means in the form of locking projections 101 are provided on the right ends in FIG. 2 at the bottom of the cover 12 and come into engagement with the locking cutouts 32 already mentioned when the cover is in its so-called "inactive / cover closed" position (closed position). is shifted as shown in FIG. 6 in the "active / lid locked" (locking position) position shown in Fig. 7.

The top wall 93 forms a cutout 104 adjacent to its articulation arms 90 and thereby defines a support surface 107 for plane sections 82 of contact elements 81 of the third contact set 80 to be described in more detail. The contact elements 81 protrude in the closed position of the cover according to FIG. 6 without making contact via the contact tips 72 of the contact elements 71 . The contact elements 71 are fastened in the cover 12 , preferably injected before, and protrude with their contact tips 72 over the upper surface of the underside of the upper wall 93 to come into contact with the contact zones 2 when inserting a SIM card 1 (ver same to FIGS. 9 and 10).

In detail, an angled portion 85 includes at each contact element 81 at the aforementioned flat portions 82, terminating in an angled portion as derum 86th This angled section 86 can also be referred to as a contact section or simply connection 86 , since it serves to come into contact with a contact tip 72 of a corresponding contact element 71 in the locking position according to FIG. 7. It can be said that the connections 86 of the second reading contact set 80 are guided out of the cover 12 as "float contacts". As he believes, the flat section 82 also extends into the material of the cover 12 , in order to then emerge into the slot 98 and at the end form the contact tip 72 already mentioned.

As already mentioned above, in addition to the contact elements 81 of the second contact set 80 (on the right in FIG. 1), two (switch) contact elements 801 and 802 are provided which, as can clearly be seen in FIG. 11, are short-circuited.

These contact elements 801 and 802 together with the contact elements 701 and 702 form a locking switch and provide information regarding the reaching of the locking position shown in FIG. 7. Just like the other contact elements 81 of the second contact set 80 , the contact elements 801 and 802, also referred to as switch contact elements, are then connected to the contact elements 71 or 701 and 702 in contact with the printed circuit board when the cover is in its locking position.

operation

To put the SIM card connector 10 into operation, this is generally set up with its underside 38 on a circuit board, not shown, and the horizontal connection sections 77 of the contact elements 71 and also 701 and 702 are electrically connected to corresponding connections on a circuit board , e.g. B. soldered. The same also applies to the contact connections shown in example in FIG. 8, which correspond to the horizontal connection sections 77 of the first contact set 60th The contact connections 74 and 77 are preferably SMD connections.

In order to be able to use the two SIM cards 1 , the cover is pivoted, for example, into the open position shown in FIG. 1. The left or second card 1 is inserted with its contact zones 2 pointing to the left and the first or right card 1 is inserted with its contact zones 2 pointing to the right into the corresponding slots 95 , 96 (see also FIG. 5, where it is shown that push both cards onto the contact surface 102 ). Then the lid 12 is pivoted and in its ge in Fig. 2 or in Fig. 6 showed horizontal position. While in this closed position the contact zones 2 of the left or top SIM card 1 in FIG. 6 are already in contact with the corresponding contact tips of the second contact set 80 , the displacement from the closed position according to FIG. 6 into the locking position according to FIG . 7, the contacting of the contact cusps 62 of the first contact set 60 with the corresponding contact zones brought 2 of the then lower or first SIM card 1. At the same time during the transition from the closed position according to FIG. 6 to the locking position according to FIG. 7, the contact between the contact elements 81 of the second contact set 80 and the contact elements 71 of the third contact set 70 (and also, if present, the contact elements 801 , 802 with contacts 701 , 702 ).

Figs. 12 to 14 describe a further embodiment of a smart card connector OF INVENTION to the invention, that the parts are not shown anfangt, is also formed of, as for the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 11 is shown. In Figs. 12 to 14, means are provided to a pre-locking position for the smart card connector, in particular its lid 12, to be provided. These means for enabling a pre-locking position preferably have slots 401 , 402 formed in the contact elements 300 , 400 , which form contact surfaces 403 . The contact elements 300 , 400 sit to receive the slots 401 , 402 in the longitudinal direction compared to the first embodiment, elongated side or longitudinal walls 330 , 430 and transverse walls 340 , 440 .

Retaining projections 500 , which protrude laterally in the upper region, are preferably formed on both sides of the cover and, as can be seen in FIGS . 13 and 14, can come into engagement with the slots 401 , 402 . To attach the retaining lugs 500 , the upper part of the cover is preferably slightly longer than in the first exemplary embodiment.

In considering the Fig. 12, 13 and 14 it is seen that the lid consists of egg ner in Fig. 12 position shown can be pivoted out and, when it is closed, which occupies in Fig. 13 position shown. This is the so-called pre-locking position, in which the Smart Card Connector is "pick and place" capable. Fig. 14 is then formed by the longitudinal displacement of the cover 12 to reach the closing and locking position, as occur in the first embodiment unspecified projections into respective locking cut-outs 420 in the contact carrier. The length of the slots 401 , 402 preferably corresponds to the required longitudinal displacement of the cover in the closed, locked position.

The means for enabling the pre-locking position can of course be designed differently than shown. For example, lugs could be provided on the contact carrier, which work together with corresponding recesses on the cover. The preferred latching means, namely the holding lugs 500 and the slots 401 , 402 are, so to speak, made in one piece with the corresponding components, namely cover 12 and contact carrier, but additional attachable latching means can also be provided.

As to the thickness or height of the projections 101 in FIGS. 1 to 11 and the corresponding projections not shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, it should be noted that these correspond to the height H of the shoulder 230 of the bearing surface 20 , which a small overall height enables.

Claims (15)

1. Smart card connector for two smart in particular SIM cards with egg nem contact carrier ( 11 ), in which a first set of contact elements for contacting the contact zone of a first SIM card are provided and preferably with a pivot on the contact carrier ( 11 ) Articulated second contact carrier, in particular in the form of a cover ( 12 ) which carries a second contact set ( 70 ) for contacting a second SIM card, means being provided which ensure the connection of the contact elements of the second contact set ( 70 ) to the printed circuit board , 2. Smart Card Connector for two Smart in particular SIM cards, characterized in that two SiM cards ( 1 ) are housed in the cover ( 12 ). 3. Smart Card Connector for two Smart in particular SIM cards, characterized in that a third contact set ( 70 ) is provided in the contact carrier ( 11 ), which ensures the connection of the second contact set ( 80 ) with connections on a circuit board. 4. Smart card connector for two smart in particular SIM cards, characterized in that the connection between the second contact set and the third contact set is provided only for a certain position of the cover ( 12 ) with respect to the contact carrier ( 14 ). 5. Smart card connector for two smart in particular SIM cards, characterized in that the contact between the contact elements of the second contact set ( 80 ) and the third contact set ( 70 ) when the cover ( 12 ) is moved relative to the contact carrier ( 14 ) takes place. 6. Smart Card Connector for two Smart especially SIM cards, because characterized in that the lid as a hinged sliding lid is trained. 7. Smart Card Connector for two Smart especially SIM cards, because characterized in that the second contact set of contact elements Has float contact connections. 8. Smart Card Connector for two Smart especially SIM cards, because characterized in that the contact between the float contacts and the contact elements of the third contact set when open and unlocked lid open and ge with locked lid is closed. 9. Smart Card Connector for two Smart especially SIM cards, because characterized in that polarizing means in the lid and in the con clock carriers are provided. 10. Smart Card Connector for two Smart, in particular SIM cards, because characterized in that the cover with a pre-locking position in the un locked state for transport and during the soldering process Is provided. 11. Smart Card Connector for two Smart especially SIM cards, because characterized in that a switch is featured as a locking sensor see is. 12. Smart card connector according to claim 11, characterized in that that the switch only in the locked, that is, closed and ver locked, state is actuated or switches.   13. Smart card connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness or height of the projections 101 corresponds to the height of the offset of the longitudinal side support surface 20 relative to the support surface 23 for the card. 14. Smart card connector according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized characterized in that locking means are formed on the lid, which with Counter locking means can be brought into engagement on the contact carrier. 15. Smart card connector according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the latching means on the cover are formed by projections, in particular holding projections 500 , while the Gegenrastmit tel on the contact carrier by slots formed in this, in particular longitudinal slots 402 are formed , which allow the cover 12 to be moved from its closed but not yet locked position (pre-locking position) to a closed and locked position.