EP1576866A1 - Adapter for electrically connecting a miniature integrated circuit card in a memory card connector - Google Patents

Adapter for electrically connecting a miniature integrated circuit card in a memory card connector

Info

Publication number
EP1576866A1
EP1576866A1 EP03789532A EP03789532A EP1576866A1 EP 1576866 A1 EP1576866 A1 EP 1576866A1 EP 03789532 A EP03789532 A EP 03789532A EP 03789532 A EP03789532 A EP 03789532A EP 1576866 A1 EP1576866 A1 EP 1576866A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
card
adapter
mini
connection
conductive
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP03789532A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Bernard Calvas
Michel Chomette
Didier Elbaz
Philippe Patrice
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thales DIS France SA
Original Assignee
Gemplus Card International SA
Gemplus SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gemplus Card International SA, Gemplus SA filed Critical Gemplus Card International SA
Priority to EP09176804.4A priority Critical patent/EP2159734B1/en
Publication of EP1576866A1 publication Critical patent/EP1576866A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0013—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers
    • G06K7/0021—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07737—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier consisting of two or more mechanically separable parts
    • G06K19/07741—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier consisting of two or more mechanically separable parts comprising a first part operating as a regular record carrier and a second attachable part that changes the functional appearance of said record carrier, e.g. a contact-based smart card with an adapter part which, when attached to the contact card makes the contact card function as a non-contact card

Definitions

  • Adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a memory card connector "Adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a memory card connector"
  • the present invention relates to an adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a connector.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to an adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a main connector for electronic memory card with integrated circuit (s) in contact with a footprint greater than the mini-card, the mini-card comprising surface contact tracks and said adapter comprising a main body capable of connecting to the main connector and a housing for receiving the mini-card opening onto the surface of the main body and comprising inside the pads for connection to the electrical contacts of the mini-card.
  • MultiMediaCard sold by the company SANDISK and whose dimensions of its body containing the integrated circuits and the positioning of its conductive contact pads are precisely defined by its manufacturer and by a user association in order to have a definition standardized type of such a card.
  • This definition is for example the subject of the publication “MultiMediaCard System Specification Version 2.1 1 Officiai Release @ June 1999 MMCA”.
  • SD cards All the characteristics and performance of SD cards is defined by the documents issued by the SDCA (SD Gard Association) whose address is 53 Muckelemi St. P.O. Box 189, San Juan Baustista, CA 95045-0189 - USA.
  • the overall dimensions of the MMC and SD cards are identical, except for the thickness of the SD card which is increased.
  • M S memory Stick
  • MS card All the characteristics and performance of the MS card are defined in the document published by the company Sony Corporation and entitled “Memory Stick Standard - Memory Stick Duo Format Specifications ver. 1 .0 - August 2001 ".
  • These different formats of memory cards all have a generally rectangular shape, with longitudinal conductive areas which are arranged on or in one of the main faces parallel to and in the vicinity of a transverse board of the card.
  • each of these memory card formats are greater than the external dimensions of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) standardized of the mini-SI M type (SIM meaning " Subscriber Identification Module ”), which is a small card commonly used in the radiotelephone field as a medium for storing data, in particular identification data for the user of the mini-card.
  • SIM Subscriber Identification Module
  • the invention aims to provide an adapter for connecting a mini-card in a connector designed to receive a standardized memory card with large storage capacity.
  • the invention provides an adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a main connector for electronic memory card with integrated circuit (s) in contact with a space requirement greater than the mini-card, the mini-card comprising contact tracks on the surface and said adapter comprising a main body capable of connect to the main connector and a housing for receiving the mini-card opening onto the surface of the main body and comprising inside the pads for connection to the electrical contacts of the mini-card, characterized in that it comprises a cover mobile which is capable of occupying a position in which it at least partially closes the housing by maintaining the mini-card in the electrical connection position in the housing and by stiffening the overall structure of the adapter.
  • the cover is mounted to slide longitudinally on the main body
  • the hood is generally in the form of an inverted U-shaped section comprising a transverse main plate and two longitudinal lateral wings, and each lateral wing is provided, at its free end, with a return which comes to bear against a portion of the face facing the body;
  • the cover has a transverse main plate and the cover is mounted on the body by fitting;
  • the main plate of the cap has means, such as embossing, to increase its longitudinal and / or transverse rigidity;
  • the cover is made of metal
  • the upper main face of the body is provided with parallel longitudinal conductive pads and the body is made of a plastic material which is molded around conductive blades, each blade comprising a first section electrically connected to a conductive pad and a second section forming a stud associated connection; - The first section of each conductive core constitutes a conductive pad;
  • the housing connection wall which is provided with connection pads, comprises, facing the contact tracks of the mini-card, a cavity in which the second end section of each blade extends generally longitudinally , by forming a protruding boss inside the housing so that, when a mini-card is present in the housing, each connection pad is urged elastically towards the associated contact track to ensure the electrical connection between them by contact ;
  • each connection pad is arranged in line with a vertical connection well which extends between the connection wall of the housing, which is provided with connection pads, and a main face of the body, and which contains a conductive material, so that each connection well electrically connects a connection pad to an associated conductive track, which is arranged on said main face of the body, and each conductor track is electrically connected to a longitudinal conductive pad associated with the contact pad connection and arranged on the upper main face of the body;
  • each conductive pad is arranged in line with a vertical connection well which extends between the upper main face and the lower main face of the body, and which contains a conductive material, so that each conductive pad is electrically connected to the associated conductive track through a connection well;
  • the body has several vertically superimposed layers, and a series of conductive tracks is arranged between two layers;
  • each connection pad is produced by depositing a film of elastic conductive material, for example silicone charged with metallic particles, which forms a bulge, prominent inside the housing, so as to guarantee the electrical connection by contact between each connection pad and the associated contact track of the mini-card, despite defects in co flatness between the connection face of the housing and the face facing the mini-card;
  • a film of elastic conductive material for example silicone charged with metallic particles, which forms a bulge, prominent inside the housing
  • connection pad is formed by a metal dome attached to the connection wall;
  • the body includes keying means to guarantee the correct positioning of the mini-card in the housing;
  • the mini-card is a standardized card of the mini-SIM type
  • the adapter has the form of a standardized card of the MultiMedia Card type; - the adapter has the form of a standard card of the type
  • the adapter has the form of a standardized card of the Memory Stick type.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows a first embodiment of an adapter according to the teachings of the invention and a mini-card before its introduction into the adapter;
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view which schematically shows the adapter of Figure 1 when the mini-card occupies its connection position inside the adapter, the cover of the adapter being in the closed position;
  • FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a second embodiment of the adapter according to the invention
  • - Figures 4 to 7 are views similar to that of Figure 2 which illustrate several stages of the manufacturing process of the adapter of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a third embodiment of the adapter according to the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a fourth embodiment of the adapter according to the invention.
  • the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations will be adopted, without limitation, according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures.
  • FIG. 1 There is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a first embodiment of an adapter 10 which is produced in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
  • the main connector which has not been shown here, is a conventional connector capable of receiving in an additional manner an electronic memory card of the MMC type, so as to allow a device electrically connected to the connector to process the data stored in said menu.
  • the standard dimensions of an MMC card are as follows: longitudinal dimension (length) of 32 mm, transverse dimension (width) of 24 mm, and vertical dimension (thickness) of 1.4 mm.
  • the external dimensions of the adapter 10 must therefore respect these dimensions.
  • the present invention is not limited to this memory card format, but it applies to any memory card format whose dimensions are compatible with the use of a mini-card.
  • the invention applies to an adapter 10 in which the mini-card 12 partly extends outside the main body of the adapter.
  • the mini-card 12 is here of standardized format of the mini-SI M type, which corresponds to the AFNOR CEN / TC 224N 406 standard of May 10, 1993. Such a mini-card 12 is sometimes designated by the term "plug-in" in the field of smart cards.
  • the present invention is not limited to mini-cards of the mini-SIM type, but it applies to any type of data carrier with integrated circuit (s) of overall dimensions smaller than that of the electronic memory card concerned, and comprising contact tracks 14 for its electrical connection.
  • the mini-map 12 has a generally rectangular shape which includes a cutaway 16 having a keying function which will be explained later.
  • the mini-card 12 has two main flat faces 18, 20 one of which (18) is provided with contact tracks 14, and it includes, in its thickness, integrated circuits or chips (not shown).
  • the adapter 10 comprises a main body 22 in the form of an electronic memory card, here in the form of an MMC card.
  • the adapter 10 can take the form of another type of standardized electronic memory card, in particular the form of a standardized card of the type Secure Digital, or the form of a standardized Memory Stick type card.
  • the main body 22 here has a generally rectangular shape which includes a keyed cutaway 24 corresponding to the cutaway provided in the MMC card format.
  • the body 22 is made of an insulating material, for example a plastic material.
  • the upper main face 26 of the body 22 is provided with parallel longitudinal conductive pads 28 which are arranged in the vicinity of a transverse edge of the body 22, or connection edge 30.
  • the body 22 eliminates, in its thickness, a housing 32 complementary to the mini-card 12 which opens here in the upper main face 26 of the body 22 to allow the establishment of the mini-card 12.
  • the housing 32 has a bottom wall, or connection wall 34, which is substantially parallel to the upper face 26 of the body 22 and which is provided with connection pads 36.
  • the connection pads 36 are arranged in the connection wall 34 so that they are in contact respectively with the contact tracks 14 of the mini-card 12, when the mini-card 12 occupies its electrical connection position in the housing 32, or connection position.
  • Each connection pad 36 is electrically connected to a conductive pad 28 associated with the adapter 10.
  • the body 22 comprises a series of conductive metal blades 38 which each have a first end section 4 0 c constituting a conductive page 28 and a second end section 42 constituting an associated connection pad 36.
  • each blade 38 extends substantially longitudinally on the upper face 26 of the body 22 in the vicinity of the connection edge 30 of the adapter 10, and the second end section 42 extends substantially longitudinally under the connection wall 34 of the housing 32.
  • the body 22 is molded around the conductive blades 38.
  • Each blade 38 comprises, between the first 40 and the second 42 end sections, an intermediate section 44 which here extends in a generally vertical direction, and which is embedded in the body 22 of plastic.
  • connection wall 34 of the housing 32 comprises, facing the contact tracks 14 of the mini-card 12, a cavity 46 in which the second end section 42 of each blade extends generally longitudinally, forming a boss 48 projecting inside the housing 32.
  • the cavity 46 here has the shape of a rectangular window which opens at the top in the connection wall 34 of the housing 32 and at the bottom in the lower main face 50 of the body 22.
  • Such an arrangement of the blades 38 in the cavity 46 allows '' exploit their elastic properties to ensure electrical contact between each connection pad 36 and the associated contact track 14 of the mini-card 12.
  • the conductive metal blades 38 are produced from grids formed and cut, according to a technology similar to that used in the field of smart cards.
  • a movable cover 52 is mounted on the body 22 of the adapter 10.
  • the cover 52 is capable of occupying a closed position on the body 22, in which it at least partially closes the housing 32, so as to retain the mini-card 12 in the connection position, or electrical connection position by contact, in the housing 32, and so as to stiffen the overall structure of the adapter 10.
  • the cover 52 is slidably mounted in a longitudinal direction on the body 22.
  • the cover 52 can be mounted on the body 22 in a different manner, for example by interlocking or
  • the cover 52 has the overall shape of an inverted U-shaped section comprising a main transverse plate 54 and two longitudinal lateral wings 56, 58, which are substantially parallel to the longitudinal vertical faces 60, 62 of the body 22.
  • Each lateral wing 56, 58 is provided, at its lower end, with a return 64, 66 which is contained in a substantially transverse longitudinal plane and which bears against a portion of the lower main face 50 of the body 22, so in guiding the cover 52 in longitudinal sliding relative to the body 22.
  • the lower main face 50 of the body 22 comprises two longitudinal shoulders 68, 70 substantially complementary to the returns 64, 6 6 of the cover 52, so as to facilitate the longitudinal guiding and the retaining of the cover 52 on the body 22, and so that the external dimensions of the adapter 10, taking account of the cover 52, correspond to the external dimensions of an MMC card.
  • the cover 52 makes it possible to stiffen the structure of the adapter 10 at the same time as it keeps the mini-card 12 in abutment against the connection pads 36, that is to say in the connection position in the housing 32.
  • the rigidity the cover 52 makes it possible in particular to compensate for the flexibility of the body 22 and of the mini-card 12 which are made of plastic.
  • the cap 52 e is made of metal, which gives it adequate rigidity.
  • the cover 52 can be made of a non-metallic material having suitable rigidity characteristics.
  • the cover 52 is not smooth or planar on the surface but it is “profiled” so as to increase its rigidity, which gives it improved properties and mechanical support against the mini-card 12. .
  • the main plate 54 of the cover 52 may include embossings (not shown) convex towards the housing 32, which makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the cover 52, therefore the rigidity of the vertical support of the main plate 54 against the mini-card 12, so as to keep the mini-card 12 in abutment towards the connection wall 34 in order to ensure a good electrical connection by contact between the connection pads 36 and the contact tracks 14.
  • the main plate 54 forms with at least one of the lateral wings 56, 58 an angle slightly less than the angle formed by the corresponding edge of the body 22, which creates a line of stress in the cover 52 which reinforces its rigidity.
  • the mini-card 12 is first placed in the housing 32, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body 22.
  • the mini-card 12 then occupies its connection position in the adapter 10, each of its tracks contact 14 being electrically connected to a conductive pad 28 of the adapter 10.
  • the main face 18 of the mini-card 12 comprising the contact tracks 14 is arranged opposite the connection face 34.
  • the cover 52 is moved in longitudinal sliding on the body 22 to a closed position in which the main plate 54 covers the opening of the housing 32, which keeps the mini card 12 in the housing 32, in vertical abutment against the connection wall 34.
  • the assembly formed by the adapter 10 and the mini-card 12 in the connection position can then be inserted into a connector provided for an MMC card, which allows the connector to process the data stored in the mini-card 12.
  • a mini-card 12 generally has a maximum of eight contact tracks 14, so that it can only be mounted in an adapter 10 of the type which has a maximum of eight active conductive pads 28 corresponding to the contact tracks of the mini-map 12.
  • the electrical connection between the conductive pads 28 and the contact tracks 14 is necessary only for the contact tracks 14 which are active and which are necessary for the connector to allow the processing of the data stored in the mini-card 12.
  • FIG 3 a second embodiment of an adapter 10 according to the teachings of the invention.
  • the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment is distinguished from the first by the embodiment of the conductive pads 28 and the connection pads 36, as well as by the embodiment of the electrical connection between the pads 28 and the pads 36.
  • the conductive pads 28 and the connection pads 36, as well as the electrical connections between the pads and the pads are produced using known technology for the production of printed circuits.
  • the conductive pads 28 are produced, on the upper main face 26 of the body 22, by deposition and etching of a layer of conductive material, for example based on copper.
  • Each conductive pad 28 is arranged in line with a vertical connection well 74, or via conductor, which extends between the upper main face 26 and the lower main face 50 of the body 22.
  • each connection well 74 is coated with a layer 76 of conductive material, for example the same material as that which is used to make the conductive pads 28, so as to electrically connect each conductive pad 28 with the lower main face. 50 of body 22.
  • connection pad 36 is arranged in line with a vertical connection well 78, which extends between the connection wall 34 of the housing 32 and the lower main face
  • connection well 78 A film 80 of conductive elastic material or conductive glue, for example silicone charged with metallic particles, is deposited in each connection well 78.
  • the conductive adhesive forms a "heap" in each well 78 and it "projects” from the side of the connection wall 34 so as to form a boss 82, protruding inside the housing 32, which constitutes a connection pad 36.
  • connection well 78 associated with a connection pad 36 is here coated with a layer 84 of material conductive, for example the same material as that used to make the conductive pads 28.
  • each connection well 78 makes it possible to electrically connect the pad 36 associated with the lower main face 50 body 22.
  • the lower main face 5 0 of the body 22 includes a series of conductive tracks 86 which are produced for example in the same way as the conductive pads 28, by deposition and etching of a layer of conductive material based on copper .
  • These conductive tracks 86 are arranged on the lower main face 50 of the body 22 so as to electrically connect the lower end of each connection well 74, associated with a conductive pad 28, to the lower end of each connection well 78, associated with a corresponding connection pad 36.
  • the conductive tracks 86 and the connection wells 74, 78 therefore make it possible to electrically connect each conductive pad 28 to the corresponding connection pad 36.
  • each connection pad 36 makes it possible to guarantee the electrical connection by contact between each connection pad 36 and the associated contact track 14 of the mini-card 12, this despite possible defects in co flatness between the connection face 34 of the housing 32 and the face 18 facing the mini-card 12.
  • the tracks contact 14 come to bear vertically against the associated connection pads 36, causing a slight crushing of these pads 36, by elastic deformation, which compensates for the defects of co-flatness.
  • the operation of the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the operation of the adapter 10 according to the first embodiment.
  • Figures 4 to 7 there are shown several intermediate steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment.
  • the body 22 is produced from insulating material, for example by molding of plastic material.
  • connection wells 74, 78 can be produced during this first step, for example by drilling.
  • a layer of conductive material for example copper, is deposited on the upper 26 and lower 50 faces of the body 22, as well as on the walls of the connection wells 74,
  • This layer of conductive material is etched so as to form the conductive pads 28 on the upper face 26 of the body 22 and a series of conductive tracks 86 on the lower face 50 of the body 22.
  • the housing 32 is machined in the upper face 26 of the body 22.
  • connection pads 36 are formed by depositing a “cluster” of conductive olives 80 in the connection points 78 associated with the wall of connection 34.
  • the adapter 10 which is shown in FIG. 3 is then obtained.
  • the conductive tracks 86 are arranged on the upper main face 26 of the body 22, and the housing 32 opens out into the lower main face 50 of the body 22.
  • connection pads 36 have associated connection wells 78.
  • the upper opening of each connection well 78 is here blocked by the end portion 88 of a conductive track 86, so as to facilitate filling of the connection well 78 with conductive adhesive 80 forming a connection pad 36 in housing 32.
  • connection wells 78 are not coated with conductive material, so that each connection pad 36 is electrically linked with the conductive track 86 associated by contact between the conductive adhesive 80 and the end portion 88 of the track. 86 which blocks the upper opening of the well 78.
  • connection pads 36 are metallic domes 90 arranged in complementary cavities
  • the conductive tracks 86 which electrically connect the metal domes 90 with the corresponding conductive pads 28, are here arranged on several layers, here two layers.
  • the body 22 of the adapter 10 is therefore produced in the form of two layers of plastic 94, 96 superimposed vertically, in accordance with the technology used to produce smart cards with support of the “laminate” type.
  • a first part of the connection pads 36 is connected to the corresponding conductive pads 28 by a first series S 1 of conductive tracks 86 which are arranged between the two plastic layers 94, 96, in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 9. Note that for this first series S 1 of conductive tracks 86, the connection wells 74 associated with the conductive pads 28 need not pass through the lower layer 96 of the body 22.
  • the conductive tracks 86 of this first series S1 extend here as far as the bottom of each cavity 92 associated with a metal dome 90.
  • connection pads 36 is connected to the corresponding conductive pads 28 by a second series S2 of conductive tracks 86 which are arranged on the lower main face 50 of the body 22, in accordance with the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
  • This second series S2 of conductive tracks 86 is not shown in FIG. 9.
  • connection wells 74 associated with the conductive pads 28 must pass through the two layers 94, 96 of the body 22, and each metal dome 90 comprises a connection well 78 which extends vertically between the associated cavity 92 and the lower main face 50 of the body 22.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns an adapter (10) for electrically connecting a integrated circuit mini-card (12) in a main electronic integrated circuit memory card connector with contact having greater space requirement than the mini-card (12), the mini-card (12) comprising surface contact strips (14) and said adapter (10) comprising a main body (22) capable of being connected to the main connector and a housing (32) for receiving the mini-card (12) emerging at the surface of the main body (22) and including inside bond pads (36) for connection to the electric contacts (14) of the mini-card (12). The invention is characterized in that it comprises a mobile cover (52) which is capable of taking up a position wherein it closes at least partly the housing (32) while maintaining the mini-card (12) in electrically connecting position in the housing (32) and stiffening the structure of the adapter (10).

Description

"Adaptateur pour la connexion électrique d'une mini-carte à circuit(s) intégré(s) dans un connecteur pour carte à mémoire" "Adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a memory card connector"
La présente invention concerne un adaptateur pour la connexion électrique d'une mini-carte à circuit(s) intégré(s) dans un connecteur.The present invention relates to an adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a connector.
La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un adaptateur pour la connexion électrique d'une mini-carte à circuit(s) intégré(s) dans un connecteur principal pour carte à mémoire électronique à circuit(s) intégré(s) à contact d'un encombrement supérieur à la mini-carte, la mini-carte comportant des pistes de contact en surface et ledit adaptateur comportant un corps principal apte à se connecter au connecteur principal et un logement de réception de la mini-carte débouchant à la surface du corps principal et comportant à l'intérieur des plots de raccordement aux contacts électriques de la mini-carte.The present invention relates more particularly to an adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a main connector for electronic memory card with integrated circuit (s) in contact with a footprint greater than the mini-card, the mini-card comprising surface contact tracks and said adapter comprising a main body capable of connecting to the main connector and a housing for receiving the mini-card opening onto the surface of the main body and comprising inside the pads for connection to the electrical contacts of the mini-card.
Actuellement, de plus en plus d'appareils utilisent des cartes à mémoire électronique de type normalisé, qui permettent notamment un stockage important de données pour constituer ainsi un support amovible de données qui est globalement de petites dimensions et de grande capacité de stockage. On connaît plusieurs exemples de réalisation d'un tel type de carte à mémoire dont les dimensions sont de plus en plus réduites et dont les capacités de stockage sont de plus en plus importantes. C'est notamment le cas de la carte dite "M MC"Currently, more and more devices use electronic memory cards of the standard type, which in particular allow a large storage of data to thus constitute a removable data medium which is overall of small dimensions and large storage capacity. Several examples of embodiment of such a type of memory card are known, the dimensions of which are increasingly reduced and the storage capacities of which are increasingly large. This is particularly the case of the so-called "M MC" card
(MultiMediaCard) commercialisée par la société SANDISK et dont les dimensions de son corps contenant les circuits intégrés et le positionnement de ses plages conductrices de contact sont définis de manière précise par son fabricant et par une association d'utilisateurs afin de disposer d'une définition de type normalisé d'une telle carte. Cette définition fait par exemple l'objet de la publication « MultiMediaCard System Spécification Version 2.1 1 Officiai Release @ June 1999 MMCA ». Une autre carte à mémoire à grande capacité de stockage, appelée carte "S D" (Secure Digital), est commercialisée par la société SANDISK.(MultiMediaCard) sold by the company SANDISK and whose dimensions of its body containing the integrated circuits and the positioning of its conductive contact pads are precisely defined by its manufacturer and by a user association in order to have a definition standardized type of such a card. This definition is for example the subject of the publication “MultiMediaCard System Specification Version 2.1 1 Officiai Release @ June 1999 MMCA”. Another memory card with large storage capacity, called an "SD" card (Secure Digital), is sold by the company SANDISK.
L'ensemble des caractéristiques et des performances des cartes SD est défini par les documents émis par la SDCA (SD Gard Association) dont l'adresse est 53 Muckelemi St. P.O. Box 189, San Juan Baustista, CA 95045-0189 - USA.All the characteristics and performance of SD cards is defined by the documents issued by the SDCA (SD Gard Association) whose address is 53 Muckelemi St. P.O. Box 189, San Juan Baustista, CA 95045-0189 - USA.
Les dimensions globales des cartes MMC et SD sont identiques, à l'exception de l'épaisseur de la carte SD qui est augmentée.The overall dimensions of the MMC and SD cards are identical, except for the thickness of the SD card which is increased.
Une autre carte à mémoire dite carte "M S" (Memory Stick) est commercialisée par la société SONY.Another memory card called "M S" card (Memory Stick) is sold by the company SONY.
L'ensemble des caractéristiques et des performances de la carte MS est défini dans le document publié par la société Sony Corporation et intitulé « Memory Stick Standard - Memory Stick Duo Format Spécifications ver. 1 .0 - August 2001 » .All the characteristics and performance of the MS card are defined in the document published by the company Sony Corporation and entitled “Memory Stick Standard - Memory Stick Duo Format Specifications ver. 1 .0 - August 2001 ".
Ces différents formats de cartes à mémoire ont tous une forme générale rectangulaire, avec des plages conductrices longitudinales qui sont agencées sur ou dans l'une des faces principales p arallèles e t au voisinage d 'un b ord t ransversal d e la carte.These different formats of memory cards all have a generally rectangular shape, with longitudinal conductive areas which are arranged on or in one of the main faces parallel to and in the vicinity of a transverse board of the card.
On a constaté que l'encombrement extérieur de chacun de ces formats de carte à mémoire est supérieur à l'encombrement extérieur d'une mini-carte à circuit(s) intégré(s) normalisée du type mini-SI M (SIM signifiant « Subscriber Identification Module »), qui est une carte de petites dimensions couramment utilisée dans le domaine de la radiotéléphonie comme support de stockage de données, en particulier de données d'identification de l'utilisateur de la mini-carte. L'invention vise à proposer un adaptateur permettant de connecter une mini-carte dans un connecteur prévu pour recevoir une carte à mémoire normalisée à grande capacité de stockage.It has been found that the external dimensions of each of these memory card formats are greater than the external dimensions of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) standardized of the mini-SI M type (SIM meaning " Subscriber Identification Module ”), which is a small card commonly used in the radiotelephone field as a medium for storing data, in particular identification data for the user of the mini-card. The invention aims to provide an adapter for connecting a mini-card in a connector designed to receive a standardized memory card with large storage capacity.
A cet effet, l'invention propose un adaptateur pour la connexion électrique d'une mini-carte à circuit(s) intégré(s) dans un connecteur principal pour carte à mémoire électronique à circuit(s) intégré(s) à contact d'un encombrement supérieur à la mini-carte, la mini-carte comportant des pistes de contact en surface et ledit adaptateur comportant un corps principal apte à se connecter au connecteur principal et un logement de réception de la mini-carte débouchant à la surface du corps principal et comportant à l'intérieur des plots de raccordement aux contacts électriques de la mini-carte, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un capot mobile qui est susceptible d'occuper une position dans laquelle il ferme au moins partiellement le logement en maintenant la mini-carte en position de raccordement électrique dans le logement et en rigidifiant la structure globale de l'adaptateur.To this end, the invention provides an adapter for the electrical connection of a mini-card with integrated circuit (s) in a main connector for electronic memory card with integrated circuit (s) in contact with a space requirement greater than the mini-card, the mini-card comprising contact tracks on the surface and said adapter comprising a main body capable of connect to the main connector and a housing for receiving the mini-card opening onto the surface of the main body and comprising inside the pads for connection to the electrical contacts of the mini-card, characterized in that it comprises a cover mobile which is capable of occupying a position in which it at least partially closes the housing by maintaining the mini-card in the electrical connection position in the housing and by stiffening the overall structure of the adapter.
Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention : - le capot est monté à coulissement longitudinal sur le corps principal ;According to other characteristics of the invention: - the cover is mounted to slide longitudinally on the main body;
- le capot a globalement la forme d'un profilé en U renversé comportant une plaque principale transversale et deux ailes latérales longitudinales, et chaque aile latérale est munie, à son extrémité libre, d'un retour qui vient en appui contre une portion de la face en vis-à-vis du corps ;- The hood is generally in the form of an inverted U-shaped section comprising a transverse main plate and two longitudinal lateral wings, and each lateral wing is provided, at its free end, with a return which comes to bear against a portion of the face facing the body;
- le capot comporte une plaque principale transversale et le capot est monté sur le corps par emboîtement ;- The cover has a transverse main plate and the cover is mounted on the body by fitting;
- la plaque p rincipale d u c apot comporte d es m oyens, t els que des embossages, pour augmenter sa rigidité longitudinale et/ou transversale ;- The main plate of the cap has means, such as embossing, to increase its longitudinal and / or transverse rigidity;
- le capot est réalisé en métal ;- the cover is made of metal;
- la face principale supérieure du corps est munie de plages conductrices longitudinales parallèles et le corps est réalisé dans une matière plastique qui est moulée autour de lames conductrices, chaque lame comportant un premier tronçon relié électriquement à une plage conductrice et un second tronçon formant un plot de raccordement associé ; - l e premier tronçon de c haque l ame conductrice constitue une plage conductrice ;- The upper main face of the body is provided with parallel longitudinal conductive pads and the body is made of a plastic material which is molded around conductive blades, each blade comprising a first section electrically connected to a conductive pad and a second section forming a stud associated connection; - The first section of each conductive core constitutes a conductive pad;
- la paroi de raccordement du logement, qui est munie des plots de raccordement, comporte, en regard des pistes de contact de la mini-carte, une cavité dans laquelle le second tronçon d'extrémité de chaque lame s'étend globalement longitudina- lement, en formant un bossage en saillie à l'intérieur du logement de manière que, lorsqu'une mini-carte est présente dans le logement, chaque plot de raccordement soit sollicité élastiquement vers la piste de contact associée pour assurer le raccordement électrique entre eux par contact ;the housing connection wall, which is provided with connection pads, comprises, facing the contact tracks of the mini-card, a cavity in which the second end section of each blade extends generally longitudinally , by forming a protruding boss inside the housing so that, when a mini-card is present in the housing, each connection pad is urged elastically towards the associated contact track to ensure the electrical connection between them by contact ;
- chaque plot de raccordement est agencé au droit d'un puits vertical de connexion qui s'étend entre la paroi de raccordement du logement, qui est munie des plots de raccordement, et une face principale du corps, et qui contient une matière conductrice, de manière que chaque puits de connexion relie électriquement un plot de raccordement à une piste conductrice associée, qui est agencée sur ladite face principale du c orps, et chaque p iste c onductrice e st r eliée électriquement à une plage conductrice longitudinale associée au plot de raccordement et agencée sur la face principale supérieure du corps ;each connection pad is arranged in line with a vertical connection well which extends between the connection wall of the housing, which is provided with connection pads, and a main face of the body, and which contains a conductive material, so that each connection well electrically connects a connection pad to an associated conductive track, which is arranged on said main face of the body, and each conductor track is electrically connected to a longitudinal conductive pad associated with the contact pad connection and arranged on the upper main face of the body;
- les pistes conductrices sont agencées sur la face principale inférieure du corps, et chaque plage conductrice est agencée au droit d'un puits vertical de connexion qui s'étend entre l a face principale supérieure et la face principale inférieure du corps, et qui contient une matière conductrice, de manière que chaque plage conductrice soit reliée électriquement à la piste conductrice associée à travers un puits de connexion ; - le corps comporte plusieurs couches superposées verticalement, et une série de pistes conductrices est agencée entre deux couches ;the conductive tracks are arranged on the lower main face of the body, and each conductive pad is arranged in line with a vertical connection well which extends between the upper main face and the lower main face of the body, and which contains a conductive material, so that each conductive pad is electrically connected to the associated conductive track through a connection well; - The body has several vertically superimposed layers, and a series of conductive tracks is arranged between two layers;
- chaque plot de raccordement est réalisé par le dépôt d'une pellicule de matière élastique conductrice, par exemple du silicone chargé de particules métalliques, qui forme une bosse, proéminente à l'intérieur du logement, de manière à garantir la liaison électrique par contact entre chaque plot de raccordement et la piste de contact associée de la mini-carte, malgré des défauts de co-planéité entre la face de raccordement du logement et la face en vis-à-vis de la mini-carte ;each connection pad is produced by depositing a film of elastic conductive material, for example silicone charged with metallic particles, which forms a bulge, prominent inside the housing, so as to guarantee the electrical connection by contact between each connection pad and the associated contact track of the mini-card, despite defects in co flatness between the connection face of the housing and the face facing the mini-card;
- chaque plot de raccordement est formé par un dôme métallique rapporté sur la paroi de raccordement ;- Each connection pad is formed by a metal dome attached to the connection wall;
- le corps comporte des moyens de détrompage pour garantir le positionnement correct de la mini-carte dans le logement ;- The body includes keying means to guarantee the correct positioning of the mini-card in the housing;
- la mini-carte est une carte normalisée du type mini-SIM ;- the mini-card is a standardized card of the mini-SIM type;
- l'adaptateur a la forme d'une carte normalisée du type MultiMedia Card ; - l'adaptateur a la forme d'une carte normalisée du type- the adapter has the form of a standardized card of the MultiMedia Card type; - the adapter has the form of a standard card of the type
Secure Digital ;Secure Digital;
- l'adaptateur a la forme d'une carte normalisée du type Memory Stick.- the adapter has the form of a standardized card of the Memory Stick type.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue en perspective qui représente schématiquement un premier mode de réalisation d'un adaptateur conforme aux enseignements de l'invention et une mini-carte avant sa mise en place dans l'adaptateur ;- Figure 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows a first embodiment of an adapter according to the teachings of the invention and a mini-card before its introduction into the adapter;
- la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale qui représente schématiquement l'adaptateur de la figure 1 lorsque la mini-carte occupe sa position de connexion à l'intérieur de l'adaptateur, le capot de l'adaptateur étant en position fermée ;- Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view which schematically shows the adapter of Figure 1 when the mini-card occupies its connection position inside the adapter, the cover of the adapter being in the closed position;
- la figure 3 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2 qui représente un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'adaptateur selon l'invention ; - les figures 4 à 7 sont des vues similaires à celle de la figure 2 qui illustrent plusieurs étapes du procédé de fabrication de l'adaptateur de la figure 3 ;- Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a second embodiment of the adapter according to the invention; - Figures 4 to 7 are views similar to that of Figure 2 which illustrate several stages of the manufacturing process of the adapter of Figure 3;
- la figure 8 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2 qui représente un troisième mode de réalisation de l'adaptateur selon l'invention ;- Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a third embodiment of the adapter according to the invention;
- la figure 9 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2 qui représente un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'adaptateur selon l'invention. Pour la description de l'invention, on adoptera à titre non limitatif les orientations verticale, longitudinale et transversale selon le repère V, L, T indiqué aux figures.- Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a fourth embodiment of the adapter according to the invention. For the description of the invention, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations will be adopted, without limitation, according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures.
Dans la description qui va suivre, des éléments identiques, similaires ou analogues seront désignés par les mêmes chiffres de référence.In the description which follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.
On a représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 un premier mode de réalisation d'un adaptateur 10 qui est réalisé conformément aux enseignements de l'invention.There is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a first embodiment of an adapter 10 which is produced in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
Sur la figure 1 , on a donc représenté un adaptateur 10 pour la connexion électrique d'une mini-carte 12 à circuit(s) intégré(s) dans un connecteur principal prévu pour recevoir une carte à mémoire électronique à circuit(s) intégré(s) à contact, ici une carte du type MMC.In Figure 1, there is therefore shown an adapter 10 for the electrical connection of a mini-card 12 with integrated circuit (s) in a main connector intended to receive an electronic memory card with integrated circuit (s) (s) contact, here an MMC type card.
Le connecteur principal, qui n'a pas été représenté ici, est un connecteur conventionnel apte à recevoir de manière complémentaire une carte à mémoire électronique du type MMC, de manière à permettre à un appareil relié électriquement au connecteur de traiter les données stockées dans ladite carte.The main connector, which has not been shown here, is a conventional connector capable of receiving in an additional manner an electronic memory card of the MMC type, so as to allow a device electrically connected to the connector to process the data stored in said menu.
Pour connaître les caractéristiques détaillées de la carte à mémoire électronique du type MMC, on peut se reporter au document « MultiMediaCard System Spécification Version 2.1 1 Officiai Release @ June 1999 MMCA », déjà cité.For the detailed characteristics of the electronic memory card of the MMC type, reference may be made to the document “MultiMediaCard System Specification Version 2.1 1 Officiai Release @ June 1999 MMCA”, already cited.
Les dimensions normalisées d'une carte MMC sont les suivantes : dimension longitudinale (longueur) de 32 mm, dimension transversale (largeur) de 24 mm, et dimension verticale (épaisseur) de 1 ,4 mm. L'encombrement extérieur de l'adaptateur 10 doit donc respecter ces dimensions.The standard dimensions of an MMC card are as follows: longitudinal dimension (length) of 32 mm, transverse dimension (width) of 24 mm, and vertical dimension (thickness) of 1.4 mm. The external dimensions of the adapter 10 must therefore respect these dimensions.
Bien entendu, la présente invention ne se limite pas à ce format de carte à mémoire, mais elle s'applique à tout format de carte à mémoire dont les dimensions sont compatibles avec l'utilisation d'une mini-carte.Of course, the present invention is not limited to this memory card format, but it applies to any memory card format whose dimensions are compatible with the use of a mini-card.
En particulier, l'invention s'applique à un adaptateur 10 dans lequel la mini-carte 12 s'étend en partie à l'extérieur du corps principal de l'adaptateur.In particular, the invention applies to an adapter 10 in which the mini-card 12 partly extends outside the main body of the adapter.
La mini-carte 12 est ici de format normalisé du type mini- SI M , qui correspond à la norme AFNOR CEN/TC 224N 406 du 10 mai 1993. Une telle mini-carte 12 est parfois désignée par le terme « plug-in » dans le domaine des cartes à puce. Bien entendu, la présente invention ne se limite pas aux mini-cartes de type mini-SIM, mais elle s'applique à tout type de support de données à circuit(s) intégré(s) d'encombrement globalement inférieur à celui de la carte à mémoire électronique concernée, et comportant des pistes de contact 14 pour sa connexion électrique.The mini-card 12 is here of standardized format of the mini-SI M type, which corresponds to the AFNOR CEN / TC 224N 406 standard of May 10, 1993. Such a mini-card 12 is sometimes designated by the term "plug-in" in the field of smart cards. Of course, the present invention is not limited to mini-cards of the mini-SIM type, but it applies to any type of data carrier with integrated circuit (s) of overall dimensions smaller than that of the electronic memory card concerned, and comprising contact tracks 14 for its electrical connection.
La mini-carte 12 a une forme générale rectangulaire qui comporte un pan coupé 16 ayant une fonction de détrompage qui sera expliquée par la suite.The mini-map 12 has a generally rectangular shape which includes a cutaway 16 having a keying function which will be explained later.
La mini-carte 12 comporte deux faces principales planes 18, 20 dont l'une (18) est munie de pistes de contact 14, et elle comporte, dans son épaisseur, des circuits intégrés ou puces (non représentés).The mini-card 12 has two main flat faces 18, 20 one of which (18) is provided with contact tracks 14, and it includes, in its thickness, integrated circuits or chips (not shown).
L'adaptateur 10 comporte un corps principal 22 en forme de carte à mémoire électronique, ici en forme de carte MMC. Bien entendu, selon des variantes de réalisation (non représentées) de l'invention, l'adaptateur 10 peut prendre la forme d'un autre type de carte à mémoire électronique normalisée, notamment la forme d'une carte normalisée du type Secure Digital, ou la forme d'une carte normalisée du type Memory Stick.The adapter 10 comprises a main body 22 in the form of an electronic memory card, here in the form of an MMC card. Of course, according to alternative embodiments (not shown) of the invention, the adapter 10 can take the form of another type of standardized electronic memory card, in particular the form of a standardized card of the type Secure Digital, or the form of a standardized Memory Stick type card.
Le corps principal 22 a ici une forme générale rectangulaire qui comporte un pan coupé de détrompage 24 correspondant au pan coupé prévu dans le format de carte MMC.The main body 22 here has a generally rectangular shape which includes a keyed cutaway 24 corresponding to the cutaway provided in the MMC card format.
Le corps 22 est réalisé dans une matière isolante, par exemple une matière plastique.The body 22 is made of an insulating material, for example a plastic material.
La face principale supérieure 26 du corps 22 est munie de plages conductrices 28 longitudinales parallèles qui sont agencées au voisinage d'un bord transversal du corps 22, ou bord de connexion 30.The upper main face 26 of the body 22 is provided with parallel longitudinal conductive pads 28 which are arranged in the vicinity of a transverse edge of the body 22, or connection edge 30.
Le corps 22 d élimite, dans son é paisseur, un l ogement 32 complémentaire de la mini-carte 12 qui débouche ici dans la face principale supérieure 26 du corps 22 pour permettre la mise en place de la mini-carte 12.The body 22 eliminates, in its thickness, a housing 32 complementary to the mini-card 12 which opens here in the upper main face 26 of the body 22 to allow the establishment of the mini-card 12.
Le logement 32 comporte une paroi de fond, ou paroi de raccordement 34, qui est sensiblement parallèle à la face supérieure 26 du corps 22 et qui est munie de plots de raccordement 36. Les plots de raccordement 36 sont agencés dans la paroi de raccordement 34 de manière qu'il soient en contact respectivement avec les pistes de contact 14 de la mini-carte 12, lorsque la mini-carte 12 occupe sa position de raccordement électrique dans le logement 32, ou position de connexion. Chaque plot de raccordement 36 est relié électriquement à une plage conductrice 28 associée de l'adaptateur 10.The housing 32 has a bottom wall, or connection wall 34, which is substantially parallel to the upper face 26 of the body 22 and which is provided with connection pads 36. The connection pads 36 are arranged in the connection wall 34 so that they are in contact respectively with the contact tracks 14 of the mini-card 12, when the mini-card 12 occupies its electrical connection position in the housing 32, or connection position. Each connection pad 36 is electrically connected to a conductive pad 28 associated with the adapter 10.
Selon le premier mode de réalisation représenté ici, en considérant notamment la figure 2, le corps 22 comporte une série de lames métalliques conductrices 38 qui comportent chacune un p remier t ronçon d 'extrémité 4 0 c onstituant une p lage conductrice 28 et un second tronçon d'extrémité 42 constituant un plot de raccordement 36 associé.According to the first embodiment shown here, considering in particular FIG. 2, the body 22 comprises a series of conductive metal blades 38 which each have a first end section 4 0 c constituting a conductive page 28 and a second end section 42 constituting an associated connection pad 36.
Le premier tronçon d'extrémité 40 de chaque lame 38 s'étend s ensiblement longitudinalement s ur la f ace supérieure 26 du corps 22 au voisinage du bord de connexion 30 de l'adaptateur 10, et le second tronçon d'extrémité 42 s'étend sensiblement longitudinalement sous la paroi de raccordement 34 du logement 32. Avantageusement, le corps 22 est moulé autour des lames conductrices 38.The first end section 40 of each blade 38 extends substantially longitudinally on the upper face 26 of the body 22 in the vicinity of the connection edge 30 of the adapter 10, and the second end section 42 extends substantially longitudinally under the connection wall 34 of the housing 32. Advantageously, the body 22 is molded around the conductive blades 38.
Chaque lame 38 comporte, entre le premier 40 et le second 42 tronçons d'extrémité, un tronçon intermédiaire 44 qui s'étend ici suivant une direction globalement verticale, et qui est noyé dans le corps 22 en matière plastique.Each blade 38 comprises, between the first 40 and the second 42 end sections, an intermediate section 44 which here extends in a generally vertical direction, and which is embedded in the body 22 of plastic.
Avantageusement, la paroi de raccordement 34 du logement 32 comporte, en regard des pistes de contact 14 de la mini-carte 12, une cavité 46 dans laquelle le second tronçon d'extrémité 42 de chaque lame s'étend globalement longitudinalement, en formant un bossage 48 en saillie à l'intérieur du logement 32.Advantageously, the connection wall 34 of the housing 32 comprises, facing the contact tracks 14 of the mini-card 12, a cavity 46 in which the second end section 42 of each blade extends generally longitudinally, forming a boss 48 projecting inside the housing 32.
La cavité 46 a ici la forme d'une fenêtre rectangulaire qui débouche en haut dans la paroi de raccordement 34 du logement 32 et en bas dans la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22. Un tel agencement des lames 38 dans la cavité 46 permet d'exploiter leurs propriétés élastiques pour assurer le contact électrique entre chaque plot de raccordement 36 et la piste de contact 14 associée de la mini-carte 12. En effet, lorsqu'une minicarte 12 est mise en place dans le logement 32, elle vient en appui, par ses pistes de contact 14, contre les bossages 48 des lames 38, ce qui provoque le fléchissement vers le bas du second tronçon d'extrémité 42 de chaque lame 38, à encontre de la force de rappel élastique qui sollicite le second tronçon d'extrémité 42 vers le haut. De manière avantageuse, les lames métalliques conductrices 38 sont réalisées à partir de grilles formées et découpées, selon une technologie similaire à celle utilisée dans le domaine des cartes à puces. Conformément aux e nseignements de l'invention, un capot mobile 52 est monté sur le corps 22 de l'adaptateur 10.The cavity 46 here has the shape of a rectangular window which opens at the top in the connection wall 34 of the housing 32 and at the bottom in the lower main face 50 of the body 22. Such an arrangement of the blades 38 in the cavity 46 allows '' exploit their elastic properties to ensure electrical contact between each connection pad 36 and the associated contact track 14 of the mini-card 12. In fact, when a mini-card 12 is placed in the housing 32, it comes into contact support, by its contact tracks 14, against the bosses 48 of the blades 38, which causes the second end section 42 of each blade 38 to bend downwards, against the elastic restoring force which urges the second section end 42 up. Advantageously, the conductive metal blades 38 are produced from grids formed and cut, according to a technology similar to that used in the field of smart cards. In accordance with the teachings of the invention, a movable cover 52 is mounted on the body 22 of the adapter 10.
Le capot 52 est susceptible d'occuper une position de fermeture sur le corps 22, dans laquelle il ferme au moins partiellement le logement 32, de manière à retenir la mini-carte 12 en position de connexion, ou position de raccordement électrique par contact, dans le logement 32, et de manière à rigidifier la structure globale de l'adaptateur 10.The cover 52 is capable of occupying a closed position on the body 22, in which it at least partially closes the housing 32, so as to retain the mini-card 12 in the connection position, or electrical connection position by contact, in the housing 32, and so as to stiffen the overall structure of the adapter 10.
De préférence, le capot 52 est monté à coulissement suivant une direction longitudinale sur le corps 22.Preferably, the cover 52 is slidably mounted in a longitudinal direction on the body 22.
Bien entendu, selon des variantes de réalisation (non représentées) de l'invention, le capot 52 peut être monté sur le corps 22 de manière différente, par e xemple par emboîtement ouOf course, according to alternative embodiments (not shown) of the invention, the cover 52 can be mounted on the body 22 in a different manner, for example by interlocking or
« clipsage », par collage, par crochetage au moyen d'éléments de verrouillage manipulés par l'utilisateur."Clipping", by gluing, by hooking by means of locking elements manipulated by the user.
Selon le mode de réalisation représenté ici, le capot 52 a globalement la forme d'un profilé en U renversé comportant une plaque principale transversale 54 et deux ailes latérales longitudinales 56, 58, qui sont sensiblement parallèles aux faces verticales longitudinales 60, 62 du corps 22.According to the embodiment shown here, the cover 52 has the overall shape of an inverted U-shaped section comprising a main transverse plate 54 and two longitudinal lateral wings 56, 58, which are substantially parallel to the longitudinal vertical faces 60, 62 of the body 22.
Chaque aile latérale 56, 58 est munie, à son extrémité inférieure, d'un retour 64, 66 qui est contenu dans un plan sensiblement transversal longitudinal et qui vient en appui contre une portion de la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22, de manière à guider le capot 52 en coulissement longitudinal par rapport au corps 22.Each lateral wing 56, 58 is provided, at its lower end, with a return 64, 66 which is contained in a substantially transverse longitudinal plane and which bears against a portion of the lower main face 50 of the body 22, so in guiding the cover 52 in longitudinal sliding relative to the body 22.
Selon le mode de réalisation représenté ici, la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22 comporte deux épaulements longitudinaux 68, 70 sensiblement complémentaires des retours 64, 6 6 du capot 52, de manière à faciliter le g uidage longitudinal et la retenue du capot 52 sur le corps 22, et de manière que l'encombrement extérieur de l'adaptateur 10, en tenant compte du capot 52, corresponde à l'encombrement extérieur d'une carte MMC. Le capot 52 permet de rigidifier la structure de l'adaptateur 10 en même temps qu'il maintient la mini-carte 12 en appui contre les plots de raccordement 36, c'est à dire en position de connexion dans le logement 32. La rigidité du capot 52 permet notamment de compenser la souplesse du corps 22 et de la mini-carte 12 qui sont réalisés en matière plastique.According to the embodiment shown here, the lower main face 50 of the body 22 comprises two longitudinal shoulders 68, 70 substantially complementary to the returns 64, 6 6 of the cover 52, so as to facilitate the longitudinal guiding and the retaining of the cover 52 on the body 22, and so that the external dimensions of the adapter 10, taking account of the cover 52, correspond to the external dimensions of an MMC card. The cover 52 makes it possible to stiffen the structure of the adapter 10 at the same time as it keeps the mini-card 12 in abutment against the connection pads 36, that is to say in the connection position in the housing 32. The rigidity the cover 52 makes it possible in particular to compensate for the flexibility of the body 22 and of the mini-card 12 which are made of plastic.
De p référence, le c apot 52 e st réalisé en m étal, c e qui lui confère une rigidité adéquate. Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée), le capot 52 peut être réalisé dans un matériau non métallique ayant des caractéristiques de rigidité appropriées.For reference, the cap 52 e is made of metal, which gives it adequate rigidity. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cover 52 can be made of a non-metallic material having suitable rigidity characteristics.
Avantageusement, le capot 52 n'est pas lisse ou plan en surface mais il est « profilé » de manière à augmenter sa rigidité, ce qui lui confère d es propriétés a méliorées d e t enue m écanique et d'appui contre la mini-carte 12.Advantageously, the cover 52 is not smooth or planar on the surface but it is "profiled" so as to increase its rigidity, which gives it improved properties and mechanical support against the mini-card 12. .
Par exemple, la plaque principale 54 du capot 52 peut comporter des embossages (non représentés) convexes vers le logement 32, ce qui permet d'augmenter la rigidité du capot 52, donc la rigidité de l'appui vertical de la plaque principale 54 contre la mini-carte 12, de manière à maintenir la mini-carte 12 en appui vers la paroi de raccordement 34 en vue d'assurer un bon raccordement électrique par contact entre les plots de raccordement 36 et les pistes de contact 14. Avantageusement, la plaque principale 54 forme avec au moins une des ailes latérales 56, 58 un angle légèrement inférieur à l'angle formé par l'arête correspondante du corps 22, ce qui crée une ligne de contrainte dans le capot 52 qui renforce sa rigidité. Le fonctionnement de l'adaptateur 10 est le suivant.For example, the main plate 54 of the cover 52 may include embossings (not shown) convex towards the housing 32, which makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the cover 52, therefore the rigidity of the vertical support of the main plate 54 against the mini-card 12, so as to keep the mini-card 12 in abutment towards the connection wall 34 in order to ensure a good electrical connection by contact between the connection pads 36 and the contact tracks 14. Advantageously, the main plate 54 forms with at least one of the lateral wings 56, 58 an angle slightly less than the angle formed by the corresponding edge of the body 22, which creates a line of stress in the cover 52 which reinforces its rigidity. The operation of the adapter 10 is as follows.
La mini-carte 12 est d'abord mise en place dans le logement 32, selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan du corps 22. La mini-carte 12 occupe alors sa position de connexion dans l'adaptateur 10, chacune de ses pistes de contact 14 étant raccordée électriquement à une plage conductrice 28 de l'adaptateur 10.The mini-card 12 is first placed in the housing 32, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body 22. The mini-card 12 then occupies its connection position in the adapter 10, each of its tracks contact 14 being electrically connected to a conductive pad 28 of the adapter 10.
Lors de cette mise en place, la face principale 18 de la mini-carte 12 comportant les pistes de contact 14 est agencée en regard de la face de raccordement 34.During this positioning, the main face 18 of the mini-card 12 comprising the contact tracks 14 is arranged opposite the connection face 34.
Dans le mode de réalisation représenté ici, aucun autre positionnement de la mini-carte 12 dans le logement 32 n'est possible, grâce à la présence du pan coupé de détrompage 16 sur la mini-carte 12, et grâce à la forme du logement 32 qui comporte un pan coupé de détrompage 72 complémentaire de celui de la mini-carte 12.In the embodiment shown here, no other positioning of the mini-card 12 in the housing 32 is possible, thanks to the presence of the keying cutaway 16 on the mini-card 12, and thanks to the shape of the housing. 32 which includes a keying cutaway 72 complementary to that of the mini-card 12.
Après la mise en place de la mini-carte 12, le capot 52 est déplacé à coulissement longitudinal sur le corps 22 jusqu'à une position fermée dans laquelle la plaque principale 54 recouvre l'ouverture du logement 32, ce qui maintient la mini-carte 12 dans le logement 32, en appui vertical contre la paroi de raccordement 34.After the establishment of the mini-card 12, the cover 52 is moved in longitudinal sliding on the body 22 to a closed position in which the main plate 54 covers the opening of the housing 32, which keeps the mini card 12 in the housing 32, in vertical abutment against the connection wall 34.
L'ensemble formé par l'adaptateur 10 et la mini-carte 12 en position de connexion peut alors être inséré dans un connecteur prévu pour une carte MMC, ce qui permet au connecteur de traiter les données stockées dans la mini-carte 12.The assembly formed by the adapter 10 and the mini-card 12 in the connection position can then be inserted into a connector provided for an MMC card, which allows the connector to process the data stored in the mini-card 12.
On note qu'une mini-carte 12 comporte généralement au maximum huit pistes de contacts 14, de sorte qu'elle ne peut être montée que dans un adaptateur 10 du type qui comporte au maximum huit plages conductrices 28 actives correspondant aux pistes de contact de la mini-carte 12.It is noted that a mini-card 12 generally has a maximum of eight contact tracks 14, so that it can only be mounted in an adapter 10 of the type which has a maximum of eight active conductive pads 28 corresponding to the contact tracks of the mini-map 12.
Bien entendu , le raccordement électrique entre les plages conductrices 28 et les pistes de contact 14 est nécessaire uniquement pour les pistes de contact 14 qui sont actives et qui sont nécessaires au connecteur pour permettre le traitement des données stockées dans la mini-carte 12.Of course, the electrical connection between the conductive pads 28 and the contact tracks 14 is necessary only for the contact tracks 14 which are active and which are necessary for the connector to allow the processing of the data stored in the mini-card 12.
On a représenté, sur la figure 3, un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un adaptateur 10 conforme aux enseignements de l'invention. L'adaptateur 10 selon le deuxième mode de réalisation se distingue du premier par le mode de réalisation des plages conductrices 28 et des plots de raccordement 36, ainsi que par le mode de réalisation du raccordement électrique entre les plages 28 et les plots 36. En effet, les plages conductrices 28 et les plots de raccordement 36, ainsi que les liaisons électriques entre les plages et les plots, sont réalisés en faisant appel à une technologie connue pour la réalisation de circuits imprimés.There is shown in Figure 3, a second embodiment of an adapter 10 according to the teachings of the invention. The adapter 10 according to the second embodiment is distinguished from the first by the embodiment of the conductive pads 28 and the connection pads 36, as well as by the embodiment of the electrical connection between the pads 28 and the pads 36. In Indeed, the conductive pads 28 and the connection pads 36, as well as the electrical connections between the pads and the pads, are produced using known technology for the production of printed circuits.
Ainsi, les plages conductrices 28 sont réalisées, sur la face principale supérieure 26 du corps 2 2, par dépôt et gravure d 'une couche de matière conductrice, par exemple à base de cuivre.Thus, the conductive pads 28 are produced, on the upper main face 26 of the body 22, by deposition and etching of a layer of conductive material, for example based on copper.
Chaque plage conductrice 28 est agencée au droit d'un puits vertical de connexion 74, ou via conductrice, qui s'étend entre la face principale supérieure 26 et la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22.Each conductive pad 28 is arranged in line with a vertical connection well 74, or via conductor, which extends between the upper main face 26 and the lower main face 50 of the body 22.
La paroi de chaque puits de connexion 74 est revêtue d'une couche 76 de matière conductrice, par exemple la même matière que celle qui est utilisée pour réaliser les plages conductrices 28, de manière à relier électriquement chaque plage conductrice 28 avec la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22.The wall of each connection well 74 is coated with a layer 76 of conductive material, for example the same material as that which is used to make the conductive pads 28, so as to electrically connect each conductive pad 28 with the lower main face. 50 of body 22.
Chaque plot de raccordement 36 est agencé au droit d'un puits vertical de connexion 78, qui s'étend entre la paroi de raccordement 34 du logement 32 et la face principale inférieureEach connection pad 36 is arranged in line with a vertical connection well 78, which extends between the connection wall 34 of the housing 32 and the lower main face
50 du corps 22. Une pellicule 80 de matière élastique conductrice ou colle conductrice, par exemple du silicone chargé de particules métalliques, est d éposée d ans c haque puits de c onnexion 78. L a colle conductrice forme un « amas » dans chaque puits de connexion 78 et elle « déborde » du côté de la paroi de raccordement 34 de manière à former une bosse 82, proéminente à l'intérieur du logement 32, qui constitue un plot de raccordement 36.50 of the body 22. A film 80 of conductive elastic material or conductive glue, for example silicone charged with metallic particles, is deposited in each connection well 78. The conductive adhesive forms a "heap" in each well 78 and it "projects" from the side of the connection wall 34 so as to form a boss 82, protruding inside the housing 32, which constitutes a connection pad 36.
La paroi de chaque puits de connexion 78 associé à un plot de raccordement 36 est ici revêtue d'une couche 84 de matière conductrice, par exemple la même matière que celle qui est utilisée pour réaliser les plages conductrices 28.The wall of each connection well 78 associated with a connection pad 36 is here coated with a layer 84 of material conductive, for example the same material as that used to make the conductive pads 28.
Comme la colle conductrice 80 constituant chaque plot de raccordement 36 est en contact avec la couche 84 de matière conductrice tapissant la paroi du puits de connexion 78 associé, chaque puits de connexion 78 permet de relier électriquement le plot 36 associé avec la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22.As the conductive adhesive 80 constituting each connection pad 36 is in contact with the layer 84 of conductive material lining the wall of the associated connection well 78, each connection well 78 makes it possible to electrically connect the pad 36 associated with the lower main face 50 body 22.
La f ace p rincipale inférieure 5 0 d u corps 22 c omporte u ne série de pistes conductrices 86 qui sont réalisées par exemple de la même manière que les plages conductrices 28, par dépôt et gravure d'une couche de matière conductrice à base de cuivre.The lower main face 5 0 of the body 22 includes a series of conductive tracks 86 which are produced for example in the same way as the conductive pads 28, by deposition and etching of a layer of conductive material based on copper .
Ces pistes conductrices 86 sont agencées sur la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22 de manière à relier électriquement l'extrémité inférieure de chaque puits de connexion 74, associé à une plage conductrice 28, à l'extrémité inférieure de chaque puits de connexion 78, associé à un plot de raccordement 36 correspondant.These conductive tracks 86 are arranged on the lower main face 50 of the body 22 so as to electrically connect the lower end of each connection well 74, associated with a conductive pad 28, to the lower end of each connection well 78, associated with a corresponding connection pad 36.
Les pistes conductrices 86 et les puits de connexion 74, 78 permettent donc de relier électriquement chaque plage conductrice 28 au plot de raccordement 36 correspondant.The conductive tracks 86 and the connection wells 74, 78 therefore make it possible to electrically connect each conductive pad 28 to the corresponding connection pad 36.
L'élasticité de la colle conductrice 80 formant chaque plot de raccordement 36 permet de garantir la liaison électrique par contact entre chaque plot de raccordement 36 et la piste de contact 14 associée de la mini-carte 12, ceci malgré d'éventuels défauts de co-planéité entre la face de raccordement 34 du logement 32 et la face 18 en vis-à-vis de la mini-carte 12. En effet, lors de la mise en place de la mini-carte 12 dans le logement 32, les pistes de contact 14 viennent en appui verticalement contre les plots de raccordement 36 associés, en provoquant un léger écrasement de ces plots 36, par déformation élastique, ce qui compense les défauts de co-planéité.The elasticity of the conductive adhesive 80 forming each connection pad 36 makes it possible to guarantee the electrical connection by contact between each connection pad 36 and the associated contact track 14 of the mini-card 12, this despite possible defects in co flatness between the connection face 34 of the housing 32 and the face 18 facing the mini-card 12. In fact, during the installation of the mini-card 12 in the housing 32, the tracks contact 14 come to bear vertically against the associated connection pads 36, causing a slight crushing of these pads 36, by elastic deformation, which compensates for the defects of co-flatness.
Le fonctionnement de l'adaptateur 10 selon le deuxième mode de réalisation est similaire au fonctionnement de l'adaptateur 10 selon le premier mode de réalisation. Sur les figures 4 à 7, on a représenté plusieurs étapes intermédiaires d'un exemple de procédé pour la fabrication de l'adaptateur 10 selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.The operation of the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the operation of the adapter 10 according to the first embodiment. In Figures 4 to 7, there are shown several intermediate steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment.
Au cours d'une première étape, qui est illustrée par la figure 4, on réalise le corps 22 en matière isolante, par exemple par moulage de matière plastique.During a first step, which is illustrated in FIG. 4, the body 22 is produced from insulating material, for example by molding of plastic material.
Les puits de connexion 74, 78 peuvent être réalisés au cours de cette première étape, par exemple par perçage.The connection wells 74, 78 can be produced during this first step, for example by drilling.
Au cours d'une deuxième étape, qui est illustrée par la figure 5, une couche de matière conductrice, par exemple du cuivre, est déposée sur les faces supérieure 26 et inférieure 50 du corps 22, ainsi que sur les parois des puits de connexion 74,During a second step, which is illustrated in FIG. 5, a layer of conductive material, for example copper, is deposited on the upper 26 and lower 50 faces of the body 22, as well as on the walls of the connection wells 74,
78.78.
Cette couche de matière conductrice est gravée de manière à former les plages conductrices 28 sur la face supérieure 26 du corps 22 et une série de pistes conductrices 86 sur la face inférieure 50 du corps 22.This layer of conductive material is etched so as to form the conductive pads 28 on the upper face 26 of the body 22 and a series of conductive tracks 86 on the lower face 50 of the body 22.
Au cours d'une troisième étape, qui est illustrée par la figure 6, le logement 32 est usiné dans la face supérieure 26 du corps 22.During a third step, which is illustrated in FIG. 6, the housing 32 is machined in the upper face 26 of the body 22.
Au cours d'une troisième étape, qui est illustrée par la figure 7, les plots de raccordement 36 sont formés par dépôt d'un « amas » d e c olle c onductrice 80 d ans I es p uits d e connexion 78 associés de la paroi de raccordement 34. On obtient alors l'adaptateur 10 qui est représenté sur la figure 3.During a third step, which is illustrated in FIG. 7, the connection pads 36 are formed by depositing a “cluster” of conductive olives 80 in the connection points 78 associated with the wall of connection 34. The adapter 10 which is shown in FIG. 3 is then obtained.
Selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, qui est représenté sur la figure 8 et qui est similaire au deuxième mode de réalisation, les pistes conductrices 86 sont agencées sur la face principale supérieure 26 du corps 22, et le logement 32 débouche dans la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22.According to a third embodiment of the invention, which is shown in FIG. 8 and which is similar to the second embodiment, the conductive tracks 86 are arranged on the upper main face 26 of the body 22, and the housing 32 opens out into the lower main face 50 of the body 22.
Dans ce mode de réalisation, seuls les plots de raccordement 36 comportent des puits de connexion 78 associés. L'ouverture supérieure de chaque puits de connexion 78 est ici bouchée par la portion d'extrémité 88 d'une piste conductrice 86, de manière à faciliter le remplissage du puits de connexion 78 avec de la colle conductrice 80 formant un plot de raccordement 36 dans le logement 32.In this embodiment, only the connection pads 36 have associated connection wells 78. The upper opening of each connection well 78 is here blocked by the end portion 88 of a conductive track 86, so as to facilitate filling of the connection well 78 with conductive adhesive 80 forming a connection pad 36 in housing 32.
Les parois internes des puits de connexion 78 ne sont pas revêtues de matière conductrice, de sorte que chaque plot de raccordement 36 est lié électriquement avec la piste conductrice 86 associée par contact entre la colle conductrice 80 et la portion d'extrémité 88 de la piste 86 qui bouche l'ouverture supérieure du puits 78.The internal walls of the connection wells 78 are not coated with conductive material, so that each connection pad 36 is electrically linked with the conductive track 86 associated by contact between the conductive adhesive 80 and the end portion 88 of the track. 86 which blocks the upper opening of the well 78.
Selon un q uatrième m ode de réalisation de l 'invention, q ui est représenté sur la figure 9 et qui est similaire au deuxième mode de réalisation, les plots de raccordement 36 sont des dômes métalliques 90 agencés dans des cavités complémentairesAccording to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is shown in FIG. 9 and which is similar to the second embodiment, the connection pads 36 are metallic domes 90 arranged in complementary cavities
92 réalisées dans la face de raccordement 34 du logement 32.92 produced in the connection face 34 of the housing 32.
Les pistes conductrices 86, qui relient électriquement les dômes métalliques 90 avec les plages conductrices 28 correspondantes, sont ici agencées sur plusieurs couches, ici deux couches.The conductive tracks 86, which electrically connect the metal domes 90 with the corresponding conductive pads 28, are here arranged on several layers, here two layers.
Le corps 22 de l'adaptateur 10 est donc réalisé sous la forme de deux couches de plastique 94, 96 superposées verticalement, conformément à la technologie utilisée pour réaliser des cartes à puces à support du type « stratifiées ». Une première partie des plots de raccordement 36 est reliée aux plages conductrices 28 correspondantes par une première série S 1 de pistes conductrices 86 qui sont agencées entre les deux couches de plastique 94, 96, conformément à l'exemple représenté sur la figure 9. On remarque que pour cette première série S 1 de pistes conductrices 86, les puits de connexion 74 associés aux plages conductrices 28 n'a pas besoin de traverser la couche inférieure 96 du corps 22. Les pistes conductrices 86 de cette première série S1 s'étendent ici jusque dans le fond de chaque cavité 92 associée à un dôme métallique 90.The body 22 of the adapter 10 is therefore produced in the form of two layers of plastic 94, 96 superimposed vertically, in accordance with the technology used to produce smart cards with support of the “laminate” type. A first part of the connection pads 36 is connected to the corresponding conductive pads 28 by a first series S 1 of conductive tracks 86 which are arranged between the two plastic layers 94, 96, in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 9. note that for this first series S 1 of conductive tracks 86, the connection wells 74 associated with the conductive pads 28 need not pass through the lower layer 96 of the body 22. The conductive tracks 86 of this first series S1 extend here as far as the bottom of each cavity 92 associated with a metal dome 90.
Une seconde partie des plots de raccordement 36 est reliée aux plages conductrices 28 correspondantes par une seconde série S2 de pistes conductrices 86 qui sont agencées sur la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22, conformément au deuxième mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 3. Cette seconde série S2 de pistes conductrices 86 n'est pas représentée sur la figure 9.A second part of the connection pads 36 is connected to the corresponding conductive pads 28 by a second series S2 of conductive tracks 86 which are arranged on the lower main face 50 of the body 22, in accordance with the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3. This second series S2 of conductive tracks 86 is not shown in FIG. 9.
Pour cette seconde série S2 de pistes conductrices 86, les puits de connexion 74 associés aux plages conductrices 28 doivent traverser les deux couches 94, 96 du corps 22, et chaque dôme métallique 90 comporte un puits de connexion 78 qui s'étend verticalement entre la cavité 92 associée et la face principale inférieure 50 du corps 22. For this second series S2 of conductive tracks 86, the connection wells 74 associated with the conductive pads 28 must pass through the two layers 94, 96 of the body 22, and each metal dome 90 comprises a connection well 78 which extends vertically between the associated cavity 92 and the lower main face 50 of the body 22.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Adaptateur (10) pour la connexion électrique d'une minicarte (12) à circuit(s) intégré(s) dans un connecteur principal pour carte à mémoire électronique à circuit(s) intégré(s) à contact d'un encombrement supérieur à la mini-carte (12), la mini-carte (12) comportant des pistes de contact (14) en surface et ledit adaptateur (10) comportant un corps principal (22) apte à se connecter au connecteur principal et un logement (32) de réception de la mini-carte (12) débouchant à la surface du corps principal (22) et comportant à l'intérieur des plots de raccordement (36) aux contacts électriques (14) de la mini-carte (12), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un capot mobile (52) qui est susceptible d'occuper une position dans laquelle il ferme au moins partiellement le logement (32) en maintenant la mini-carte (12) en position de raccordement électrique dans le logement (32) et en rigidifiant la structure globale de l'adaptateur (10).1. Adapter (10) for the electrical connection of a mini-card (12) with integrated circuit (s) in a main connector for electronic memory card with integrated circuit (s) in contact with dimensions larger than the mini-card (12), the mini-card (12) comprising contact tracks (14) on the surface and said adapter (10) comprising a main body (22) capable of connecting to the main connector and a housing (32 ) receiving the mini-card (12) opening onto the surface of the main body (22) and comprising inside the pads (36) to the electrical contacts (14) of the mini-card (12), characterized in that it comprises a movable cover (52) which is capable of occupying a position in which it at least partially closes the housing (32) while maintaining the mini-card (12) in the position of electrical connection in the housing ( 32) and by stiffening the overall structure of the adapter (10).
2. Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le capot (52) est monté à coulissement longitudinal sur le corps principal (22). 2. Adapter (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover (52) is mounted to slide longitudinally on the main body (22).
3. Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le capot (52) a globalement la forme d'un profilé en U renversé comportant une plaque principale transversale (54) et deux ailes latérales longitudinales (56, 58), et en ce que chaque aile latérale (56, 58) est munie, à son extrémité libre, d'un retour (64, 66) qui vient en appui contre une portion de la face (50) en vis-à-vis du corps (22).3. Adapter (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover (52) generally has the shape of an inverted U-shaped section comprising a transverse main plate (54) and two longitudinal lateral wings (56, 58), and in that each lateral wing (56, 58) is provided, at its free end, with a return (64, 66) which comes to bear against a portion of the face (50) facing the body (22).
4. Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le capot (52) comporte une plaque principale transversale (54) et en ce que le capot (52) est monté sur le corps par emboîtement.4. Adapter (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (52) comprises a main transverse plate (54) and in that the cover (52) is mounted on the body by interlocking.
5. AdaDtateur (10) selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la plaque principale (54) du capot (52) comporte des moyens, tels que des embossages, pour augmenter sa rigidité longitudinale et/ou transversale. 5. AdaDtateur (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the main plate (54) of the cover (52) comprises means, such as embossing, to increase its longitudinal and / or transverse rigidity.
6. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le capot (52) est réalisé en métal.6. Adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (52) is made of metal.
7. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la face principale supérieure (26) du corps (22) est munie de plages conductrices longitudinales parallèles (28) et en ce que le corps (22) est réalisé dans une matière plastique qui est moulée autour de lames conductrices (38), chaque lame (38) comportant un premier tronçon (40) relié électriquement à une plage conductrice (28) et un second tronçon (42) formant un plot de raccordement (36) associé.7. Adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper main face (26) of the body (22) is provided with parallel longitudinal conductive pads (28) and in that the body (22) is made of a plastic material which is molded around conductive strips (38), each strip (38) comprising a first section (40) electrically connected to a conductive pad (28) and a second section (42) forming a connection pad (36) associated.
8. Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le premier tronçon (40) de chaque lame conductrice (38) constitue une plage conductrice (28).8. Adapter (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first section (40) of each conductive strip (38) constitutes a conductive pad (28).
9. Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que la paroi de raccordement (34) du logement (32), qui est munie des plots de raccordement (36), comporte, en regard des pistes de contact (14) de la mini-carte (12), une cavité (46) dans laquelle le second tronçon d'extrémité (42) de chaque lame (38) s'étend globalement longitudinalement, en formant un bossage (48) en saillie à l'intérieur du logement (32) de manière que, lorsqu'une mini-carte (12) est présente dans le logement (32), chaque plot de raccordement (36) soit sollicité élastiquement vers la piste de contact (14) associée pour assurer le raccordement électrique entre eux par contact.9. Adapter (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the connection wall (34) of the housing (32), which is provided with connection pads (36), comprises, facing the contact tracks ( 14) of the mini-card (12), a cavity (46) in which the second end section (42) of each blade (38) extends generally longitudinally, forming a boss (48) projecting from the inside the housing (32) so that, when a mini-card (12) is present in the housing (32), each connection pad (36) is resiliently biased towards the associated contact track (14) to ensure the electrical connection between them by contact.
10. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que chaque plot de raccordement (36) est agencé au droit d'un puits vertical de connexion (78) qui s'étend entre la paroi de raccordement (34) du logement (32), qui est munie des plots de raccordement (36), et une face principale (26, 50) du corps (22), et qui contient une matière conductrice (80, 84), de manière que chaque puits de connexion ( 78) r elie électriquement u n plot de r accordement ( 36) à une piste conductrice ( 86) associée, q ui est agencée sur l adite face principale ( 26, 50) du corps ( 22), e t en c e q ue chaque piste conductrice (86) est reliée électriquement à une plage conductrice longitudinale (28) associée au plot de raccordement (36) et agencée sur la face principale supérieure (26) du corps (22).10. Adapter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each connection pad (36) is arranged in line with a vertical connection well (78) which extends between the wall of connection (34) of the housing (32), which is provided with connection pads (36), and a main face (26, 50) of the body (22), and which contains a conductive material (80, 84), so that each connection well (78) electrically connects a connection pad (36) to an associated conductive track (86), which is arranged on the said main face (26, 50) of the body (22), and in that each conductive track (86) is electrically connected to a longitudinal conductive pad (28) associated with the connection pad (36) and arranged on the upper main face (26) of the body (22).
1 1 . Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que les pistes conductrices (86) sont agencées sur la face principale inférieure (50) du corps (22), et en ce que chaque plage conductrice (86) est agencée au droit d'un puits vertical de connexion (74) qui s'étend entre la face principale supérieure (26) et la face principale inférieure (50) du corps (22), et qui contient une matière conductrice (76), de manière que chaque plage conductrice (28) soit reliée électriquement à la piste conductrice (86) associée à travers un puits de connexion (74). 1 1. Adapter (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conductive tracks (86) are arranged on the lower main face (50) of the body (22), and in that each conductive pad (86) is arranged in line with '' a vertical connection well (74) which extends between the upper main face (26) and the lower main face (50) of the body (22), and which contains a conductive material (76), so that each area conductive (28) is electrically connected to the conductive track (86) associated through a connection well (74).
12. Adaptateur (10) selon la revendication 10 ou 1 1 , caractérisé en ce que le corps (22) comporte plusieurs couches12. Adapter (10) according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the body (22) comprises several layers
(94, 96) superposées verticalement, et en ce qu'une série de pistes conductrices (86) est agencée entre deux couches (94, 96).(94, 96) superimposed vertically, and in that a series of conductive tracks (86) is arranged between two layers (94, 96).
13. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, caractérisé en ce que chaque plot de raccordement (36) est réalisé par le dépôt d'une pellicule de matière élastique conductrice (80), par exemple du silicone chargé de particules métalliques, qui forme une bosse, proéminente à l 'intérieur du I ogement ( 32), d e manière à g arantir la liaison électrique par contact entre chaque plot de raccordement (36) et la piste de contact (14) associée de la minicarte (12), malgré des défauts de co-planéité entre la face de raccordement (34) du logement (32) et la face (18) en vis-à-vis de la mini-carte (12). 13. Adapter (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that each connection pad (36) is produced by the deposition of a film of elastic conductive material (80), for example loaded silicone of metallic particles, which forms a bulge, protruding inside the housing (32), so as to guarantee the electrical connection by contact between each connection pad (36) and the associated contact track (14) of the mini-card (12), despite defects in co-planarity between the connection face (34) of the housing (32) and the face (18) facing the mini-card (12).
14. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, caractérisé en ce que chaque plot de raccordement (36) est formé par un dôme métallique (90) rapporté sur la paroi de raccordement (34). 14. Adapter (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that each connection pad (36) is formed by a metal dome (90) attached to the connection wall (34).
15. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps (22) comporte des moyens de détrompage (72) pour garantir le positionnement correct de la mini-carte (12) dans le logement (32).15. Adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (22) includes keying means (72) to guarantee the correct positioning of the mini-card (12) in the housing (32 ).
16. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la mini-carte (12) est une carte normalisée du type mini-SIM.16. Adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mini-card (12) is a standardized card of the mini-SIM type.
17. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il a la forme d'une carte normalisée du type MultiMedia Card.17. Adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has the form of a standardized card of the MultiMedia Card type.
18. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il a la forme d'une carte normalisée du type Secure Digital. 18. Adapter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it has the form of a standardized card of the Secure Digital type.
19. Adaptateur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il a la forme d'une carte normalisée du type Memory Stick. 19. Adapter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it has the form of a standardized card of the Memory Stick type.
EP03789532A 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Adapter for electrically connecting a miniature integrated circuit card in a memory card connector Ceased EP1576866A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09176804.4A EP2159734B1 (en) 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Memory card adapter for connecting mini-card in larger connector

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0215336 2002-12-05
FR0215336A FR2848346B1 (en) 2002-12-05 2002-12-05 ADAPTER FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF A MINI-CARD WITH INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (S) IN A CONNECTOR FOR A MEMORY CARD
PCT/FR2003/003533 WO2004054341A1 (en) 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Adapter for electrically connecting a miniature integrated circuit card in a memory card connector

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09176804.4A Division EP2159734B1 (en) 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Memory card adapter for connecting mini-card in larger connector

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1576866A1 true EP1576866A1 (en) 2005-09-21

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ID=32320002

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03789532A Ceased EP1576866A1 (en) 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Adapter for electrically connecting a miniature integrated circuit card in a memory card connector
EP09176804.4A Expired - Lifetime EP2159734B1 (en) 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Memory card adapter for connecting mini-card in larger connector

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09176804.4A Expired - Lifetime EP2159734B1 (en) 2002-12-05 2003-12-01 Memory card adapter for connecting mini-card in larger connector

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US (1) US7448914B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1576866A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4195449B2 (en)
CN (2) CN1720767B (en)
AU (1) AU2003294112A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2738853T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2848346B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004054341A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101510247A (en) 2009-08-19
US7448914B2 (en) 2008-11-11
EP2159734A1 (en) 2010-03-03
AU2003294112A1 (en) 2004-06-30
JP4195449B2 (en) 2008-12-10
FR2848346A1 (en) 2004-06-11
CN1720767A (en) 2006-01-11
US20060133051A1 (en) 2006-06-22
JP2006509338A (en) 2006-03-16
CN1720767B (en) 2010-10-13
WO2004054341A1 (en) 2004-06-24
FR2848346B1 (en) 2005-02-11
CN101510247B (en) 2016-04-06
WO2004054341A8 (en) 2005-04-07
ES2738853T3 (en) 2020-01-27
EP2159734B1 (en) 2019-05-01

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