FR2594243A1 - Device for connection with a microcircuit card, and machine comprising such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

A plate 50 internally defining a cell 5 forming a receptacle for a card is pivotably movable between a rest position and a work position in which it comes opposite a lead-in track for a card C. Its movement is defined by a cam, coaxial with another cam, allowing a connector block 6 to descend next onto the studs which the card C contains. The card is then subjected to reading/writing, possibly after checking the contacts. Next, the connector block 6 is lifted away, then, after withdrawal of the card C, the plate 50. The card can then be kept by the apparatus in a tray situated under the device. Significant clearance is also available for other card processing means situated upstream.

Description

Connection device with a micro-circuit card, and machine comprising such a device.

The invention relates to the connection with a microcircuit card.
We know the current development of electronic micro-circuit cards, also called smart cards, or memory cards.

Some applications use cards whose memory consists only of micro-circuits. Others, such as banking applications, use for reasons of compatibility mixed cards, that is to say provided with both micro-circuits and magnetic tracks conforming to current standards.

Different solutions have been proposed for making the connection with the micro-circuit card. A mixed card reader, where the card is moved manually, has in particular been described by the Applicant in Patent Application NO 83 15 042, published under NO 2 552 252.

In general, a connection device with a micro-circuit card comprises - a path for supplying the card, - means forming a receptacle for receiving the card in a predetermined position, and - a multiple connector, suitable for coming in contact on the connection pads of the card, when it is in its predetermined position.

The Applicant has posed the problem of producing a connection device which is, as widely as possible, compatible with the various machines for processing micro-circuit cards, or mixed micro-circuit and magnetic stripe cards. It will be understood that such machines must be able to perform, after connection, the reading and / or writing in the micro-circuit of the card.

In the case of a mixed card, these operations will be preceded or followed by reading / writing on magnetic tracks of the card, or even by the recognition of special shapes, for example holographic, printed on the card, or contained in the material. even from the map.

Thus, a first object of the present invention is to provide a connection device which can be associated with any other card processing device, with a minimum footprint, while allowing a large clearance of the end of the card outside. of the processing device with which the connection device according to the invention is associated.

Another object of the invention is to allow in a simple way the capture and storage of a card recognized as non-compliant, or forgotten, for example.

The invention also aims to allow contact between the connector and the studs of the micro-circuit card, ensuring friction at the time of contact, while preventing this friction from interfering with the introduction of the card in predetermined position in the receptacle.

The invention also aims to achieve these functions using very simple kinematics, and great safety.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the receptacle, pivotally mounted, is normally maintained in a rest position, where its opening is not aligned with the outlet of the card feed path, preferably located above the exit from the driveway; and there is provided a motor member, clean, on command, to place this receptacle opposite the outlet of the supply means.

This allows on the one hand, after control, the capture and storage of a card recognized as non-compliant. The control can be done by connection to the micro-circuit of the card, or during previous phases involving the magnetic tracks of the card, or even its holographic forms. Cards forgotten in the machine will also be captured. This also allows significant movement of the end of the card, outside the feed path, without interference with the connection device, when the receptacle thereof is in its rest position.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the connector, mounted on a pivotally movable support, comes into contact on the card after its introduction into the receptacle, from a rest position without contact with the card. In this way, the introduction of the card into the receptacle is done without any friction on the connector.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises a single motor, always rotating in the same direction, and for example driving two cams. One of these cams ensures controlled alignment of the opening of the receptacle with the output of the card supply path; the other then ensures the descent of the movable connector on the pads of the card.

Preferably, the device also comprises a position encoder, provided with one or more sensors for logically defining the position of the receptacle and that of the connector, respectively.

In a particular embodiment, the receptacle internally defines a rectangular cell having laterally a reference edge facing an elastic framing return, and, opposite its opening, a card stop detector.

The stop detector can include a photoelectric cell, or even a microswitch.

The rest position of the receptacle, and also that of the multiple connector, are advantageously defined by elastic return.

The invention also relates to machines for processing micro-circuit cards, in particular machines for reading bank cards, which comprise a device as defined above.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connection device according to the invention ; - Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1, to scale 1; - Figures 3A, 3B, 3C are three corresponding views of a movable connector used according to the invention, respectively in side view, in bottom view and in side view; - Figures 4A to 4C are three simplified diagrams of the device according to the invention, in side view, to better understand its operation; and - Figure 5 is a block diagram of a machine comprising a device according to the invention.

The accompanying drawings in certain respects refer to geometric considerations which are difficult to describe completely. Consequently, they will serve not only to clarify the description, but also to contribute to the definition of the invention, if necessary.

In FIG. 1, the connection device according to the invention is housed in a chassis 1 of which the bottom wall 10 and the side wall 11 are seen here, while the other opposite side wall appears at 12 in FIG. 2 .

On the wall 10 is mounted a motor 20, direct current, supplied for example at 24 volts. This motor drives an endless screw 21 which cooperates with a toothed wheel 22 mounted on a shaft 25 supported by the walls 11 and 12.

This axis 25 fixedly receives two cams 31 and 32, as well as a wheel 40 forming an angular encoder with at least two positions, using two detectors 41 and 42 of the photoelectric cell type, cooperating with perforations or other markings. of disc 40.

A receptacle 5 is defined by a cell formed in a plate 50, which can pivot about an axis 51, parallel to the axis 25, and preferably located in the vicinity of the end wall 10.

The cam 31 is palpated by an upper boss 56 of the plate 50, the contact being ensured by an elastic return upwards defined by a spring 81 mounted between the top of the plate 50 and a rod 80 bearing between the walls 11 and 12.

The cell which will be used to receive a card such as C has a reference edge 53, and, on the other hand, a blade 54 mounted laterally on the plate 50 to resiliently recall the card towards the edge 53, through two slots 55, for example.

The rectilinear internal edge of the cell, denoted 52, is equipped in a chosen position with a detector 58 for the presence of a card in the cell. This detector 58 may consist of a photoelectric cell or else of a microswitch.

Card C, provided with PC connection pads, can be brought in manually according to a supply path defined by any means. In principle, it is brought in automatically, using motorized rollers shown diagrammatically in R1 and R2.

The position of the PC pads here is the standard position for French micro-circuit cards. Some cards are fitted with pads in a slightly different position, shown schematically in PC 'in Figure 1.

The upper wall of the plate 50 is pierced with a cell 59 which is preferably made large enough to allow reading both the PC area and the PC 'area of the card, by a simple translation of a connector block 6, manual or motorized.

This connector block 6 is carried by a lever 70, articulated on an axis 71 mounted between the walls ll and 12. The lever 70 is completed with an L-shaped part 72, which descends first obliquely, then horizontally to come and feel the cam 32. The contact of the arm 72 with the cam 32 is ensured by an elastic return upwards exerted by the spring 82 on the lever 70, bearing on the rod 80 already mentioned.

FIG. 2 in top view completes the representation of the device according to the invention, note being made that the axis 71 does not appear in this FIG. 2.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the lateral parts 11 and 12 of the connection device can receive any suitable form allowing the coupling of this device to a commercial magnetic stripe card reader, and in particular to the MCT 245 and MCT 345 manufactured by the Japanese company SANKYO, model CR 51 sold by the Applicant, and ESD model called multistandard or MS, also sold by the Applicant. The rollers R1 and R2 are then the output rollers of such a magnetic stripe card reader.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate the structure of the connector 6 itself. This comprises a plastic body 60, provided with a fixing shoulder 61. The body 60 supports eight contacts 62 at the bottom, ending at their ends like brushes. In contrast, eight corresponding connection points 63 are provided. Furthermore, on its face opposite to the shoulder 61, the multiple connector block 6 can be provided with a T-shaped slot 68 which can facilitate its positioning. .

In FIG. 1, the block is assumed to be mounted in the direction illustrated in FIG. 3A, that is to say that the free tips of the contacts 62 are turned to the right when looking at FIG. 1.

The operation of the device is as follows
For a first position of the two cams (FIG. 4A), the opening 57 of the receptacle 5 is located higher than the path for bringing the CAC card. We then have the entire length L to allow the deflection of the card, when it is read by the magnetic stripe reader, which is very important in certain applications.

In addition, a card can thus be discarded directly, or sequestrated, in a bin 3 (Figure 5), where it falls by gravity. I1 suffices for this to be released by the rollers R1 and R2, the connection device being in its rest position in FIG. 4A.

When the connection device is activated, the first phase consists of the descent of the plate 50, so that its opening 57 comes opposite the CAC card supply path. The card can then be inserted under the action of the motor rollers R1 and R2 (or even by hand).

It will be noted that in this position, the connector does not come into engagement on the studs of the card, which allows an introduction of the card into its receptacle 5 with minimal friction.

In FIG. 4C, the card is assumed to be completely inserted into the receptacle, the contacts of the connector 6 have then come to be established on the pads respectively associated with the card, by a rotational movement which involves friction, capable of establishing an excellent contact.

 It is then possible to carry out tests on the good quality of the contacts, in particular by checking the conduction between the active input terminals of the card and the semiconductor substrate of the micro-circuits which the latter comprises.

Then, the motor remains stationary for the duration of the read / write operations in the micro-circuits of the card.

After that, the engine is again put into action, the cam 32 will first of all raise the connector 6, after which the rollers R1 and R2 will remove the card. Finally, the cam 31 will raise the receptacle 50 to its rest position.

The time necessary for the execution of a complete cycle, from the rest position to the rest position for all the components of the mechanism, namely the receptacle and the connector, can easily be made between 1 and 4 seconds , without excessive power consumption.

Furthermore, when the connector device is in the raised connector position (after checking the contacts or reading / writing in the card), while waiting for the receptacle to be raised, it is possible to ensure that a time elapses. at least 0.3 seconds between switching on the motor and the start of movement of the receptacle.

Furthermore, it is possible to make the length L (figlJre 4z) equal to at least 55 Tnm, which is particularly important for limiting the total size of a mixed card reader.

The sensor 58 indicates that the card is correctly positioned to allow the application of the connector 6.

If this condition is not fulfilled, the rollers R1 and R2 are actuated to withdraw the card, after which the motor 20 is controlled in a rapid return phase to the rest position. A variant consists in making an attempt to immediately reinsert the card.

The two other sensors 41 and 42 respectively indicate the position of the receptacle 5 and that of the multiple connector 6.

When the engine is running and the mechanical assembly describes a complete cycle from the rest state to the return to the rest state, the state of these sensors 41 and 42 changes as defined in the table below. By way of example, it is assumed that the sensor 40 is a disk provided with a semicircular slot, and read by two sensors at 900 degrees from one another. The angular difference between the reading points of the cams 31 and 32 is also approximately 900.

DESIGNATION Sensor 41 Sensor 42
Starting the engine at rest and setting up the 0 card path
Arrival of the card path in the correct position for inserting the card
Application of the connector on the card 0 1
End of connector application 1 1
Connector lift 1 1
End of connector lifting to resume card 1 -) 0
Card path lift 1 0
Arrival in rest position -> 0 0
O Inactive state 1 Active state -> Switching of the sensor state.

Figure 5 now illustrates the block diagram of a machine incorporating a connection device according to the invention.

We find there the connection mechanics 1, associated electronic elements El, comprising the control of the motor 20, the reception of information from the various sensors, and of course connections to the block 6.

By a mechanical interface (not shown), the connection device 1 is put into cooperation for example with an organ such as a magnetic stripe reader 2, provided with its usual electronics E2. A tray 3 is provided under the free space starting from the left edge of the reader 2, to go largely under the connection device 1. The member 2 can be any other device, even a simple micro-circuit card holder.

Finally, electronic management means EG ensure the proper functioning of the assembly, by interaction with the electronic devices El and E2.

Although the invention finds its full advantages in the embodiment described above, it is possible to envisage variants. One could conceive for example, for certain applications, that the connector block 6 is fixed. In this case, the tips of its contacts 62 (FIG. 3A) would naturally be directed to the left, when looking at FIG. 1.

In addition, the embodiment described is not limiting.

The motor 20 could be a synchronous, stepping motor, or any suitable type of motor. Cams 31 and 31 can be replaced by kinematic rod or eccentric controls. Finally, the sensors 41 and 42 can directly detect the position of the ultimate controlled members 50 and 70 or 6, or of course of intermediate members.

At the application level, the device can, by construction, be adapted to the reading of studs placed in
PC only, or PC 'only. A manual or controlled translation of the connector 6, makes it capable of reading the two types of cards.

Claims (14)

Claims. 1. Connection device with a micro-circuit card, comprising - a path for supplying the card (R1, R2), - means (5) forming a receptacle for receiving the card in a predetermined position, and - a multiple connector (6) suitable for coming into contact on the connection pads of the card, when it is in its predetermined position, characterized in that the receptacle (5), pivotally mounted (51), is normally held (81) in a rest position where its opening (57) is not aligned with the output of the card supply path, and in that there is provided a motor member (20-22, 25, 31) clean, on command, to place this receptacle (5) opposite the outlet of the supply means. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the rest position of the receptacle (5), its opening (57) is above the outlet of the supply path. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connector (6) mounted on a support (70) pivotally movable, comes into contact on the card after its introduction into the receptacle, from a rest position without contact with the card, which allows a very low card insertion force. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a single motor (20), always rotating in the same direction, and controlling both the receptacle (5) and the connector (6). 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the motor drives two cams (31, 32), one of which (31) ensures the controlled alignment of the opening of the receptacle on the outlet of the supply path of cards, and the other (32) then ensures the descent of the movable connector on the pads of the card. 6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the rotational movement of the connector (6) brings it with friction on the studs of the card. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a position encoder (40) provided with sensors (41, 42) for logically defining the position of the receptacle and that of the connector, respectively. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (5) internally defines a rectangular cell having laterally a reference edge (53) facing an elastic framing return (54), and, at the opposite to its opening (57), a card stop detector (58). 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the stop detector comprises a photoelectric cell (58). 10. Device according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the stop detector comprises a microswitch (58). 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rest position or positions are defined by elastic return (80, 81, 82). 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (6) is movable parallel to the plane of the card (C) in order to be able to read different types of card. 13. Machine for processing micro-circuit cards, characterized in that it comprises a device according to one of the preceding claims. 14. Machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection device (1) is coupled, by simple mechanical adaptation, to a card processing device (2), which is facilitated by the low insertion force required by the connection device (1).