FR2619474A1 - Connection system with balls for a memory card and other connections for electronic systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system with balls for a memory card, enabling the connection of chip cards to be made and comprising a plastic socket 1 provided with slideways 2 and with a stop 3 enabling the card to be positioned under the contactors. A plastic film 4, bonded to the slideways, holds metal balls 5 by a crimping means. A second film 6, to which are bonded conducting strips 7 which come into contact with the balls, holds the assembly together. In the case where the cards to be inserted into the device are embossed, the readout device is bonded so that the embossing does not lift up the plastic film 8.

Description

BALL CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR MEMORY CARD AND
OTHER CONNECTIONS FOR ELECTRONIC SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a device for ensuring a connection with a memory card in a limited volume.

This device also relates to all connections, in particular in the electronic field requiring a limited volume.

Memory card readers are currently bulky due, in particular, to the connection device.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the connector to less than a centimeter. I1 is designed so that its manufacture is inexpensive.

 it has, in its lower part, a plastic slide tray allowing to slide the card and to adjust it exactly under the contact device. The height of the slides is equivalent to the thickness of the card. They are located on both lengths. A stop at the bottom of the device stops the card in the reading position.

A plastic film, glued on the slides, covers the tray.

The card is inserted between the set and the film.

At the exact location of the contact points of the chip, holes are drilled in the film in which metal balls are crimped. These holes are slightly smaller in diameter than the balls they receive.

The first plastic film is covered with a second plastic film on which conductive strips have been stuck. They come into contact with the balls, thus ensuring electrical continuity between the chip and the unit to be served - by means of the conductive strips which will serve the logic unit to be supplied.

The device according to the invention is in particular intended for smart card readers. It can be integrated into portable readers, readers for ATMs, point of sale terminals and all smart card applications. However, this connection system according to the invention can also be used for space-saving connections intended for electronic equipment, for connections between machines, or between elements of electronic machines.

Also, according to the invention, the ball connectors can take different forms depending on the connection problem. They can thus replace the needle connection devices which too often tend to deteriorate.

Thus, to produce a connector with 16 conductors, according to the invention, a female part and a male part are distinguished. The latter consists of a flat plug consisting of a sandwich composed as follows: a plastic film in the lower part set with eight metal balls according to the method described above. Conductive strips, glued to a second plastic film, come into contact with the balls.

Above these two films, a third provided with conductive strips is glued. Then a fourth also set with eight beads. The conductive strips lead to a strip where the electric films are welded.

The female part consists of a plastic case with the exact dimensions of the male plug. In the upper and lower parts are formed, by stamping, spherical cavities to the dimensions of the balls. By inserting the card, the balls are housed in these cavities provided with conductive strips. They thus ensure electrical continuity as well as mechanical connection.

The ball connection system according to the invention can adapt to all electrical connections, and take any form depending on the problem.

Claims (5)

 1) Device provided with metal balls crimped in the thickness of a plastic film to ensure the connection with the microprocessor of the smart card and all other connections between machines or elements of electronic machines.  2) Device according to claim 1) characterized in that are metal balls which provide electrical contact while allowing a good mechanical connection.  3) Device according to claims 1) and 2) characterized in that a plastic film, on which are bonded conductive strips, ensures the maintenance of the balls in position.  4) Device according to the preceding claims for ensuring the connection with smart cards and comprising a plastic base (1) provided with slides (2) and a stop (3) for positioning the card under the contactors. A plastic film (4), glued to the slides, holds metal balls (5) by crimping. A second film (6) on which are bonded conductive strips (7) which come into contact with the balls ensures the maintenance of the assembly. In the case where the cards to be inserted into the device are embossed, the reading device is glued so that the embossing does not come to lift the plastic film (8).  5) Device according to claims 1), 2) and 3) for ensuring the connection between any system, or part of the electronic system, consisting of a male plug and a female plug. The male plug is made up of a sandwich composed of a plastic film (21) in which are metal beads, a second film (22) on which are bonded conductive strips (23), a third film (24) also provided with conductive strips towards the outside and finally with a fourth film (25) in which are crimped metal balls (26). The female part consists of a case (27) with the exact dimensions of the male plug. It is provided with cavities, stamped (28) and conductive strips (29), all allowing the electrical connections and the maintenance of the connections.