FR2949639A1 - Card i.e. microcircuit card, fabricating method, involves closing cavity by piece arranged at right side of switch actuation unit such that application of compression force of piece against switch actuation unit causes actuation of switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves shaping a support forming rigid body of a card by laminating and/or molding the body, where dimensions of the card are defined by a 1D-1 format of ISO 7816standard. A cavity (30) is machined for receiving a switch i.e. push button, in the body. The switch is placed in the cavity. The cavity is closed using an elastically deformable piece (32) arranged at a right side of a switch actuation unit (28) such that application of predefined compression force of the piece against the switch actuation unit causes actuation of the switch. An independent claim is also included for a card incorporating a switch.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of microcircuit cards. It applies more particularly but not specifically to microcircuit cards comprising an electronic circuit provided with a push-button type switch. Conventionally, a switch of this type comprises a button capable of adopting a depressed position closing the electrical circuit when an operator exerts a pressure on the button and a relaxed position of opening of the circuit. In order to facilitate its incorporation into thin members, such as microcircuit cards of relatively small thickness, such a switch comprises a button generally in the form of a capsule, or dome, provided with electrical contact tabs with connection pads. printed circuit board. For example, the dome comprises a metal central part adapted to come into contact with one of the elastically deformable connection pads of the capsule and a peripheral portion electrically connected to the other of the connection pads permanently. The passage from the relaxed position to the depressed position is usually performed by applying an operator's finger pressure to the button and the passage from the depressed position to the relaxed position is achieved by springback of the capsule in its position. resting when releasing pressure on the dome. It is already known from the state of the art, in particular WO 2008/129193, a push button type switch for microcircuit card. In this document, the switch is incorporated in a thin substrate in a hole provided for this purpose, the substrate being interposed between two protective layers, all of these layers being subsequently laminated. The disadvantage of this technique is that during lamination, an air pocket is likely to be formed between the two protective layers around the switch and the presence of this air pocket can, during the lamination phase, in particular because of the pressure variations experienced by the card during this phase, to be at the origin of the appearance of aesthetic defects on the surface of the final product.

In addition, it is relatively difficult to precisely control the flexibility of the protective layers at the end of the lamination cycle. Too much rigidity of the layers around the switch can affect the tactile sensation of the button and the optimal operation of the button. The invention aims in particular to provide a method of manufacturing a microcircuit card comprising a switch having relatively good tactile properties, respecting the aesthetics of the body of the card while being relatively simple to implement. For this purpose, the invention particularly relates to a method of manufacturing a board incorporating a switch comprising an actuator of the switch in response to the application of a predetermined pressure on the member, wherein the method comprises a step of shaping a substantially rigid card body forming a support, characterized in that, after the shaping step, the method comprises the following steps: machining a receiving cavity of the switch in the card body and setting up the switch in the cavity, and - closing the cavity by means of an elastically deformable piece arranged substantially in line with the body, so that the application a predefined compression force of the workpiece against the member causes the actuation of the switch. Since the incorporation of the switch is subsequent to the lamination of the card body, defects that may occur during the lamination phase are avoided. In particular, before lamination, no air pocket is formed inside the card body.

Rigid means a card body which is rigid enough to prevent folding of the card without causing irreversible card breakage while allowing relative bending of the body.

Because the part is elastically deformable, the activation of the switch through the workpiece provides a very satisfactory tactile sensation. In addition, the aesthetic appearance of the card is preserved because the switch cavity is closed by the part which thus forms a cache masking the switch. A method according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the features in which: the shaping step comprises a step of lamination and / or molding of the card body; the switch is arranged in the cavity so that, during the application of a preset pressure on the member, the switch makes electrical contact with them at least two electrical connection pads carried by the card body; the two connection pads are embedded in the body during the forming step 15 and are at least partially bare during the machining step of the cavity; the member comprises at least one electrically conductive portion adapted to come into contact with the connection pads during the application of a predefined pressure on the member; The workpiece is attached by gluing and / or welding to the body of the card; the connection pads are formed by printed tracks of an electrical circuit and / or by electrically conductive pads; the part being made in an electrically insulating printed circuit substrate coated on at least one of its faces with a metal printing layer of a circuit, a visual cue is printed on this layer. The invention furthermore relates to a board incorporating a switch comprising an actuator of the switch in response to the application of a predetermined pressure on the member, characterized in that it is manufactured in accordance with a method according to the invention. A card according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features: the member comprises at least one generally dome-shaped capsule able to deform elastically in response to the application of a predefined pressure on the capsule; - The member comprises at least two capsules generally domed and arranged vis-à-vis one another, the application of a simultaneous preset pressure on each of the two capsules causing their mutual approximation by deformation elastic capsules; the piece has a general shape of plate and is arranged in the cavity to be flush with the surface of the card; the cavity delimits a step to form an inner peripheral support flange of the workpiece so that the workpiece rests on the internal rim of the cavity. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the description which follows, given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card according to a first embodiment comprising a switch and being manufactured according to a method according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a view in transparency of an internal electronic circuit of the card of FIG. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the board taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing the switch in a rest position; FIG. 4 shows the switch of FIG. 3 in an activated position; - Figure 5 is a sectional view of the card according to the line 3-3 of Figure 1 showing an alternative embodiment of the switch of Figures 3 and 4 in a rest position; FIG. 6 shows the switch of FIG. 5 in an activated position; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a card according to a second embodiment manufactured in accordance with the method according to the invention comprising two switches and a display screen; FIG. 8 is a view in transparency of an internal electronic circuit of the card of FIG. 7; FIGS. 9A to 9C respectively represent a top view of the switch at various stages of manufacture of the card; Figures 10 to 13 illustrate different successive steps of a manufacturing method according to the invention. FIG. 1 shows a microcircuit card manufactured according to a method according to the invention. In the following description, the card is designated by the general reference 10.

In the example described, the card 10 comprises a card body 12 delimiting the external dimensions of the card body. In this example, and preferably, the dimensions of the card are defined by the ID-1 format of the ISO 7816 standard which is the format conventionally used for bank cards. Of course, other card formats may also be used. The card body 12 is preferably shaped by lamination. Alternatively, the card body 12 may also be formed by molding or any other suitable technique. After forming, the card body 12 is substantially rigid and forms a support of the card 10. In the sense of the invention, it should be understood by rigid, that the card body 12 can not be bent without causing irreversible breaks on the body 12 but may be flexible enough to be slightly bent. In the example described, the card body 12 incorporates a microcircuit 14 and a near-field communication antenna 16 (FIG. 2). This antenna 16 allows in a manner known per se to establish a contactless communication with an external card reading terminal (not shown). More precisely, the antenna 16 and the microcircuit 14 together form an antenna circuit 18.

In the example described, the antenna 16 is carried by a support layer 15 made essentially of a thermoplastic material, for example PVC (acronym for polyvinyl chloride). Preferably, the card body 12 is thus shaped by lamination, that is to say by forming, for example by means of a press and in a hot lamination operation, a stack of layers or laminated sheets comprising the antenna support layer 15 interposed between several layers 17 or sheets of thermoplastic material. Alternatively, as specified above, the body 12 can be shaped by molding for example plastic around this antenna support layer 15. In addition, in the example illustrated in Figure 1, the card 10 is of dual type, that is to say that it comprises both a contactless interface able to establish a communication in the near field with the external reading terminal and a contact interface able to establish a communication with another external terminal by contact. For this purpose, the card 10 comprises an external interface 20 of contact pads 22 electrically connected to the microcircuit 14. This interface 20 allows the establishment of a contact communication when the card 10 is inserted into a suitable card reader. The antenna 16 is also connected at each of its ends 16A, 16B to the microcircuit 14 by connection pads 23A, 23B. In this example, the antenna 16 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive turns extending along the periphery of the card body 12. In the example illustrated in the figures, the antenna 16 is made by metal deposition, according to a technology by etching or screen printing, and the two connection pads 23A, 23B have in this case a shape allowing several connection points to corresponding connection pads of the microcircuit 14 (not visible in the figures). Alternatively, the antenna 16 may be made by wire technology for example by inlaying the wire in the card body 12 by means of an ultrasonic technique known to those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the card 10 incorporates a switch 24. In this example, the switch 24 is capable of adopting an activated position making it possible to close the antenna circuit 18 and a rest position in FIG. which antenna circuit 18 forms an open loop. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the switch 24 is positioned on the path followed by the wire of the antenna 16. It can be seen in particular in this figure that the card body 12 carries two electric connection pads 26A, 26B from the switch 24 to the antenna 16, also arranged in the path of the antenna 16. These ranges 26A, 26B are for example integral with the antenna 16 when the latter is etched or screen printed on the support layer 15. They are, for example, formed by printed tracks of an electrical circuit such as the antenna circuit 18. Alternatively, when the antenna 16 comprises an electrically conductive wire, in this case the pads 26A, 26B may be formed by pellets and be connected to the antenna 16 by welding the wire respectively on each of the pads 26A, 26B.

These ranges 26A, 26B are disjoint from each other so that when the switch 24 is in a rest position (Figure 3), the antenna circuit 18 is open, but is closed when the switch 24 is in an activated position (Figure 4). More specifically, the switch 24 comprises a member 28 for actuating the switch 24 in response to the application of a predefined pressure on the member 28. In addition, the card body 12 comprises a cavity 30 for receiving the switch 24. This cavity 30 is also closed by means of an elastically deformable piece 32 arranged substantially in line with the member 28, so that the application of a predefined compressive force of the piece 32 against member 28 actuates the switch 24. Such a cavity 30 housing the switch 24 is shown in cross section in Figures 3 and 4. As shown in detail in these figures, the cavity 30 defines 30 for example a step 34 to form a peripheral internal rim 36 of support of the workpiece 32 so that the workpiece 32 rests on the inner rim 36 of the cavity 30.

Preferably, the switch 24 is arranged in the cavity 30 so that, when a preset pressure is applied to the member 28, the switch 24 puts the two electrical connection pads 26A in electrical contact with each other. , 26B carried by the card body 12.

Preferably, the member 28 is made of an elastically deformable material. Thus, for example, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the member 28 comprises at least one metal part 38 adapted to come into contact with the connection pads 26A, 26B during the application of a predefined pressure on the member 28. This metal part 38 preferably extends in a central zone of the member 28 so that the metal part 38, during the application of a predefined pressure on the member 28, follows the deformation elastic member 28 and comes to create an electrical bridge between the two connection pads 26A, 26B and allowing the flow of current through the antenna circuit 18. Preferably, the member 28 comprises at least one capsule 40 in general shape of dome or spherical cap able to deform elastically in response to the application of a predetermined pressure on the capsule 40.

FIG. 3 shows in particular the switch 24 in the rest position, that the capsule 40 comprises a substantially semispherical membrane 42 comprising a recessed central portion 44 whose internal face, disposed opposite the connection pads 26A, 26B, carries an electrically conductive layer 46.

As is illustrated in FIG. 4, during the application on the capsule 40 of a pressure directed towards the connection pads 26A, 26B, a deformation of this capsule 40 is caused until the electrically conductive layer 46 comes to limit stop on the two connection pads 26A, 26B thus forming an electrical bridge between the two beaches. It can be seen in particular in this FIG. 4 that the deformation of the part 32 is greater than the deformation of the card body from the face opposite to that bearing the part 32, to the right of the switch. This results in a tactile sensation of actuation of the switch 24 mainly located at the deformable part 32. In a variant illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the elastically deformable member of the switch 24 comprises first 40A and 40B second capsules in general shape of the dome and arranged vis-à-vis one another, the application of a predetermined simultaneous pressure on each of the two capsules 40A, 40B causing their mutual approximation by elastic deformation.

In this case, each capsule 40A, 40B is provided with a spherical membrane 42A, 42B, made for example of a plastic material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bearing on its respective inner face an electrically conductive layer 46A, 46B, made for example in a material comprising substantially carbon, extended by a contact tab 48A, 48B protruding from the capsule 40A, 40B. Each tab 48A, 48B is connected directly to the antenna 16 or indirectly to the antenna 16 via the associated connection pad 26A, 26B (Figure 6). The first and second electrically conductive layers 46A, 46B respectively of the first 40A and second 40B capsules have positions offset relative to each other along a vertical axis Z of the switch 24 so that they are electrically isolated. one of the other when the switch 24 is in the rest position and that their mutual approximation allows a contacting of the two layers 46A, 46B and thus the closure of the circuit 18.

For example, the two spherical membranes 42A, 42B delimit between them an interior volume filled with air ensuring the electrical insulation of the two layers 46A, 46B at the central portions of the capsules 40A, 40B. Thus, each spherical membrane 42A, 42B further includes a recessed central portion 44A, 44B and the layers 46A, 46B extend tabs 48A, 48B to the corresponding central portions 44A, 44B.

The mutual approximation of the two capsules 40A, 40B then causes the electrical first and second electrical layers 46A, 46B to come into electrical contact at the central portions 44A, 44B of the capsules 40A, 40B which are themselves electrically connected to the first 26A and second 26B ranges. electrical through the first 48A and second 48B tabs (Figure 6). This variant embodiment of the switch 24 offers a more effective tactile sensation for the operator because of the presence of the two capsules 40A, 40B. In particular, it can be seen that the receiving cavity 30 of the two-capsule switch 24 is deeper than the receiving cavity of the one-capsule switch 24 (FIG. 5). As a result, the thickness of the card body portion 12 beneath the cavity is thinned with respect to a single capsule receiving cavity. The operator exerts pressure on the two capsules 40A, 40B simultaneously by pinching the card 10 and thus causes deformation of the two capsules at the same time. Preferably, the piece 32 has a general shape of plate and is arranged in the cavity 30 so that it is substantially flush with the surface of the card 10. For example, as shown in FIG. a general form of square. Thus, this maintains a substantially flat map surface. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9C, which shows a top view of the piece 32 closing the cavity 30, the piece 32 may be in the general form of a disc.

In addition, for example, the part 32 is made in an electrically insulating circuit substrate coated on one of its faces with a metal layer. In this case, a visual identification mark 33 of the position of the switch 24 is printed in this layer by well-known printed circuit printing techniques.

For example, the identification identification mark 33 comprises alphanumeric characters and may comprise, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a press to activate indication.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a card 10 according to a second embodiment produced in accordance with the method according to the invention. In this second embodiment, elements similar to the first embodiment are identified by identical references. In this second mode, the card 10 comprises a display screen 50 as well as two switches 24A, 24B connected to the antenna circuit 18 and to the screen 50. In addition, the two switches 24A, 24B are for example incorporated in FIG. a single receiving cavity 30 whose dimensions are adapted to the housing of two switches 24A, 24B. Thus, the cavity 30 has in this case an oblong shape. In addition, the elastically deformable part 32 has dimensions substantially identical to those of the cavity 30 so as to completely close the latter. The card 10 also includes a battery 52.

The various electronic elements, namely the battery 52, the antenna 16, the microcircuit 14 are connected together for example by electrically conductive tracks 54 printed on the support layer 15. We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 , the main steps of manufacturing a card 10 manufactured according to the method according to the invention. Of course, the manufacturing steps of the card 10 also apply substantially similarly to the card 10 of the second embodiment. In a first step illustrated by FIGS. 10 and 11, the card body 12 is shaped. In the example described, the card body 12 is formed by lamination of three layers 15, 17 superimposed one on the other. on the other. Before lamination, the antenna 16 is positioned, for example, by embedding an electrically conductive wire by means of an ultrasonic method on one of the layers 15. In this case and as shown in FIG. electrically conductive pads 26A, 26B, forming the connection pads, in the path followed by the antenna wire 16 and allowing electrical connection of the antenna 16 to the switch 24. In addition, in this example, electrically conductive pads 23A, 23B are connected to the ends 16A and 16B of the antenna wire 16 to allow the electrical connection of the microcircuit 14 to the antenna 16. The antenna wire 16 is for example subsequently embedded in the support layer 15 before the latter is interposed between two outer layers 17 (Figure 12). At the end of the step of shaping the body 12, a substantially rigid body 12 forming a card support and incorporating an antenna 16 and pellets 26 and 23 is obtained.

After the shaping step, the method comprises a step of machining the receiving cavity 30 of the switch 24 said first cavity in the card body 12. In this step illustrated in Figure 12, the electric pellets the connection of the switch 24 are at least partially exposed (see also Figure 9A). In addition, advantageously, during this same machining step, a second cavity 31 for receiving the microcircuit 14 is also formed. The formation of this cavity 31 also makes it possible to partially expose the pellets 23A, 23B to form tracks. connecting the antenna 16 to the microcircuit 14.

Then, the switch 24 (FIG. 9B) and the microcircuit 14 are placed in their respective recesses 30, 31 so that they are each in electrical contact respectively with the connection pads 26A, 26B and 23A, 23B formed. by the pellets. Then, as seen in FIG. 9C, the cavity 30 of the switch 24 is closed with the elastically deformable piece 32. This piece 32 is preferably arranged so as to be flush with the surface of the card 10. This piece 32 is in this case. example in general disk form. Preferably, the piece 32 is reported by hot gluing. In a variant, the part 32 may be attached by welding or else by adhesive bonding, that is to say by applying a self-adhesive layer to one of the faces of the part 32. Thanks to the method of the invention, the incorporation of a push button is carried out in a simple and relatively inexpensive way. In particular, the pre-existing step of machining a receiving cavity for a microcircuit module of the card can advantageously be used for machining the cavity of the push button. In addition, since the deformable part is positioned on the card after the step of shaping the card support, it is easier to control the tactile sensation of switching provided by the button, including the control of mechanical properties of the deformable part 32. It is understood that the embodiments described above are not limiting and they can receive any desirable modification without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

REVENDICATIONS1. A method of manufacturing a board (10) incorporating a switch (24) comprising an actuator (28) for actuating the switch (24) in response to the application of a predefined pressure on the member (28), in which method comprises a step of shaping a body (12) substantially rigid card forming support, characterized in that, after the shaping step, the method comprises the following steps: machining of a cavity (30) for receiving the switch (24) in the body (12) and for positioning the switch (24) in the cavity (30), and for closing the cavity (30) by means of a elastically deformable part (32) arranged substantially in line with the member (28), so that the application of a predefined compression force of the piece (32) against the member (28) causes the actuation of the switch (24). 2. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the forming step comprises a step of lamination and / or molding of the body (12). 3. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the switch (24) is arranged in the cavity (30) so that, when applying a preset pressure on the member (28), the switch (30) 24) makes electrical contact with them at least two electrical connection pads (26A, 26B) carried by the body (12). 4. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the two beaches (26A, 26B) are embedded in the body (12) during the shaping step and are at least partially exposed to the bare during the step of machining the cavity (30). 5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the member (28) comprises at least one electrically conductive portion (38, 46) adapted to come into contact with the connection pads (26A, 26B) during application. a predefined pressure on the member (28). 6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the part (32) is attached by gluing and / or welding on the body (12). The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection pads (26A, 26B) are formed by printed tracks of an electrical circuit and / or electrically conductive pads. 8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piece (32) being made in an electrically insulating printed circuit substrate coated on at least one of its faces with a metal printing layer of a circuit. a visual cue (33) is printed on this layer. A card (10) incorporating a switch (24) comprising a switch operating member (28) responsive to the application of a predetermined pressure on the member (28), characterized in that it is manufactured according to a method according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. Card (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the member (28) comprises at least one capsule (40, 40A, 40B) generally dome shaped elastically deformable in response to the application of a preset pressure. 11. Card (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the member (28) comprises at least two capsules (40A, 40B) generally dome-shaped and arranged vis-à-vis one another, the application of a simultaneous preselected pressure on each of the two capsules (40A, 40B) causing their mutual approximation by elastic deformation of the capsules (40A, 40B). A card (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piece (32) is generally plate-shaped and is arranged in the cavity (30) to flush with the surface of the card (10). 13. Card (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (30) defines a step (34) to form a peripheral peripheral edge (36) for supporting the piece (32) so that the piece (32) rests on the inner rim (36) of the cavity (30).