SG183575A1

SG183575A1 - Electrical connector

Info

Publication number: SG183575A1
Application number: SG2011009198A
Authority: SG
Inventors: Sheau Noan Cheong; Yi Tse Ho; Kian Heng Lim
Original assignee: Molex Singapore Pte Ltd; Molex Inc
Priority date: 2011-02-09
Filing date: 2011-02-09
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: CN102637983B; TW201234717A; TWM434324U; TWI528647B; CN202513372U; CN102637983A

Abstract

OF THE DISCLOSUREAn electrical connector comprises a dielectric body, a cover member configured to form a receiving space with the dielectric body, a plurality ofterminals attached to the dielectric body, a detect pin member attached to the dielectric body and extending partially into the receiving space, and a card tray configured to be movable in the receiving space. Each terminal includes a contact portion in the receiving space. The card tray includes a card receiving recess, a recess sidewall defining the card receiving recess,and a passage formed through the recess sidewall, wherein the detect pin member extends freely through the passage.Figure 3

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly, to a SIM card connector. 2. Description of the Related Art

A subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module (SIM) is usually in the form of a removable card that securely stores a service- subscriber key used to identify a subscriber on mobile communication devices such as mobile phones and portable computers. Generally, a SIM card contains a unique serial number, an internationally unique number of the mobile user (IMSI), security authentication and ciphering information, temporary information related to a local network, a list of the services which the user has access to, a personal identification number (PIN), and a

PIN unlock key (PUK).

SIM cards are connected to mobile communication devices through

SIM connectors. Various types of SIM connector have been developed for connecting SIM cards and different types of mobile communication devices.

One such SIM connector, shown in FIG. 1, is disclosed in U.S. Patent

Application Publication No. 2010/0055985 Al. Referring to FIG. 1, the electrical card connector 100 in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0055985 Al, has an insulating housing 10, a terminal module 20 with a plurality of contacts 21 received therein, a metal shield 30 assembled on and partly covering the insulating housing 10 for defining a card receiving space, a switch element 60, and a card receiving mechanism 70.

The card receiving mechanism 70 is inserted into the card receiving space with the card received therein. The switch element 60, received in the insulating housing 10, comprises a movable piece 601 and a stationary piece 602 contacting the movable piece 601 when the card receiving mechanism 70 is not inserted. The movable piece 601 has an arch portion protruding into the card receiving space, which can be pressed by the card receiving mechanism 70 such that the movable piece 601 can separate from the stationary piece 602, triggering a card insertion signal.

The electrical card connector 100 has a disadvantage. Because the movable piece 601 is moved by the card receiving mechanism 70, a card insertion signal can be triggered even if no SIM card is placed in the card receiving mechanism 70, causing unnecessary reading/writing operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the disadvantage of the above-mentioned conventional electrical connector, a new electrical connector is provided. The new electrical connector will not trigger a card insertion signal when there is no card inserted.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector comprises a dielectric body, a cover member, a plurality of terminals, a detect pin member, and a card tray. The cover member is configured to form a receiving space with the dielectric body. The plurality of terminals are attached to the dielectric body. Each terminal includes a contact portion in the receiving space. The detect pin member is attached to the dielectric body and extends partially into the receiving space. The card tray is configured to be movable in the receiving space. The card tray includes a card receiving recess, a recess sidewall defining the card receiving recess, and a passage formed through the recess sidewall, wherein the detect pin member extends freely through the passage.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector comprises a dielectric body, a cover member, a plurality of terminals, a detect pin member, and a card tray. The cover member is configured to form a receiving space with the dielectric body. The plurality of terminals are attached to the dielectric body and extend partially into the receiving space. The detect pin member is attached to the dielectric body and extends partially into the receiving space for engaging an inserted SIM card. The card tray is configured to be movable in the receiving space. The card tray includes a recess sidewall defining a card receiving recess for receiving a

SIM card and a passage formed on the recess sidewall. The passage is configured to allow the detect pin member to extend freely therethrough.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described according to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a related art electrical connector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 1s a perspective exploded view showing the electrical connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 1s a perspective view showing a dielectric body, a plurality of terminals, and a detect pin member according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a card tray and a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a card tray carrying a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the electrical connector of FIG. 2, the card tray of which is inserted without a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the passage of a card tray according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an electrical connector with an inserted card tray carrying a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing the engagement between a detect pin member and a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective exploded view showing an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a card tray and a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a card tray carrying a SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a top view showing an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the disengagement of the detect pin member from the cover member by an inserted SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view showing the electrical connector 4 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrical connector 4, surface-mountable on a printed circuit board 6, comprises a dielectric body 41, a cover member 42, a plurality of terminals 43, a detect pin member 44, and a card tray 45. The cover member 42 is configured to form a receiving space 46 together with the dielectric body 41. The plurality of terminals 43 and the detect pin member 44 are attached to the dielectric body 41. The card tray 45 is configured to slide in or out of the receiving space 46 for installing or removing a SIM card.

In one embodiment, the dielectric body 41 and the cover member 42 can be formed integrally.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a dielectric body 41, a plurality of terminals 43a and 43b, and a detect pin member 44 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the dielectric body 41 includes a body portion 411, two sidewalls 412, and an end wall 413. The two sidewalls 412 and the end wall 413 project from a major surface of the body portion 411, forming in combination a partially surrounded area. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover member 42 is formed to have two oppositely disposed sidewall portions 421 spaced to accommodate the dielectric body 41. The sidewall portions 421 can be formed with an opening 422, which is mated with the respective protrusion 414 on the sidewall 412 to hold the dielectric body 41 in an inserted position.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 3, each terminal 43a or 43b includes a base portion 431a or 431b, an elastic arm portion 432a or 432b extending from the base portion 431a or 431b and having a distal end formed as a contact portion 433a or 433b, and a soldering portion 434a or 434b extending from the base portion 431a or 431b and configured to be soldered on contact pads 61 in the printed circuit board 6. The base portions 431a and 431b are insert-molded in the dielectric body 41. The elastic arm portions 432a and 432b obliquely extend toward the partially surrounded area such that the contact portions 433a and 433b can be in the receiving space 46 to electrically engage with the contact pads 71 on a received SIM card 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the soldering portions 434a extend externally from one side surface of the dielectric body 41, while the soldering portions 434b extend externally from an opposite side surface of the dielectric body 41.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the card tray 45 includes a card receiving recess 451 adjacent to the plurality of terminals 43a and 43b. The card receiving recess 451 is defined by a plurality of recess sidewalls 454, and is configured to receive a SIM card 7 with its contact pads 71 exposed externally so that when the card tray 45 is moved in the receiving space 46, the contact portions 433a and 433b of the terminals 43a and 43b can contact the contact pads 71 of the SIM card 7.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detect pin member 44 may include a base portion 441, an elastic arm portion 442 extending from the base portion 441 and having a distal end formed as a contact portion 443, and a soldering portion 444 configured to be soldered on a contact pad 61 on the printed circuit board 6. The base portion 441 can be insert-molded in the body portion 411. The elastic arm portion 442 extends partially into the receiving space 46 for engaging an inserted SIM card 7. The soldering portion 444 extends externally from a side surface of the dielectric body 41.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the electrical connector 4 of FIG. 2, and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the detect pin member 44 can be configured in a normally close position and is moved to an open position by an inserted SIM card 7.

However, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement. In the present embodiment, the cover member 42 is made of electrically conductive material such as, preferably, metal such that the cover member

42 can be soldered to the contact pads 61 on the printed circuit board 6 to connect with the electrical traces. The detect pin member 44 extends to a position such that the contact portion 443 contacts the assembled cover member 42 allowing the detect pin member 44 to serve as a normally closed detect pin member.

In an alternative embodiment, the cover member 42 can be of non- electrically conductive material. In such embodiment, an electrically conductive contact member is provided to operate with the detect pin member 44.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the passage 452 of a card tray 45 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, the card tray 45 is used to carry a SIM card 7.

To prevent triggering a false card insertion signal, the card tray 45 is configured to avoid contacting the detect pin member 44 when there is no

SIM card 7 in the card tray 45. To this end, in one embodiment, the detect pin member 44 is configured to extend partially into the receiving space 46 to allow an inserting SIM card 7 to engage therewith. In addition, a passage 452 is formed, respective to the detect pin member 44, on a respective recess sidewall 454 of the card tray 45 as shown in FIG. 5, avoiding the interference between the detect pin member 44 and the card tray 45. The detect pin member 44 is configured to allow the detect pin member 44 to pass through freely or without interference. In other words, the passage 452 is defined by a plurality of passage edges 4521, 4522, and 4523 that are configured to be spaced from the detect pin member 44 so that the passage 452 does not contact the detect pin member 44 when the card tray 45 is inserted without carrying a SIM card 7. As such, a false card insertion signal will not be generated.

Referring back to FIG. &, the elastic arm portion 442 of the detect pin member 44 is composed of several serially connected and differently inclined first, second, third, and fourth sections 4421, 4422, 4423 and 4424.

The first section 4421 can extend, below the receiving space 46, from the body portion 411 toward the receiving space 46 at a small angle. The second section 4422 follows, extending at a larger angle with its one end entering the receiving space 46 for engaging with an inserted SIM card 7.

The third section 4423 continues by extending substantially flatly until its one end is in the passage 452. The fourth section 4424 extends toward the top of the cover member 42 at a large angle and connects with the contact portion 443. In one embodiment, the passage 452 can be an edge notch as shown in FIG. 9. In such an embodiment, the fourth section 4424 extends substantially vertically in the edge notch similar to a cut on an edge 453 of the card tray 45, and the contact portion 443 is also disposed in the edge notch.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an electrical connector 4 with an inserted card tray 45 carrying a SIM card 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing the engagement between a detect pin member 44 and a SIM card 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, as a card tray 45 carrying a

SIM card 7 is approaching the detect pin member 44, one card edge portion of the SIM card 7 engages the second section 4422 of the elastic arm portion 442 of the detect pin member 44, pressing the second section 4422 and third section 4423 of the elastic arm portion 442, causing the elastic arm portion 442 to deform, moving the contact portion 443 witch disengages from the cover member 42 so that the state of the detect pin member 44 is changed to an open state. In FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the passage 452 formed as an edge notch can extend into the card receiving recess 451, exposing a part of an edge portion of the SIM card 7.

In particular, the contact portion 443 of the detect pin member 44 and the contact portions 433a and 433b of the terminals 43a and 43b are arranged to provide an appropriate first mate/last break contact. In such an arrangement, the contact portions 433a and 433b of the terminals 43a and 43b contact the respective pads on an inserting SIM card 7 before the contact portion 443 of the detect pin member 44 disengages from the cover member 42. Alternatively, the contact portions 433a and 433b of the terminals 43a and 43b disengage from the respective pads on a removing

SIM card 7 after the contact portion 443 of the detect pin member 44 engages with the cover member 42. As such, the risk of damage to the SIM card 7 can be minimized.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in FIG. 10. Referring to

FIGS. 3, 5 and 13, the card tray 45 comprises a lower portion 455 projecting toward the dielectric body 41, while the dielectric body 41 further comprises a bump 415 corresponding to the lower portion 455 and configured to be engageable with the lower portion 455 for locking the card tray 45 in the receiving space 46.

FIG. 14 is a perspective exploded view showing an electrical connector 8 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a card tray 85 and a SIM card 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a card tray 85 carrying a SIM card 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 14 through 16, the electrical connector 8, surface-mountable on a printed circuit board 6, comprises a dielectric body 81, a cover member 82 forming a receiving space 86 together with the dielectric body 81 as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of terminals 83 each attached to the dielectric body 81 and having a contact portion 833 positioned in the receiving space 86, a detect pin member 84 attached to the dielectric body 81 and extending partially into the receiving space to engage with an inserted SIM card 9, and a card tray 85 movable in the receiving space 86 and including a card receiving recess 851 configured to face the plurality of terminals 83.

In particular, the detect pin member 84 and the terminals 83 can also be arranged to provide an appropriate first mate/last break contact.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the card receiving recess 851 is defined by a plurality of recess sidewalls 854, and includes a passage 852 formed on a recess sidewall 854 and respective to the detect pin member 84. The passage 852 is configured such that the detect pin member 84 extends into the receiving space 86 and continues to pass through the passage 852 freely or without interference. As a result, the detect pin member 84 will not be pressed by an inserted empty card tray 85, triggering a false card insertion signal.

FIG. 17 is a top view showing an electrical connector 8 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 17. Referring to FIGS. 14, 17 and 18, the detect pin member 84 includes a base portion 841 insert-molded with the dielectric body 81, an elastic arm portion 842 extending from the base portion 841 and having a distal end formed as a contact portion 843, and a soldering portion 844 configured to be soldered on the printed circuit board 6.

The elastic arm portion 842 extends partially into the receiving space 86 for engaging an inserted SIM card 9. The elastic arm portion 842 is composed of several serially connected and differently inclined sections, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 8421, 8422, 8423, and 8424. The first section 8421 can extend below the receiving space 86. The second section 8422 extends toward the receiving space 86. The third section 8423 extends into the receiving space 86 and through the passage 852. The third section 8423 can be inclinable. The fourth section 8424 can extend outside the card tray 85 and toward the top of the cover member 82, and connects with the contact portion 843, which is also located outside the card tray 85.

The detect pin member 84 can be configured in a normally close position and is moved to a normally open position by an inserted SIM card 9. However, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement. In the present embodiment, the cover member 82 is made of electrically conductive material such as, preferably, metal. The detect pin member 84 extends to a position such that the contact portion 843 contacts the assembled cover member 82, allowing the detect pin member 84 to serve as a normally closed detect pin member. In an alternative embodiment, the cover member 82 can be of non-electrically conductive material. In such embodiment, an electrically conductive contact member is provided to operate with the detect pin member 84.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the disengagement of the detect pin member 84 from the cover member 82 by an inserted SIM card according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 19, as the card tray 85 carrying a SIM card 9 is approaching the detect pin member 84, one card edge portion of the SIM card 9 engages the third section 8423 of the elastic arm portion 842, pressing the third section 8423, deforming the elastic arm portion 842 so as to change the state of the detect pin member 84 to an open state.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 18, the card tray 85 may comprise at least one bump 855. Correspondingly, the dielectric body 81 comprises at least one cavity 811. After the card tray 85 is inserted, the at least one bump 855 enters respectively into the at least one cavity 811 such that the card tray 85 can be locked.

In summary, the present invention is embodied as an electrical connector including a detect pin member and a card tray, movable in a receiving space defined by a cover member and a dielectric body, having a card receiving recess for receiving a SIM card. The detect pin member extends partially into the receiving space for engaging an inserted SIM card for triggering a card insertion signal. A passage, formed on the card tray, allows the detect pin member to extend away from the receiving space so that the detect pin member is not pressed when there is no SIM card in an inserted card tray and consequently no card insertion signal being triggered.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative only. Numerous alternative embodiments may be devised by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.

S11 -

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical connector, comprising: a dielectric body; a cover member configured to form a receiving space with the dielectric body; a plurality of terminals attached to the dielectric body, each having a contact portion in the receiving space; a detect pin member attached to the dielectric body, extending partially into the receiving space; and a card tray movable in the receiving space, the card tray including a card receiving recess, a recess sidewall defining the card receiving recess, and a passage formed through the recess sidewall, wherein the detect pin member extends freely through the passage.

2. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein the detect pin member comprises an elastic arm portion extends freely through the passage.

3. The electrical connector of Claim 2, wherein the detect pin member comprises a contact portion located outside the card tray when the card tray is inserted.

4. The electrical connector of Claim 2, wherein the passage is an edge notch formed on an edge of the card tray.

5. The electrical connector of Claim 4, wherein the detect pin member comprises a contact portion located in the edge notch.

6. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein the edge notch is formed into the card receiving recess.

7. The electrical connector of Claim 3 or 6, wherein the cover member 1s made of electrically conductive material, and the contact portion of the detect pin member contacts the cover member.

8. The electrical connector of Claim 7, wherein the detect pin member comprises a base portion insert-molded with the dielectric body and an elastic arm portion connecting the base portion and the contact portion of the detect pin member.

0. The electrical connector of Claim 8, wherein the dielectric body includes a bump in the receiving space, and the card tray includes a lower portion engageable with the bump for locking the card tray in the receiving space.

10. The electrical connector of Claim 8, wherein the dielectric body includes a cavity, and the card tray includes a bump engageable with the cavity for locking the card tray in the receiving space.

11. An electrical connector, comprising: a dielectric body; a cover member configured to form a receiving space with the dielectric body; a plurality of terminals attached to the dielectric body, extending partially into the receiving space; a detect pin member attached to the dielectric body; and a card tray movable in the receiving space, the card tray including a recess sidewall defining a card receiving recess for receiving a SIM card and a passage formed on the recess sidewall, wherein the detect pin member extends partially into the receiving space for engaging an inserted SIM card, and the passage is configured to allow the detect pin member to extend freely therethrough when there is no SIM card.

12. The electrical connector of Claim 11, wherein the detect pin member comprises an elastic arm portion extends freely through the passage.

13. The electrical connector of Claim 12, wherein the detect pin member comprises a contact portion located outside the card tray when the card tray is inserted.

14. The electrical connector of Claim 12, wherein the passage is an edge notch formed on an edge of the card tray.

15. The electrical connector of Claim 14, wherein the detect pin member comprises a contact portion located in the edge notch.

16. The electrical connector of Claim 15, wherein the edge notch is formed into the card receiving recess to expose a part of an edge portion of the inserted SIM card.

17. The electrical connector of Claim 13 or 16, wherein the cover member 1s made of electrically conductive material, and the contact portion of the detect pin member contacts the cover member.

18. The electrical connector of Claim 17, wherein the detect pin member comprises a base portion insert-molded with the dielectric body and an elastic arm portion connecting the base portion and the contact portion of the detect pin member.

19. The electrical connector of Claim 18, wherein the dielectric body includes a bump in the receiving space, and the card tray includes a lower portion engageable with the bump for locking the card tray in the receiving space.

20. The electrical connector of Claim 18, wherein the dielectric body includes a cavity, and the card tray includes a bump engageable with the cavity for locking the card tray in the receiving space.