WO2000030016A1 - Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses - Google Patents

Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000030016A1
WO2000030016A1 PCT/EP1998/007246 EP9807246W WO0030016A1 WO 2000030016 A1 WO2000030016 A1 WO 2000030016A1 EP 9807246 W EP9807246 W EP 9807246W WO 0030016 A1 WO0030016 A1 WO 0030016A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
card
springy
cover
connector
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1998/007246
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Baptiste Bernardet
Original Assignee
Framatome Connectors International
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
Priority to FR9705723A priority Critical patent/FR2763149B1/en
Application filed by Framatome Connectors International filed Critical Framatome Connectors International
Priority to PCT/EP1998/007246 priority patent/WO2000030016A1/en
Priority to EP98963447A priority patent/EP1129425A1/en
Publication of WO2000030016A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000030016A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K13/00—Conveying record carriers from one station to another, e.g. from stack to punching mechanism
    • G06K13/02—Conveying record carriers from one station to another, e.g. from stack to punching mechanism the record carrier having longitudinal dimension comparable with transverse dimension, e.g. punched card
    • G06K13/08—Feeding or discharging cards
    • G06K13/0868—Feeding or discharging cards using an arrangement for keeping the feeding or insertion slot of the card station clean of dirt, or to avoid feeding of foreign or unwanted objects into the slot
    • G06K13/0887—Feeding or discharging cards using an arrangement for keeping the feeding or insertion slot of the card station clean of dirt, or to avoid feeding of foreign or unwanted objects into the slot the arrangement comprising a size filter for filtering out only cards having the proper size
    • 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
    • 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
    • G06K7/003—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 means for pressing the connector contacts in the direction of the card contacts to assure trustworthy electrical connection between card and connector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
    • H01R12/714—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit with contacts abutting directly the printed circuit; Button contacts therefore provided on the printed circuit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector for a microcircuit-card or smart-card reader comprising a frame carrying brush contacts that are intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card, this frame being covered by a cover, a slot being made between the frame and the cover in order to insert the card into the connector.
  • microcircuit cards or smart cards may, given the recent developments aimed at making them increasingly secure, have various thicknesses ranging between 0.68 mm and 1.68 mm.
  • the contact brushes bear on the contact pads of the microcircuit with a suitable force, thus ensuring that there is an excellent electrical connection to these pads.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome this problem.
  • the subject of the invention is a connector for a microcircuit-card or smart-card reader, comprising a frame bearing brush contacts intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card, this frame being covered by a cover and a slot being made between the frame and the cover in> order to insert the card into the connector.
  • this connector is characterized in that springy means are placed between the cover and the frame, these means being able to rub on the card as it is being inserted and to exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts .
  • the springy means allow the card to be pressed against the contact brushes of the card, thus ensuring that there is an excellent electrical connection between the contact pads of the microcircuit of the card and the contact brushes, whatever the thickness of the card.
  • the deformation of the springy means compensates for the various card thicknesses .
  • the said springy means are shaped so as to be able to deform as the card is being inserted and to generate a friction force on the card which is low enough not to increase the force for inserting the card into the connector.
  • the presence of these springy means is no impediment to the card user.
  • the springy means comprise at least one springy blade bearing on the card.
  • the springy blade is fixed by one of its ends to part of the cover or of the frame which is opposite the card insertion slot.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector for a card reader ;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the contact- carrying frame and also of the springy metal blade of the connector ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cover of this metal blade ; and Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the insulating brush-carrying frame, the springy blade, the cover and two cards of different thicknesses.
  • the connector for a smart-card reader comprises a frame 1 made of insulating material carrying brush contacts 2 that are intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card.
  • This frame 1 is covered by a cover 3, also made of insulating material.
  • a slot 4 is made between the frame 1 and the cover 3 in order to insert the card into the connector.
  • springy means 5 are provided. According to the invention, springy means 5
  • the springy means 5 are shaped so as to be able to deform as the card is being inserted and to generate a friction force on the card which is low enough not to increase the force for inserting the card into the connector .
  • the springy means 3 comprise at least one springy blade 7 which bears on the card, this springy blade 7 being fixed by one of its ends to part of the cover 3 or of the frame 1 which is opposite the slot 4 for inserting the card 6 or 6a.
  • the other end of the blade is slightly bent towards the cover so as to define a surface 7a of rounded shape for bearing on the card (see Figure 2) .
  • the springy means 5 comprise two blades 7 parallel to the direction of insertion of the card so as to be able to rub against the card 6 or 6a close to its longitudinal edges.
  • the two blades 7 are linked at one of their ends by a transverse blade 8 which has tabs 9 for fastening it to the cover 3.
  • the combination formed by the two blades 7 and the transverse blade 8 is produced as a single piece by cutting it out from a sheet of springy metal .
  • the device that has just been described operates in the following manner :
  • this difference in thickness compared with a card of minimum thickness causes the springy blades to deform and exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts in order to guarantee a good-quality electrical contact.
  • the springy blades also serve as brakes for the card in the connector in order to avoid the various vibration problems.
  • the springy blades When using a thin card, the springy blades remain rigid and insertion of the card causes the brush contacts 2 to flex, the latter thus guaranteeing correct contact with the pads of the smart card.

Abstract

The connector for a microcircuit-card or smart-card reader comprises a frame (1) carrying brush contacts that are intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card, this frame (1) being covered by a cover (3), and a slot (4) being made between the frame (1) and the cover (3) in order to insert the card into the connector. Springy means (5) are placed between the cover (3) and the frame (1), these means being able to rub against the card as it is being inserted and to exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts (2).

Description

Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses
The present invention relates to a connector for a microcircuit-card or smart-card reader comprising a frame carrying brush contacts that are intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card, this frame being covered by a cover, a slot being made between the frame and the cover in order to insert the card into the connector.
Such a connector has been described, for example, in French Patents Nos . 87/15739 and 95/06854.
It is known that microcircuit cards or smart cards may, given the recent developments aimed at making them increasingly secure, have various thicknesses ranging between 0.68 mm and 1.68 mm.
When the slot for inserting the card into the connector allows a card of the maximum thickness to be inserted, the contact brushes bear on the contact pads of the microcircuit with a suitable force, thus ensuring that there is an excellent electrical connection to these pads.
Thus the same does not apply in the case of thinner cards . This is because, in this case, the contact brushes do not flex sufficiently during insertion of the card so that the quality of the electrical connection to the contact pads of the microcircuit becomes insufficient. The object of the present invention is to overcome this problem.
Thus, the subject of the invention is a connector for a microcircuit-card or smart-card reader, comprising a frame bearing brush contacts intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card, this frame being covered by a cover and a slot being made between the frame and the cover in> order to insert the card into the connector. According to the invention, this connector is characterized in that springy means are placed between the cover and the frame, these means being able to rub on the card as it is being inserted and to exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts .
According to the invention, the springy means allow the card to be pressed against the contact brushes of the card, thus ensuring that there is an excellent electrical connection between the contact pads of the microcircuit of the card and the contact brushes, whatever the thickness of the card.
Thus, the deformation of the springy means compensates for the various card thicknesses . Preferably, the said springy means are shaped so as to be able to deform as the card is being inserted and to generate a friction force on the card which is low enough not to increase the force for inserting the card into the connector. Thus, the presence of these springy means is no impediment to the card user.
According to a preferred version of the invention, the springy means comprise at least one springy blade bearing on the card. Preferably, the springy blade is fixed by one of its ends to part of the cover or of the frame which is opposite the card insertion slot.
Other features and advantages of the invention will also appear in the description below. In the appended drawings given by way of non- limiting examples :
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector for a card reader ;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the contact- carrying frame and also of the springy metal blade of the connector ;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cover of this metal blade ; and Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the insulating brush-carrying frame, the springy blade, the cover and two cards of different thicknesses.
Referring to the appended drawings, the connector for a smart-card reader comprises a frame 1 made of insulating material carrying brush contacts 2 that are intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card. This frame 1 is covered by a cover 3, also made of insulating material. A slot 4 is made between the frame 1 and the cover 3 in order to insert the card into the connector.
According to the invention, springy means 5
(see Figures 2, 3 and 4) are placed between the cover 3 and the frame 1, these means being able to rub against the card 6 or 6a as it is being inserted and to exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts 2.
The springy means 5 are shaped so as to be able to deform as the card is being inserted and to generate a friction force on the card which is low enough not to increase the force for inserting the card into the connector .
The springy means 3 comprise at least one springy blade 7 which bears on the card, this springy blade 7 being fixed by one of its ends to part of the cover 3 or of the frame 1 which is opposite the slot 4 for inserting the card 6 or 6a.
The other end of the blade is slightly bent towards the cover so as to define a surface 7a of rounded shape for bearing on the card (see Figure 2) .
In the example shown, the springy means 5 comprise two blades 7 parallel to the direction of insertion of the card so as to be able to rub against the card 6 or 6a close to its longitudinal edges. In the example illustrated, the two blades 7 are linked at one of their ends by a transverse blade 8 which has tabs 9 for fastening it to the cover 3. The combination formed by the two blades 7 and the transverse blade 8 is produced as a single piece by cutting it out from a sheet of springy metal .
The device that has just been described operates in the following manner :
When inserting quite a thick card into the slot-shaped opening 4, the upper and lower surfaces of the card come into contact with the brush-carrying frame 1 and the lower part of the cover 3. This card will therefore pass beneath the springy member 5 which has a ramp on each of the two blades 7, thereby allowing correct and compliant insertion of the card.
Because these ramps make a small angle with the plane of insertion of the card, a flexure of the springy member and a forward movement of the two blades, the latter remaining pressed against the cover, are obtained.
Since the rear of the springy blades cannot move, being in abutment against the walls of the cover and held in place by tabs each housed in a slot, the result is that the springy blades can flex and move towards the front of the connector.
When inserting a thick card, this difference in thickness compared with a card of minimum thickness causes the springy blades to deform and exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts in order to guarantee a good-quality electrical contact. The springy blades also serve as brakes for the card in the connector in order to avoid the various vibration problems.
In the case of inserting a relatively thin smart card into the slot -shaped opening 4, the lower and upper surfaces of the card come into contact either with the brush-carrying frame 1 or with the lower part of the cover 3. Consequently, the card passes beneath the ramps 7a of the springy blades 7, which make it easier for the card to enter.
When using a thin card, the springy blades remain rigid and insertion of the card causes the brush contacts 2 to flex, the latter thus guaranteeing correct contact with the pads of the smart card.

Claims

1. Connector for a microcircuit-card or smart- card reader comprising a frame (1) carrying brush contacts (2) that are intended to make electrical connections to the microcircuit of the card, this frame (1) being covered by a cover (3) , and a slot (4) being made between the frame (1) and the cover (3) in order to insert the card into the connector, characterized in that springy means (5) are placed between the cover (3) and the frame (1) , these means being able to rub against the card as it is being inserted and to exert a greater force on the card than that exerted by the brush contacts (2) .
2. Connector according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said springy means (5) are shaped so as to be able to deform as the card is being inserted and to generate a friction force on the card which is low enough not to increase the force for inserting the card into the connector.
3. Connector according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the springy means (3) comprise at least one springy blade (7) bearing against the card.
4. Connector according to Claim 3, characterized in that the springy blade (7) is fastened by one of its ends to part of the cover (3) or of the frame (1) which is opposite the slot (4) for inserting the card.
5. Connector according to Claim 5, characterized in that the other end of the blade and slightly bent towards the cover so as to define a surface (7a) of rounded shape for bearing on the card.
6. Connector according to any one of . Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that springy means (3) comprise two blades (7) parallel to the direction of insertion of the card, so as to be able to rub against the card close to its longitudinal edges.
7. Connector according to Claim 6, characterized in that the two blades (7) are linked at one of their ends by a transverse blade (8) which has means (9) for ensuring that it is fastened to the cover (3) .
8. Connector according to Claim 7, characterized in that the combination formed by the two blades (7) and the transverse blade (8) is made as a single piece by cutting it out from a sheet of springy metal .
PCT/EP1998/007246 1997-05-09 1998-11-12 Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses WO2000030016A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9705723A FR2763149B1 (en) 1997-05-09 1997-05-09 CONNECTOR FOR CARD READER THAT CAN ACCEPT DIFFERENT CARD THICKNESSES
PCT/EP1998/007246 WO2000030016A1 (en) 1997-05-09 1998-11-12 Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses
EP98963447A EP1129425A1 (en) 1998-11-12 1998-11-12 Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9705723A FR2763149B1 (en) 1997-05-09 1997-05-09 CONNECTOR FOR CARD READER THAT CAN ACCEPT DIFFERENT CARD THICKNESSES
PCT/EP1998/007246 WO2000030016A1 (en) 1997-05-09 1998-11-12 Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000030016A1 true WO2000030016A1 (en) 2000-05-25

Family

ID=26070335

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP1998/007246 WO2000030016A1 (en) 1997-05-09 1998-11-12 Connector for a card reader able to accept different card thicknesses

Country Status (2)

Country Link
FR (1) FR2763149B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000030016A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003041007A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-15 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Guide shaft for a chipcard housing unit
DE10219864C1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2003-12-04 Becker & Partner Gmbh Card terminal for reading and / or writing to chip cards

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2763149B1 (en) * 1997-05-09 1999-06-11 Framatome Connectors Int CONNECTOR FOR CARD READER THAT CAN ACCEPT DIFFERENT CARD THICKNESSES

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4752234A (en) * 1985-09-02 1988-06-21 Amphenol Corporation Contacting apparatus for a chip-card
FR2638876A1 (en) * 1988-11-09 1990-05-11 Sagem RECEIVER OF CHIP CARDS
EP0727758A1 (en) * 1994-08-31 1996-08-21 Oki Electric Industry Company, Limited Ic card reader
EP0742529A2 (en) * 1995-05-09 1996-11-13 AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS GmbH Chip card reading device
WO1998027507A2 (en) * 1996-12-17 1998-06-25 The Whitaker Corporation Landing type smart card reader
FR2761177A1 (en) * 1997-03-20 1998-09-25 Framatome Connectors Int CONNECTOR FOR CARD READER COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR ELIMINATING ELECTROSTATIC CHARGES
FR2763149A1 (en) * 1997-05-09 1998-11-13 Framatome Connectors Int Connector for card reader which accepts different card thickness.

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4752234A (en) * 1985-09-02 1988-06-21 Amphenol Corporation Contacting apparatus for a chip-card
FR2638876A1 (en) * 1988-11-09 1990-05-11 Sagem RECEIVER OF CHIP CARDS
EP0727758A1 (en) * 1994-08-31 1996-08-21 Oki Electric Industry Company, Limited Ic card reader
EP0742529A2 (en) * 1995-05-09 1996-11-13 AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS GmbH Chip card reading device
WO1998027507A2 (en) * 1996-12-17 1998-06-25 The Whitaker Corporation Landing type smart card reader
FR2761177A1 (en) * 1997-03-20 1998-09-25 Framatome Connectors Int CONNECTOR FOR CARD READER COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR ELIMINATING ELECTROSTATIC CHARGES
FR2763149A1 (en) * 1997-05-09 1998-11-13 Framatome Connectors Int Connector for card reader which accepts different card thickness.

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003041007A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-15 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Guide shaft for a chipcard housing unit
US6905067B2 (en) 2001-11-02 2005-06-14 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Guide shaft for a chip card holding assembly
DE10219864C1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2003-12-04 Becker & Partner Gmbh Card terminal for reading and / or writing to chip cards

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2763149B1 (en) 1999-06-11
FR2763149A1 (en) 1998-11-13

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