WO2015003304A1 - Electronic module holder - Google Patents

Electronic module holder Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015003304A1
WO2015003304A1 PCT/CN2013/079015 CN2013079015W WO2015003304A1 WO 2015003304 A1 WO2015003304 A1 WO 2015003304A1 CN 2013079015 W CN2013079015 W CN 2013079015W WO 2015003304 A1 WO2015003304 A1 WO 2015003304A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electronic module
module holder
housing
holder
orientation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2013/079015
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yinong Liu
Chong CHEN
Pi Lin
Original Assignee
Nokia Corporation
Nokia (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
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
Application filed by Nokia Corporation, Nokia (China) Investment Co., Ltd. filed Critical Nokia Corporation
Priority to PCT/CN2013/079015 priority Critical patent/WO2015003304A1/en
Publication of WO2015003304A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015003304A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/73—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures connecting to other rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • 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
    • G06K7/0017—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 the reading head of the connector being removably attached to the housing
    • 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

Definitions

  • Example embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic module holder, an apparatus into which an electronic module holder may be inserted, and a method for inserting an electronic module holder into a chassis of an apparatus.
  • An electronic card may be used to augment the functionality of an electronic device; for example a subscriber identity module (SIM) is an integrated circuit that securely holds information that identifies and authenticates a user in a mobile communicates network.
  • SIM subscriber identity module
  • the SIM is transferable and can be used in different devices as and when a user decides to change their electronic device, i.e. a mobile telephone.
  • an electronic module holder comprising, a first surface configured to support a first electronic module in a first orientation; a second surface configured to support a second electronic module in a second orientation; and
  • a plurality of electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection between the first and second surface, wherein when the electronic module holder is configured in a first orientation the electrical contacts associated with the second surface interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the first surface interface to an electronic module and orientation the electrical contacts associated with the first surface interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the second surface interface to an electronic module.
  • an apparatus comprising an electronic module holder having a first surface configured to support a first electronic module in a first orientation and a second surface configured to support a second electronic module in a second orientation and a plurality of electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection between the first and second surface.
  • the electronic module holder may be inserted into the cavity of said apparatus; the electronic module holder and the cavity of the housing define a further cavity for retaining a first or second electronic module dependent upon the orientation of the electronic module holder relative to the cavity of the housing.
  • an apparatus comprising; a housing defining a cavity, the cavity is configured to receive an electronic module holder, wherein the electronic module holder is configured to be inserted in either a first or second orientation, said electronic module holder further comprising a plurality of contacts protruding from different sides of the electronic module holder and configured to interface to a circuit board and an electronic module in the first or second orientation.
  • a method for inserting an electronic module holder into a chassis of an apparatus comprising; orientating the electronic module holder in a first or second orientation inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of said chassis,
  • Figures 1a and 1 b illustrate an electronic module holder in a first and second orientation
  • Figures 1c and 1d illustrate an electronic module holder in a first and second orientation supporting an electronic module
  • Figures 2a and 2b illustrate housing with a cavity for receiving the electronic module holder
  • Figures 3a and 3b illustrate housing with a cavity for slideably receiving an electronic module holder
  • Figure 4 illustrates the housing and electronic module holder interfacing to a printed circuit board
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side on view of the electronic module holder while in the housing chassis
  • Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a side on view of the electronic module holder in a first and second orientation with different sized SIM cards inserted;
  • Figure 7 illustrates a detection module and circuitry for the electronic module holder
  • Figure 8 illustrates an alternative housing for the electronic module
  • Figure 9 illustrates a further alternative housing for the electronic module
  • Figures 10a and 10b illustrate an alternative embodiment where the chassis is an external housing of an apparatus
  • Figure 11 illustrates a method for inserting the electronic module holder
  • Figure 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the method comprising detecting and locking the electronic module holder
  • Figure 13 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to Figure 10 where the electronic module holder is inserted into a conductive housing.
  • Figures 1a and 1 b show an example embodiment of an electronic module holder.
  • Figure 1a shows the electronic module holder 100 in a first orientation and
  • Figure 1 b shows the electronic module holder in a second orientation; the second orientation is 180 degrees rotated from the first orientation.
  • first orientation there is a first surface 110 and within the surface is a depression 115 for supporting an electronic module, for example a subscriber identity module (SIM).
  • SIM subscriber identity module
  • On the opposite side of the first surface as shown in Figure 1 b there is a second surface 120 and within the second surface 120 there is a second depression 125 for supporting an electronic module.
  • the depression 125 of the second surface is defined by two edges 127 of the electronic module; in alternative example embodiments the edge may extend around the perimeter of the second surface.
  • each of the surfaces 110, 120 support a different size of SIM card.
  • Figures 1a and 1b also illustrate a plurality of electrical contacts 140 protruding from the first and second surface.
  • the electrical contacts are resilient spring elements that protrude from a first surface and extend from the first surface to the second surface and then protrude from the second surface.
  • the spring elements are unitary elements.
  • the spring elements may be separate contact elements that are interconnected in the electronic module holder.
  • a first spring element protrudes from the first surface and extends into the body of the electronic module holder and a second spring element extends from the second surface and into the body of the electronic module holder.
  • the two contacts may be electrically connected.
  • the electronic module holder may comprise electrical contacts that protrude slightly from the surface e.g. dome shaped contacts. It will be appreciated that any suitable electrical contacts may be used as long as they make a connection to the , positioned onto the electronic module holder.
  • Figure 1c shows a first SIM card 150 on the first surface 110 being supported by the electronic module holder.
  • the SIM may be supported by the edges 128 of the electronic module holder.
  • Figure 1d shows a second SIM card 160 on the second surface 120 being supported by the electronic module holder and bounded by the two edges 127. It is clear from Figures 1a and 1c that when the electronic module holder is in a first orientation it is only able to support a first SIM card 150 and from Figures 1 b and 1d when the electronic module holder is in a second orientation it is only able to support a second SIM card 160.
  • the electrical contacts that protrude from the first surface couple to electrical contacts on the SIM card 150 while the electrical contacts that protrude from the second surface and are therefore electrically contacted to the SIM card 150 are free to form an electrical connection to an electrical apparatus.
  • the electrical contacts that protrude from the second surface interface to electrical contacts on the SIM card 160 while the electrical contacts that protrude from the first surface and are therefore electrically contacted to the SIM card 160 are free to form an electrical connection to an electrical apparatus.
  • FIG 2a illustrates an internal chassis or internal housing 230 of a portable electronic device and an exploded view of the electronic module holder relative to the chassis or housing.
  • the chassis may be used to form interior cavities for internal modules or components e.g. a printed circuit board, a camera module, an antenna.
  • the chassis 230 has a cavity 235 for receiving the electronic module holder 200, it is dropped into the cavity and may be held by frictional forces between the electronic module holder 200 and the walls of the cavity 236.
  • Figure 2b illustrates a partial view of the chassis of Figure 2a with the electronic module holder 200 placed in the cavity 235 of the chassis 230 chassis or housing 330 has a receiving cavity 335 and the electronic module holder 300 is slid into the cavity.
  • Figure 3a shows the electronic module holder partially inserted into the cavity 335 and Figure 3b shows the electronic module holder fully inserted into the cavity 335.
  • the electronic module holder is prevented from upwards movement (perpendicular out of the plane of the chassis) by the cross bar 337. It is also prevented from moving longitudinally or laterally (in the plane of the chassis) by the cavity walls 336 and also by placement of a battery module (not shown) that would be located in the cavity 339 that would prevent movement of the electronic module holder 300 and a SIM card (not shown) that would be slid onto the electronic module holder 300. In this embodiment the SIM card would be slid onto the electronic module holder prior to the insertion of the battery.
  • the electronic module holder may be placed or slid into the cavity in either the first or second orientation.
  • the selection of orientation may be made by the manufacturer of the communications device or by an end user or both. It may be preferable for the manufacturer to choose the orientation of the electronic module holder to satisfy a requirement from an operator to support a particular SIM card form factor; the manufacturer may then choose to lock the electronic module holder to the chassis or housing 230, 330 such that it is not user replaceable or capable of being re orientated by the end user.
  • Suitable locking means may be by heat staking part of the chassis and the electronic module holder together or by adhesive bonding the chassis and electronic module holder together.
  • the manufacturer may have a mechanical lock mechanism as part of the chassis so once the module holder is inserted it cannot be removed.
  • the electronic module holder may be re-orientated at the point of purchase or when the user receives the device so that they are able to configure the portable device to receive the SIM card they currently own. In such an alternative embodiment the electronic module . ⁇ device then it is user replaceable.
  • One possible advantage of both example embodiments is that the manufacturer of a portable electronic device can manufacture a device and decide at a late stage in the manufacturing process or even after the manufacturing process which module size is to be supported.
  • the end user may also benefit by being able to purchase a product that can receive one of two different sized SIM form factors without the need for having two individual SIM card holders as part of the product which would increase the size of the product.
  • Figure 4 shows a printed circuit board 470 exploded relative to the chassis or housing 430 and electronic module holder 400.
  • On the printed circuit board are six electrical contacts 475, these electrical contacts are for the plurality of contacts 140 of the electronic module holder of Figures 1a and 1b protruding from either the first or second surface to contact with.
  • there may be an intervening circuit board such as a flexible circuit board or a connector between the electronic module holder 400 and the printed circuit board 470.
  • a connector may be mounted to the printed circuit board 470 or connected to the printed circuit board via a suitable cable or flexible cable.
  • a further advantage of having a module holder that can be re-orientated relative to the chassis and then interface to the circuit board is that the module holder does not need to soldered to the circuit board and relies upon a compression fit to maintain electrical contact between the circuit board and the electronic module.
  • Figure 5 shows Figure 4 in more detail by illustrating how the electronic module holder 400 contacts the printed circuit board 470 by showing a side on view in the direction of Arrow A of Figure 4.
  • the plurality of electrical contacts that protrude from a second surface 420 of the electronic module holder in this embodiment the resilient spring elements, are deflected from a first position 448 to a second position 449 as the chassis and or module that a good electrical contact is made between the printed circuit board 470 and the plurality of electrical contacts of the electronic module holder 400.
  • the plurality of electrical contacts 440 that protrude from the first surface 410 of the electronic module holder are undeflected.
  • Figure 6a shows Figure 4 in more detail when viewed from a direction indicated by arrow B in Figure 4 when a SIM card 650 is inserted into a cavity 680 (dashed rectangular area) formed by the electronic module holder 600 and the chassis or housing 630.
  • the cavity 680 is formed by the first surface 610 of the electronic module holder 600 and an internal surface of the chassis 630. It will be appreciated that the cavity 680 is formed within the housing or chassis cavity 235, 335 of Figures 2 and 3.
  • the electrical contacts 640 protruding from the second surface 620 of the electronic module holder 600 are shown in contact with the printed circuit board 670.
  • the electrical contacts 640 protruding from the first surface have been deflected by the insertion of the SIM card 650 so that an electrical connection is made between the SIM card 650, the electronic module holder 600 and the printed circuit board 670 via the plurality of electrical contacts protruding from the second surface and first surface.
  • Figure 6b differs from figure 6a in that the electronic module holder 600 has been rotated 180 degrees so that the first surface 610 is now adjacent to the printed circuit board 670 and the second surface 620 is now closest to the internal surface of the chassis 630.
  • the cavity formed between the module holder and the chassis is shown having received a SIM card 660.
  • the SIM card 660 has different dimensions to the SIM card 650.
  • FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate that the SIM card is prevented from any upwards movement in the direction X from the electronic module by the chassis.
  • the cavity formed between the chassis and the electrical contacts is dimensioned so that the insertion of the SIM card 650, 660 causes a deflection of the electrical contacts to ensure an electrical connection between the electrical .
  • the electronic module holder 700 further comprises a conductive housing 790 that provides two contact points 795. When the orientation of the electronic module holder is determined it may be inserted into the conductive housing 790.
  • the conductive housing 790 and module holder are inserted into the chassis in accordance with previous Figures.
  • the contact points on the housing interface with contact pads 797 (circled) on the printed circuit board 770.
  • the contact pads are connected to circuitry 798 that can determine the presence of the housing 790 and/or electronic module 700.
  • one of the contact pads is connected to ground so that upon insertion of the conductive housing a short circuit is created to a second contact pad. This results in a change of voltage observed at a processor 799 in the electronic apparatus, the change of voltage from a high voltage to a low voltage indicating the presence of the housing and electronic module holder.
  • Figure 8 shows an alternative conductive housing 890 which is on both sides of the electronic module holder 800 but does not extend over the top of the module to create an electrical connection.
  • Figure 9 shows an alternative conductive housing 990 which may be on one or both sides of the electronic module but only one side of the conductive housing has a contact point 995; for coupling to contact pads on the printed circuit board, as described with respect to earlier figures.
  • the same housing portion may be used in combination with electrical circuitry not shown to couple to contacts pads 995, 996 to the printed circuit board for indicating presence of the electronic module holder and presence of the electronic module.
  • Figure 10a shows an alternative example embodiment where the chassis of the apparatus is an external housing 1030 of the apparatus.
  • the external apparatus has a cavity 1035 for receiving the electronic module holder 1000.
  • Figure 10a shows the electronic module holder partially extracted from the external housing 1030 with a plurality of electrical contacts 1075 as described in previous Figures shown; the electrical module holder is shown in a first orientation.
  • the electrical module holder may be reorientated 180 degrees so that a different sized SIM card may be placed on the holder prior to insertion into the external housing 1030.
  • a door 1008 is shown that forms part of the electronic module holder and also forms part of the external housing 1030 of the apparatus when the electronic module holder has been inserted into the apparatus.
  • the door 1008 may be part of the external housing but separate from the electronic module holder so it is closed after the electronic module holder has been inserted into the apparatus
  • FIG 10b shows an alternative embodiment for the electrical module holder where the module holder comprises a frame 1007 which is separable from the rest of the electronic module holder.
  • the removable portion of the electronic module holder 1000 as illustrated in Figures 1a-1d may be inserted into the central portion of the frame 1007 and retained.
  • the retaining means may be permanent, for example glued or bonded or temporarily such that the user may re orientate it relative to the frame 1007.
  • This arrangement may be - holder as one when the door 1008 of the frame 1007 forms part of the external housing.
  • a detection contact (not shown) for detecting presence of insertion of the electronic module holder may be part of the frame or the door.
  • An example method as shown by Figure 1 1 comprises in a first step, 1 100, orientating an electronic module holder in a first or second orientation and in a second step 11 10 inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of an apparatus.
  • the chassis may be an internal chassis/housing or form part of an external housing of the apparatus. Regardless of the orientation of the electronic module holder it provides an interface to the electronic module and a circuit board as outlined in step 1120.
  • An example method as shown by Figure 12 comprises in a first step, 1200, orientating an electronic module holder in a first or second orientation and inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of an apparatus.
  • the chassis may be an internal chassis/housing or form part of an external housing of the apparatus.
  • An electronic module may be placed or slid into the electronic module holder, step 1210.
  • the electronic module holder in combination with the apparatus comprises detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the electronic module holder.
  • the electronic module holder may be locked to the chassis, step 1230.
  • the electronic module holder may be removed from the cavity and re orientated to facilitate insertion of a different sized electronic module.
  • the electronic module holder may be inserted into a partial or fully conductive housing prior to insertion into a cavity of an apparatus, step 1300.
  • the electronic module holder and the conductive housing may be placed or slid into the cavity, step 1310.
  • the electronic module holder in combination with the apparatus comprises detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the electronic module holder; said detection means includes utilising at least part of the conductive housing as a signal path or for shorting circuitry coupled to a processor to ground.
  • the electronic module holder may be removed from the cavity and re orientated within the partial or fully conductive housing to facilitate insertion of a different sized electronic module than previously inserted.
  • the electronic module may be a subscriber identification module it is appreciated that other electronic modules may be utilised, for example a memory card such as a compact flash card, a Smartmedia card, a Multimedia card (MMC) or a Secure Digital card (SD).
  • the memory card may provide additional memory capacity for the apparatus. Given the memory cards listed above may have different electrical contact pad positions then the electrical contacts that protrude from the first and second surface may be differ in number or position.
  • the electronic module may be a Subscriber Identity Module where the electrical contacts of the SIM are on a major surface of the SIM card and interface to electrical contacts on a major face of the electronic module holder, it can be appreciated that for other electronic modules the contacts may be on a edge of the electronic module. Therefore the electrical contacts of the electronic module holder may be located at one edge of the holder and may not protrude through a surface of the holder. The electrical contacts of the electronic module holder may be located both on a major face of the electronic module holder and also on the edge of the holder, or be located at any other suitable locations on the surface of the holder.
  • first surface may be orientated 180 degrees from the second surface, in alternative embodiments the surfaces may be 90 degrees to one another or at any other suitable angle; also more than two surfaces may retain or support electronic modules.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

An electronic module holder comprising a first surface configured to support a first electronic module in a first orientation and a second surface configured to support a second electronic module in a second orientation and a plurality of electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection between the first and second surface wherein when the electronic module holder is in a first orientation the electrical contacts associated with the second surface are configured to interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the first surface are configured to interface to an electronic module and wherein when the electronic module holder is in a second orientation the electrical contacts associated with the first surface are configured to interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the second surface are configured to interface to an electronic module.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Example embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic module holder, an apparatus into which an electronic module holder may be inserted, and a method for inserting an electronic module holder into a chassis of an apparatus. BACKGROUND
An electronic card may be used to augment the functionality of an electronic device; for example a subscriber identity module (SIM) is an integrated circuit that securely holds information that identifies and authenticates a user in a mobile communicates network. The SIM is transferable and can be used in different devices as and when a user decides to change their electronic device, i.e. a mobile telephone. There are a number of different SIM cards most commonly in use, but by no means exhaustive, for example; a mini SIM (2FF) according to standard ISO/IEC 7810:2003, ID-000; a micro SIM (3FF) according to standard ETSI TS 102 221 V9.0.0, Mini-UICC and a nano SIM (4FF) according to standard ETSI TS 102 221 V11.0.0.
BRIEF SUMMARY According to a first embodiment of the invention there is provided an electronic module holder comprising, a first surface configured to support a first electronic module in a first orientation; a second surface configured to support a second electronic module in a second orientation; and
a plurality of electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection between the first and second surface, wherein when the electronic module holder is configured in a first orientation the electrical contacts associated with the second surface interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the first surface interface to an electronic module and orientation the electrical contacts associated with the first surface interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the second surface interface to an electronic module.
According to a second embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising an electronic module holder having a first surface configured to support a first electronic module in a first orientation and a second surface configured to support a second electronic module in a second orientation and a plurality of electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection between the first and second surface. The electronic module holder may be inserted into the cavity of said apparatus; the electronic module holder and the cavity of the housing define a further cavity for retaining a first or second electronic module dependent upon the orientation of the electronic module holder relative to the cavity of the housing.
According to a third embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising; a housing defining a cavity, the cavity is configured to receive an electronic module holder, wherein the electronic module holder is configured to be inserted in either a first or second orientation, said electronic module holder further comprising a plurality of contacts protruding from different sides of the electronic module holder and configured to interface to a circuit board and an electronic module in the first or second orientation. According to a further embodiment there is provided a method for inserting an electronic module holder into a chassis of an apparatus comprising; orientating the electronic module holder in a first or second orientation inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of said chassis,
interfacing to a circuit board and electronic module when in the first orientation or second orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1a and 1 b, illustrate an electronic module holder in a first and second orientation;
Figures 1c and 1d, illustrate an electronic module holder in a first and second orientation supporting an electronic module;
Figures 2a and 2b illustrate housing with a cavity for receiving the electronic module holder;
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate housing with a cavity for slideably receiving an electronic module holder;
Figure 4 illustrates the housing and electronic module holder interfacing to a printed circuit board;
Figure 5 illustrates a side on view of the electronic module holder while in the housing chassis;
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a side on view of the electronic module holder in a first and second orientation with different sized SIM cards inserted;
Figure 7 illustrates a detection module and circuitry for the electronic module holder;
Figure 8 illustrates an alternative housing for the electronic module;
Figure 9 illustrates a further alternative housing for the electronic module; Figures 10a and 10b illustrate an alternative embodiment where the chassis is an external housing of an apparatus;
Figure 11 illustrates a method for inserting the electronic module holder;
Figure 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the method comprising detecting and locking the electronic module holder;
Figure 13 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to Figure 10 where the electronic module holder is inserted into a conductive housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A problem with some handsets is that they are unable to support different sized SIM cards and the manufacturers therefore have to determine which i
also means then when a user wishes to change their mobile handset they may have to change their SIM card because the device they wish to purchase supports a different sized SIM card to the one they are currently using.
To overcome or mitigate this problem Figures 1a and 1 b show an example embodiment of an electronic module holder. Figure 1a shows the electronic module holder 100 in a first orientation and Figure 1 b shows the electronic module holder in a second orientation; the second orientation is 180 degrees rotated from the first orientation. In the first orientation there is a first surface 110 and within the surface is a depression 115 for supporting an electronic module, for example a subscriber identity module (SIM). On the opposite side of the first surface, as shown in Figure 1 b there is a second surface 120 and within the second surface 120 there is a second depression 125 for supporting an electronic module. The depression 125 of the second surface is defined by two edges 127 of the electronic module; in alternative example embodiments the edge may extend around the perimeter of the second surface. Contrasting Figures 1a and Figure 1 b it can be seen that each of the surfaces 110, 120 support a different size of SIM card. Figures 1a and 1b also illustrate a plurality of electrical contacts 140 protruding from the first and second surface. In a first example embodiment the electrical contacts are resilient spring elements that protrude from a first surface and extend from the first surface to the second surface and then protrude from the second surface. In this embodiment the spring elements are unitary elements. In an alternative example embodiment the spring elements may be separate contact elements that are interconnected in the electronic module holder. In this example embodiment a first spring element protrudes from the first surface and extends into the body of the electronic module holder and a second spring element extends from the second surface and into the body of the electronic module holder. Within the body of the electronic module holder the two contacts may be electrically connected. In a further embodiment the electronic module holder may comprise electrical contacts that protrude slightly from the surface e.g. dome shaped contacts. It will be appreciated that any suitable electrical contacts may be used as long as they make a connection to the , positioned onto the electronic module holder.
Figure 1c shows a first SIM card 150 on the first surface 110 being supported by the electronic module holder. The SIM may be supported by the edges 128 of the electronic module holder. Figure 1d shows a second SIM card 160 on the second surface 120 being supported by the electronic module holder and bounded by the two edges 127. It is clear from Figures 1a and 1c that when the electronic module holder is in a first orientation it is only able to support a first SIM card 150 and from Figures 1 b and 1d when the electronic module holder is in a second orientation it is only able to support a second SIM card 160. So when the SIM card 150 is supported by the first surface 110 the electrical contacts that protrude from the first surface couple to electrical contacts on the SIM card 150 while the electrical contacts that protrude from the second surface and are therefore electrically contacted to the SIM card 150 are free to form an electrical connection to an electrical apparatus. Similarly when electronic module holder is rotated 180 degrees and the SIM card 160 is supported by the second surface 120, the electrical contacts that protrude from the second surface interface to electrical contacts on the SIM card 160 while the electrical contacts that protrude from the first surface and are therefore electrically contacted to the SIM card 160 are free to form an electrical connection to an electrical apparatus.
Figure 2a illustrates an internal chassis or internal housing 230 of a portable electronic device and an exploded view of the electronic module holder relative to the chassis or housing. The chassis may be used to form interior cavities for internal modules or components e.g. a printed circuit board, a camera module, an antenna. The chassis 230 has a cavity 235 for receiving the electronic module holder 200, it is dropped into the cavity and may be held by frictional forces between the electronic module holder 200 and the walls of the cavity 236. Figure 2b illustrates a partial view of the chassis of Figure 2a with the electronic module holder 200 placed in the cavity 235 of the chassis 230 chassis or housing 330 has a receiving cavity 335 and the electronic module holder 300 is slid into the cavity. Figure 3a shows the electronic module holder partially inserted into the cavity 335 and Figure 3b shows the electronic module holder fully inserted into the cavity 335. In this embodiment the electronic module holder is prevented from upwards movement (perpendicular out of the plane of the chassis) by the cross bar 337. It is also prevented from moving longitudinally or laterally (in the plane of the chassis) by the cavity walls 336 and also by placement of a battery module (not shown) that would be located in the cavity 339 that would prevent movement of the electronic module holder 300 and a SIM card (not shown) that would be slid onto the electronic module holder 300. In this embodiment the SIM card would be slid onto the electronic module holder prior to the insertion of the battery.
In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 the electronic module holder may be placed or slid into the cavity in either the first or second orientation. The selection of orientation may be made by the manufacturer of the communications device or by an end user or both. It may be preferable for the manufacturer to choose the orientation of the electronic module holder to satisfy a requirement from an operator to support a particular SIM card form factor; the manufacturer may then choose to lock the electronic module holder to the chassis or housing 230, 330 such that it is not user replaceable or capable of being re orientated by the end user. Suitable locking means may be by heat staking part of the chassis and the electronic module holder together or by adhesive bonding the chassis and electronic module holder together. Alternatively the manufacturer may have a mechanical lock mechanism as part of the chassis so once the module holder is inserted it cannot be removed. In an alternative example embodiment the electronic module holder may be re-orientated at the point of purchase or when the user receives the device so that they are able to configure the portable device to receive the SIM card they currently own. In such an alternative embodiment the electronic module . ^ device then it is user replaceable.
One possible advantage of both example embodiments is that the manufacturer of a portable electronic device can manufacture a device and decide at a late stage in the manufacturing process or even after the manufacturing process which module size is to be supported. The end user may also benefit by being able to purchase a product that can receive one of two different sized SIM form factors without the need for having two individual SIM card holders as part of the product which would increase the size of the product.
Figure 4 shows a printed circuit board 470 exploded relative to the chassis or housing 430 and electronic module holder 400. On the printed circuit board are six electrical contacts 475, these electrical contacts are for the plurality of contacts 140 of the electronic module holder of Figures 1a and 1b protruding from either the first or second surface to contact with. In an alternative embodiment there may be an intervening circuit board such as a flexible circuit board or a connector between the electronic module holder 400 and the printed circuit board 470. A connector may be mounted to the printed circuit board 470 or connected to the printed circuit board via a suitable cable or flexible cable. It will be appreciated that a further advantage of having a module holder that can be re-orientated relative to the chassis and then interface to the circuit board is that the module holder does not need to soldered to the circuit board and relies upon a compression fit to maintain electrical contact between the circuit board and the electronic module.
Figure 5 shows Figure 4 in more detail by illustrating how the electronic module holder 400 contacts the printed circuit board 470 by showing a side on view in the direction of Arrow A of Figure 4. When the electronic module holder 400 is placed in the cavity of the chassis 430 the plurality of electrical contacts that protrude from a second surface 420 of the electronic module holder, in this embodiment the resilient spring elements, are deflected from a first position 448 to a second position 449 as the chassis and or module that a good electrical contact is made between the printed circuit board 470 and the plurality of electrical contacts of the electronic module holder 400. The plurality of electrical contacts 440 that protrude from the first surface 410 of the electronic module holder are undeflected.
Figure 6a shows Figure 4 in more detail when viewed from a direction indicated by arrow B in Figure 4 when a SIM card 650 is inserted into a cavity 680 (dashed rectangular area) formed by the electronic module holder 600 and the chassis or housing 630. The cavity 680 is formed by the first surface 610 of the electronic module holder 600 and an internal surface of the chassis 630. It will be appreciated that the cavity 680 is formed within the housing or chassis cavity 235, 335 of Figures 2 and 3. The electrical contacts 640 protruding from the second surface 620 of the electronic module holder 600 are shown in contact with the printed circuit board 670. The electrical contacts 640 protruding from the first surface have been deflected by the insertion of the SIM card 650 so that an electrical connection is made between the SIM card 650, the electronic module holder 600 and the printed circuit board 670 via the plurality of electrical contacts protruding from the second surface and first surface.
Figure 6b differs from figure 6a in that the electronic module holder 600 has been rotated 180 degrees so that the first surface 610 is now adjacent to the printed circuit board 670 and the second surface 620 is now closest to the internal surface of the chassis 630. The cavity formed between the module holder and the chassis is shown having received a SIM card 660. The SIM card 660 has different dimensions to the SIM card 650.
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate that the SIM card is prevented from any upwards movement in the direction X from the electronic module by the chassis. The cavity formed between the chassis and the electrical contacts is dimensioned so that the insertion of the SIM card 650, 660 causes a deflection of the electrical contacts to ensure an electrical connection between the electrical .
electronic module holder prevent any sideways movement in the Y direction.
It should be apparent from the previous Figures that in a first mode when the electronic module holder is in a first orientation it can support an electronic module. The electrical contacts that protrude from a first surface interface with contact pads on the electronic module and the electrical contacts that protrude from a second surface interface with contact pads on a printed circuit board. In a second mode in which the electronic module holder has been re orientated 180 degrees the electrical contacts that protrude from a second surface now interface with contact pads on the electronic module and the electrical contacts that protrude from the first surface now interface with contact pads of the printed circuit board. The electrical contacts of the electronic module holder are therefore intended to interface in a mutually exclusive manner with either the printed circuit board or the electronic module.
A detection arrangement is shown in Figure 7. The electronic module holder 700 further comprises a conductive housing 790 that provides two contact points 795. When the orientation of the electronic module holder is determined it may be inserted into the conductive housing 790. The conductive housing 790 and module holder are inserted into the chassis in accordance with previous Figures. The contact points on the housing interface with contact pads 797 (circled) on the printed circuit board 770. The contact pads are connected to circuitry 798 that can determine the presence of the housing 790 and/or electronic module 700. In the exemplary embodiment one of the contact pads is connected to ground so that upon insertion of the conductive housing a short circuit is created to a second contact pad. This results in a change of voltage observed at a processor 799 in the electronic apparatus, the change of voltage from a high voltage to a low voltage indicating the presence of the housing and electronic module holder.
Figure 8 shows an alternative conductive housing 890 which is on both sides of the electronic module holder 800 but does not extend over the top of the module to create an electrical connection.
Figure 9 shows an alternative conductive housing 990 which may be on one or both sides of the electronic module but only one side of the conductive housing has a contact point 995; for coupling to contact pads on the printed circuit board, as described with respect to earlier figures. In a further arrangement the same housing portion may be used in combination with electrical circuitry not shown to couple to contacts pads 995, 996 to the printed circuit board for indicating presence of the electronic module holder and presence of the electronic module.
Figure 10a shows an alternative example embodiment where the chassis of the apparatus is an external housing 1030 of the apparatus. The external apparatus has a cavity 1035 for receiving the electronic module holder 1000. Figure 10a shows the electronic module holder partially extracted from the external housing 1030 with a plurality of electrical contacts 1075 as described in previous Figures shown; the electrical module holder is shown in a first orientation. The electrical module holder may be reorientated 180 degrees so that a different sized SIM card may be placed on the holder prior to insertion into the external housing 1030. A door 1008 is shown that forms part of the electronic module holder and also forms part of the external housing 1030 of the apparatus when the electronic module holder has been inserted into the apparatus. In an alternative example embodiment the door 1008 may be part of the external housing but separate from the electronic module holder so it is closed after the electronic module holder has been inserted into the apparatus
Figure 10b shows an alternative embodiment for the electrical module holder where the module holder comprises a frame 1007 which is separable from the rest of the electronic module holder. The removable portion of the electronic module holder 1000, as illustrated in Figures 1a-1d may be inserted into the central portion of the frame 1007 and retained. The retaining means may be permanent, for example glued or bonded or temporarily such that the user may re orientate it relative to the frame 1007. This arrangement may be - holder as one when the door 1008 of the frame 1007 forms part of the external housing. A detection contact (not shown) for detecting presence of insertion of the electronic module holder may be part of the frame or the door.
An example method as shown by Figure 1 1 comprises in a first step, 1 100, orientating an electronic module holder in a first or second orientation and in a second step 11 10 inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of an apparatus. The chassis may be an internal chassis/housing or form part of an external housing of the apparatus. Regardless of the orientation of the electronic module holder it provides an interface to the electronic module and a circuit board as outlined in step 1120.
An example method as shown by Figure 12 comprises in a first step, 1200, orientating an electronic module holder in a first or second orientation and inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of an apparatus. The chassis may be an internal chassis/housing or form part of an external housing of the apparatus. An electronic module may be placed or slid into the electronic module holder, step 1210. In a further step 1220 the electronic module holder in combination with the apparatus comprises detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the electronic module holder. The electronic module holder may be locked to the chassis, step 1230. In step 1240 the electronic module holder may be removed from the cavity and re orientated to facilitate insertion of a different sized electronic module.
In a further example method, shown by Figure 13 the electronic module holder may be inserted into a partial or fully conductive housing prior to insertion into a cavity of an apparatus, step 1300. As with the previous method, the electronic module holder and the conductive housing may be placed or slid into the cavity, step 1310. In a further step 1320 the electronic module holder in combination with the apparatus comprises detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the electronic module holder; said detection means includes utilising at least part of the conductive housing as a signal path or for shorting circuitry coupled to a processor to ground. The ,
1340 the electronic module holder may be removed from the cavity and re orientated within the partial or fully conductive housing to facilitate insertion of a different sized electronic module than previously inserted.
While previous example embodiments have highlighted that the electronic module may be a subscriber identification module it is appreciated that other electronic modules may be utilised, for example a memory card such as a compact flash card, a Smartmedia card, a Multimedia card (MMC) or a Secure Digital card (SD). The memory card may provide additional memory capacity for the apparatus. Given the memory cards listed above may have different electrical contact pad positions then the electrical contacts that protrude from the first and second surface may be differ in number or position.
While previous embodiments have outlined that the electronic module may be a Subscriber Identity Module where the electrical contacts of the SIM are on a major surface of the SIM card and interface to electrical contacts on a major face of the electronic module holder, it can be appreciated that for other electronic modules the contacts may be on a edge of the electronic module. Therefore the electrical contacts of the electronic module holder may be located at one edge of the holder and may not protrude through a surface of the holder. The electrical contacts of the electronic module holder may be located both on a major face of the electronic module holder and also on the edge of the holder, or be located at any other suitable locations on the surface of the holder.
Previous embodiments have outlined that the first surface may be orientated 180 degrees from the second surface, in alternative embodiments the surfaces may be 90 degrees to one another or at any other suitable angle; also more than two surfaces may retain or support electronic modules.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without i .
the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Functions described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features or functions of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature, function or combination of features or combination of functions hereinbefore referred to, claimed and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1 . An electronic module holder comprising:
a first surface configured to support a first electronic module in a first orientation;
a second surface configured to support a second electronic module
in a second orientation; and
a plurality of electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection between the first and second surface,
wherein when the electronic module holder is configured in a first orientation the electrical contacts associated with the second surface interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the first surface interface to an electronic module and
wherein when the electronic module holder is configured in a second orientation the electrical contacts associated with the first surface interface to a circuit board and the electrical contacts associated with the second surface interface to an electronic module.
2. An electronic module holder according to claim 1 where in the first surface is dimensioned to support a first electronic module according to a first size and the second surface is configured to support a second electronic module according to a second size which is different to the first size.
3. An electronic module holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts comprise at least one resilient spring element configured to contact the first or second electronic module. 4. An electronic module holder according to claim 3 wherein the at least one resilient spring element is configured to protrude through the first and second surface. o 2015/003304 ,jc module holder according to any preceding claii?CT/CN2pi3/0790i5 comprising a frame, wherein the electronic module holder may be inserted into the frame in either the first or second orientation. 6. An electronic module holder according to any preceding claim further comprising a conductive housing, wherein the electronic module holder may be inserted into the housing in either the first or second orientation.
7. An electronic module holder according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one detection contact.
8. An apparatus comprising:
a housing defining a cavity,
wherein the cavity is configured to receive the electronic module holder according to any preceding claim.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the cavity receives the electronic module holder they define a further cavity for retaining a first or second electronic module dependent upon the orientation of the electronic module holder relative to the cavity of the housing.
10 An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electronic module holder comprises a cavity for retaining a first or second electronic module. 1 1 . An apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the housing is an internal housing within said apparatus.
12. An apparatus according to claim 8 or 10, wherein the housing is an external housing of said apparatus
13. An apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the electronic module holder is user replaceable. o 20i5/oo3304atus according to any of claims 8 to 13, further COI?C /CN2013/079015 locking means for holding the electronic module holder to the housing.
15 An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the locking means is a battery that is placeable in an adjacent compartment to the cavity thereby at least partially closes the opening to the cavity defined by the housing.
16. An apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 15, when dependent on claim 7 wherein the first contact is configured to form at least part of a detection circuit with circuitry of the apparatus to indicate the orientation of the electronic module holder relative to the cavity and/or presence of the
electronic module holder.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the detection circuitry further comprises a second contact and either the first or second contact is resiliently biased.
18. An apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the apparatus further comprises a circuit board and wherein:
the plurality of electrical contacts are configured to contact the first electronic module and the circuit board when in a first orientation, and
the plurality of electrical contacts are configured to contact the second electronic module and the circuit board when in a second orientation. 19. An apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 18, further comprising a processor for indicating presence of the electronic module holder to an end user.
20. An apparatus or electronic module according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second electronic module is a subscriber identity module.
21. A method for inserting an electronic module holder into a housing of an apparatus, the method comprising; m2.oi5/oo33043 electronic module holder in a first or second orie?CT/CN2qi3/0790i5 inserting the electronic module holder into a cavity of said housing,
interfacing to a circuit board and electronic module when in the first orientation or second orientation.
22. A method according to claim 21 , wherein the inserting of the electronic module holder comprises sliding the module holder into said housing.
23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the chassis is an outer housing of the apparatus or an internal housing contained within the outer housing of apparatus.
24. A method according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the electronic module holder comprises a frame and the electronic module holder is inserted into the frame before insertion into the housing of the apparatus.
25. A method according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the electronic module holder comprises a conductive housing and the electronic module holder is inserted into the conductive housing before insertion into the housing of the apparatus.
26. A method according to any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the electronic module holder is user replaceable. 27. An apparatus comprising:
a housing defining a cavity, the cavity is configured to receive an electronic module holder, wherein the electronic module holder is configured to be inserted in either a first or second orientation,
said electronic module holder further comprising a plurality of contacts protruding from different sides of the electronic module holder and configured to interface to a circuit board and an electronic module in the first or second orientation. o 20i5/oo3304atus according to claim 27 wherein the housing mECT/CN20i3/0790i5 internal housing of the apparatus or part of the external housing of the apparatus. 29. An apparatus according to claims 27 or 28 wherein the electronic module holder is configured to support a first electronic module in the first orientation and a second electronic module in the second orientation and the electronic modules have different dimensions. 30. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 29 wherein the different sides are opposite sides.
31 . An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 30 wherein the electronic module holder is fixed to the housing upon insertion into said cavity.
32. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 30 wherein the electronic module holder may be extracted from the apparatus and re orientated and re inserted into said apparatus. 33. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 32 wherein the electronic module holder further comprises a frame structure into which the electronic module holder is inserted.
34. An apparatus according to claim 33 wherein at least a part of the frame is electrically conductive and couples to the apparatus to indicate presence of the electronic module holder.
35. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 34 wherein the electronic module holder is configured to receive a subscriber identity module.
PCT/CN2013/079015 2013-07-08 2013-07-08 Electronic module holder WO2015003304A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CN2013/079015 WO2015003304A1 (en) 2013-07-08 2013-07-08 Electronic module holder

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CN2013/079015 WO2015003304A1 (en) 2013-07-08 2013-07-08 Electronic module holder

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015003304A1 true WO2015003304A1 (en) 2015-01-15

Family

ID=52279284

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CN2013/079015 WO2015003304A1 (en) 2013-07-08 2013-07-08 Electronic module holder

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2015003304A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997032275A1 (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-04 The Whitaker Corporation Apparatus for the electrical connection of a chip card to a printed circuit board
JP2003142185A (en) * 2001-11-06 2003-05-16 Kel Corp Card connector
JP2003142184A (en) * 2001-10-31 2003-05-16 Kel Corp Card connector
CN201937141U (en) * 2010-11-24 2011-08-17 上海华勤通讯技术有限公司 SIM (subscriber identity module) card connecting device
CN202488517U (en) * 2012-03-26 2012-10-10 深圳市创亿欣精密电子股份有限公司 Positive and negative oppositely-inserted two-in-one SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card seat

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997032275A1 (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-04 The Whitaker Corporation Apparatus for the electrical connection of a chip card to a printed circuit board
JP2003142184A (en) * 2001-10-31 2003-05-16 Kel Corp Card connector
JP2003142185A (en) * 2001-11-06 2003-05-16 Kel Corp Card connector
CN201937141U (en) * 2010-11-24 2011-08-17 上海华勤通讯技术有限公司 SIM (subscriber identity module) card connecting device
CN202488517U (en) * 2012-03-26 2012-10-10 深圳市创亿欣精密电子股份有限公司 Positive and negative oppositely-inserted two-in-one SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card seat

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