Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – For dual inline package
Patent
1991-12-09
1994-06-14
Schwartz, Larry I.
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
For dual inline package
439326, 439630, H01R 1362
Patent
active
053205529
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to contacting apparatus for so called chip cards or IC-cards. Preferably the invention relates to a contacting apparatus for a SIM. A SIM is a module which identifies the identity of a subscriber (for instance a telephone subscriber). The abbreviation SIM is derived from the English term "Subcriber Identity Module". The contact layout of such a module corresponds to the contact layout of an IC card in accordance with ISO 7816; however, the outer dimensions of the SIM are significantly smaller, i. e. they are 25.times.15 mm, compared with 85,5.times.54 mm for the IC card.
The present invention intends to provide a contacting apparatus, specifically a contacting apparatus for a SIM, such that the outer dimensions of the contacting apparatus are not significantly larger than the dimensions of the SIM itself. Moreover, the operation of the contacting apparatus, i. e. the insertion and the removal, respectively, of the SIM should be convenient to the user and it should be possible without any tools. Moreover, it is prefered that no separate components are neccessary, for instance, a separate cover.
In accordance with the invention, a contacting apparatus is provided in particular for a SIM, wherein the SIM can be placed in a recess or a deeper portion (niche) of a housing serving as a contact support; alternatively, the SIM can be located in a recess of a cover mounted at the housing.
In accordance with a prefered embodiment of the invention, the contacting apparatus comprises a housing which is used as a contact support and into which the SIM can be inserted for the purpose of being contacted; an abutment means (support arm) is adapted to hold the SIM in the housing and comprises a recess for receiving the SIM. Said abutment means preferably projects from one side of the apparatus and can be resiliently moved to allow when insertion of the SIM (card). Preferably the card and the SIM, respectively, is easily accessible and the location and the polarisation of the card being guaranteed by the abutment means projecting at one side. This solution is particulary advantageous at the periphery of (date processing) apparatus.
In accordance with another prefered embodiment of the invention a housing designed as a contact support is provided. In the contact support a niche or a recess is formed having an inclined polarisation means such that the SIM is always inserted with the proper side orientation. Preferably, a cover is rotatably mounted at the contact support. The initial position to which the cover is rotated is a closed but unlocked position, from which the cover can then be linearly moved, relative to a chip card held in the recess, to a locked position where it is held by a detent. When moved back to the unlocked position, the cover can be opened and the card is then removed upon lifting the cover. The cover is held by detent means in both the locking and de-locking position. In the de-locking condition the cover can be opened together with the card or the SIM by lifting the cover.
Perferably, the cover is pivotably mounted at the contact support such that the cover can easily be moved, or, it is also possible that due to a frictional force the cover remains in any of the opening positions. In accordance with another embodiment a spring element is provided which biases the cover towards the delocking condition.
The invention further provides a contacting apparatus in which the SIM or the card is not placed in the contact support, but is inserted into a tunnel (shaft) of the cover, said tunnel providing for a sideways guidance of the SIM. An abutment shoulder at the contact support limits the depth of insertion of the card. When the cover is closed, the card (or the SIM) will be rotated circulary along the abutment shoulder into the recess of the contact support. The card remains in said recess when the cover is longitudinally moved for locking purposes, so that no relative movement occurs between the card and the contact element. Again here, an alternative embodiment with a spring
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Reichardt Manfred
Tolksdorf Martina
Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH
Nguyen Khiem
Schwartz Larry I.
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