Chip card reading device comprising an end position switch.

p0001The invention relates to a smart card reader with a limit switch. Full general - my, the invention relates to a chip - card reader, in a smart card or a so-called key, the one chip and Kon - tacts similarly has a smart card in a reader - can be used position. In the reading posi - tion existing Kon come in smart card reader - contact elements (reading contacts) into contact with the contact zones in the smart card (or the key).

p0002In known chip-card readers are frequently provided a lowering movement between the card and smart card reader during insertion of the chip card in the reading position, so as to provide good contact between the sense contacts of the chip card reader and the contact zones of the chip - to achieve map. Such readers make a the lowering-providing mechanism required. For other applications, a smart card reader may be sufficient, which dispenses with such lowering and moving reading contacts are used so that the lowering mechanism can be omitted. Examples of such smart card reader can be found in the following publications: EP 0366513 A1, US -A 4,900,273 and DE-A 39 31 506th

p0003In smart card readers of this type usually designed as a contact carrier frame is provided, and a limit switch is used to report reaching the reading position by the chip card. This limit switch is on reaching the reading position either closed or opened. A close reading position in - the limit switch is also known as "open", while located inside in the reading position limit switches as "NC" be - is distinguished.

p0004may be formed - The present invention aims a smart card reader without a lowering mechanism provided, wherein in addition to the reading contacts in a frame of the chip card reader nor a limit positions - arranged switch that be an opener or as a closer in a simple manner.

p0005The limit switches should also be designed so that it is to be arranged in a simple manner in the frame. Furthermore, it should be possible to make do with a minimum of switching contacts, regardless of whether a make or a closing - is to be realized SSSR. Further, an out - recorded contact between the Schaltkon - clock of the end position sought.

p0006To achieve the above object, the invention provides a smart card reader, comprising a frame in which the reading contacts are preferably accommodated by latching. According to the limit switch is formed by two switch contacts that are each also accommodate snapped under. The design of the two switch contacts is so intended that these respectively both in the realization of an opener as well as a closing - are ßers used.

p0007According to the invention, the frame is practically identical for both use with an opener and when used with a normally open and has in the case of a normally open only to an additional pin or stop which is not necessary for the realization of an opener. The frame also includes stop means for the preferably biased in its rest position the movable switching contact. Preferably, the stop means in the form of one of the cards - surface contact area of ​​the frame towering projection formed.

p0008Furthermore, it is preferred that the aforementioned movable switching contact and the stationary switching contact of the limit switch are each biased in their rest position.

p0009Each of the switching contacts is designed to increase the heart's pressure with a cylindrical bead, so that a total of two intersecting cylinders showed what a good con - clocking ensures.

p0010According to another preferred Ausgestal - device of the invention is to improve the cleaning effect between the switching contacts increasing the normal force by forward - position provided the contact spring. Further, preferably, a switching contact with min - least two contact legs formed, whereby the safety of the foreign layer destruction is increased again. Preferably, the contact surface of the passive or stationary Kon is - contact spring (switching contact) inclined, thereby increasing the normal force and the two switching contacts (contact springs) a minimum relative movement in the spring axis due to the re - perform sulting longitudinal force.

p0011According to a preferred embodiment of the invention different smart card types can be contacted, because the limit switch is not switched by the thickness of the card. For example, it is possible to erfindungsge - to use so-called nem key, ie a key-like structure of greater thickness than a regular chip card - Maessen limit switches together with egg. This key-like structure bears the contacts of a smart card corresponding contact zones of the Lesekon - be contacted clock after the end positions - switch was pressed.

p0012A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least one of the two contact springs turn a limit switch is tilted. That is, the contact end of the contact spring is located on a slant duri - fenden end of the other contact spring. In the preferred embodiment this is the oblique contact end propertied Kon - biased contact spring against a stop out of not less than the oblique contact end of the contact spring, but is offset to the clamping end of the contact spring out. The stop is preferably approximately in the middle of this con - arranged contact spring. However, the stop can also relatively close to the - to be well positioned relative contact end of the contact spring, or close to the clamping point of the spring contact - free. This arrangement results in that the operable by the card (active) contact spring rests in the closed position of the limit switch on the bevel of the former (passive) contact spring. the be the card is preferably - tätigbare contact spring in the closed position of the limit switch so strongly biased against the free end of the passive contact spring that this is moved slightly from its otherwise determined by the bias resting position where - switch improved - by the self-cleansing of the end positions will.

p0013Further advantages, objects and details of the invention will be apparent from the description of embodiments with reference to the drawing; in the drawings:<ul><li>1A is a plan view of the frame of a smart card reader according to the invention with the cover removed and with an inventive as normally to be designated limit switches.</li><li>Fig. 1B is an enlarged detail of the end position of FIG. 1A;</li><li>. Fig. 2A is a plan view similar to Figure 1A, but where the closer here is switched, so the chip - card is in its reading position is;</li><li>Figure 3 is a plan view of a part of the frame of a smart card reader with a designed as a break end positions - switch which in its un - shown on state.</li><li>. 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but the opener here is shown in its connected state.</li><li>Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged side view of the switching parts of the two switching contacts.</li><li>Figure 6 is a partial section through a chip card reader according to the invention with a non-connected NC.</li><li>Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view through an inven - tion according Chipkartenle - ser to illustrate the operating possibilities of Endla invention - gene regulator through a standard chip card as well as by a "key".</li><li>Fig. 8 is a plan view of a portion of a stamped strip of the movable and static switching contacts of the limit positions - keeps the switch in its raw state;</li><li>FIGS. 9 and 10 a section along line 9 - 10 in FIG. 8;</li><li>Figure 11 is a plan view of the movable switching contact after separation from the punching and before the strip 12 shown in Figures 15 to deformation..;</li><li>Fig. 16 is a plan view of the stationary switch contact, after separation from the punch strip and before its deformation as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20.</li><li>FIG. 21 is a view similar to Figure 3, but switching contacts here are indeed similar to those used in Figure 3, but here with a skew of the two contact surfaces..;</li><li>FIG. 22 is a section along line 22-22 in Figure 21;.</li><li>Fig. 23 is a schematic representation of the arrangement according to FIG. 21, and</li><li>FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view of the arrangement according to FIG. 23.</li><li>FIG. 25 is a schematic Seitenan - view of a smart card reader with a further embodiment of a limit switch;</li><li>Figure 26 is a plan view of the illustration of FIG 25 with the limit switch..;</li><li>Fig. 27 is a schematic representation of the principle of the end positions - switch according to Fig 26;.</li><li>FIG. 28 is a schematic end positions - switch according to the prior art.</li><li>29A -. B a comparison of known end - position switch with an end - position switch of the invention.</li></ul>

p0014In the following, with reference to Figures 1 a, 1 b, 2a and 2b a first embodiment of the inven -. Manure and with reference to Figures 3 and 4 and 6, a second embodiment of the invention described.. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment, which is useful in both embodiments, and Fig. 7 shows that the invention can also be used in so-called keys. Fig. 8 to 20 show the preferred embodiment of the invention the switching contacts of the limit switches.

p0015Fig. 1 a, 1 b, 2a and 2b show a chip card reader 1, which serves a chip card 2 to contact. The smart card reader 1 comprises a frame 3, in which openings 4 for Lesekon - are contacts shown. An inventive limit switch 5 is therefore a so-called "open" design and is brought out of the move in Figs. 1A and 1B gezeigen open position to the closed position shown in Fig. 2A and 2B by the card 2 in its reading position.

p0016The limit switch 5 has a movable switching contact 6 and a stationary switch contact. 7 The switching contact 6 is carried in more detail to describe agents, particu - latched particular a locking tongue 46 in a groove formed in the frame 3 recess 8 and thereby secured. Similarly, the static switch contact 7 is secured in a recess 9 in the frame 3 by a locking tongue 66th

p0017In the installed state of the movable switching contact 6 is biased against a stop 10, which projects out of the plane formed by the card support surface thirteenth Also, the static switch contact 7 is biased in its rest position, preferably against stop means, preferably in the form of a spigot 11th The pin 11 protrudes as the stop 10 from the card support surface. Both the stop 10 and stud 11 are preferably manufactured together with the frame 3 by injection molding.

p0018It is readily apparent that upon insertion of the chip card 2, finally, - compare Fig. 1A - the movable switching contact is detected 6 and as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, is moved for making contact with the stationary switch contact 7 towards.. One recognizes that the called stationary switch contact 7 completely sta not - is shareholder, but as shown in Figure 2B, in the case of making contact with the movable Schaltkon -. Tact 6 something abgeho spring from the pin 11 - can be ben.

p0019The frame 3 also forms according to the invention a centering and brake levers 12 of the side presses on the chip card, eliminating the lead tolerance in the card guide and at the same time a braking effect on the card - exercises without the contact force is influenced positively or negatively.

p0020Figs. 3, 4 and 6 show a Chipkartenle - ser, which largely coincides with the chip card reader 1. The frame 3 of Chipkartenle - sers 100 matches the frame 3 of the chip card reader 1 with the exception that is present in the embodiment of FIGS 3, 4 and 6 no pin 11..

p0021The limit switch 15 is designed as a so-called normally closed, ie when activated by the card 2 of the limit switch opens.

p0022According to the invention, the limit switches 15 turn a movable switching contact 16 and a stationary switch contact 17 which, like the contacts 6 and 7 in meet - are the recesses 18 and 19 of the frame 3 is fixed by snapping.

p0023The stop 20 corresponds to the stopper 10, but as shown in FIG. 3 and 4 of this actually stationary switch contact 17 is preferably resiliently biased against the stop 20 bears.

p0024Unlike the first embodiment, here the limit switch 15 is designed as a so-called normally closed, that is, upon insertion of the card is the contact between the movable switching contact 16 and the stationary Schaltkon - clock 17 is opened.

p0025As seen in Fig. 3, the stationary 17 are biased against the stop 20 in the closed position of the limit switch 15, and the movable switching contact 16 is also biased towards the stop 20 and rests on the stationary contact. Figs. 3 and 4 also show nor the arrangement of some, denoted by 21 reading contacts.

p0026According to the invention, the movable con - tacts 6 and 16 and the stationary contacts 7 and 17 identical, so that the moving - a make or a break contact can be formed chen contact elements.

p0027However, in the preferred use of cylindrical protrusions or beads, which preferably cross each other in their arrangement, the bulge in the case of the shutter vice - versa as shown in Figure 5 to provide.. Fig. 5 shows the movable switch contact 16 formed as a cylinder bead 30, which extends in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the switching contact 16. On the other hand shows the switch contact 17, a transverse to its longitudinal extension bead 31 in the form of a cylinder.

p0028FIG. 6 illustrates the smart card reader 100, ie mounted on a printed circuit board 70, where you can still see a solder joint to be explained 64 here. Further, a lid 71 is dagestellt.

p0029. Figure 7 shows schematically that the inven - tion proper limit switches 5, 15, both operable by a normal card 2, as requires by a so-called key, which has a greater thickness dimension and the lid 71 a bulge 72nd

p0030Fig. 8 shows the switch contacts 6, 16, 7, 17 hanging after punching still at a pilot strip 13. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the shape of the cylindrical beads 30, 31.

p0031Figs. 11 to 15 show the movable switching contact 6 and 16 in various stages of manufacture and representations. The switching contact 6 and 16 has a latching and connection part (locking portion) 40, and an actuation and switching portion (switching part) 41, which are connected by a strip-shaped connecting portion 42nd A solder joint 44 may be formed, for example, for the SMD technology. The grate portion 40 forms a cutout 45 for forming a locking tongue 46 having the shape shown in Fig. 15. Simultaneously, the latching part 40 forms guide surfaces for the insertion into the recess of the frame. The switching portion 41 once forms a stop angle with a card stop 48 which is formed at an angle arm 49th Further, a contact arm 50 is provided which has the above-mentioned bead 30th

p0032Figs. 16 to 20 illustrate the stationary switch contact 7 and 17 in its various stages of manufacture. A latching and connection part 60 is connected via a connecting portion 62 with an actuation - and switching part 61 in connec - tion. The locking member 60 is similar to the locking member 40 is formed and has a latching tongue 66 surrounded by a neck 45. A solder joint 64 is further provided. This connector 64 can also be as well as terminal 44 formed in any desired manner. In FIG. 19, one further recognizes nor the formation of the bead 31 in the switching part 61.

p0033Figs. 21 to 24 show a chip card reader 300, the 3 largely coincides with the smart card reader 3 according to FIG..

p0034The limit switch 315 is designed as a so-called normally closed, ie when activated by the card 2 of the limit switch 315. It is also opens training as normally under USAGE - tion of the principles of the invention possible.

p0035According to the invention, the limit switch 315 turn a movable switch contact 316 and a stationary switch contact 317, which, like the contacts 16 and 17 shown in FIG. 3 in corresponding recesses 318 and 319 of the frame 3 is fixed by snapping.

p0036The stopper 320 corresponds to the abutment 20. As in Fig. 3 and 4 is the stationary switch contact 317 preferably resiliently biased against the stop 320.

p0037. As in the embodiment of Figure 3 also the limit switch 315 is a so - formed ter Opener, ie the insertion of the card 2, the contact between the movable switching contact is opened 316 and the stationary switch contact 317th

p0038As seen in Fig. 21, the stationary switch contact 317 are biased against the stop 320 in the closed position of the limit switch 315, and the movable switch contact 316 is biased against the stop 320 out, the latter rests on the stationary contact.

p0039. The switch contact 316 of FIG 21 to 24 has the same basic structure as that of the moving - com- munication is 42 as shown in FIG 14. In particular, the switch contact 316 with an angled arm 349 and a stop 348 disposed thereon card is equipped.. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4 at the end 360 of the switch contact 316 U and formed even at 317) any bead, but compared to the switching contact 16 of the switch contact 316 is slightly shortened and, at its end portion 360 against an inclined surface 361 that the end part 362 of the switch contact 317 is formed. The end portion 362 is angled as shown towards the major portion of the switching contact 317th

p0040Preferably, the end portion forms 360 has two legs 363, 364. The legs can preferably on her with the inclined surface 361 in Ko (see Figure 23 and 24..) (See Fig. 24.) Are ntakt - be abgrundet the ends.

p0041As mentioned above, the switching contact 317 is in the form of a contact spring against the An - biased shock 320 and can be used as the gan - zen passive switching contact are considered. Also, the switching contact in the form of Kontaktfe - 316 which is biased and located on the inclined - surface 361 on.

p0042In particular, by choosing the bias - force for the switching contact 316, the arrangement is such that at the contact points between - a certain relative movement when switching occurs tween the front end 360 and the oblique contact surface 361, so that any dirt or dust in the area of ​​contact making is eliminated. So while the contact spring can be 317 throughout called passive or immobile, it is still capable of a out - reaching movement relative to the con - tact spring execute 316th

p0043Reference to the figures 25 to 27 a further embodiment of the invention will be described, namely a limit switch in the form of a so-called opener. . The limit switch 400 according to Figs 25 to 27 comprises two Schaltkon - contacts on in the form of contact springs 416 and 417, which are each attached at one end in frame 13 preferably by snapping. The (active) contact spring 416 is movable by a smart card from the closed position shown in an open position.

p0044The main difference between the construction shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 and the structure shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is that the stop 21 shown in FIG. 23 and 24 is now in the form of a stopper 420 from the free end of the contact spring off the clamping point the contact spring is offset toward. The passive contact spring 417 is biased against the stop 420, which is preferably formed on the frame. 3 The On - beat 420 is Designed Apron centrally between the free end 401 of the contact spring 417 and the fixing point 402 of the contact spring 417. The on - beat 420 preferably occupies the position shown in Figure 26, but can if desired both by. right to chucking - stelle 402 out to be like also shifted to the left to the free end 401 of the contact spring out.

p0045. In the in Figure 26 shown closed position of the limit switch 400, the contact spring 416 is preferably such biased against the slope 403 of the contact spring 417, that the free end 401 of the passive spring 417 slightly downward against - is pressed on the position that the spring 417 because of their bias without the presence - be the contact spring would occupy 416th This then has the result that, upon actuation of the con - tact spring 416 by the chip card in the (in Fig. 26) upwards success motion the con - tact spring 417 initially moves along with the contact spring 416 before it lifts off the slope 403rd This support together with said slope and the relatively sharp one - hand edge 405 of the contact spring 416 to cleaning - cleaning effect between the two contact springs, so that even after longer periods a reliable contact is ensured.

p0046Preferably, the pressure angle a between the preferably in whole rectilinear contact spring 416 and the slope 403 of the otherwise also preferably straight - linig extending contact spring 417 in approximately 45 °. Also preferred is the range between 20 and 60 °.

p0047In FIGS. 25 to 28 is denoted with the reference numeral 421, the stop for the chip card. Numerals 423, 424, 425 schematically designate force effects.

p0048Because that is now biased as normally closed contact to be designated passive contact spring 417 such that the stopper 420 closer caught up to the clamping point 402, one gains a greater relative movement between the contact spring 416 and the contact spring 417, where - through a better contact making and results in a greater contact force. Furthermore, can be switched safely even after a long time.

p0049It is important to point out that the two contact springs 416, 417 preferably of - run away each other but lie substantially on one line, specifically with the formation of the slant 403, so as to achieve the desired contact cleaners.

p0050. Figure 28 shows still schematically a known limit switch with two contact springs 516 and 517, in which case the spring 517 not - against a stop - is biased, but in the rest position the end contact by the contact spring 516, which in turn clamped down, but not is suppressed - is biased ge downward. In particular, because of the missing - the slope between the two contact springs 516 and 517 in the area of ​​contact occur less favorable conditions on, as in the embodiment of FIG. 27.

p0051In summary, therefore, in which Ausfüh -. Embodiment according to Figures 25 to 27 for the educa - tion of a relative movement of the contact springs 416, 417 provided the stopper 420 of the passive spring 417 for clamping 402 added sheepishly. The implementation of the free spring arm due to the reaction force of the active spring 416 causes a desired Schleifweg. This results in a greater relative movement, for example, min - is least in the order of 0.2 mm. Furthermore, results in a higher normal force without the contact force is increased for the card. In addition, a point of contact instead of egg is - ner surface contact provided. While in the construction shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, preferably two legs 363, 364 are provided, is 25 to 27 preferably provided in the construction shown in FIGS. If only one contact finger for the active Contact 416th

p0052. Figures 29a, 29b and 29c illustrate in Figure 29a schematically illustrates the prior art shown in FIG 28, in Figure 29b another known limit switches and Figure 29c the erfindungsge -.... Maessen limit switches according to FIG. 27.

p0053The attachment point of the contact springs in each case is designated by the reference numeral 602nd . In the arrangement of Figure 29a is indicated by the letter G, that the contact spring 516, the contact spring 517 in the closing shown - has positional moves, namely towards a smaller, g shown by the letter of the spring 517. shown in the closed Stel - ment course, are the 516 and 517 successively from the contact springs forces exerted zero. the contact spring but when the smart card moves the contact spring 516 (upwards), it follows 517 beginning of this movement to the contact spring 517 reaches its no longer cocked position. In the construction according to Fig. 29b, the two contact springs 616 and 617 arranged so that the closed position shown is achieved in that the contact spring 617 initially has a greater force G and, consequently, the contact spring 617 biases in the position shown until the of the contact springs 617 and 616 successively applied forces cancel. The contact spring 617 is therefore initially either no or only exert a smaller force than the force G down, which is indicated schematically in Fig. 29b with g. The consequence of this arrangement is that during a displacement of the contact spring 616 by the card 2 down the upper contact spring 617 initially goes along a piece, and rubs against the contact spring 616, until the clamping force of the contact spring 617 is removed and only the contact spring 617 is moved by the card 2 and thereby also further tensioned, but has the opening of the switch result.

p0054. When limit switches according to FIG 29c invention, the so-called passive Kon is - contact spring 417 is biased with a force against the stop V 420th In addition, the contact spring exerts 416 initially, a larger force G of the slope of the contact spring 417 so before reaching the closed position shown, and clamps it were, to the stop around something down so that the contact spring 417 with its ramp moves down until the resulting reaction force is equal to the force exerted by the contact spring 416 force. The success of this is that when a card against the card stopper 421 abuts the contact spring 416 moves upward against its resilience, whereby first the slope of the contact spring 417 to the front end of the contact spring 416 follows until the contact spring 416 of the Weird comes free. During this initial joint movement of the incline of the contact spring 417 creates a good contact between the free end of the con - tact spring 416 and the incline of the contact spring 417. By this action, foreign layers are penetrated, and there is a contact cleaning - tion. In particular, there occurs a wedge action between the free end of the contact spring 416 and the inclined surface on when the contact spring 416 runs onto the slant on the contact spring 417, resulting in a growing increase of the contact force here, which in turn contact cleaning and also to a good contacting leads. Just occurring in the latter case, a wedge effect, which leads to a good contact is made, in practice, of particular importance, since it is usually the limit switch according to Fig. 29c, if necessary, can be opened with card over a longer period of time, which is then precisely on arrives, that when the card is removed after this extended period of time, a secure closure of the limit switch is reached.