Electronic card receiving device and method of using an electronic card receiving device

Abstract

An electronic card receiving device includes a housing, a card seat, a rotating shaft, and a contact. The housing includes a front housing plate, and the front housing plate has an opening. The card seat is disposed in an inner space of the housing. The card seat includes a flat plate section, a connecting section, and a card hook section. The connecting section is connected between the flat plate section and the card hook section, and a distal end of the card hook section protrudes toward the opening. The rotating shaft is attached to the flat plate section of the card seat. The rotating shaft is lower than the opening. An axial direction of the rotating shaft is substantially parallel to the front housing plate. Rotation of the rotating shaft drives the card seat to swing between an initial position and a card reading position. The contact is disposed on the flat plate section of the card seat, and the card reading position causes a top end of the contact to be in a contact position and the initial position causes the top end of the contact to be lower than the contact position. A method for using the electronic card receiving device is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic card receiving technology, and more particularly to an electronic card receiving device and a method of using the electronic card receiving device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic cards (such as credit cards, ID cards, and standees) are widely used. Some electronic cards even have display panels to show information directly on the card, further expanding their application. In some applications, electronic cards are read or updated using contactless receiving devices, which can potentially damage the cards. Therefore, there is a need for technologies to reduce damage to electronic cards during contactless reading and updating. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to an electronic card receiving device that can reduce the probability of electronic cards being damaged.

[0004] This invention relates to a method of using an electronic card receiving device, which can reduce the degree of wear and tear on electronic cards during use.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic card receiving device includes a housing, a card holder, a rotating shaft, and a contact member. The housing includes a front shell plate with an opening. The card holder is disposed within the interior space of the housing. The card holder includes a flat section, a connecting section, and a hook section. The connecting section connects the flat section and the hook section, and the end of the hook section protrudes towards the opening. The rotating shaft is attached to the flat section of the card holder. The rotating shaft is lower than the opening. The axial direction of the rotating shaft is substantially parallel to the front shell plate. Rotation of the rotating shaft causes the card holder to swing between an initial position and a card reading position. The contact member is disposed on the flat section of the card holder, and the card reading position causes the tip of the contact member to be in a contact position, while the initial position causes the tip of the contact member to be lower than the contact position.

[0006] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact element described above includes a plurality of probes, the tips of which are substantially coplanar.

[0007] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the card reader placement is such that the card hook segment is higher than the contact position.

[0008] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a stop protrusion that protrudes from the front housing plate toward the card holder, and the stop surface of the stop protrusion is substantially flush with the contact position.

[0009] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the card reader arrangement described above causes the top of the contact member, the card hook section, the stop protrusion, and the front shell plate to surround the card receiving space.

[0010] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned electronic card receiving device further includes an elastic member disposed between the housing and the card holder, the elastic member and the front housing plate being located on opposite sides of the card holder.

[0011] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the card holder is in a card reading position such that the elastic member is compressed by the card holder.

[0012] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic card receiving device further includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet, which are respectively disposed in the housing and the card holder.

[0013] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic card receiving device further includes a micro switch disposed between the housing and the card holder. The micro switch and the opening are located on opposite sides of the card holder, and the micro switch is adapted to control the magnetism of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet.

[0014] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the card reader placement causes the micro switch to be pressed by the card holder, and allows the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet to be energized and attracted to each other.

[0015] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the card holder is in an initial position such that the micro switch is not pressed, thereby demagnetizing the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet.

[0016] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening has a first opening and a second opening, the width of the first opening is greater than the width of the second opening, and the second opening extends downward from the first opening.

[0017] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic card receiving device further includes a side baffle disposed between the front shell plate and the card holder.

[0018] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described electronic card receiving device is adapted to receive electronic cards and the card reader placement allows the card holder to hold the electronic card between the card hook section and the front shell plate of the housing and to make the contact member contact the electronic card.

[0019] In the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic card is a passive electronic card, and the electronic card receiving device is adapted to provide an electrical signal to the electronic card by a contact element.

[0020] A method of using an electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes providing an electronic card receiving device. The electronic card receiving device includes a housing, including a front housing plate having an opening; a card holder disposed within the interior space of the housing, the card holder including a flat plate segment, a connecting segment, and a hook segment, the connecting segment connecting the flat plate segment and the hook segment, the end of the hook segment extending towards the opening; a rotating shaft attached to the flat plate segment of the card holder, the rotating shaft being lower than the opening, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft substantially parallel to the front housing plate; and a contact member disposed on the flat plate segment of the card holder. The method of using the electronic card receiving device further includes inserting an electronic card into the interior space of the housing through the opening; and pushing the electronic card against the hook segment to rotate the rotating shaft, thereby causing the card holder to swing from an initial position to a card reading position, causing the tip of the contact member to rise to a contact position to contact the electronic card.

[0021] In the method of using the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned method further includes, after the card holder is in the card reader position, pushing the electronic card through the opening, allowing the electronic card to leave the electronic card receiving device through the opening and rotating the rotating shaft to drive the card holder to swing from the card reader position to the initial position, so that the top of the contact member descends from the contact position and leaves the electronic card.

[0022] In the method of using the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the card holder swings from the initial position to the card reading position so that the electronic card as a whole enters the internal space of the housing through the opening and abuts against the card hook section and the front shell plate.

[0023] In the method of using the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, under the card reader placement described above, the electronic card receiving device provides an electrical signal to the electronic card via a contact member.

[0024] In the method of using the electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact element described above includes a plurality of probes.

[0025] Based on the above, the electronic card receiving device of this embodiment includes a card holder that can swing between an initial placement and a card reading placement, and the card holder only contacts the electrical contact points of the electronic card when in the card reading placement. Therefore, the electrical contact points of the electronic card are not easily worn due to contact with the card holder. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figures 1A to 1C This is used to illustrate the method of using an electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1B A side view of the electronic card receiving device 100 after being cut along line II;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1B A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electronic card receiving device 100 after the top portion of the part along line II-II has been removed;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 1C A side view of the electronic card receiving device 100 after being cut along line III-III;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 1C A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electronic card receiving device 100 after the top portion of the part along line III-III has been removed;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a partial view of an electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A side view of the truncated electronic card receiving device. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same component reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, the X, Y, and Z axes are used to understand the orientation and relative positions of the device and individual components. In some embodiments, the X, Y, and Z axes may be three axes that are perpendicular to each other, but in some embodiments, the X, Y, and Z axes may be three axes that intersect each other but are not necessarily perpendicular.

[0035] Figures 1A to 1C This is used to illustrate the method of using an electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, but for ease of explanation, Figures 1A to 1C Only a partial view of the electronic card receiving device is shown. Specifically, Figures 1A to 1C The main features shown are the housing 110 of the electronic card receiving device 100 and the electronic card 200 into which the electronic card receiving device 100 can be inserted. Figure 1A In this context, the method of using the electronic card receiving device may include first providing an electronic card receiving device 100. The housing 110 of the electronic card receiving device 100 includes a front housing 112, and the front housing 112 has an opening 112A. The opening 112A may include a first opening A1 and a second opening A2. The width WA1 of the first opening A1 is greater than the width WA2 of the second opening A2, and the second opening A2 extends downward from the first opening A1, for example, along the Z-direction.

[0036] Next, as Figure 1BAs shown, the electronic card 200 is inserted into the housing 110 through the opening 112A. In some embodiments, the width WA1 of the first opening A1 may be greater than the width W200 of the electronic card 200, and the width WA2 of the second opening A2 may be less than the width W200 of the electronic card 200. In this way, the electronic card 200 can enter the internal space 110S of the housing 110 through the first opening A1 of the opening 112A without falling into the second opening A2.

[0037] After that, as Figure 1C As shown, the electronic card 200 is fully inserted into the housing 110 and may be below the first opening A1 of the opening 112A. At this time, the electronic card receiving device 100 can provide electrical signals to the electronic card 200 to update and / or read the electronic card 200. In some embodiments, the electronic card 200 is a passive card (or a passive electronic card). The power required by the electronic card 200 can be provided by the card receiving device 100. In some embodiments, the electronic card 200 may include a display panel. The information displayed on the electronic card 200 is updated by the card receiving device 100.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 1C As shown, the second opening A2 partially exposes the electronic card 200 located inside the housing 110. Therefore, the user can push the electronic card 200 through the second opening A2, causing the electronic card 200 to rise to the first opening A1 and protrude from the first opening A1, allowing the user to remove the electronic card 200 from the electronic card receiving device 100.

[0039] Figure 2 for Figure 1B A side view of the electronic card receiving device 100 after being cut along line II. Please also refer to... Figure 1B and Figure 2 The electronic card receiving device 100 includes a housing 110, a card holder 120, a rotating shaft 130, and a contact 140. The housing 110 includes a front shell plate 112, and the front shell plate 112 has an opening 112A. In this embodiment, the opening 112A is as follows... Figure 1B The diagram shows a first opening A1 and a second opening A2, but... Figure 2 Only the first opening A1 is shown. The card holder 120 is disposed in the internal space 110S of the housing 110. The rotating shaft 130 is attached to the card holder 120 to drive the card holder 120 to swing. The contact member 140 is disposed on the card holder 120 and moves to different positions as the card holder 120 swings.

[0040] Depend on Figure 1B and Figure 2It is known that the electronic card 200 can be inserted into the electronic card receiving device 100 through the opening 112A provided on the front shell 112. Figure 2 and Figure 1B In this state, the electronic card 200 is supported by the front shell 112, such as the edge of the first opening A1, and is suspended in the internal space 110S. In other words, the electronic card 200 has not yet contacted the card holder 120, so... Figure 2 The card holder 120 is shown in its initial arrangement.

[0041] Specifically, the card holder 120 includes a flat plate segment 122, a connecting segment 124, and a hook segment 126. The flat plate segment 122 is the portion of the card holder 120 adjacent to the front housing plate 112, while the hook segment 126 is the portion of the card holder 120 away from the front housing plate 112. The connecting segment 124 connects the flat plate segment 122 and the hook segment 126. Furthermore, the connecting segment 124 is bendable relative to the flat plate segment 122, so that the hook segment 126 is not coplanar with the flat plate segment 122. The end T126 of the hook segment 126 protrudes towards the opening 112A. Thus, the hook segment 126 has a mating surface 126A facing the front housing plate 112 and a stopping surface 126B with a different normal direction from the mating surface 126A. Figure 2 It can be seen that the flat plate segment 122, the connecting segment 124, and the hook segment 126 constitute an approximately hook-shaped structure, but this is not a limitation.

[0042] A rotating shaft 130 is attached to the flat plate segment 122 of the card holder 120. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 130 is lower than the opening 112A, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft 130 (e.g., parallel to the X-axis) is substantially parallel to the front shell 112. Rotation of the rotating shaft 130 can cause the card holder 120 to swing, causing the end of the flat plate segment 122 and the hook segment 126 to swing in a seesaw manner. For example, rotation of the rotating shaft 130 can move the hook segment 126 from... Figure 2 The state (i.e., the initial placement) is lowered to a lower position, and the end of the plate segment 122 can be lowered from... Figure 2 The initial position is raised to a higher position. Alternatively, rotation of the rotating shaft 130 can raise the latch segment 126 from a lower position to a higher position. Figure 2 The state (i.e., the initial placement) allows the end of the plate segment 122 to be lowered from a higher position to... Figure 2 The state (i.e., the initial placement).

[0043] The contact 140 is disposed on the plate segment 122 of the card holder 120, and specifically protrudes upward from the upper surface of the plate segment 122. The tip T140 of the contact 140 may be located in different positions as the card holder 120 swings. In some embodiments, the contact 140 may include a plurality of probes, and the tips of these probes (i.e., the tip T140 of the contact 140) are substantially coplanar.

[0044] Depend on Figure 2 It is understood that the electronic card receiving device 100 may further include an elastic element 150. The elastic element 150 is disposed between the housing 110 and the card holder 120, and specifically, the elastic element 150 and the front housing 112 are located on opposite sides of the card holder 120. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 110 may include a rear housing plate 114 opposite to the front housing plate 112, and an elastic element 150 is disposed on the rear housing plate 114 of the housing 110 and protrudes toward the card holder 120. The elastic element 150 is, for example, a spring or the like. Figure 2 In the initial position shown, the elastic element 150 is in an initial state without external force. The position and length of the elastic element 150 can be designed such that when the rotating shaft 130 drives the card holder 120 to swing, the hook segment 126 of the card holder 120 descends and pushes the elastic element 150, thus compressing the elastic element 150. That is, the elastic element 150 can be compressed by the card holder 120 or remain in an uncompressed initial state depending on the position of the card holder 120. In some embodiments, the elastic element 150 can be physically connected between the rear shell 114 and the card holder 120, but this is not a limitation.

[0045] Additionally, the electronic card receiving device 100 may also include a controllable fastener 160. The controllable fastener 160 is disposed within the internal space 110S of the housing 110 and can be used to secure the card holder 120. For example, the controllable fastener 160 can provide a force to the card holder 120 under control, thus fixing the card holder 120 in a specific orientation. When it is not necessary to secure the card holder 120, the force of the controllable fastener 160 can be stopped without affecting the orientation of the card holder 120. In some embodiments, the force provided by the controllable fastener 160 includes magnetic force. In some embodiments, the force provided by the controllable fastener 160 includes mechanical force, adhesive force, etc. Since the controllable fastener 160 may be implemented in various structures, Figure 2 The controllable fastener 160 is illustrated only with a triangular pattern. In some embodiments, the controllable fastener 160 may be disposed between the card holder 120 and the rear cover plate 114; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the controllable fastener 160 may be disposed between the card holder 120 and other components.

[0046] In some embodiments, the housing 110 may further include a stop protrusion 116, which protrudes from the front housing plate 112 toward the card holder 120. The stop protrusion 116 may be located below the first opening A1 of the opening 112A. The top surface of the stop protrusion 116 may serve as the stop surface 116A. When the electronic card 200 is fully inserted into the internal space 110S of the housing 110, the stop protrusion 116 can abut against the electronic card 200 to prevent it from falling out. Therefore, when the electronic card 200 is fully inserted into the internal space 110S of the housing 110, the electronic card 200 can contact the stop surface 116A.

[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 1B A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electronic card receiving device 100 after the top portion has been removed along line II-II. Figure 3 The electronic card receiving device 100, in addition to Figure 2 In addition to the components described, it also includes other components. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Components marked with the same component symbol can be referenced to each other without being described repeatedly. Figure 3 The components and corresponding structures shown are used to illustrate possible implementations of the electronic card receiving device 100, but are not limiting thereto. Figure 3 In addition to the electronic card receiving device 100, the electronic card receiving device 100 includes Figure 2 In addition to the already described housing 110, card holder 120, rotating shaft 130, elastic element 150, and controllable fixing element 160, it further includes a side baffle 170, and Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the controllable fastener 160 is shown. Additionally, Figure 3 The electronic card 200 is shown to have a display surface 202 for displaying information images, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the electronic card 200 may be an electronic paper device or other display device that can display images without requiring a power supply. The electronic card 200 can be used for electronic labels, electronic nameplates, etc.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, a side baffle 170 is disposed between the front shell plate 112 of the housing 110 and the card holder 120, and specifically includes a first baffle 172 and a second baffle 174. The first baffle 172 and the second baffle 174 are opposite to each other in the X-axis direction. After the electronic card 200 is inserted into the housing 110, the first baffle 172 and the second baffle 174 can provide shielding to prevent the electronic card 200 from making undesirable excessive movement in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), so that the electronic card 200 can move towards the card hook segment 126 of the card holder 120.

[0049] In addition, by Figure 3As can be seen from the magnified area E, the controllable fixing member 160 may include a first electromagnet 162 and a second electromagnet 164. The first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 are respectively disposed on the rear shell plate 114 of the housing 110 and the card holder 120. The first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 can be controlled to be energized and attracted to each other, which helps to provide magnetic force to fix the state of the card holder 120. For example, when the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 have magnetic force and attract each other, the placement of the card holder 120 relative to the housing 110 can be fixed. Additionally, the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 can be controlled to be demagnetized. In the demagnetized state, the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 do not exert force on the card holder 120 and do not affect the position and swing of the card holder 120. In some embodiments, the controllable fixing member 160 may include a micro switch 166 to control the magnetic phenomenon of the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164. The micro switch 166 can be disposed between the rear housing 114 and the card holder 120, and the position of the micro switch 166 allows the card holder 120 to be pressed or triggered by swinging. Thus, the opening and closing of the micro switch 166 and the magnetic force of the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 can be controlled by the swinging of the card holder 120, but are not limited thereto.

[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 1C A side view of the electronic card receiving device 100 after being cut along line III-III. Figure 5 for Figure 1C A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electronic card receiving device 100 after the top portion has been removed along line III-III. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The components presented are roughly the same as Figure 2 and Figure 3 ,but Figure 4 and Figure 5 The arrangement of some components is different. Figure 1C , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electronic card 200 is fully inserted into the electronic card receiving device 100. When the electronic card 200 is inserted into the electronic card receiving device 100, the electronic card 200 abuts against the latch segment 126 of the card holder 120, applying a pushing force along the X-axis towards the rear housing 114 to the latch segment 126. This pushing force causes the rotating shaft 130 to rotate, thus swinging the card holder 120. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this configuration, the card holder 120 is oscillating to achieve the card reading position. In other words, the rotation of the rotating shaft 130 can cause the card holder 120 to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 initial placement and Figure 4 and Figure 5The card reader swings between the placements.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the electronic card 200 can be inserted by allowing it to enter the internal space 110S of the housing 110 through the opening 112A and continuing to push it until it abuts against the card hook segment 126. The force exerted by the electronic card 200 on the card hook segment 126 can drive the rotating shaft 130 to rotate, thereby moving the card holder 120 from... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The initial pendulum swings to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The card reader is positioned so that the electronic card 200 can be lowered from the first opening A1 of the opening 112A by the card holder 120 to the stop protrusion 116 and abut against the card hook section 126 and the front shell plate 112. Simultaneously, the card reader position allows the top tip T140 of the contact member 140 to rise to the contact position (that is, the position of the top tip T140 of the contact member 140 under the card reader position) to contact the electronic card 200. In other words, in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In its initial placement, the top end T140 of contact 140 is lower than... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The contact position is shown.

[0052] The card reader is positioned such that the card hook segment 126 of the card holder 120 is at least partially higher than the contact position (i.e., the position of the top end T140 of the contact member 140 under the card reader's position), and the stopping surface 116A of the stopping protrusion 116 is approximately flush with the contact position (i.e., the position of the top end T140 of the contact member 140 under the card reader's position). Therefore, the card reader is positioned such that the top end T140 of the contact member 140, the card hook segment 126, the stopping protrusion 116, and the front shell 112 enclose a card receiving space 200S (which can be understood as...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The space enclosed by the volume of the electronic card 200. That is, the distance between the abutting surface 126A of the hook segment 126 and the inner surface of the front shell plate 112 can be equal to the length of the electronic card 200. The stopping surface 126B of the hook segment 126 and the stopping surface 116A of the stopping protrusion 116 are on opposite sides of the electronic card 200 to restrict the movement of the electronic card 200 in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the top end T140 of the contact member 140 and the stopping surface 116A of the stopping protrusion 116 are located on the same side of the electronic card 200, so the contact member 140 can also provide a stopping effect to prevent the electronic card 200 from falling. In some embodiments, the stopping protrusion 116 can be omitted according to design requirements if the contact member 140 provides sufficient stopping effect.

[0053] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 With the card reader positioned correctly, the top of the contact 140, T140, moves from a lower position (e.g., as the card holder 120 swings) with the card holder 120. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The card reader (as shown) moves to a contact position. That is, the card reader position allows the contact 140 to contact the electronic card 200. In some embodiments, the contact 140 may include multiple probes, which are conductive probes capable of transmitting power or electrical signals. A contact pad may be provided on the surface of the electronic card 200 that is contacted by the contact 140 to allow the electronic card 200 to receive power or electrical signals provided by the contact 140 through the contact pad. In other words, the electronic card receiving device 100 provides electrical signals to the electronic card 200 through the contact 140. In some embodiments, the contact 140 may only contact the electronic card 200 under the card reader position. Thus, the contact time between the contact 140 and the electronic card 200 is short, which helps reduce the possibility of the contact 140 scratching the electronic card 200 (contact pad). Therefore, the electronic card receiving device 100 can be used to repeatedly update or charge the electronic card 200 without easily damaging it.

[0054] Depend on Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is understood that the card reader placement causes the card holder 120 to compress the elastic element 150, and the card holder 120 can press or trigger the micro switch 166. Therefore, the card reader placement allows the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 to be energized and attracted to each other. The magnetic attraction of the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 allows the card holder 120 to be maintained in the card reader placement, which helps to prevent the contact 140 from moving while contacting the electronic card 200. In other words, the card reader placement allows the card holder 120 to hold the electronic card 200 between the card hook section 126 and the front shell plate 112 of the housing 110 and to maintain the position of the contact 140 in contact with the electronic card 200. Therefore, the card holder 120 can be maintained in the card reader placement for a sufficient time to allow the electronic card 200 to be updated or charged without easily scratching the electronic card 200.

[0055] Depend on Figure 5 and Figure 1CIt is understood that although the electronic card 200 is completely located within the electronic card receiving device 100, it can be partially exposed through the second opening A2 of the opening 112A. Therefore, after the electronic card 200 has been refreshed or fully charged, the user can push the electronic card 200 through the second opening A2, allowing the electronic card 200 to move to the first opening A1 and exit the electronic card receiving device 100 through the opening 112A. For example, the user can apply a pushing force towards the card hook segment 126 along the Y-axis and a lifting force towards the first opening A1 along the Z-axis to the electronic card 200 through the second opening A2. In this way, the reaction force caused by the compression of the elastic member 150 can provide a force for the card hook segment 126 of the card holder 120 to move towards the front shell plate 112, which will simultaneously push the electronic card 200 towards the first opening A1. In this way, the electronic card 200 can be ejected from the first opening A1 and its state can be as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. Then, the user can hold the electronic card 200 with the first opening A1 exposed and move the electronic card 200 away from the electronic card receiving device 100.

[0056] During the removal of the electronic card 200, the reaction force caused by the compression of the elastic element 150 can push the card hook segment 126 of the card holder 120 away from the rear cover plate 114. As the card hook segment 126 moves away from the rear cover plate 114, the elastic element 150 can return from the compressed state to its initial state, and the micro switch 166 can also return to its original state (not pressed or not triggered). Thus, the first electromagnet 162 and the second electromagnet 164 are demagnetized and do not exert force on the card holder 120. In this process, the rotating shaft 130 can be rotated to drive the card holder 120 from the card reader position to the initial position, so that the tip T140 of the contact element 140 descends from the contact position and leaves the electronic card 200. Therefore, the tip T140 of the contact element 140 will not contact the electronic card 200 during the card removal process, which helps to prevent the electronic card 200 from being scratched by the contact element 140.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a partial view of an electronic card receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A side view of the truncated electronic card receiving device. Figure 6 The main focus is on the housing 110' of the electronic card receiving device 100'. Figure 7 This mainly shows the state of the electronic card 200 inserted into the electronic card receiving device 100'. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the electronic card receiving device 100' includes a housing 110', a card holder 120, a rotating shaft 130, a contact 140, an elastic element 150, and a controllable fixing element 160. In this embodiment, the electronic card receiving device 100' is generally the same as the electronic card receiving device 100, therefore the structural design, function, and operation of the card holder 120, rotating shaft 130, contact 140, elastic element 150, and controllable fixing element 160 can refer to the description of the foregoing embodiment. In this embodiment, the housing 110' has a front shell plate 112' and a rear shell plate 114, and the front shell plate 112' has an opening 112A'. Unlike the foregoing embodiment, the opening 112A' is a rectangular opening that allows electronic cards to be inserted and removed. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, after the electronic card 200 is inserted into the electronic card receiving device 100' through the opening 112A', the electronic card 200 can abut against the abutting surface 126A of the card holder 120, placing the card holder 120 in a card-reading position to allow the contact member 140 to contact the electronic card 200. Furthermore, in the card-reading position, the distance between the abutting surface 126A of the card holder 120 and the front cover plate 112' can be less than the length of the electronic card 200. Therefore, the electronic card 200 can be partially exposed through the opening 112A' and supported by the lower edge B112A' of the opening 112A'. After updating, charging, and / or reading the electronic card 200, the user can directly remove the electronic card 200 by holding the exposed portion, allowing the card holder 120 to return to its initial position.

[0058] In summary, the electronic card receiving device of this invention has a card holder that can swing in a seesaw manner. The contacts on the card holder only contact the electronic card when the card holder swings to the reading position. Therefore, although the electronic card receiving device needs to contact the electronic card to perform updates, charging, or reading, it is less likely to scratch the electronic card due to these procedures. Thus, the electronic card receiving device and its method of use can improve the problem of contact-based designs damaging electronic cards.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic card receiving device, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a front shell plate, and the front shell plate has an opening; A card holder is disposed in the internal space of the housing. The card holder includes a flat plate segment, a connecting segment, and a hook segment. The connecting segment connects the flat plate segment and the hook segment. The end of the hook segment protrudes towards the opening. A rotating shaft, attached to the flat section of the card holder, is lower than the opening, and its axis is substantially parallel to the front shell plate. Rotation of the rotating shaft causes the card holder to oscillate between an initial position and a card-reading position. A contact element is disposed on the flat section of the card holder, and the card reader is positioned such that the top of the contact element is in a contact position and the initial position is such that the top of the contact element is below the contact position.

2. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact includes a plurality of probes, the tips of which are substantially coplanar.

3. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The card reader is positioned such that the card hook segment is higher than the contact position.

4. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a stop protrusion that protrudes from the front housing plate toward the card holder, and the stop surface of the stop protrusion is substantially flush with the contact position.

5. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The card reader is positioned such that the top of the contact member, the card hook segment, the stop protrusion, and the front shell plate surround a card receiving space.

6. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element disposed between the housing and the card holder, with the elastic element and the front shell plate located on opposite sides of the card holder.

7. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The card holder is positioned such that the elastic element is compressed by the card holder.

8. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet, which are respectively disposed in the housing and the card holder.

9. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a micro switch disposed between the housing and the card holder. The micro switch and the opening are located on opposite sides of the card holder, and the micro switch is adapted to control the magnetism of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet.

10. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The card reader placement allows the micro switch to be pressed by the card holder, and allows the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet to be energized and attracted to each other.

11. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The card holder is in the initial position such that the micro switch is not pressed, thereby demagnetizing the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet.

12. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The opening has a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the width of the first opening portion is greater than the width of the second opening portion, and the second opening portion extends downward from the first opening portion.

13. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic card receiving device is adapted to receive electronic cards, and the card reader position allows the card holder to hold the electronic card between the card hook segment and the front shell plate of the housing and to make the contact member contact the electronic card.

14. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The electronic card is a passive electronic card, and the electronic card receiving device is adapted to provide an electrical signal to the electronic card via the contact element.

15. The electronic card receiving device according to claim 14, characterized in that, With the card reader in place, the electronic card is partially exposed through the opening and supported by the lower edge of the opening.

16. A method of using an electronic card receiving device, characterized in that, include: An electronic card receiving device is provided, the electronic card receiving device comprising: The housing includes a front shell plate, and the front shell plate has an opening; A card holder is disposed in the internal space of the housing. The card holder includes a flat plate segment, a connecting segment, and a hook segment. The connecting segment connects the flat plate segment and the hook segment. The end of the hook segment extends toward the opening. A rotating shaft, attached to the flat section of the card holder, the rotating shaft being lower than the opening, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft being substantially parallel to the front shell plate; and A contact element is disposed on the flat plate segment of the card holder; Insert the electronic card into the internal space of the housing through the opening; and Pushing the electronic card against the card hook section causes the rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn causes the card holder to swing from its initial position to its card reading position, so that the top of the contact member rises to the contact position to contact the electronic card.

17. The method of using the electronic card receiving device according to claim 16, characterized in that, Furthermore, after the card holder is in the card reader position, the opening pushes the electronic card, causing the electronic card to leave the electronic card receiving device through the opening and causing the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the card holder to swing from the card reader position to the initial position, so that the top of the contact member descends from the contact position and leaves the electronic card.

18. The method of using the electronic card receiving device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The card holder swings from the initial position to the card reader position, causing the electronic card to enter the internal space of the housing through the opening and abut against the card hook section and the front shell plate.

19. The method of using the electronic card receiving device according to claim 16, characterized in that, With the card reader in place, the electronic card receiving device provides an electrical signal to the electronic card via the contact element.

20. The method of using the electronic card receiving device according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes applying an external force to the electronic card through the opening, rotating the rotating shaft to cause the card holder to swing from the card reader position to the initial position, so that the top of the contact member descends from the contact position and leaves the electronic card, allowing the electronic card to be exposed through the opening and leave the electronic card receiving device.

Images