Mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function

Abstract

To provide a mobile storage device with a fingerprint authentication function, which can avoid loosening, deformation, and displacement of a communication connector due to the pressing force on a fingerprint authentication area being perpendicular to the insertion direction, and can avoid damage to the mobile storage device or communication equipment. [Solution] A mobile storage device (1) with fingerprint authentication function includes a case, a communication connector (13), and a fingerprint authentication device (17). The direction of the force applied to the fingerprint authentication device is parallel to the length of the communication connector. When a user presses the fingerprint authentication device to perform fingerprint authentication, the pressing force is parallel to the length of the communication connector and is in the same direction as the insertion direction of the communication connector. When the communication connector is inserted into a communication interface, the pressing force is transmitted to the communication device along the insertion direction of the communication connector and is absorbed by the communication device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of storage devices, and more particularly to a mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of electronic technology, the security and convenience of data transmission have become an increasingly important issue. Therefore, mobile storage devices are widely used for transferring file data between smart phones and PCs. As a type of mobile storage device, USB flash memory is widely used due to its small size, high speed, light weight, portability, and high compatibility.

[0003] As USB memory sticks become more widespread and are used for a wider variety of purposes, security issues have arisen. How to protect the information stored on USB memory sticks has become an issue that must be considered not only by USB memory stick users but also by manufacturers. For this reason, some technologies incorporate fingerprint authentication devices into USB memory sticks, ensuring the security of files stored on the USB memory stick through fingerprint authentication.

[0004] Currently, in USB flash drives with fingerprint authentication function, the fingerprint authentication area is located on the side wall of the USB flash drive, while the USB connector is installed on the front surface, and the insertion direction of the USB connector is parallel to the plane where the fingerprint authentication area is located. However, when a user unlocks using the fingerprint authentication area, they press the fingerprint authentication area with their finger, and the pressing force is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the USB connector. This causes loosening or deformation of the engagement part between the USB connector and the USB interface, which causes the connection between the USB flash drive and the mobile device to be lost during the fingerprint authentication process, making the USB flash drive unable to be used normally. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the technical problems that this invention aims to solve is the problem that existing mobile storage devices with fingerprint authentication function have loosening or deformation at the engagement part between the connector of the mobile storage device and the interface of the communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function, in which a storage chamber is formed within the case, one end of the communication connector is located within the storage chamber and the other end extends outside the storage chamber, the fingerprint authentication device has a surface for acquiring fingerprints located outside the case, and the direction of the pressing force received when acquiring an external fingerprint is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the communication connector.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the case has a first wall and a second wall disposed opposite to each other, The fingerprint authentication device is attached to the first wall, and the communication connector has one end located inside the chamber and the other end extending through the second wall to the outside of the chamber.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first wall is parallel to the second wall, the longitudinal direction of the communication connector is perpendicular to the plane on which the first wall is located, and the plane on which the fingerprint authentication device is located is parallel to the plane on which the first wall is located.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first through-hole communicating with the receiving chamber is provided on the first wall of the case, and the fingerprint authentication device is located in the first through-hole.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second through-hole is formed in the second wall, and one end of the communication connector passes through the second through-hole and extends to the outside of the receiving chamber.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion having a circumference is provided on the outer wall surface of the second wall at a position corresponding to the second through hole, and a first cavity is provided within the protrusion, and one end of the first cavity is connected to the second through hole and the other end is connected to the outside.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the first cavity are matched to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the second through hole.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the case includes a cover body and a lower case; The cover body and the lower case each have an open end, and the open ends of the cover body and the lower case are detachably connected, and the open end of the cover body and the open end of the lower case are connected to each other, forming the storage chamber between them.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a circular groove is formed around the inner wall of the open end of the lower case, and the open end of the cover body is inserted into the lower case, and the open end of the lower case abuts against the circular groove.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall surface of the first wall is provided with a plurality of grooves that are spaced apart and parallel to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to the present application comprises a case, a communication connector, and a fingerprint authentication device, and the direction of the force applied to the fingerprint authentication device is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the communication connector. Therefore, when a user presses the fingerprint authentication device to perform fingerprint authentication, the pressing force is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the communication connector and is in the same direction as the insertion direction of the communication connector. When the communication connector is inserted into the communication interface, the pressing force is transmitted to the communication device along the insertion direction of the communication connector and is absorbed by the communication device. Therefore, the communication connector is not deformed or loosened. This avoids the loosening, deformation, or misalignment of the communication connector caused by the pressing force being perpendicular to the insertion direction, and prevents damage to the mobile storage device or the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The advantages of the above and / or additional aspects of the present invention will become apparent and easier to understand from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a bottom view of a mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view of a mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover body according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cover body according to the embodiment of the present invention from another viewpoint. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In order to more clearly understand the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail below by means of specific embodiments with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that, unless conflicting, the features in the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function of the present invention comprises a case, a fingerprint authentication device 17, and a communication connector 13, wherein a storage chamber is formed within the case, one end of the communication connector 13 is located within the storage chamber and the other end extends outside the storage chamber, the surface of the fingerprint authentication device 17 for acquiring a fingerprint is located outside the case, and the direction of the pressing force received when acquiring an external fingerprint is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13.

[0020] The mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function of the present application comprises a case, a communication connector 13, and a fingerprint authentication device 17, and the direction of the pressing force received by the fingerprint authentication device 17 when acquiring an external fingerprint is parallel to the lengthwise direction of the communication connector 13, which is the direction in which the communication connector 13 is inserted into an external communication device when connected to the communication device. Therefore, when a user presses the fingerprint authentication device 17 to perform fingerprint authentication, the pressing force is parallel to the lengthwise direction of the communication connector 13 and the direction of the pressing force is the same as the insertion direction of the communication connector 13. When the communication connector 13 is inserted into the communication interface, the pressing force is transmitted to the communication device along the insertion direction of the communication connector 13 and is absorbed by the communication device. Therefore, the communication connector 13 does not deform or loosen, and loosening, deformation, or misalignment of the communication connector 13 due to the pressing force being perpendicular to the insertion direction of the communication connector 13 is avoided, and damage to the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function or the communication device can be avoided.

[0021] In the present application, the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function may be a USB flash memory (USB memory), an SD card, a solid state drive (SSD), or an embedded memory card, and the communication device used in combination therewith may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a PC, etc. Preferably, in the present application, the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function is a USB flash memory, and the communication device is a smartphone.

[0022] In an existing USB memory with fingerprint authentication function for smartphones, the fingerprint authentication device 17 is located on a side wall of the case of the USB memory, while the communication connector 13 is located at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13 is the same as that of the USB memory. When fingerprint authentication is performed, the direction of pressure applied by a finger to the fingerprint authentication device 17 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13, and therefore a pressing force is applied to the USB memory. However, when the pressure is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the communication connector 13 and the communication connector 13 of the USB memory is inserted into a communication interface, there is no object on either side of the case of the USB memory in the direction of the pressing force, so the pressing force is applied to the communication connector 13, which is likely to cause deformation or loosening of the communication connector 13. In contrast, in the present application, the pressure applied to the fingerprint authentication device 17 is the same as the insertion direction of the communication connector 13, and therefore when the communication connector 13 is inserted into the communication interface, the pressing force is transmitted to the communication device along the insertion direction of the communication connector 13, and therefore the communication connector 13 is not deformed or loosened.

[0023] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13 and the direction of the pressing force of the fingerprint authentication device 17 do not necessarily need to be perfectly parallel. For example, the included angle between the two can be an acute angle, and most of the components of the pressing force applied to the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function by pressing the fingerprint authentication device 17 can be along the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13, so that the pressure pressing the fingerprint authentication device 17 can be transmitted to the communication equipment, thereby preventing the communication connector 13 of the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function from being deformed or loosened due to pressure. This purpose does not deviate from the design concept of the present invention and should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] 1 and 4, the case has a first wall 121 and a second wall 111 arranged opposite to each other, the fingerprint authentication device 17 is attached to the first wall 121, the communication connector 13 has one end located inside the accommodating chamber and the other end extending outside the accommodating chamber through the second wall 111, and the length direction of the communication connector 13 is perpendicular to the plane on which the fingerprint authentication device 17 is located. In this embodiment, the communication connector 13 and the fingerprint authentication device 17 are respectively attached to the two case walls arranged opposite to each other, which reduces the volume of the case and realizes miniaturization and integration of the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function.

[0025] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the fingerprint authentication device 17 and the communication connector 13 do not have to be installed on two opposing side walls. For example, the communication connector 13 may extend outside the storage chamber through the second wall 111, and the fingerprint authentication device 17 may be installed on a side wall perpendicular to the second wall 111 on the case. As long as the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13 (the insertion direction of the communication connector 13) is perpendicular to the pressing surface of the fingerprint authentication device 17, thereby making the pressing force parallel to the insertion direction of the communication connector 13, the design concept of the present invention can be realized and should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] 1 and 4, the first wall 121 is preferably parallel to the second wall 111, the longitudinal direction of the communication connector 13 is perpendicular to the plane on which the second wall 111 is located, and the plane on which the fingerprint authentication device 17 is located is parallel to the plane on which the first wall 121 is located. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the case has a substantially rectangular case structure, and the first wall 121 and the second wall 111 are located at the top and bottom of the case, respectively.

[0027] 4, the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function further includes a memory 18, a first PCB board 14, and a second PCB board 15, the memory 18, the first PCB board 14, and the second PCB board 15 are all located within the accommodation chamber, and the first PCB board 14 is electrically connected to the second PCB board 15 by a pin header 16. The memory 18 is electrically connected to the first PCB board 14, the communication connector 13 has one end electrically connected to the first PCB board 14 and the other end penetrating the second wall 111, and the fingerprint authentication device 17 is electrically connected to the second PCB board 15. A control unit may be integrated into the first PCB board 14 and / or the second PCB board 15, and the control unit is electrically connected to the fingerprint authentication device 17 and the communication connector 13, respectively, to receive the fingerprint signal collected by the fingerprint authentication device 17 and compare it with a stored target signal, and further generate control instructions to control the memory 18, which may be a flash memory in this application. The control logic by which the controller controls the memory 18 and the fingerprint authentication device 17 is conventional technology, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7, a first through-hole 1211 communicating with the receiving chamber is provided in the first wall 121 of the case, the fingerprint authentication device 17 is located in the first through-hole 1211, and the fingerprint authentication device 17 includes a fingerprint input panel, which is fixedly connected to the second PCB board 15 and located in the first through-hole 1211. A user can perform fingerprint authentication and input by pressing the fingerprint input panel with his / her finger. Preferably, the fingerprint input panel has a flat structure, is parallel to the second wall 111, and has an outer wall surface lower than that of the second wall 111, i.e., the outer wall surface is located in the first through-hole 1211.

[0029] 1, 3, and 7, a second through-hole 1111 is formed in the second wall 111, and one end of the communication connector 13 extends through the second through-hole 1111 to the outside of the accommodating chamber. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 6, a protrusion 1114 is formed on the outer wall surface of the second wall 111 at a position corresponding to the second through-hole 1111. A first cavity 1115 is formed within the protrusion 1114. One end of the first cavity 1115 communicates with the second through-hole 1111 and the other end communicates with the outside. The length of the protrusion 1114 is shorter than the length of the communication connector 13. The communication connector 13 extends out of the accommodating chamber by passing through the second through hole 1111 and the first cavity 1115 in turn, and the provision of the protrusion 1114 can better restrict and protect the communication connector 13 in the circumferential direction, preventing the communication connector 13 from loosening or shifting out of position in the circumferential direction.

[0030] 2 , the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the first cavity 1115 match those of the second through-hole 1111, so that the first cavity 1115 surrounded by the protrusion 1114 can better restrict the communication connector 13. Of course, the shape of the first cavity 1115 may be different from that of the communication connector 13, and the dimensions of the first cavity 1115 may also be different from those of the communication connector 13. In this case, the purpose of restricting the communication connector 13 can be achieved by providing a filler material between the inner wall of the first cavity 1115 and the outer wall of the communication connector 13 and bonding it thereto, as long as the communication connector 13 can pass through the first cavity 1115.

[0031] 1 and 4, the case includes a cover body 11 and a lower case 12, both of which have an open end. The open ends of the cover body 11 and the lower case 12 are detachably connected, and the open end of the cover body 11 is connected to the open end of the lower case 12, forming the receiving chamber therebetween. In this embodiment, the case includes a removable cover body 11 and lower case 12, allowing for easy repair and replacement of the memory 18, fingerprint authentication device 17, and other components within the receiving chamber. As shown in FIG. 4, the first wall 121 is the bottom wall of the lower case 12, and the second wall 111 is the top wall of the cover body 11.

[0032] 4 and 7, a countersink 1212 is formed on the inner wall of the open end of the lower case 12 by providing a circular groove around the circumference. The open end of the cover body 11 is inserted into the lower case 12 and abuts against the outer wall surface of the countersink 1212. The countersink 1212 facilitates assembly of the cover body 11 and the lower case 12 and limits the assembly position of the cover body 11 and the lower case 12. In this embodiment, the cover body 11 and the lower case 12 are made of a deformable elastic material (e.g., plastic), and are fixed to each other by an interference fit. Of course, in this embodiment, the cover body 11 and the lower case 12 can also be detachably connected by other methods such as an engagement connection or a screw connection.

[0033] 2, 4, and 6, the outer wall surface of the second wall 111 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel grooves 1112. The grooves 1112 form a ridge 1113 between two adjacent grooves 1112, thereby providing a cushioning effect when the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function comes into contact with a communication device. For example, if the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function is a USB memory stick and the communication device is a smartphone, and the communication connector 13 of the USB memory stick is inserted into the data interface of the mobile phone, the ridge 1113 will come into contact with the case of the mobile phone and deform under pressure, thereby cushioning the pressure and providing better protection for the mobile storage device 1 with fingerprint authentication function.

[0034] In the above embodiment of the present application, the communication interface may be a USB interface, a Tepy-C interface, a micro interface (Android interface) or a Lightning interface (Apple interface), and the communication connector 13 has a structure that matches the shape and size of the communication interface.

[0035] In describing the present invention, it should be explained that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper," "lower," etc. are those shown in the drawings, and are merely for the purpose of making the present invention easier to explain and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the indicated devices or elements must necessarily have a specific orientation or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc. are merely for the purpose of explanation, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be explained that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "attached," "communicating," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, and may refer to, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate element, or an internal connection between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to specific circumstances. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function 11 Cover body 111 Second wall 1111 Second through hole 1112 Groove 1113 Convex strip 1114 Protrusion 1115 First cavity 12 Lower case 121 1st wall 1211 First through hole 1212 Countersink 13 Communication connector 14 First PCB board 15 Second PCB board 16-pin header 17 Fingerprint authentication device 18 Memory

Claims

1. A mobile storage device with a fingerprint authentication function, The device includes a case, a fingerprint authentication device (17), and a communication connector (13), A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function, characterized in that a storage chamber is formed within the case, one end of the communication connector (13) is located within the storage chamber and the other end extends outside the storage chamber, the fingerprint authentication device (17) has a surface for acquiring a fingerprint located outside the case, and the direction of the pressing force received when acquiring an external fingerprint is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the communication connector (13).

2. The case has a first wall (121) and a second wall (111) disposed opposite to each other, 2. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function as described in claim 1, characterized in that the fingerprint authentication device (17) is attached to the first wall (121), the communication connector (13) has one end located within the storage chamber and the other end extending outside the storage chamber through the second wall (111), and the longitudinal direction of the communication connector (13) is perpendicular to the plane on which the fingerprint authentication device (17) is located.

3. 3. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to claim 2, wherein the first wall (121) is parallel to the second wall (111), the longitudinal direction of the communication connector (13) is perpendicular to the plane on which the second wall (111) is located, and the plane on which the fingerprint authentication device (17) is located is parallel to the plane on which the first wall (121) is located.

4. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function as described in claim 3, characterized in that a first through hole (1211) communicating with the storage chamber is provided in the first wall (121) of the case, and the fingerprint authentication device (17) is located within the first through hole (1211).

5. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function as described in claim 4, characterized in that the second wall (111) has a second through hole (1111) communicating with the storage chamber, and one end of the communication connector (13) passes through the second through hole (1111) and extends outside the storage chamber.

6. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function as described in claim 5, characterized in that a protrusion (1114) extending around the circumference is provided on the outer wall surface of the second wall (111) at a position corresponding to the second through hole (1111), a first cavity (1115) is provided within the protrusion (1114), and one end of the first cavity (1115) is connected to the second through hole (1111) and the other end is connected to the outside.

7. The mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function according to claim 6, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the first cavity (1115) match the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the second through-hole (1111).

8. The case includes a cover body (11) and a lower case (12), The mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function described in claim 5, characterized in that the cover body (11) and the lower case (12) both have a structure with one end open, the open ends of the cover body (11) and the lower case (12) are detachably connected, and the storage chamber is formed between the cover body (11) and the lower case (12).

9. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function as described in claim 8, characterized in that a recess (1212) is formed by providing a circular groove around the inner wall of the opening end of the lower case (12), the opening end of the cover body (11) is inserted into the lower case (12), and the opening end of the lower case (12) is abutted against the outer wall surface of the recess (1212).

10. 3. A mobile storage device with fingerprint authentication function as described in claim 2, characterized in that the outer wall surface of the second wall (111) is provided with a plurality of grooves (1112) spaced apart and parallel to each other.

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