WO2012177905A2 - Embases de connecteur simplifiées - Google Patents

Embases de connecteur simplifiées Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012177905A2
WO2012177905A2 PCT/US2012/043583 US2012043583W WO2012177905A2 WO 2012177905 A2 WO2012177905 A2 WO 2012177905A2 US 2012043583 W US2012043583 W US 2012043583W WO 2012177905 A2 WO2012177905 A2 WO 2012177905A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
contacts
connector receptacle
housing portion
shield
tongue
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2012/043583
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012177905A3 (fr
Inventor
Robert Scritzky
Joshua R. FUNAMURA
George V. Anastas
John Raff
Henry JULES
Kevin Gibbs
Carl Peterson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Apple Inc
Original Assignee
Apple Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/270,202 external-priority patent/US8753150B2/en
Application filed by Apple Inc filed Critical Apple Inc
Publication of WO2012177905A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012177905A2/fr
Publication of WO2012177905A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012177905A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
    • H01R13/6581—Shield structure
    • H01R13/6582—Shield structure with resilient means for engaging mating connector
    • H01R13/6583—Shield structure with resilient means for engaging mating connector with separate conductive resilient members between mating shield members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/405—Securing in non-demountable manner, e.g. moulding, riveting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/516—Means for holding or embracing insulating body, e.g. casing, hoods
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
    • H01R43/24—Assembling by moulding on contact members

Definitions

  • a laptop computer may communicate with a portable computing or other device. Such communications may take place over a cable.
  • the cable may have connector inserts on each end, where the connector inserts mate with connector receptacles on the laptop and portable computing device.
  • these connector receptacles are often formed of several pieces fitted together. This arrangement may provide an aesthetically challenged appearance to an electronic device. This may be particularly true where a connector receptacle is relatively large, or where several connector receptacles are placed near each other on a device.
  • connector inserts may be inserted into these connector receptacles several times during a device's lifetime. For example, a connector insert may be inserted one or more times a day over a period of years. Such repeated inserts may mar or wear surfaces in the connector receptacle and insert, and cause other functional or aesthetic damage.
  • connector receptacles that may be used in various types of devices to reduce development costs, have a pleasing aesthetic appearance, are durable and reliable such that they avoid marring and functional damage, and are easy to manufacture.
  • embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that may be used in a variety of applications, may have a desirable aesthetic appearance, may be durable and reliable, and may be manufactured in a simplified manner.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a connector receptacle that may be used in a number of different devices. This may avoid the necessity of having to redesign a connector receptacle for different devices, which in turn may speed design times and reduce development costs.
  • a specific embodiment of the present invention may achieve this by providing a simplified connector receptacle where many components often associated with the connector receptacle are instead found on, attached to, or otherwise associated with the device housing or enclosure.
  • keying, retention, shielding, grounding, and other features may be found on, attached to, or otherwise associated with the device housing.
  • the connector receptacle design may be made simple and reusable for other applications, and each feature may be formed from different materials, thereby optimizing performance.
  • these elements may be formed using nickel plated steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, or other appropriate material.
  • portions of the connector receptacle housing may be formed with, and as part of, the device housing. This may provide an aesthetically-pleasing, seamless appearance to the connector receptacle.
  • Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may maintain a desirable appearance for a connector receptacle and connector insert by reducing wear and the chance of marring or functional damage during insertions of the connector insert into the connector receptacle.
  • a specific embodiment of the present invention may achieve this by bending front portions of connector receptacle contacts at an angle.
  • the front portions may bend in a way that they are covered by the plastic or other material that forms a tongue in a connector receptacle. Burying contact front edges in this way reduces wear and marring of connector inserts that are inserted in the connector receptacle.
  • the connector receptacle may include one or more electromagnetic interference contacts that connect to a shield on a connector insert during insertion. These contacts may have a domed or spherical-shaped top portion to reduce wear and marring of the connector insert.
  • a tongue may be injection molded around contacts of a connector receptacle.
  • contacts of the connector receptacle may be mechanically supported in a reliable and durable manner, and a seal may be formed around each contact to protect the electronic device from moisture.
  • one or more contacts may be comparatively wider or thicker for increased current carrying capability.
  • the tongue may be formed to snap or otherwise securely fit in a housing portion. This secure fit may form a moisture resistant seal, thereby protecting components inside the electronic device that includes the connector receptacle.
  • Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a connector receptacle that may be easily manufactured.
  • a specific embodiment of the present invention may provide a connector receptacle having multiple metal pieces that may be soldered, fused, or otherwise fixed together. These pieces may be arranged such that they may be soldered together in one step, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
  • Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a connector receptacle having a number of EMI or grounding tabs. These EMI tabs may contact a shield of a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. These EMI tabs may be formed on an EMI strip, where each tab connects to the EMI strip over an arm that provides a spring force when the connector insert is inserted. The EMI strip may be spot or laser-welded, or otherwise attached to a shield of the connector receptacle.
  • Various electronic devices may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention.
  • devices such as portable computing devices, tablet, laptop, netbook, desktop, and all-in-one computers, cell, smart, and media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, and others, may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a portable computing device that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 2 A illustrates a cutaway view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2B illustrates a front top view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3A illustrates another cutaway view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3B illustrates a front bottom view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3C illustrates an exploded top view of a connector receptacle and device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates another view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 illustrates another view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 9 illustrates a method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 10 illustrates views of a shield according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 11 illustrates a number of contacts attached to a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 12 illustrates views of a tongue that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 13 illustrates views of a connector housing that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 14 illustrates a first metallic portion or EMI bracket that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 15 illustrates a front view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 16 illustrates a top view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 17 illustrates a tab strip that may be used to form EMI tabs for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 18 illustrates another method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
  • Figure 1 illustrates a portable computing device 110 that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention.
  • This figure as with the other included figures, is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims.
  • Portable computing device 110 may be a portable computing device, tablet, laptop, netbook, desktop, and all-in-one computer, cell, smart, or media phone, storage device, portable media player, navigation system, monitor, or other type of device.
  • Portable computing device 110 may include a touchscreen 115, or other input and display devices.
  • Portable computing device 110 may include one or more connector receptacles, such as receptacle 120 and receptacle 130.
  • Receptacles 120 and 130 may include tongues such as receptacle tongues 135.
  • a connector insert, such as connector insert 140 may be formed to fit in receptacles 120 and 130.
  • Connector insert 140 may have an insert opening 145 to accept receptacle tongues 135.
  • Insert 140 may include an insert housing 147 for
  • Cable 150 may be used to connect portable computing device 110 to a second electronic device (not shown).
  • cable 150 may be used to connect portable computing device 110 to a laptop, netbook, a desktop, a second tablet, or other type of electronic device.
  • two receptacles 120 and 130 are shown. In various embodiments of the present invention, one, two, or more than two receptacles may be present. These receptacles may be different types of receptacles for accepting various types of connector inserts.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide connector receptacles that may be used in various types of devices. An example is shown in the following figures.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a cutaway view of a connector receptacle 210 located in a device housing 260 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Connector receptacle 210 may include first housing portion 220, tongue 230, shield 240, and mounting bracket 250.
  • Connector receptacle 210 may further include a number of contacts 235 and first metallic portion or electromagnetic interference (EMI) bracket 255 including EMI contacts 257 and keys 259.
  • EMI electromagnetic interference
  • a connector insert may be inserted to make contact with connector receptacle 210 thousands of times over the device's lifetime.
  • Such insertions may mar surfaces on the connector receptacle or connector insert.
  • marring may be caused by burrs or sharp edges on a leading edge of contacts in connector receptacle 210.
  • contacts 235 may include a front portion 236 that may be angled downward such that its leading edge 237 is buried in tongue 230. By burying leading edges 237 in this manner, sharp leading edges 237 cannot mar or tarnish a connector insert. Also, leading edge 237 should not be able to catch on to or snag a connector insert and be bent or marred during insertion.
  • Contacts 235 may also include top surface 238 for mating with contacts in a connector insert (not shown). Contacts 235 may also include surface mount or tail portions 239 for soldering to a flexible circuit board, printed circuit board, or other appropriate substrate. In various embodiments of the present invention, some or all of contacts 235 may have a relatively increased thickness for higher current carrying capabilities.
  • Tongue 230 may be injection molded around contacts 235. This may provide a secure mechanical support for contacts 235. This may also provide a moisture or water- resistant seal around contacts 235, thereby helping to protect components or circuits in the interior of the electronic device. This seal may also help prevent solder from wicking up to surfaces 238 of contacts 235 when tail portions 239 are soldered to a flexible circuit board, printed circuit board, or other appropriate substrate.
  • Tongue 230 may be formed to snap or otherwise securely fit in first housing portion 220. This secure fit may help to provide circuitry and components inside the device housing 260 from moisture or water damage.
  • First housing portion 220 may form a connector receptacle housing along with a device enclosure 260. In this way, as a user observes the connector receptacle, some or all of the connector receptacle appears to be integrated with the device housing. This, in turn, provides an attractive appearance.
  • Housing 220 may be covered by shield 240.
  • Shield 240 may be fixed to mounting bracket 250, which may be used to attach connector receptacle 210 to device enclosure 260.
  • First metallic piece or EMI bracket 255 may be placed between mounting bracket 250 and housing 220.
  • First metallic piece or EMI bracket 255 may include one or more
  • Electrode piece 252 may be used to fix first metallic piece or EMI bracket 255 to mounting bracket 250 during assembly.
  • Ground or EMI contacts 257 may make contact with a metallic shield on a connector insert for electromagnetic interference purposes.
  • Key 259 may be included to prevent an upside-down insertion of a connector insert.
  • Ground or EMI contacts 257 and keys 259 may be formed of a single piece of metal or other conductive material.
  • the different portions of the connector receptacle may be formed of various materials.
  • ground contacts 235, key 259, shield 240, first metallic piece or EMI bracket 255, and mounting bracket 250 may be formed of nickel plated steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, or other appropriate material.
  • Tongue 230 and housing 220 may be formed using plastic or other insulative material.
  • Figure 2B illustrates a front top view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, a number of contacts
  • Ground or EMI contacts 257 may form electrical contact with a shield on a connector insert.
  • Keys 259 may be included to prevent improper insertion.
  • Ground or EMI contacts 257 and keys 259 may be formed of a single piece of conductive or other type of material.
  • a latch piece 290 is also included.
  • Latch piece 290 may at least partially define an opening 292 having an edge 294. Opening 292 may accept a retractable tab on a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. Edge 294 may act to retain the retractable tab to prevent accidental removal of the connector insert.
  • Latch piece 290 may also provide a keying function to prevent an inverted insertion of a connector insert.
  • Latch piece 290 may further provide a vertical alignment feature for a connector insert. That is, latch piece 290 may be formed to align a connector insert in the vertical direction when a connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. Latch pieces 290 may also be spaced to provide horizontal alignment for the connector insert.
  • ground contacts 257 and keys 259 may be included in the connector receptacle.
  • latch piece 290 is attached to the device enclosure 260, and is not part of the connector receptacle. In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of these features may be included in either the connector receptacle or the device enclosure.
  • FIG. 3 A illustrates another cutaway view of a connector receptacle 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • latch piece 290 may provide a keying function.
  • Latch piece 290 may also provide an alignment feature such that a connector insert is aligned to tongue 230 when the connector insert is inserted into connector receptacle 310.
  • Ground or EMI contacts 357 may be included to provide an electrical connection to a shield on a connector insert when the connector inserted is inserted into the connector receptacle.
  • Ground contacts 357 may form a ground path from the shield on the connector insert to device enclosure 260.
  • Ground contacts may also provide a wear surface that may act to protect a top inside surface of connector receptacle 310.
  • latch piece 290 may form a ground connection with the connector insert shield, though in other embodiments latch piece 290 may not form a ground connection, or it may form only an intermittent ground connection.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a front bottom view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • each latch piece 290 and neighboring ground contact 357 may be formed of a single piece of conductive material.
  • latch piece 290 and ground contacts 357 may be included as a single piece connected to device enclosure 260.
  • each latch piece 290 and ground contact 357 may be a separate piece, while in still other embodiments, both latch pieces 290 and both ground contacts 357 may be formed as a single piece.
  • some or all of these features may be included in either the connector receptacle, as a piece connected to the device enclosure, or they may be formed as part of the device enclosure.
  • connector receptacle features such as latch piece 290 and ground contacts 357, may be formed separately from the connector receptacle. This may provide flexibility in that it may allow a connector receptacle to be used in various device enclosures with no or limited modifications.
  • each latch piece 290 its neighboring ground contact 357 may be formed as a single piece. These pieces may then be aligned to, and then attached to the device enclosure.
  • Tongue 230 of the connector receptacle may be centered between latch pieces 290.
  • An example is shown in the following figure.
  • FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded top view of a connector receptacle and device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • each latch piece 290 and nearest ground contact 357 may be formed as a single piece 380.
  • pieces 380 may be inserted in openings 375 in device enclosure 260.
  • Pieces 380 may be aligned to opening 261 in device enclosure 260, and attached with adhesive 395 and screws 390.
  • Tongue 230 may then be centered between latch pieces 290, and then attached to device enclosure 260.
  • each latch piece 290 and its neighboring ground contact 357 may be formed as a single piece 380.
  • Piece 380 may be formed by stamping, etching, micro- machining, three-dimensional printing, metal injection molding, or other appropriate process.
  • Piece 380 may be formed of stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, ceramic, or other material.
  • Piece 380 may be inserted into opening 375 in device enclosure 260.
  • pieces 380 are aligned to each other and to opening 261. That is, the distance between latch pieces 290 on pieces 380 may be set using a spacer or other tool. By accurately setting this distance, the opening between latch pieces 290 may be set to accept connector inserts. This spacing may also be a factor in determining insertion and retention forces for a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle.
  • their position relative to opening 261 may be adjusted. By adjusting this position, an attractive appearance may be maintained such that more of one latch piece 290 is not visible at opening 261 as compared to the other.
  • both latch pieces 290 and ground contacts 357 that is, both pieces 380
  • both latch pieces 290 and ground contacts 357 may be formed as a single piece. This may allow the distance between latch pieces 290 to be determined by the manufacturing of the single piece.
  • Each piece 380 may further include arm 382.
  • Arm 382 may be fixed to device enclosure 260 with adhesive 395.
  • Arm 382 may include opening 384. Opening 384 may accept screw 390, which may further fix piece 380 to device enclosure 260.
  • Tongue 230 may then be centered between latch pieces 290. This centering may be done optically, where distances from edges of the tongue 230 to nearby latch pieces 290 are measure and compared, where the tongue is moved until the distances are at least substantially equal.
  • the connector receptacle may then be attached to device enclosure 260.
  • ground contact 357 may be formed using a set-screw.
  • This set screw can be adjusted vertically such that a bottom surface of the set screw may be accurately positioned relative to other features in or associated with the connector receptacle.
  • This set screw may also be used to fix piece 380 to device enclosure 260.
  • embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles having a tongue that extends from a connector receptacle housing portion. In this way, a device enclosure may be used as the remainder of the connector receptacle housing.
  • device housing 260 may have various shapes while still accepting a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as connector receptacle 210. Also, by having much of the connector receptacle housing formed with the device enclosure, an aesthetically pleasing and seamless appearance for the overall connector receptacle may be achieved. An example is shown in the following figure.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a connector receptacle 410 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • tongue 430 may extend from connector receptacle housing portion 420.
  • a number of contacts 435 may be placed on tongue 430.
  • Shield 440 may be used to protect connector receptacle 410 from electromagnetic interference, and may protect associated circuitry from electromagnetic interference generated in connector receptacle 410.
  • Mounting bracket 450 may attach to shield 440.
  • Mounting bracket 450 may include holes 455, which may accept a fastener that may be used for attaching connector receptacle 410 to a device enclosure (not shown).
  • shield 440 may have various shapes.
  • a back portion of shield 440 may be sloped to reduce the space consumed by connector receptacle 410.
  • An example is shown in the following figure.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another view of a connector receptacle 510 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Connector receptacle 510 may include shield 540, which may be attached to mounting bracket 550.
  • Shield 540 may include a sloped back portion 545.
  • Back portion 545 may be sloped to reduce the space inside the electronic device that is consumed by connector receptacle 510.
  • Surface mount contact portions 539 of contacts 530 may be soldered to a flexible circuit board, printed circuit board, or other appropriate substrate.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of a connector receptacle 610 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Connector receptacle 610 may include shield 640, which may be attached to mounting bracket 650.
  • tongue 630 may extend from first housing portion 620.
  • Figure 7 illustrates another view of a connector receptacle 710 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • shield 740 may attach to mounting bracket 750.
  • Shield 740 may have sloped portion 745. Again, sloped portion 745 may be angled to reduce space consumed by connector receptacle 710.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of a connector receptacle 810 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Connector receptacle 810 may include tongue portion
  • Tongue portion 830 may be insertion molded around a number of contacts 835. Tongue portion 830 may be formed to snap into housing portion 820. When tongue portion 830 is fit into housing portion 820, tongue 830 may extend beyond housing portion 820. Shield 840 may be placed over housing portion 820 to protect circuitry inside, or associated with, the electronic device from electromagnetic interference, and to protect signals on contacts in connector receptacle 810 from electromagnetic interference caused by circuitry inside, or associated with, the electronic device.
  • connector receptacle having a simplified manufacturing process. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide connector receptacles where various metallic pieces may be assembled a single
  • these pieces may be soldered, welded, or otherwise fixed to each other in a single manufacturing step.
  • first metallic piece 855 may be attached to mounting bracket 850 using tape 890. This may be done to hold first metallic piece 855 in place during the subsequent manufacturing step. These pieces may then be attached to shield 840 and a single
  • first metallic piece or EMI bracket 855 and mounting bracket 850 may be soldered, stacked, fused, or otherwise attached to shield 840 in a single manufacturing step.
  • a method of manufacturing this connector receptacle is shown in the following figure.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a plurality of contacts fixed to a carrier are received. Each contact may have an angled leading edge.
  • a tongue portion may be injection molded around contacts, such that the leading edges of the contacts are buried in the tongue.
  • the tongue portion may then be inserted into a first housing portion in act 930.
  • the first housing portion may be inserted into a shield in act 940.
  • an EMI bracket (such as first metallic piece 855) may be attached to a mounting bracket.
  • the mounting bracket and EMI bracket combination may be attached to the shield to form connector receptacle in act 960.
  • the connector receptacle may be stored or stocked for later use.
  • the carrier may be removed from the contacts. Keying, ground contact, and retention features may be attached to a device enclosure as needed in act 980.
  • the connector receptacle may be attached to the device enclosure.
  • the connector receptacle may be attached to a flexible or other circuit board.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates views of a shield 1040 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • shield 140 may include fingers or other contacts to contact a device enclosure to provide further electromagnet interference protection.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a number of contacts 1135 attached to carrier 1190 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • contacts 1135 include one or more ground contacts 1192, which are longer than one or more other contacts 1194.
  • ground contacts 1192 be comparatively longer, ground connections are formed first during the insertion of a connector insert, thereby protecting electronic circuitry attached to contacts 1135.
  • carrier 1190 may be removed.
  • Figure 12 illustrates views of tongue 1230 that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 illustrates views of connector housing 1320 that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Connector housing 1320 may include opening 1321, which may accept a tongue, such as tongue 1230.
  • FIG 14 illustrates first metallic portion or EMI bracket 1455 that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Metallic bracket 1455 may include EMI or ground contacts 1457, which may be used as ground contacts 257 in Figures 2A and 2B.
  • EMI or ground contacts 1457 may be located at ends of fingers 1458.
  • Figures 1458 may be bent slightly upward. In this way, EMI contacts 1457 may deflect downward or out of the way to allow insertion of a connector insert.
  • EMI contacts 1457 may form electrical connections with a shield around a connector insert to improve EMI shielding around the connector receptacle.
  • EMI contacts 1457 may have a domed or spherical-shaped top portion. This shape may provide a smooth surface thus preventing the marring of connector inserts.
  • EMI bracket 1455 may include up-turned ends 1459 that may be used as keys, such as keys 259 in Figures 2 A and 2B.
  • EMI or ground contacts such as ground contacts 257 and 357, may be used to form electrical connections to a shield on a connector insert for EMI purposes.
  • other EMI connections may be employed to reduce noise, cross-talk, and improve signal integrity. An example is shown in the following figures.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a front view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a number of contacts 1535 may reside on tongue 1530, which may extend from housing portion 1520, which may be covered by shield 1540.
  • EMI tabs 1522 may extend from first housing portion 1520. EMI tabs 1522 may contact a shield of a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted. EMI tabs 1522 may be electrically connected to connector receptacle shield 1540. EMI tabs 1522 may be flexible such that they bend back to shield 1540 and provide positive pressure to aid in forming contact with a connector insert shield.
  • Figure 16 illustrates a top view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a tab or EMI tab strip that may be used to form tabs 1522 is shown in the following figure.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a tab or EMI tab strip that may be used to form EMI tabs for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • EMI tab strip 1710 may be formed from a sheet of metal.
  • EMI tab strip 1710 may include a number of EMI tabs 1722.
  • Each EMI tab 1722 may be on an EMI arm or beam 1730 that may provide a spring or positive force when an EMI tab 1722 is depressed due to contact by a connector insert.
  • EMI tab strip 1710 may include bent portions 1740, which may be inserted into a housing portion during assembly.
  • EMI tab strip 1710 may be laser- welded or otherwise attached to a shield, such as shield 1540, at points 1750. A method of manufacturing this connector receptacle is shown in the following figure.
  • Figure 18 illustrates another method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a plurality of contacts fixed to a carrier are received. Each contact may have an angled leading edge.
  • a tongue portion may be injection molded around contacts, such that the leading edges of the contacts are buried in the tongue. The tongue portion may then be inserted into a first housing portion in act 1830.
  • an EMI tab strip may be inserted into the first housing portion.
  • the first housing portion may be inserted into a shield in act 1840.
  • an EMI bracket (such as first metallic piece 855) may be attached to a mounting bracket.
  • the mounting bracket and EMI bracket combination may be attached to the shield to form connector receptacle in act 1860.
  • the connector receptacle may be stored or stocked for later use.
  • the carrier may be removed from the contacts. Keying, ground contact, and retention features may be attached to a device enclosure as needed in act 1880.
  • the connector receptacle may be attached to the device enclosure.
  • the connector receptacle may be attached to a flexible or other circuit board.

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur des embases de connecteur, lesquels embases peuvent être utilisées dans une variété d'applications, peuvent avoir un aspect esthétique souhaitable, peuvent être durables et fiables, et peuvent être fabriquées d'une façon simplifiée. Un exemple peut utiliser une embase qui peut être utilisée dans un certain nombre de dispositifs différents afin d'éviter d'avoir à reconfigurer une embase pour des dispositifs différents. Un autre exemple peut conserver un aspect souhaitable par réduction du risque d'endommagement ou de détérioration fonctionnelle lors d'insertions d'un insert.
PCT/US2012/043583 2011-06-23 2012-06-21 Embases de connecteur simplifiées Ceased WO2012177905A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161500592P 2011-06-23 2011-06-23
US61/500,592 2011-06-23
US13/270,202 2011-10-10
US13/270,202 US8753150B2 (en) 2011-06-23 2011-10-10 Simplified connector receptacles
US13/412,587 2012-03-05
US13/412,587 US8662934B2 (en) 2011-06-23 2012-03-05 Simplified connector receptacles

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012177905A2 true WO2012177905A2 (fr) 2012-12-27
WO2012177905A3 WO2012177905A3 (fr) 2013-03-14

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/043583 Ceased WO2012177905A2 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-06-21 Embases de connecteur simplifiées

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012177905A2 (fr)

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US9450339B2 (en) 2014-01-12 2016-09-20 Apple Inc. Ground contacts for reduced-length connector inserts
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US9515439B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2016-12-06 Apple Inc. Connector insert assembly
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US10418763B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2019-09-17 Apple Inc. Connector insert assembly

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TWI606659B (zh) * 2013-11-17 2017-11-21 蘋果公司 具有一屏蔽之連接器插座
US10516225B2 (en) 2013-11-17 2019-12-24 Apple Inc. Connector receptacle having a tongue
US10355419B2 (en) 2013-11-17 2019-07-16 Apple Inc. Connector receptacle having a shield
WO2015073974A3 (fr) * 2013-11-17 2015-08-20 Apple Inc. Réceptacle de connecteur comportant un écran de protection
US10103465B2 (en) 2013-11-17 2018-10-16 Apple Inc. Connector receptacle having a tongue
US9537263B2 (en) 2013-11-17 2017-01-03 Apple Inc. Connector receptacle having a shield
US9640885B2 (en) 2013-11-17 2017-05-02 Apple Inc. Connector receptacle having a tongue
US9450339B2 (en) 2014-01-12 2016-09-20 Apple Inc. Ground contacts for reduced-length connector inserts
US9876318B2 (en) 2014-01-12 2018-01-23 Apple Inc. Ground contacts for reduced-length connector inserts
US9490581B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2016-11-08 Apple Inc. Connector insert assembly
US9806446B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2017-10-31 Apple Inc. Interposers having three housings interconnected to each other
US9948042B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2018-04-17 Apple Inc. Connector insert assembly
US9515439B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2016-12-06 Apple Inc. Connector insert assembly
US9356370B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2016-05-31 Apple Inc. Interposer for connecting a receptacle tongue to a printed circuit board
US10418763B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2019-09-17 Apple Inc. Connector insert assembly
US9276340B2 (en) 2014-05-26 2016-03-01 Apple Inc. Interposers for connecting receptacle tongues to printed circuit boards

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