Connector

A connector comprising a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector; an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element comprises one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application was originally filed as and claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2006/012638.

This invention relates to a connector and a method of using the connector.

BACKGROUND

An FM radio antenna may be implemented by using a headset cable. The FM radio engine itself may be in the baseband area of a mobile device, with the antenna (the headset cable) connecting to the baseband area through a system port. A proprietary connector solution or a standard (e.g. 2.5/3.5 mm) audio plug may be used to connect the headset to the system port.

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a connector comprisinga contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element comprises one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region.

The electrically-conductive element may be a region of a locking element, the locking element comprising one of a protrusion or a recessed part and being arranged to engage the other of the protrusion or recessed part on the corresponding connector.

The connector may comprise a conductor in electrical communication with the electrically-conductive element.

The conductor may be arranged to act as a radio antenna.

The connector may comprise a cable having one or more wires connected to the contact, the cable comprising a shield enclosing the one or more wires, the conductor being at least partially external to the shield.

The connector may comprise a conductor in electrical communication with the electrically-conductive element, the conductor being arranged for connection of the second signal path to a device associated with the connector.

The connector may comprise a plurality of electrically-conductive elements arranged to engage electrically-conductive elements on the corresponding connector, each electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a respective signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein each electrically-conductive element comprises one or more of a region of a housing, a region of a locking element, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region.

The connector comprising the plurality of electrically-conductive elements may comprise any of the above-described features.

The connector may be a male connector.

The connector may be a female connector.

The connector may be arranged to conform to a universal serial bus (USB) standard, for example the USB 2.0 specification, and in particular the On-The-Go Supplement to the USB 2.0 specification, especially revision 1.2.

The connector may be arranged to conform to an audio jack standard.

The connector may be arranged to provide power to an electronic device.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic device comprising the connector of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a peripheral device comprising the connector of the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of using a connector, the connector comprisinga contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element is one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region; wherein the method comprisesusing the electrically conductive-element to provide a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a connector comprisingmeans for contacting arranged to mate with means for contacting on a corresponding connector, the means for contacting providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;a means for electrically conducting arranged to engage a means for electrically conducting on the corresponding connector, the means for electrically conducting providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the means for electrically conducting comprises one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of using a connector, the connector comprisingmeans for contacting arranged to mate with means for contacting on a corresponding connector, the means for contacting providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;a means for electrically conducting arranged to engage a means for electrically conducting on the corresponding connector, wherein the means for electrically conducting comprises one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region; wherein the method comprisesa step for using the means for electrically conducting to provide a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a connector comprisinga contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector comprises one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region.

According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a connector comprisinga contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element has a primary function other than that of a contact.

The primary function may be that of a locking element.

The primary function may be that of a housing.

According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a connector comprisinga contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector;an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector has a primary function other than that of a contact.

The present invention includes one or more aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 4show a female connector100. The connector100comprises a housing102partially surrounding contacts104(only one of which is shown inFIG. 1) arranged to mate with the contacts204of a corresponding male connector200(shown inFIG. 2) to provide a user-releasable connection of the connectors100,200. Each contact104provides a contact point for a respective first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector100.

The outwardly facing surface of the housing102is generally non-conductive so that it can be held by a user without getting an electric shock when the female connector100is inserted around and/or connected to a corresponding male connector.

The connector100includes a locking element106being separate to the contacts104and arranged to engage a locking element206of the corresponding male connector200in order to releasably lock the connectors100,200together. The locking element106comprises a recessed part (which may or may not be a through thickness aperture, e.g. a dimple) and is arranged to be engaged by a protrusion206on the male connector200. The locking element106is metallic and is therefore electrically conductive. The locking element106is arranged to form an electrical connection with the locking element206of the corresponding male connector200when the two locking elements106,206engage. The locking element106provides a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the female connector100(FIG. 3). The second signal path may be a ground line.

As shown inFIG. 4, the female connector100includes a conductor108extending from the locking element106. The conductor108and the locking element106cooperate to provide the second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the female connector100. The contact perimeter of the locking element106is metallic, and surrounded by an insulating material (e.g. plastic). Part or all of conductor108may be embedded within the insulating material. The locking element106may be a conductive insert placed in an aperture in the body of the female connector100.

The outwardly facing surface of the female connector100may be covered by a permanent/user-removable insulating layer, e.g. a plastic sheath. In one embodiment, electrical isolation between adjacent locking elements106may be provided by separating the adjacent locking elements106using an insulating material.

FIGS. 2 and 5show the male connector200. The male connector200comprises a housing202(generally non-conductive outwardly facing surface so that it can be held without electric shock) partially surrounding contacts204(only one of which is shown inFIG. 2) arranged to mate with the contacts104of the female connector100ofFIG. 1. Each contact204provides a contact point for a respective first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the male connector200.

The male connector200includes a locking element206being separate to the contacts204and arranged to engage the locking element106of the female connector100to releasably lock the connectors100,200together. The locking element206comprises a protrusion206and is arranged to engage the recessed part on the female connector100. The locking element206is metallic and is therefore electrically conductive. The locking element206is arranged to form an electrical connection with the locking element106of the female connector100when the two locking elements106,206engage. The locking element206provides a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the male connector200.

As shown inFIG. 5, the male connector200includes a conductor208extending from the locking element206. The conductor208and the locking element206cooperate to provide the second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the male connector200.

In one embodiment, the conductor208forms part of a first wire208, which is thus in electrical communication with the locking element206. In one embodiment, the first wire208is arranged to act as a radio antenna. In this way, the connector200can be used in relation both to digital signals using the contacts204and analogue (e.g. FM) signals using the first wire208. In another embodiment, the conductor208is arranged for connection of the second signal path to a device associated with the male connector200, in order to provide an additional path for signals similar to those transmitted using the contacts204.

The male connector200comprises a cable210having a plurality of second wires216connected to respective contacts204of the connector200. The cable210comprises a shield220enclosing the second wires216. The first wire208is external to the shield220.

Similar to an embodiment of the female connector100, part or all of the conductor208may be embedded within an insulating material comprising the housing of the male connector200.

FIG. 6shows an electronic device300comprising the female connector100ofFIG. 1. In this case, the device300is a handportable multimedia device. The device300may or may not comprise radiotelephony functionality.

FIG. 7shows a peripheral device400comprising the male connector200ofFIG. 2. In this case, the device400is a headset for transmitting audio to a user.

FIG. 8is a flowchart representing a method of using a connector100,200. The method includes the step (10) of using an electrically conductive-element (for example a locking element106,206) to provide a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector100,200, the second signal path being separate to one or more first signal paths provided by contacts104,204of the connector100,200.

FIGS. 9 and 10show a second embodiment of a female connector500. The female connector500is identical to the female connector100ofFIG. 1except that, in the female connector500, the conductor508is arranged to electrically connect directly to the locking element206of the male connector200. In this embodiment, there is no need for the recessed part of the locking element506of the female connector500to be electrically conductive, or for it to form an electrical connection with the locking element206of the male connector200. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10an electrical contact point514is formed between the locking element206of the male connector200and the conductor508of the female connector500to provide the second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the female connector500.

FIG. 11shows a third embodiment of a female connector600connected to a third embodiment of a male connector700. The connectors600,700may or may not include the locking elements106,206as before, but these are not shown for reasons of clarity. The female connector600includes a pad622formed in the housing602to which (i.e. pad622) a conductor608is electrically connected. The male connector700includes a pad722formed in the housing702to which pad722a conductor708is electrically connected. When the male and female connectors700,600are connected, the pads622,722are in electrical contact. Each pad622,722thus provides a point of contact for a second signal path through its respective connector600,700, in addition to first signal paths provided by the contacts604,704.

FIG. 12is a cross section of a DC barrel jack800connected to a socket900. The barrel jack800includes an outer barrel contact802and an inner barrel contact804. The barrel contacts802,804are electrically insulated from one another by insulating material806. The socket900includes a spring contact902arranged to electrically connect to the outer barrel contact802of the barrel jack800, and a pole904arranged to electrically connect to the inner barrel contact804via an internal aperture in the barrel800. Such a barrel jack may be used, for example, to provide power to an electronic device via contacts804,904and provide connection of an (e.g. FM) antenna using contacts802,902.

FIG. 13shows a cross section of a DC barrel jack1000connected to a socket1100. The barrel jack1000includes a first outer barrel contact1002, a second outer barrel contact1008and an inner barrel contact1004. The first outer barrel contact1002and the inner barrel contact1004are main contact regions, an internal aperture allowing access to the contact1004. The barrel contacts1002,1004,1008are electrically insulated from one another by insulating material1006. In a different embodiment (not shown), the barrel contacts1002,1008may be internal barrel contacts providing connection through the internal barrel aperture. In such an embodiment, the corresponding socket1100would have independent signal paths for each of the internal barrel contacts.

The socket1100includes a first spring contact1102arranged to electrically connect to the first outer barrel contact1002of the barrel jack1000, a second spring contact1108arranged to electrically connect to the second outer barrel contact1008of the barrel jack1000, and a pole1104arranged to electrically connect to the inner barrel contact1004. The second outer barrel contact1008and the second spring contact1108provide contact points of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the respective connector1000,1100, in addition to first signal paths provided by the first outer barrel contact1002/first spring contact1102and the inner barrel contact1004/pole1104. Such a barrel jack may be used, for example, to provide power to an electronic device via contacts1002,1102and1004,1104and to provide connection of an (e.g. FM) antenna using contacts1008,1108.

FIG. 14is a cross section of a sixth embodiment of a male connector1300connected to a sixth embodiment of a female connector1200. The female connector1200is similar to female connector500. The male connector1300is similar to male connector100, except that male connector1300has a conductor1308embedded within the housing1302and arranged to contact the conductor1208of the female connector1208. The conductor1308of the male connector1300is exposed at an uppermost surface of the protrusion of the locking element1306. The conductor1208of the female connector1200is arranged to contact the exposed part of the conductor1308.

FIG. 15is a cross section of a seventh embodiment of a male connector1500connected to a seventh embodiment of a female connector1400. The female connector is similar to female connector100. The male connector1500is similar to male connector1300except that the conductor1508is exposed at opposing side surfaces of the protrusion of the locking element1506. The exposed parts of the conductor1508are arranged to connect electrically to the electrically-conductive parts of the housing1402of the female connector1400immediately surrounding the recessed part of the locking element1406. The locking element1406may be arranged to protect a user's finger from coming into contact with the conductor1508.

FIG. 16is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of a female connector1600including a conductor1608which extends around a periphery of the locking element1606. The housing of the female connector1600may be formed of an insulating material, e.g. plastic.

FIG. 17is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of a female connector1700including a conductor1708which connects directly to the locking element1706. The locking element1706is electrically insulated from the housing1702of the connector1700by insulating material1724.

FIG. 18is a plan view of a tenth embodiment of a female connector1800. The female connector1800is similar to female connector100except that it also includes a second conductor1826connected to a second locking element1828. The housing1802is split into two parts which are electrically insulated from one another by insulating material1824. The female connector1800may be used with a male connector (not shown) which also has a second conductor attached to a second locking element. In this way, the connectors provide a third signal path, in addition to the one or more first signal paths and the second signal path.

FIG. 19is a cross section of an eleventh embodiment of a male connector1900, being a barrel jack. The male connector1900is similar to male connector1000except that the outer barrel contact is split into two contacts along its length rather than around its circumference. The male connector1900includes first and second outer barrel contacts1902and1908, an inner barrel contact1904, and insulating material1904insulating the contacts from one another.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned circuitry may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same circuit. The contact between the connectors may be point contact, linear contact, area contact, curved contact etc. The connectors may conform to a USB standard, including the On-The-Go Supplement (revision 1.2) to the USB 2.0 specification. The connectors may conform to an audio jack standard. The recessed parts may be located on the male connectors.