HOLDER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE, SUCH AS A MICROPHONE

Abstract: A mounting arrangement (1) for connecting an electrical device (2), typically a microphone, within a wireless telephone, is disclosed. The mounting arrangement comprises a housing (3) having an electrical device receiving portion (4). An enveloping portion (5) adapted to envelop the electrical device (2) is also provided, the enveloping portion (5) having at least two outwardly projecting retention tabs (6), the tabs adapted to co-operate and engage with corresponding retention portions (7) within the receiving portion (4). On full insertion of the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion, the retention tabs engage with the retention portions, thereby securing the enveloping portion and enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion. Both the housing and the electrical device are provided with electrical terminals or connectors such that on securing the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion electrical engagement between the inserted device and housing is effected.

Description: HOLDER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE. SUCH AS A MICROPHONE Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to microphone holders, and in particular to a microphone holder that is adapted to be co-operable with a microphone housing and securely retain a microphone in an electrical connector. It is necessary when constructing telephone hand pieces to include a microphone in the assembly. The microphone is typically mounted in a region of the telephone handpiece adjacent to where the user will talk. It is important that the microphone is securely retained and that it is not subjected to large amounts of shock, etc. This retention is typically achieved by positioning the microphone within a housing and securing the housing to an electrical connector within the telephone assembly. It is preferable that the housing have an acoustic insulating element therein, so as to provide an optimum transfer of the required speech to the electronic circuitry while obviating the effect of extraneous noise. US Patent No. 4,984,268, assigned to AT&T Bell Laboratories, describes a microphone that is located in a gasket, forming an assembly that is inserted into a cavity in the handset, a cylindrical sponge having been positioned at the base of the cavity. US Patent No. 5,420,071, assigned to Motorola, describes an apparatus designed to isolate a microphone from the speaker audio unit of a telephone handset. The microphone is inserted into an insulator, where the insulator has circumferentially extending ridges encircling the insulator so as to prevent the removal of the insulator from a retaining cup. An extending tab is also provided which prevents the rotation of the insulator in the cup. The insulator/microphone combination is held within the retaining cup by means of an interference fit. A second US Patent assigned to Motorola, US Patent 5,201,069 discloses a microphone that is sandwiched between two gaskets. This microphone/gasket sandwich is held together between the upper portion of the housing and its base, again the securing being achieved by means of an interference fit. US Patent Nos. 5,410,608 and 5,615,273, both assigned to the UNEX Corporation, disclose the provision of a microphone within a boot and the retention of the microphone within the boot using a separate cover. US Patent No. 5,823,820, assigned to the present assignees, discloses the provision of the microphone with a grommet. Again, the microphone is secured within its retainer by means of an interference fit. One common feature of the aforementioned arrangements is the retention of the microphone by means of an interference fit. This arrangement is not very secure and it is possible that any vibration of the holder or housing, either as an unassembled component of a radio telephone or when actually in use may lead to the dislodgement of the microphone from its holder. There is, therefore, a need for a more secure means for retaining a microphone within its associated holder. When mounted in radio or mobile telephones, it is preferable to mount the microphones in an I/O connector, so as to reduce the number of connectors used and the space taken up by individual connectors. Typically, the microphone is positioned within a housing in the connector and a cover is placed over the assembly, thereby retaining the microphone in position. The use of the cover has associated problems in that it adds to the overall thickness of the connector, a problem that is most acute when trying to minimize the overall size of the handset and components utilized. Therefore a need exists for an alternative mounting arrangement for microphones within connectors of a radio telephone handset, an arrangement that effects the secure retention of the microphone within the mobile telephone with a minimal number of components. Summary of the Invention These needs and others are addressed by the present invention which provides a mounting arrangement for connecting an electrical device within a wireless telephone. The mounting arrangement comprises a housing having an electrical device receiving portion and an enveloping portion adapted to envelop the electrical device. The enveloping portion has at least two outwardly projecting retention tabs, the tabs adapted to co-operate and engage with corresponding retention portions within the receiving portion. On insertion of the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion, the retention tabs engage with the retention portions, thereby securing the enveloping portion and enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion. The electrical device is preferably a microphone, which is held within an acoustically insulating enveloping portion or mounting boot. The receiving portion preferably comprises a base and transversely projecting wall portions. The wall portions extend about a perimeter of the base, thereby defining a perimeter of the receiving portion. Desirably, a guide region is provided in the wall portions, such that the wall portions do not extend completely about the base. The guide portion is adapted to engage with a corresponding guide provided on the enveloping portion. The retention portions are preferably formed in the wall portions of the receiving portion. The retention portions desirably have side walls, which are substantially parallel to the wall portions, and additionally an upper engagement surface, substantially parallel to the base of the receiving portion. The receiving portion is preferably provided with connector terminals, the connector terminals adapted to be electrically engageable with corresponding terminals on the electrical device. The connector terminals are desirably positioned near to the base of the receiving portion, such that on insertion of the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion, the connector terminals within the receiving portion and the terminals on the electrical device are in electrical engagement. The enveloping portion preferably comprises a base region and upwardly extending side walls. An inner surface of the side walls defines an enveloping region adapted to receive and envelop an inserted microphone. At the base region, the inner surface further defines an entry port through which a microphone may be inserted into the enveloping region, and at an upper region of the enveloping portion the inner surface of the side walls further define an exit aperture. The exit aperture is dimensioned to enable an active surface of an inserted microphone to be exposed. The projecting retention tabs preferably project from an outer surface of the side walls of the enveloping portion. The tabs have a taper region extending outwardly and upwardly from the base region of the enveloping portion, and an engaging portion extending from the outer surface of the side walls to an outermost point of the taper region The engaging portion is adapted, in use, to engage with the engagement surface of the retention portion. The enveloping portion is preferably formed from a resilient material, preferably rubber. Desirably, the housing is integrally formed on an electrical connector, the electrical connector having mounting means adapted to effect the mounting of the connector within the telephone. The invention additionally provides a mounting arrangement for connecting a microphone within a mobile telephone, the mounting arrangement comprising a housing having a microphone insertion cavity and a mounting boot adapted to accommodate the microphone. The boot has at least two projecting retention tabs adapted to co-operate and engage with corresponding retention portions within the cavity. On insertion of the boot and accommodated microphone within the insertion cavity, the retention tabs engage with the retention portions, thereby securing the boot and accommodated microphone within the cavity. The projecting retention tabs preferably project from an outer wall of the boot, and comprise a taper region extending outwardly and upwardly from the base of the boot to a distal region, and an engaging portion, the engaging portion extending from the outer wall of the boot to the distal region. The engaging portion is adapted, in use, to engage with an upper surface of the retention portion. The cavity preferably comprises a base and side wall with the retention portions being formed in the side walls of the cavity. The retention portions have side walls and an upper surface. The upper surface is adapted, in use, to engage with the engaging portion of the retention tabs. The inner surface of the cavity side walls extend about the side of the cavity, defining a cavity area substantially equivalent to the outer perimeter of the enveloping portion. The invention also provides a method for securing a microphone within an electrical connector. The method desirably comprises the steps of fitting the microphone within a mounting boot and then placing the enveloped microphone into a receiving portion of the electrical connector. The enveloped microphone is positioned into the receiving portion until terminals on the base of the microphone come into electrical engagement with connector terminals provided within the receiving portion. Tabs, radially extending from an outer wall of the mounting boot snap-fit into interengagement with retention portions provided on the side walls of the receiving portion, thereby securing the microphone within the electrical connector. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention, together with its objects and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following drawings , in which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a microphone, a microphone enveloping portion and a receiving portion in a housing in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a microphone of FIG. 1 in place within the portion; FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line ffl-III of FIG. 1 with the components assembled together; and, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembled mounting assembly within a wireless telephone. Detailed Description of the Drawings FIGS. 1 to 4 show a mounting arrangement 1 for connecting an electrical device 2, typically a microphone, within a wireless or radio telephone according to the present invention. The mounting arrangement 1 comprises a housing 3 having an electrical device receiving portion 4 and an enveloping portion, or mounting boot 5 that is adapted to envelop the electrical device 2. As shown, the enveloping portion 5 has two outwardly projecting retention tabs 6, it will be appreciated that more tabs may be utilized. The tabs 6 are adapted to co-operate and engage with corresponding retention portions 7 disposed within the receiving portion 4. A bevelled circumferential edge 40 helps to locate the enveloping portion 5 in the receiving portion 4. As shown in FIG. 3, on full insertion of the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion 4, the retention tabs 6 engage with the retention portions 7, thereby securing the enveloping portion 5 and enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion 4. The receiving portion 4 preferably comprises a base 8 and transversely projecting wall portions 9, with an angled lead-in portion 41 which co-operates with the beveled circumferential edge 40 of the enveloping portion 5 to help align the it to the receiving portion 4. The wall portions 9 extend about the base 8 defining a perimeter of the receiving portion 4. As shown in the FIGS., a guide region 10 may be provided in the wall portions 9, such that the wall portions do not extend completely about the base 8. The guide portion 10 may be adapted to engage with a corresponding, complimentary-shaped radially extending guide 11 provided on the enveloping portion 5 to prevent the enveloping portion 5 from rotating within the receiving portion 4 and also to help locate the enveloping portion so that the retention tabs 6 are aligned with the retention portions 7. The retention portions 7 are preferably formed in the wall portions 9 and in this regard the retention portions 7 include side walls 12, which are substantially parallel to the wall portions 9, and an upper engagement surface 13 that is substantially parallel to the base 8 of the receiving portion 4. The receiving portion 4 is preferably provided with conductive connector terminals 14 that are adapted to electrically engage with corresponding terminals 15 on the electrical device 2, which, as shown in FIG. 1, includes an inner circular terminal 15a and an outer circular terminal 15b on the electrical device 2. The connector terminals 14 are positioned within the base 8 of the receiving portion 4, and are adapted such that on insertion of the enveloped electrical device 2 within the receiving portion 4, the connector terminals 14 of the receiving portion 4 and the terminals 15 on the electrical device 2 are placed in electrical engagement with each other. The connector terminals are typically formed from a phosphor bronze gold- plated material, although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any conductive material may be alternatively used. Similarly, although the microphone terminals are formed typically from a gold plated track on a printed circuit board, any other suitably conductive material may also be used. The connector terminals 14 within the receiving portion are also in electrical contact with a printed circuit board 31, shown in FIG. 4. The printed circuit board is connectable to other electrical portions of the radio telephone 30, thereby providing electrical contact between the microphone and the remainder of the telephone circuitry. The enveloping portion 5 preferably includes a base region 16 with a beveled circumferential edge 40 and upwardly extending side walls 17. An inner surface 18 of the side walls defines an enveloping region 19 adapted to receive and envelop an inserted microphone 2. At the base region 16, the inner surface 18 further defines an entry port 20 through which a microphone 2 may be inserted into the enveloping region 19. At an upper region 21 of the enveloping portion, the inner surface of the side walls further define an exit aperture 22. The exit aperture 22 is dimensioned to expose an active surface 23 of an inserted microphone 2. On insertion of the electrical device 2 into the enveloping portion 5, an upper face 31 of the electrical device abuts against an inner shoulder 32 of the inner walls 18, thereby preventing the passage of the electrical device 2 through the aperture 22 of the enveloping portion 5. (FIGS. 1 and 2). The projecting retention tabs 6 preferably project from an outer surface 24 of the side walls 17 of the enveloping portion 5. The tabs 6 have a taper region 25 extending outwardly and upwardly from the base region 16 of the enveloping portion 5, and an engaging portion 26. The engaging portion 26 extends from the outer surface 24 of the side walls 17 to an outermost point 27 of the taper region 25. The engaging portion 26 is adapted, in use, to engage with the engagement surface 13 of the retention portion 7. In use, the microphone 2 is inserted into the enveloping portion or mounting boot 5. The microphone 2 and enveloping portion 5 are then inserted into the receiving portion 8, using the guide 11 to effect a correct positioning of this combination relative to receiving portion or insertion cavity 4. Although the extending projecting tabs 6 project beyond the receiving area defined by the side walls 9 of the insertion cavity 4, the provision of a tapered region 25 and the formation of the enveloping device 5 from a resilient material enables a temporary deformation of the enveloping portions on presentation to the insertion cavity 4. As the enveloping portion 5 is inserted further into the cavity 4, the projecting retention tabs 6 come into communication with the retention portions 7, and will expand into and engage with the retention portion 7. The engagement of the retention tabs 6 with the retention portions 7 effects a securing of the inserted enveloped microphone within the insertion cavity, obviating the possibility of its accidental removal. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the enveloping portion is adapted to receive and contain the microphone. Although illustrated in this exemplary embodiment as a structure adapted to substantially surround, or envelop, the inserted microphone, it will be appreciated that it is not essential that the entire microphone is contained therein. For example, other non illustrated examples, may provide an enveloping portion adapted to envelop a substantial portion of the microphone, yet not completely surround the side walls of the inserted device. The enveloping portion provides a housing for the inserted device, in combination with the receiving portion, it serves to retain the microphone in electrical contact with the terminals; any alternative design that facilitates the same secure retention will be also applicable to the present invention. The enveloping portion is preferably formed from a resilient material, typically an elastomeric rubber or rubber-based compound. The enveloping portion forms an acoustical mounting boot about the microphone in that it contains the microphone from direct contact with the connector except for where it contacts the terminals 14. In this manner, the microphone (or other mounted electronic device) is also insulated from contact due to vibrations and thus the boot 5 provides acoustical insulation. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 3 is desirably integrally formed on an electrical connector 28, which is typically achieved by plastic molding. The electrical connector 28 has engagement means 29 adapted to effect the mounting of the connector 28 within a telephone 30. The mounting means 29 may typically threaded apertures 29a which co-operate with a screw 29b or nut so as to secure and retain the connector 28 within the telephone The electrical connector is typically an I/O type connector which typically has a plurality of additional functional components in addition to the microphone housing. These typically include recharger pads 37 adapted to co-operate with a power supply for recharging the wireless telephone, a holder 33 for a vibration motor 34 and a plurality of electrical terminals 34 for establishing an electrical connection between connector via the printed circuit board 38 to the remaining portions of the wireless telephone 30. Additional devices such as a DC power port 35 for car recharging situations and /or a stereo jack connector 36 may be provided. It will be appreciated that the inter-engagement of the retention tabs 6 and corresponding retention portions 7 offers a more secure retention arrangement for an inserted microphone than the interference arrangements of the prior art. As there is provided a definite securing arrangement it is more difficult to remove an inserted device from its housing. This enables the manufacturer to assemble the microphone within an I/O connector in one location and assemble the I/O connector within a telephone in alternative locations without the need for constant inspection to ensure retention of the microphone within the housing - something that was not feasible with the arrangements of the prior art which as a result of vibrations were prone to accidental removal of the microphone from its housings. Furthermore, the more secure fitting arrangement of the present invention achieved by the pressing of a microphone housed within an acoustical boot into its housing offers improved quality of audio transmission through the microphone While described in detail here, many modifications and equivalents thereof will be clear to those persons of ordinary skill in the art and are intended to be covered hereby, the full measure of the spirit and scope of the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An electrical connector for mounting and providing electrical connection to a microphone external of the connector, said microphone having opposite first and second flat faces joined by a cylindrical wall, with a transmitter in the first flat face and electrical conductors in the second flat face, comprising: a dielectric housing having a receiving portion defined in part by a circumferential wall, a bottom wall and an open end opposite the bottom wall; a plurality of terminals mounted in the housing with a contact portion extending in the receiving portion of the housing above the bottom wall for providing said external electrical connection to the microphone; and, an enveloping boot having an inner wall designed to envelop the cylindrical wall of the microphone, a leading edge to be inserted into the open end of the receiving portion, an outer wall with at least one outwardly projecting retention tab, the outer wall designed to fit within the circumferential wall of the receiving portion, and the tab designed to engage at least one corresponding retention portion formed within the circumferential wall of said receiving portion, wherein upon full insertion of the microphone in the enveloping boot into said receiving portion of the housing, the conductors on the second face of said microphone are placed in electrical engagement with the terminal contact portions, and the at least one retention tab on the outer wall of the boot engages the one retention portion in the circumferential wall of said receiving portion, thereby securing said enveloping boot and enveloped microphone within said receiving portion. 2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein an angled lead-in portion is provided at the open end of said receiving portion, the angled lead-in portion designed to co-operate with the leading edge of said enveloping boot to hel align said enveloping boot and said receiving portion. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein said enveloping boot further includes a base region and upwardly extending side walls, an inner surface of the side walls defining an enveloping region adapted to receive and envelop said microphone, wherein at the base region, the inner surface further defines an entry port through which said microphone may be inserted, and at an upper region of said enveloping boot the inner surface of the side walls further defining an aperture, the aperture being dimensioned to retain at least a portion of the first flat face of said microphone which includes a transmitter, whereby said microphone is held in said enveloping boot while said transmitter is provided open access through said connector housing. 4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the one retention tab includes a tapered region extending outwardly and upwardly from the base region of the enveloping boot; and, an engaging portion, the engaging portion extending from the outer surface of the side walls to an outermost point of the tapered region, said engaging portion designed to engage with an engagement surface of said retention portion of said circumferential wall. 5. The connector of claim 4, wherein said enveloping boot is formed from a resilient material. 6. The connector of claim 1, wherein said housing is integrally formed as part of said electrical connector, the electrical connector having mounting means adapted to effect the mounting of said electrical connector within a telephone. 7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein said circumferential wall of said receiving portion has a slot perpendicular to the bottom wall of said receiving portion and said enveloping boot has a radially extending locating rib, the locating rib sliding into the perpendicular slot when said retention tab is radially aligned with said corresponding retention portion in said circumferential wall of said receiving portion. 8. A connector assembly for connecting an electronic device such as a microphone to another electronic component; a housing having a cavity disposed therein, the housing including a plurality of conductive terminals extending within the cavity for providing a connection between the electronic device inserted within said cavity and another electrical component; a resilient mounting boot including a sleeve portion that receives said electronic component therein, the mounting boot further including at least one retention tab formed therewith that extends outwardly of said mounting boot, said housing cavity including a slot formed therewith, the slot receiving said mounting boot retention tab when said mounting boot is inserted into said housing cavity, said mounting boot being formed of a resilient material that permits said mounting boot to be pushed into said housing cavity, already when said mounting boot and electronic device are received in said housing cavity, said terminals electrically contact said electronic device and said mounting boot retention tab engages said housing cavity slot, said mounting boot retention tab and housing cavity slot cooperating to maintain said mounting boot within said housing cavity; at least one circumferential slot in the insertion cavity, the at least one slot designed to receive and accommodate the at least one laterally extending retention tab in the outer wall of the boot; wherein, upon full insertion of the mounting boot with the inserted microphone into the insertion cavity, the microphone being electronically connected to the connector terminals and therefore to the printed circuit board, and the laterally extending tab being engaged with the circumferential slot preventing removal of mounting boot from the insertion cavity. 9. The electrical connector of claim 8, wherein the boot has at least two laterally extending retention tabs and said housing cavity has two corresponding circumferential slots. 10. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein said housing cavity has a locating slot in a circumferential wall of the cavity and the boot has an outwardly extending locating rib designed to slide into the locating slot when each retention tab is in alignment with a respective circumferential slot.

Inventors: FOLAN EUGENE, WHITE PAT, FOLAN, EUGENE, WHITE, PAT
Applicants: MOLEX INC, MOLEX INCORPORATED
Application year: 2001
Main classification: F16M13
IPC codes: F16M13, H04M1, H04R1