Abstract:
A magnetic electrical connector is provided which has particular application to use in vehicles or aircraft to prevent damage due to passenger movement. The connector includes a socket having a housing with a front face, a plurality of conductor contact regions provided on the front face, and a magnet provided in the housing to physically retain a plug in connection with the socket in use.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to connector apparatus. The invention is directed particularly, but not solely, to connector apparatus for making electrical connection between a media source and media delivery equipment, for example, an audio signal connection between apparatus such as a headset and an audio signal source such as that provided by an in-flight entertainment system. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Conventional connectors typically comprise a socket, and a plug which is received in the socket. For example, in an airline cabin, an in-flight entertainment system may provide media such as audio and video information to passenger seat locations, so that it is available to passengers. The video information is typically made available via a visual display unit located on the rear of a seat immediately in front of the passenger. Audio information is typically provided via a connector socket (sometimes referred to as a jack) which is provided adjacent to the seat, for example, being provided in the arm rest. The user is typically provided with a headset which has a plug which is received in the socket, so that the audio information is delivered to the headset. 
         [0005]    A problem can occur when tension is applied the headset plug. If the tension is applied in a direction so as to pull the plug axially from the socket, then no damage will usually occur. However, if tension is supplied in a direction other than the axial direction, such as a perpendicular direction, then breakage may occur. This is because the plug typically includes one or more elongate pins which are received in the socket. Unless the plug pins are removed in an axial direction, then there is a risk that the plug pins can break. This is often a problem within aircraft cabins, since a headset, or headset cable, can frequently be moved unintentionally. One example is a situation in which a passenger forgets that the headset is still being worn and rises from his or her seat, causing the headset cable to violently pull the plug from the socket. Another example is when an object is being moved in the vicinity of the seat, for example, a pillow or food tray which may catch on the headset cable, causing the plug to be torn from the socket. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an approved connector apparatus, or to at least provide connector apparatus which provides a useful alternative to known connector apparatus or systems. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation of a jack or a socket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a further front elevation of the jack of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic side elevation in cross section of the front face of the jack of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0010]      FIGS. 4-7  are a side elevation, perspective view, front elevation and end elevation, respectively, of an embodiment of a plug that may be used with a socket such as that shown in the preceding figures. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 8-10  illustrate a second embodiment of a receiver or a socket according to the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 11  shows a diagrammatic enlarged view of a plurality of contact regions and the associated electrical function for each region for the socket of  FIGS. 8-10 . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 12-14  show a plug for use with the jack of  FIGS. 8-10 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 15  shows a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of the preceding Figures in use in a vehicle arm rest. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 16-19  illustrate an installation process for the socket of  FIGS. 8-10 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 20  shows a front elevation of a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 20-21  are isometric views of a printed circuit board arrangement on which plug pin receivers and conductor contacts are provided for the embodiment of  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    In one aspect the invention provides an electrical connector socket comprising:
       a housing having a front face, a plurality of conductor contact regions provided on the front face, and   a magnet provided in the housing to physically retain a plug in connection with the socket in use.       
 
         [0021]    Preferably the conductor contact regions are substantially flush with the front face. 
         [0022]    Preferably the conductor contact regions are formed from a layer of conductive material. 
         [0023]    Preferably the conductor contact regions are adjacent to each other and in the same plane. 
         [0024]    Preferably the socket includes a plug pin receiver. 
         [0025]    Preferably the socket may be electrically connected to a plug via the conductor contact regions or via the plug pin receiver. 
         [0026]    Preferably one or more of the conductor contact regions is a power contact region operable to make a power supply available to a plug. 
         [0027]    Preferably the power contact region is operated to make power available to the plug once the plug has been connected to the socket. 
         [0028]    Preferably the housing comprises an alignment contour to co-act with a contour of a plug to facilitate correct alignment of the plug with the socket. 
         [0029]    Preferably the alignment contour comprises a plug pin receiver. 
         [0030]    Preferably the conductor contact regions are provided in three rows. 
         [0031]    Preferably the rows are parallel with each other, the contact regions in the first and third rows are substantially aligned and the contact regions of the second row are offset with respect to those of the first and third rows. 
         [0032]    In another aspect, the invention provides connector apparatus comprising:
       a plug having a plurality of conductor contact regions for contacting conductors provided on a socket or receiver; and   a magnetic means provided rearwardly of one or more of the contact regions to co-act with a magnetic means associated with the socket or receiver.       
 
         [0035]    Preferably the magnetic means is provided such that in use at least one of the conductor regions is disposed between the magnetic means and the plug. 
         [0036]    Preferably the contact regions are provided in a layer. 
         [0037]    Preferably the contact regions are defined by one or more insulating layers. 
         [0038]    Preferably the apparatus includes an alignment contour to facilitate correct alignment of the plug with a socket. 
         [0039]    Preferably the alignment contour comprises a projection or recess for alignment with a corresponding projection or recess on the socket. 
         [0040]    Preferably the projection or recess corresponds with a projection or recess on an existing audio jack. 
         [0041]    In another aspect the invention provides connector apparatus comprising: a socket or receiver having plurality of conductor contact regions for contacting conductors provided on a plug; and magnetic means provided rearwardly of one or more of the contact regions to co-act with a magnetic means associated with a plug. 
         [0042]    Preferably the magnetic means is provided as such that in use at least one of the conductor regions is disposed between the magnetic means and the socket. 
         [0043]    Preferably the contact regions are provided in a layer. 
         [0044]    Preferably the contact regions are defined by one or more insulating layers. 
         [0045]    Alternatively one or more of the contact regions comprises a spring contact. 
         [0046]    Preferably the apparatus includes an alignment contour to facilitate correct alignment of the socket with the plug. 
         [0047]    Preferably the alignment contour comprises a projection or recess aligned with the corresponding projection or recess on the plug. 
         [0048]    In a further aspect the invention provides connector apparatus comprising:
       a plug and/or a socket having a plurality of conductor contact regions, the contact regions being formed from a conductive layer provided on the housing of the plug or socket.       
 
         [0050]    Preferably a physical dimension of the contact regions is defined using one or more insulating layers. 
         [0051]    In a further aspect the invention provides connector apparatus comprising a socket including at least one electrode for providing a power supply to conductors or electrodes of a plug to be adapted for use with the socket, wherein the power supply is only made available to the electrodes once the plug is connected to the socket. 
         [0052]    In yet a further aspect the invention provides connector apparatus comprising:
       a socket for receiving one or more pins of a plug adapted for connection with the socket, the socket also including a plurality of conductor contact regions for contacting conductors provided on the plug; and   a magnetic means for co-acting with a magnetic means provided on a plug.       
 
         [0055]    Preferably the conductor regions are electrically connected to appropriate pin receiving sockets on the socket assembly such that the socket may be operatively connected to equipment having either a plug with one or more pins, or a plug having a plurality of contact regions. In a further aspect the invention broadly provides connector apparatus comprising a plug having a magnet means and a plurality of contact regions, at least one of the contact regions comprising a spring contact. 
         [0056]    Preferably the magnet means is provided rearwardly of the contact regions. 
         [0057]    In another aspect the invention broadly provides a pin arrangement for a magnetic connector having three rows of electrical contact pins. 
         [0058]    Preferably the rows are provided one above another. 
         [0059]    Preferably the pins in the first and third rows are aligned, and the pins of the second row are offset with respect to those of the first and third rows. 
         [0060]    In another aspect the invention broadly provides an electrical contact arrangement for a magnetic connector having three rows of electrical contact regions. 
         [0061]    Preferably the rows are provided one above another. 
         [0062]    Preferably the contact regions in the first and third rows are aligned, and the contact regions of the second row are offset with respect to those of the first and third rows. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment the conductor contact regions are form on a printed circuit board. Preferably the printed circuit board is formed such that the contact regions protrude therefrom. Preferably the contact regions are flush with the housing face surrounding them. 
         [0064]    In a further aspect the invention provides magnetic connector apparatus comprising a plug and a receiver to which the plugs may be connected, the plug and receiver being capable of alignment in only one orientation. 
         [0065]    In a further aspect the invention provides connector apparatus comprising a socket, receiver or plug having an arrangement of contacts or contact regions substantially as shown in any one of  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  20  of the accompanying drawings. 
         [0066]    Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0067]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the words “socket” or “jack”, and “plug” are used for the purposes of convenience, since the connection apparatus and system described in this document comprises components which may not conform to the traditional definition of a socket, jack or plug. Instead, the terms “socket” and “jack” are used to refer generally to a connector component which is connected to a communication system or a media delivery device or system for example, and the term “plug” is used to refer to a connector component which is typically attached to a device used by a user, such as a headset for example. 
         [0068]    Although the embodiments discussed below are referred in the context of audio delivery apparatus such as headsets and noise canceling headphones, the invention is not intended to be limited to that application. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the invention is applicable to connector apparatus in general, and includes within its scope connector apparatus for use in communication systems such as “SKYPE” headsets and/or mobile telephone connection devices and/or MP3 media delivery device charging interfaces or connectors amongst other various applications. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a socket is shown generally referenced  1 . The front elevation shown in the drawing reveals the front face of the socket as it would appear ready to receive a “plug” of a connector. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the socket construction as shown in  FIG. 1  is an example of an existing socket which may be used in conjunction with a noise canceling headset. Therefore, the socket as shown in  FIG. 1  is one which can be used with an existing form of plug, i.e. being capable of receiving one, two, or up to three pins of an existing plug construction, but which is also adapted to receive an alternative form of plug which is held in place by virtue of magnetic means which act between the socket and the plug, as will be described further below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention as described below may also be implemented in a socket and/or plug construction which does not provide the existing conventional plug pin and plug pin receiver construction. 
         [0070]    Therefore, referring still to  FIG. 1 , the socket  1  includes a housing  2  which supports three pin receiving sockets  3 . The housing has a face  4 . In the embodiment shown, face  4  comprises part of a contour in the housing defined by raised edge  5  which may be used to facilitate correct interconnection between the socket and the plug, as will be described further below. 
         [0071]    Located behind face  4  of the plug (i.e. within the housing) is a magnetic means comprising one or more magnets  6  which are diagrammatically represented in  FIG. 1  for purposes of explanation despite not normally being visible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that only a single magnet need be provided in some embodiments, and that more than two magnets can be provided in other embodiments. It will also be appreciated that magnets can be provided in different positions, other than those shown. Magnetism may be conducted through metal contacts to facilitate magnetic fields suiting connection to the plug whilst minimizing the of volume socket. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, rather than being magnetized, the material which is used may simply be a magnetically permeable material i.e. a material which facilitates a magnetic attraction with a magnet or magnetized material provided in a plug, for example. Alternatively, magnetic means  6  may comprise magnets which act on magnetically permeable material (rather than a magnet per se) which is provided in or on a plug adapted for connection with the socket  1 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the socket of  FIG. 1  is again illustrated, but this time showing contact (i.e. electrical conductor or terminal) regions on face  4 . Conductor contact regions  7  are in this embodiment provided to allow the required number of contacts to adequately support a noise canceling headset. Conductor contact regions  8  may provide a power supply for operation of a device such as a noise canceling headset. The contacts  7  and  8  are provided such that they are exposed conductors adapted to make electrical connection with appropriate conductor contacts disposed in similar locations on the plug which is adapted for connection to the socket  1 . Therefore the contacts  7  and  8  are provided in front of the magnetic means  6 . This is shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 . Further the contact regions  7  and/or  8  may provide dedicated contacts for connection to telephony (Voice over IP) headsets and other communication equipment. 
         [0073]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the housing face  4  is shown, and it can be seen that above the housing face  4  a conductive layer  10  is provided. Layer  10  is configured to be connected at its periphery (not shown) or at another convenient location, with the appropriate conductors within the housing  2  for the electrical connections required to enable operation of the socket. This conductive layer  10  is shaped, or has an appropriate insulating region to enable the plurality of contact regions to be provided. The physical dimensions or extent of contact areas  7  and  8  can be defined by applying a non-conductive (and preferably appropriately cosmetic) layer  11  which therefore defines the required shape of each of the contact regions  7  and  8 . 
         [0074]    Alternatively, rather than the construction shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the face  4  may be constructed such that the connector regions project above a surrounding insulated region. For example, the connector regions may comprise spring contacts, as will be described further below with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 7 . Regarding the power supply contacts  8 , in one embodiment, a detector is included in the socket, so that when a plug is correctly connected to the socket, then the power supply is made available to contact regions  8  so that the supply can be used by the plug. Otherwise, the power supply is not available at contact regions  8  for safety purposes. This can be achieved by a mechanical switch for example, or alternatively, by electrically detecting connection of the plug with the socket or by using impedance detection circuitry to detect the nature of the connection made. Thus in one embodiment the contacts  7  may be used to electrically detect the presence of the plug, and in another embodiment the presence of a plug pin within a pin receiver of the socket may be used to perform the detection step. Alternatively, the contact regions  8  may be recessed sufficiently so as to make inadvertent shorting or other electrical contact unlikely. 
         [0075]    In one embodiment, the conductive layer  10  and the non-conductive layer  11  may be constructed as “decals” which are easily manufactured and attached to body  2  of a socket  1  during a manufacturing process. 
         [0076]    Furthermore, the outer contour of the face  4 , as defined by edge  5  may be used to ensure that a correct alignment is achieved between the socket  1  and an appropriate plug. Therefore, the plug (not shown) may include a recess which corresponds with edge  5  to ensure a correct alignment is achieved in use between the socket and the plug. Alternatively or additionally, other alignment contours may be used to ensure that not only is alignment between the socket and plug correct, but also that the orientation of the plug is correct relative to its socket. 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 to 7 , one embodiment of a plug which may be used with the socket of the preceding figures is illustrated. Referring to those figures, the plug is shown generally referenced  20 , having housing  22 . The housing includes an opening  24  to allow a lead or cable to be connected to the housing. Although not shown in  FIGS. 4 to 7 , the housing contains one or more magnetic means such as magnets or magnetically permeable material, as discussed above in relation to the socket  1 . In one embodiment, the magnet means is provided rearwardly of contacts  28 . The upper surface  26  of the plug  20  includes a number of contacts  28 . In this example, the contacts  28  comprise spring contacts i.e. the contacts project beyond surface  26  and are biased outwardly, but capable of being pressed back toward surface  26  on contact with the connector regions of the socket. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other forms of contact  28  may be provided. the upper surface  26  also includes one or more alignment means which include contours and such as projecting portions and/or stubs  32 . In use, the contours  28  can locate about outer surfaces of the peripheral edge  5  of the connector, and the stubs  32  may be provided within the pin receivers  3 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements are possible, and that the stubs  32  could also include some form of communication connection (i.e. include one or more conductors) and/or may also include one or more magnetic means. 
         [0078]    Turning to  FIGS. 8 to 10 , a second embodiment of a socket is illustrated. Again, the socket may include conventional functionality including pin receivers  3  for receiving pins of one or more known headset plugs. The socket has magnetic areas  42 . In a preferred embodiment these comprise permanent magnets (for example rare earth magnets), but in other embodiments may simply be ferromagnetic material for co-acting with a magnet or magnets in similar areas on a plug. The apparatus is generally referenced  40  and has a housing  41 . Associated with the housing  41  are locating projections  45  and a controllable location projection  46 . The function of these features will be described further below. 
         [0079]    As can be seen, a plurality of conductor contact regions arranged in a group  43  is provided. These are shown in more detail in  FIG. 11 . The individual regions are labeled  1  to  10  in that figure and an example of an appropriate function for each electrical contact region in the context of an audio headset is also illustrated in  FIG. 11 . It can be seen that the individual regions are arranged in three rows, the regions in the first and third rows being substantially aligned with each other, (i.e. regions  1 ,  2 ,  3  and  8 ,  9 ,  10 ) and the second or middle row (i.e. regions  4 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 ) has contact regions that are offset from the first and third rows. Furthermore, it can be seen that the region bounded by the contact regions  43  has a distinctive shape which may be adapted for receiving a part of the plug, as described further below. The shape thus helps to ensure that the plug and the socket can be aligned in only one way and therefore the correct contacts are made between the plug and the socket. 
         [0080]    A plug for use with the socket of  FIGS. 8 to 10  is shown in  FIGS. 12 to 14 . As with the previous embodiment, the plug, which is referenced  50 , has a cord  53  and has projections  32  if required to assist with alignment with the socket. Magnets or magnetic regions  52  are provided to co-act with the magnets or regions  42  of the socket. A plurality of pins  51  is arranged in appropriate rows as described with reference to the plurality of contact regions  43  of the socket. The array of pins  51  may project slightly as shown in  FIG. 13  for reception in an appropriately contoured recess of the socket. The pins  51  may comprise spring contacts which are biased to project but can move axially back toward the body of the plug upon contact with the socket. 
         [0081]    Turning to  FIG. 15 , an armrest  49  is shown such as an aircraft seat armrest, which may include a connector  48  that forms a part of the aircraft or vehicle IFE system. The socket  40  is engaged in the armrest and the plug  44  may be engaged with the connector  48 . 
         [0082]    In  FIGS. 16 to 19 , an installation process for the socket  40  into armrest  49  is illustrated. As can be seen, the location projections  45  engage with the lower part of a cutout in the armrest  49 . The projection  46  is lowered by using an Allen Key or other appropriate tool to rotate projection  46  through use of the tool receiving socket  47 . Once the socket  40  is in place, the projection  46  is moved so that it projects from the housing and prevents the socket  40  from being removed from the armrest  49 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0083]    A further embodiment of socket is shown in  FIG. 20  in which the group  43  of conductor contact regions is has a different physical form, but comprises three rows of conductor contact regions which are provided adjacent to each other in the same plane. In this embodiment the group  43  is substantially flush with the surrounding portion of face  4  so that there is no lip or ridge about which dirt or grime can accumulate and thus cause a malfunction. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show an arrangement of printed circuit boards  60 ,  61  and  62  which may be used with an embodiment such as that of  FIG. 20 . Circuit board  60  has a conductor layer that provides the group  43  of conductor contacts and is machined so that the group  43  protrudes from the remainder of the board. In this way, the housing can be located about the board  60  so that the group  43  is substantially flush with face  4  upon assembly. Board  60  also facilitates location of boards  61  and  62  which carry plug pin receivers  3 . 
         [0085]    The examples described above may be used in conjunction with an in-flight entertainment system the socket being provided in or adjacent to a passenger seat, and the plug being provided on a headset. The socket is intended to have a very long service life. Spring contacts which may be used with magnetic jacks by contrast have a limited lifetime. The plugs are part of headphones which are viewed by airline operators as a consumable device. Therefore where spring contacts are used they can be located on the plug to maximise the lifetime of the conductive surface of the socket. 
         [0086]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the construction shown has the advantage that multiple contact areas are provided using the layer structure disclosed, so that maximum use is made of the available space and therefore the overall size of the connector and plug arrangement can be kept to a minimum. The magnetic connection is advantageously achieved a magnetic means provided rearwardly of the connector regions i.e. the connector regions in use become between the magnetic means provided in the socket and the plug. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the socket is provided which may still be used with “legacy” plug arrangements. Therefore, the socket supports a new magnetic plug, but also has the advantage it is functional with existing pin type plug constructions.