Abstract:
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. One example may provide a receptacle that may be used in a number of different devices to avoid having to redesign a receptacle for different devices. Another example may maintain a desirable appearance by reducing the chance of marring or functional damage during insertions of an insert.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/500,592, filed Jun. 23, 2011, which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The number of types of electronic devices that are commercially available has increased tremendously the past few years, and the rate of introduction of new devices shows no signs of abating. Devices, such as tablet, laptop, netbook, desktop, and all-in-one computers, cell, smart, and media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, and others, have become ubiquitous. 
     Often, these devices communicate with other devices. As just one example, 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 various devices may have different form factors, thereby necessitating the use of different device housings or enclosures. But this often means that different connector receptacles need to be designed and developed for each new device. This complexity adds development costs and slows the introduction of new devices to the marketplace. 
     Also, 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. 
     Moreover, connector inserts may be inserted into these connector receptacles several times during a device&#39;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. 
     Thus, what is needed are 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. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, 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. In various embodiments of the present invention, keying, retention, shielding, grounding, and other features may be found on, attached to, or otherwise associated with the device housing. By providing these features separately from the connector receptacle, 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. For example, these elements may be formed using nickel plated steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, or other appropriate material. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, 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. In various embodiments, 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. In various embodiments of the present invention, 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. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a reliable and durable connector receptacle. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a tongue may be injection molded around contacts of a connector receptacle. By forming the tongue using injection molding, 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. In various embodiments of the present invention, 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. For example, 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. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a portable computing device that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a cutaway view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, while  FIG. 2B  illustrates a front top view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates another cutaway view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention, while  FIG. 3B  illustrates a front bottom view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates views of a shield according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a number of contacts attached to a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates views of a tongue that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates views of a connector housing that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 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; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a front view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 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; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates another method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 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 manipulation by a user. Cable  150  may be used to connect portable computing device  110  to a second electronic device (not shown). For example, 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. 
     In this example, 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. 
     Again, various types of devices, such as various personal computing devices  110 , typically each need their own specifically designed connector receptacles. Having to design a connector receptacle for each device may slow new product introductions and add development costs. Accordingly, 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 . 
     Again, a connector insert may be inserted to make contact with connector receptacle  210  thousands of times over the device&#39;s lifetime. Such insertions may mar surfaces on the connector receptacle or connector insert. For example, such marring may be caused by burrs or sharp edges on a leading edge of contacts in connector receptacle  210 . Accordingly, 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 electromagnetic interference contacts  257 . Tape 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. 
     Again, in various embodiments of the present invention, the different portions of the connector receptacle may be formed of various materials. For example, 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. 
       FIG. 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  235  may reside on a tongue  230 . 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. 
     In this example, 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. 
     In a specific embodiment of the present invention, ground contacts  257  and keys  259  may be included in the connector receptacle. In this specific embodiment, 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. 3A  illustrates another cutaway view of a connector receptacle  310  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, latch piece  290  may provide a keying function. 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. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a front bottom view of a connector receptacle located in a device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, latch piece  290  and ground contacts  357  may be formed of a single piece of conductive material. In this specific embodiment, latch piece  290  and ground contacts  357  may be included as part of device enclosure  260 . 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. 
     Again, it may be desirable to be able to use these connector receptacles in various applications. Accordingly, 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. This may provide a connector receptacle that may be used in different applications, since each device enclosure may be modified to accept a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, in  FIG. 2 , 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. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a connector receptacle  410  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, 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). 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, shield  440  may have various shapes. For example, 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 . As before, tongue  630  may extend from first housing portion  620 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another view of a connector receptacle  710  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, 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 . 
       FIG. 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  830 . 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. 
     Again, it may be desirable to provide a 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 manufacturing step. For example, these pieces may be soldered, welded, or otherwise fixed to each other in a single manufacturing step. 
     Specifically, 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 manufacturing step. Specifically, 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. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  910 , a plurality of contacts fixed to a carrier are received. Each contact may have an angled leading edge. In act  920 , 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 . In act  950 , 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 . At this point, the connector receptacle may be stored or stocked for later use. 
     In act  970 , 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 . In act  990 , the connector receptacle may be attached to the device enclosure. In act  995 , the connector receptacle may be attached to a flexible or other circuit board. 
     Detailed views of some of the portions of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates views of a shield  1040  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments 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. In this example, contacts  1135  include one or more ground contacts  1192 , which are longer than one or more other contacts  1194 . By having 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 . After assembly of a connector receptacle, carrier  1190  may be removed. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates views of tongue  1230  that may be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 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  FIGS. 2A and 2B . EMI or ground contacts  1457  may be located at ends of fingers  1458 .  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
     In the above embodiments of the present invention, 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. In other embodiments of the present invention, other EMI connections may be employed to reduce noise, cross-talk, and improve signal integrity. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 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 . Keys  1559  may be included. 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. 
       FIG. 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. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, 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. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates another method of assembling a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1810 , a plurality of contacts fixed to a carrier are received. Each contact may have an angled leading edge. In act  1820 , 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 . In act  1835 , 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 . In act  1850 , 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 . At this point, the connector receptacle may be stored or stocked for later use. 
     In act  1870 , 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 . In act  1890 , the connector receptacle may be attached to the device enclosure. In act  1895 , the connector receptacle may be attached to a flexible or other circuit board. 
     The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.