PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11799225-B2
Application Number: US-202016885122-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connector having contact array

Abstract:
Connectors that provide a large number of connections between a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board, can easily and securely connect the flexible circuit board to the printed circuit board, are readily manufactured, and can be used in an assembly of an electronic device without excessive warpage.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector comprising:
 a contact array, wherein the contact array comprises a plurality of rows, wherein each row comprises:
 a plurality of contacts; and 
 an array crossbar joining the plurality of contacts; 
 
 a frame having a plurality of slats, wherein each array crossbar of each of the plurality of rows is fixed to each of the plurality of slats; and 
 a shell over the frame and the contact array, the shell comprising a plurality of tabs folded under the frame and located in corresponding recesses in a bottom of the frame. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector of  claim 1  wherein each array crossbar joins a plurality of contacts such that for each contact, a contacting portion at a first end and a surface-mount contacting portion at a second end are exposed. 
     
     
       3. The connector of  claim 2  wherein undersides of the tabs and the surface-mount contacting portion for each contact in the contact array are in the same plane. 
     
     
       4. The connector of  claim 2  wherein undersides of the tabs and the surface-mount contacting portion for each contact in the contact array are planarized. 
     
     
       5. The connector of  claim 1  further comprising a shell over the frame and the contact array, wherein the shell comprises a plurality of openings to accept a latch formed in a cowling on a flexible circuit board, wherein the openings are arranged along a length of the latch when the flexible circuit board is mated with the connector, wherein the openings are separated by a shell crossbar. 
     
     
       6. The connector of  claim 5  wherein the shell crossbar prevents the latch from extending above a top surface of the shell when the flexible circuit board is inserted in the connector. 
     
     
       7. A connector comprising:
 an array of contacts, each contact having a surface-mount contacting portion, the array of contacts arranged in a plurality of rows of contacts; 
 a frame supporting the array of contacts; and 
 a shell over the frame and the array of contacts and including tabs, wherein the tabs of the shell are folded under the frame and located in corresponding recesses in a bottom of the frame, 
 wherein each row of contacts comprises a plurality of contacts, and for each row of contacts, the plurality of contacts are joined by a corresponding one of a plurality of array crossbars. 
 
     
     
       8. The connector of  claim 7  wherein undersides of the tabs and the surface-mount contacting portion for each contact in the array of contacts are in the same plane. 
     
     
       9. The connector of  claim 7  wherein undersides of the tabs and the surface-mount contacting portion for each contact in the array of contacts are planarized. 
     
     
       10. The connector of  claim 9  wherein the frame comprises a plurality of slats, wherein the array crossbar for each of the plurality of rows of contacts are fixed to each of the plurality of slats. 
     
     
       11. The connector of  claim 7  wherein the shell further comprises a plurality of openings to accept a latch, the latch formed in a cowling on a flexible circuit board, wherein the openings are arranged along a length of the latch when the flexible circuit board is inserted in the connector, wherein the openings are separated by a shell crossbar. 
     
     
       12. The connector of  claim 11  wherein the shell crossbar prevents the latch from extending above a top surface of the shell when the flexible circuit board is inserted in the connector. 
     
     
       13. A connector system comprising:
 a flexible circuit board having an end, a cowling over the end, and a latch formed in the cowling; and 
 a connector comprising:
 an array of contacts; 
 a frame supporting the array of contacts; and 
 a shell over the frame and the array of contacts, wherein the shell comprises a plurality of holes in a top surface of the shell to accept the latch formed in the cowling on the flexible circuit board, wherein the holes are arranged along a length of the latch when the flexible circuit board is inserted in the connector, wherein the holes are separated by a shell crossbar. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The connector system of  claim 13  wherein the cowling comprises a plurality of latches. 
     
     
       15. The connector system of  claim 13  wherein the shell crossbar prevents the latch from extending above a top surface of the shell. 
     
     
       16. The connector system of  claim 15  wherein the latch is stamped in the cowling. 
     
     
       17. The connector system of  claim 16  wherein the array of contacts comprises a plurality of rows of contacts, wherein each row of contacts comprises a plurality of contacts joined by a corresponding one of a plurality of array crossbars. 
     
     
       18. The connector system of  claim 17  wherein the shell comprises a plurality of tabs folded under the frame and located in corresponding recesses in a bottom of the frame. 
     
     
       19. The connector of  claim 7  wherein each array crossbar joins a plurality of contacts such that for each contact, a contacting portion at a first end and a surface-mount contacting portion at a second end are exposed. 
     
     
       20. The connector of  claim 18  wherein each array crossbar joins a plurality of contacts such that for each contact, a contacting portion at a first end and a surface-mount contacting portion at a second end are exposed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional of, claims the benefit of, U.S. provisional application No. 62/907,063, filed Sep. 27, 2019, which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices are continuously becoming more complicated and are packing an ever increasing amount of functionality. To support this increasing amount of functionality, electronic devices can include a number of various types of boards, such as flexible circuit boards, printed circuit boards, and other types of boards. These boards can require a correspondingly increasing number of interconnect paths between and among them. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide connectors that provide a large number of connections between two boards, such as a printed circuit board and a flexible circuit board. 
     During assembly of the electronic device, conventional connectors can be mated to both a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board. But a complicated assembly procedure can result in component damage and the need to rework or scrap portions of the electronic device. To avoid this damage, it can be desirable that connectors readily connect the flexible circuit board to the printed circuit board. It can also be desirable that these boards can be easily disconnected in the event rework is still necessary. 
     These electronic devices can be portable and moved during their lifetime. As a result, they can be dropped or otherwise exposed to sudden, physically jarring events. When severe enough, these events can cause inadvertent disconnections between a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board. It can therefore be desirable that these connectors securely connect the flexible circuit board to the printed circuit board, such that a connection can be maintained during the lifetime of the electronic device, despite the occurrence of such events. 
     Such electronic devices can be manufactured in large numbers. It can therefore be desirable that these connectors be readily manufactured such that constraints on electronic device assembly are avoided. Also, during electronic device assembly, these connectors can be exposed to heat. It can therefore be desirable that these connectors do not warp during device assembly. 
     Thus, what is needed are connectors that provide a large number of connections between a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board, can easily and securely connect the flexible circuit board to the printed circuit board, are readily manufactured, and can be exposed to heat during assembly of an electronic device without excessive warpage. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide connectors that provide a large number of connections between a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board, can easily and securely connect the flexible circuit board to the printed circuit board, are readily manufactured, and can be exposed to head during assembly of an electronic device without excessive warpage. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide connectors that provide a large number of connections between a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board. For example, the connector can include an array of contacts. The contacts in the array of contacts can each include a contacting portion to physically and electrically connect to a contact on the flexible circuit board and a surface-mount contacting portion to be soldered to a corresponding contact on the printed circuit board. Rows in a contact array can be formed by insert or injection molding an array crossbar around portions of a number of contacts. A frame having a number of slats can be insert or injection molded around several array crossbars, where the slats can fit in notches in the array crossbars. Each array crossbar can form a row of contacts and the several array crossbars can form an array. A shell can be placed over the frame, and tabs on the shell can be folded or bent under the shell to form the connector. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector that is readily mated to a flexible circuit board and a printed circuit board. Surface-mount contact portions of contacts and shell tabs on a bottom of the connector can be highly planarized to facilitate mating to the printed circuit board. The surface-mount contacting portions can be accurately aligned during molding of array crossbars and frames such that they are highly planarized. Alternatively, the contacts can have surface-mount contacting portions that can be bent to be against a bottom surface of the frame such that they are highly planarized. The shell can include a number of tabs that can be folded under the frame. Recesses can be used to reduce a height that the shell tabs would otherwise contribute, thereby planarizing the shell tabs with the surface-mount contacting portions of the contacts. The height of the connector can be well-controlled since the height is dictated by the position of the shell tabs and a top of the shell. This can provide a connector that can reliably accept a flexible circuit board without damaging it, and can accept the flexible circuit board with a consistent and reliable insertion force. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector that securely connects a flexible circuit board to a printed circuit board. The flexible circuit board can include a cowling or stiffener. The stiffener can be fixed to a top surface of the flexible circuit board using an adhesive. The stiffener can include one or more fingers or latches that can be bent above the plane of the stiffener. During insertion, the one or more latches can be pushed flat with the stiffener. The latches can return to their original position when they reach an opening in the shell, thereby locking the stiffener and flexible circuit board to the connector. A shell crossbar can be used to limit a height of the latch in the shell opening. The flexible circuit board can be removed for rework by pushing the latch against the stiffener and extracting the flexible circuit board from the connector. 
     The structures in these and other embodiments of the present invention can be formed of various materials. For example, the array crossbars and other portions of the frames can be formed of Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), such as SumikaSuper™ E6808, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies of Phoenix, Ariz., Laperos® HA475, manufactured by Polyplastics Co. of Tokyo, Japan, or Vectra® S475, manufactured by Celanese Corp. of Irving, Tex. The array crossbars and other portions of frames can be formed of plastic, nylon, or other nonconductive material. The contacts can be formed of copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, or other conductive material. The stiffeners can be formed of copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, or other conductive or nonconductive material. The shells can be formed of copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, or other conductive or nonconductive material. These various structures can be formed using injection molding, stamping, 3-D printing, forging, drawing, or other manufacturing technique. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector systems and connectors that can be located in various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, keyboards, covers, charging cases, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, adapters, audio devices and equipment, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. 
     These connector systems and connectors can provide pathways for signals and power compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt™, Lightning™, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), test-access-port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Testing (DART), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. In one example, the connector systems and connectors can be used to convey a data signal, a power supply, and ground. In various embodiments of the present invention, the data signal can be unidirectional or bidirectional and the power supply can be unidirectional or bidirectional. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the connector systems and connectors can be used to convey power and ground, while data is transmitted wirelessly. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a front oblique view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a front view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a portion of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit board mated with a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  7 - 10    illustrate a method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an underside of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a side view of a portion of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates another connector system including a connector having a contact array mated with a corresponding flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a front oblique view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a portion of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a stiffener for a portion of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a portion of a flexible circuit board and stiffener according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit board mated with a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  19 - 23    illustrate a method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  24    is a detail view of a portion of a frame and contacts for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a shell for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  26 - 28    illustrate another method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  29 - 32    illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  34    illustrates an underside view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  35    illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  36    illustrates a cross-section portion of an array crossbar and a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  37    illustrates an array crossbar according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  38    illustrates a cross-section of an array crossbar and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  39    illustrates an array crossbar according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  40    illustrates a cross-section of a slat in a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  41    illustrates a cross-section of a slat in a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  42    is a pinout for a contact array of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  43    is another pinout for a contact array of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector  100  can include shell  110  around frame  120 . Opening  102  can accept a portion of flexible circuit board  200 . Flexible circuit board  200  can include cowling or stiffener  210 . Stiffener  210  can include latches  212  that can fit in openings  112  in shell  110 . A front edge of flexible circuit board  200  and stiffener  210  can be inserted into opening  102  of connector  100  and latches  212  can fit in openings  112  in shell  110 . This can help to align and secure flexible circuit board  200  in position in connector  100 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a front oblique view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector  100  can include frame  120  protected by shell  110 . Frame  120  can support an array of contacts  300 , which can be accessible to flexible circuit board  200  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) through opening  102 . That is, contacts (not shown) on flexible circuit board  200  can physically and electrically connect to contacting portions  302  (shown in  FIG.  8   ) of contacts  300 . Shell  110  can include openings  112 , which can accept latches  212  on stiffener  210  on flexible circuit board  200  (all shown in  FIG.  1   .) 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a front view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In connector  100 , frame  120  can be shielded by shell  110 . Shell  110  can include tabs  114 . Tabs  114  can be inserted into a corresponding openings (not shown) in printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Tabs  114  can be soldered to openings in printed circuit board  1500  to form an electrical connection to ground or other potential. Frame  120  can include opening  102 , into which flexible circuit board  200  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) can be inserted to mate with contacts  300  in connector  100 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a portion of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, stiffener  210  can be attached to flexible circuit board  200 . Stiffener  210  can be attached using adhesive or other material (not shown). For example, stiffener  210  can be attached to flexible circuit board  200  using a conductive or nonconductive adhesive, such as a conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive, a conductive temperature-sensitive or heat-activated adhesive, or other adhesive layer. Openings  214  can be formed in stiffener  210  and latches  212  can be formed by lifting or bending. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stiffener  210  can be attached using a layer  211  of an adhesive to flexible circuit board  200 . Latches  212  can be formed in stiffener  210 . Contacts (not shown) can be formed on a bottom surface  202  of flexible circuit board  200 . Contacts on bottom surface  202  can form electrical connections with contacting portions  302  (shown in  FIG.  8   ) of contacts  300  in connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  3   .) Contacts on bottom surface  202  can be connected through traces (not shown) in and on flexible circuit board  200  to circuits, contacts, and other electrical components in an electronic device housing connector  100 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit board mated with a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, flexible circuit board  200  can be mated with connector  100 . During insertion of flexible circuit board  200  into connector  100 , latch  212  of stiffener  210  can encounter front edge  111  of shell  110  of connector  100 . Front edge  111  can push latch  212  downward as shown. When latch  212  reaches opening  112  in shell  110 , latch  212  can move upward to its original position. Latch  212  in opening  112  in shell  110  can help to secure flexible circuit board  200  in place in connector  100 . Once in place, contacts (not shown) on bottom surface  202  flexible circuit board  200  can form electrical connections with contacts  300  of connector  100 . Flexible circuit board  200  can be removed for rework by pushing latch  212  against the stiffener  210  and extracting flexible circuit board  200  from the connector  100 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, stiffener  210  can be formed of multiple layers (not shown.) One or more of these layers can be removed from a top surface of latch  212  to improve the flexibility of latch  212  and to lower the profile of latch  212  in opening  112 . 
       FIGS.  7 - 10    illustrate a method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG.  7   , a number of contacts  300  can be formed. Contacts  300  can be held in place relative to each other by array crossbar  700 , which can be formed by insert or injection molding or other manufacturing process around a portion of each contact  300 . Array crossbar  700  can include notches  702 . In  FIG.  8   , contacts  300  can be supported by array crossbar  700 . Each contact  300  can include a contacting portion  302  for mating with a corresponding contact on a bottom surface  202  of flexible circuit board  200 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . Contacts  300  can also include a surface-mount contacting portions  304  at an opposite end, though contacts  300  can instead have through-hole contacting portions (not shown.) Surface-mount contacting portions  304  can be soldered to a corresponding contact (not shown) on a printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Contacts  300  can be supported by array crossbar  700  at a middle portion  306 . In  FIG.  9   , array crossbars  700  can be joined to frame  120  to form an array of contacts  300 . Slats  122  of frame  120  can fit in notches  702  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) of array crossbars  700  to form interlocking features to increase a rigidity and reduce warpage of frame  120  during reflow and device assembly. Frame  120  can further include tabs or protrusions  900  for aligning to shell  110 , as shown in  FIG.  10   . In  FIG.  10   , shell  110  can be assembled to frame  120 . Shell  110  can include tab  1000 . Tab  1000  can fit between protrusions  900  to be aligned to frame  120 . Protrusions  900  can fit in openings  1010  in shell  110 . Tab  1000  can be bent around an underside of frame  120 . A corresponding recess  1120  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) in frame  120  can be formed to accept tab  1000  such that tab  1000  does not lift connector  100  off printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Tabs  1000  can be soldered to a corresponding contact on the printed circuit board. Tabs  1000  and surface-mount contacting portions  304  can be planarized for mating with the printed circuit board. 
     Surface-mount contacting portions  304  of contacts  300  (shown in  FIG.  8   ) can be soldered to corresponding contacts on printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   .) This soldering can take place during a reflow or other type of manufacturing process. This manufacturing process can cause shell  110  and frame  120  to be heated. During heating, these two structures can expand or otherwise change shape in different ways relative to each other. To compensate for these effects, during assembly, a top  123  of frame  120  can be placed directly against a top  116  of shell  110 . This can allow a height of connector  100  to be maintained during the reflow process. Conversely, during assembly, a side  125  of frame  120  can be spaced away from a side  118  of shell  110 . The resulting gap can allow for expansion of frame  120  during reflow. These techniques can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention, such as connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), the connector shown in  FIG.  34   , and the other connectors described herein or otherwise provided by embodiments of the present invention. 
     A height of connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), as well as the various versions of connector  1300  shown below, and the other connectors described herein and consistent with embodiments of the present invention, can be well-controlled. For example, the height of connector  100  can be dictated by the position of tabs  1000  and a top of shell  310 . This well controlled height can provide a reliable connection between contacts  300  in connector  100  and contacts (not shown) on flexible circuit board  200  (shown in  FIG.  1   .) This height control can provide a connector  100  that can reliably accept flexible circuit board  200  without damaging flexible circuit board  200  and with a consistent and reliable insertion force. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an underside of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, array crossbars  700  have been joined together by frame  120  to form an array of contacts  300  having surface-mount contacting portions  304  in connector  100 . Shell  110  can be fit around frame  120 . Frame  120  can include protrusions  900 , which can fit in openings  1010  of shell  110 . Tabs  1000  can be bent and fit in between protrusions  900 . Frame  120  can include recess  1120  for tab  1000 . The tolerances between protrusions  900  and openings  1010  can be tight. This can help to keep shell  110  and frame  120  aligned during the reflow process. Tab  1100  can similarly bent to fit in recess  1122  in the bottom side of frame  120 . In this example, corresponding protrusions from frame  120  might not be used in openings  1110 . This can help to prevent warping of frame  120  during reflow. This arrangement is shown further in the following figure. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a side view of a portion of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shell  110  of connector  100  can include tabs  1000  and  1100 . Protrusions  900  of frame  120  can fit in openings  1010  of shell  110 . Again, the tolerances between protrusions  900  and opening  1010  can be tight to control a position frame  120  relative to shell  110  during reflow. Conversely, frame  120  might not include similar protrusions for openings  1110  on each side of tab  1100 . This can allow frame  120  to expand relative to shell  110  without causing frame  120  to warp during reflow. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates another connector system including a connector having a contact array mated with a corresponding flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector  1300  can include shell  1310  around frame  1320 . Opening  1302  can accept a portion of flexible circuit board  1400 . Flexible circuit board  1400  can include cowling or stiffener  1410 . Stiffener  1410  can include latches  1412  that can fit in openings  1312  and  1332  in shell  1310 . That is, an end of flexible circuit board  1400  and stiffener  1410  can be inserted into opening  1302  in connector  1300 , and latches  1412  can fit in openings  1312  and  1332  in shell  1310 . This can help to align and secure flexible circuit board  1400  in position in connector  1300 . Board  1500  can be a printed circuit board, flexible circuit board, or other appropriate substrate. Traces and pads (not shown) in printed circuit board  1500  can connect to contacts (not shown) on a surface of printed circuit board  1500  as well as components and circuits (not shown) on printed circuit board  1500 . These contacts can be soldered to surface-mount contacting portions  1604  (shown in  FIG.  21   ) of contacts  1600  (shown in  FIG.  21   .) Contacting portions  1602  (shown in  FIG.  21   ) of contacts  1600  can physically and electrically connect to contacts  1404  (shown in  FIG.  15   ) on a bottom side of flexible circuit board  1400 . Contacts  1404  on the bottom side of flexible circuit board  1400  can connect to other circuits and components (not shown) via traces (not shown) of flexible circuit board  1400 . 
     As compared to connector  100 , connector  1300  is shown as having two openings  1312  and  1332  for each latch  1412  on stiffener  1410 . These openings  1312  and  1332  can be separated by shell crossbar  1330 . Shell crossbar  1330  can control a vertical height of latch  1412  in openings  1312  and  1332 . For example, shell crossbar  1330  can prevent latch  1412  from extending above a top surface of shell  1310 . This is shown further in  FIG.  18    below. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a front oblique view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector  1300  can include frame  1320  protected by shell  1310 . Frame  1320  can support an array of contacts  1600 , which can be physically and electrically connected to contacts  1404  (shown in  FIG.  15   ) on a bottom side of flexible circuit board  1400  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) when flexible circuit board  1400  is inserted in opening  1302 . Shell  1310  can include openings  1312  and  1332 , which can be separated by shell crossbar  1330 , and which can accept latches  1412  on stiffener  1410  on flexible circuit board  1400  (all shown in  FIG.  13   .) 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a portion of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contacts  1404  can be located on an end or tab portion  1402  of flexible circuit board  1400 . Contacts  1404  can be connected to traces (not shown) in flexible circuit board  1400 . Contacts  1404  can be connected through these traces to circuits, contacts, and other electrical components in an electronic device housing connector  1300 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a stiffener for a portion of a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stiffener  1410  can include latches  1412 . Latches  1412  can be stamped or otherwise formed from stiffener  1410 , or latches  1412  can be attached to stiffener  1410 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a portion of a flexible circuit board and stiffener according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, stiffener  1410  can be attached to flexible circuit board  1400 . Stiffener  1410  can be attached using adhesive or other material (not shown.) For example, stiffener  1410  can be attached to flexible circuit board  1400  using a conductive or nonconductive adhesive, such as a conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive, a conductive temperature-sensitive or heat-activated adhesive, or other adhesive layer. Openings  1414  can be formed in stiffener  1410  and latches  1412  can be formed by lifting or bending. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit board mated with a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, flexible circuit board  1400  can be mated with connector  1300 , that is, flexible circuit board  1400  can be inserted into connector  1300 . During insertion of flexible circuit board  1400  into connector  1300 , latch  1412  of stiffener  1410  can encounter front edge  1311  of shell  1310  of connector  1300 . Front edge  1311  can push latch  1412  downward as shown. When latch  1412  reaches openings  1312  and  1332  in shell  1310 , latch  1412  can move upward to its original position. This upward travel can be limited by shell crossbar  1330 . Latch  1412  in openings  1312  and  1332  in shell  1310  can help to secure flexible circuit board  1400  in place in connector  1300 . Once in place, contacts  1404  on flexible circuit board  1400  (shown in  FIG.  15   ) can form electrical connections with contacting portions  1602  (shown in  FIG.  19   ) of contacts  1600  of connector  1300 . Flexible circuit board  1400  can be removed for rework by pushing latch  1412  against the stiffener  1410  and extracting flexible circuit board  1400  from the connector  1300 . 
       FIGS.  19 - 23    illustrate another method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG.  19   , a number of contacts  1600  can be formed. A sheet of metal can be stamped to form contacts  1600  and carrier  1800 . Contacts  1600  can be held in place relative to each other for further manufacturing steps by carrier  1800 . In  FIG.  20   , contacts  1600  can be supported by array crossbar  2000 , which can be formed by insert or injection molding or other manufacturing process around a portion of each contact  1600 . In  FIG.  21   , contacts  1600  can be separated from carrier  1800 , and carrier  1800  can be recycled. Each contact  1600  can include a contacting portions  1602  for mating with a corresponding contact  1404  on a bottom surface of flexible circuit board  1400 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . Contacts  1600  can also include a surface-mount contacting portions  1604  at an opposite end, though contacts  1600  can instead have through-hole contacting portions (not shown.) Surface-mount contacting portions  1604  can be soldered to a corresponding contact (not shown) on printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Contacts  1600  can be supported by array crossbar  2000 . Array crossbar  2000  can have notches  2002 . In  FIG.  22   , frame  1320  can be formed. Frame  1320  can further include protrusions  1900  for aligning to shell  1310 , as shown with respect to connector  100  in  FIG.  10   . Frame  1320  can include slats  2200  having notches  2202 . In  FIG.  23   , contacts  1600  and array crossbars  2000  can be fit to slats  2200  in frame  1320 . Again, Frame  1320  can further include protrusions  1900  for aligning to shell  1310 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, frame  1320  can be insert or injection molded around array crossbars  2000 . 
       FIG.  24    is a detail view of a portion of a frame and contacts for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contacts  1600  can be held in place in frame  1320  by array crossbar  2000 . Notches  2002  (shown in  FIG.  21   ) in array crossbar  2000  can accept slats  2200 . Notches  2202  (shown in  FIG.  22   ) in slats  2200  can accept array crossbar  2000 . These interlocking features can help to secure connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) as a single piece. 
       FIG.  25    illustrates a shell for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shell  1310  can be fit over the frame  1320  of  FIG.  23   . Shell  1310  can include tab  2510 . Tab  2510  can fit between protrusions  1900  (shown in  FIG.  23   ) to be aligned to frame  1320 . Protrusions  1900  can fit in openings  2512  in shell  1310 . Tab  2510  can be bent around an underside of frame  1320 . A corresponding recess  1120  (shown in  FIG.  11    for connector  100  shown in  FIG.  1   ) in frame  1320  can be formed to accept tab  2510  such that tab  2510  does not lift connector  1300  off a printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Tabs  2510  can be soldered to a corresponding contact on the printed circuit board. Tabs  2510  can be planarized for mating with printed circuit board  1500 . Tabs  2520  can be inserted into openings (not shown) and soldered in place in printed circuit board  1500 . 
     A height of connector  1300  (and  100 , shown in  FIG.  1   ) can be well-controlled. For example, the height of connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) can be dictated by the position of tabs  2510  and a top of shell  1310 . This well controlled height can provide a reliable connection between contacts  1600  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) in connector  1300  and contacts  1404  on flexible circuit board  1400  (shown in  FIG.  15   .) This height control can provide a connector  1300  that can reliably accept flexible circuit board  1400  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) without damaging flexible circuit board  1400  and with a consistent and reliable insertion force. 
     The tolerances between protrusions  1900  (shown in  FIG.  23   ) and openings  2512  can be tight. This can help to keep shell  1310  and frame  1320  aligned during a reflow process. In this example, corresponding protrusions from frame  1320  might not be used in openings  2530 . This can help to prevent warping of frame  1320  during reflow. That is, this can allow frame  1320  to expand relative to shell  1310  without causing frame  1320  to warp during reflow. 
       FIGS.  26 - 28    illustrate another method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG.  26   , contacts  2600  can be separated from a carrier (not shown) and the carrier can be recycled. Each contact  2600  can include a contacting portions  2602  for mating with a corresponding contact  1404  on a bottom surface of flexible circuit board  1400 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . Contacts  2600  can also include a surface-mount contacting portions  2604  at an opposite end, though contacts  2600  can instead have through-hole contacting portions (not shown.) Surface-mount contacting portions  2604  can be soldered to a corresponding contact (not shown) on printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Contacts  2600  can be supported by array crossbar  2610 . Array crossbar  2610  can have notches  2612 . In  FIG.  27   , frame  2720  can be used in the same and similar way as frame  120  of connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), frame  3200  (shown in  FIG.  34   ), frame  1320  of connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), and other frames consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Frame  2720  can include slats  2722 . Frame  2720  can also include protrusions  2790 , which can be used in the same or similar way as protrusions  900  in  FIGS.  11  and  1900    in  FIG.  23   . In  FIG.  28   , array crossbars  2610  and contacts  2600  can be fit to slats  2722  in frame  2720 . Notches  2612  in array crossbars  2610  can accept slats  2722 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, frame  2720  can be insert or injection molded around array crossbars  2610 . These interlocking features can help to secure connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) as a single piece. 
       FIGS.  29 - 32    illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG.  29   , contact  2900  can be formed. Each contact  2900  can include a contacting portions  2902  for mating with a corresponding contact  1404  on a bottom side of flexible circuit board  1400 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . Contacts  2900  can also include a surface-mount contacting portions  2904  at an opposite end, though contacts  2900  can instead have through-hole contacting portions (not shown.) Surface-mount contacting portions  2904  can be soldered to a corresponding contact (not shown) on a printed circuit board  1500  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) or other appropriate substrate. Contact  2900  can be stamped, forged, 3-D printed, or formed in other ways. In  FIG.  30   , contacts  2900  can be held in place relative to each other by array crossbar  3000 . Array crossbar  3000  can be formed by injection or insert molding or by using other methods or techniques. Array crossbar  3000  can be formed around stamped contacts  2900 , or contacts  2900  can be stamped after array crossbar  3000  is formed. Array crossbar  3000  can include notches  3010  and end tabs  3020 . Notches  3010  can define thicker portions  3012 , which can support contacts  2900 . 
       FIG.  31    illustrates a side view of the structure of  FIG.  30   . Contacts  2900  can be held in place by array crossbar  3000 . Contacts  2900  can include contacting portions  2902  and surface-mount contacting portions  2904 . Array crossbar  3000  can again include notches  3010  and end tabs  3020 . 
     In  FIG.  32   , frame  3200  can be placed or formed around array crossbars  3000  and contacts  2900 . Frame  3200  can be injection or insert molded around array crossbars  3000 . Alternatively, frame  3200  can be individually formed as a separate piece and then array crossbars  3000  can be inserted into frame  3200 . Frame  3200  can include tabs or protrusions  3210  and notches  3220 . Tabs or protrusions  3210  and notches  3220  can be the same or similar as tabs or protrusions  900  and openings  1110  (shown in  FIG.  12   .) End tabs  3020  of array crossbars  3000  can fit into notches  3250  in sides of frame  3200 . This can help to secure array crossbars  3000  in place in frame  3200 . Slats  3230  can extend across frame  3200  and can fit in notches  3010  of array crossbars  3000 . Slats  3230  can extend between each contact of array crossbar  3000  (as shown in  FIG.  33   ), between each pairs of contacts of array crossbar  3000  (as shown here) between each group of three contacts of array crossbar  3000 , or between other numbers of contacts of array crossbar  3000 , where the numbers contacts between slats  3230  can be consistent or vary among slats  3230 . The interlocking structure of crossbar notches  3010  and slats  3230  can help to improve a rigidity and reduce warpage of the resulting connector during reflow. 
       FIG.  33    illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Rows of contacts  2900  can be held in place by array crossbars  3000 . Array crossbars  3000  can include notches  3010  and end tabs  3020 . End tabs  2030  can be inserted into notches  3250  in sides of frame  3200  to help secure array crossbars  3000  in place. Slats  3230  can extend between each contact  2900  and can fit in notches  3010  in array crossbars  3000  to improve a rigidity and reduce warpage of the resulting connector during reflow and other heat inducing steps during device assembly. A shell, such as shell  110  or  1310  can be fit over frame  3200 . An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG.  34    illustrates an underside view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, shell  1310  has been fit to frame  3200 . Contacts  2900  can be held in place relative to each other by array crossbars  3000 . Contacts  2900  can include surface-mount contacting portions  2904 . Slats  3230  can extend between each contact  2900  in a row. Along the sides of frame  3200 , tabs  2510  of shell  1310  can be bent to fit between tabs or protrusions  3210  of frame  3200 . End tabs  3020  can be inserted into frame  3200  to secure array crossbars  3000  in place. 
       FIG.  35    illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contacts  2900  can be held in place by array crossbars  3000 . Array crossbars  3000  can include notches  3010 . Slats  3230  of frame  3200  shown in  FIG.  34   ) can fit in notches  3010  of array crossbars  3000 . End tabs  3020  can fit in notches  3250  in sides of frame  3200  to help secure array crossbars  3000  in place. 
     In this configuration, array crossbars  3000  can be anchored at each end by end tabs  3020  which can be inserted into frame  3200 . Slats  3230  can fit in notches  3010  of array crossbars  3000  forming interlocking feature to help secure array crossbars  3000  in place relative to frame  3200 . 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, array crossbars  3000  and slats  3230  can interlock with each other in various ways. Again, array crossbars  3000  can be formed. Frame  3200  can be formed as a separate piece and then array crossbars  3000  can be fit in frame  3200 . Alternatively, array crossbars  3000  can be formed and placed in position. Frame  3200  can then be molded around array crossbars  3000 . In either event, the interlocking features between slats  3230  of frame  3200  and array crossbars  3000  can be slightly melted to further physically connect these structures. Examples of various interconnect features that can be used are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG.  36    illustrates a cross-section portion of an array crossbar and a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, slats  3230  of frame  3200  can be located in notches  3010  of array crossbars  3000 . Array crossbars  3000  can include thicker portions  3012  for supporting contacts  2900 , as shown in  FIG.  30   . Array crossbars  3000  can include end tabs  3020  which can fit in notches  3250  in frame  3200 . Tabs or protrusions  3210  can extend from sides of frame  3200 . In this configuration, each slat  3230  can fit in a notch  3010  in a top side of array crossbar  3000 . As before, array crossbars  3000  can be arranged and fit to frame  3200 . Alternatively, frame  3200  can be injection molded around a number of array crossbars  3000 . 
       FIG.  37    illustrates an array crossbar according to an embodiment of the present invention. Array crossbar  3000  can include notches  3010  along a top side. Notches  3010  can define thicker portions  3012 . Thicker portions  3012  can support contacts  2900 , as shown in  FIG.  30   . Array crossbar  3000  can further include end tabs  3020 , which can fit in notches  3250  in frame  3200 , as shown in  FIG.  36   . 
     Instead of slats  3230  fitting in notches  3010  in a top side of array crossbar  3000 , slats  3230  can instead fit in alternating notches in a top or bottom side of array crossbar  3000 . This interlocking feature can help to prevent warpage of a resulting connector during reflow and other manufacturing steps. These interlocking patterns can also improve the strength and durability of the resulting connector, thereby improving its yield and lifetime as well as improving an ability to rework components associated with the connector in a more reliable manner. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG.  38    illustrates a cross-section of an array crossbar and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, slats  3230  of frame  3200  can be located in notches  3010  and notches  3011  in array crossbar  3000 . Notches  3010  can be formed in a top side of array crossbar  3000 , while notches  3011  can be formed in a bottom side of array crossbar  3000 . Notches  3010  and  3011  can define thicker portions  3012 , which can support contacts  2900 , as shown in  FIG.  30   . Notches  3010  and  3011  can alternate as shown. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, notches  3010  and  3011  can alternate in other patterns. For example, pairs of notches  3010  can alternate with pairs of notches  3011 . Array crossbars  3000  can again include end tabs  3020 , which can fit in notch is  3250  in frame  3200 . Frame  3200  can further include tabs or protrusions  3210 . 
       FIG.  39    illustrates an array crossbar according to an embodiment of the present invention. Array crossbar  3000  can include notches  3010  along a top side, and notches  3011  along a bottom side. Notches  3010  and notches  3011  can defined thicker portions  3012 , which can support contacts  2900 , as shown in  FIG.  30   . Array crossbars  3000  can further include end tabs  3020 , which can fit in notches  3250  in frame  3200 , as shown in  FIG.  38   . 
     The above figures illustrate interlocking patterns that can be used to interlock a number of slats with a single array crossbar. These and similar interlocking patterns can further be utilized to interlock a number of array crossbars with a single slat. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG.  40    illustrates a cross-section of a slat in a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a number of array crossbars  3000  of frame  3200  can be held together by slats  3230 . Slats  3230  can include notches  3232  that can accept notches  3010  of array crossbars  3000 . Each of the notches  3232  can be formed in a bottom side of slats  3230 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, other interlocking patterns can be used. An example shown in the following figure. 
       FIG.  41    illustrates a cross-section of a slat in a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, number of array crossbars  3000  and array crossbars  3001  of frame  3200  can be held together by slats  3230 . Slats  3230  can include notches  3232  in a bottom side, and notches  3231  in a top side. Notches  3232  can accept notches  3010  of array crossbars  3000 . Array crossbar  3001  can be of similar construction is array crossbar  3000 , and can be arranged such that notches  3011  of array crossbar  3001  fit in notches  3231  in a top of slats  3230 . 
     In this configuration, array crossbars  3000  and  3001  can include notches that alternatively fit in notches in a top and bottom side of slat  3230 . This interlocking feature can help to prevent warpage of a resulting connector during brief flow and other manufacturing steps. These interlocking patterns can further improve the strength and durability of the resulting connector, thereby improving its yield and lifetime, as well as improving and ability to rework components associated with the connector in a more reliable manner. 
     In several of the above configurations, such as the configuration shown in  FIG.  35   , contacts  2900  can be grouped in pairs between slats  3230  in frame  3200 . This can be useful when pairs of contacts  2900  convey differential signals. Example pinouts that can take advantage of this and other improvements provided by these connectors are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG.  42    is a pinout for a contact array of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. This pinout can be particularly useful for contacts  300  when frame  120  is used in connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), for contacts  1600  when frame  1320  is used in connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), or when contacts  2900  are used in frame  3200  (as shown in  FIG.  32   .) A flexible circuit board, such as flexible circuit board  200  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) or  1400  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), can be inserted into opening  4202  of connector  4200 , which can be the same or similar to connector  100 , connector  1300  or a connector using frame  3200  in  FIG.  32   . In this example, the back row of contacts  4210  can be used as power contacts. This placement ensures that power is not connected between flexible circuit board  200  and connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) or between flexible circuit board  1400  and connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) until the other connections are made as well. High-speed differential signals can be conveyed on contacts  4240 . These high-speed differential signals can be shielded by grounds on contacts  4250 . Low-speed differential signals can be conveyed on contacts  4230 . Other data lines, such as single-ended data lines can be conveyed on contacts  4220 . 
       FIG.  43    is another pinout for a contact array of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. This pinout can be particularly useful for contacts  2600  when frame  2720  is used in connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), or a connector that includes the frame  3200  as shown in  FIG.  34   . A flexible circuit board, such as flexible circuit board  200  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) or  1400  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), can be inserted into opening  4302  of connector  4300 , which can be the same or similar to connector  100  or connector  1300 . In this example, the back row of contacts  4310  can be used as power contacts. This placement ensures that power is not connected between flexible circuit board  200  and connector  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) or between flexible circuit board  1400  and connector  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) until the other connections are made as well. High-speed differential signals can be conveyed on contacts  4340 . These high-speed differential signals can be shielded by grounds on contacts  4350 . Low-speed differential signals can be conveyed on contacts  4330 . Other data lines, such as single-ended data lines can be conveyed on contacts  4320 . 
     The structures in these and other embodiments of the present invention can be formed of various materials. For example, array crossbar  700 , array crossbar  2000 , array crossbar  2610 , array crossbar  3000  and other portions of frame  120 , frame  1320 , and frame  2720 , and frame  3200 , and other frames according to embodiments of the present invention can be formed of Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), such as SumikaSuper™ E6808, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies of Phoenix, Ariz., Laperos® HA475, manufactured by Polyplastics Co. of Tokyo, Japan, or Vectra® S475, manufactured by Celanese Corp. of Irving, Tex. These portions can also be formed of plastic, nylon, or other nonconductive material. Contacts  300 , contacts  1600 , and contacts  2600  can be formed of copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, or other conductive material. Stiffener  210  and stiffener  1410  can be formed of copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, or other conductive or nonconductive material. Shell  110  and shell  1310  can be formed of copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, or other conductive or nonconductive material. These various structures can be formed using injection molding, stamping, 3-D printing, forging, drawing, or other manufacturing technique. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector systems and connectors that can be located in various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, keyboards, covers, charging cases, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, adapters, audio devices and equipment, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. 
     These connector systems and connectors can provide pathways for signals and power compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt™, Lightning™, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), test-access-port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Testing (DART), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. In one example, the connector systems and connectors can be used to convey a data signal, a power supply, and ground. In various embodiments of the present invention, the data signal can be unidirectional or bidirectional and the power supply can be unidirectional or bidirectional. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the connector systems and connectors can be used to convey power and ground, while data is transmitted wirelessly 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200527
Publication Date: 20231024
Grant Date: 20231024
Priority Date: 20190927
Inventors: TZIVISKOS, GEORGE
MILETICH, AARON N.
JOL, ERIC S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R12/79", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/774", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0281", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/2009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/774", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/79", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/79", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/722", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/2009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/774", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0281", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 75162192