PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9853402-B2
Application Number: US-201615151288-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Interconnect devices having a biplanar connection

Abstract:
An interconnect device can be aligned in a first plane and can include a printed circuit board having a tongue portion and a pin portion. The pin portion can include a plurality of pins extending away from the printed circuit board. The interconnect device can be configured to electrically couple with a main logic board aligned in a second plane. In particular, the plurality of pins can be inserted into corresponding electrical contact locations within the main logic board to form a biplanar connection. The biplanar connection can be made in way that minimizes signal loss for high speed data transfers.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An interconnect device for an electronic device, the interconnect device comprising:
 a printed circuit board comprising:
 a tongue portion supporting a plurality of electrical contacts; 
 a pin portion spaced apart from the tongue portion and including a plurality of pin contact locations; and 
 a plurality of electrical traces extending between the tongue portion and the pin portion, wherein individual electrical traces in of the plurality of electrical traces electrically connect individual electrical contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts to individual contact locations in the plurality of pin contact locations; 
 
 a pin support structure attached to the printed circuit board and disposed adjacent to the pin portion, the pin support structure comprising an electrically nonconductive material having a plurality of pin openings formed therethrough; 
 a plurality of elongated pins electrically coupled to the printed circuit board at the plurality of pin contact locations, each of the plurality of elongated pins extending through a pin opening in the plurality of pin openings in the pin support structure; and 
 a grounding shield attached to the printed circuit board and extending around the pin support structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , wherein the tongue portion is a first tongue portion and the electrical contacts are first electrical contacts, the printed circuit board further comprising a second tongue portion supporting second electrical contacts, the electrical traces extending between the second tongue portion and the pin portion and electrically connecting the second electrical contacts to the pin contact locations. 
     
     
       3. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket disposed about the tongue portion and configured to extend away from the tongue portion and contact a housing of the electronic device when the interconnect device is mounted in the housing. 
     
     
       4. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , wherein the tongue portion and the plurality of electrical contacts of the tongue portion are dimensioned to correspond to a Uniform Serial Bus (USB) Type-C specification. 
     
     
       5. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrical contacts comprise first electrical contacts disposed on a first side of the tongue portion and second electrical contacts disposed on a second side of the tongue portion. 
     
     
       6. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of elongated pins are configured to couple with corresponding conductive holes of a main logic board to form a coupled structure between the printed circuit board and the main logic board. 
     
     
       7. The interconnect device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the coupled structure functions to position the tongue portion in a port hole opening of a housing of the electronic device; and 
 the main logic board and at least a portion of the interconnect device are disposed within the housing. 
 
     
     
       8. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a main logic board aligned in a second plane spaced apart from a first plane aligned with the printed circuit board, the main logic board comprising conductive holes, wherein at least some of the conductive holes align with and are electrically coupled to the plurality of elongated pins. 
     
     
       9. The interconnect device of  claim 1 , wherein the printed circuit board comprises a rigid-flex structure including a rigid tongue portion and a rigid pin portion coupled together with a flexible intermediate portion that supports the plurality of electrical traces extending between the tongue portion and the pin portion. 
     
     
       10. The interconnect device of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible intermediate portion enables the tongue portion and the pin portion to be positioned in different planes. 
     
     
       11. The interconnect device of  claim 9 , further comprising a gasket disposed on the tongue portion and configured to extend away from the tongue portion and contact a housing of the electronic device when the interconnect device is mounted in the housing. 
     
     
       12. An electronic device, comprising:
 a printed circuit board aligned in a first plane, the printed circuit board comprising:
 a tongue portion comprising electrical contacts; 
 a pin portion spaced apart from the tongue portion and comprising pin contact locations; and 
 electrical traces extending between the tongue portion and the pin portion, wherein individual electrical traces in the electrical traces electrically connect individual electrical contacts in the electrical contacts to individual pin contact locations; 
 
 a pin support structure attached to the printed circuit board and disposed adjacent to the pin portion, the pin support structure comprising an electrically nonconductive material having pin openings formed therethrough; 
 elongated pins electrically coupled to the printed circuit board at the pin contact locations, individual elongated pins of the elongated pins extending through the pin openings in the pin support structure; and 
 a main logic board aligned in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, the main logic board comprising conductive holes, wherein at least some of the conductive holes align with and are electrically coupled to the elongated pins. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , further comprising a housing, and wherein at least a portion of the printed circuit board is disposed within the housing. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the conductive holes structurally couple with the elongated pins to form a coupled structure between the printed circuit board and the main logic board; and 
 the coupled structure positions the tongue portion in a port hole opening of the housing. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 13 , further comprising a grounding system disposed within one or more channels of the housing of the electronic device, at least a portion of the grounding system extending into a port hole opening of the housing via one or more channel openings. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the grounding system comprises one or more springs configured to engage with a connector plug of an accessory device at one or more contact locations on an exterior surface of the connector plug when the connector plug is connected to the tongue portion. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the grounding system comprises one or more telescoping contacts configured to engage with a connector plug of an accessory device at one or more contact locations on an exterior surface of the connector plug when the connector plug is connected to the tongue portion. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 12 , further comprising a grounding shield attached to the printed circuit board and extending around the pin support structure. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the printed circuit board comprises a rigid-flex structure including a rigid tongue portion and a rigid pin portion coupled together with a flexible intermediate portion that supports the electrical traces extending between the tongue portion and the pin portion. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein the flexible intermediate portion enables the tongue portion and the pin portion to be positioned in different planes. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 19 , further comprising a gasket disposed on the tongue portion and configured to extend away from the tongue portion and contact a housing of the electronic device when the interconnect device is mounted in the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/235,514 entitled “Interconnect Devices,” filed on Sep. 30, 2015, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to ports on computer devices. In particular, to systems and devices that connect these ports to internal components of the computer devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A typical computer will have one or more ports. These ports can include contact structures (e.g., male or female structures that include electrical contacts) that can be used, among other things, to connect to auxiliary devices, to provide power to auxiliary devices, to transfer data to and from the computer, and to connect to a network. Some ports may even support multiple functions (e.g., transfer data to and from an auxiliary device while also charging the auxiliary device). Recently, multi-use ports have been developed that can transfer large amounts of data at increasingly high speeds and also provide charging capabilities. This increased speed can result in increased signal noise and signal degradation as the data moves from a particular multi-use port to an internal component of the computer to be processed. Even as these ports are being developed, internal computer components and casings in which the computer components are held are becoming more compact. This can lead to stacking of internal components and ports in order to meet space requirements. Such stacking can increase signal noise picked up by adjacent components and can also add additional costs for assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     Examples of the present disclosure are directed to interconnect devices that can be used to connect computer ports to a main logic board within a housing of a computer. A particular port (e.g., a Uniform Serial Bus (USB)) can be located in a first horizontal plane, while the main logic board can be located in a second horizontal plane that is different than the first. An interconnect device can be selected that forms a biplanar connection to connect the USB port and the main logic board. The interconnect device is designed to maintain high signal integrity and to efficiently utilize space within the housing. 
     In some examples, an interconnect device includes a printed circuit board disposed within a first plane and including a pin portion and a tongue portion having a plurality of electrical contacts forming a male tongue connector. The pin portion can include a plurality of pins configured to electrically couple with electrical contact locations on a main logic board located in a second plane. This can form an electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts and the main logic board. 
     In some examples, an interconnect device includes a rigid tongue portion including a male tongue connector located in a first plane and a rigid attachment portion located in a second plane. The interconnect device can also include a flexible portion that extends between the two rigid sections at the two different planes. The rigid attachment portion can include a plurality of contacts which can be attached to a main logic board. In this manner, the male tongue connector can be electrically coupled to the main logic board. 
     In some examples, an interconnect device includes a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit, and a connector. The printed circuit board can include a male tongue connector that, when installed, extends outside of a computer housing and is aligned in a first plane. A main logic board can be located within the housing and aligned in a second plane. The connector can connect the interconnect device to the main logic board, and the flexible circuit can flexibly extend between the two planes to connect the printed circuit board and the main logic board. 
     Examples of the present disclosure are also directed to integrated grounding systems. The integrated grounding systems can be used to ground a female connector plug that is connected to male tongue connector of a computer port. In some examples, two torsion springs are disposed within channels that have openings that extend into a port hole opening where the male tongue connector is located. As the female connector plug is connected to the male tongue connector, the two torsion springs come into contact with an outside surface of the female connector plug to form two grounding contacts. In some examples, a torsion spring is disposed within a single channel that has two openings that extend into a port hole opening on opposing sides. As the female connector plug is connected to the male tongue connector, opposing portions of the single torsion spring come into contact with the outside surface of the female connector plug to form two grounding contacts. In some examples, two telescoping contacts are disposed within two channels that have openings that extend into a port hole opening on opposing sides. As the female connector plug is connected to the male tongue connector, the telescoping contacts extend their ends into contact with the outside surface of the female connector plug to form two grounding contacts. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  shows a top isometric view of an interconnect device, in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 1B  shows a bottom isometric view of the interconnect device from  FIG. 1A , in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a profile view of an interconnect system including the interconnect device from  FIG. 1A  and a main logic board, in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a bottom isometric view of an interconnect system including an interconnect device and a main logic board, in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a profile view of the interconnect system from  FIG. 2A , in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 3  shows a profile view of an interconnect system, in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 4  shows an integrated grounding system including two springs, in accordance with at least one example; 
         FIG. 5  shows an integrated grounding system including one spring, in accordance with at least one example; and 
         FIG. 6  shows an integrated grounding system including two telescoping contacts, in accordance with at least one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  respectively illustrate a top view and a bottom view of an interconnect device  100 , in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. As described herein, the interconnect device  100  supports transfer of large amounts of data at high speeds to and from electronic devices. For example, certain aspects of the interconnect device  100  can be manufactured to comply with an existing USB specification (e.g., USB Type-C), which can be implemented in electronic devices. In some examples, these electronic devices include internal components and ports located at different horizontal planes relative to each other. For example, a USB port can be located in a first plane and a main logic board can be located in a second, different plane. The interconnect device  100  can be implemented to form a biplanar connection between the USB port and the main logic board. This biplanar connection can connect electrically (and in some examples, structurally) the USB port, which can also be included as part of the interconnect device  100 , with the main logic board. Additionally, as the interconnect device  100  can be used to transfer large amounts of data at high speeds, the interconnect device  100  can achieve the biplanar connection in a manner that maintains consistent signal integrity and minimizes signal loss. For example, unlike other ports that typically include sheet metal shells surrounding their contact structures (e.g., male or female structures having electrical contacts), the interconnect device  100  (and the other interconnect devices described herein) can be grounded to a housing in which the interconnect device  100  is mounted via an integrated grounding system that excludes such a shell, as described herein. Additionally, the ability to mount the interconnect device  100  (and the other interconnect devices described herein) in the housing without the shell can provide a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing exterior presentation of the housing, while also maximizing space available in the housing as compared to mounting configurations of typical ports. 
     Turning now to the details of the interconnect device  100 , the interconnect device  100  includes a printed circuit board  102 , a pin support structure  104 , a grounding shield  106 , and a plurality of pins  112 . The printed circuit board  102  can be any suitable multi-layered printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The printed circuit board  102  includes a pin portion  108  and a tongue portion  110 . The pin portion  108  can be spaced apart from the tongue portion  110  and can include a plurality of pin contact locations. In some examples, a plurality of pins  112  are electrically connected to printed circuit board  102  at the plurality of pin contact locations within the pin portion  108  and thus, each of the pins  112  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  also represents a pin contact location. Each individual pin in the plurality of pins  112  can have a substantially elongated shape and extend away from the printed circuit board  102  in a direction normal to the PCB  102 . The cross-sectional profile of the plurality of pins  112  can be circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or have any other shape. In some examples, each individual pin within the plurality of pins  112  can be dedicated to carrying power, ground, control, data, or other appropriate signals. In other examples, certain ones of the plurality of pins  112  can be reserved to provide redundancy in the event other pins  112  fail. 
     As described in more detail herein, the plurality of pins  112  can function as male conductive elements that can be mated with corresponding female conductive elements located within a main logic board  114 . In some examples, the plurality of pins  112  can be manufactured from any suitable conductive material. For example, the plurality of pins  112  can be manufactured from copper or a copper alloy. The plurality of pins  112  is fixedly held in its position by the printed circuit board  102 . In some examples, the plurality of pins  112  can be inserted into the printed circuit board  102  after the printed circuit board  102  has been formed. 
     In some examples, the pin support structure  104  also functions to retain the plurality of pins  112  in its position with respect to the printed circuit board  102 . For example, the pin support structure  104  can include a plurality of pin openings through which the plurality of pins  112  can extend. The plurality of pins  112 , when extended through the plurality of pin openings (not labeled but shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  at the locations at which the pins  112  extend out of pin support structure  104 ), can extend in a direction orthogonal to the tongue portion  110 . The pin support structure  104  can be manufactured from any suitable insulative material such as, for example, plastic or ceramic, which can be electrically nonconductive. In some examples, the pin support structure  104  functions as a spacer. The pin support structure  104  can also include one or more alignment posts  116   a ,  116   b . In some examples, the alignment posts  116   a .  116   b  function to properly align the interconnect device  100  during installation (e.g., when being connected to the main logic board  114 ). In some examples, the alignment posts  116   a ,  116   b  function to retain other elements of the interconnect device  100 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the alignment posts  116   a ,  116   b  extend through the printed circuit board  102  and into groves formed in a second shield  118 . In this manner, the alignment posts  116   a ,  116   b  and the pin support structure  104  can function to retain the second shield  118 , the printed circuit board  102 , the plurality of pins  112 , and the grounding shield  106 . In some examples, the grounding shield  106  can be grounded to the housing  126  via a grounding element  144 . In some examples, the second shield  118  is attached to the interconnect device  100  and/or the main logic board  114  separate from the pin support structure  104 . The grounding shield  106  can be configured to extend around the pin support structure  104 . 
     As introduced above, the printed circuit board  102  also includes the tongue portion  110 . The tongue portion  110  can include one or more tongues such as tongues  120   a ,  120   b  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The tongues  120   a ,  120   b  can be part of connectors that enable other electronic devices, such as accessory devices, to be electrically connected to a computer in which the interconnect device  100  is implemented. While two tongues  120   a ,  120   b  are illustrated, it is understood that greater or fewer tongues, including a single tongue, can be included in the interconnect device  100 . As described herein, each tongue  120   a ,  120   b  can include a plurality of electrical contacts  122  electrically connected to the plurality of pins  112 . 
     In some examples, the tongues  120   a ,  120   b  extend orthogonally away from the plurality of pins  112 . The plurality of contacts  122  can be disposed on opposing flat sides of the tongues  120   a ,  120   b . Each conductive contact  122  functions to carry data, provide power, provide a ground return, carry control/configuration signals, or provide any other suitable function. The tongues  120   a ,  120   b  can be designed, including the designation of function for each of the contacts  122 , and manufactured to comply with one or more standard connector plug types. For example, the tongues  120   a ,  120   b  can comply with a USB standard specification such as USB Type-C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, or any other suitable standard. In some embodiments, the tongues  120   a ,  120   b  can be double-sided and capable of interfacing with a reversible-connector plug for USB devices. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a profile view of an interconnect system  124  including the interconnect device  100  after the interconnect device  100  has been connected to the main logic board  114 , in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. The main logic board  114  can be any suitable multi-layer printed circuit board (e.g., a motherboard). In some examples, the main logic board  114  can provide structural support to the interconnect device  100 . 
     In addition to the interconnect device  100  and the main logic board  114 , the interconnect system  124  also includes housing  126 . The housing  126  can be a body of an electronic device to which the interconnect device  100  and the main logic board  114  are attached. In this manner, the housing  126  can be considered a chassis, which, in some examples, is formed from a single piece of material, i.e., is a unibody chassis. The housing  126 , whether defined as unibody or otherwise, can be formed from any suitable rigid material such as polycarbonate, fiberglass, aluminum, or any other suitable material. 
     The housing  126  can include a port hole opening  128 , an intermediate cavity  130 , and a main cavity  132 . In some examples, the tongue  120   a  of the interconnect device  100  extends within the port hole opening  128  such that a corresponding connector plug can interface with the tongue  120   a . The plurality of pins  112  of the interconnect device  100  can be disposed within the intermediate cavity  130 . In some examples, the intermediate cavity  130  is the location within the housing  126  where the printed circuit board  102  that is aligned in a first plane is connected via the plurality of pins  112  with the main logic board  114  aligned in a second, different plane. In other words, the biplanar connection can take place within the intermediate cavity  130 . In other examples, the biplanar connection takes place in the main cavity  132 . In some examples, the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel. The main cavity  132  is the location where the main logic board  114  and other computer components (e.g., memory, hard drives, chips, etc.) are located, some of which can be attached to the housing  126  and/or the main logic board  114 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the pins  112   a  and  112   b , at least those dedicated to ground, can extend from the second shield  118  via the printed circuit board  102 , the pin support structure  104 , and the main logic board  114 , to a first grounding shield  134 . In some examples, the pins  112   a  and  112   b  terminate within the main logic board  114 . The main logic board  114  can include a plurality of electro-plated holes  136  which align with the plurality of pins  112 . The plurality of electro-plated holes  136  can be electrically coupled to the plurality of pins  112  to form a coupled structure. In some examples, the plurality of electro-plated holes  136  can be structurally coupled to the plurality of pins  112  to form the coupled structure. The coupled structure can function to provide structural support to the printed circuit board  102  and to align the tongues  120   a ,  120   b  within the port hole opening  128 . Thus, the plurality of pins  112  can provide electrical connections with the main logic board  114  and structural connections. In some examples, as illustrated in  FIG. 1C  with respect to the pin  112   b  and the hole  136   b , the plurality of pins  112  can be soldered to the main logic board  114  after they are inserted into the main logic board  114 . 
     In some examples, at least some of the plurality of pins  112  can be electrically coupled to the second shield  118  via an inlay  138  or otherwise. The inlay  138  can be applied using a soldering technique in which the area inside within the second shield  118  is filled in. In other examples, at least some of the plurality of electrical contacts  122  are electrically coupled to the second shield  118 . 
     The pins  112   a  and  112   b  are each connected to a particular conductive contact  122  via respective electrical traces  140   a  and  140   b  embedded within the printed circuit board  102 . The other pins  112  can be connected to other electrical contacts  122  via other electrical traces. While illustrated as being in different layers, in some examples, all of the electrical traces are within the same layer. The interconnect system  124  can also include one or more gaskets  142 . The one or more gaskets  142  can function as a contaminant barrier between the intermediate cavity  130  and the port hole opening  128 . In some examples, the one or more gaskets  142  can also provide structural support to the tongue  120   a.    
     As the tongues  120   a ,  120   b  can be configured to mate with corresponding connector plugs (e.g., accessory devices), the biplanar connection between the interconnect device  100  and the main logic board  114  can be capable of withstanding opposing mating forces exerted on the tongues  120   a ,  120   b  when the connector plugs are connected to the tongues  120   a ,  120   b.    
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  respectively illustrate a bottom isometric view and a profile view of an interconnect system  200  including a rigid-flex interconnect device  202 , in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. Like the interconnect device  100  described herein, the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  supports transfer of large amounts of data at high speeds to and from electronic devices. For example, certain aspects of the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  can be manufactured to comply with an existing specification (e.g., USB Type-C), which can be implemented in electronic devices. In some examples, these electronic devices include internal components and ports located in different horizontal planes relative to each other. For example, a USB port attached to the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  can be located in a first plane and a main logic board  204  can be located in a second, different plane. The rigid-flex interconnect device  202  can be implemented to form a biplanar connection between the USB port and the main logic board  204 . This biplanar connection can connect electrically (and in some examples, structurally) the USB port, which can also be included as part of the rigid-flex interconnect device  202 , with the main logic board  204 . Additionally, as the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  can be used to transfer large amounts of data at high speeds, the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  can achieve the biplanar connection in a manner that maintains consistent signal integrity and minimizes signal loss. 
     As introduced above, the interconnect system  200  includes the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  attached to the main logic board  204 . The main logic board  204  is an example of the main logic board  114 . In some examples, the interconnect system  200  also includes a housing  206 . The housing  206  is an example of the housing  126 . 
     The rigid-flex interconnect device  202  includes one or more rigid-flex circuit boards  208   a .  208   b . The rigid-flex circuit boards  208   a ,  208   b  can be printed circuit boards that are manufactured using any suitable manufacturing process that forms multiple metal signal layers. In some examples, each rigid-flex circuit board  208   a ,  208   b  also includes one or more layers of flexible material. The printed circuit boards can be laminated to the one or more layers of flexible material. In this manner, the rigid-flex circuit boards  208   a ,  208   b  can include flexible and rigid properties. In some examples, portions of the flexible material also include metal signal layers. 
     The rigid-flex circuit board  208   a ,  208   b  includes a rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b , a flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b , and a rigid attachment portion  214   a ,  214   b . The rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  can be located in a first plane and can include a tongue  216   a ,  216   b  and a plurality of electrical contacts  218 . The tongue  216   a ,  216   b  is an example of the tongues  120   a ,  120   b . The plurality of electrical contacts  218  are examples of the plurality of electrical contacts  122 . The rigid tongue portion  210  can be formed from a rigid portion of the rigid-flex circuit board  208   a ,  208   b.    
     The rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  can also include a mounting structure, which can include one or more mounting locations  238   a ,  238   b ,  238   c  and one or more mounting gaskets  220   a ,  220   b . The one or more mounting locations  238   a ,  238   b ,  238   c  can be used to securely hold the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  within the port hole opening  222 . For example, the one or more mounting locations  238   a ,  238   b ,  238   c  can be one or more holes, and one or more screws, bolts, rivets, or other fasteners can be inserted through the one or more holes and attached to the housing  206 . In this manner, the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  can be securely held by the housing  206 . In some examples, the one or more mounting locations  238   a ,  238   b ,  238   c  also function to appropriately position the tongue  216   a ,  216   b  of the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  in the port hole opening  222 . As the tongue  216   a ,  216   b can be configured to mate with a corresponding connector plug, the one or more mounting  locations  238   a ,  238   b ,  238   c  can be capable of withstanding an opposing mating force exerted on the tongue  216   a ,  216   b  when the connector plug mates with the tongue  216   a ,  216   b.    
     The mounting gaskets  220   a ,  220   b  can be attached to the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  and can function as a contaminant barrier between the intermediate cavity  224  and the port hole opening  222 . In some examples, the mounting gaskets  220   a ,  220   b  can also be configured to retain the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  within the port hole opening  222  of the housing  206 . In some examples, use of the mounting gaskets  220   a ,  220   b  and/or other comparable structure may be desirable in order to ensure that the rigid-flex interconnect device  202  remains stably held within the housing  206 . In some examples, the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  extends from the port hole opening  222  to an intermediate cavity  224  of the housing  206 . 
     Within the intermediate cavity  224 , the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b , located in the first plane, begins to transition to the flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b . The flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b  extends from the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  to the rigid attachment portion  214   a ,  214   b . In some examples, the flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b  may be formed from any suitable flexible material capable of carrying electrical signals between the electrical contacts  218  and the main logic board  204 . In some examples, the flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b  includes continuous signal traces for the rigid-flex interconnect device  202 . In this example, the flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b  can extend from the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  to the rigid attachment portion  214   a ,  214   b  and can be embedded within each of the rigid tongue portion  210   a ,  210   b  and the rigid attachment portion  214   a ,  214   b.    
     The rigid attachment portion  214   a ,  214   b  can be located in a second plane above or below the first plane and at least partially disposed within a main cavity  226 . In some examples, the rigid attachment portion  214   a ,  214   b  includes a connector  228   a ,  228   b , a insulative gasket  230   a ,  230   b , and a retention plate  232 . The connector  228   a ,  228   b  can include a second plurality of electrical contacts  234  in electrical communication with an attachment board  236 . In some examples, the attachment board  236  is in electrical communication with the flexible intermediate portion  212   a ,  212   b  and can be a printed circuit board. The attachment board  236  can be connected to the main logic board via the connector  228   a ,  228   b . In some examples, the connector  228   a ,  228   b  functions as a device that enables a board-to-board connection between the attachment board  236  and the main logic board  204 . In some examples, the main logic board  204  includes a plurality of electro-plated holes in which the second plurality of electrical contacts  234  can be inserted. The second plurality of electrical contacts  234  can be in electrical communication with the attachment board  236 . In some examples, the second plurality of electrical contacts  234  is included as part of the connector  228   a ,  228   b.    
     The insulative gasket  230   a ,  230   b  is disposed between the retention plate  232  and the connector  228   b . In some examples, the insulative gasket  230   a ,  230   b  functions to electrically isolate the retention plate  232  and the attachment board  236 . The retention plate  232  can be formed from a rigid material and can be attached to the main logic board  204 . The retention plate  232  can function to ensure that the attachment board  236  remains connected to the main logic board  204 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a profile view of an interconnect system  300 , in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. The interconnect system  300  includes a flexible interconnect device  302  that can be used to form a biplanar connection between the main logic board  304  and a tongue  306  or connector that has the shape of a tongue. Like the interconnect devices  100  and  202  described herein, the flexible interconnect device  302  supports transfer of large amounts of data at high speeds to and from electronic devices. For example, certain aspects of the flexible interconnect device  302  can be manufactured to comply with an existing specification (e.g., USB Type-C), which can be implemented in electronic devices. In some examples, these electronic devices include internal components and ports located in different horizontal planes relative to each other. For example, a USB port attached to the flexible interconnect device  302  can be located in a first plane and the main logic board  304  can be located in a second, different plane. The flexible interconnect device  302  can be implemented to form a biplanar connection between the USB port and the main logic board  304 . This biplanar connection can connect electrically (and in some examples, structurally) the USB port, which can also be included as part of the flexible interconnect device  302 , with the main logic board  304 . Additionally, as the flexible interconnect device  302  can be used to transfer large amounts of data at high speeds, the flexible interconnect device  302  can achieve the biplanar connection in a manner that maintains consistent signal integrity and minimizes signal loss. 
     The flexible interconnect device  302  includes the tongue  306 , which can be a printed circuit board with exposed contacts  308 , a flexible circuit  310 , and a connector structure  312 . The tongue  306  is located in a first plane and extends from an intermediate cavity  318  into a port hole opening  314  of a housing  316 . The connector structure  312  is located in a second plane. The flexible circuit  310  functions to flexibly connect the connector structure  312  and the tongue  306  (i.e., the exposed contacts  308 ). The flexible circuit  310  can be formed by laminating a printed circuit onto a flexible material. The flexible circuit  310  can be attached to the tongue  306  and the connector structure  312  using any suitable techniques. 
     The connector structure  312  functions to connect the flexible circuit  310  to the main logic board  304 . In some examples, the connector structure  312  is any suitable device that enables a connection between a flexible printed circuit and the main logic board  304 . In some examples, the connector structure  312  functions as a device that enables a board-to-board connection between the main logic board  304  and the flexible interconnect device  302 . In some examples, the connector structure  312  includes a plurality of electrical contacts  320  which correspond to the exposed contacts  308 . The plurality of electrical contacts  320  can be inserted into corresponding electro-plated holes in the main logic board  304 . The connector structure  312  also includes an insulative gasket  322  and a retention plate  324 . 
     The interconnect device  302  can also include one or more mounting gaskets  326   a ,  326   b . The mounting gaskets  326   a ,  326   b  can be attached to the tongue  306  and configured to retain the tongue  306  within the port hole opening  314 . In some examples, use of the mounting gaskets  326   a ,  326   b  and/or other comparable structure may be desirable in order to ensure that the interconnect device  302  remains stably held within the housing  316 . In some examples, the interconnect device  302  can also include a mounting structure, which can include one or more mounting locations. The one or more mounting locations can be used to securely hold the tongue  306  within the port hole opening  314 . For example, the one or more mounting locations can be one or more holes, and one or more screws, bolts, rivets, or other fasteners can be inserted through the one or more holes and attached to the housing  316 . In this manner, the tongue  306  can be securely held by the housing  316 . In some examples, the one or more mounting locations also function to appropriately position the tongue  306  in the port hole opening  314 . As the tongue  306  can be configured to mate with a corresponding connector plug, the one or more mounting locations can be capable of withstanding an opposing mating force exerted on the tongue  306  when the connector plug mates with the tongue  306 . 
     As described herein, the interconnect devices can be disposed within housings of electronic devices. These electronic devices can be connected to other electronic devices via tongues of the interconnect devices. In particular, connector plugs of the other electronic devices can mate with the tongues to create electrical connections by which, among other things, data and power may be transferred between the devices. In some examples, in order for proper formation of the electrical connections, grounding connections between the connector plugs and the housings may also be required. In some examples, these grounding connections can be achieved through incidental contact between connector plugs and the housings. In an illustrative example, a tip of a plug connector can be inserted over a tongue and contact a portion of a housing that surrounds the tongue. When the housing is formed from a conductive material, such contact may create a suitable grounding connection, even in the absence of a shell that typically surrounds a tongue. In some examples, grounding systems may nevertheless be desirable to ensure that suitable grounding connections are provided and to reduce signal noise during data transfer.  FIGS. 4-6  illustrate examples of grounding systems that can be integrated into housings of electronic devices to create such suitable grounding connections. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top, cut-away view of an integrated grounding system  400 , in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. The integrated grounding system  400  can include two or more springs  402   a ,  402   b  retained within spring channels  404   a ,  404   b  of a housing  406 . The housing  406  is an example of the housings  126 ,  206 , and  316  described herein. Thus, the housing  406  can include a port hole opening  408  into which a connector plug  410  can be inserted. The connector plug  410  can be any suitable connector plug such as one constructed in accordance with any standard specification, including those described herein. The connector plug  410  is inserted into the port hole opening  408  in order to connect with a corresponding tongue  412 . The tongue  412  is an example of the tongues  120   a ,  120   b ,  216   a ,  216   b , and  306  and is configured to interface with the connector plug  410 . 
     The spring channels  404   a ,  404   b  can be sized to accommodate the springs  402   a ,  402   b  and can include locations at which the springs  402   a ,  402   b  can be grounded to the housing  406 . The springs  402   a ,  402   b  can be any suitable torsion springs that can function to electrically ground the connector plug  410  when it connects with the tongue  412 . In some examples, the springs  402   a ,  402   b  extend out of the spring channels  404   a ,  404   b  and into the port hole opening  408 . In practice, as the connector plug  410  is inserted into the port hole opening  408 , the exterior surface of the connector plug  410  contacts the springs  402   a ,  402   b  and causes the springs  402   a ,  402   b  to begin to engage with the exterior surface. When the connector plug  410  is connected to the tongue  412 , the springs  402   a ,  402   b  remain engaged with the exterior surface of the connector plug  410  at grounding points  414   a ,  414   b . This engagement provides a grounding connection between the connector plug  410  and the housing  406 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top, cut-away view of an integrated grounding system  500  in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. The integrated grounding system  500  can include a single spring  502  retained within a spring channel  504  of a housing  506 . The housing  506  is an example of the housings  126 ,  206 ,  316 , and  406  described herein. Thus, the housing  506  can include a port hole opening  508  into which a connector plug  510  can be inserted. The connector plug  510  can be any suitable connector plug such as one constructed in accordance with any standard specification, including those described herein. The connector plug  510  is inserted into the port hole opening  508  in order to connect with a corresponding tongue  512 . The tongue  512  is an example of the tongues  120   a ,  120   b ,  216   a ,  216   b ,  306 , and  412  and is configured to interface with the connector plug  510 . 
     The spring channel  504  can be sized to accommodate the spring  502  and can include locations at which the spring  502  can be grounded to the housing  506 . The spring  502  can be any suitable torsion spring that can function to electrically ground the connector plug  510  when it connects with the tongue  512 . In some examples, portions of the spring  502  can extend out of the spring channel  504  and into the port hole opening  508 . In practice, as the connector plug  510  is inserted into the port hole opening  508 , the exterior surface of the connector plug  510  contacts the spring  502  and causes the spring  502  to begin to engage with the exterior surface. When the connector plug  510  is connected to the tongue  512 , the spring  502  remains engaged with the exterior surface of the connector plug  510  at grounding points  514   a ,  514   b . This engagement provides a grounding connection between the connector plug  510  and the housing  506 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top, cut-away view of an integrated grounding system  600  in accordance with at least one example of the disclosure. The integrated grounding system  600  can include one or more telescoping contacts  602   a ,  602   b  retained within channels  604   a ,  604   b  of a housing  606 . The housing  606  is an example of the housings  126 ,  206 ,  316 ,  406 , and  506  described herein. Thus, the housing  606  can include a port hole opening  608  into which a connector plug  610  can be inserted. The connector plug  610  can be any suitable connector plug such as one constructed in accordance with any standard specification, including those described herein. The connector plug  610  is inserted into the port hole opening  608  in order to connect with a corresponding tongue  612 . The tongue  612  is an example of the tongues  120   a ,  120   b ,  216   a ,  216   b ,  306 ,  412 , and  512  and is configured to interface with the connector plug  610 . 
     The telescoping contacts  602   a ,  602   b  can include threads  616   a ,  616   b , spring cylinders  618   a ,  618   b , and contacts  620   a ,  620   b . The threads  616   a ,  616   b  function to hold the telescoping contacts  602   a ,  602   b  within the channels  604   a ,  604   b  and also to form a grounding contact with the housing  606 . The spring cylinders  618   a ,  618   b  retain one or more helical springs that function to force the contacts  620   a ,  620   b  in a direction away from the threads  616   a ,  616   b . The one or more helical springs cause the contacts  620   a ,  620   b  to engage with an exterior surface of the connector plug  610 . In some examples, the telescoping contacts  602   a ,  602   b  are examples of pogo pins. 
     The channels  604   a ,  604   b  can be sized to accommodate the telescoping contacts  602   a ,  602   b . For example, the channels  604   a ,  604   b  can be sized slightly narrower than the outside diameter of the threads  616   a ,  616   b  such that the threads  616   a ,  616   b  can engage with interior surfaces of the channels  604   a ,  604   b . In some examples, the channels  604   a ,  604   b  are tapped prior to insertion of the telescoping contacts  602   a ,  602   b . In other examples, the spring cylinders  618   a ,  618   b  are pressed into the channels  604   a ,  604   b  and held via an interference fit (e.g., without use of the threads  616   a ,  616   b ). 
     End portions of the contacts  620   a ,  620   b  extend out of the channels  604   a ,  604   b  and into the port hole opening  608 . In practice, as the connector plug  610  is inserted into the port hole opening  608 , the exterior surface of the connector plug  610  contacts the end portions of the contacts  620   a ,  620   b  and causes the end portions to begin to engage with the exterior surface. When the connector plug  610  is connected to the tongue  612  (i.e., after it has been fully inserted), the one or more helical springs in the spring cylinders  618   a ,  618   b  are compressed, which causes the end portions of the contacts  620   a ,  620   b  to remain engaged with the exterior surface of the connector plug  610  at grounding points  622   a ,  622   b . This engagement provides a grounding connection between the connector plug  610  and the housing  606 . 
     In some examples, the grounding points of the integrated grounding system  600  (and the other integrated grounding systems described herein) are positioned towards the outside of the housings. This can, in some examples, lead to noise reduction, even during high speed transfers via the connector plugs. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “below”, “above”, “lower”, “upper” and the like may be used above to describe an element and/or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” and/or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The above description of embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure 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 disclosure and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claim.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160510
Publication Date: 20171226
Grant Date: 20171226
Priority Date: 20150930
Inventors: TALALAYEV ANTON
NARAJOWSKI DAVID H.
LIGTENBERG CHRISTIAAN A.
AMINI MAHMOUD R.
LEGGETT WILLIAM F.
SILVANTO MIKAEL M.
STRINGER CHRISTOPHER J.
TZIVISKOS GEORGE
COOPER EDWARD
HOPKINSON RON ALAN
MILLER ARI PARSONS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2201/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R4/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/716", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7082", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/716", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6583", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/71", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/648", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6594", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6583", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7082", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/716", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6594", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56686682