PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10862248-B2
Application Number: US-201815996197-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Durable connector receptacles with reinforced tongue and ground contacts

Abstract:
Connector receptacles that are able to withstand insertion and other forces, are reliable, and are easy to manufacture. In various examples, the connector receptacle tongue or other portions may be reinforced such that they may withstand the insertion forces exerted through a connector insert.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a tongue, the tongue comprising: 
 a first plurality of contacts on a top side of the tongue and a second plurality of contacts on a bottom side of the tongue; 
 a metallic center portion between the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts and having outside edges forming a first side ground contact and a second side ground contact; 
 an upper metallic portion attached to a top of the metallic center portion and forming a first ground contact spaced above the metallic center portion; 
 a lower metallic portion attached to a bottom of the metallic center portion and forming a second ground contact spaced below the metallic center portion; and 
 a molded portion over the metallic center portion leaving a portion of each of the first plurality of contacts, the second plurality of contacts, the first ground contact, the second ground contact, the first side ground contact, and the second side ground contact exposed. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the upper metallic portion and the lower metallic portion are integrally formed. 
     
     
       3. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the upper metallic portion and the lower metallic portion are separately formed. 
     
     
       4. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the upper metallic portion, the lower metallic portion, and the metallic center portion are attached. 
     
     
       5. The connector receptacle of  claim 4  wherein the upper metallic portion, the lower metallic portion, and the metallic center portion are attached using laser welds. 
     
     
       6. The connector receptacle of  claim 5  wherein the upper metallic portion, the lower metallic portion, and the metallic center portion each include side tabs, where the side tabs are used to align the upper metallic portion, the lower metallic portion, and the metallic center portion before they are laser welded together. 
     
     
       7. The connector receptacle of  claim 6  wherein the side tabs may be clamped together when the upper metallic portion, the lower metallic portion, and the metallic center portion are laser-welded together. 
     
     
       8. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein a front portion of the upper metallic portion is folded under itself to provide reinforcement for the first and second side ground contacts, and a front portion of the lower metallic portion is folded over itself to provide reinforcement for the first and second side ground contacts. 
     
     
       9. The connector receptacle of  claim 8  wherein the upper metallic portion further forms a third ground contact spaced between the first ground contact and the metallic center portion and the lower metallic portion further forms a fourth ground contact spaced between the second ground contact and the metallic center portion. 
     
     
       10. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a tongue, the tongue comprising: 
 a first plurality of contacts on a top side of the tongue and a second plurality of contacts on a bottom side of the tongue; 
 a metallic center portion between the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts and having outside edges forming a first side ground contact, a second side ground contact, and a front edge; 
 an upper metallic portion attached to a top of the metallic center portion and forming a first ground contact spaced above the metallic center portion and a first reinforcing portion attached to the metallic center portion along at least a portion of the front edge; 
 a lower metallic portion attached to a bottom of the metallic center portion and forming a second ground contact spaced below the metallic center portion and a second reinforcing portion attached to the metallic center portion along at least a portion of the front edge; and 
 a molded portion over the metallic center portion leaving a portion of each of the first plurality of contacts, the second plurality of contacts, the first ground contact, the second ground contact, the first side ground contact, and the second side ground contact exposed. 
 
     
     
       11. The connector receptacle of  claim 10  wherein the upper metallic portion further forms a third ground contact spaced between the first ground contact and the metallic center portion and the lower metallic portion further forms a fourth ground contact spaced between the second ground contact and the metallic center portion. 
     
     
       12. The connector receptacle of  claim 10  wherein the upper metallic portion and the first reinforcing portion are integrally formed and the lower metallic portion and the second reinforcing portion are integrally formed. 
     
     
       13. The connector receptacle of  claim 12  wherein the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion extend along the front edge of the tongue. 
     
     
       14. The connector receptacle of  claim 10  wherein the upper metallic portion, the first reinforcing portion, the lower metallic portion, and the second reinforcing portion are separately formed. 
     
     
       15. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a tongue, the tongue comprising: 
 a first plurality of contacts on a top side of the tongue and a second plurality of contacts on a bottom side of the tongue; 
 a metallic center portion between the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts and having outside edges forming a first side ground contact, a second side ground contact, and a front edge; 
 an upper metallic portion attached to a top of the metallic center portion and forming a first ground contact spaced above the metallic center portion, a second portion of the first side ground contact, a second portion of the second side ground contact, and first reinforcing portions attached to the metallic center portion near the front edge formed by folding the second portion of the first side ground contact and by folding the second portion of the second side ground contact; 
 a lower metallic portion attached to a bottom of the metallic center portion and forming a second ground contact spaced below the metallic center portion, a third portion of the first side ground contact, a third portion of the second side ground contact and second reinforcing portions attached to the metallic center portion near the front edge formed by folding the third portion of the first side ground contact and by folding the third portion of the second side ground contact; and 
 a molded portion over the metallic center portion leaving a portion of each of the first plurality of contacts, the second plurality of contacts, the first ground contact, the second ground contact, the first side ground contact, and the second side ground contact exposed. 
 
     
     
       16. The connector receptacle of  claim 15  wherein the upper metallic portion further forms a third ground contact spaced between the first ground contact and the metallic center portion and the lower metallic portion further forms a fourth ground contact spaced between the second ground contact and the metallic center portion. 
     
     
       17. The connector receptacle of  claim 15  wherein the upper metallic portion and the first reinforcing portions are integrally formed and the lower metallic portion and the second reinforcing portions are integrally formed. 
     
     
       18. The connector receptacle of  claim 17  wherein the first reinforcing portions and the second reinforcing portions extend along the front edge of the tongue. 
     
     
       19. The connector receptacle of  claim 15  wherein the upper metallic portion, the first reinforcing portions, the lower metallic portion, and the second reinforcing portions are separately formed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/683,134, filed Apr. 9, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applications No. 61/979,469, filed on Apr. 14, 2014, No. 62/001,060, filed May 21, 2014, and No. 62/129,826, filed Mar. 7, 2015, each titled “DURABLE CONNECTOR RECEPTACLES,” which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The amount of data transferred between electronic devices has grown tremendously the last several years. Large amounts of audio, streaming video, text, and other types of data content are now regularly transferred among desktop and portable computers, media devices, handheld media devices, displays, storage devices, and other types of electronic devices. 
     Power may be transferred with this data, or power may be transferred separately. Power and data may be conveyed over cable assemblies. Cable assemblies may include a cable that may have wire conductors, fiber optic cables, or some combination of these or other conductors. Cable assemblies may also include a connector insert at each end of the cable, though other cable assemblies may be connected or tethered to an electronic device in a dedicated manner. The connector inserts may be inserted into receptacles in the communicating electronic devices. 
     During these insertions, a user inserting a connector insert may exert a force in the direction of insertion into the receptacle. Also, the direction of insertion may be somewhat tilted or rotated. This force may exert compression and angular forces on one or more portions of the connector receptacle. This force may damage the connector receptacle causing a reduction or loss of functionality of the electronic device housing the connector receptacle. Similar forces may be exerted on one or more portions of a connector receptacle after a connector insert has been inserted in the receptacle or during extraction of a connector insert from the receptacle. 
     Also, these connector inserts may be inserted into a device receptacle one or more times a day for multiple years. It may be desirable that these connector inserts be reliable and do not break or wear down prematurely, since such failures may lead to user dissatisfaction with the electronic device. 
     Electronic devices may be sold in the millions, with an attendant number of connector receptacles sold with them. With such volumes, any reduction or simplification in the manufacturing of a connector receptacle becomes significant. For such reasons, it may be desirable that these connector receptacles are readily manufactured. 
     Thus, what is needed are connector receptacles that are able to withstand insertion and other forces, are reliable, and are easy to manufacture. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that are able to withstand insertion and other forces, are reliable, and are readily manufactured. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a connector receptacle where a receptacle tongue or other portion may be reinforced to withstand insertion forces. While these techniques are well-suited to use in connector receptacles, they may also be employed in connector inserts, or both connector inserts and receptacles, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Also, while embodiments of the present invention may protect connector receptacles from damage during the insertion of a connector insert, embodiments of the present invention may also protect connector receptacles from damage during an extraction of a connector insert and from damage caused by forces being applied to a connector insert or connector receptacle while the connector insert is positioned inside the connector receptacle. Embodiments of the present invention may also protect connector receptacles from damage by unrelated items at other times. Throughout this document damage that may occur at any of these or other times may be referred to as damage caused during the insertion of a connector insert for clarity. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide connector receptacles having one or more portions that are reinforced to withstand insertion forces. This may help to protect the tongue during insertions where a connector insert is not directly inserted into the receptacle, but is instead inserted in an offset or rotated direction. This may be of particular importance when the tongue is exceptionally thin and would otherwise be prone to damage. The reinforcing structures used may be primarily located on a surface or internal to the portions of the connector receptacle. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tongue of a connector receptacle may be reinforced. The reinforcement may be provided by a metallic piece that forms a frame that is substantially on a surface of the tongue. The metallic piece may have side portions to form sides of the tongue. The side portions may each have cutout portions to engage retention features on a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. The side portions may be braced or joined with one or more bracing or crosspiece portions. 
     In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a nonconductive insert portion may be inserted into the frame of the metallic piece. Contacts may be placed on one or both sides of the nonconductive insert. The metallic piece, nonconductive insert, and parts of sides of the contacts may be encased in an injection molded non-conductive portion. Ground contacts may be attached to the metallic piece. 
     In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a frame may be formed along the sides and front of a tongue. The sides may be exposed and be used as side ground contacts to form electrical connections with retention features in a plug. The tongue frame may further include a front brace or crosspiece. This front crosspiece may either be exposed as a front ground contact, or it may be covered with plastic or other nonconductive material used to form the tongue. Ground contacts on a top and bottom of the tongue may be formed with the frame as a single piece. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a connecting structure may be formed either with the frame and ground contacts as a single piece, or it may be formed separately then later attached to the frame and ground contacts. The connecting structure may then be used to attach the frame to a shield or other receptacle portion. 
     The metallic pieces provided by embodiments of the present invention, including the frame and crosspieces or braces, may provide reinforcement for the tongue and may help to prevent damage during insertion of a connector insert. They may also provide strong, durable surfaces for engaging retention features in the connector insert. The braces or crosspieces on the metallic piece may help to prevent twisting that may otherwise occur when a connector insert is inserted with a rolled or otherwise indirect angle. The metallic pieces may further provide a degree of shielding for signals on the contacts. While the metallic pieces in these and other embodiments of the present invention may be formed of metal or other conductive material, in other embodiments of the present invention, metallic pieces may be formed of non-metallic materials, such as ceramics or other materials. The metallic piece may be formed by metal injection molding, 3-D printing, or other technique. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a tongue or other portion of a connector receptacle that is reinforced with a metallic center piece that is located substantially internally in the tongue. The metallic center piece may be folded to create ground contacts for contacting ground contacts of a connector insert, and optionally, a shield for the connector receptacle. A first molded portion may be formed around a portion of the metallic center piece. Contacts may be fit to the first molded portion, or the contacts may be put in place before the first molded portion is formed around a part of the contacts. An optional second molded portion or overmold may be formed around the metallic center piece and first molded portion, leaving the tops of the contacts and ground contacts exposed. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first and second molded portions may be combined into a single mold. The metallic center piece may also provide shielding. 
     More specifically, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a contactor receptacle having a tongue, the tongue having a metallic center piece having a center portion, the center portion having a right extension and a left extension. The left extension may be folded to form a first ground contact and the left extension may have a rear extension folded to form a second ground contact. Similarly, the right extension may be folded to form a third ground contact, and the right extension may have a rear extension folded to form a fourth ground contact. The tongue may further include a first molded portion around the center portion of the metallic center piece, a plurality of contacts in the first molded portion, and a second molded portion over a rear of the first molded portion. In other embodiments, the first and second molded portions may be combined into a single mold. The second molded portion may leave a portion of the plurality of contacts, the first ground contact, the second ground contact, the third ground contact, and the fourth ground contact exposed. The metallic center piece may further include a rear extension, where the rear extension includes a plurality of tabs to be fit into openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. The center portion further may further include folded side and front portions to provide reinforcement for sides and front of the tongue. A portion of the outside of the side reinforcement portion may be exposed by the first and second molded portions such that it may electrically contact a retention feature in a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into this connector receptacle. 
     While the metallic center piece may be a single piece, it may instead be formed of two, three, or more pieces. These pieces may be soldered or laser or spot welded together, or secured in another manner. In the examples herein, the pieces are described as spot welded for simplicity. These pieces may be folded to form ground contacts. One or more molding steps may form a plastic molded portion around the metallic center piece to form a connector receptacle tongue. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a tongue or other portion of a connector receptacle that may be reinforced with a metallic center piece that is located substantially internally in the tongue. The metallic center piece may be formed of multiple portions attached to each other to create ground contacts for contacting ground contacts of a connector insert, and optionally, a shield for the connector receptacle. A first molded portion may be formed around a portion of the metallic center piece. Contacts may be fit to the first molded portion, or the contacts may be put in place before the first molded portion is formed around a part of the contacts. An optional second molded portion or overmold may be formed around the metallic center piece and first molded portion, leaving the tops of the contacts and ground contacts exposed. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first and second molds may be combined into a single molded portion. The metallic center piece may also provide shielding. While the metallic center piece in this and other embodiments of the present invention may be formed of metal, in other embodiments of the present invention metallic center pieces may be formed of non-metallic materials, such as ceramics or other materials. 
     Other illustrative embodiments of the present invention may employ tongues for connector receptacles, where the tongues may include one or more printed circuit board portions. Using a printed circuit board may provide a connector receptacle tongue where signal traces may be well-matched and shielded. In a specific embodiment the present invention, a tongue may be reinforced with a metal core. A first printed circuit board portion may be located on a first side of a metal core, while a second printed circuit board portion may be located on a second opposing side of the metal core. Contacts and signal traces may be located on and in these printed circuit board portions, and each circuit board portion may include one or more layers. These signals traces may be matched and shielded. Additional printed circuit board portions may be placed on top and underneath the first and second printed circuit board portions and ground contacts may be placed on the surfaces. These additional printed circuit board portions may be laminated, attached, or otherwise fixed to the first and second printed circuit board portions. In other embodiments of the present invention, other print circuit board portions may be removed leaving the additional printed circuit board portions behind. 
     In this specific example, it may be desirable to route traces through the metal core. For example, it may be desirable to route a trace from a bottom of the tongue to a top of the tongue. Accordingly, an opening may be formed in the metal core and a nonconductive material may be used to isolate a via from the metal core, where the via is used to route a signal from a top to a bottom of the tongue. 
     In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, instead of these additional printed circuit board portions, plastic overmold portions may be formed on a top and bottom of a printed circuit board. Ground contacts may be formed on the surfaces of these overmold portions. 
     In another illustrative embodiments the present invention, a metal core may be covered on a top side and a bottom side by a plastic overmold. Printed circuit boards may be molded, placed, or attached to a top and bottom of the overmold portion. The printed circuit boards may support contacts and interconnect traces. Second overmold portions may be formed on the printed circuit boards and plated to form ground contacts. 
     In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a laser direct structuring (LDS) process may be used. Specifically, a piece of LDS plastic may be used. Paths for contacts and traces may be etched in a surface of the LDS plastic using a laser. Traces and contacts may then be formed in the laser tracks. The LDS plastic pieces may be then at least partially encased in a plastic overmold to form a tongue for a connector receptacle. 
     In these various examples, a molding at a front and optionally other parts of a connector receptacle tongue may be colored or died to match a color of a device enclosure for the device housing the connector receptacle. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, contacts, ground contacts, metallic pieces, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacle, such as the shell or shield, may be formed by stamping, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions may be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They may be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions may be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions may be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. Again, the gaskets or grommets may be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, elastomers with low compression set. This may help to ensure consistent performance over the life of the connector receptacle. In specific embodiments of the present invention, the elastomers used may be silicone or urethane. The printed circuit boards used may be formed of FR-4 or other material. Printed circuit boards may be replaced by other substrates, such as flexible circuit boards, in many embodiments of the present invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that may be located in and may connect to various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles may provide pathways for signals and power compliant with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), power, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Lightning and other types of standard and non-standard interfaces that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a connector system where a connector insert is inserted into a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a transparent oblique view of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates portions of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a metallic center piece that may be used in a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a transparent view of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another metallic center piece that may be used in a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an underside view of the metallic center piece of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle formed using a metallic center piece of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cutaway view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates another cutaway view of connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of a connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates another metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates another tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a front view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a top view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a side view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a top oblique view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an underside oblique view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a method of routing a signal in a time according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 41  illustrates a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 42  illustrates another connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 43  illustrates a portion of a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 44  illustrates another portion of a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a connector receptacle having a reinforced tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 46  illustrates an under side view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 47  illustrates a housing formed around a central ground plane structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 48  illustrates an under side view of housing formed around a central ground plane structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 49  illustrates a central ground plane structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 50  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 51  illustrates a reinforced tongue on an interposer according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 52  illustrates a partially exploded view of the interposer of  FIG. 51 ; 
         FIG. 53  illustrates an exploded view the tongue of the interposer of  FIG. 51 ; and 
         FIG. 54  illustrates a partially exploded view of the interposer of  FIG. 51 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention. This figure, as with the other included figures, is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims. 
     Electronic system  100  may include cable  110  joining electronic devices  120  and  130 . In this example, electronic device  120  may be a laptop or portable computer having screen  122 . Electronic device  130  may be a monitor that may include screen  132 . In other embodiments of the present invention, cable  110  may couple various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablets, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors power supplies, adapters, and chargers, and other devices. These cables, such as cable  110 , may provide pathways for signals and power compliant with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), power, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Lightning and other types of standard and non-standard interfaces that are either presently developed, under development, or will be developed in the future. Cable  110  may attach to electronic devices  120  and  130  through connector receptacles provided by embodiments of the present invention. 
     Again, these insertions may damage the connector receptacles. This may be particularly true when a connector insert is not inserted directly into the connector receptacle, but is instead inserted in a tilted or rotated direction. Damage may also be more likely when portions of a connector receptacle, such as a tongue, are small or thin. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that are able to withstand these insertion forces. Again, while embodiments of the present invention may protect connector receptacles from damage during insertion of a connector insert, embodiments of the present invention may also protect connector receptacles from damage during extraction of a connector insert and from damage caused by forces being applied to a connector insert or connector receptacle while the connector insert is positioned inside the connector receptacle. Embodiments of the present invention may also protect connector receptacles from damage by unrelated items at other times. Throughout this document damage that may occur at any of these or other times may be referred to as damage caused during the insertion of a connector insert for clarity. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This connector receptacle may include tongue  210  in opening of device enclosure  200 . Tongue  210  may support one or more ground contacts  214 . Tongue  210  may emerge into the connector receptacle recess through rear wall  220  in device enclosure  200 . 
     In this and other embodiments of the present invention, a front of tongue  210  may be chamfered for easier insertion into an opening in a connector insert. This chamfered opening may be coated to reduce wear on the front surface of tongue  210  that may be caused by repeated insertions of a connector insert. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, tongue  210  or other portions of this connector receptacle may be reinforced to prevent damage during the insertion of a connector insert. These tongues may be located in openings in device enclosures, they may be located in connector receptacle housings separate from device enclosures, or they may be located in other structures. An example of such a connector system is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a connector insert according to embodiments of the present invention that is been inserted into a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, connector insert  310  has been inserted into connector receptacle  300 . Receptacle  300  may 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, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. Connector insert  310  and receptacle  300 , as with the other included connector inserts and receptacles, may provide pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB-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 other embodiments of the present invention, connector insert  310  and receptacle  300 , as with the other included connector inserts and receptacles, may be used to provide a reduced set of functions for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these interconnect paths provided by connector insert  310  and receptacle  300  and the other inserts and receptacles herein may be used to convey power, ground, signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. More information about connector insert  310  may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/543,711, filed Nov. 17, 2014, titled CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE HAVING A SHIELD, which is incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This example may illustrate the functionality of the other receptacles and tongues herein and in other embodiments of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle  300  may include tongue  410  supporting a number of contacts  412 . 
     As before, ground contacts  414  may be located on tongue  410 . Ground contacts  414  may be stepped to include vertical portion  416  and horizontal portion  518 . Horizontal portion  418  may contact receptacle shield  420 . 
     Connector insert  310  may include shield  470  surrounding contacts  460 . Shield  470  may be electrically connected to ground piece  472 . Shield  470  may terminate in end pieces  474 A. Tongue  410  may include a central ground plane or portion (not shown), while the connector insert may include ground plane or portion  480 . 
     This arrangement may provide shielding for signal paths formed by contacts  412  and  460 . Specifically, connector insert shield  470  may electrically contact receptacle shield  420 . Receptacle shield  420  may electrically connect to ground contact  414  through vertical portion  416  and horizontal portion  418 . Ground piece  472  in the connector insert may electrically contact ground contacts  414  and connector insert shield  470 . Ground planes and ground portions in tongue  410  and ground plane or portions  480  in the connector insert may electrically connect to each other and these other structures as well. In various embodiments of the present invention, end pieces  474 A may be conductive, and may thus form electrical connections with vertical portions  416 . This shielding may help to isolate signals on contacts  412  and  460  from each other and from circuits, traces, and components external to this connector system. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a transparent oblique view of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This example may illustrate the functionality of the other receptacles and tongues herein and in other embodiments of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  310  may be inserted into connector receptacle  300 . Again, more detail on these and other connector inserts may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/543,711, filed Nov. 17, 2014, titled CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE HAVING A SHIELD, which is incorporated by reference. 
     This connector system, as with the other included connector systems may perform at least three functions. The first is to convey signals between a connector insert and a connector receptacle. These signals may include power, ground, and data signals, such as audio and video signals. A second is to shield these signals while they are being transferred. This may prevent or reduce the corruption of the signals during transfer. A third is to provide a retention force such that the connector insert is not inadvertently removed from the connector receptacle. Such accidental extractions may be particularly undesirable during transfer of large files. 
     Signals may be transferred using pins or contacts  460  in the connector insert  310 , which may mate with contacts  412  in receptacle  300 . 
     These signals may be shielded in a number of ways. For example, shield  470  of connector insert  310  may electrically connect to ground piece  472  at finger  473 . Ground contacts  474  at a front of connector insert  310  may contact a horizontal portion of ground contact  414  in receptacle  300 . Ground contact  414  may electrically connect to connector receptacle shield  420  via connection points  421 . Shield  420  of connector receptacle  300  may electrically connect to shield  470  on receptacle  300 . 
     Retention may be provided by side ground contacts  510  engaging notches  411  on tongue  410 . Specifically, side ground contacts  510  may include contacting portion  512 , which may engage notches  411  on sides of tongue  410 . Notches  411  may be plated and connected to ground in the connector receptacle  300 , thereby forming another ground path with side ground contacts  510 , which may be connected to ground through the connector insert  310 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, varying amounts of retention force may be desired. Accordingly, side ground contacts  510  may be pre-biased such that they spring back to fit into notches  411  during insertion. The strength and thickness of side ground contacts  510  may also be adjusted to provide different retention forces for different applications. In some embodiments of the present invention, for example some docking stations, it may be desirable to provide zero retention force, in which case side ground contacts  510  may be omitted. 
     Connector receptacle portions, such as a tongue, housing, or other portion, may be stiffened or reinforced in a variety of ways. Again, this reinforcement may be partially or substantially external on a tongue or other portion, or it may be partially or substantially internal to the tongue or other receptacle portion. For example, a partially external metallic frame may be used to provide reinforcement for a connector receptacle tongue. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, this tongue may also be used in a connector insert. 
     This tongue may include a tongue portion  610  supporting a number of contacts  612 . Tongue portion  610  may include side portions of metallic piece  630  having cutouts  632 . Cutouts  632  may be used to engage retention features on a connector insert. Ground contacts  614  may be included as before. Ground contacts  614  may electrically connect to a ground contact in a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into a connector receptacle using this tongue. Ground contact  614  may further include vertical portions  616  and horizontal portion  618 . Horizontal portion  618  may connect to a shield of a connector receptacle employed this tongue. Housing  640  may be included. This tongue, as with the other included tongues, may be included in a receptacle that is formed of a recess in a device enclosure and a tongue. Examples are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/543,748, filed Nov. 17, 2014, titled CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE HAVING A TONGUE, which is incorporated by reference. Optionally, these tongues may be surrounded by a shield, as in the examples of  FIGS. 3-5 . Examples are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/543,711, filed Nov. 17, 2014, titled CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE HAVING A SHIELD, which is incorporated by reference. 
     This connector receptacle tongue may be formed in various ways. A method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the following figures. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates portions of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. This connector receptacle tongue may include metallic piece  630 . Metallic piece  630  may include side portions  634  having cutouts  632 . Side portions  340  may be braced with one or more cross braces  636  and  638 . A nonconductive insert portion  710  may be aligned with slots or groves  639  on inner sides of side portions of  634  and slid into metallic piece  630 . While the metallic piece in this and other embodiments of the present invention may be formed of metal, in other embodiments of the present invention metallic pieces may be formed of non-metallic materials, such as ceramics or other materials. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, nonconductive insert portion  710  has been inserted into metallic piece  630 . This nonconductive piece, as with the other similar nonconductive portions of the tongues shown here may be died or colored to match a color of a device enclosure housing the connector receptacle that includes the tongue. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, housing  640  has been injection molded around front cross brace  636 , nonconductive insert portion  710 , and portions of contacts  612 . The tops, bottoms, and outer sides of side portions of metallic piece  630 , the tops of contacts  612 , and the tops of cross braces  638 , may remain exposed. Ground contacts  614  may be attached to top and bottom sides of side portions of metallic piece  630 , while horizontal portion  618  may be attached to cross braces  638 . These attachments may be formed by soldering, laser or spot welding, or by using another appropriate technique. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, reinforcing structures may be placed partially or substantially internal to the tongue, as opposed to partially or substantially being external, as in the example above. Examples of tongues having partially or substantially internal reinforcing structures are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a metallic center piece that may be used in a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. This metallic center piece may include a center portion  1000 . Center portion  1000  may include a left extension that may be folded over to form side  1013  and ground contacts  1014 . This left extension may further include a rear extension folder over to form vertical portion  1016  and ground contact  1018 . A right extension of center portion  1000  may be folded over to form similar contacts underneath. The metallic center piece may further include a rear extension that may include tabs  1019 . Tabs  1019  may be inserted in an opening and soldered to a trace at the opening on a printed circuit board. Center portion  1000  may include folded side portions  1002  and folded front portion  1004 . Folded side portions  1002  and folded front portion  1004  may provide reinforcement for the sides and front of the tongue. Several openings may be provided on this structure to allow the flow of plastic molding during construction of the receptacle tongue. While the metallic center piece in this and other embodiments of the present invention may be formed of metal, in other embodiments of the present invention metallic center pieces may be formed of non-metallic materials, such as ceramics or other materials. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a transparent view of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, this connector tongue may include metallic center portion  1000 , which may include folded extensions to provide ground contacts  1014  and  1018 . A first overmold portion  1110  may be formed over a center portion of the metallic center piece. Contacts  1112  may then be placed in or included as part of first overmold portion  1110 . A second overmold portion  1120  may then be formed over the first portion. The second molded portion  1120  may include posts  1122 , which may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Second overmold portion  1120  may leave ground contacts  1014  and  1018 , as well as tops of signal contacts  1112 , exposed. Furthermore, sides of folded side portions  1002  may be left exposed at notches inside the tongue, where they may electrically contact retention features of a connector insert. 
     As with the other metallic center pieces here, metallic center portion  1000  may be metallic, for example, it may be formed of sheet-metal. In other embodiments the present invention, metallic center pieces, such as, metallic center portion  1000 , may be formed of other materials, including nonconductive materials. 
     Other embodiments the present invention may employ other types of metallic center pieces. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another metallic center piece that may be used in a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, the metallic center piece may include a right and left extensions folded to form sides  1213  and ground contacts  1214 , and these extensions may have rear extensions folded to form edges or sides  1216  and ground contacts  1218 . The metallic center piece may have a rear extension including tabs  1219 . Folded reinforcement side portions  1202  and front portion  1204  may be included. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an underside view of the metallic center piece of  FIG. 12 . As before, the side extensions and rear extension portions may be folded to form sides  1213  and  1215 , as well as ground contacts  1214  and  1218 . Side and front folded portions  1202  and  1204  may be included as before. A rear extension may include tabs  1219 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle formed using a metallic center piece of  FIG. 12 . A side of folded side portion  1202  may be exposed at a notch on the receptacle tongue. A first molded portion may be formed around the center portion of the metallic center piece. Contacts  1412  may be inserted or placed on the first molded portion  1410 , or they may be in place when first molded portion  1410  is formed. A second molded portion  1420  may be formed around a rear of the first molded portion  1410 . Second molded portion  1420  may leave ground contacts  1414  and  1418  exposed. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cutaway view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 . This cutaway view shows the folds along a part of the metallic center piece. Specifically, metallic center piece  1200  may be folded to form sides  1213  and ground contacts  1214 . Ground contact  1218  is also shown. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 . In this example, the metallic center piece is folded to form sides  1216  and ground contacts  1218 . A front folded portion  1610  may be formed to provide reinforcement at a front of the tongue. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another cutaway view of connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 . In this example, folded side portions  1202  provide reinforcement at the sides of the tongue. An outside edge of folded side portion  1202  of metallic center piece  1200  may be left exposed by the first molded portion. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of a connector receptacle of  FIG. 14 . This connector receptacle tongue may include metallic center piece  1200  supporting a tongue including contacts  1212 , as well as ground contacts  1214  and  1218 . 
     While in the above examples, the metallic center piece is formed as a unitary piece, in other embodiments of the present invention, a metallic center piece may be formed of two, three, or more individual pieces. These individual pieces may be soldered, spot or laser welded, or otherwise fixed to each other. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a center portion  1900  may be attached to a second portion  1910 . Second portion  1910  may be folded to form ground contacts  1214  and  1218 . Outside edges  1932  may be exposed to a notch in the tongue. Edges  1932  may form electrical contact with retention features in a connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into a connector receptacle having this tongue. 
     One or more molding steps may be used to form a molded portion around this metallic center piece and to support a number of signal contacts. Various embodiments may employ two molding steps as shown above, where the first molded portion forms a support for a number of signal contacts, and a second overmold is placed around a rear of the tongue leaving ground contacts exposed. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, edges  1932  may be exposed at a notch in the tongue. Ground contacts  1914  and  1918  may be exposed, as are tops of signal contacts  1912 . A first molded portion  2010  may form a front portion of the receptacle tongue, while a second overmold  2020  may be formed over a rear of the receptacle tongue. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the metallic center pieces formed of three pieces, a center piece  2100 , a top piece  2110 , and a bottom piece  2120 . As before, the top and bottom pieces may be folded for ground contacts. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, edges  2232  may be exposed at a notch of the tongue. Three pieces,  2100 ,  2110 , and  2120  may be used to form the metallic center piece. First molded portion  2210  may provide support for contacts  2112 , while a second overmold  2220  may form a rear of the connector receptacle tongue. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the three pieces used to form a metallic center piece may be stacked near a front of tongue to provide additional reinforcement. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the metallic center piece is formed of three pieces, a center portion  2300 , a top piece  2310 , and a bottom piece  2320 . The top and bottom pieces extend along a front as shown as front lateral extensions  2312  to provide additional reinforcement at the front of the connector receptacle tongue. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, edges  2432  may be exposed in a notch of the tongue. Three pieces may be used to form the metallic center piece, including a middle layer  2300  a top layer or piece  2310 , and a bottom layer or piece  2320 . First molded portion  2410  may support contacts  2412 , while a second overmold portion  2420  may form a rear of the tongue. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, front lateral extensions  2312  may be shorter than in the above example. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a metallic center piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the metallic center piece is formed of three pieces, a center portion  2500 , a top portion  2510 , and a bottom portion  2520 . Lateral extensions  2512  in this example may be noticeably shorter than the front lateral extensions  2312  in the above example. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, edges  2632  may be exposed in notches of the tongue. Again, three pieces may be used to form a metallic center piece, a center portion  2500 , a top portion  2510 , and a bottom portion  2520 . First and second molded portions  2610  and  2620  may be used as before. First molded portion  2610  may be used to support contacts  2612 . 
     In the above embodiments of the present invention, the metallic center piece may be formed as a single piece or unit. For example, the metallic center piece may be stamped and folded from a single piece of sheet metal. Again, in other embodiments of the present invention, the metallic center piece may be formed of multiple pieces. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates another tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this specific embodiment of the present invention, the metallic center piece may be formed of three individual pieces. Specifically, the metallic center piece may be formed of a center portion  2710 , an upper portion  2740  forming ground contacts  2714  and  2718 , and a lower portion  2750 . Center portion  2710 , upper portion  2740 , and lower portion  2750  may each include side tabs  2730 . Side tabs  2730  may be laser welded together to secure upper portion  2740 , lower portion  2750 , and center portion  2710  together. These tabs may also be used to align the metal portions to each other during laser welding. Specifically, these tabs may be aligned and clamped together during laser welding. 
     Center portion  2710  may provide reinforcement for tongue  2700 . Upper portion  2740  may provide an upper ground contact  2718  and a lower ground contact  2714 . Lower portion  2750  may provide similar ground contacts on the underside of this tongue. The metallic center piece may be housed in housing  2720 . Housing  2720  may include posts  2722 , which may be inserted in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate for mechanical stability. The portions of the metallic center piece may include holes or openings, such as openings  2719 A, to improve the flow of plastic or other material during the molding process. While the tongues shown in these examples, or similar tongues consistent with embodiments of the present invention, may be used in a connector receptacle, in other embodiments of the present invention, these or similar tongues may be used in connector inserts. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a front view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, the reinforcing metallic center piece may include a center portion  2710 , an upper portion  2740 , and a lower portion  2750 . These portions may include tabs  2730 , which may be aligned and held together during a laser welding process to secure three pieces together as a unit. The upper portions and lower portions may be folded to form upper ground contacts  2718  and lower ground contacts  2714 , which may be joined together by a vertical face  2716 . In this example, center portion  2710  may be used to reinforce tongue  2700 . Housing  2720  may be formed around the metallic center piece, and may include posts  2742  for mechanical stability. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a top view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, a metallic center piece may include a center portion  2710  and upper portion forming ground contacts  2714  and  2718 . Tabs  2719  may extend from a rear of center a portion  2710 . These tabs  2719  and a supporting portion may be folded downward and tabs  2719  may be inserted into a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Housing  2720  may surround portions of the metallic center piece such that ground contacts  2714  and  2718  are exposed. As before, the portions of the metallic center piece may include side tabs  2730 . Tabs  2730  may be aligned with each other and used to clamp or hold the individual pieces of the metallic and piece together during laser or spot welding. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a side view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . As before, tongue  2700  may be reinforced with a center portion  2710  of the metallic center piece. The metallic center piece may further include an upper portion  2740  and a lower portion  2750 . These upper and lower portions may provide ground contacts  2714  and  2718 . The metallic center piece maybe housed in housing  2720  that may include tabs or posts  2722 . Tabs  2719  may extend from a backend of center portion  2710 . This rear portion may be folded downward such that tabs  2719  may extend from a bottom of housing  2720  where they may be inserted in to openings in a printed circuit board. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a top oblique view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Tongue  2700  may include slots  3110  for a plurality of contacts. Housing  2720  may be formed such that ground contacts  2714  and  2718  are exposed. Housing  2720  may include tabs or posts  2722 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an underside oblique view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, tongue  2700  may include slots  3110  for a plurality of contacts. A rear portion of a center portion including tabs  2719  may be angled such that tabs  2719  extend beyond a bottom of housing  2820 . This may allow tabs  2719  to be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. As before, housing  2820  may be arranged such that ground contacts  2714  and  2718  are exposed. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, housing  2720  may be arranged to form slots  3110  for a plurality of contacts. A metallic center portion may include tabs  2719  as before. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . This example shows slices of a metallic center piece including center portion  2710  and upper portion including ground contact  2718  and sidewall portion  2713 , and a mirrored bottom portion. Side tabs  2730  may include openings  2731 . 
       FIG. 35  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, a metallic center piece may include a center portion  2710 , and upper portion including ground contact  2718  and sidewall portion  2713 . A side ground contact  2705  of center a portion  2710  may be exposed on tongue  2700 . This may provide an electrical connection with side ground contacts on a connector insert when the insert is inserted into a connector receptacle including this tongue. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, a metallic center piece may include a center portion  2710  forming side ground contacts  2705  in tongue  2700 . The metallic center piece may also include an upper portion and lower portion forming ground contacts  2714 . 
       FIG. 37  illustrates another cutaway view of the connector receptacle tongue of  FIG. 27 . Again, this tongue may include a metallic center piece having a portion  2710  for providing reinforcement for tongue  2700 . Upper and lower portions forming ground contacts  2714  and  2718  may be provided. Ground contacts  2714  and  2718  may be attached by vertical face or sidewall portion  2713 . Housing  2720  may be formed around portions of the metallic center piece such that ground contacts  2714  and  2718  are exposed. 
     Other illustrative embodiments of the present invention may employ tongues for connector receptacles, where the tongues may include one or more printed circuit board portions. Using a printed circuit board may provide a connector receptacle tongue where signal traces may be well-matched and shielded. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. This tongue may include a metal core  3830 . Metal core  3830  may provide mechanical reinforcement for the tongue, as well as electrical isolation between traces on a top and bottom of the tongue. A first printed circuit board portion  3840  may be placed on a surface of metal core  3830 . Printed circuit board portion  3840  may support contacts  3812 , interconnect  3813 , and ground shielding  3820 . Additional printed circuit board portion  3850  may be placed on first circuit board portion  3840 . The additional circuit board portion  3850  may be attached, laminated, or otherwise form for fixed to a surface of first printed circuit board portion  3840 . In other embodiments the present invention, portions of a second printed circuit board portions may be removed, leaving the additional printed circuit board portion  3850  behind. Additional printed circuit board portion  3850  may be plated to form ground contacts  3814 . Angle  3890  may be various angles, for example it may be at least approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 degrees or more. 
     In this embodiment of the present invention, it may be desirable to route a trace from one side of the tongue to another. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide isolation between a metal core and a via used to connect traces on a top and bottom of the tongue. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a method of routing a signal in a time according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, contact  3912  may be electrically connected through interconnect  3913  and via  3914  to contact  3915 . An isolation region  3950  may isolate via  3914  from metal core  3930 . This isolation region may be formed of a resin or other material. Region  3950  may be formed before metal core  3930 . 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, instead of forming a raised additional printed circuit board portion, a raised portion may be formed using injection molded plastic or other material. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, contact  4012  may electrically connect to interconnect traces  4013  in printed circuit board  4030 . A plastic molded portion  4040  may be plated to form ground contacts  4014 . Ground traces  4050  may be used to isolate interconnect trace  4013 . 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, printed circuit boards may be used to support contacts and interconnect, while a bulk of a tongue may be formed of plastic. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, plastic housing  4140  may be formed around a metal core  4130 . Again, metal core  4130  may provide reinforcement and electrical isolation. Printed circuit boards  4120  may be molded in place or attached to plastic housing  4140 . Printed circuit boards  4120  may support contacts  4112  and interconnect traces  4113 . Second overmold portions  4150  may be formed and plated to form ground contacts  4114 . 
       FIG. 42  illustrates another connector receptacle tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, boards  4220  and metal core  4230  may be extended behind plastic molded portion  4240 . This may allow easy access to interconnect traces  4213  and metal core  4230 . This may be further enhanced by the substitution of flexible circuit boards for printed circuit boards for boards  4220 . By making boards  4220  flexible circuit boards, traces  4213  may readily be interconnected to a printed circuit board, such as a main logic board, motherboard, or other appropriate substrate. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, laser direct structuring may be used. Specifically, a laser may be used to define the positions of contacts and interconnect traces on a piece of LDS plastic. Contacts and traces may then be formed on the surface of the LDS plastic. An overmold at least partially around the LDS plastic may be used to form a tongue for a connector receptacle. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 43  illustrates a portion of a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contacts  4312  and interconnect traces  4313  may be formed on a surface of LDS plastic piece  4320 . Plastic overmold  4330  may be used to fix LDS plastic pieces  4320  in place and form a portion of the connector receptacle tongue. 
       FIG. 44  illustrates another portion of a tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, contacts  4412  and interconnect traces  4413 , as well as ground pad  4414  may be formed on surfaces of LDS plastic  4420 . A via  4440  may be used for signal interconnect. Plastic housing  4430  may be used to form a portion of the connector receptacle tongue. It should be noted that this figure illustrates a top half of a portion of a connector receptacle tongue. A symmetrical bottom portion may be included in an actual receptacle tongue. 
     Again, embodiments of the present invention may include reinforced tongues to prevent damage to a connector receptacle. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates a connector receptacle having a reinforced tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention. This connector receptacle may include housing  4540 . Tongue  4510  may be formed as part of housing  4540 . Tongue  4510  may include a wider portion  4514 . Tongue  4510  may include a number of slots or grooves  4512  for supporting contacts  4520 . Contacts  4520  may terminate in through-hole contact portions  4522 . Through-hole contact portions  4522  may fit in openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate and be attached to traces for conveying power, ground, signals, or other voltages or currents. 
     Housing  4540  may include posts  4542 . Posts  4542  may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate for mechanical stability. 
     Housing  4540  may be at least partially covered by shield  4550 . Shield  4550  may include opening  4554  for accepting a tab  4544  on a side of housing  4540 . This may secure shield  4550  in place relative to housing  4540 . Shield  4550  may further include tabs  4552  to fit in openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Tabs  4552  may connect to ground to provide shielding. 
     This connector receptacle may further include a central ground plane structure. This ground plane structure may provide side ground contacts  4530 . Shield  4550  may be attached to a portion of the central ground plane structure by spot or laser welding at points  4556 . The central ground plane structure may further include ground contacts  4532 , which may reside on wider portion  4514  of tongue  4510 . 
       FIG. 46  illustrates an under side view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 45 . As before, tongue  4510  may be formed as a portion of housing  4540 . Housing  4540  may include posts  4542  to fit in openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate for mechanical stability. Housing  4540  may further include tabs  4544  to fit in openings  4554  of shield  4550 . This may keep shield  4550  secured in place relative to housing  4540 . 
     Tongue  4510  may include a number of slots or grooves  4512 . Contacts  4520  may be located in slots or grooves  4512 . Contacts  4520  may terminate in through-hole contact portions  4522 . Side ground contacts  4530  may be formed as part of a central ground plane structure. The central ground plane structure may further include ground contacts  4532  and contacts  4534 . Contacts  4534  may be arranged to fit in openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate, where they may be connected to ground for shielding and ground return purposes. 
     Shield portion  4610  may be located on an under side of the connector receptacle. 
     Shield portion  4610  may connect to central ground plane structure by spot laser welding at points  4612 . Shield portion  4610  may connect to ground in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate via contacts  4614 . 
       FIG. 47  illustrates a housing formed around a central ground plane structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, housing  4540  may include posts  4542  and tabs  4544 . Tongue  4510  may be formed as part of housing  4540 . Tongue  4510  may include a wider portion  4514  for supporting ground contacts  4532 . Tongue  4510  may include a number of slots or grooves  4512  for accepting a plurality of contacts. 
     A central ground plane structure may include side ground contacts  4530  and ground contacts  4532 . Upper contacts  4536  may also be included. A shield (not shown) may be attached to upper contact  4536  by spot or laser welding. 
       FIG. 48  illustrates an under side view of housing formed around a central ground plane structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Housing  4540  may include posts  4542  and tabs  4544 . Tongue  4510  may be formed as part of housing  4540 . Tongue  4510  may include slots or grooves  4512  for accepting a number of contacts. 
     A central ground plane structure may provide side ground contacts  4530  and upper contact  4536 . The central ground plane structure may be grounded to a ground plane in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate via contacts  4534 . 
       FIG. 49  illustrates a central ground plane structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Central ground plane structure may include a front portion including side ground contacts  4530 . This front portion may include a number of openings  4531 . Openings  4531  may be used to assist a flow of plastic during the formation of tongue  4510  and housing  4540 . Also, by joining the plastic on each side of the central ground plane structure, the tongue may be made more robust. Upper ground contacts  4536  may be attached at points  4539 . The upper ground portions may include a downward portion  4538 , which may be attached to ground contacts  4532 . Downward portion  4538  may include a number of openings  4531  to assist the flow of plastic or other material during the formation of housing  4540 . The central ground plane structure may include contacts  4534  for forming a ground connection to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate on which the connector receptacle resides. 
       FIG. 50  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 45 . As before, housing  4540  may include posts  4542  and tabs  4544 . Tongue  4510  may be formed as part of housing  4540 . Tongue  4510  may include a number of slots or grooves  4512 . Contacts  4520  and  4521  may be inserted into housing  4540  such that contacts  4520  and  4521  are located in slots or grooves  4512  on a top and bottom of tongue  4510 . Contacts  4520  and  4521  may terminate in through-hole contact portions  4522  and  4523 . Contacts  4520  and  4521  may be secured together by housing portions  5010  and  5020 . Shield  4550  may fit over housing  4540  such that opening  4554  fits over or tab  4544 . Shield  4550  may then be attached to the central ground plane structure by spot or laser welding as before. Shield portion  4610  may be attached to an underside of the connector receptacle and maybe spot or laser welded to the central ground plane structure. 
     Again, embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacle tongues having a frame or other structure for mechanical reinforcement. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 51  illustrates a reinforced tongue on an interposer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, tongue  5110  may be connected to housing  5150  via connecting portion  5170 . Tongue  5110  may support a number of contacts  5120 . Contacts  5120  may emerge from a bottom of the interposer as surface-mount contacting portions  5122  or through-hole-contacting portions  5124 . Tongue  5110  may support ground contacts  5130  on a top and bottom side. Ground contacts  5130  may be isolated from contacts  5120  by portion  5132 . Housing  5150  may include one or more posts  5152 . Posts  5152  may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate for mechanical stability. Shield  5160  may substantially covered a rear, top, and left and right sides of housing  5150 . Shield  5160  may include tabs  5162 . Tabs  5162  may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board or other substrate and be connected to ground traces or ground planes for shielding purposes. 
     Again, tongue  5110  may be relatively small and thin. This may otherwise result in a connector receptacle that is at least somewhat susceptible to damage. Accordingly, tongue  5110  may be formed having a frame for reinforcement purposes. This frame may form side ground contacts of frame  5190 . Further details of this frame are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 52  illustrates a partially exploded view of the interposer of  FIG. 51 . Again, housing  5150  may be at least partially shielded by a shield  5160 . Contacts  5120  may emerge from a front of housing  5150  such that they may be located on tongue  5110 . Specifically, tongue  5110  may include a number of slots  5112  for accepting contacts  5120 . Side ground contacts of frame  5190  may be part of a frame providing reinforcement for tongue  5110 . Connecting portion  5170  may be used to attach tongue  5110  to housing  5150 . The frame  5190  including side ground contacts may be used to carry a large amount of ground current. This current may flow through side ground contacts through contacts  5290  to ground. 
       FIG. 53  illustrates an exploded view of a tongue for the interposer of  FIG. 51 . Tongue  5110  may include a central ground piece  5310 . Central ground piece  5310  may fit in a center of tongue  5110 . Tongue  5110  may include slots  5112  for receiving contacts  5120 . Tongue  5110  may further include a frame  5190  attached to connecting portion  5170 . Frame  5190  may include cross piece  5192 . Cross piece  5192  may be exposed to form a front ground contact, or cross piece  5192  may be covered in plastic of tongue  5110 . Side ground contacts or frame  5190  may be exposed and may form electrical connections with retention contacts in the plug. 
     Tongue  5110  may be formed in different ways in various embodiments of the present invention. For example, frame  5190 , cross piece  5192 , ground contacts  5130 , and connecting portion  5170  may be formed of a single piece of conductive material, such as metal. For example, the structure may be formed using metal injection molding, stamping, or other process. In one embodiment of the present invention, frame  5190 , cross piece  5192 , ground contacts  5130 , and connecting portion  5170  may be formed of a single piece of conductive material using metal-injection molding, and ground contacts  5130  may have a thickness of only 0.15 mm. These structures may be formed of sheet metal or other material. Contacts  5120  and central ground piece  5310  may be attached and the insert molded portion for tongue  5110  may be formed. Again, the insert molded portion may be colored to match a color of a device enclosure. In other embodiments of the present invention, tongue  5110  may be inserted into frame  5190 . Central ground piece  5310  may be inserted into a central opening in tongue  5110 . Contacts  5120  may then be inserted into slots  5112  on tongue  5110 . 
       FIG. 54  illustrates a partially exploded view of the interposer  FIG. 51 . As in the above example, the housing may be formed in two pieces. Specifically, housing  5150  may be formed of housing portions  5410  and  5420 . These housing portions  5410  and  5420  may be formed around contacts  5120 . Posts  2712  on housing portion  5410  may be inserted into openings  5422  on housing portion  5420  to join housing portion  5410  to housing portion  5420 . Shield  5160  may be fit over the top of housing portions  5410  and  5420 . Tabs  5466  may fit over notches  5414  and into an opening  5416  to secure shield  5160  in place. Shield  5460  may include flaps  5468 . Flaps  5468  may be attached to surfaces  5172  on connecting portion  5170 . This attachment maybe formed by laser or spot welding, soldering, or other technique. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention including the examples shown, contacts, ground contacts, metallic pieces including metallic center pieces, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacle, such as the shell or shield, may be formed by stamping, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions may be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They may be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions may be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions may be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. Again, the gaskets or grommets may be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, elastomers with low compression set. This may help to ensure consistent performance over the life of the connector receptacle. In specific embodiments of the present invention, the elastomers used may be silicone or urethane. The printed circuit boards used may be formed of FR-4 or other material. Various printed circuit boards shown and in other embodiments of the present invention may be replaced by other substrates, such as flexible circuit boards. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that may be located in and may connect to various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles may provide pathways for signals and power compliant with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), power, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Lightning and other types of standard and non-standard interfaces that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. 
     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: 20180601
Publication Date: 20201208
Grant Date: 20201208
Priority Date: 20140414
Inventors: TZIVISKOS, GEORGE
LEE, JAE HWANG
AMINI, MAHMOUD R.
HACK, PAUL J.
GAO, ZHENG
ZHOU, RUI
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6585", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/504", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/71", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6594", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6585", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/504", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/724", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6596", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/71", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6581", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/0221", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/0221", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/78", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6594", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6466", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6593", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6587", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6593", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/504", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/78", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6585", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/71", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6596", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6594", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6466", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6587", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6581", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/724", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/0221", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 53054335