PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8961231-B2
Application Number: US-201213719187-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Retention mechanisms for electrical connectors

Abstract:
An improved electrical connector retainer employs a shell having a cavity. A pair of mated electrical connectors are received within the cavity and at least a portion of an upper wall of the shell is deflected towards a lower wall of the shell. The shell is configured to retain the upper wall in the deflected position, maintaining the pair of connectors in the mated position.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
 a first printed circuit board having a receptacle connector; 
 a second printed circuit board having a plug connector mated with the receptacle connector; 
 a shell having a receiving opening configured to receive the mated receptacle and plug connectors, a rear face disposed opposite of the receiving opening, an upper wall opposite a lower wall and a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall, the walls extending between the receiving opening and the rear face, defining a cavity that communicates with the receiving opening; 
 wherein the mated plug and receptacle connectors are disposed within the cavity; and 
 at least a portion of the upper wall is deflected towards the lower wall and retained in a deflected position. 
 
     
     
       2. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the at least a portion of the upper wall is deformed. 
     
     
       3. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the upper wall is hingedly connected to the first sidewall. 
     
     
       4. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the second sidewall comprises a lip of the upper wall overlapped with a lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       5. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 4  wherein the lip of the upper wall has recesses configured to receive teeth disposed in the lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       6. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first and second sidewalls each comprise a lip of the upper wall overlapped with a lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       7. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 6  wherein the lips of the upper walls have recesses configured to receive teeth disposed in the lips of the lower walls. 
     
     
       8. The electrical connector assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the upper wall comprises a flexible depression. 
     
     
       9. A method of retaining a pair of mated connectors, the method comprising:
 mating a receptacle connector disposed on a first printed circuit board to a plug connector disposed on a second printed circuit board; 
 disposing a shell around the mated receptacle and plug connectors, the shell having a receiving opening, a rear face disposed opposite of the receiving opening, an upper wall opposite a lower wall and a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall, the walls extending between the receiving opening and the rear face, defining a cavity that communicates with the receiving opening; 
 deflecting at least a portion of the upper wall towards the lower wall applying pressure to the mated receptacle and plug connectors; and 
 retaining the upper wall in a deflected position. 
 
     
     
       10. The method as in  claim 9  wherein the at least a portion of the upper wall is deformed. 
     
     
       11. The method as in  claim 9  wherein the upper wall is hingedly connected to the first sidewall. 
     
     
       12. The method as in  claim 9  wherein the second sidewall comprises a lip of the upper wall overlapped with a lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       13. The method as in  claim 12  wherein the lip of the upper wall has recesses configured to receive teeth disposed in the lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       14. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
 a mated pair of connectors including a plug connector mated to a receptacle connector; and 
 a shell having a receiving opening configured to receive the mated pair of connectors, a rear opening disposed opposite of the receiving opening, an upper wall opposite a lower wall and a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall, the walls extending between the receiving opening and the rear opening, defining a cavity that communicates with the receiving opening; 
 wherein the upper wall is hingedly connected to the first sidewall; and 
 wherein at least a portion of the upper wall is configured to be deflected towards the lower wall and retained in a deflected position. 
 
     
     
       15. The electrical connector retainer set forth in  claim 14  wherein the at least a portion of the upper wall is deformed when in the deflected position. 
     
     
       16. The electrical connector retainer set forth in  claim 14  wherein the second sidewall comprises a lip of the upper wall overlapped with a lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       17. The electrical connector retainer set forth in  claim 16  wherein the lip of the upper wall has recesses configured to receive teeth disposed in the lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       18. The electrical connector retainer set forth in  claim 14  wherein the first and second sidewalls each comprise a lip of the upper wall overlapped with a lip of the lower wall. 
     
     
       19. The electrical connector retainer set forth in  claim 18  wherein the lips of the upper walls have recesses configured to receive teeth disposed in the lips of the lower walls.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors and in particular to retention mechanisms that secure electrical connectors in a mated position. 
     A wide variety of applications employ electrical connectors. Electronic devices such as smart-phones, media players and laptop computers may use a plurality of both external and internal electronic connectors. While the external connectors may facilitate communication with other electronic devices, the internal connectors may facilitate communication between electronic components within the electronic device. Typically, during assembly of an electronic device the internal components are electrically interconnected by mating one or more internal connectors. Once the internal connectors are mated, it may be necessary to secure them in the mated position with a retention mechanism to ensure reliable operation of the electronic device. 
     As smart-phones, media players, laptop computers and other electronic devices become more compact and cost competitive, various components within each such device are being designed to be smaller and as low-cost as possible. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention pertain to technology that is particularly useful in the manufacture and use of retention mechanisms for electronic connectors that need to be retained in a mated position. 
     Some embodiments relate to the formation of a shell having a receiving opening configured to receive a mated pair of connectors, and a rear face disposed opposite of the receiving opening. The shell may further have an upper wall opposite a lower wall and a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall. The walls may extend between the receiving opening and the rear face, defining a cavity that communicates with the receiving opening. The mated connectors may be placed within the cavity and at least a portion of the upper wall of the shell may be defected towards the lower wall of the shell. The shell may further be configured to retain the upper wall in the deflected position, applying pressure to the mated connectors and retaining them in the mated position. 
     Some embodiments may retain the upper wall in a deflected position by mechanically deforming or crimping a portion of the upper wall. Other embodiments may retain the upper wall in a deflected position by hingedly connecting a portion of the upper wall to a sidewall of the shell and latching another portion of the upper wall to one or more sidewalls of the shell. Further embodiments may have an upper wall with one or more lips that are latched to corresponding lips disposed on a lower wall. 
     Some embodiments may form a latching mechanism by forming teeth that are configured to be received in recesses. A latch may be formed by overlapping a portion of a first wall with a portion of a second wall. Teeth may be disposed on the overlapping portion of the first wall and configured to fit within recesses disposed in the overlapping portion of the second wall. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, 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 invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a diagram that illustrates an example of an electronic device having interconnected electronic components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a diagram that illustrates an example of interconnected electronic components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a pair of electrical connectors and a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a pair of electrical connectors and a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a hinge structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a hinge structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram that illustrates a side view of a hinge structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram that illustrates a side view of a hinge structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell with a flexible depression in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram that illustrates a top perspective view of a shell with a flexible depression in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a process by which a retention mechanism can be employed on an electronic connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to retention mechanisms for electrical connectors. While the present invention can be useful to produce retention mechanisms for a wide variety of connectors, some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for producing a retention mechanism for internal electronic connectors employed in compact electronic devices. 
     Many electronic devices such as smart-phones, media players and laptop computers may have internal electronic connectors within them that facilitate communication between internal electronic components.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example of such a connector as employed in laptop computer  100 . Laptop computer  100  may have a viewing screen  105  and a lower chassis  110 . Various electronic components within computer  100  are illustrated in  FIG. 1B . Viewing screen  105  may comprise an LCD display  106  with flexible PCB  130  electrically coupled to motherboard  111  using internal electronic connector  140  that includes a plug connector portion attached to one of motherboard  111  and flex circuit  130  and a receptacle connector portion attached to the other of motherboard  111  and flex circuit  130 . More specifically, when the plug portion of internal electronic connector  140  is mated with the receptacle portion of the internal electronic connector, electrical contacts within each electronic connector (not shown) are in physical and electrical contact with each other to allow electrical signals to be transferred between motherboard  111  and LCD screen  106 . Retention mechanism  170 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention, may be employed on internal electronic connector  140 , or on other connectors, to maintain the connectors in a mated position during the assembly and use of laptop computer  100 . 
     To further illustrate embodiments of the invention, various examples of retention mechanisms for electrical connectors that may be made in accordance with the present invention are discussed below, however these embodiments should in no way limit the applicability of the invention to other connectors. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified pre-assembly perspective view an exemplary connector assembly  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Connector assembly  200  may include connector plug  215  mounted to first PCB  205 , connector receptacle  220  mounted to second PCB  210  and optional stiffener and/or absorber  225 . Connector plug  215  may be configured to mate with connector receptacle  220  to transfer electrical signals between first PCB  205  and second PCB  210 . First PCB  205  and second PCB  210  may be any structure that facilitates the routing of electrical signals, such as for example, epoxy glass layers with metallic traces, ceramic layers with metallic traces, plastic layers with metallic traces and flexible polyamide layers with metallic traces. In some embodiments, connector assembly  200  may be disposed in a connector retainer comprising shell  270 . Shell  270  may have receiving opening  275  configured to receive mated connector assembly  200 , and rear face  265  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Shell  270  may further have upper wall  250  opposite lower wall  255  and first sidewall  235  opposite second sidewall  245 . Walls  250 ,  255 ,  235 ,  245  extend between receiving opening  275  and rear face  265 , defining cavity  260  that communicates with receiving opening  275 . In some embodiments, rear face  265  may be open as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , while in other embodiments it may be at least partially closed. In further embodiments, lower wall  255  may have one or more penetrations  280 . In some embodiments, second PCB  210  may have stiffener and/or absorber  225  disposed on a surface opposite of connector receptacle  220 , which will be discussed in more detail below. In further embodiments, first PCB  205  may have first adhesive  230  disposed on a surface opposite of connector plug  215 . 
     A simplified post-assembly perspective view of connector assembly  200  and shell  270  is shown in  FIG. 3 . Connector plug  215  is mated with connector receptacle  220  and shell  270  has received connector assembly  200  through receiving opening  275  and within cavity  260 . Further, a portion  305  of upper wall  250  has been deflected towards lower wall  255  a distance  310  and is retained in a deflected position. Retaining deflected portion  305  of upper wall  250  in a deflected position may apply a compressive force on mated connectors  215 ,  220 , securing them in the mated position. 
     In some embodiments, shell  270  may be made from metal and the deflection of upper wall  250  may be achieved by pressing on deflected portion  305  with a tool. This may cause the metal to deform or crimp and maintain deflected portion  305  in the deflected position. In other embodiments where shell  270  may be made from a thermoplastic material, the deflection of upper wall  250  may be achieved by pressing on deflected portion  305  with a heated tool. This may cause the thermoplastic material to soften, allowing the tool to deflect a portion  305  of upper wall  250 . The tool may then be removed, or may be cooled then removed, leaving deflected portion  305  of upper wall  250  in the deflected position. Deflected portion  305  of upper wall  250  may not look similar to the representation in  FIG. 3  and may comprise more than one deflected portion, a smaller deflected portion and/or a larger deflected portion. For example, in some embodiments deflected portion  305  of upper wall  250  may be a single concave deformation or multiple concave deformations in upper wall  250 . 
     In some embodiments, shell  270  may be made from a metal or a plastic material, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, tin, thermoplastic polymer or thermoset polymer. In some embodiments where shell  270  is made from metal, the metal may be blanked, formed and joined together to form a closed shape. Such techniques are well-known in the art and myriad manufacturing technologies may be employed. For example, one embodiment may employ similar manufacturing processes that are used to make Universal Serial Bus connectors comprising interlocking one end of a stamped formation to another end and swaging them together. In embodiments where shell  270  is made from plastic, it may be formed by molding, extruding or other plastic component manufacturing technologies. Some embodiments may dispose one or more layers of plating, paint, anodization coatings or other coatings on shell  270 . In one embodiment, shell  270  is made from stainless steel that is plated with nickel. In some embodiments, shell  270  may have a thickness between 0.05 mm and 0.40 mm. In further embodiments it may have a thickness between 0.10 mm and 0.35 mm. In still further embodiments it may have a thickness between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm. Further embodiments, some of which are described below, may use similar materials and manufacturing techniques. 
     Shell  270  may affect the size, cost and/or the ease of assembly of connector assembly  200  in myriad ways. First, shell  270  is relatively thin and in many embodiments is only slightly larger than mated connector  215 ,  220 , thus it consumes little space, leaving room for other components within the electronic device. Further, shell  270  is relatively easy to manufacture from low cost materials. In some embodiments, shell  270  is made from sheet metal that is formed or welded together. Also, in some embodiments, shell  270  may require only a simple tool or manipulation by an assembler to cause the deflection and retention of upper wall  250 . In some embodiments, a simple metal bar may be pressed by hand against deflected portion  305  of upper wall  250  to cause the deflection while other embodiments may employ a folding and latching structure, as discussed in more detail below. 
     Some embodiments of connector assembly  200  may include stiffener and/or absorber  225  in, while other embodiments may not. Embodiments that employ stiffener and/or absorber  225  may employ a stiffener only, an absorber only or both a stiffener and an absorber. The stiffener may be a relatively rigid plate that may help distribute the forces imparted by deflected portion  305  of upper wall  250  across a larger area of second PCB  210 . In some embodiments, the stiffener may be made from a metal, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, or a copper alloy. The absorber may be a relatively flexible and compressible material that may act as an intermediate “spring” between deflected portion  305  and board-to-board connector  215 ,  220  and PCBs  205 ,  210 . More specifically, when deflected portion  305  is deflected towards lower wall  255 , the absorber may enable the deflected portion to apply a compressive force to mated connector  215 ,  220  without causing damage to the connector. The “spring” effect of the absorber may leave the absorber in a partially compressed state after the deflection operation. This may make the deflection operation require less precision and may enable shell  270  to maintain mated connector  215 ,  220  in a fully mated position even after many years of environmental stress. In some embodiments, the absorber may be made from a polymer, such as for example, rubber, foam, silicone or a viscoelastic material. In embodiments that employ both a stiffener and an absorber the structure may comprise two parallel plates with one being the stiffener and the other being the absorber. In some embodiments, the stiffener may be proximate second PCB  210  while in other embodiments absorber may be proximate the PCB. In further embodiments, stiffener and/or absorber may be disposed between lower wall  255  and first PCB  205 . 
     Further embodiments may employ first adhesive  230  on the interior surface of lower wall  255  and/or the interior surface of upper wall  250  to maintain mated connector assembly  200  within shell  270 . Other embodiments may employ second adhesive  315  between shell  270  and mounting surface  310 . Some embodiments of shell  270  may have one or penetrations  280  (see  FIG. 2 ) in lower wall  255  that facilitate adhesion of first and second adhesive  230 ,  315 , respectively, to shell  270 . 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , shell  470  may comprise a folding and latching structure. Shell  470  is shown in the open position in  FIG. 4 , prepared to receive mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ). Shell  470  may have a receiving opening  475 , and rear face  465  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Shell  470  may further have upper wall  450  opposite (when in the closed position depicted in  FIG. 5 ) lower wall  455  and first sidewall  435  opposite second sidewall  445  (when in the closed position depicted in  FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, second sidewall  445  may comprise upper wall lip  486  overlapped with lower wall lip  487 , forming overlapping portion  491 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Walls  450 ,  455 ,  435 ,  445  extend between receiving opening  475  and rear face  465 , defining cavity  460  that communicates with the receiving opening. In some embodiments, rear face  465  may be open, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , while in other embodiments it may be at least partially closed. In further embodiments, lower wall  455  may have one or more penetrations (not shown). First sidewall  435  may be hingedly connected to upper wall  450  with hinge structure  480 . Hinge structure  480  may be located anywhere on first sidewall  435  or where the first sidewall joins with upper wall  450 , or where it joins lower wall  455 . The latching structure may comprise upper wall lip  486  having one or more teeth  485  sized to be received within corresponding recesses  490  disposed in lower wall lip  487 . 
     In some embodiments, recesses  490  may comprise indentations while in other embodiments the recesses may comprise penetrations while in further embodiments the recesses may comprise a combination of indentations and penetrations. In some embodiments, teeth  485  may comprise a protrusion from lip  486  configured to latch and/or catch on recess  490 . Other embodiments may employ a different latching structure, such as for example, a pair of protrusions configured to latch and/or catch on each other. In some embodiments the location of recesses  490  and teeth  485  may be reversed wherein the recesses may be located where the teeth are located and the teeth may be located where the recesses are located. As discussed above, lower wall  455  or upper wall  450  may include first adhesive  430  disposed on an interior surface for securing mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) within shell  470 . 
     Mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be disposed within cavity  460  of shell  470  when the shell is in the open position, depicted in  FIG. 4 . At least a portion of upper wall  450  may then be deflected towards lower wall  455 . In this embodiment the entire upper wall  450  may be deflected towards lower wall  455  by the operation of hinge structure  480 . Upper wall  450  may be deflected towards lower wall  455  until teeth  485  in upper wall lip  486  engage with recesses  490  disposed in lower wall lip  487 , forming second sidewall  445 . Once teeth  485  are engaged with recesses  490 , upper wall  450  is retained in the deflected “closed” position, illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Retaining upper wall  450  in the deflected position may apply a compressive force on mated connectors  215 ,  220  (see  FIG. 3 ), securing them in the mated position. In some embodiments that employ optional stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), the absorber may act as a spring, holding mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. In other embodiments, shell  470  may not employ stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), wherein upper wall  450  and lower wall  455  may maintain mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. 
     In some embodiments, shell  470  may be made from a metal or a plastic material, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, tin, thermoplastic or a thermoset. Myriad materials and manufacturing technologies may be employed, as discussed above, to manufacture shell  470 . In some embodiments, shell  470  may be easier to assemble than shell  270  (see  FIG. 3 ). Shell  470  may simply require an operator or a machine to push upper wall  450  towards lower wall  455  until teeth  485  engage with recesses  490 , whereas some embodiments employing shell  270  (see  FIG. 3 ) may require a tool to deflect upper wall  250 . This may make shell  470  less costly to assemble than shell  270  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Further embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , may also comprise a folding and latching structure. Shell  670  is shown in the open position in  FIG. 6 , prepared to receive mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ). Shell  670  may have receiving opening  675 , and rear face  665  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Shell  670  may further have first upper wall portion  651  and second upper wall portion  652  which, when in the closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , have an overlap portion  691  forming upper wall  650 . Upper wall  650  is disposed opposite lower wall  655 , and first sidewall  635  is disposed opposite second sidewall  645 . Walls  650 ,  655 ,  635 ,  645  extend between receiving opening  675  and rear face  665 , defining cavity  660  that communicates with the receiving opening. In some embodiments, rear face  665  may be open as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , while in other embodiments it may be at least partially closed. In further embodiments, lower wall  655  may have one or more penetrations (not shown). First sidewall  635  may be hingedly connected to first upper wall portion  651  with hinge structure  680 . Hinge structure  680  may be located anywhere on first sidewall  635  or where the first sidewall joins with upper wall portion  651 , or where it joins with lower wall  655 . Second sidewall  645  may be hingedly connected to second upper wall portion  652  with hinge structure  681 . Hinge structure  681  may be located anywhere on second sidewall  645  or where the second sidewall joins with upper wall portion  652  or where it joins with lower wall  655 . 
     Some embodiments may employ a latching structure comprising second upper wall portion  652  having one or more teeth  685  disposed proximate overlapping portion  691 , sized and configured to be received within corresponding recesses  690  disposed in first upper wall portion  651 . Other embodiments may employ a different latching structure. In some embodiments the location of recesses  690  and teeth  685  may be reversed wherein the recesses may be located where the teeth are located and the teeth may be located where the recesses are located. Lower wall  655  or upper wall  650  may include first adhesive  630  disposed on an interior surface, for securing mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) within shell  670 . 
     Mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be disposed within cavity  660  of shell  670  when the shell is in the open position depicted in  FIG. 6 . At least a portion of upper wall  650 , comprising first upper wall portion  651  and second upper wall portion  562 , may then be deflected towards lower wall  655 . In this embodiment, both first upper wall portion  651  and second upper wall portion  562  may be deflected towards lower wall  655  by the operation of hinge structures  680 ,  681 . First upper wall portion  651  may be deflected towards lower wall  655  until it is almost parallel with lower wall  655 . Then, second upper wall portion  652  may be deflected towards lower wall  655  until teeth  685  in second upper wall portion  652  engage with recesses  690  disposed in first upper wall portion  651 , forming upper wall  650 . Once teeth  685  are engaged with recesses  690 , upper wall  650  is retained in the deflected “closed” position, illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Retaining upper wall  650  in a deflected position may apply a compressive force on mated connectors  215 ,  220  (see  FIG. 3 ), securing them in the mated position. In some embodiments that employ optional stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), the absorber may act as a spring, holding mated connectors  215 ,  220  in the mated position. In other embodiments, shell  670  may not employ stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), wherein upper wall  650  and lower wall  655  may maintain mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. 
     In some embodiments, shell  670  may be made from a metal or a plastic material, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, tin, thermoplastic or a thermoset. Myriad materials and manufacturing technologies may be employed, as discussed above, to manufacture shell  670 . 
     Further embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , may also comprise a latching structure. Shell  870  is prepared to receive mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ). Shell  870  may have a receiving opening  875 , and rear face  865  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Shell  870  may further have upper wall  850  disposed opposite lower wall  855 , and first sidewall  845  disposed between the upper wall and the lower wall. Walls  850 ,  855 ,  845  extend between receiving opening  875  and rear face  865 , defining cavity  860  that communicates with the receiving opening. In some embodiments, rear face  865  may be open, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , while in other embodiments it may be at least partially closed. In some embodiments, a distal end of upper wall  850  may have one or more teeth  885  configured to protrude into cavity  860  and retain mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) within shell  870 . In further embodiments, a distal end of lower wall  855  may have similar teeth  885 . In other embodiments, lower wall  855  may have one or more penetrations (not shown). Lower wall  855  or upper wall  850  may include first adhesive  830  disposed on an interior surface for securing mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) within shell  870 . 
     Mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be disposed within cavity  860  of shell  870 . To facilitate insertion of mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ), a portion of upper wall  850  may be temporarily deflected away from lower wall  855 , and then allowed to deflect (or spring) towards the lower wall after insertion of the mated connector assembly. Mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be configured to be larger than the “free position” distance between lower wall  855  and upper wall  850  such that when upper wall is released, it may apply a compressive force on mated connector  215 ,  220  (see  FIG. 3 ), securing it in the mated position. In some embodiments that employ optional stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), the absorber may act as a spring, holding mated connectors  215 ,  220  in the mated position. In other embodiments, shell  870  may not employ stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ) and upper wall  850  and lower wall  855  may maintain mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. 
     In some embodiments, shell  870  may be made from a metal or a plastic material, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, tin, thermoplastic or a thermoset. Myriad materials and manufacturing technologies may be employed, as discussed above, to manufacture shell  870 . 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , shell  970  may comprise a folding and latching structure. Shell  970  is shown in the open position in  FIG. 9 , prepared to receive mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ). Shell  970  may also have a closed position wherein upper wall  950  is folded about hinge structure  980  such that it is substantially parallel to lower wall  955 . Shell  970  may have a receiving opening  975 , and rear face  965  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Shell  970  may further have upper wall  950  opposite (when in the closed position) lower wall  955 . In this embodiment, when shell  970  is in the closed position, it may have first sidewall  935  comprising first upper wall lip  985  overlapped with first lower wall lip  936 . Additionally, when shell  970  is in the closed position it may have second sidewall  945  comprising first upper wall lip  986  overlapped with first lower wall lip  987 . Further, when shell  970  is in the closed position, walls  950 ,  955 ,  935 ,  945  extend between receiving opening  975  and rear face  965 , defining cavity  960  that communicates with the receiving opening. In some embodiments, rear face  965  may be closed as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , while in other embodiments it may be at least partially open. In further embodiments, lower wall  955  may have one or more penetrations (not shown). Rear face  965  may be hingedly connected to upper wall  950  with hinge structure  980 . Hinge structure  980  may be located anywhere on rear face  965  or where the rear face joins with upper wall  950  or where rear face joins with lower wall  955 . A latching structure may comprise first upper wall lip  937  and second upper wall lip  986 , each having one or more teeth  985  sized to be received within corresponding recesses  990  disposed in first lower wall lip  936  and second lower wall lip  987 . Other embodiments may employ a different latching structure. In some embodiments the location of recesses  990  and teeth  985  may be reversed wherein the recesses may be located where the teeth are located and the teeth may be located where the recesses are located. Lower wall  955  or upper wall  950  may include first adhesive  930  disposed on an interior surface for securing mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) within shell  970 . 
     Mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be disposed within cavity  960  of shell  970  when the shell is in the open position depicted in  FIG. 9 . At least a portion of upper wall  950  may then be deflected towards lower wall  955 . In this embodiment, the entire upper wall  950  may be deflected towards lower wall  955  by the operation of hinge structure  980 . Upper wall  950  is deflected towards lower wall  955  until teeth  985  in first and second upper wall lips  937 ,  986 , respectively, engage with recesses  990  disposed in first and second lower wall lips  936 ,  987 , respectively, forming first and second sidewalls  935 ,  945 , respectively. Once teeth  985  are engaged with recesses  990 , upper wall  950  is retained in the deflected “closed” position. Retaining upper wall  950  in the deflected position may apply a compressive force on mated connectors  215 ,  220  (see  FIG. 3 ), securing them in the mated position. In some embodiments that employ optional stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), the absorber may act as a spring, holding mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. In other embodiments, shell  970  may not employ stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ) and upper wall  950  and lower wall  955  may maintain mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. 
     In some embodiments, shell  970  may be made from a metal or a plastic material, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, tin, thermoplastic or a thermoset. Myriad materials and manufacturing technologies may be employed, as discussed above, to manufacture shell  970 . 
     As discussed above, some embodiments may employ one or more hinge structures. As an example, some embodiments may employ hinge structure  1000 , illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Representative wall portion  1010 , which may be any wall of a shell, may have a series of depressions  1020 . In some embodiments, the depth of depressions  1020  may be between 10 percent and 90 percent of the wall thickness. In other embodiments the depth of depressions  1020  may be between 20 percent and 80 percent of the wall thickness. In further embodiments the depth of depressions  1020  may be between 30 percent and 70 percent of the wall thickness. Depressions  1020  may be any shape, such as for example, square, rectangular, circular or oval. The spacing between depressions  1020  may vary and in some embodiments there may be no space between the depressions resulting in a single continuous depression in representative wall portion  1010 . The depth, spacing and geometry of depressions  1020  may be used to change the characteristics of hinge structure  1000 . For example, if a relatively strong material such as stainless steel is used for the shell, the depth of depressions  1020  may be relatively deep with little space between them to make the hinge easier to operate. Conversely, if a relatively weak material such as tin is used for the shell, the depth of depressions  1020  may be relatively shallow with large spaces between them to make the hinge stronger and less susceptible to breaking. 
     Myriad hinge structures may be used in further embodiments. For example, hinge structure  1100  is illustrated on representative wall portion  1110  and has a series of penetrations  1120 . Penetrations  1120  may be any shape, such as for example, square, rectangular, circular or oval. The spacing between penetrations  1120  may vary. The depth, spacing and geometry of penetrations  1120  may be used to change the characteristics of hinge structure  1100 . For example, if a relatively strong material such as stainless steel is used for the shell, there may be little space between them to make the hinge easier to operate. Conversely, if a relatively weak material such as tin is used for the shell, there may be relatively large spaces between them to make the hinge stronger and less susceptible to breaking. 
     Further embodiments may employ alternative hinge structures, other than depressions or penetrations.  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate example hinge structure  1200 , having top wall portion  1210  and lower wall portion  1220  coupled by flexible membrane  1230 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , top wall portion  1210  may be articulated relative to lower wall portion  1220  with flexible membrane  1230  allowing relative articulation but not translation of the wall portions relative to each other. In some embodiments, flexible membrane  1230  may comprise, for example, a polymeric tape, a metallic tape, or other relatively flexible material. In further embodiments, top wall portion  1210  may be articulated in the opposite direction shown in  FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, a gap may be left between top wall portion  1210  and lower wall portion, or flexible membrane  1230  may stretch in the transverse direction along the hinge area. 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , shell  1470  may comprise two pieces interconnected with a latching structure. Shell  1470  is shown in the open position in  FIG. 14 , prepared to receive mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ). Shell  1470  may also have a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . As further shown in  FIG. 15 , shell  1470  may have a receiving opening  1475 , and rear face  1465  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Shell  1470  may also have upper wall  1450  opposite (when in the closed position depicted in  FIG. 15 ) lower wall  1455  and first sidewall  1435  opposite second sidewall  1445  (when in the closed position depicted in  FIG. 15 ). In this embodiment, first sidewall  1435  may comprise first upper wall lip  1437  overlapped with first lower wall lip  1436  forming first overlap portion  1492 . Second sidewall  1445  may comprise second upper wall lip  1486  overlapped with second lower wall lip  1487  forming second overlap portion  1491 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 15 , walls  1450 ,  1455 ,  1435 ,  1445  extend between receiving opening  1475  and rear face  1465 , defining cavity  1460  that communicates with the receiving opening. In some embodiments, rear face  1465  may be open as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , while in other embodiments it may be at least partially closed. In further embodiments, lower wall  1455  may have one or more penetrations (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, shell  1470  may comprise a latching structure where first upper wall lip  1437  has one or more recesses  1490  configured to receive teeth  1485  disposed in first lower wall lip  1436 . Further, second upper wall lip  1486  may have one or more recesses  1490  configured to receive teeth  1485  disposed in second lower wall lip  1487 . In some embodiments, teeth  1485  may be similar to recesses  1490  while in other embodiments they may be different designs. Other embodiments may employ a different latching structure. In some embodiments the location of recesses  1490  and teeth  1485  may be reversed wherein the recesses may be located where the teeth are located and the teeth may be located where the recesses are located. Lower wall  1455  or upper wall  1450  may include first adhesive  1430  disposed on an interior surface for securing mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) within shell  1470 . 
     Mated connector assembly  200  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be disposed within cavity  1460  of shell  1470  when the shell is in the open position, depicted in  FIG. 14 . Upper wall  1450  may then be aligned with and deflected towards lower wall  1455 . Upper wall  1450  may be deflected towards lower wall  1455  until teeth  1485  disposed in first and second lower wall lips  1436 ,  1487 , respectively, engage with recesses  1490  disposed in first and second upper wall lips  1437 ,  1486 , respectively, forming first and second sidewalls  1435 ,  1445 , respectively. Once teeth  1485  are engaged with recesses  1490 , upper wall  1450  is retained in the deflected “closed” position, illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Retaining upper wall  1450  in the deflected position may apply a compressive force on mated connectors  215 ,  220  (see  FIG. 3 ), securing them in the mated position. In some embodiments that employ optional stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ), the absorber may act as a spring, holding mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. In other embodiments, shell  1470  may not employ stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ) and upper wall  1450  and lower wall  1455  may maintain mated connector  215 ,  220  in the mated position. 
     In some embodiments, shell  1470  may be made from a metal or a plastic material, such as for example, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, tin, thermoplastic or a thermoset. Myriad materials and manufacturing technologies may be employed, as discussed above, to manufacture shell  1470 . 
     It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, some embodiments may comprise a shell having one or more flexible depressions  1602 ,  1702  as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The shell design illustrated here is for example only and any embodiment may incorporate one or more flexible depressions  1602 ,  1702  disposed in upper wall  1650  as depicted in  FIG. 16  or in lower wall  1755  as depicted in  FIG. 17 . Flexible depressions may be formed to flex, acting like a spring, and may aid in applying a compressive force on mated connectors  215 ,  220  (see  FIG. 3 ), securing them in the mated position. In some embodiments, flexible depressions  1602 ,  1702  may be used with stiffener and/or absorber  225  (see  FIG. 3 ) while other embodiments may not use stiffener and/or absorber. Further embodiments may only employ the stiffener, without the absorber while other embodiments may only employ the absorber without the stiffener. Further embodiments may dispose more than one electronic connector within a shell. Still further embodiments may employ more than one flexible depression, with each depression configured to align with each of the electrical connectors disposed in the shell. 
     Some embodiments may utilize the shell for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Further embodiments may desire the electronic connector residing within the cavity of the shell to be shielded from external EMI while other embodiments may desire the shell to shield adjacent components from EMI radiated from the connector. Some embodiments may employ a metallic shell or a shell that is made from electrically conductive plastic to aid in EMI shielding. The shell may be connected to ground to improve the effectiveness of the EMI shield. In some embodiments the EMI effectiveness of the shell may be improved by substantially enclosing all six sides of the mated connector assembly within the shell and disposing minimally sized slots in one or more sides of the shell for the PCB&#39;s to egress. 
     Further embodiments may employ an elastomer band around the mated connector assembly while other embodiments may employ an elastomer band around a shell that is disposed around the mated connector assembly. The elastomer band may apply a compressive force to the mated connectors that may maintain them in the mated position when they are subjected to environmental stress. In some embodiments the elastomer band may include conductive material and aid in EMI shielding. Other embodiments may employ an elastomer band having five sides forming a boot that may substantially enclose a mated connector assembly, except for one side. 
     Some embodiments may connect the shell to ground with a wire, a terminal or another type of conductive member. Further embodiments may connect the shield to ground with an electrically conductive adhesive. Such adhesives may be disposed between the shell and the chassis to which the shell is connected. Such adhesives may also be used between the shell and the connector assembly. For example, one embodiment may employ a first conductive adhesive between the shell and one or more of the PCB&#39;s within the shell and a second conductive adhesive between the shell and the mounting surface. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an exemplary simplified process  1800  for employing a retention mechanism on an electronic connector, in accordance with embodiments described herein. In step  1805  a connector plug is provided that is attached to a first electronic component. In step  1810  a connector receptacle is provided that is attached to a second electronic component. In step  1815  the connector plug is mated with the connector receptacle. In step  1820  a shell is formed. In some embodiments the shell may be made from metal while in other embodiments it may be made from a plastic. In some embodiments the shell may have a hinge and latching structure while in others it may have neither. Further embodiments may have only a latching structure with no hinge structure. In step  1825  the mated connector assembly is inserted in the cavity of the shell. In step  1830  the upper wall of the shell is deflected towards the lower wall of the shell. In step  1835  the upper wall is retained in the deflected position, securing the connectors in the mated position. 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20121218
Publication Date: 20150224
Grant Date: 20150224
Priority Date: 20121218
Inventors: WRIGHT DEREK W.
YEUNG ALEX
MCCLURE STEVE
CORBIN SEAN S.
ARDISANA, II JOHN B.
POPE BENJAMIN J.
MALEK SHAYAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/368", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/368", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49126", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10189", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10189", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/368", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10325", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49126", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10325", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50931416