PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9537238-B2
Application Number: US-201514636061-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Folding SO-DIMM socket

Abstract:
Sockets that provide easy access for users to change cards while allowing the use of thinner device enclosures. One example provides a socket having two positions. When the socket is in an open state, the card may be oriented in a direction substantially away from the main logic board. When the socket is in a closed state, the card moves such that it is oriented at least closer to being in parallel to the main logic board.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A socket that may be opened and closed, the socket comprising:
 a plurality of receptacles, each to accept an end of a card; 
 a plurality of guides to assist in the insertion of cards into the plurality of receptacles, each guide attached to one of the plurality of receptacles and comprising:
 a funnel-like top to ease the insertion of a card into the guide; and 
 a first dimple on a first side of the guide and a second dimple on a second side of the guide, the first and second dimples to fit into a cutout on a card and to provide a tactile response to a user while inserting the card when the socket is open; and 
 
 a locking mechanism to hold the dimple on each guide in place in the cutout in a corresponding card when the socket is closed. 
 
     
     
       2. The socket of  claim 1  wherein when a card is inserted into one of the plurality of receptacles, guides extend along a substantial portion of a side of the card. 
     
     
       3. The socket of  claim 1  wherein each of the plurality of guides attach to a frame at a first end and one of the plurality of receptacles at a second end. 
     
     
       4. The socket of  claim 3  wherein the plurality of guides are attached such that they may pivot relative to the frame and the plurality of receptacles. 
     
     
       5. The socket of  claim 4  wherein the socket forms electrical connections between the cards and a board. 
     
     
       6. The socket of  claim 5  wherein the board is a main logic board of a computer. 
     
     
       7. The socket of  claim 1  wherein each of the receptacles are configured to accept a small-outline dual in-line memory module card. 
     
     
       8. A socket that may be opened and closed, the socket comprising:
 a plurality of receptacles, each to accept an end of one of a plurality of cards; 
 a plurality of guides to assist in the insertion of the plurality of cards into the plurality of receptacles, the guides attached to the plurality of receptacles, each guide comprising:
 a funnel-like top to ease the insertion of a card into the guide when the socket is open; and 
 a raised portion to fit into a cutout on a card; and 
 
 a locking mechanism to hold the raised portion on each guide in place in the cutout in a corresponding card when the socket is closed. 
 
     
     
       9. The socket of  claim 8  wherein the raised portion is a dimple. 
     
     
       10. The socket of  claim 8  wherein when a card is inserted into one of the plurality of receptacles, guides extend along a substantial portion of a side of the card. 
     
     
       11. The socket of  claim 8  wherein each of the plurality of guides attach to a frame at a first end and one of the plurality of receptacles at a second end. 
     
     
       12. The socket of  claim 8  wherein a guide is attached to the receptacle such that it may pivot about a single point relative to the receptacle. 
     
     
       13. The socket of  claim 12  wherein each of the receptacles are configured to accept an end of a corresponding dual in-line memory module card. 
     
     
       14. The socket of  claim 8  wherein when the socket is closed, the card is at approximately a 45 degree angle to the board. 
     
     
       15. The socket of  claim 8  wherein the socket may be closed by applying a force. 
     
     
       16. A socket that may be opened and closed, the socket comprising:
 a first receptacle to accept a first end of a first card; 
 a second receptacle to accept a first end of a second card; 
 a plurality of guides, each to accept a side of a card, the plurality of guides comprising:
 a first guide to accept a first side of the first card, the first guide having a funnel-like top to ease the insertion of the first card into the first receptacle; and 
 a second guide to accept a second side of the first card, the second guide having a funnel-like top to ease the insertion of the first card into the first receptacle; 
 
 a cross-member attached to the first guide and the second guide; and 
 a locking mechanism to hold the first card in the first guide and the second guide when the socket is closed. 
 
     
     
       17. The socket of  claim 16  wherein the cross-member is a portion of a frame. 
     
     
       18. The socket of  claim 16  further comprising a first raised portion to fit in a cutout in the first side of the first card and a second raised portion to fit in a cutout in the second side of the first card when the socket is closed. 
     
     
       19. The socket of  claim 18  wherein the first raised portion is a first dimple and the second raised portion is a second dimple. 
     
     
       20. The socket of  claim 18  wherein a guide is attached to the receptacle such that it may pivot about a single point relative to the receptacle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/657,329, filed Oct. 22, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/564,809, filed Nov. 29, 2011, which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Computers are a collection of many circuits acting together. These circuits may include central processing units, memories, graphics processors, networking circuits, and others. Many of these, such as the central processing unit, may be connected to a main or motherboard, also known as a main logic board. Other circuits, such as memories and graphics processors, may reside on separate boards, also known as daughter boards or cards, that connect to the main logic board. This connection is often made using a socket, where the socket is fixed to the main logic board and the memories or graphics processors are inserted into the socket. 
     These daughter boards or cards are typically inserted into these sockets such that they are orthogonal to the main logic board. This configuration makes it relatively easy for a user to pull cards and insert new ones. For example, this configuration may make it easy for users to upgrade cards or replace defective cards. This configuration also reduces the footprint or area on the main logic board consumed by the card. 
     This arrangement works well in traditional desktop computers, which typically have relatively large and wide enclosures. But some newer, cutting-edge computers may have thinner, sleeker, device enclosures. For example, some all-in-one desktops may have thinner device enclosures. 
     With these thinner computers, there may not be room for these conventional sockets. Put another way, using sockets where a card is orthogonal to a main logic board may limit how thin a device enclosure can be made. 
     Thus, what is needed are new sockets that provide easy access for users to change cards while allowing the use of thinner device enclosures. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide sockets that provide easy access for users to change cards while allowing the use of thinner device enclosures. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a socket having two positions. When the socket is in an open state, the card may be oriented in a direction substantially away from the main logic board. When the socket is in a closed state, the card moves such that it is oriented at least closer to being in parallel to the main logic board. 
     In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, when the socket is in an open position, a card may be at a relatively large angle to the main logic board, that is, the card may be approximately orthogonal to the main logic board, or it may be within a few tens of degrees of being orthogonal to the main logic board. When the socket is in a closed position, the card may be at approximately a 45 degree angle to the main logic board, or within a few tens of degrees of a 45 degree angle to the main logic board. 
     When the socket is in the open position, users may insert or remove one or more cards, for example to upgrade one or more cards, or to replace a defective card. The socket may provide zero, or near-zero insertion force. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, dimples or cleats on a guide are arranged to fit in cutouts on a side of a card, such as a small-outline dual in-line memory module (SO-DIMM) card. Dimples may provide a slight insertion force that is reduced when the card is fully inserted, thereby providing a tactile response to the user, informing the user that the card is properly inserted. Cleats may stay out of the path of cards during insertion and may thus not provide such a tactile response. 
     When the desired card or cards are placed in the socket, the socket may be closed by pushing down on one or more levers. A slight force may be needed to push down on the lever, where the force places contacts in the socket under tension such that contact is made between contacts of the socket and contacts on the one or more cards. One or more other elements, such as springs or torsion springs, may be included to maintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positively closed. The levers may have tabs that lock under a frame of the socket such that the levers may be held in place, thereby maintaining or locking the socket in a closed position. To open the socket, the levers may be pulled away from the frame of the socket. The spring force of the contacts and one or more other elements may act to force the socket into the open position once the levers are pulled away from the frame. In other embodiments of the present invention, the levers may include loops which accept tabs located on the frame. When the socket is closed, the levers and loops may be pushed away from the frame, then released to accept the tabs. To open the socket, the levers and loops may be pushed away from the frame thereby disengaging the loops and tabs. Again, spring forces may drive the socket to the open position. 
     In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, openings at the frame, as well as guides may be used to ensure a proper insertion of the card. These openings and guides may each have a funnel-like opening near the top to simplify the insertion of the card. Again, the guides may include dimples or cleats that are arranged to fit in a cutout on a card. When the socket is closed, the dimples or cleats may hold cards place to prevent movement, particularly during shipping or other movement of the device. These guides may be made narrow to increase openings between the one or more cards in order to facilitate airflow for cooling purposes. In other embodiments of the present invention, instead of dimples, other locking features may be included. Again, in another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, cleats located on guides may be used. These cleats may be out of the path of cards when the cards are inserted. The cleats may fit in cutouts on the cards when the cards are properly inserted in the socket. If the cards are not properly seated, the socket may not close properly, which may alert a user that a card may need to be reseated. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may include other features. For example, the levers may be modified to provide a more pleasant user experience. For example, thumb tabs that provide comfort and prevent slipping may be included at ends of the levers. Also, cross pieces, or stabilizing bars or portions, may be included to improve the mechanical stability of the socket, particularly in the rotation direction. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may employ contacts capable of conveying high-speed signals. These contacts may have serpentine shapes to provide a large amount of flexibility in a small area. These contacts may also have a large area to be encased in a plastic housing for mechanical support. The large areas may include depressed areas. These depressed areas may act to reduce capacitance between neighboring contacts, thereby improving signal quality. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide sockets that may hold one or more cards. These cards may be memory cards, such as SO-DIMM cards. They may also be other types of cards, such as graphics cards, networking cards, audio cards, or other types of cards, boards, modules, or devices. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle when a card is inserted in a closed position; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an exploded view of a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 34 and 35  are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 39 and 40  illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 41  illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 42  illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle when a card is inserted in a closed position; 
         FIG. 43  illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 44  is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates levers including instructional symbols according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 46  illustrates a socket having a torsion spring with an additional compression coil according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 47  illustrates portions of a socket and assembly tools that may be used to help assemble the socket according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 48  illustrates a completed socket with assembly tools according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a socket according to another embodiment 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. Also, the description below may make reference to reference numbers in different figures. To maintain readability, this is not redundantly pointed for each occurrence. 
     Socket  100  may be used to provide electrical connections between one or more cards  200  and a board  300 . Cards  200  may be memory cards, graphics cards, networking cards, or other types of cards. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, cards  200  may be SO-DIMM cards. In this specific embodiment of the present invention, socket  100  may hold four cards  200 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, socket  100  may hold other numbers of cards. 
     Socket  100  may be in one of two states: open and closed. In the open state, as shown, one or more cards  200  may be removed or inserted by a user. Frame  110  may include depressed portion  112  to assist a user in grasping one or more cards  200  during insertion and extraction. In the open configuration, cards  200  may be substantially orthogonal to a board. That is, they may be within several tens of degrees within being orthogonal to a board. This angle may assist a user in insertion and extraction of cards  200 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, socket  100  may provide zero, or near zero, insertion force. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a small insertion force may be provided by dimple  144  arranged to fit in a cutout on card  200 . This low insertion force is removed when a card is fully inserted and dimple  144  is fit in the cutout on card  200 . This force removal may provide a tactile response to the user to indicate that card  200  is fully inserted in socket  100 . 
     Socket  100  may include one or more levers  120 . Levers  120  may be used to close socket  100 . Specifically, levers  120  may be pushed in a downward direction such that tabs  122  on levers  120  fit under frame  110  at point  114 . Springs, such as torsion springs, may be used to help maintain the socket in position when it is opened. Spring force from contacts may also assist in this. 
     Levers  120  may be attached through frame  110  to guides  140 . In a specific embodiment of the present invention, lever  120  and guide  141  may be formed of a single piece, though in other embodiments they may be two pieces. Guides  140  may be attached between frame  110  and one or more receptacles  160 . Contacts located in receptacles  160  may form electrical connections between contacts (not shown) on cards  200  and a board. Guide  140  may be connected to frame  110  and receptacles  160  by pivot points  130  and  132 . Covers  150  may provide mechanical support for a connection between receptacles  160  and a board using tabs  152 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, in an open state, levers  120  are up away from frame  110 , and cards  200  are substantially orthogonal to board  300 . Board  300  may be a main logic board, or other type of a printed circuit board. In this and the following examples, only a portion of main logic board  300  is shown. In this specific example, when socket  100  is the open state, cards  200  are approximately 10 degrees away from being orthogonal to board  300 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, cards  200  may be held by guides  140  and are inserted into receptacles  160  through openings  162 . Frame  110  may include openings, and guides  140  may include a funnel shaped top  142  for assisting a user and inserting card  200  into receptacle  160 . Guide  140  may further include dimples  144 . These dimples may be arranged to fit in a cutout on a board  200 . Dimples  144  may provide a small insertion force during insertion of card  200  until the cutout on card  200  reaches dimples  144 . This may provide a tactile response to inform a user that card  200  is fully inserted in socket  100 . 
     It should also be noted that guides  140  may be relatively narrow, such that opening  170  may be relatively large. This large opening may aid in airflow and therefore may improve the removal of heat from circuits on cards  200 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates keying feature  180 , which may be used to prevent an upside down insertion of card  200 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, socket  100  is in an open state. This figure also includes cards  200  and board  300 . Again, guides  140  may attach to frame  110  at a first end and receptacles  160  at a second end. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, lever  120  and guide  141  may be one piece, though in other embodiments of the present invention, they may be formed using two individual pieces. Guides  140  may pivot relative to frame  110  and receptacles  150  at pivot points  130  and  132 . Receptacles  160  may include covers  150  and contacts  164  and  166 . Contacts  164  and  166  may form electrical connections between contacts  204  on cards  200  and contacts  304  on board  300 . 
     Again, socket  100  may be closed by pushing down on levers  120 . The downward motion of levers  140  may cause guide  141 , to which is attached, to rotate clockwise as shown in the figure. This, in turn, may cause frame  110  to move forward and down, which may cause the other guides  140  to similarly rotate in a clockwise fashion. Tabs  122  on levers  120  may fit under frame  110  at points  114 . Levers  120  may be biased inward such that tabs  122  stay under frame  110  when socket  100  is in the closed position. Examples of a socket in the closed position are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, tabs  122  on levers  120  fit under frame  110 . Guide  140  may attach between frame  110  and receptacles  160  at pivot points  130  and  132 . Guides  140  may further include a funnel-shaped top  142  and dimples  144 . Receptacle covers  150  may provide mechanical support between receptacles  160  and a board via tabs  152 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, when socket  100  is closed, cards  200  move substantially in a direction towards being in parallel with board  300 . In this example, cards  200  move to approximately a 45 degree angle to board  300 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, cards  200  may be within several tens of degrees of a 45 degree angle to board  300 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, guides  140  may include a funnel-shaped top  142  and dimples  144 . Spacing  170  may be relatively large to improve airflow and heat removal from circuitry on cards  200 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of a socket  100  in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention may be considered to have three main portions. A first portion may include frame  110  and levers  120 . The relative position of frame  110  and levers  120  dictates whether the socket is an open or closed position. The second portion may be considered to be guides  140 , which connect frame  110  to receptacles  160 . As described above, guides  140  may include funnel top  142  and dimples  144 . The third portion, receptacles  160 , include openings for accepting ends of cards  200 . They also may include contacts to form electrical connections between contacts on cards  200  and board  300 . Receptacles according to embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, receptacle  160  may include keying feature  180  and covers  150 . Covers  150  may further include tabs that may be soldered into a board for mechanical support. Receptacle  160  may further include tabs  167  that may be inserted into a board for further mechanical support. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. These cut-away views show contacts  162  and  164 . Contacts  162  and  164  may form electrical connections between contacts on cards  200  and contacts on a main logic board  300 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Receptacle  160  includes housing  169 , contacts  164  and  166 , tab  182 , and covers  150 . Covers  150  may include openings  154  for pivot points, and tabs  152 , which may be soldered into a board for mechanical support. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contacts  164  may include a serpentine portion  410 . Serpentine portion  410  may include contact portion  412  to make an electrical connection with a contact on a card. Contact  164  may further include base portion  420 . Base portion  420  may be substantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Contact  164  may also include board contact  422  to form an electrical connection with a contact on a board. Board contact  422  may have a substantially flat edge for forming a good solder connection to a contact on a board. 
     Similarly, contact  166  includes a serpentine portion  430 . Serpentine portion  430  may include contact portion  432  to form an electrical connection with a contact on a card. Contact  166  may further include base portion  420 . Base portion  420  may be substantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Contact  166  may also include board contact  442  to form an electrical connection with a contact on a board. Board contact  422  may have a substantially flat edge for forming a good solder connection to a contact on a board. 
     Contacts  164  and  166  may further include depressions  450  and  460 . These depressions may be on one or both sides of contacts  164  and  166 . These depressed areas may be machined, etched, or formed by another method. These depressions effectively increase the spacing between those portions of contacts  164  and  166 . This, in turn, decreases capacitance between neighboring contacts and improves signal performance. 
     Serpentine portions  410  and  430  may be arranged to provide necessary flexibility such that a good electrical connection is maintained with contacts on card  200  (shown in  FIG. 1  and others. Again, this description may make reference to reference numbers in different figures. To maintain readability, this is not redundantly pointed for each occurrence.) These serpentine shapes may also allow this flexibility and connection to be achieved in a small area. This smaller size may further improve signal quality and may allow socket  100  to handle high-speed signals. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates cut-away views of receptacle  161  when card  200  is inserted in a closed position. As can be seen, contacts  164  and  166  may be deformed such that they may provide good electrical connections with contacts on card  200 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of the present invention. Receptacle covers  150  may include tabs  152  and openings  154 . Tabs may be inserted and soldered in board  300  to provide mechanical stability. Openings  154  may accept pivot points  130  and  132 . 
       FIG. 22  is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may include other features. For example, levers  120  may be modified to provide a more pleasant user experience. Also, stabilizing bars or portions may be included to improve the mechanical stability of the socket. An example of such a socket is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates another socket according to another embodiment of the present invention. Socket  1100  may be used to provide electrical connections between one or more cards  1200  and a board  1300 . Cards  1200  may be the same or different as cards  200 . For example, cards  1200  may be memory cards, graphics cards, networking cards, or other types of cards. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, cards  1200  may be SO-DIMM cards. In this specific embodiment of the present invention, socket  1100  may hold four cards  1200 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, socket  100  may hold other numbers of cards. 
     Socket  1100  may be in one of two states: open and closed. In the open state, as shown, one or more cards  1200  may be removed or inserted by a user. In the open configuration, cards  1200  may be substantially orthogonal to a board. That is, they may be within several tens of degrees within being orthogonal to a board. This angle may assist a user in insertion and extraction of cards  1200 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, socket  1100  may provide zero, or near zero, insertion force. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a small insertion force may be provided by a dimple or other feature arranged to fit in a cutout on card  1200 . This low insertion force is removed when a card is fully inserted and the dimple is fit in the cutout on card  1200 . This force removal may provide a tactile response to the user to indicate that card  1200  is fully inserted in socket  1100 . 
     Socket  1100  may include one or more levers  1120 . Levers  1120  may be used to close socket  1100 . Specifically, levers  1120  may be pushed in a downward direction such that loops  1122  on levers  1120  accept tabs  1114  on frame  1100 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, different colors, signs, or other indications may be used to show users how to operate socket  1100 . For example, thumb tabs  1124  may have a different color that may indicate operation. Arrows or other graphics may be included to show users how to open or close socket  1100 . Also, labels or other graphics may be included either on socket  1110  or on a cover or device enclosure. 
     Again, embodiments of the present invention may provide levers  1120  that provide a pleasant user experience. In this example, levers  1120  may include thumb tabs  1124 , which users may use in opening and closing socket  1100 . These thumb tabs may be more comfortable for a user to manipulate and may help a user&#39;s fingers to avoid slipping off levers  1120  when opening and closing socket  1100 . 
     Levers  1120  may be attached through frame  1110  to guides  1140 . In a specific embodiment of the present invention, lever  1120  and guide  1141  may be formed of a single piece, though in other embodiments they may be two pieces. Guides  1140  may be attached between frame  1110  and one or more receptacles  1160 . Contacts located in receptacles  1160  may form electrical connections between contacts (not shown) on cards  1200  and a board. Guide  1140  may be connected to frame  1110  and receptacles  1160  by pivot points  1130  and  1132 . Covers  1150  may provide mechanical support for a connection between receptacles  1160  and a board using tabs  1152 . 
     Again, cross pieces, or stabilizing bars or portions, may be included to help mechanically stabilize socket  1100 , particularly when socket  1100  is open. In this example, stabilizing bars or portions  1190  may join guides  1140  from opposite sides of socket  1100  together. Specifically, stabilizing bars or portions  1190  may have portions  1192  laser or spot-welded or otherwise fixed to guides  1140 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, in an open state, levers  1120  are up away from frame  1110 , and cards  1200  are substantially orthogonal to board  1300 . Board  1300  may be a main logic board, or other type of a printed circuit board. In this and the following examples, only a portion of main logic board  1300  is shown. In this specific example, when socket  1100  is the open state, cards  1200  are approximately 10 degrees away from being orthogonal to board  1300 . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, cards  1200  may be held by guides  1140  and are inserted into receptacles  1160  through openings  1162 . Frame  1100  may include guides or lead-in features  1117  and guides  1140  may include a funnel shaped top  1142  for assisting a user and inserting card  1200  into receptacle  1100 . Guides or lead-in  1117  features may be sized narrowly enough to assist a user in inserting cards  1200  into correct receptacles  1160 , but wide enough to allow insertion of cards  1200 . 
     It should also be noted that guides  1140  may be relatively narrow, such that opening  1170  may be relatively large. This large opening may aid in airflow and therefore may improve the removal of heat from circuits on cards  1200 . Stabilizing bars or portions  1190  may be included on the front and back of socket  1100  on the outermost guides  1140 . In other embodiments of the present invention, stabilizing bars or portions  1190  may be included on these or other guides  1140 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates keying feature  1180 , which may be used to prevent an upside down insertion of card  1200 . 
     It may be desirable that when a card  1200  is inserted into socket  1100 , that card  1200  is not easily removed. It may also be desirable that socket  1100  not be able to close when a card  1200  is improperly inserted. To provide these conditions, embodiments of the present invention may user features on guides  1140 , such as dimples  144  above, or cleats  1147 , as in this example. 
     When card  1120  is properly inserted in socket  1100 , cleats  1147  may fit in cutout portions on cards  1200 . The cleats may then hold cards  1200  in place when socket  1100  is closed. When card  1200  is improperly inserted in socket  1100 , cleats  1147  are against a portion of card  1200 , not the cutout in the card. This may prevent socket  1100  from closing properly, which may alert a user that one or more cards  1200  needs to be properly seated in  1100 . Cleats  1147  may be out of the path of card  1200  when socket  1100  is in the open position, in which case it provides little or no resistance to card  1200  during insertion. Again, cleats  1147  may the lock in cutouts on cards  1200  when socket  1100  is locked. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, socket  1100  is in an open state. This figure also includes cards  1200  and board  1300 . Again, guides  1140  may attach to frame  1110  at a first end and receptacles  1160  at a second end. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, lever  1120  and guide  1141  may be one piece, though in other embodiments of the present invention, they may be formed using two individual pieces. Guides  1140  may pivot relative to frame  1110  and receptacles  1150  at pivot points  1130  and  1132 . Receptacles  1160  may include covers  1150  and contacts  1164  and  1166 . Contacts  1164  and  1166  may form electrical connections between contacts  1204  on cards  1200  and contacts  1304  on board  1300 . 
     Again, when a user inserts cards  1200  into socket  1100 , it may be desirable to ensure that card  1200  is inserted into the correct receptacle  1160 . Again, to increase the likelihood of a correct insertion, insertion guides or lead-in features  1117  may be narrowed to the point where an incorrect insertion is unlikely. 
     Again, socket  1100  may be closed by pushing down on levers  1120 . The downward motion of levers  1140  may cause guide  1141 , to which is attached, to rotate clockwise as shown in the figure. This, in turn, may cause frame  1110  to move forward and down, which may cause the other guides  1140  to similarly rotate in a clockwise fashion. Loops  1122  on levers  1120  may accept tabs  1114 . Levers  1120  may be biased inward such that tabs  1114  may stay in loops  1122  when socket  1100  is in the closed position. Examples of a socket in the closed position are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, loops  1122  on levers  1120  accept tabs  1114 . Guide  1140  may attach between frame  1110  and receptacles  1160  at pivot points  1130  and  1132 . Guides  1140  may further include a funnel-shaped top  1142 . Receptacle covers  1150  may provide mechanical support between receptacles  1160  and a board via tabs  1152 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, when socket  1100  is closed, cards  1200  move substantially in a direction towards being in parallel with board  1300 . In this example, cards  1200  move to approximately a 45 degree angle to board  1300 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, cards  1200  may be within several tens of degrees of a 45 degree angle to board  1300 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, frame  1110  may include guides or lead-ins  1117  and guides  1140  may include a funnel-shaped top  1142 . Spacing  1170  may be relatively large to improve airflow and heat removal from circuitry on cards  1200 . 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an exploded view of a socket  1100  in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, one or more elements, such as springs or torsion springs, may be included to maintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positively closed. In this example, torsion spring  1134  may be used to maintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positively closed. The presence of this spring may also help to avoid vibrations in socket  1100  in both the open and closed states. 
     Sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention may be considered to have three main portions. A first portion may include frame  1110  and levers  1120 . The relative position of frame  1110  and levers  1120  dictates whether the socket is an open or closed position. The second portion may be considered to be guides  1140 , which connect frame  1110  to receptacles  1160 . As described above, guides  1140  may include funnel top  1142 . The third portion, receptacles  1160 , include openings for accepting ends of cards  1200 . They also may include contacts to form electrical connections between contacts on cards  1200  and board  1300 . Receptacles according to embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, receptacle  1160  may include keying feature  1180  and covers  1150 . Covers  1150  may further include tabs that may be soldered into a board for mechanical support. Receptacle  1160  may further include tabs  1167  that may be inserted into a board for further mechanical support. 
       FIGS. 34 and 35  are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. These cut-away views show contacts  1164  and  1166 . Contacts  1164  and  1166  may form electrical connections between contacts on cards  1200  and contacts on a main logic board  1300 . 
       FIG. 37  illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Receptacle  1160  includes housings  1168  and  1169 , two versions each of contacts  1164  and  1166 , tab  1182 , and covers  1150 . Covers  1150  may include openings  1154  for pivot points, and tabs  1152 , which may be soldered into a board for mechanical support. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 39 and 40  illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Two versions of each of contacts  1164  and  1166  are shown, though in other embodiments of the present invention, other types of contacts may be included. Contacts  1164  may include a serpentine portion  1410 . Serpentine portion  1410  may include contact portion  1412  to make an electrical connection with a contact on a card, such as card  200 . Contact  1164  may further include base portion  1420 . Much of base portion  1420  may be substantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Base portion may include edge  1424 . Edge  1424  may be a location where a carrier that may be used to handle contact  1164  during plating and installation is attached. When contact  1164  is placed in a receptacle, the carrier may be broken away or otherwise detached. Contact  1164  may also include board contact  1422  to form an electrical connection with a contact on a board, such as board  300  or  1300 . Board contact  1422  may form a point contact to a contact on the board. During reflow (when the contact may be soldered to a board), solder may wick in an upward direction around contact  1422  to form a connection and strong solder joint or column. 
     Similarly, contact  1166  may include a serpentine portion  1430 . Serpentine portion  1430  may include contact portion  1432  to form an electrical connection with a contact on a card. Contact  1166  may further include base portion  1440 . Much of base portion  1440  may be substantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Base portion may include edge  1444 . Edge  1444  may be a location where a carrier that may be used to handle contact  1166  during plating and installation is attached. When contact  1166  is placed in a receptacle, the carrier may be broken away or otherwise detached. Contact  1166  may also include board contact  1442  to form an electrical connection with a contact on a board. Board contact  1442  may form a point contact to a contact on the board. During reflow, solder may wick in an upward direction around contact  1442  to form a connection and strong solder joint or column. 
     Serpentine portions  1410  and  1430  may be arranged to provide necessary flexibility such that a good electrical connection is maintained with contacts on card  1200 . These serpentine shapes may also allow this flexibility and connection to be achieved in a small area. This smaller size may further improve signal quality and may allow socket  1100  to handle high-speed signals. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates cut-away views of receptacle  1161  when card  1200  is inserted in a closed position. As can be seen, contacts  1164  and  1166  may be deformed such that they may provide good electrical connections with contacts on card  1200 . 
       FIG. 43  illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of the present invention. Receptacle covers  1150  may include tabs  1152  and openings  1154 . Tabs may be inserted and soldered in board  1300  to provide mechanical stability. Openings  1154  may accept pivot points  1130  and  1132 . 
       FIG. 44  is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Again, in various embodiments of the present invention, different colors, signs, or other indications may be used to show users how to operate socket  1100 . For example, thumb tabs  1124  may have a different color that may indicate operation. Arrows or other graphics may be included to show users how to open or close socket  1100 . Also, labels or other graphics may be included either on socket  1110  or on a cover or device enclosure. One example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates levers including instructional symbols according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, levers  1120  may include thumb tabs  1124 . Thumb tabs  1124  may include instructional graphics or symbols  4510 . In this example, instructional graphics or symbols  4510  may be outwardly pointed arrows that may be attached to, molded into, formed as part of, painted on, or otherwise placed on or formed on thumb tabs  1124 . While these instructional graphics or symbols  4510  or shown as being on levers  1120 , levers  120  or other levers used in embodiments of the present invention may also include instructional graphics or symbols  4510  or other instructional graphics or symbols. 
     Again, one or more elements, such as springs or torsion springs, may be included to maintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positively closed. The presence of this spring may also help to avoid vibrations in socket  1100  in both the open and closed states. In some embodiments of the present invention, additional spring force may need to be provided. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 46  illustrates a socket having a torsion spring with an additional compression coil according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, torsion spring  1134  may be supplemented by additional compression coil  1136 . Again, torsion spring  1134  and additional compression coil may maintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positively closed. Their presence may also help to avoid vibrations in socket  1100  in both the open and closed states. 
     As can be seen in the above figures, sockets according to embodiments of the present invention may include several parts that need to be assembled together. To assist in this assembly, embodiments of the present invention may utilize assembly tools such as guides, alignment combs, or other tools. Examples are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 47  illustrates portions of a socket and assembly tools that may be used to help assemble the socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, alignment combs  4710  may be used to position portions of socket  1100 , such as guides  1140  and lever  1120 , during assembly. Alignment combs  4710  may include a number of teeth  4712  to help align these structures. Alignment combs  4710  may include holders  4714  for holding pivot points  1132  in place as they are attached. Guide  4720  may include openings  4722  to accept a tool, such as an Allen wrench, that may be used to secure pivot points  1132  to receptacles (not shown.) 
       FIG. 48  illustrates a completed socket with assembly tools according to an embodiment of the present invention. Alignment combs  4710  and guides  4720  may be removed at this point. 
     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: 20150302
Publication Date: 20170103
Grant Date: 20170103
Priority Date: 20111129
Inventors: HACK PAUL J.
FUNAMURA JOSHUA
ANASTAS GEORGE V.
GAO ZHENG
SPRINGER GREGORY
SHAHOIAN ERIK JAMES
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K7/1409", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7076", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/502", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/641", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/641", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7076", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/73", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1408", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1408", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/639", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/629", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1409", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1408", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/641", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1409", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7076", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1408", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47430064