PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10931052-B2
Application Number: US-201816139029-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connectors with contacts bonded to tongue for improved structural integrity

Abstract:
Connector tongues that may provide a high signal quality or signal integrity to allow high speed data transfers, may be reliably manufactured, and may be durable and have good wear performance.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a tongue; 
 a first plurality of contacts, each having a contacting portion on a top of the tongue; 
 a second plurality of contacts, each having a contacting portion on a bottom of the tongue, each contacting portion for connecting to a corresponding contact in a corresponding connector when the connector receptacle is mated with the corresponding connector; 
 a first plurality of adhesive portions, each between a contacting portion of one of the first plurality of contacts and the tongue; and 
 a second plurality of adhesive portions, each between a contacting portion of one of the second plurality of contacts and the tongue. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein each of the first plurality of contacts and each of the second plurality of contacts further comprises a tail portion and a middle transition portion, the middle transition portion between the contacting portion and the tail portion. 
     
     
       3. The connector receptacle of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a first housing around the middle transition portion of each of the first plurality of contacts; and 
 a second housing around the middle transition portion of each of the second plurality of contacts. 
 
     
     
       4. The connector receptacle of  claim 3  wherein the tongue comprises:
 a central ground plane; 
 a first ground contact portion comprising a surface for a first ground contact; 
 a second ground contact portion comprising a surface for a second ground contact; and 
 a third housing around the central ground plane, a portion of the third housing forming the tongue, wherein the first ground contact is positioned on the top of the tongue and the second ground contact is positioned on the bottom of the tongue. 
 
     
     
       5. The connector receptacle of  claim 4  wherein the contacting portion of each of the first plurality of contacts and each of the second plurality of contacts are located in slots in the tongue. 
     
     
       6. The connector receptacle of  claim 5  further comprising:
 a top shield over a top, back, and sides of the connector receptacle; and 
 a bottom shield over a lower portion of a front of the connector receptacle, wherein a raised portion on the top shield fits in an opening in the bottom shield. 
 
     
     
       7. The connector receptacle of  claim 6  wherein a tab on the second housing fits in a notch on the first housing. 
     
     
       8. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a tongue; 
 a first plurality of contacts, each having a contacting portion on a top of the tongue and a leading edge near a front of the connector receptacle; 
 a second plurality of contacts, each having a contacting portion on a bottom of the tongue and a leading edge near a front of the connector receptacle, the contacting portions for connecting to corresponding contacts in a corresponding connector when the connector receptacle is mated with the corresponding connector; 
 a first housing supporting the first plurality of contacts; and 
 an overmold over at least a portion of the first housing and covering the leading edges of the first plurality of contacts and the leading edges of the second plurality of contacts. 
 
     
     
       9. The connector receptacle of  claim 8  wherein the leading edges of the first plurality of contacts and the leading edges of the second plurality of contacts are angled towards a center of the tongue. 
     
     
       10. The connector receptacle of  claim 9  wherein each of the first plurality of contacts and each of the second plurality of contacts further comprises a tail portion and a middle transition portion, the middle transition portion between the contacting portion and the tail portion. 
     
     
       11. The connector receptacle of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a second housing around the middle transition portion of each of the first plurality of contacts; and 
 a third housing around the middle transition portion of each of the second plurality of contacts. 
 
     
     
       12. The connector receptacle of  claim 11  wherein the tongue comprises:
 a central ground plane; 
 a first ground contact portion comprising a surface for a first ground contact; and 
 a second ground contact portion comprising a surface for a second ground contact. 
 
     
     
       13. The connector receptacle of  claim 12  wherein a tab on the second housing fits in a notch on the third housing. 
     
     
       14. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a frame comprising side portions, a cross-beam near a leading edge of the connector receptacle, a top ground contact, and a bottom ground contact, the frame formed as a single piece; 
 a tongue; 
 a first plurality of contacts, each having a contacting portion on a top of the tongue and between the cross-beam, the side portions, and the top ground contact; 
 a second plurality of contacts, each having a contacting portion on a bottom of the tongue and between the cross-beam, the side portions, and the bottom ground contact, each contacting portion for connecting to corresponding contacts in a corresponding connector when the connector receptacle is mated with the corresponding connector; 
 a first molding over the first plurality of contacts and between the top ground contact and the tongue, the first molding extending over a portion the contacting portion of each of the first plurality of contacts near the top ground contact such that a top surface of the first molding extends beyond the top ground contact towards the cross-beam; and 
 a second molding over the second plurality of contacts and between the bottom ground contact and the tongue and extending over a portion the contacting portions of the second plurality of contacts near the bottom ground contact. 
 
     
     
       15. The connector receptacle of  claim 14  wherein each of the first plurality of contacts and each of the second plurality of contacts further comprises a tail portion and a middle transition portion, the middle transition portion between the contacting portion and the tail portion. 
     
     
       16. The connector receptacle of  claim 15  further comprising:
 a first housing around the middle transition portion of each of the first plurality of contacts; and 
 a second housing around the middle transition portion of each of the second plurality of contacts. 
 
     
     
       17. The connector receptacle of  claim 16  wherein a tab on the first housing fits in a notch on the second housing. 
     
     
       18. The connector receptacle of  claim 17  further comprising:
 a top shield over a top, back, and sides of the connector receptacle; and 
 a bottom shield over a lower portion of a front of the connector receptacle, wherein a raised portion on the top shield fits in an opening in the bottom shield.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/565,369, filed Sep. 29, 2017, which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Power and data may be provided from one electronic device to another over cables that may include one or more wires, fiber optic cables, or other conductors. Connector inserts may be located at each end of these cables and may be inserted into connector receptacles in the communicating or power transferring electronic devices. 
     These connector receptacles and connector inserts may have various form factors. For example, a connector receptacle may include a tongue in a recess, where a corresponding connector insert fits in the recess and has an opening that accepts the connector receptacle tongue. In another example, a connector insert may include a tongue or may be formed as a tongue that fits in a connector receptacle. In either of these and other connector configurations a connector tongue is used. 
     Given the large amounts of data that may be transferred among connected devices, it may be desirable that these connector tongues be capable of supporting high data rates. That is, it may be desirable that these connector tongues provide a high signal quality or signal integrity to allow high speed data transfers between electronic devices. 
     Some of these electronic devices become tremendously popular. As a result, connectors having these connector tongues may be sold in very large quantities. Therefore, it may be desirable that these connector tongues be readily manufactured. 
     Users may connect and disconnect these connectors many times during a devices&#39; lifetime. On occasion, a wrong connector insert may be inserted a connector receptacle. That is, a connector insert of a first type of connector system may be inserted into a connector receptacle of a second type of connector system. It these connector tongues break or show signs of wear prematurely, it may reduce user satisfaction and reflect poorly on the device and its manufacturer. 
     Thus, what is needed are connector tongues that may provide a high signal quality or signal integrity to allow high speed data transfers, may be reliably manufactured, and may be durable and have good wear performance. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide connector tongues that may provide a high signal quality or signal integrity to allow high speed data transfers, may be reliably manufactured, and may be durable and have good wear performance. 
     Users may plug connector inserts into connector receptacles several times a day. On occasion, a user may plug a connector insert into a connector receptacle at an angle. A user may also plug a connector insert for a first type of connector system into a connector receptacle of a second type of connector system. These inadvertent insertions may damage a portion of a connector receptacle. Such damage may reduce a functionality of an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. One type of damage that may occur may be the lifting of a pin from a housing or a tongue of the connector receptacle. This lifting may cause the pin to be damaged by being pushed further into the connector receptacle. 
     Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacle tongues where contacts on the tongue are fixed to the tongue using adhesive or other material. The adhesive may be placed on a surface of the contacts between the contacts and the tongue. The adhesive may be cured, for example using heat or UV. When a connector insert for a first type of connector system is inserted into a connector receptacle for a second type of connector system, the contacts may remain fixed to the tongue and not become separated. This may prevent the contacts from being damaged. In other embodiments of the present invention, contacts in a housing or other connector receptacle portion may be fixed with an adhesive to the housing or other connector receptacle portion. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacle tongues where leading edges of contacts on the tongue are covered with an overmold. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the leading edges of the tongue contacts may be angled towards the tongue. Some or all of the tongue may be covered with an overmold. The overmold may be located over the leading edges of the tongue contacts. This may prevent the contacts from being separated from the tongue and damaged when a connector insert for a first type of connector system is inserted into a connector receptacle for a second type of connector system. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacle tongues where leading edges of contacts on the tongue are protected behind a cross-beam or other structure. The cross-beam may be part of a frame. The frame may be metallic or other durable material. The cross-beam may shield leading edges of the contacts to prevent them from being separated from the tongue when a connector insert for a first type of connector system is inserted into a connector receptacle for a second type of connector system. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connectors that may be connected and disconnected several times without incident. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may accomplish this by providing insulative moldings around portions of conductive structures in the connectors. The insulative moldings may help to prevent or reduce the occurrence of unintended current paths that may be formed of accumulated conductive material on or in the connector. 
     These connector receptacles may undergo further assembly processes after these adhesive layers or overmolds are formed. These process may cause contacts on a tongue to become separated from the tongue, making eventual damage more likely. 
     Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention may provide a reflow cap. A tongue of a connector receptacle may fit in a central passage of the reflow cap. The reflow cap may include a plurality of ribs to secure the tongue to the reflow cap. A recess in the central passage may accept a leading edge of the tongue. The recess in the central passage may apply pressure on the tongue to hold the contacts against the tongue during assembly. This may prevent the contacts from lifting away from the tongue. The reflow cap may include a tab near a front of the reflow cap, wherein the tab is used in automated removal of the reflow cap after assembly. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention may provide connectors that may be connected and disconnected several times without incident. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may accomplish this by providing insulative moldings around portions of conductive structures in the connectors. The insulative moldings may help to prevent or reduce the occurrence of unintended current paths that may be formed of accumulated conductive material on or in the connector. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention may provide connectors that are durable by providing frames for connector tongues. These frames may provide reinforcement for the tongue and improve the tongues resilience to withstand lateral and other types of forces. Sides of the frame may be located along sides of the tongue. Central ground planes or one or more cross-beams may join the sides of the frame together for additional support. The frame may be metallic, ceramic, or other material. Instead of a frame, side plating may be used to provide reinforcement and improved durability. The side plating may be located along sides of the tongue, as well as along a top and bottom of the tongue near the sides of the tongue. 
     The metal used for the frame or side plating may come into physical contact with metallic structures on corresponding connectors when the connectors are mated. The physical contact of the metallic surfaces may cause abrasion, chipping, or other damage. This damage may generate conductive particles, such as metallic shavings. These conductive particles may be supplemented by other conductive debris that may find its way into or onto the connectors. Repeated insertions of a connector insert into a connector receptacle may push this accumulated material into one or more specific areas, referred to here as accumulation zones. When these accumulation zones are at least partly bounded by or include conductive structures, the accumulated material may form unintended current paths between the conductive structures. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide insulative moldings between these conductive structures. The insulative moldings may then prevent or reduce the occurrence of these unintended current paths. Embodiments of the present invention may provide connectors that are readily manufactured by providing insulative moldings that are formed by injection molding or other mechanical step or other process. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide an improved connector tongue for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C connector receptacle. The connector tongue may include a metallic frame or edge plating for improved durability. The connector tongue may include contacts extending from near a front of the tongue to a rear of the connector receptacle. Top and bottom ground pads may extend laterally over the contacts. A plastic or other nonconductive tongue molding may support the contacts. The tongue molding may have upper and lower portions to insulate the ground pads from the contacts. 
     This structure may create an accumulation zone along a front side of the upper and lower portions of the tongue molding, between a front of the connector receptacle and the ground pads. Accumulated particles in this accumulation zone may form undesirable conductive paths between contacts, or between one or more contacts and a ground pad. 
     Accordingly embodiments of the present invention may provide insulative moldings around portions of the contacts near this accumulation zone. These insulative moldings may prevent or reduce the creation of undesirable conductive paths. The insulative moldings may be formed by injection molding or other mechanical step or other type of process. The insulative moldings may be formed of plastic or other nonconductive material. The color of the insulative moldings may be chosen to enhance the appearance of the connector. For example, the insulative moldings may have various colors or combinations of colors. The insulative moldings may be colored to match or mismatch a tongue molding or other connector portion. The insulative moldings may be transparent, translucent, partially opaque, or opaque. In one example, the insulative moldings may be white to match a tongue molding. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, insulative layers may be formed around portions of contacts or other connector structures by applying ink or other nonconductive material using printing, such as ink-jet type printing, 3-D printing, aerosol jet printing, pad printing, or other types of printing. In these and other embodiments, the ink may be nonconductive. This ink may be comparatively thick for improved wear performance. The ink may be a liquid, paste, or other substance, though pastes may more readily provide a thicker coverage. The thickness of the ink may be increased by printing the insulative moldings on the contacts multiple times. The ink may be formed of a colorant and a binder. The binder may allow the colorant to adhere to one or more surfaces of the contacts or other connector structures. The colorant may be a dye or pigment. Pigments may include organic or inorganic particles. The pigments may provide color and may also provide improved wear performance. Other substances such as resins, lubricants, surfactants, and solvents may also be included in the ink to improve adhesion, wear performance, and other characteristics. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the ink may have various colors or combinations of colors. The ink may be colored to match or mismatch a tongue molding or other connector portion. The ink may be transparent, translucent, partially opaque, or opaque. In one example, the ink may be white to match a tongue molding. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the ink may have various thicknesses. In one embodiment of the present invention, each contact may be 250 microns wide and located in a groove in the tongue molding that is 300 microns wide. The contacts may each have a side adjacent to the tongue molding and the other sides may be coated with a 25 micron layer of ink. The addition of the ink insulative molding to the contacts may help to center the contacts in their grooves for improved alignment and improved reliability. 
     Connectors may be formed in various ways in various embodiments of the present invention. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a method of forming a USB Type-C connector receptacle. A frame for the connector receptacle may be formed. The frame may have sides and a center ground plane or one or more cross-beams joining the sides. The frame may attach to a frame support. Top and bottom ground pads may extend from a front of the frame support. An insert molded tongue molding may be formed between the sides of the frame. The insert molded tongue molding may cover the center ground plane or the one or more of the cross-beams. Covering a cross-beam near a front of the tongue with the tongue molding may reduce wear on a corresponding connector. The tongue molding may include upper and lower portions. Passages in the tongue molding between the upper and lower portions and the tongue portion may be included to allow the insertion of contacts into groves in the tongue molding. 
     Top and bottom sets of contacts may be formed. The contacts may have contacting portions to mate with contacts in a corresponding connector insert. Top and bottom contact housings may be formed around rear portions of top and bottom sets of contacts. Ground contacts may be folded back over the contact housings, or they may be left intact where they may fit in grooves in frame sides of a frame. Insulative moldings may be formed around middle portions of the contacts in the top and bottom sets of contacts. Alternatively, an ink insulation layer may be applied to sides and top surface of each contact in the top set of contacts, and to the sides and bottom surface of each contact in the bottom set of contacts. The contact housing of the top set of contacts may be joined to the contact housing of the bottom set of contacts. For example, tabs on the housing for the top set of contacts may fit in notches in the housing for the bottom set of contacts. The contacts may then be inserted though the passages and into the grooves in the tongue molding. Tabs formed in the contact housings may fit into openings in the frame support to secure the contacts to the frame. The folded back ground contacts may electrically and physical contact the frame support. Where ink is used, the contact surfaces adjacent to the tongue molding (the bottom side of the top set of contacts and the top side of the bottom set of contacts) may remain ink free to help the contacts stay flush against the tongue molding. 
     While embodiments of the present invention may be useful as USB Type-C connector receptacles, these and other embodiments of the present invention may be used as connector receptacles in other types of connector systems. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, frames, shields, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacle may be formed by stamping, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions may be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They may be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as the reflow caps and other structures may be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions may be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. The printed circuit boards used may be formed of FR-4 or other material. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that may be located in, and may connect to, various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, video delivery systems, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles may provide interconnect pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt™, Lightning™, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), test-access-port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Testing (DART), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles that may be used to provide a reduced set of functions for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these interconnect paths provided by these connector receptacles may be used to convey power, ground, signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a connector receptacle and device enclosure being assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-section of a reflow cap according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  illustrate a rear view and an oblique view of a reflow cap according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a close-up cutaway view of a portion of a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a close-up cutaway view of a portion of a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a cutaway view of a portion of a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a tongue molding formed in a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a top contact housing formed around portions of a top set of contacts according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a bottom contact housing formed around portions of a bottom set of contacts according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates another connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates another portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates another portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a frame for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of an 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. 
     This example illustrates monitor  130  that may be in communication with computer  100 . Computer  100  may be substantially housed in device enclosure  102 . Computer  100  may provide video or other data over cable  120  to monitor  130 . Video data may be displayed on the video screen  132  of monitor  130 . Computer  100  may similarly include a screen  104 . In other embodiments the present invention, other types of devices may be included, and other types of data may be shared or transferred among the devices. For example, monitor  130  may be a monitor, an all-in-one computer, tablet computer, or other device. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power may be shared between computer  100  and monitor  130  over cable  120 . 
     Cable  120  may be one or a number of various types of cables. For example, it may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable such as a USB Type-C cable, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, Lightning, or other type of cable. Cable  120  may include compatible connector inserts (not shown) that plug into connector receptacle  110  on the computer  100  and connector receptacle  134  on monitor  130 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This connector receptacle may be used as connector receptacle  110 , or as other connector receptacles in other embodiments of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle  110  may be located in device enclosure  102 . Connector receptacle  110  may include tongue  210  supporting a number of contacts  212  on top and bottom sides. Ground contacts  214  may be located on top and bottom sides of tongue  210 . Housing  222  may support contacts  212 . Contacts  212  may terminate in contacting portions  213 . Contacting portions  213  may be soldered to contacts or openings of a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Connector receptacle  110  may be shielded by shield  105 . 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, connector receptacle  110  may be used as a USB Type-C connector receptacle. On occasion, a user may attempt to plug an incompatible connector insert into connector receptacle  110 . For example, a user may inadvertently attempt to plug a lightning connector insert (not shown) into USB Type-C connector receptacle  110 . The lightning connector insert may strike tongue  210 . In doing so, tongue  210  may be pushed either upwards or downwards in opening  103  of device enclosure  102 . This deflection may separate contacts  212  from tongue  210 . Contact  212  may then be bent and pushed deeper into opening  103  in device enclosure  102 . Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide various methods and structures for preventing this separation between contacts  212  and tongue  210 . Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a connector receptacle and device enclosure being assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure includes connector receptacle  350  having a tongue (not shown) held in place by reflow cap  300 . Connector receptacle  350  may be attached to printed circuit board  360  or other appropriate substrate. Portion of device enclosure  102  may be attached to printed circuit board  360  and connector receptacle  350 . Device enclosure  102  may include extension  111 , which may form opening  103 . Extension  111  may have a notch  115  to accept a ground portion  352  of connector receptacle  350 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  400  may be used as connector receptacle  110  or  350 , or as another connector in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  400  may include a tongue  540  supporting a number of contacts  560  on a top side and a number of contacts  580  on a bottom side (shown in  FIG. 5 .) Contacts  560  may partially housed in first housing  550 , while contacts  580  may be partially housed in second housing  570 . First housing  550  may include inverted U-shaped portion  552  for accepting tab  572  of second housing  570 . 
     Top ground contact  512  and bottom ground contact  532  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) may be located on top and bottom sides of tongue  540 . Tongue  540  may include a central ground plane  520 , which may form side contacts on tongue  540  as well as side ground contacts or tabs  522 . Contacts  560  may include contacting portions on a surface of tongue  540 , where the contacting portions form electrical connections with contacts in a corresponding connector insert when the connector insert is mated with connector receptacle  400 . Contacts  580  on the underside of tongue  540  may also include tail portions  584 , which may be soldered to contacts or through holes on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Connector receptacle  400  may be shielded by a top shield  590  and a bottom shield  595 . Top shield  590  and bottom shield  595  may be fixed to each by laser welding or other technique at locations  410 ,  411 , and  412 . Raised dimple  592  on top shield  590  may fit in opening  597  on bottom shield  595 . Tab  593  may be secured against ledge  576  (shown in  FIG. 5 .) 
     Again, an incompatible connector insert that is plugged into a connector receptacle  400  may strike tongue  540  deflecting it either and up or down direction. This may cause leading edges  541  of contacts  560  on a top side of tongue  540 , or leading edges (not shown) of contacts  580  on a bottom side of tongue  540 , to separate from tongue  540 . Once separated, these contacts may be pushed backwards and bent or otherwise damaged. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide an adhesive layer or other material to fix contacts  560  and  580  to tongue  540 . These adhesive layers are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention. Top ground structure  510  may include top ground contact  512 , shield contact  514 , as well as side tabs  516 . Central ground plane  520  may include tabs  522 . Bottom ground structure  530  may include ground contact  532 , shield contact  534 , as well as tabs  536 . Tabs  516 ,  522 , and  536  may be aligned and soldered or laser welded to each other. Tongue  540  may be molded around the attached ground structures  510  and  530 , and central ground plane  520 . Tongue  540  may include slots  542  for accepting contacts  560  and  580 . Tongue  540  may also include top ground contact  512 , bottom ground contact  532 , shield contact  514 , and shield contact  534 . 
     Contacts  560  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  562 , and tail portions  564 . Middle transition portions  562  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  560  such that tail portions  564  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) 
     Contacts  580  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  582 , and tail portions  584 . Middle transition portions  582  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  580  such that tail portions  584  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Contacts  560  may be partially housed in first housing  550 . Specifically, middle transition portions  562  may be housed in first housing  550 . First housing  550  may include passage  554  and inverted U-shaped portion  552 . Contacts  580  may be partially housed in second housing  570 . Specifically, middle transition portions  582  may be housed in second housing  570 . Second housing  570  may include ledge  576 , tab  572 , and tab  574 . Tab  574  may fit in passage  554  in first housing  550 . Inverted U-shaped portion  552  may fit over tab  572  to secure first housing  550  to second housing  570 . Contacts  560  and  580  may be inserted into tongue  540  such that contacts  560  and  580  are located in slots  542  on top and bottom sides of tongue  540 . 
     Connector receptacle  400  may be shielded by top shield  590  and bottom shield  595 . Raised dimple  592  on top shield  590  may fit in opening  597  in bottom shield  595 . Extension  594  of top shield  590  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  514 . Tab  593  may fit against ledge  576  on second housing  570 . Extension  599  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  534 . 
     Adhesive layer  583  may be applied to a surface of contacts  560  and  580 . Specifically, adhesive layers  583  may be applied to a bottom side of contacting portions of contacts  560  and a top side of contacting portions of contacts  580 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the adhesive may be located in slots  542  in tongue  540 . That is, the adhesive layers may be located between contacts  560  and tongue  540 , and between contacts  580  and tongue  540 . This adhesive may prevent a separation of contacts  560  and contacts  580  from tongue  540  during an insertion of an incompatible connector insert. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, separation of the contacts from a tongue may be prevented by forming an overmold over leading edges of contacts on a top and bottom side of a connector receptacle tongue. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  600  may be used as connector receptacle  110  or  350 , or as another connector in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  600  may include a tongue  740  supporting a number of contacts  760  on a top side and a number of contacts  780  on a bottom side (shown in  FIG. 7 .) Contacts  760  may partially housed in first housing  750 , while contacts  780  may be partially housed in second housing  770 . First housing  750  may include inverted U-shaped portion  752  for accepting tab  772  of second housing  770 . 
     Ground contacts  712  may be located on top and bottom sides of tongue  740 . Tongue  740  may include a central ground plane  720 , which may form side contacts on tongue  740  as well as side ground contacts or tab  722 . Contacts  760  may include contacting portions on a surface of tongue  740 , where the contacting portions form electrical connections with contacts in a corresponding connector insert when the connector insert is mated with connector receptacle  600 . Contacts  780  on the underside of tongue  740  may also include tail portions  784 , which may be soldered to contacts or through holes on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Connector receptacle  600  may be shielded by a top shield  790  and a bottom shield  795 . Top shield  790  and bottom shield  795  may be fixed to each by laser welding or other technique at locations  610 ,  611 , and  612 . Raised dimple  792  on top shield  790  may fit in opening  797  on bottom shield  795 . Tab  793  may be secured against ledge  776  (shown in  FIG. 7 .) 
     Again, an incompatible connector insert that is plugged into a connector receptacle  600  may strike tongue  740  deflecting it either and up or down direction. This may cause leading edges  741  of contacts  760  on a top side of tongue  740 , or leading edges (not shown) of contacts  780  on a bottom side of tongue  740 , to separate from tongue  740 . Once separated, these contacts may be pushed backwards and bent or otherwise damaged. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide an overmold or other layer that may be formed at least over leading edges  761  of contacts  760  and leading edges  781  of contacts  780  (shown in  FIG. 7 .) This overmold may fix contacts  760  and  780  to tongue  740 . This overmold layer is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention. Top ground structure  710  may include ground contact  712 , shield contact  714 , as well as side tabs  716 . Central ground plane  720  may include tabs  722 . Bottom ground structure  730  may include ground contact  732 , shield contact  734 , as well as tabs  736 . Tabs  716 ,  722 , and  736  may be aligned and soldered or laser welded to each other. Tongue  740  may be molded around the attached ground structures  710  and  730 , and central ground plane  720 . Tongue  740  may include slots  742  for accepting contacts  760  and  780 . Tongue  740  may also include top ground contact  712 , bottom ground contact  732 , shield contact  714 , and shield contact  734 . 
     Contacts  760  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  762 , and tail portions  764 . Middle transition portions  762  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  760  such that tail portions  764  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) 
     Contacts  780  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  782 , and tail portions  784 . Middle transition portions  782  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  780  such that tail portions  784  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Contacts  760  may be partially housed in first housing  750 . Specifically, middle transition portions  762  may be housed in first housing  750 . First housing  750  may include passage  754  and inverted U-shaped portion  752 . Contacts  780  may be partially housed in second housing  770 . Specifically, middle transition portions  782  may be housed in second housing  770 . Second housing  770  may include ledge  776 , tab  772 , and tab  774 . Tab  774  may fit in passage  754  in first housing  750 . Inverted U-shaped portion  752  may fit over tab  772  to secure first housing  750  to second housing  770 . Contacts  760  and  780  may be inserted into tongue  740  such that contacts  760  and  780  are located in slots  742  on top and bottom sides of tongue  740 . 
     Connector receptacle  600  may be shielded by top shield  790  and bottom shield  795 . Raised dimple  792  on top shield  790  may fit in opening  797  in bottom shield  795 . Extension  794  of top shield  790  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  714 . Tab  793  may fit against ledge  776  on second housing  770 . Extension  799  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  734 . 
     Leading edges  761  of contacts  760  and leading edges  781  of contacts  780  may be angled such that they are closer to tongue  740  near a leading edge of tongue  740 . Leading edges  761  of contacts  760  and leading edges  781  of contacts  780  may be may covered by overmold  749 . Overmold  749  may be a second injection molding in a two-shot molding process. Overmold  749  may prevent separation of contacts  760  and contacts  780  from tongue  740  when an incompatible connector insert is plugged into connector receptacle  600 . 
     The moldings used to form first housing  750 , second housing  770 , tongue  740 , and overmold  749 , may be varied in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  800  may be used as connector receptacle  110  or  350 , or as another connector in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  800  may include a tongue  940  supporting a number of contacts  960  on a top side and a number of contacts  980  on a bottom side (shown in  FIG. 9 .) Contacts  960  may partially housed in first housing  950 , while contacts  980  may be partially housed in third housing  970 . First housing  950  may include inverted U-shaped portion  952  for accepting tab  972  of third housing  970 . 
     Ground contacts  912  may be located on top and bottom sides of tongue  940 . Tongue  940  may include a central ground plane  920 , which may form side contacts on tongue  940  as well as side ground contacts or tabs  922 . Contacts  960  may include contacting portions on a surface of tongue  940 , where the contacting portions form electrical connections with contacts in a corresponding connector insert when the connector insert is mated with connector receptacle  800 . Contacts  980  on the underside of tongue  940  may also include tail portions  984 , which may be soldered to contacts or through holes on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Connector receptacle  800  may be shielded by a top shield  990  and a bottom shield  995 . Top shield  990  and bottom shield  995  may be fixed to each by laser welding or other technique at locations  810 ,  811 , and  812 . Raised dimple  992  on top shield  990  may fit in opening  997  on bottom shield  995 . Tab  993  may be secured against ledge  976  (shown in  FIG. 9 .) 
     Again, an incompatible connector insert that is plugged into a connector receptacle  800  may strike tongue  940  deflecting it either and up or down direction. This may cause leading edges  941  of contacts  960  on a top side of tongue  940 , or leading edges (not shown) of contacts  980  on a bottom side of tongue  940 , to separate from tongue  940 . Once separated, these contacts may be pushed backwards and bent or otherwise damaged. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide an overmold or other layer that may be formed at least over leading edges  961  of contacts  960  and leading edges  981  of contacts  980  (shown in  FIG. 9 .) This overmold may fix contacts  960  and  980  to tongue  940 . This overmold layer is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention. Top ground structure  910  may include ground contact  912 , shield contact  914 , as well as side tabs  916 . Central ground plane  920  may include tabs  922 . Bottom ground structure  930  may include ground contact  932 , shield contact  934 , as well as tabs  936 . Tabs  916 ,  922 , and  936  may be aligned and soldered or laser welded to each other. 
     Contacts  960  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  962 , and tail portions  964 . Middle transition portions  962  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  960  such that tail portions  964  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) 
     Contacts  980  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  982 , and tail portions  984 . Middle transition portions  982  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  980  such that tail portions  984  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Contacts  960  may be partially housed in first housing  950  and second housing  955 . Specifically, middle transition portions  962  may be housed in first housing  950 , while contacting surfaces may be supported by second housing  955 . First housing  950  may include inverted U-shaped portion  952 . Contacts  980  may be partially housed in third housing  970  and fourth housing  975 . Specifically, middle transition portions  982  may be housed in third housing  970  while contacting surfaces of contacts  980  may be supported by fourth housing  975 . Third housing  970  may include ledge  976  and tab  972 , while fourth housing  975  may include tab  978 . Tab  978  may fit in an opening (not shown) in second housing  955 . Inverted U-shaped portion  952  may fit over tab  972  to secure first housing  950  to third housing  970 . Tongue  940  may be formed over the second housing  955  and fourth housing  975 . Tongue  940  may be molded around the attached ground structures  910  and  930 , and central ground plane  920 . Tongue  940  may include slots  942  for accepting contacts  960  and  980 . Tongue  940  may also include top ground contact  912 , bottom ground contact  932 , shield contact  914 , and shield contact  934 . 
     Connector receptacle  800  may be shielded by top shield  990  and bottom shield  995 . Raised dimple  992  on top shield  990  may fit in opening  997  in bottom shield  995 . Extension  994  of top shield  990  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  914 . Tab  993  may fit against ledge  976  on third housing  970 . Extension  999  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  934 . 
     Leading edges  961  of contacts  960  and leading edges  981  of contacts  980  may be angled such that they are closer to tongue  940  near a leading edge of tongue  940 . Leading edges  961  of contacts  960  and leading edges  981  of contacts  980  may be may covered by the mold used to form tongue  940 . Tongue  940  may be a second injection molding in a two-shot molding process. Overmold  949  may prevent separation of contacts  960  and contacts  980  from tongue  940  when an incompatible connector insert is plugged into connector receptacle  800 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1000  may be used as connector receptacle  110  or  350 , or as another connector in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1000  may include a tongue  1140  supporting a number of contacts  1160  on a top side and a number of contacts  1180  on a bottom side (shown in  FIG. 11 .) Contacts  1160  may partially housed in first housing  1150 , while contacts  1180  may be partially housed in third housing  1170 . First housing  1150  may include inverted U-shaped portion  1152  for accepting tab  1172  of third housing  1170 . 
     Ground contacts  1112  may be located on top and bottom sides of tongue  1140 . Tongue  1140  may include a central ground plane  1120 , which may form side contacts on tongue  1140  as well as side ground contacts or tab  1122 . Contacts  1160  may include contacting portions on a surface of tongue  1140 , where the contacting portions form electrical connections with contacts in a corresponding connector insert when the connector insert is mated with connector receptacle  1000 . Contacts  1180  on the underside of tongue  1140  may also include tail portions  1184 , which may be soldered to contacts or through holes on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Connector receptacle  1000  may be shielded by a top shield  1190  and a bottom shield  1195 . Top shield  1190  and bottom shield  1195  may be fixed to each by laser welding or other technique at locations  1010 ,  1011 , and  1012 . Raised dimple  1192  on top shield  1190  may fit in opening  1197  on bottom shield  1195 . Tab  1193  may be secured against ledge  1176  (shown in  FIG. 11 .) 
     Again, an incompatible connector insert that is plugged into a connector receptacle  1000  may strike tongue  1140  deflecting it either and up or down direction. This may cause leading edges  1141  of contacts  1160  on a top side of tongue  1140 , or leading edges (not shown) of contacts  1180  on a bottom side of tongue  1140 , to separate from tongue  1140 . Once separated, these contacts may be pushed backwards and bent or otherwise damaged. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide an overmold or other layer that may be formed at least over leading edges  1161  of contacts  1160  and leading edges  1181  of contacts  1180  (shown in  FIG. 11 .) This overmold may fix contacts  1160  and  1180  to tongue  1140 . This overmold layer is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention. Top ground structure  1110  may include ground contact  1112 , shield contact  1114 , as well as side tabs  1116 . Central ground plane  1120  may include tabs  1122 . Bottom ground structure  1130  may include ground contact  1132 , shield contact  1134 , as well as tabs  1136 . Tabs  1116 ,  1122 , and  1136  may be aligned and soldered or laser welded to each other. 
     Contacts  1160  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  1162 , and tail portions  1164 . Middle transition portions  1162  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  1160  such that tail portions  1164  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) 
     Contacts  1180  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  1182 , and tail portions  1184 . Middle transition portions  1182  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  1180  such that tail portions  1184  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Contacts  1160  may be partially housed in first housing  1150  and second housing  1155 . Specifically, middle transition portions  1162  may be housed in first housing  1150 , while contacting surfaces may be supported by second housing  1155 . First housing  1150  may include inverted U-shaped portion  1152 . Contacts  1180  may be partially housed in third housing  1170  and fourth housing  1175 . Specifically, middle transition portions  1182  may be housed in third housing  1170  while contacting surfaces of contacts  1180  may be supported by fourth housing  1175 . Third housing  1170  may include ledge  1176  and tab  1172 , while fourth housing  1175  may include tab  1178 . Tab  1178  may fit in an opening (not shown) in second housing  1155 . Inverted U-shaped portion  1152  may fit over tab  1172  to secure first housing  1150  to third housing  1170 . Tongue  1140  may be formed over the second housing  1155  and fourth housing  1175 . Tongue  1140  may be molded around the attached ground structures  1110  and  1130 , and central ground plane  1120 . Tongue  1140  may include slots  1142  for accepting contacts  1160  and  1180 . Tongue  1140  may also include top ground contact  1112 , bottom ground contact  1132 , shield contact  1114 , and shield contact  1134 . 
     Connector receptacle  1000  may be shielded by top shield  1190  and bottom shield  1195 . Raised dimple  1192  on top shield  1190  may fit in opening  1197  in bottom shield  1195 . Extension  1194  of top shield  1190  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  1114 . Tab  1193  may fit against ledge  1176  on third housing  1170 . Extension  1199  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  1134 . 
     Leading edges  1161  of contacts  1160  and leading edges  1181  of contacts  1180  may be angled such that they are closer to tongue  1140  near a leading edge of tongue  1140 . Leading edges  1161  of contacts  1160  and leading edges  1181  of contacts  1180  may be may covered by the mold used to form tongue  1140 . Tongue  1140  may be a second injection molding in a two-shot molding process. Overmold  1149  may prevent separation of contacts  1160  and contacts  1180  from tongue  1140  when an incompatible connector insert is plugged into connector receptacle  1000 . 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacle tongues where leading edges of contacts on the tongue are protected behind a cross-beam or other structure. The cross-beam may be part of a frame. The frame may be metallic or other durable material. The cross-beam may shield leading edges of the contacts to prevent them from being separated from the tongue when a connector insert for a first type of connector system is inserted into a connector receptacle for a second type of connector system. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1200  may be used as connector receptacle  110  or  350 , or as another connector in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1200  may include a tongue  1340  supporting a number of contacts  1360  on a top side and a number of contacts  1380  on a bottom side (shown in  FIG. 13 .) Contacts  1360  may partially housed in first housing  1350 , while contacts  1380  may be partially housed in second housing  1370 . First housing  1350  may include inverted U-shaped portion  1352  for accepting tab  1372  of second housing  1370 . 
     Tongue  1340  may be outlined by frame  1320 . Frame  1320  may include side portions  1323  and front cross-beam  1327  (shown in  FIG. 13 .) Front cross-beam  1327  may be overmolded with overmold  1329 . Ground contacts  1312  may be located on top and bottom sides of tongue  1340 . Contacts  1360  may include contacting portions on a surface of tongue  1340 , where the contacting portions form electrical connections with contacts in a corresponding connector insert when the connector insert is mated with connector receptacle  1200 . Contacts  1380  on the underside of tongue  1340  may also include tail portions  1384 , which may be soldered to contacts or through holes on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Connector receptacle  1200  may be shielded by a top shield  1390  and a bottom shield  1395 . Top shield  1390  and bottom shield  1395  may be fixed to each by laser welding or other technique at locations  1210 ,  1211  and  1212 . Raised dimple  1392  on top shield  1390  may fit in opening  1397  on bottom shield  1395 . Tab  1393  may be secured against ledge  1376  (shown in  FIG. 13 .) 
     Again, an incompatible connector insert that is plugged into a connector receptacle  1200  may strike tongue  1340  deflecting it either and up or down direction. This may cause leading edges  1341  of contacts  1360  on a top side of tongue  1340 , or leading edges (not shown) of contacts  1380  on a bottom side of tongue  1340 , to separate from tongue  1340 . Once separated, these contacts may be pushed backwards and bent or otherwise damaged. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide an overmolded cross-beam or other structures that may protect at least over leading edges  1361  of contacts  1360  and leading edges  1381  of contacts  1380  (shown in  FIG. 13 .) This overmolded cross-beam may fix contacts  1360  and  1380  to tongue  1340 . This overmolded cross-beam is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a method of manufacturing a connector receptacle according to embodiments of the present invention. Frame  1320  may include side portions  1323  coupled together by front cross-beam  1327 . Front cross-beam  1327  may be overmolded with overmold  1329 . Frame  1320  may further include top and bottom ground contacts  1322 . 
     Contacts  1360  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  1362 , and tail portions  1364 . Middle transition portions  1362  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  1360  such that tail portions  1364  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) 
     Contacts  1380  may include contacting portions, middle transition portions  1382 , and tail portions  1384 . Middle transition portions  1382  may include angled portions to increase a spacing between contacts  1380  such that tail portions  1384  may be more readily attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. 
     Contacts  1360  may be partially housed in first housing  1350 . Specifically, middle transition portions  1362  may be housed in first housing  1350 . First housing  1350  may include passage  1354  and inverted U-shaped portion  1352 . Contacts  1380  may be partially housed in second housing  1370 . Specifically, middle transition portions  1382  may be housed in second housing  1370 . Second housing  1370  may include ledge  1376 , tab  1372 , and tab  1374 . Tab  1374  may fit in passage  1354  in first housing  1350 . Inverted U-shaped portion  1352  may fit over tab  1372  to secure first housing  1350  to second housing  1370 . Contacts  1360  and  1380  may be inserted into tongue  1340  such that contacts  1360  and  1380  are located in slots  1342  on top and bottom sides of tongue  1340 . 
     Connector receptacle  1200  may be shielded by top shield  1390  and bottom shield  1395 . Raised dimple  1392  on top shield  1390  may fit in opening  1397  in bottom shield  1395 . Extension  1394  of top shield  1390  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  1314 . Tab  1393  may fit against ledge  1376  on second housing  1370 . Extension  1399  may be soldered or laser welded to shield contact  1334 . 
     Leading edges  1361  of contacts  1360  and leading edges  1381  of contacts  1380  may be protected by front cross-beam  1327  and overmold  1329 . Tongue  1340  may be a second injection molding in a two-shot molding process. Front cross-beam  1327  and overmold  1329  may prevent separation of contacts  1360  and contacts  1380  from tongue  1340  when an incompatible connector insert is plugged into connector receptacle  1200 . 
     During the insertion of a connector insert (not shown) into connector receptacle  1200 , side retention springs (not shown) in sides of an opening in the connector insert may engage side portions  1323  of frame  1320 . Also, contacts in the connector insert may engage ground contacts  1312 . This may cause wear and may cause the generation of conductive metallic particles (not shown). That is, the physical contact of the metallic surfaces may cause abrasion, chipping, or other damage. These conductive particles, which may be supplemented by other conductive particles from other sources, may form conductive paths between individual contacts  1360  and  1380 , and between contacts  1360  and  1380  and ground contacts  1312 . 
     These particles may accumulate in accumulation zones on connector tongue  1340 . Specifically, ground contacts in the connector insert may physically and electrically contact ground contacts  1312  on a top and bottom of connector tongue  1340 . During repeated insertions, these connector insert ground contact may sweep these particles up against front edges of ground contacts  1312 . This may cause the particles to accumulate between contacts  1360  and  1380 , and between contacts  1360  and  1380  and ground contacts  1312 . Without more, these particles may form electrical connections between and among contacts  1360  and  1380 , between one or more contacts  1360  or  1380  and ground contacts  1312 , or both. 
     Accordingly, insulative moldings  1347  may be formed over portions of contacts  1360  and  1380 . These insulative moldings  1347  may prevent or reduce the creation of undesirable conductive paths. Conductive particles that gather in accumulation zones between contacts  1360  and  1380  may be electrically isolated from each other and from ground contacts  1312  and might not cause electrical connections to form. While conductive particles that gather between contacts  1360  and  1380  and ground contacts  1312  may electrically connect to ground contacts  1312 , they are electrically isolated from contacts  1360  and  1380  and might not cause electrical connections to form between contacts  1360  and  1380  and between contacts  1360  and  1380  and ground contacts  1312 . Insulative moldings  1347  may be formed by injection molding or other technique. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contacts  1369 , as with the other contacts, may include tail portions, which may be attached to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contacts  1369  or other ground contacts may instead be soldered or otherwise electrically connected to frame  1320 . An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, notch  1410  may be formed in frame  1320 . Ground contact  1369  may be soldered or laser welded to frame  1320  at locations  1411 . 
     These connector receptacles may undergo further assembly processes after these adhesive layers or overmolds are formed. These process may cause contacts on a tongue to become separated from the tongue, making eventual damage more likely. Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention may provide a reflow cap that may be used to secure contacts to a tongue of a connector receptacle during electronic device assembly, shipping, or other times. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-section of a reflow cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. Tongue  1510  of connector receptacle  1500  may fit in a central passage  310  of reflow cap  300 . Reflow cap  300  may include a plurality of ribs  312  to secure the tongue  1510  to reflow cap  300 . Recess  320  in central passage  310  may accept a leading edge of tongue  1510 . Recess  320  sidewalls  322  in central passage  310  may apply pressure on tongue  1510  to hold contacts  1520  against tongue  1510  during assembly. This may prevent contacts  1520  from lifting away from tongue  1510 . Reflow cap  300  may include tab  302  near a front, wherein tab  302  may be used in automated removal of reflow cap  300  after assembly, shipping, or other time. Reflow cap  300  may be similarly used with the other connector receptacles shown here or with these and other connector receptacles in these and other embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 16A-16B  illustrate a rear view and an oblique view of a reflow cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 16A , reflow cap  300  may include central passage  310  for accepting a tongue of a connector receptacle. Ribs  312  in central passage  310  may hold the tongue in place in reflow cap  300 . Recess  320  may accept a leading edge of the tongue. Sidewalls  322  of recess  320  may provide a force to hold contacts on the tongue against the tongue during assembly, shipping or other times. In  FIG. 16B , reflow cap  300  may include tab  302  near a front, wherein tab  302  may be used in automated removal of reflow cap  300  after assembly, shipping or other time. 
     Connector receptacles and connector inserts may have various form factors. For example, a connector receptacle may include a tongue in a recess, where a corresponding connector insert fits in the recess and has an opening that accepts the connector receptacle tongue. In another example, a connector insert may include a tongue or may be formed as a tongue that fits in a connector receptacle. In these and other connector configurations a connector tongue is used. An example of a connector receptacle that includes a tongue is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1700  may include connector tongue  1730  in recess  1720  in device enclosure  1702 . Recess  1720  may form opening  1710  at a surface of device enclosure  1702 . Contacts  1740  may be supported by connector tongue  1730 . 
     Various types of connector tongues may be used as connector tongue  1730  in connector receptacle  1700 . Also, connector tongues may be used as portions of connector inserts as well as connector receptacles. An example of a connector tongue  1730  that may be used in connector receptacle  1700  is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector tongue  1730  may include frame  1750 . Frame  1750  may provide a connector tongue  1730  that is durable, has good wear performance, and provides a constant level of performance. Frame  1750  may include notches  1754  on each frame side  1752 , where the frame sides  1752  are adjacent to sides and between the top and bottom sides of tongue molding  1760 . Frame sides  1752  may form a portion of frame  1750  that extends along sides of connector tongue  1730 . Frame sides  1752  may be joined near a rear of the connector tongue by frame support  1758 . When the connector tongue is used in a USB Type-C connector receptacle, ground pads  1756  may extend along a top and bottom of the connector tongue  1730  joining frame sides  1752  at face  1757  of frame support  1758 . Face  1757  of frame support  1758  may act as a rear surface of connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a cross-beam  1751  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) at or near a front  1732  of connector tongue  1730  may join frame sides  1752  together. Cross-beam  1751  may be covered by tongue molding  1760  to reduce wear on corresponding connecters that are mated with connector tongue  1730 . Tongue molding  1760  may be an overmold that may prevent contacts on a corresponding connector (not shown) from being shorted or grounded by the cross-beam  1751  when the corresponding connector is mated with connector tongue  1730 . A front  1732  of connector tongue  1730  may be chamfered to form edge  1734 , which may simplify mating to a corresponding connector. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, frame  1750  may be metallic or ceramic, it may be metallic coated with a ceramic, or it may be formed of other material. Frame  1750  may increase a strength of connector tongue  1730  as compared to a connector tongue formed only of tongue molding  1760 . Frame  1750  may have good wear performance. A metal frame  1750  may be oxidized or coated with a ceramic or other material at a surface for an increased lubricity for even better wear performance. This oxidation or coating may be selective such that portions, such as frame sides  1752  including ground contacts  1753  and notches  1754 , as well as ground pads  1756 , are not oxidized or coated such that they may make electrical contact with corresponding features on a corresponding connector (not shown) when the corresponding connector is mated with connector tongue  1730 . Specifically, ground pads  1756  may be exposed such that they may make electrical contact with ground contacts near a front of a USB Type-C connector insert (not shown). Notches  1754  may be exposed such that they make electrical contact with side retention springs (not shown) in sides of an opening in a USB Type-C connector insert. In these and embodiments of the present invention, the coating or oxidation may be done using physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion injection, or other process technique. In one example, a titanium frame  1750  may be at least partially oxidized to form titanium-oxide on at least a part of the surface of frame  1750 . The use of these materials for frame sides  1752  of frame  1750  may also provide a clear tactile and audible response to a user when a user mates a connector having connector tongue  1730  with a corresponding connector, as compared to a plastic or printed circuit board tongue without frame sides  1752 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, frame  1750  may be made in different ways. For example, frame  1750  may be formed using metal-injection molding, 3-D printing, forging, stamping, or other process. 
     Connector tongue  1730  may further include tongue molding  1760 . Tongue molding  1760  may be located between frame sides  1752 . Tongue molding  1760  may include grooves  1762 . Contacts  1740  may be located in grooves  1762  of tongue molding  1760 . Tongue molding  1760  may be formed of plastic or other nonconductive materials. In various embodiments of the present invention, tongue molding  1760  may be made in different ways. For example, tongue molding  1760  may be formed using injection molding, 3-D printing, or other process. 
     Contacts  1740  may include a set of top contacts  2430  on a top side of tongue molding  1760  and a set of bottom set of contacts  2530  (shown in  FIG. 25 ) on a bottom side of tongue molding  1760 . Top set of contacts  2430  may be held together by top contact housing  2420  while bottom set of contacts  2530  may be held together by bottom contact housing  2520 . Top contact housing  2420  may include posts  2423 , which may fit in opening  1759  of frame  1750 . A corresponding tab and opening may be found on the bottom of frame support  1758 . Tabs  2424  and openings  1759  may secure top contact housing  2420  and bottom contact housing  2520  in place in frame support  1758 . Bottom contact housing  2520  may include posts  2524 . Posts  2524  may be inserted into an opening in a printed circuit board (not shown) for mechanical stability. Contacts  1740  may terminate in through-hole contact portions  1748 . Through-hole contact portions  1748  may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board (not shown) to form electrical connections with traces and pads supported by the printed circuit board. 
     During the insertion of a connector insert (not shown) into connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ), side retention springs (not shown) in sides of an opening in the connector insert engage frame sides  1752  of frame  1750  on connector tongue  1730 . Also, contacts in the connector insert may engage ground contacts  1753  on surfaces of frame side  1752 . This may cause wear and may cause the generation of conductive metallic particles (not shown). These conductive particles, which may be supplemented by other conductive particles from other sources, may form conductive paths between contacts  1740  and between contacts  1740  and ground pads  1756 . Accordingly, an insulative layer  1810  may be formed over portions of contacts  1740 . Further details are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 19  is a close-up cutaway view of a portion of a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector tongue  1730  may include frame  1750 . Frame  1750  may include frame sides  1752 , ground pads  1756 , and frame support  1758 . A face  1757  of frame support  1758  may form a bottom of recess  1720  of connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). Tongue molding  1760  may be formed between frame sides  1752  and may be formed around cross-beam  1751 . Tongue molding  1760  may include grooves  1762 . Grooves  1762  may support contacts  1740 . Tongue molding  1760  may further include top and bottom portions and a tongue molding main portion  1761 . Passages  1764  may be located between each of tongue molding  1760  top and bottom portions and tongue molding main portion  1761 . Passages  1764  may be tapered to simplify the insertion of contacts  1740  during assembly of connector tongue  1730 . A front  1732  of connector tongue  1730  may include chamfered edges  1734  to simplify the mating of a connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1700  and a connector insert (not shown). Contacts  1740  may include front portions or contacting portions  1742 . Front portions or contacting portions  1742  may mate with contacts in a corresponding connector insert (not shown) when the connector insert is mated with a connector receptacle that includes connector tongue  1730 . 
     Again, during the insertion of a connector insert (not shown) into connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ), side retention springs (not shown) in sides of an opening in the connector insert may engage frame sides  1752  of frame  1750  on connector tongue  1730 . Also, contacts in the connector insert may engage ground contacts  1753  on surfaces of frame sides  1752 . The physical contact of the metallic surfaces may cause abrasion, chipping, or other damage. This may cause wear and may cause the generation of conductive metallic particles (not shown). These conductive particles may be supplemented by other conductive debris that may find its way into or onto the connectors. These particles may accumulate in accumulation zones on connector tongue  1730 . Specifically, ground contacts in the connector insert may physically and electrically contact ground pads  1756  on a top and bottom of connector tongue  1730 . During repeated insertions, these connector insert ground contact may sweep these particles up against front  1732  of tongue molding  1760  and front edges  1755  of ground pads  1756 . This may cause the particles to accumulate in accumulation zones  1910  between contacts  1740  and accumulation zones  1920  between contacts  1740  and ground pad  1756 . Without more, these particles may form electrical connections between and among contacts  1740 , between one or more contacts  1740  and ground pads  1756 , or both. 
     Put another way, ground pad  1756  and tongue molding  1760  may form a structure where the contacting portions of contacts  1740  are between a front  1732  of connector tongue  1730  and the structure. The front edges  1755  of ground pad  1756  and  1769  of tongue molding  1760  may form a surface of the structure, where the structure is at an angle to a surface of the tongue molding main portion  1761 . This angle is shown here as a right angle, though this angle may also be an oblique angle. The angle of the surface of the structure relative to a surface of the tongue molding main portion  1761  may create accumulation zones. For example, the right angle between the front edges  1755  of ground pad  1756  and  1769  of tongue molding  1760  to a surface of tongue molding main portion  1761  may form accumulation zones  1910  and  1920 . 
     Accordingly, insulative layers  1810  may be formed over portions of contacts  1740 . These insulating layers  1810  may prevent or reduce the creation of undesirable conductive paths. Conductive particles that gather in accumulation zones  1910  between contacts  1740  may be electrically isolated from contacts  1740  and might not cause electrical connections to form between contacts  1740 . While conductive particles that gather in accumulation zones  1920  between contacts  1740  and ground pads  1756  may electrically connect to ground pads  1756 , they are electrically isolated from contacts  1740  and might not cause electrical connections to form between contacts  1740  and ground pads  1756 . 
     Insulating layers  1810  may be formed by printing or other mechanical step or other process. In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, insulating layers  1810  may be formed around portions of contacts  1740  or other connector structures by applying ink or other nonconductive material using printing, such as ink-jet type printing, 3-D printing, aerosol-jet printing, pad printing, or other types of printing. 
     In these and other embodiments, the ink may be nonconductive. This ink may be comparatively thick for improved wear performance. The ink may be a liquid, paste, or other substance, though pastes may more readily provide a thicker coverage. The thickness of the ink may be increased by printing the insulating layers on the contacts multiple times. The ink may be formed of a colorant and a binder. The binder may allow the colorant to adhere to one or more surfaces of the contacts or other connector structures. The colorant may be a dye or pigment. Pigments may include organic or inorganic particles. The pigments may provide color and may also provide improved wear performance. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention substances such as resins, lubricants, surfactants, thinners, hardeners, retarders, and solvents may be included in the ink to improve adhesion, wear performance, chemical resistance, resistance to thermal shock and extended high-temperatures, and other characteristics. For example, a hardener may be used. The hardener may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 1 and 10 parts hardener, for example in a 100:5 ratio. The hardener may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 11 and 20 parts hardener, for example in a 100:15 ratio. The hardener may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 21 and 30 parts hardener, for example in a 100:25 ratio. Other ranges and values of ratios may be used in these and other embodiments of the present invention. As another example, a solvent may be used. The solvent may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 1 and 15 parts solvent. The solvent may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 5 and 20 parts solvent. The solvent may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 10 and 25 parts solvent. The solvent may be mixed with the ink in a ratio of 100 parts ink to between 15 and 30 parts solvent. Other ranges of ratios may be used in these and other embodiments of the present invention. 
     Inks used in embodiments of the present invention may provide a good adhesion to the surfaces of the metallic contacts and it may provide a high level of insulation. These inks may provide a high level of resistance to chemicals to protect the ink in case of exposure to liquids such as alcohol, soda, or others. Some of these contacts may experience extended heating due to current flow and thermal shocks due to changes in the current flow as devices are connected and disconnected, as well as powered up and powered off. Accordingly, inks used in embodiments of the present invention may be able to withstand both changes in temperature (thermal shock) and extended periods of heating (heat soak.) 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the ink used to form insulating layers  1810  may have various colors or combinations of colors. The ink may be colored to match or mismatch tongue molding  1760  or other connector portion. The ink may be transparent, translucent, partially opaque, or opaque. In one example, the ink may be white to match a color of tongue molding  1760 . The ink may provide a finish that is matt, glossy, or it may provide a finish that is somewhere between the two. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the ink may have various thicknesses. In one embodiment of the present invention, each contact  1740  may be 1750 microns wide and located in a groove  1762  in tongue molding  1760  that is 300 microns wide. Contacts  1740  may each have a side adjacent to tongue molding  1760 . This side may remain ink-free. The opposite and adjacent sides may be coated with a 25 micron layer of ink. The addition of the ink insulating layer  1810  to contacts  1740  may help to center contacts  1740  in grooves  1762  for improved alignment and improved reliability. Further details are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 20  is a close-up cutaway view of a portion of a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, contacts  1740  may reside in grooves  1762  in tongue molding  1760 . Portions of contacts  1740  may be coated with an insulating layer  1810 . Specifically, sides  1811  and  1813 , as well as top surface  1812  (the side away from tongue molding  1760 ) may be coated with insulating layer  1810 . A bottom side of contacts  1740  (the side adjacent to tongue molding  1760 ) may remain uncoated by insulating layer  1810 . This may allow contacts  1740  to remain flush with tongue molding  1760 . 
       FIG. 21  is a cutaway view of a portion of a connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector tongue  1730  may include frame  1750 . Frame  1750  may include frame sides  1752 , ground pads  1756 , and frame support  1758 . A face  1757  of frame support  1758  may form a rear of recess  1720  of connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). Tongue molding  1760  may be formed between frame sides  1752  and may be formed around cross-beam  1751 . Tongue molding  1760  may include grooves  1762 . Grooves  1762  may support contacts  1740 . 
     Conductive particles may accumulate in accumulation zones  1910  between contacts  1740  and accumulation zones  1920  between contacts  1740  and ground pad  1756 . Accordingly, insulative layers  1810  may be formed over portions of contacts  1740 . These insulating layers  1810  may prevent or reduce the creation of undesirable conductive paths. 
     These connector tongues may be formed in various ways. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Frame  1750  may include frame sides  1752 . Frame sides  1752  may include side grooves  1752 A. When tongue molding  1760  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) is formed in frame  1750 , tabs (not shown) of tongue molding  1760  may form tabs in side grooves  1752 A. These interlocking tabs and grooves  1752 A may help to support tongue molding  1760  in frame  1750 . Cross-beam  1751  may join frame sides  1752 . Frame sides  1752  may form ground contacts  1753  on top and bottom sides. Frame sides  1752  may include notches  1754 , which may act as side retention features. Frame sides may terminate at face  1757  of frame support  1758 . Ground pads  1756  may include front edges  1755  and may also terminate at face  1757  of frame support  1758 . Frame support  1758  may include opening  1759 . Frame  1750  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, ceramic, or other conductive or nonconductive material. In various embodiments of the present invention, frame  1750  may be made in different ways. For example, frame  1750  may be formed using metal-injection molding, 3-D printing, forging, stamping, or other process. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a tongue molding formed in a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Tongue molding  1760  may be formed in frame  1750 . Tongue molding  1760  may extend between frame sides  1752  and below ground pads  1756 . Grooves  1762  may be formed in tongue molding  1760  to support contacts  1740  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Tongue molding  1760  may be formed of plastic or other nonconductive material. In various embodiments of the present invention, tongue molding  1760  may be made in different ways. For example, tongue molding  1760  may be formed using injection molding, 3-D printing, or other process. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a top contact housing formed around portions of a top set of contacts according to an embodiment of the present invention. Top contact housing  2420  may include tab  2424  to fit in opening  1759  in frame support  1758  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). Top contact housing  2420  may further include tab  2422  to fit in notch  2522  (shown in  FIG. 25 ) in bottom contact housing  2520  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). Top contact housing  2420  may be formed of plastic or other material using injection molding or other process. Top contact housing  2420  may be formed around a rear portion of contacts  1740 . Ground contacts  2410  may be folded over to form ground connections to frame support  1758  (shown in  FIG. 22 ). 
     Top set of contacts  2430  may include contacts  1740 . Contacts  1740  may include a front portion  1742  for forming electrical connections with contacts of a corresponding connector insert (not shown). Contacts  1740  may include a center portion  1744 . Center portion  1744  may be coated on one or more sides with insulation layer  1810 . A rear part of center portion  1744  may be located below ground pad  1756 , while a front part of center portion  1744  may extend towards a front  1732  of connector tongue  1730  beyond ground pads  1756  (shown in  FIG. 19 ). Contacts  1740  may further include rear portion  1746 . Some of rear portion  1746  may be molded in top contact housing  2420 , while another part may extend from top contact housing  2420 . Insulating layer  1810  may be omitted from rear portion  1746  to avoid problems during molding of top contact housing  2420 . Through-hole contact portions  1748  of contacts  1740  may emerge from a rear of top contact housing  2420 . Through-hole contact portions  1748  may be soldered into a printed circuit board, flexible circuit board, or other appropriate substrate (not shown) to form electrical connections with traces and planes in the board. Contacts  1740  may be formed of copper or other material. Contacts  1740  may be stamped from a sheet of metal, 3-D printed, or formed in other ways. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a bottom contact housing formed around portions of a bottom set of contacts according to an embodiment of the present invention. Bottom contact housing  2520  may include a tab corresponding to tab  2424  (in  FIG. 24 ) to fit in a notch corresponding to opening  1759  in frame support  1758  (shown in  FIG. 24 ). Top contact housing  2420  may further include notch  2522  to accept tab  2422  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) in top contact housing  2420  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). Bottom contact housing  2520  may include posts  2524 , which may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board, flexible circuit board, or other appropriate substrate (not shown) for mechanical stability. Bottom contact housing  2520  may be formed of plastic or other material using injection molding or other process. Bottom contact housing  2520  may be formed around a rear portion of contacts  1740 . Ground contacts  2410  may be folded over to form ground connections to frame support  1758  (shown in  FIG. 22 ). 
     Bottom set of contacts  2530  may include contacts  1740 . Contacts  1740  may include a front portion  1742  for forming electrical connections with contacts of a corresponding connector insert (not shown). Contacts  1740  may include a center portion  1744 . Center portion  1744  may be coated on one or more sides with insulation layer  1810 . A rear part of center portion  1744  may be located above ground pad  1756 , while a front part of center portion  1744  may extend towards a front  1732  of connector tongue  1730  beyond ground pads  1756  (shown in  FIG. 19 ). Contacts  1740  may further include rear portion  1746 . Some of rear portion  1746  may be molded in bottom contact housing  2520 , while another part may extend from bottom contact housing  2520 . Insulating layer  1810  may be omitted from rear portion  1746  to avoid problems during molding of bottom contact housing  2520 . Through-hole contact portions  1748  of contacts  1740  may emerge from a rear of bottom contact housing  2520 . Through-hole contact portions  1748  may be soldered into a printed circuit board, flexible circuit board, or other appropriate substrate (not shown) to form electrical connections with traces and planes in the board. 
     Top contact housing  2420  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) may be attached to bottom contact housing  2520  by inserting tab  2422  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) into notch  2522 . Top set of contacts  2430  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) and bottom set of contacts  2530  may be inserted through passages  1764  in tongue molding  1760  and into grooves  1762  in tongue molding  1760  (shown in  FIG. 19 ). Tabs  2424  on top contact housing  2420  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) and a corresponding tab (not shown) on bottom contact housing  2520  may be fit in openings  1759  on a top side of frame support  1758  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) and a corresponding opening on a bottom of frame support  1758 . This may secure top set of contacts  2430  and bottom set of contacts  2530  in place in frame  1750  (shown in  FIG. 18 ). 
     Again, various types of connector tongues may be used as connector tongue  1730  in connector receptacle  1700 . Also, connector tongues may be used as portions of connector inserts as well as connector receptacles. Another example of a connector tongue  1730  that may be used in connector receptacle  1700  is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates another connector tongue for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector tongue  1730  may include frame  2750 . Frame  2750  may provide a connector tongue  2730  that is durable, has good wear performance, and provides a constant level of performance. Frame  2750  may include notches  2754  on each frame side  2752 , where the frame sides  2752  are adjacent to sides and between the top and bottom sides of tongue molding  2760 . Frame sides  2752  may form a portion of frame  2750  that extends along sides of connector tongue  2730 . Frame sides  2752  may be joined near a rear of the connector tongue by frame support  2758 . When the connector tongue is used in a USB Type-C connector receptacle, ground pads  2756  may extend along a top and bottom of the connector tongue  2730  joining frame sides  2752  at face  2757  of frame support  2758 . Face  2757  of frame support  2758  may act as a rear surface of connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a center ground plane  2751  (shown further in  FIG. 27 ) in a center of connector tongue  1730  may connect to frame sides  2752 . Center ground plane  2751  may be soldered to frame support  2758  at points  2755 . Center ground plane  2751  may be covered by tongue molding  2760 . Tongue molding  2760  may be an overmold over center ground plane  2751 . A front  2732  of connector tongue  1730  may be chamfered to form edge  2733 , which may simplify mating to a corresponding connector. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, frame  2750  may be metallic or ceramic, it may be metallic coated with a ceramic, or it may be formed of other material. Frame  2750  may increase a strength of connector tongue  1730  as compared to a connector tongue formed only of tongue molding  2760 . Frame  2750  may have good wear performance. A metal frame  2750  may be oxidized or coated with a ceramic or other material at a surface for an increased lubricity for even better wear performance. This oxidation or coating may be selective such that portions, such as frame sides  2752  including ground contacts  2753  and notches  2754 , as well as ground pads  2756 , are not oxidized or coated such that they may make electrical contact with corresponding features on a corresponding connector (not shown) when the corresponding connector is mated with connector tongue  1730 . Specifically, ground pads  2756  may be exposed such that they may make electrical contact with ground contacts near a front of a USB Type-C connector insert (not shown). Notches  2734  may be exposed such that they make electrical contact with side retention springs (not shown) in sides of an opening in a USB Type-C connector insert. In these and embodiments of the present invention, the coating or oxidation may be done using physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion injection, or other process technique. In one example, a titanium frame  2750  may be at least partially oxidized to form titanium-oxide on at least a part of the surface of frame  2750 . The use of these materials for frame sides  2752  of frame  2750  may also provide a clear tactile and audible response to a user when a user mates a connector having connector tongue  1730  with a corresponding connector, as compared to a plastic or printed circuit board tongue without frame sides  2752 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, frame  2750  may be made in different ways. For example, frame  2750  may be formed using metal-injection molding, 3-D printing, forging, stamping, or other process. 
     Connector tongue  1730  may further include tongue molding  2760 . Tongue molding  2760  may be located between frame sides  2752 . Tongue molding  2760  may include grooves  2762 . Contacts  2740  may be located in grooves  2762  of tongue molding  2760 . Tongue molding  2760  may be formed of plastic or other nonconductive materials. In various embodiments of the present invention, tongue molding  2760  may be made in different ways. For example, tongue molding  2760  may be formed using injection molding, 3-D printing, or other process. 
     Contacts  2740  may include a set of top set  3430  of contacts  2740  on a top side of tongue molding  2760  and a set of bottom set  2930  of contacts  2740  (shown in  FIG. 29 ) on a bottom side of tongue molding  2760 . Top set  3430  of contacts  2740  may be held together by top contact housing  3420  while bottom set  2930  of contacts  2740  may be held together by bottom contact housing  2920 . Top contact housing  3420  may include tab  3424 , which may fit in opening  2759  of frame  2750 . A corresponding tab and opening may be found on the bottom of frame support  2758 . Tabs  3424  and openings  2759  may secure top contact housing  3420  and bottom contact housing  2920  in place in frame support  2758 . Top contact housing  3420  and bottom contact housing  2920  may include posts  2924 . Posts  2924  may be inserted into an opening in a printed circuit board (not shown) for mechanical stability. Contacts  2740  may terminate in through-hole contact portions (not shown.) Through-hole contact portions may be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board to form electrical connections with traces and pads supported by the printed circuit board. 
     During the insertion of a connector insert (not shown) into connector receptacle  1700  (shown in  FIG. 17 ), side retention springs (not shown) in sides of an opening in the connector insert engage frame sides  2752  of frame  2750  on connector tongue  1730 . Also, contacts in the connector insert may engage ground contacts  2753  on surfaces of frame side  2752 . That is, the physical contact of the metallic surfaces may cause abrasion, chipping, or other damage. This may cause wear and may cause the generation of conductive metallic particles (not shown). These conductive particles, which may be supplemented by other conductive particles from other sources, may form conductive paths between individual contacts  2740  and between contacts  2740  and ground pads  2756 . 
     These particles may accumulate in accumulation zones on connector tongue  1730 . Specifically, ground contacts in the connector insert may physically and electrically contact ground pads  2756  on a top and bottom of connector tongue  1730 . During repeated insertions, these connector insert ground contact may sweep these particles up against front edges of ground pads  1756 . This may cause the particles to accumulate in accumulation zones  1910  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) between contacts  2740  and accumulation zones  1920  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) between contacts  2740  and ground pad  2756 . Without more, these particles may form electrical connections between and among contacts  2740 , between one or more contacts  2740  and ground pads  2756 , or both. 
     Put another way, ground pad  2756  and tongue molding  2760  may form a structure where the contacting portions of contacts  2740  are between a front  2732  of connector tongue  1730  and the structure. The front edges of ground pad  2756  may form a surface of the structure, where the structure is at an angle to a surface of the tongue molding main portion  1761 . This angle is shown here as a right angle, though this angle may also be an oblique angle. The angle of the surface of the structure relative to a surface of the tongue molding  2760  may create accumulation zones. For example, the right angle between the front edges of ground pad  2756  and a surface of tongue molding  2760  may form accumulation zones  1910  and  1920  (shown in  FIG. 19 .) 
     Accordingly, insulative moldings  2810  may be formed over portions of contacts  2740 . These insulative moldings  2810  may prevent or reduce the creation of undesirable conductive paths. Conductive particles that gather in accumulation zones  1910  between contacts  1740  may be electrically isolated from contacts  1740  and might not cause electrical connections to form between contacts  2740 . While conductive particles that gather in accumulation zones  1920  between contacts  2740  and ground pads  2756  may electrically connect to ground pads  2756 , they are electrically isolated from contacts  2740  and might not cause electrical connections to form between contacts  2740  and between contacts  2740  and ground pads  2756 . 
     Insulative moldings  2810  may be formed by injection molding or other technique. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure includes central ground plane  2751  and tongue molding  2760 . Central ground plane  2751  may include through-hole contacting portions  2780 . Central ground plane  2751  may be spot or laser welded to frame support  2758  (shown in  FIG. 26 ) at point  2755 . 
     Tongue molding  2760  may include grooves  2762  for contacts  2740  (shown in  FIG. 26 .) Tongue molding  2760  may include open areas  2790  having holes  2792 . Tongue molding  2760  may further include area  2795 . Either an edge of central ground plane  2751  or tongue molding  2760  may be used to form edge  2796 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. A top set  3430  of contacts  2740  may be partially housed in top contact housing  3420 . Top contact housing  3420  may include tab  3424  that may be inserted into opening  2759  in frame support  2758  (shown in  FIG. 26 .) An insulative molding  2810  may be formed around a portion of contacts  2740 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates another portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. A bottom set  2930  of contacts  2740  may be partially housed in bottom contact housing  2920 . Interlocking features  2931  and  2932  may mate up with corresponding features on top contact housing  3420  to secure top contact housing  3420  and bottom contact housing  2920  together after assembly. These interlocking features may pass through holes  2792  (shown in  FIG. 27 ) in central ground plane  2751 . 
     Insulative molding  2811  may be formed over a number of contacts  2740 . Insulative molding  2811  may include interlocking features  2812  and  2814 , which may mate with interlocking features on insulative molding  2810  to secure molding  2810  and molding  2811  together after assembly. Insulative molding  2810  may include open area  2816  which may align with area  2795  of tongue molding  2760  (shown in  FIG. 27 .) 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a frame for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Frame  2750  may include frame sides  2752 . Frame sides  2752  may include notches  2754 . Frame sides  2752  may include slots  3053  for ground contacts in contacts  2740 . Frame sides  2752  may include grooves  3096  for accepting edges  2796  of central ground plane  2751  (shown in  FIG. 27 .) Frame  2750  may further include ground pads  2756  emerging from a face  2757  of frame support  2758 . Frame  2750  may include soldering point  2755  and opening  2759 , as before. 
     The connector receptacle of these figures may be assembled by attaching insulative moldings  2810  and  2811  together, one on each side of central ground plane  2751  and tongue molding  2760 , as well as by attaching top contact housing  3420  and bottom contact housing  2920  together by interlocking their interlocking features. This assembled portion may then be inserted into frame  2750  such that edges  2796  of central ground plane fit in grooves  3096  of frame  2750 . Tabs  2794  may fit in openings  2759  of frame  2750 . 
     While embodiments of the present invention may be useful as USB Type-C connector receptacles, these and other embodiments of the present invention may be used as connector receptacles in other types of connector systems. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, frames, shields, and other conductive portions of a connector tongue may be formed by stamping, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions may be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They may be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as the reflow caps and other structures may be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions may be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. The printed circuit boards used may be formed of FR-4 or other material. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector tongues for connector receptacles and connector inserts that may be located in, and may connect to, various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, video delivery systems, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles and connector inserts may provide interconnect pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt™, Lightning™, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), test-access-port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Testing (DART), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that may be used to provide a reduced set of functions for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these interconnect paths provided by these connector receptacles may be used to convey power, ground, signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. 
     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: 20180922
Publication Date: 20210223
Grant Date: 20210223
Priority Date: 20170929
Inventors: AMINI, MAHMOUD R.
PANSARE, NIKHIL S.
KINNEY, MICHAEL A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/504", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/724", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6585", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/521", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6597", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/504", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6585", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/724", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/724", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/504", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/521", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6597", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6585", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65898071