PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11626692-B1
Application Number: US-202117485121-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Connectors with audible feedback and contact protection

Abstract:
Connector receptacles that can provide audible feedback to inform a user that a card has been properly inserted, and can include structures to protect contacts in a connector receptacle from damage due to an improper card insertion. An example can provide a connector receptacle having a click module to provide audible feedback indicating that a card has been fully inserted. Another example can provide a connector receptacle having movable contacts that can remain out of an insertion path until the card is at least partially inserted.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a housing having a passage forming a front opening, the front opening and passage configured to accept a card; 
 a first plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the first plurality of contacts having a contacting portion in the passage for forming an electrical connection with a corresponding contact in a second plurality of contacts on the card when the card is inserted in the passage; and 
 a click module located at an end of the passage opposite the front opening, the click module comprising:
 a deflecting element; and 
 a plunger to deflect the deflecting element when the card is fully inserted in the passage. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the plunger comprises a plunger head to engage the deflecting element, a first handle having a first end attached to the plunger head and a second end attached to a first axel, wherein the plunger rotates about the first axel. 
     
     
       3. The connector receptacle of  claim 2  wherein the deflecting element comprises a dome spring. 
     
     
       4. The connector receptacle of  claim 3  wherein when the card inserted into the passage engages the click module, the plunger rotates about the first axel. 
     
     
       5. The connector receptacle of  claim 4 , wherein as the plunger rotates about the first axel, the plunger head pushes into the deflecting element, deforming the deflecting element from an original position to a deflected position, thereby generating audible feedback indicating that the card has been fully inserted. 
     
     
       6. The connector receptacle of  claim 5  wherein as the card is removed, the deflecting element returns to the original position, thereby generating audible feedback indicating that the card has been removed. 
     
     
       7. The connector receptacle of  claim 6  wherein the plunger further comprises a second handle having a first end attached to the plunger head and a second end attached to a second axel, wherein the first axel and the second axel are aligned. 
     
     
       8. The connector receptacle of  claim 6  wherein the click module further comprises a housing supporting the plunger and a shield, wherein the shield comprises an opening for the plunger head such that the plunger head is engaged by the card when the card is inserted into the passage. 
     
     
       9. The connector receptacle of  claim 6  wherein the card is a memory card. 
     
     
       10. The connector receptacle of  claim 6  wherein the card is a Secure Digital card. 
     
     
       11. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a housing having a passage forming a front opening, the front opening and passage configured to accept a card; 
 a first plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the first plurality of contacts having a contacting portion for forming an electrical connection with a corresponding contact in a second plurality of contacts on the card when the card is inserted in the passage; and 
 a contact protection mechanism comprising:
 a cam engaging each of the first plurality of contacts; and 
 a lever having a first end attached to the cam and a second end in the passage. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The connector receptacle of  claim 11  wherein the contact protection mechanism positions the contacting portions out of the passage when the card is not inserted in the passage and moves the contacting portions into the passage as the card is inserted. 
     
     
       13. The connector receptacle of  claim 12  wherein the cam has an oblong shape such that it has a narrow dimension and a wider dimension. 
     
     
       14. The connector receptacle of  claim 13  wherein the first plurality of contacts engages the narrow dimension of the cam when a card is not inserted into the passage. 
     
     
       15. The connector receptacle of  claim 14  wherein as the card is inserted into the passage, the card engages the lever, thereby turning the cam such that the first plurality of contacts engages the wider dimension of the cam. 
     
     
       16. The connector receptacle of  claim 15  further comprising a second plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the second plurality of contacts having a contacting portion for forming an electrical connection with a corresponding contact in a second plurality of contacts on the card. 
     
     
       17. The connector receptacle of  claim 16  further comprising a lubricating layer over a portion of the cam. 
     
     
       18. The connector receptacle of  claim 16  further comprising a shield substantially around the housing. 
     
     
       19. The connector receptacle of  claim 16  wherein the card is a memory card. 
     
     
       20. The connector receptacle of  claim 16  wherein the card is a Secure Digital card.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The number of types of electronic devices that are commercially available has increased tremendously the past few years and the rate of introduction of new devices shows no signs of abating. Devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and others, have become ubiquitous. 
     These electronic devices can include one or more connector receptacles. These connector receptacles can be configured to receive a second electronic device or a connection to a second electronic device. For example, connector receptacles can be arranged to receive memory cards such as a Secure Digital cards, memory sticks, compact flash, wireless transceivers, and other types of cards and modules. Connector receptacles can also be arranged to receive a connector insert, which can be connected to a second electronic device through a cable. 
     These connector receptacles can be placed on a back or side of an electronic device. In this position, it can be can be difficult for a user to insert a card or other electronic device into a connector receptacle. Thus, it can be desirable that a connector receptacle to provide an audible feedback that informs a user as to when a card or other electronic device has been properly inserted. 
     These devices have become smaller and slimmer with each succeeding generation. As a result, it can be desirable to reduce a depth of their connector receptacles. But when a connector receptacle is made shallower, its contacts can be more vulnerable to damage by improper card or connector insertion. Accordingly, it can be desirable that these connector receptacles have protective structures for connector contacts. 
     Thus, what is needed are connector receptacles that can provide audible feedback to inform a user that a card has been properly inserted, as well as include structures to protect contacts in a connector receptacle from damage due to an improper card insertion. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles that can provide audible feedback to inform a user that a card has been properly inserted, as well as include structures to protect contacts in a connector receptacle from damage due to an improper card insertion. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a connector receptacle having a click module to provide audible feedback indicating that a card has been fully inserted. The connector receptacle can have a housing. The housing can include a passage having a front opening to accept a card or other electronic device. A number of contacts can be supported by the housing and can have contacting portions in the passage for forming electrical connections with contacts on the card when the card is inserted in the passage. The click module can be located at an end of the passage opposite the front opening. 
     The click module can include a plunger and a deflecting element. The plunger can have a plunger head to engage the deflecting element, a handle having a first end attached to the plunger head and a second end attached to an axis, where the plunger can rotate about the axis. The deflecting element can be a dome spring or other element. As a card inserted into the passage engages the click module, the plunger can rotate about the axis. The plunger head can push into the deflecting element, deforming the deflecting element from an original position to a deflected position, thereby generating audible feedback indicating that the card has been fully inserted. After the card is removed, the deflecting element can return to the original position, thereby generating audible feedback indicating that the card has been removed. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector receptacle having movable contacts that can remain out of an insertion path until a card is at least partially inserted. The connector receptacle can have a housing. The housing can include a passage having a front opening to accept a card or other electronic device. A first row of contacts can be supported by the housing. The first row of contacts can have contacting portions for forming electrical connections with corresponding contacts on the card when the card is inserted in the passage. The contacting portions of the first row of contacts can remain out of the passage until the card is partially inserted into the passage. Once the card is sufficiently inserted into the passage, the first row of contacts can move such that the contacting portions of the first row of contacts can engage corresponding contacts on the card. A second row of contacts can be supported by the housing. The second row of contacts can have contacting portions for forming electrical connections with corresponding contacts on the card when the card is inserted in the passage. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the moving contacts can be moved by a contact protection mechanism. The contact protection mechanism can include a cam that is rotated by a lever that can engage a leading edge of a card as the card is inserted into the passage. The cam can be generally oblong and can engage each of the first row of contacts. Initially a narrow dimension of the cam can engage each of the first row of contacts, allowing contacting portions of the first row of contacts to remain out of the passage. As a card is inserted and the cam is rotated by the lever, a wider dimension of the cam can engage each of the first row of contacts, thereby pushing the contacting portions of the first row of contacts into the passage where they can form electrical connections with corresponding contacts on the card. 
     The components of these connector receptacles can be formed of various materials. For example, the contacts, shields spring plates, deflecting elements, and their constituent parts and other conductive portions of these connector receptacles can be formed by drawing, machining, stamping, forging, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. These conductive portions can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated or coated with one or more layers of nickel, palladium, palladium-nickel, gold, or other material or combination of materials. 
     The nonconductive portions, such as the various housings, plungers, contact protection mechanisms, and other nonconductive portions can be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions can be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, glass-filled nylon, elastomers, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. The adhesives can be a pressure sensitive adhesive, heat activated film, epoxy, or other adhesive. Boards can be flexible circuit boards or printed circuit boards. Boards can be formed of FR-4 or other material. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles that can be located in, and can 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, displays, power supplies, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles can provide pathways for signals and power for cards or other modules, such as Ultra-High-Speed II Secure Digital cards, Secure Digital cards, Secure Digital High Capacity cards, Secure Digital Extended Capacity cards, Secure Digital Ultra-High-Capacity I cards, Secure Digital Ultra-High-Capacity II cards, memory sticks, compact flash cards, communication modules, and other devices and modules that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. These connector receptacles can provide pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), 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. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cutaway side view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded diagram of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded diagram of a click module according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  8 A through  8 E  illustrate a deflecting element implemented as a dome spring according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is a cutaway side-view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10 A  and  FIG.  10 B  illustrate the connector receptacle of  FIG.  9    when no card is inserted; 
         FIG.  11 A  and  FIG.  11 B  illustrate the connector receptacle of  FIG.  9    when a narrow card is inserted; and 
         FIG.  12 A  and  FIG.  12 B  illustrate the connector receptacle of  FIG.  9    when a thick card is inserted. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an electronic device according to 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. 
     Electronic device  100  can be a monitor or an all-in-one computer. Other types of electronic devices, such as portable media players, storage devices, tablets, netbooks, laptops, desktops, wearable computing devices, cell, media, and smart phones, televisions, monitors and other display devices, portable computing devices, navigation systems, and other types of devices can also be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention. 
     In this example, card  110  can be inserted into connector receptacle  200  located in the housing of electronic device  100 . In a specific embodiment of the present invention, connector receptacle  200  can be arranged to receive a Secure Digital memory card  110 . In other embodiments of the present invention, connector receptacle  200  can be configured to receive other types of memory cards or electronic devices, modules, or connections to other electronic devices, such as a cable or docking station insert. These and other devices can be referred to collectively as cards. 
     Connector receptacle  200  can be located on a side or rear of electronic device  100 . At this location, it can be difficult for a user to reach connector receptacle  200  to insert card  110  or other device or connection. A user can have difficulty telling when card  110  is fully inserted in connector receptacle  200 . Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles  200  capable of providing audible feedback to a user indicating that card  110  is fully inserted in connector receptacle  200 . Examples are shown below in  FIG.  2    through  FIG.  8   . 
     Also, it can be desirable to reduce the space inside electronic device  100  that is consumed by connector receptacle  200 . By shrinking the space consumed by connector receptacle  200 , electronic device  100  can be made smaller, can include additional functionality, or both. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the space consumed by connector receptacle  200  can be reduced by reducing its depth. But reducing the depth of connector receptacle  200  can lead to potential vulnerabilities. For example, a user can incorrectly insert card  110 . That is, a user can incorrectly insert card  110  at an oblique angle relative to the connector receptacle  200 . Because connector receptacle  200  is shallow, contacts  920  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) in connector receptacle  200  can be relatively close to the surface of the enclosure of electronic device  100 . When a user inserts card  110  improperly, a corner or edge of card  110  can strike one or more contacts  920  at an angle, thereby possibly causing damage. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles having protective features for contacts in a connector receptacle. Examples are shown below in  FIG.  9    through  FIG.  12   . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  200  can include housing  210 . Housing  210  can include passage  206  forming front opening  202 . Housing  210  can be shielded by shield  260 . Shield  260  can include tabs  263 . Housing  210  can support contacts  230  and contacts  220  (both shown in  FIG.  4   .) Contacts  230  can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  232 . Through-hole contacting portions  232  and tabs  263  can be inserted into openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) Housing  210  can further include alignment features including tabs  212 , which can pass through the openings  265  in shield  260 . These alignment features can further include openings  204 . Tabs  212  can align with corresponding openings (not shown) in a device enclosure (not shown) housing connector receptacle  200 . Openings  204  can accept corresponding tabs (not shown) of the device enclosure housing connector receptacle  200 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Housing  210  can be shielded by shield  260 . Housing  210  can include opening  219 . Click module  300  can be positioned in opening  219  of housing  210 . Housing  210  of connector receptacle  200  can support top spring  380 . Top springs  380  can help to guide card  500  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) in passage  206  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) to ensure that card  500  engages click module  300  as card  500  is fully inserted. Top springs  380  can also be used in connector receptacle  900  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) to help card  1100  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) or card  1200  (shown in  FIG.  12   ) to ensure those cards engage click module  300 , lever  954  of contact protection mechanism  950 , or similar component. 
     Again, click module  300  can be located in opening  219  of housing  210 . Alternatively, a housing (not shown) for click module  300  can be formed as a portion of housing  210 . That is, components for click module  300 , such as plunger  310  and deflecting element  320 , can be located in a portion of housing  210 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a cutaway side view of a connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Connector receptacle  200  can include housing  210  having passage  206  forming front opening  202 . Passage  206  can be configured to accept card  500  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) or other electronic device or connector insert. Housing  210  can be shielded by shield  260 . Housing  210  can support a first row of contacts  220 . Contacts  220  can include contacting portions  224  and can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  222 . Housing  210  can support a second row of contacts  230 . Contacts  230  can include contacting portions  234  and can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  232 . Some or all of through-hole contacting portions  222  and through-hole contacting portions  232  can instead be surface-mount contacting portions (not shown.) Contacting portions  224  and contacting portions  234  can mate with, that is form electrical connections with, corresponding contacts (not shown) on card  500 . Housing  210  can further support top springs  380 . Top springs  380  can help to guide card  500  in passage  206  such that card  500  engages click module  300  as card  500  is fully inserted. Top springs  380  are particularly useful in positioning cards of different thicknesses, such as card  1100  (shown in  FIG.  11 A ) and card  1200  (shown in  FIG.  12 A .) 
     Click module  300  can include plunger  310  and deflecting element  320 . Plunger  310  can include plunger head  312  having a front surface  311  for engaging card  500  and a back surface  313  for engaging front surface  322  of deflecting element  320 . Plunger  310  can further include handle  314 . Handle  314  can be attached to plunger  310  at a first end and axel  316  at a second end. Plunger  310  can rotate about axel  316 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a cutaway side view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Connector receptacle  200  can include housing  210  having passage  206  forming front opening  202 . Card  500  can be inserted as shown into passage  206 . As card  500  is inserted into passage  206  of connector receptacle  200 , leading edge  501  of card  500  can engage front surface  311  of plunger head  312  of plunger  310 . Continued insertion can cause plunger head  312  to rotate about axel  316 , thereby causing back surface  313  of plunger head  312  to push into deflecting element  320  at front surface  322  of deflecting element  320 . Deflecting element  320  can deform from its original shape to a deformed shape, thereby moving air inside click module  300  and generating an audible response. This audible response can have different volumes. For example, the audible response can be in the range of 50 dB. The audible response can be in the range of 60 dB. The audible response can be in the range of 70 dB. The audible response can be in the range of 80 dB. This audible response can inform a user or provide an indication that card  500  has been fully inserted into connector receptacle  200 . The deflection of deflecting element  320  can further provide an amount of tactile feedback to a user, also indicating that card  500  has been fully inserted. When card  500  is fully inserted, contacts (not shown) on card  500  can form electrical connections with contacting portions  224  of contacts  220  and contacting portions  234  of contacts  230 . Plunger head  312  can remain depressed, and deflecting element  320  can remain in its deflected shape. 
     As card  500  is extracted from passage  206  of connector receptacle  200 , leading edge  501  of card  500  can withdraw from front surface  311  of plunger head  312 . This withdrawal can allow deflecting element  320  to return to its original shape from its deflected shape. As before, this can cause air movement in click module  300 , thereby generating an audible response indicating that card  500  is being extracted and that electrical connections between contacts on card  500  and contacting portions  224  of contacts  220  and contacting portions  234  of contacts  220  have been broken. 
     Again, click module  300  can provide an audible feedback to indicate that card  500  has been fully inserted in passage  206  of connector receptacle  200 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, click module  300  can provide one or more additional responses when card  500  has been fully inserted in passage  206  of connector receptacle  200 . For example, click module  300  can provide an amount of tactile feedback to indicate that card  500  has been fully inserted in passage  206  of connector receptacle  200 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, click module  300  can provide an electrical signal to indicate that card  500  has been fully inserted in passage  206  of connector receptacle  200 . For example, a first electrode (not shown) can be connected to deflecting element  320 . A second electrode (not shown) can be attached to housing  720  of click module  300  or elsewhere, where the second electrode can physically contact deflecting element  320  when deflecting element  320  is deflected by plunger  310 . A short or connection between the first electrode and second electrode can be detected when the deflecting element  320  is deflected by plunger  310 , thereby providing an indication that card  500  has been fully inserted. This can simplify connector receptacle  200  by eliminating a separate insertion detection switch that might otherwise be needed. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, plunger  310  can be formed of various ways. For example, plunger  310  can comprise a lever attached to a cam, where the lever rotates about the cam as card  500  is inserted and extracted. Examples are shown in  FIG.  9    through  FIG.  12    below. Deflecting element  320  can be implemented as a dome spring, a curved piece of metal or plastic, or other type of spring or other deformable structure. 
       FIG.  6    is an exploded diagram of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Connector receptacle  200  can include housing  210 . Housing  210  can include passage  206  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) forming front opening  202  for card  500  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) or other electronic device or connector insert. Housing  210  can be formed by injection molding or other type of molding. Housing  210  can be shielded by shield  260  (shown in  FIG.  2   .) Shield  260  can include front plate  262 , backplate  264 , and back shield  266 . These shield portions can be electrically connected together, for example by soldering or spot or laser welding. Front plate  262 , backplate  264 , and back shield  266  can be formed by stamping or other process, and can be formed of stainless steel or other appropriate material. 
     Housing  210  can support a first row of contacts  220 , which can be fixed together with housing  226 . Housing  210  can also support a second row of contacts  230  which can be fixed together with housing  236 . Housing  226  and housing  236  can be formed by insert molding or other type of molding. Housing  210 , housing  226  and housing  236  can be formed of plastic, nylon, or other nonconductive material. Contacts  220  and contacts  230  can be formed by stamping, and can be formed of copper, stainless steel, or other appropriate material. Contacts  220  and contacts  230  can be plated with nickel, gold, or other appropriate material. 
     Adhesive layer  680  can be used to hold housing  226  and housing  236  in place relative to housing  210 . Adhesive layer  680  can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, polyimide films, heat-activated film, or other type of adhesive. 
     Retention spring  610 , detect ground plate  614 , spring  612 , and ground plate  616  can fit in openings  217  in sides of housing  210 . These features can detect a presence of card  500  in connector receptacle  200 . These features can further help to hold and align card  500  in place in passage  206  of housing  210 . 
     Click module  300  can be inserted in opening  219  of housing  210 . Click module  300  can include shield  710 . Shield  710  can include opening  712  for plunger head  312  of plunger  310  (shown in  FIG.  4   .) Plunger  310  and shield  710  can be supported by housing  720 . Click module  300  can be a module that can be utilized in different products, such as other types of connector receptacles. Click module can be tested separately before insertion in opening  219  of housing  210 . This can help to improve yields and simplify assembly and testing. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, click module  300  can be located in other places in connector receptacle  200 . For example, click module  300  can be placed in a top, bottom, or side of passage  206 . Click module  300  can be housed in a portion (not shown) of housing  210  instead of housing  720 . Specifically, either or both shield  710  and housing  720  of click module  300  can be formed as part of housing  210  or other housing for connector receptacle  200 . Further details of click module  300  are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG.  7    is an exploded diagram of a click module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Click module  300  can include housing  720 . Housing  720  can include opening  723 . Opening  723  can allow a passage of air as deflecting element  320  transitions between an original state and a deflected state. Opening  723  can allow the insertion of foam or other materials that can be used to adjust the volume of the click response provided by click module  300 . Housing  720  can further include groove  722  for supporting axel  318  of plunger  310 . Plunger  310  can include handle  314 , which can be attached to plunger head  312  at a first end and axel  318  at a second end. In this specific example, plunger  310  having two handles  314  and two axels  318  are implemented. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one, three, or more than three handles  314  and corresponding axels  318  can be used. 
     Housing  720  can support deflecting element  320 . Deflecting element  320  can be a dome spring, a curved piece of metal or plastic, or other type of spring or other structure. Shield  710  can be attached to housing  720  to secure plunger  310  and deflecting element  320  in place. Shield  710  and housing  720  can protect deflecting element  320  from permanent deformation that could otherwise be caused by excessive force on card  500  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) during insertion. Plunger  310  can be positioned between deflecting element  320  and shield  710 . In this configuration, deflecting element  320  can preload plunger  310  against shield  710 . This can help to prevent noise that could otherwise result when connector receptacle  200  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) is moved causing plunger  310  to contact shield  710  and thereby make noise. Shield  710  can include opening  712  for plunger head  312 . Alternatively, either or both shield  710  or housing  720  for click module  300  can be replaced with portions (now shown) of housing  210  (shown in  FIG.  6   .) These portions of housing  210  can include opening  712  for plunger head  312 . These portions of housing  210  can include an opening similar to opening  723  as well. 
       FIGS.  8 A through  8 E  illustrate a deflecting element implemented as a dome spring according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  8 A  shows deflecting element  320  having a front surface  322  for engaging with back surface  313  of plunger head  312  of plunger  310  (shown in  FIG.  4   .) Deflecting element  320  can further include tapered portions  324 . Deflecting element  320  is shown in this example in its original position. Front surface  322  can be depressed, thereby inverting the illustrated curvature of front surface  322 . This inversion or deflection can cause air movement in click module  300  (shown in  FIG.  7   ), thereby providing an audible indication.  FIG.  8 B  illustrates a top view of deflecting element  320 . Front surface  322  can have tapered portions  324  on each of two lateral sides.  FIG.  8 C  illustrates a cutaway side view of deflecting element  320 . Deflecting element  320  can be supported by housing  720  (shown in  FIG.  7   .) A sharp edge of deflecting element  320  could wear away at housing  720 . Accordingly, edges of deflecting element  320  can be folded back to generate rolled edges  326 . This can help to protect housing  720  in click module  300  from wear.  FIG.  8 D  illustrates a side view of deflecting element  320 . This view illustrates tapered portion  324 .  FIG.  8 E  is a close-up view of a portion of deflecting element  320  illustrating rolled edges  326 . Instead of rolled edges  326 , other mitigations to avoid wear can be taken. For example, a piece of metal, such as stainless steel, can be placed between deflecting element  320  and housing  720 . 
     Deflecting element  320  can have a longer width to take advantage of the width of connector receptacle  200  and passage  206 , while having a shorter height. An increased length of tapered portions  324  can provide a louder, more robust click noise, though this might be limited to avoid deflecting element  320  being able to provide enough force to push card  500  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) out of passage  206  (shown in  FIG.  4   .) The length of tapered portions  324  can also be adjusted to provide a desired force profile experienced by a user when inserting and extracting card  500 . Other parameters or features of deflecting element  320  can be varied. Deflecting element  320  can be sufficiently resistant to being deflected that deflection due to the weight of plunger  310  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) or normal mechanical vibration does not occur. Deflecting element  320  can be formed of stainless steel, copper, or other material. A thickness of deflecting element  320  can be varied, and other parameters can be adjusted as well. 
       FIG.  9    is a cutaway side-view of another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  900  can include housing  910 . Housing  910  can be shielded by shield  960 . Housing  910  can include passage  906  forming front opening  902 . Housing  910  can support first row of contacts  920  and second row of contacts  930 . Contacts  920  can include contacting portions  924 , and contacts  930  can include contacting portions  934 , for forming electrical connections with corresponding contacts (not shown) on card  1100  (shown in  FIG.  11 A ) or card  1200  (shown in  FIG.  12 A .) Contacts  920  can be held together by housing  926 . Contacts  930  can be held together by housing  936 . Contacts  920  can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  922 . Contacts  930  can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  932 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of through-hole contacting portions  922  and through-hole contacting portions  932  can be surface mount contacting portions (not shown.) Through-hole contacting portions  922  and through-hole contacting portions  932  can be soldered to traces at openings (not shown) in board  990 . Shield  960  can include tabs  964  that can be soldered to ground planes to traces at openings (not shown) on board  990 . 
     In some embodiments, particularly where connector receptacle is utilized in a compact electronic device, it can be desirable for connector receptacle  900  to have a shallow depth. This shallow depth can result in the placement of contacts  930  relatively close to front opening  902 . If a card, such as card  1100 , is improperly inserted in passage  906 , one or more contacts  930  could be damaged. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide a contact protection mechanism  950 . Contact protection mechanism  950  can protect contacts  930  by keeping them out of an insertion path, specifically passage  906 , of card  1100  until card  1100  has been properly inserted a sufficient distance to ensure that damage to contacts  930  might not occur. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, contact protection mechanism  950  can be implemented using cam  952  and lever  954 . Lever  954  can be attached at one end to cam  952  and contact protection mechanism  950  can rotate about cam  952 . 
     When a card is not inserted in passage  906 , lever  954  can be in passage  906 . With lever  954  in this position, cam  952  can be oriented to have its narrow dimension  951  between contact portion  938  and spring plate  962 . This can allow contacting portions  934  of contacts  930  to remain out of passage  906  and protected by housing  910 . As a thin card, such as card  1100 , is inserted in passage  906 , leading edge  1101  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) of card  1100  can reach lever  954 . Further insertion of card  1100  can push lever  954  away from front opening  902  and down, but perhaps not fully out of passage  906 , thereby rotating cam  952  clockwise as drawn. As card  1100  is fully inserted, cam  952  can be oriented such that first wide dimension  953  (shown in  FIG.  11 A ) of cam  952  can be between contact portions  938  and spring plate  962 . When a thick card, such as thick card  1200  (shown in  FIG.  12   ) is inserted into passage  906 , lever  954  can be fully pushed out of passage  906  by leading edge  1201  (shown in  FIG.  12   ) and cam  952  can be positioned such that a second wide dimension  955  of cam  952  is between contact portions  938  and spring plate  962 . When either thickness of card is inserted, cam  952  can push contact portion  938  away from spring plate  962  and can move contacting portions  934  of contacts  930  into passage  906 . Contacting portions  934  can form electrical connections with contacts on card  1100  in this position. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can accept thin cards, such as thin card  1100 , or thick cards, such as thick card  1200 . These different thicknesses can occur when various cards features, such as ribs, can be included or excluded. Also, there can be a range of manufacturing tolerances for card  1100  or card  1200 . When a thick card, such as card  1200 , is inserted in connector receptacle  900 , card  1200  can push in a downward direction as drawn on contacting portions  934  of contacts  930 . This action, combined with cam  952  forcing contact portions  938  of contacts  930  upward as drawn by second wide dimension  955 , can provide stress on contacts  930 . This stress could produce a permanent set or permanent deformation of contacts  930 . Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can implement spring plate  962  to reduce the stress on contacts  930 . 
     Spring plate  962  can provide an amount of compliance to compensate for different thicknesses of card  1100  or card  1200  that might be inserted into passage  906 . For example, a thick card, such as card  1200  can provide a downward force on contacting portions  934  of contacts  930 . This force can translate to a force on contact portions  938 . At the same time, cam  952  can be positioned such that second wide dimension  955  is between contact portions  938  and spring plate  962 . These forces could permanently deform contacts  930 . Accordingly, spring plate  962  can be included to provide an amount of compliance that can reduce the force on contact portions  938  and help to avoid permanent deformation. Specifically, spring plate  962  can compress, thereby lowering the position of contact portions  938  relative to contacting portions  934 , thereby reducing stress on contacts  930 . Spring plate  962  can provide a suspension for cam  952  and cam  952  can be referred to as a suspended cam. A thin card, such as card  1100  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) can provide a reduced downward displacement of contacting portions  934  of contacts  930 . Also, a thin card  1100  can position cam  952  to have first wide dimension  953  between spring plate  962  and contact portions  938 . This can translate into a reduced force on contact portions  938  from cam  952 . This reduced force can compress spring plate  962  a reduced amount. 
     The forces on contact portions  938  of contacts  930  when a thin card  1100  or thick card  1200  is inserted can be varied by varying the relative thicknesses of first wide dimension  953  and second wide dimension  955  of cam  952 . The thicker second wide dimension  955  is, the greater the forces on contact portions  938  of contacts  930 , and the more spring plate  962  is needed to compensate to avoid permanent deformation of contacts  930 . Conversely, the narrower that second wide dimension  955  is, the lower the forces on contact portions  938  of contacts  930 , and the less spring plate  962  is needed to compensate to avoid permanent deformation of contacts  930 . 
     Accordingly, in these and other embodiments of the present invention, cam  952  can have a different cross-section. This cam can be implemented as cam  1052  below. When cam  1052  is employed, spring plate  962  might not be needed and cam  1052  can have a bottom surface that rests on a portion of housing  910 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, both cam  1052  and spring plate  962  can be implemented. 
     Cam  1052  can be shaped such that when no card is inserted in passage  906 , lever  954  can be in passage  906  and a narrow dimension  1051  of cam  1052  can be between contact portion  938  and housing  910 . When thin card  1100  is fully inserted in passage  906 , a wide dimension  1053  of cam  1052  can be between contact portion  938  and housing  910 . This wide dimension  1053  can be sufficient to lift contacting portions  934  into contact with contacts on card  1100 . When thick card  1200  is fully inserted in passage  906 , an intermediate dimension  1055  of cam  1052  can be positioned between contact portion  938  and housing  910 . This intermediate dimension  1055  can be smaller than wide dimension  1053  and still sufficient to lift contacting portions  934  into contact with contacts on card  1200 . This intermediate dimension  1055  of cam  1052  can position contact portions  938  lower than where contact portions  938  are when wide dimension  1053  of cam  1052  is between contact portions  938  and housing  910 . This lower position can compensate for the lower position of contacting portions  934  of contacts  930  when thick card  1200  is inserted as compared to thin card  1100 . This can result in similar stresses and forces being placed on contacts  930  when either a thin card  1100  or a thick card  1200  is inserted into passage  906  of connector receptacle  900 . Cam  1052  can be referred to as a constant-stress cam for this reason. 
     With card  1100  or card  1200  in passage  906 , contact portions  938  can exert a force on cam  952 . Cam  952  can be shaped such that this force has a tendency to cause cam  952  to rotate counterclockwise as drawn. As long as card  1100  remains in passage  906 , lever  954  can be positioned against a bottom side of card  1100 , thereby preventing the rotation of cam  952 . As card  1100  is extracted from passage  906 , force provided by contact portions  938  on cam  952  can cause cam  952  to rotate counterclockwise as drawn. This can again place the narrow dimension  951  between contact portions  938  and spring plate  962 . As a result, lever  954  can return to its upright position in passage  906  and contacting portions  934  of contacts  930  can return to their original position out of and below passage  906 . 
     Lubricants can be applied to portions of cam  952 , contacts  930 , and other surfaces of connector receptacle  900  to facilitate the rotation of cam  952 . These lubricants can be dry lubricants and can contain polytetrafluoroethylene or other lubricating particles. During assembly, contact portions of  936  can be deburred to reduce friction with cam  952 . 
     Examples of different cards being inserted into connector receptacle  900  utilizing the two cam designs described above are shown in the following figures.  FIG.  10 A ,  FIG.  11 A , and  FIG.  12 A  can show the operation of connector receptacle  900  when cam  952  and spring plate  962  are implemented, while  FIG.  10 B ,  FIG.  11 B , and  FIG.  12 B  can show the operation of connector receptacle  900  when cam  1052  is implemented and spring plate  962  is omitted. 
       FIG.  10 A  and  FIG.  10 B  illustrate versions of connector receptacle of  FIG.  9    when no card is inserted. In  FIG.  10 A , connector receptacle  900  can include housing  910  having passage  906  forming front opening  902 . Housing  910  can be shielded by shield  960 . Housing  910  can support first row of contacts  920  and second row of contacts  930 . Contacts  920  can include contacting portions  924 . Contacts  930  can include contacting portions  934 . Contacting portions  924  and contacting portions  934  can form electrical connections on card  1100  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) when card  1100  is fully inserted into connector receptacle  900 . Contacts  930  can be supported and fixed in place by housing  936 . Contacts  930  can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  932 , which can be soldered to openings in board  990 . 
     Contact protection mechanism  950  can move contact portions  938  of contacts  930 . Since contacts  930  are fixed at a first end by housing  936  and board  990 , this movement can cause contacting portions  934  to move. When no card  1100  is inserted in passage  906 , contact portions  938  can a apply a force to cam  952 , thereby causing cam  952  to rotate counterclockwise as drawn. This can position lever  954  in passage  906 . This can also orient cam  952  such that its narrow dimension  951  can be between contact portion  938  and spring plate  962 . This can allow contacting portions  934  to be protected by housing  910  and out of passage  906 . 
     In  FIG.  10 B , cam  1052  can be located in housing  910 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, cam  1052  can be located partially in housing  910  and held in place by spring plate  962  (shown in  FIG.  9   .) Cam  1052  can be oriented such that its narrow dimension  1051  is between contact portions  938  and housing  910 . 
       FIG.  11 A  and  FIG.  11 B  illustrate the connector receptacle of  FIG.  9    when a narrow card is inserted. In  FIG.  11 A , connector receptacle  900  can include housing  910  having passage  906  forming front opening  902 . Housing  910  can be shielded by shield  960 . Housing  910  can support first row of contacts  920  and second row of contacts  930 . Contacts  920  can include contacting portions  924 . Contacts  930  can include contacting portions  934 . Contacting portions  924  and contacting portions  934  can form electrical connections on card  1100  when card  1100  is fully inserted into connector receptacle  900 . 
     Contact protection mechanism  950  can move contact portions  938  of contacts  930 . Since contacts  930  are fixed at a first end by housing  936  and board  990 , this movement can cause contacting portions  934  to move. As card  1100  is inserted in passage  906 , leading edge  1101  of card  1100  can engage lever  954  of contact protection mechanism  950 . This can cause cam  952  to rotate clockwise as drawn. Card  1100  can push lever  954  at least partially out of passage  906 . This can also orient cam  952  such that a first wide dimension  953  is between contact portions  938  and spring plate  962 . This can allow contacting portions  934  to be lifted into passage  906  where they can form electrical connections with contacts (not shown) on card  1100 . 
     In  FIG.  11 B , cam  1052  can be located in housing  910 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, cam  1052  can be located partially in housing  910  and held in place by spring plate  962  (shown in  FIG.  9   .) Cam  1052  can be oriented such that its wide dimension  1053  is between contact portions  938  and housing  910 . 
       FIG.  12 A  and  FIG.  12 B  illustrate the connector receptacle of  FIG.  9    when a thick card is inserted. In  FIG.  12 A , connector receptacle  900  can include housing  910  having passage  906  forming front opening  902 . Housing  910  can be shielded by shield  960 . Housing  910  can support first row of contacts  920  and second row of contacts  930 . Contacts  920  can include contacting portions  924 . Contacts  930  can include contacting portions  934 . Contacting portions  924  and contacting portions  934  can form electrical connections on card  1200  when card  1200  is fully inserted into connector receptacle  900 . 
     Contact protection mechanism  950  can move contact portions  938  of contacts  930 . Since contacts  930  can be fixed at a first end by housing  936  and board  990 , this movement can cause contacting portions  934  to move. As card  1200  is inserted in passage  906 , leading edge  1201  of card  1200  can engage lever  954  of contact protection mechanism  950 . This can cause cam  952  to clockwise as drawn. Card  1200  can push lever  954  out of passage  906 . This can also orient cam  952  such that a second wide dimension  955  can be between contact portions  938  and spring plate  962 . This can allow contacting portions  934  of contacts  930  to be lifted into passage  906  where they can form electrical connections with contacts (not shown) on card  1200 . 
     In  FIG.  12 B , cam  1052  can be located in housing  910 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, cam  1052  can be located partially in housing  910  and held in place by spring plate  962  (shown in  FIG.  9   .) Cam  1052  can be oriented such that its intermediate dimension  1055  is between contact portions  938  and housing  910 . 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of click module  300  and contact protection mechanism  950  can be combined. For example plunger  310  of click module  300  can be used in place of lever  954  to turn cam  952  to lift contacts  930  in connector receptacle  200  while still deforming deflecting element  320 . Either click module  300  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) or contact protection mechanism  950  can be used as an insertion detection mechanism. For example, a first electrode (not shown) can be connected to deflecting element  320  (shown in  FIG.  7   .) A second electrode (not shown) can be attached to housing  720  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) of click module  300  or elsewhere, where the second electrode can physically contact deflecting element  320  when deflecting element  320  is deflected by plunger  310  (shown in  FIG.  7   .) A short or connection between the first electrode and second electrode can be detected when the deflecting element  320  is deflected by plunger  310 , thereby providing an indication that card  500  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) has been fully inserted. 
     The components of these connector receptacles  200  and connector receptacles  900  can be formed of various materials. The portions of connector receptacle  900  shown here can be formed in the same or similar manner and of the same or similar materials as connector receptacle  200 . For example, contacts  220 , contacts  230 , contacts  920 , contacts  930 , shield  260 , shield  960 , spring plate  962 , shield  710 , deflecting element  320  and their constituent parts and other conductive portions of connector receptacle  200  and connector receptacle  900  can be formed by drawing, machining, stamping, forging, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. These conductive portions can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated or coated with one or more layers of nickel, palladium, palladium-nickel, gold, or other material or combination of materials. 
     The nonconductive portions, such as housing  210 , housing  720 , housing  910 , plunger  310 , contact protection mechanism  950 , and other nonconductive portions can be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions can be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, glass-filled nylon, elastomers, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. The adhesives, such as adhesive layer  680 , can be a pressure sensitive adhesive, heat activated film, polyimide film, or other adhesive. Board  990  can be a flexible circuit board or printed circuit board. Board  990  can be formed of FR-4 or other material. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles that can be located in, and can 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, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles can provide pathways for signals and power for cards or other modules, such as Ultra-High-Speed II Secure Digital cards, Secure Digital (SD) cards, Secure Digital High Capacity cards, Secure Digital Extended Capacity cards, Secure Digital Ultra-High-Capacity I cards, Secure Digital Ultra-High-Capacity II cards, memory sticks, compact flash cards, communication modules, and other devices and modules that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. For example, connector receptacles  200  and  900  can be an SD card connector. These connector receptacles can provide pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus, High-Definition Multimedia Interface, Digital Visual Interface, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Lightning, Joint Test Action Group, test-access-port, Directed Automated Random Testing, universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters, 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. Embodiments of the present invention can also provide connector inserts that can be connected into connector receptacles. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     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: 20210924
Publication Date: 20230411
Grant Date: 20230411
Priority Date: 20210924
Inventors: AMINI, MAHMOUD R.
TZIVISKOS, GEORGE
ANDRE, BARTLEY K.
YARI BOROUJENI, AYOUB
Harper, James E.
MOUSANEZHAD VIYAND, DAVOOD
ZHOU, RUI
BERGVALL, Daniel A.
PANSARE, NIKHIL S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R12/85", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/721", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/714", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F13/409", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/87", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/641", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/73", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/87", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/641", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/73", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K13/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K7/0069", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K7/0021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 85721970