PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8931962-B2
Application Number: US-201113704236-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dual orientation connector with side contacts

Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to connectors such as audio connectors and in particular to a dual orientation audio connector with side audio contacts that can be used in place of standard audio connectors. The connector has an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. A corresponding connector jack may be configured to receive the dual orientation audio connector.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A plug connector comprising:
 a body; 
 a connector tab connected to and extending longitudinally away from the body, the tab having first and second major opposing sides, and third and fourth opposing sides extending between the first and second major sides; 
 a centrally located ground contact formed on at least one of the first or second major sides of the connector tab; 
 a plurality of signal contacts carried by the connector tab, the plurality of signal contacts including a first signal contact formed on the third side and a second signal contact formed on the fourth side, wherein the connector tab and contacts have 180 degree symmetry so that the plug connector can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two orientations. 
 
     
     
       2. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the connector tab further comprises a metal contact at a distal end of the connector tab. 
     
     
       3. The plug connector of  claim 2  wherein an outer shape of the connector tab is generally defined by the first, second, third and fourth sides. 
     
     
       4. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the connector tab further comprises retention features formed on the third and fourth sides of the connector tab near its distal end. 
     
     
       5. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the retention features comprise rounded notches formed in the third and fourth sides. 
     
     
       6. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the connector tab comprises a chamfered portion at a proximal end so that the connector tab increases in diameter to match an outer profile of the body. 
     
     
       7. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the body comprises a thermoplastic polymer molded over the base of the connector tab. 
     
     
       8. The plug connector of  claim 7  wherein the body comprises an ABS outer body formed around the thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
       9. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the connector tab has a width of about 4.1 mm and a thickness of about 1.5 mm and wherein the connector tab has an insertion depth of about 5.5 mm. 
     
     
       10. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the connector tab includes a centrally located ground contact on each of the first and second major sides of the connector tab. 
     
     
       11. The plug connector of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of contacts comprises a left audio contact formed on the third side, a right audio contact formed on the fourth side, and a microphone contact formed at the distal end of the connector tab. 
     
     
       12. The plug connector of  claim 4  wherein a retention force required to insert the plug connector into a corresponding receptacle connector is higher than an extraction force required to remove the plug connector from the receptacle connector. 
     
     
       13. The plug connector of  claim 12  wherein the plug connector is an audio connector and the first contact is a left audio out contact and the second contact is a right audio out contact. 
     
     
       14. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the connector tab includes a centrally located ground contact on each of the first and second major sides of the connector tab, and the plurality of contacts further includes third and fourth signal contacts positioned on each side of the ground contact on the first major side and fifth and sixth signal contacts positioned on each side of the ground contact on the second major side. 
     
     
       15. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of contacts further includes a contact formed at the distal end of the connector tab. 
     
     
       16. The plug connector of  claim 15  wherein an optic cable runs through the plug connector and terminates at a lens positioned at a distal end of the plug connector. 
     
     
       17. The plug connector of  claim 16  wherein the lens is flush with an external surface of the plug connector. 
     
     
       18. The plug connector of  claim 16  wherein the lens comprises a chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass. 
     
     
       19. A plug connector comprising:
 a body; 
 a connector tab having a base coupled to the body and a connector portion extending away from the base, the connector portion having an outer tip at a distal end and first and second major opposing sides; the connector tab further including left and right electrically isolated conductive edge portions surrounding an outer periphery of the connector tab except at its distal tip; 
 a metal contact at a distal end of the connector tab between the left and right conductive edge portions; 
 a centrally located ground contact formed on at least one of the first or second major sides of the connector tab; 
 wherein an outer shape of the connector tab is defined by the left and right conductive edge portions, the metal contact at the distal end of the connector, the centrally located ground contact and a flexible elastomer dielectric material that fills space between the conductive ground ring and the metal contacts; 
 wherein the flexible elastomer dielectric material forms a substantial portion of a body of the connector tab so that when the connector is mated with a corresponding receptacle connector the connector tab deflects inward between the left and right conductive edge portions exerting a force on contacts within the receptacle connector that defines a retention force that must be overcome to extract the plug connector from the receptacle connector. 
 
     
     
       20. The plug connector of  claim 19  wherein the connector tab comprises five contacts including a left and right audio contact formed on the left and right electrically isolated conductive edge portions, a microphone contact formed on the metal contact at the distal end and the centrally located ground contacts formed on the first major side and the second major side of the connector tab. 
     
     
       21. A receptacle connector comprising:
 a housing, 
 an interior cavity of the housing having a tabular cross section, the interior cavity having a plurality of contacts arranged around a periphery of the interior cavity and a plurality of ground contacts arranged within the interior cavity; 
 wherein the interior cavity and contacts have 180 degree symmetry so that a corresponding plug connector can be inserted and operatively coupled to the receptacle connector in either of two orientations. 
 
     
     
       22. The receptacle connector of  claim 21  further comprising one or more spring-loaded retention mechanisms with a tip that protrudes into the interior cavity to latch with a corresponding connector. 
     
     
       23. The receptacle connector of  claim 22  wherein the tip has a rounded shape that latches with a matching bulbous notch on the corresponding connector. 
     
     
       24. The receptacle connector of  claim 21  further comprising sensors to detect the orientation of a corresponding plug connector upon insertion into the plug connector into the receptacle connector and circuitry to switch at least some of the receptacle connector contacts based on the insertion orientation of the plug connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/356,499 filed Jun. 18, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to connectors such as audio connectors and in particular to a dual orientation audio connector with external side audio contacts that can be used in place of standard audio connectors currently used. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Standard audio connectors or plugs are available in three sizes according to the outside diameter of the plug: a 6.35 mm (¼″) plug, a 3.5 mm (⅛″) miniature plug and a 2.5 mm ( 3/32″) subminiature plug. The plugs include multiple conductive regions that extend along the length of the connectors in distinct portions of the plug such as the tip, sleeve and one or more middle portions between the tip and sleeve resulting in the connectors often being referred to as TRS (tip, ring and sleeve) connectors. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate examples of audio plugs  10  and  20  having three and four conductive portions, respectfully. As shown in  FIG. 1A , plug  10  includes a conductive tip  12 , a conductive sleeve  14  and a conductive ring  16  electrically isolated from the tip  12  and the sleeve  14  by insulating rings  17  and  18 . The three conductive portions  12 ,  14 ,  16  are for left and right audio channels and a ground connection. Plug  20 , shown in  FIG. 1B , includes four conductive portions: a conductive tip  22 , a conductive sleeve  24  and two conductive rings  25 ,  26  and is thus sometimes referred to as a TRRS (tip, ring, ring, sleeve) connector. The four conductive portions are electrically isolated by insulating rings  27 ,  28  and  29  and are typically used for left and right audio, microphone and ground signals. 
     When plugs  10  and  20  are 3.5 mm miniature connectors, the outer diameter of conductive sleeve  14 ,  24  and conductive rings  16 ,  25 ,  26  is 3.5 mm and the insertion length of the connector is 14 mm. For 2.5 mm subminiature connectors, the outer diameter of the conductive sleeve is 2.5 mm and the insertion length of the connector is 11 mm long. Such TRS and TRRS connectors are used in many commercially available MP3 players and smart phones as well as other electronic devices. Electronic devices such as MP3 players and smart phones are continuously being designed to be thinner and smaller and/or to include video displays with screens that are pushed out as close to the outer edge of the devices as possible. The diameter and length of current 3.5 mm and even 2.5 mm audio connectors are limiting factors in making such devices smaller and thinner and in allowing the displays to be larger for a given form factor. 
     Some manufacturers have used USB, mini-USB and micro-USB connectors as audio connectors to connect headphones and similar audio components to electronic devices.  FIG. 2  is an example of a micro-USB connector  30 , the smallest of the USB connectors. Connector  30  includes an outer housing  32  and a metallic shell  34  that is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector. Shell  34  defines an interior cavity  38  and includes five contacts  36  formed within the cavity. The insertable shell portion  34  of connector  30  is both thinner and shorter than even the 2.5 mm subminiature version of connectors  10  and  20 . Connector  30 , however, suffers from other drawbacks that detract from the overall user experience. For example, connector  30  must be inserted into its respective receptacle connector in a particular orientation, yet it is difficult for the user to determine when connector  30  is oriented in the correct insertion position. Also, even when connector  30  is properly aligned, the insertion and extraction of the connector is not precise, has an inconsistent feel and, even when the connector is fully inserted, has an undesirable degree of wobble that may result in either a faulty connection or breakage. Additionally, cavity  38  is prone to collecting and trapping debris within the cavity which may interfere with the signal connections. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the shortcomings in currently available audio connectors as described above, the present invention provides a dual orientation plug connector with ground contacts on first and second major opposing sides and side signal contacts. Some embodiments of the connector have a reduced plug length, an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. Additionally, plug connectors according to the present invention have external contacts instead of internal contacts and thus do not include a cavity that is prone to collecting and trapping debris. 
     In one embodiment, a plug connector includes a body and a connector tab connected to and extending longitudinally away from the body. The connector tab has first and second major opposing sides and third and fourth opposing sides that extend between the first and second major sides. A centrally located ground contact is formed on at least one of the first or second major sides of the connector tab and a plurality of signal contacts are carried by the connector tab including a first signal contact formed on the third side and a second signal contact formed on the fourth side. Additionally, the connector tab and contacts have 180 degree symmetry so that the plug connector can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two orientations. 
     In other embodiments, a receptacle connector according to the present invention includes a housing with an interior cavity having a tabular cross section. The interior cavity has a plurality of contacts arranged around a periphery of the interior cavity and a plurality of ground contacts arranged within the interior cavity. The cavity may also contain a retention feature that is part of a retention mechanism that interacts with another retention feature on a corresponding connector. In some embodiments, sensors are included within the cavity to detect the orientation of a corresponding connector upon insertion into the connector receptacle that communicate with software and hardware to switch at least one of the pluralities of contacts of the receptacle connector based on the orientation of the corresponding connector upon insertion. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show perspective views of previously known TRS audio plug connectors; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a previously known micro-USB plug connector while  FIG. 2B  shows a front plan view of the micro-USB connector shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified illustrative block diagram of an electronic media device suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular embodiment of an electronic media device suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified top and front views, respectively, of connector  190  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5C and 5D  are simplified top views of connector  190  according additional embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are simplified perspective and plan views of connector  190  with chamfered edges at its base; 
         FIG. 7A  is a simplified perspective view of a connector jack  400  corresponding to plug connectors  190  while  FIG. 7B  is a front view of connector jack  400 ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a bottom plan view of connector jack  400  shown in  FIG. 7A  while  FIG. 7D  is a simplified perspective view showing plug connector  190  inserted into connector jack  400 ; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the alignment of the contacts of plug connector  190  against that of connector jack  400  when mated according to two different insertion orientations; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified top and front views of connector  500  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified cross-sectional view of connector  600  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention that is inserted into a corresponding connector jack; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates one example of a connector  700  according to another embodiment of the present invention having a fiber optic cable that runs through the center of the connector; and 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are simplified top views of connectors according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention pertain to connectors, such as dual orientation audio connectors with side audio contacts that can be used in place of the standard TRS or TRRS connectors. These connectors may be suitable for a multiplicity of electronic devices, including any device with audio out signals (e.g., radio, landline phone, stereo). In some embodiments, the invention is particularly well suited for portable electronic media devices. 
     As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that may be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices may include, for example, portable music players (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, desktop computers, as well as tablet or other mobile computers (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPad devices). Some of these devices may be configured to provide audio, video or other sensory output. 
       FIG. 3  is a simplified illustrative block diagram representing an electronic media device  100  that includes an audio plug receptacle  105  according to embodiments of the present invention. Electronic media device  100  may also include, among other components, connector receptacle  110 , one or more user input components  120 , one or more output components  125 , control circuitry  130 , graphics circuitry  135 , a bus  140 , a memory  145 , a storage device  150 , communications circuitry  155  and POM (position, orientation or movement sensor) sensors  160 . Control circuitry  130  may communicate with the other components of electronic media device  100  (e.g., via bus  140 ) to control the operation of electronic media device  100 . In some embodiments, control circuitry  130  may execute instructions stored in a memory  145 . Control circuitry  130  may also be operative to control the performance of electronic media device  100 . Control circuitry  130  may include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller and a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic media device  100 ). In some embodiments, control circuitry  130  may also drive the display and process inputs received from input component  120 . 
     Memory  145  may include one or more different types of memory that may be used to perform device functions. For example, memory  145  may include cache, flash memory, ROM, RAM and hybrid types of memory. Memory  145  may also store firmware for the device and its applications (e.g., operating system, user interface functions and processor functions). Storage device  150  may include one or more suitable storage mediums or mechanisms, such as a magnetic hard drive, flash drive, tape drive, optical drive, permanent memory (such as ROM), semi-permanent memory (such as RAM) or cache. Storage device  150  may be used for storing media (e.g., audio and video files), text, pictures, graphics, advertising or any suitable user-specific or global information that may be used by electronic media device  100 . Storage device  150  may also store programs or applications that may run on control circuitry  130 , may maintain files formatted to be read and edited by one or more of the applications and may store any additional files that may aid the operation of one or more applications (e.g., files with metadata). It should be understood that any of the information stored on storage device  150  may instead be stored in memory  145 . 
     Electronic media device  100  may also include input component  120  and output component  125  for providing a user with the ability to interact with electronic media device  100 . For example, input component  120  and output component  125  may provide an interface for a user to interact with an application running on control circuitry  130 . Input component  120  may take a variety of forms, such as a keyboard/keypad, trackpad, mouse, click wheel, button, stylus or touch screen. Input component  120  may also include one or more devices for user authentication (e.g., smart card reader, fingerprint reader or iris scanner) as well as an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) or a video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) for recording video or still frames. Output component  125  may include any suitable display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch screen display, a projection device, a speaker or any other suitable system for presenting information or media to a user. Output component  125  may be controlled by graphics circuitry  135 . Graphics circuitry  135  may include a video card, such as a video card with 2D, 3D or vector graphics capabilities. In some embodiments, output component  125  may also include an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic media device  100 . For example, output component  125  may include a headset, headphones or ear buds that may be coupled to electronic media device  100  with a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth headset). 
     Electronic media device  100  may have one or more applications (e.g., software applications) stored on storage device  150  or in memory  145 . Control circuitry  130  may be configured to execute instructions of the applications from memory  145 . For example, control circuitry  130  may be configured to execute a media player application that causes full-motion video or audio to be presented or displayed on output component  125 . Other applications resident on electronic media device  100  may include, for example, a telephony application, a GPS navigator application, a web browser application and a calendar or organizer application. Electronic media device  100  may also execute any suitable operating system, such as a Mac OS, Apple iOS, Linux or Windows and can include a set of applications stored on storage device  150  or memory  145  that is compatible with the particular operating system. 
     In some embodiments, electronic media device  100  may also include communications circuitry  155  to connect to one or more communications networks. Communications circuitry  155  may be any suitable communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network and to transmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from electronic media device  100  to other devices within the communications network. Communications circuitry  155  may be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband and other cellular protocols, VoIP or any other suitable protocol. 
     In some embodiments, communications circuitry  155  may be operative to create a communications network using any suitable communications protocol. Communications circuitry  155  may create a short-range communications network using a short-range communications protocol to connect to other devices. For example, communications circuitry  155  may be operative to create a local communications network using the Bluetooth protocol to couple with a Bluetooth headset (or any other Bluetooth device). Communications circuitry  155  may also include a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC) configured to connect to the Internet or any other public or private network. For example, electronic media device  100  may be configured to connect to the Internet via a wireless network, such as a packet radio network, an RF network, a cellular network or any other suitable type of network. Communication circuitry  145  may be used to initiate and conduct communications with other communications devices or media devices within a communications network. 
     Electronic media device  100  may also include any other component suitable for performing a communications operation. For example, electronic media device  100  may include a power supply, an antenna, ports or interfaces for coupling to a host device, a secondary input mechanism (e.g., an ON/OFF switch) or any other suitable component. 
     Electronic media device  100  may also include POM sensors  160 . POM sensors  160  may be used to determine the approximate geographical or physical location of electronic media device  100 . As described in more detail below, the location of electronic media device  100  may be derived from any suitable trilateration or triangulation technique, in which case POM sensors  160  may include an RF triangulation detector or sensor or any other location circuitry configured to determine the location of electronic media device  100 . 
     POM sensors  160  may also include one or more sensors or circuitry for detecting the position orientation or movement of electronic media device  100 . Such sensors and circuitry may include, for example, single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers, angular rate or inertial sensors (e.g., optical gyroscopes, vibrating gyroscopes, gas rate gyroscopes or ring gyroscopes), magnetometers (e.g., scalar or vector magnetometers), ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, motion sensor (e.g., a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, active ultrasonic sensor or active microwave sensor) and linear velocity sensors. For example, control circuitry  130  may be configured to read data from one or more of POM sensors  160  in order to determine the location orientation or velocity of electronic media device  100 . One or more of POM sensors  160  may be positioned near output component  125  (e.g., above, below or on either side of the display screen of electronic media device  100 ). 
       FIG. 4  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular electronic media device  180 . Device  180  includes a click wheel  182  as an input component and an LED display  184  as an output component. Device  180  also includes connector receptacle  186  and audio plug receptacle  188 . For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components are not shown in  FIG. 4 . Some embodiments of the invention are directed towards an audio connector and are particularly suitable for mating with receptacle connector  188 . Other embodiments of the invention are directed towards data connectors and may be particularly useful for mating with receptacle connector  186 . 
     In order to better appreciate and understand the present invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  which depict various views of a first embodiment of an audio plug connector  190  according to the present invention. Specifically,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified top and front views, respectively, of connector  190  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , connector  190  includes a connector tab or tongue  193  that extends out of and longitudinally away from a body  198 . Tab  193  includes two symmetrical and electrically isolated conductive sections  192   a ,  192   b  around its outer periphery which can function as signal contacts (as opposed to ground or power contacts) in one embodiment. In one particular embodiment contact  192   a  is a left audio out contact and contact  192   b  is a right audio out contact. A microphone contact  192   c  is positioned at the distal tip of the connector and ground contacts  192   d , one on each of the two major opposing sides, are positioned between the left and right audio contacts  192   a  and  192   b . An overmolded dielectric fill  195  separates the electrical contacts and retention features  194   a  and  194   b , shown as notches in  FIG. 5A , formed on the sides of contacts  192   a ,  192   b  which can be used as part of a retention mechanism. All the aforementioned elements make up the connector tab, which is connected to body  198  at the base of the connector tab as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In some embodiments body  198  may be thicker than the connector tab (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ), while in other embodiments the tab and body may have substantially the same thickness. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , contacts  192   a - 192   d  are external contacts and connector  190  does not include an exposed cavity in which particles and debris may collect. To improve robustness and reliability, connector  190  is fully sealed and includes no moving parts. Furthermore, connector  190  has a considerably reduced insertion depth as compared to commonly available TRS and TRRS connectors described above. In one particular embodiment, the connector tab of connector  190  has a width, X, of about 4.1 mm; a thickness, Y, of about 1.5 mm; and an insertion depth, Z, of about 5.5 mm. In another embodiment, the connector tab of connector  190  has a width, X, of about 4.1 mm; a thickness, Y, of about 1.5 mm; and an insertion depth, Z, of about 5.75 mm. 
     Contacts  192   a - 192   d  can be made from a copper, nickel, brass, a metal alloy or any other appropriate conductive material. Contacts  192   a - 192   d  are spaced and tab  193  is shaped so as to provide 180 degree symmetry so that plug connector  190  can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector (shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D ) in either of two orientations as discussed below. In some embodiments, contacts  192   a  and  192   b  may be a fraction of their relative sizes shown in  FIG. 5A , while still positioned so as to provide 180 degree symmetry for plug connector  190  (e.g., contacts  192   a  and  192   b  as shown in  FIG. 5D ). In one particular embodiment, contacts  192   a  and  192   b  may be formed to include and surround a small region about retention features  194   a  and  194   b  and are positioned so as to provide 180 degree symmetry for plug connector  190  (e.g., contacts  192   a  and  192   b  as shown in  FIG. 5C ). 
     In the engaged position, each of contacts  192   a - 192   d  is in electrical contact with a corresponding contact in the receptacle connector. Connector  190  has a 180 degree symmetrical, dual orientation design which enables the connector to be inserted into a connector jack with either of the two major opposing sides on top. As previously discussed, the two audio contacts  192   a  and  192   b  are located on opposite sides of the connector. In this manner, an audio contact is always on the right and left side of the connector, microphone contact  192   c  is always positioned at the distal tip of the connector, and ground contacts  192   d , one on each of the two major opposing sides, are always in the same position regardless of the orientation. A sensing circuit in the receptacle connector or the electronic device in which the receptacle connector is housed may detect the orientation of connector  190  and switch internal connections to the contacts corresponding to contacts  192   a  and  192   b  in the connector jack as described below with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     Two retention features  194   a  and  194   b , shown as semi-circular notches in  FIG. 5A , are formed in contacts  192   a  and  192   b , respectively, and located on opposing sides of the connector tab near its distal end. In operation, connector  190  is inserted into a receptacle connector (shown in  FIG. 7A ) until retention features  194   a  and  194   b , e.g., notches, operatively engage with a retention mechanism, such as a cantilevered spring or detent as described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-7D . The depth and position of retention features  194   a  and  194   b  are selected to provide specific insertion and extraction forces such that the retention force required to insert connector  190  into a connector jack (shown in  FIG. 7A ) is higher than the extraction force required to remove the connector from the connector jack. The inventors have determined that positioning the retention features  194   a  and  194   b  and corresponding latching mechanism (shown in  FIGS. 7B-7D ) near the distal end of connector  190  helps to better secure the connector  190  sideways when it is in an engaged position within a connector jack (shown in  FIG. 7C ). For example, in some embodiments, the retention features or notches may be located on the distal third of the connector tab. In other embodiments, other retention mechanisms can be used such as mechanical or magnetic latches or orthogonal insertion mechanisms, which may or may not require the presence of retention features  194   a  and  194   b  (e.g., notches). 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  are simplified perspective and plan views of connector  190  with chamfered edges at its base. Chamfered edge  199  connects body  195  to the tab portion of connector  190 . Body  195  may also be stiffened to increase its strength in a side-load condition. For example, body  195  may have a thicker base portion underneath its outer surface. To compensate for the chamfered edge, without modifying the insertion depth, Z, of connector  190 , each of contacts  192   a ,  192   b  and  192   d  shown in  FIG. 6A  may have a reduced length as compared to how they are shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7A , which is a simplified perspective view of a receptacle connector  400  that can be used in conjunction with certain plug connectors of the present invention, and  FIG. 7B  is a front view of receptacle connector  400 . Connector jack  400  includes a housing  402  that defines an interior cavity  404  into which connector  190  can be inserted. Also shown in  FIG. 7A  are contacts  406   d  that may be electrically coupled to ground contacts  192   d  (shown in  FIG. 5A ) regardless of the insertion orientation of connector  190 . Contacts  406   a - 406   b  are also present at the sides of cavity  404  and correspond to plug connector contacts  192   a - 192   b , respectively, while a contact  406   c  is present at the back of cavity  400  and positioned to couple to contact  192   c . Connector jack  400  is designed to be waterproof so as to not allow ingress of moisture into whatever electronic device the connector is housed within. 
     An opening (not visible in  FIG. 7B ) within the interior of cavity  404  allows tip  414  of spring-loaded retention mechanism  408  (shown in  FIG. 7C ) to protrude into cavity  404 . As shown in  FIG. 7C , which is a bottom plan view of connector jack  400 , retention mechanism  408  includes a spring  410  positioned in a cut-out section  412  of housing  402 . Spring  410  is pre-loaded so that tip  414  extends through an opening between cut-out section  412  and cavity  404 . When plug connector  190  is inserted into cavity  404 , tip  414  latches with either notch  194   a  or  194   b  of the connector depending on its insertion orientation. In some embodiments, a second retention mechanism  408  can also be positioned within housing  402  so that there is a retention mechanism  408  on the left and right side of connector  190  (tip  414  of both retention mechanisms  408  are shown in  FIG. 7B ). As previously discussed, retention features  194   a ,  194   b  are located near the distal end of connectors  190  to better secure the connector sideways when it is in an engaged position within connector jack  400 . Furthermore, the rounded bulbous shape of retention features  194   a ,  194   b  may match the rounded shape of tip  414  of spring  410  to provide a comfortable click feel when the spring engages with the retention features.  FIG. 7D  shows plug connector  190  inserted into connector jack  400  so that one of notches  194   a ,  194   b  are engaged with spring  410 . As previously discussed, in other embodiments, other retention mechanisms can be used such as mechanical or magnetic latches or orthogonal insertion mechanisms. 
       FIGS. 8A-8B  illustrate the alignment of the contacts of plug connector  190  against that of connector jack  400  when mated according to both insertion orientations. As discussed previously, connector  190  has two symmetrical and electrically isolated halves which may function as left and right audio contacts  192   a ,  192   b . A microphone contact  192   c  is positioned at the distal tip of the connector and ground contacts  192   d , one on each of the two major opposing sides, are positioned between the left and right audio contacts. When connector  190  is engaged within a matching connector jack  400 , connector jack  400  detects the orientation of connector  190  (orientations shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B ) to set software and/or hardware switches to properly match the left and right audio contacts of connector jack  400  to the left and right audio contacts of connector  190 . For example, a software switch can be used to switch the connector jack&#39;s left and right audio contacts depending on the insertion orientation or a hardware switch can be used to switch the left and right audio contacts of the connector jack to match the contacts of connector  190 . This may be implemented for use with either corresponding connector  190 . For example, a software switch can be used to switch the receptacle jack&#39;s contacts for left and right audio depending on the insertion orientation while a hardware switch can be used to switch the connector jacks microphone and ground contacts to match the contacts of connector  190 . In other embodiments, both switches can be implemented in software or both switches can be implemented in hardware. In another example, the orientation of the connector can instead be detected by circuitry associated with the corresponding receptacle connector based on signals received over the contacts. As one example, upon inserting a connector within a receptacle connector of a host device, the host device may send an Acknowledgment signal to the serial control chip over the contact in the receptacle connector designated for the specific contact and waits for a Response signal. If a Response signal is received, the contacts are aligned properly and audio and other signals can be transferred between the connectors. If no response is received, the host device flips the signals to correspond to the second possible orientation (i.e., flips the signals 180 degrees) and repeats the Acknowledgement/Response signal routine. In another embodiment, a physical orientation key (e.g., a unique notch or other physical features) formed on the plug connector, can be detected by an orientation contact or other appropriate mechanism in the receptacle connector to determine the orientation of the plug, and a hardware or software switch can set the receptacle connector contacts as appropriate for left and right audio or other data contacts to correspond to the plug connector contacts. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified top and front views, respectively, of another embodiment of a dual-orientation connector according to the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the entirety of dual-orientation connector  500  is substantially flat. That is, body  505  of the connector has the same thickness and width as the connector tab of connector  500 . 
     In another embodiment, connector  600  according to the present invention includes a connector tab portion  605  substantially formed by a flexible elastomer dielectric material.  FIG. 10  is a simplified cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a connector according to the present invention inserted into a corresponding connector jack. Connector  600  includes contacts  192   a  and  192   b  which are left and right electrically isolated conductive edge portions on the right and left sides of connector tab portion  605 . When connector  600  is inserted in corresponding receptacle jack  650  (similar to connector jack  400  shown in  FIG. 7A ) contacts  192   a  and  192   b  are pressed inward by jack contacts  692   a  and  692   b , which compresses connector tab portion  605  (represented schematically by spring  655 ) thereby providing a secure connection between the contacts in connector  600  and receptacle connector  650 . Thus, the pressure to keep connector  600  within jack  650  comes from the flexible elastomeric material of connector  600  rather than from jack  650 . Thus, when connector  600  is mated with a corresponding connector jack  650 , tab portion  605  deflects inward (as represented by the dotted lines in  FIG. 10 ) between contacts  192   a  and  192   b , formed on opposing sides, exerting a pushing force on connector  600  that defines a retention force that must be overcome to extract connector  600  from jack  650 . These embodiments typically may not require other retention features (e.g., those shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ), but some embodiments may still incorporate them. Although not clearly shown in  FIG. 10 , connector  600  is similar to connector  190  (shown in  FIG. 5A ) except for the differences discussed above. Accordingly, connector  600  includes a dielectric body and other contacts as found in connector  190 . 
     Additionally, while the invention was described with respect to an audio connector, it is not limited to any particular type of signal and can be used to carry video and/or other signals instead of audio-related signals or in addition to audio-related signals. Also, in some embodiments, connectors according to the present invention can carry both analog and digital signals. As one example of a data connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, contacts  192   a  and  192   b  can be data contacts instead of audio contacts and contact  192   c  can be a power contact. As another example, any of the connectors discussed herein can be modified to include one or more fiber optic cables that extend through the connector and can be operatively coupled to receive or transmit optical data signals between a mating connector jack.  FIG. 11  illustrates one example of a connector  700  which may have analog contacts (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) as well as a fiber optic cable  705  that runs through the center of the connector. Analog contacts combined with fiber optic cable  705  may include contacts for left and right audio, microphone, power and ground (e.g., contacts  192   a - 192   d  shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B ). Fiber optic cable  705  allows for high data rate transmissions and can be used for USB 4.0 compatibility (e.g., 10 GB/second data transfer). With power, audio and data connections, connector  700  can be used to charge a device while simultaneously providing data and audio functions. Fiber optic cable  705  terminates at a lens  710  positioned at the distal end of the connector. Lens  710  can be made from a chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass or a similar material that is highly resistant to scratching and is flush with the external surface of connector  710  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) to prevent debris build-up and abstraction of light. 
     As another example,  FIG. 12  illustrates a connector  800  according to another embodiment of the invention that includes contacts  192   e  and  192   f  on each side of ground contact  192   d , along with similarly positioned contacts  192   g  and  192   h  on each side of the opposite side ground contact. Thus, connector  800  includes a total of seven signal contacts in addition to the two ground contacts. In one particular embodiment, the extra four contacts  192   e - 192   f  can be two pairs of differential data contacts for high speed data transfer. In another embodiment the extra four contacts can be used for video signals. Thus, the invention also includes many other signal transfer variations of the embodiments previously mentioned which may be accomplish by similar modifications. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. For example, while many embodiments of the invention discussed above included five contacts, the invention is not limited to any particular number of contacts. Some embodiments of the invention may have as few as two contacts while other embodiments can have thirty or even more contacts. As one additional example of another embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 13  shows a plug connector  810  that includes twice the number of signal contacts as connector  800  by doubling the number of contacts along the length of the connector. That is, additional insulation separates contacts that are spaced apart from each other along the length of the connector just as insulation separates contacts spaced apart along the width of the connector. In other embodiments, the location of the left and right audio contacts, the microphone contact, and the ground contacts may be interchangeable and may require further design considerations related to the connector jack&#39;s contact configuration in order to properly mate. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110620
Publication Date: 20150113
Grant Date: 20150113
Priority Date: 20100618
Inventors: JOL ERIC S.
SCHMIDT MATHIAS
GOLKO ALBERT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R24/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6471", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6271", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3817", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R4/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6471", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/405", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6271", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 45348932