PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11450999-B2
Application Number: US-202017023013-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Separable articulating power and data interface

Abstract:
Connector inserts and connector receptacles that have a small form factor and where when a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert can rotate and articulate relative to an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. The connector receptacle can be connected to components in the electronic device through a flexible circuit board having an amount of slack or excess length to allow the connector receptacle and the connector insert to rotate relative to the connected components. A bearing supporting the connector receptacle can articulate about an axis to allow the connector receptacle and connector insert to articulate relative to the connected components. The bearing can further support a locking mechanism to lock the connector insert in place in the connector receptacle.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector receptacle comprising:
 a housing having a front cavity to accept a corresponding connector insert; 
 a first plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the first plurality of contacts comprising a contacting portion exposed in the front cavity to electrically connect to a corresponding contact of the corresponding connector insert when the corresponding connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle, each of the first plurality of contacts further comprising a post extending from the housing; 
 a shield substantially around a rear and sides of the housing; and 
 a flexible circuit board comprising a first end attached to the post of each of the first plurality of contacts and a second end, the second end supporting a second plurality of contacts, 
 wherein the flexible circuit board further comprises an excess length between the first end and the second end, such that the housing, the first plurality of contacts, the shield, and the first end of the flexible circuit board can rotate about an axis while the second end of the flexible circuit board and the second plurality of contacts remain stationary. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion having the front cavity, a second housing portion supporting a first contact and a second contact in the first plurality of contacts, and a third housing portion supporting a third contact and a fourth contact in the first plurality of contacts. 
     
     
       3. The connector receptacle of  claim 2  wherein the shield comprises a slot, and wherein the first end of the flexible circuit board passes through the slot and is attached to the post of each of the first plurality of contacts. 
     
     
       4. The connector receptacle of  claim 3  wherein the flexible circuit board further comprises a ground contact, wherein the ground contact is attached to an outside surface of the shield. 
     
     
       5. The connector receptacle of  claim 4  further comprising a bracket, wherein the bracket comprises a back side attached to a back side of the shield, and two arms, each arm terminating in a side ground contact, wherein the side ground contacts are exposed in sides of the front cavity. 
     
     
       6. The connector receptacle of  claim 5  wherein each of the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts through a corresponding trace of the flexible circuit board. 
     
     
       7. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a locking assembly supporting the connector receptacle and comprising:
 a bearing having a central opening; 
 a front housing having a front opening to accept the corresponding connector insert, the front opening in front of the bearing, the front housing extending through the central opening and having a rear portion behind the bearing; 
 a latch collar around the rear portion of the front housing, the latch collar having a slot; and 
 a latch positioned in the slot and movable between a closed position and an open position, 
 wherein when the latch is in the closed position and the connector insert is inserted in the connector receptacle, the latch is positioned in a groove in the connector insert and the connector insert is locked in place in the locking assembly, and wherein when the latch is in the open position, the latch is not positioned in the groove in the connector insert and the connector insert is not locked in place in the locking assembly. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The connector receptacle of  claim 7  wherein the latch rotates in the slot around a first point at a first end of the latch and is attached to a first end of a cable at a second point at a second end of the latch. 
     
     
       9. The connector receptacle of  claim 8  wherein a second end of the cable is attached to a sliding mechanism, and when the sliding mechanism is in a first position the latch is in the closed position and when the sliding mechanism is in a second position, the latch is in the open position. 
     
     
       10. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the connector receptacle comprises a first connector portion and the corresponding connector insert comprises a second connector portion, wherein the first connector portion and the second connector portion are identical,
 wherein first connector portion comprises the first plurality of contacts and the housing, the first plurality of contacts comprising: 
 a first contact having a first type of contacting portion; and 
 a second contact diagonally adjacent to the first contact and having the first type of contacting portion, the first connector portion further comprising: 
 a third contact horizontally adjacent to the first contact and having a second type of contacting portion, the second type of contacting portion different than the first type of contacting portion; and 
 a fourth contact vertically adjacent to the first contact and having the second type of contacting portion, 
 wherein when the connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, a contacting portion of a first contact of the connector insert physically and electrically connects to the contacting portion of the third contact of the connector receptacle. 
 
     
     
       11. The connector receptacle of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a locking assembly supporting the connector receptacle and comprising:
 a bearing having a central opening; 
 a front housing having a front opening to accept the corresponding connector insert, the front opening in front of the bearing, the front housing extending through the central opening and having a rear portion behind the bearing, wherein the rear portion comprises a cutout; and 
 a clip having an interference portion positioned in the cutout such that the interference portion fits in a groove in the connector insert to hold the connector insert in place when the connector insert is inserted in the connector receptacle. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The connector receptacle of  claim 11  wherein rotating the connector insert around a central axis of the front housing distorts the clip such that the interference portion exits the groove in the connector insert and allows the connector insert to be removed. 
     
     
       13. A connector receptacle comprising
 a housing having a passage to accept a connector insert, the passage terminating in a front cavity; 
 a first plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the first plurality of contacts comprising a contacting portion exposed in the front cavity to electrically connect to a corresponding contact of the connector insert when the connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle, each of the first plurality of contacts further comprising a post extending from the housing; and 
 a shield substantially around a rear and sides of a rear portion of the housing, wherein the inside surface of the passage in the housing comprises a concave portion, and wherein when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle, a locking object can be positioned in the concave portion to secure the connector insert in the connector receptacle, 
 wherein the locking object comprises a coil spring. 
 
     
     
       14. The connector receptacle of  claim 13  wherein the coil spring comprises a canted coil spring. 
     
     
       15. The connector receptacle of  claim 14  wherein the concave portion comprises a circumferential groove in the inside surface of the housing. 
     
     
       16. A connector receptacle comprising
 a housing having a passage to accept a connector insert, the passage terminating in a front cavity; 
 a first plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the first plurality of contacts comprising a contacting portion exposed in the front cavity to electrically connect to a corresponding contact of the connector insert when the connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle, each of the first plurality of contacts further comprising a post extending from the housing; and 
 a shield substantially around a rear and sides of a rear portion of the housing, wherein the inside surface of the passage in the housing comprises a concave portion, and wherein when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle, a locking object can be positioned in the concave portion to secure the connector insert in the connector receptacle, 
 wherein the locking object comprises a sphere. 
 
     
     
       17. The connector receptacle of  claim 16  wherein the concave portion comprises a notch in the inside surface of the housing. 
     
     
       18. The connector receptacle of  claim 17  wherein the sphere is located on the connector insert and when the connector insert is inserted in the connector receptacle, the locking object can be positioned in a first position in the concave portion to secure the connector insert in the connector receptacle, and the locking object can be positioned in a second position such that the connector insert can be removed from the connector receptacle. 
     
     
       19. A connector receptacle comprising
 a housing having a passage to accept a connector insert, the passage terminating in a front cavity; 
 a first plurality of contacts supported by the housing, each of the first plurality of contacts comprising a contacting portion exposed in the front cavity to electrically connect to a corresponding contact of the connector insert when the connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle, each of the first plurality of contacts further comprising a post extending from the housing; 
 a shield substantially around a rear and sides of a rear portion of the housing, wherein the inside surface of the passage in the housing comprises a concave portion, and wherein when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle, a locking object can be positioned in the concave portion to secure the connector insert in the connector receptacle; and 
 a flexible circuit board having a first end attached to the post of each of the first plurality of contacts and a second end, the second end supporting a second plurality of contacts, wherein the flexible circuit board further comprises an excess length between the first end and the second end, such that the housing, the first plurality of contacts, the shield, and the first end of the flexible circuit board can rotate about an axis while the second end of the flexible circuit board and the second plurality of contacts remain stationary.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The number and types of electronic devices available to consumers have increased tremendously the past few years and this increase shows no signs of abating. Devices such as portable computing devices, tablets, desktops, all-in-one computers, smart phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, and other devices have become ubiquitous. 
     These electronic devices can transfer power and data using cables or other structures that can have connector inserts on each end. The connector inserts can plug into connector receptacles on electronic devices, thereby forming one or more conductive paths for power, data, or both power and data. 
     But these connector inserts and connector receptacles can be relatively large. A sizeable connector receptacle can consume an undesirably large space in an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. This can reduce the functionality that can be provided by the electronic device, it can increase the size of the electronic device, or a combination of both. 
     The connection between a connector insert and an electronic device can undergo various forces during use. The connector insert can be twisted, turned, or bent relative to the device enclosure. This can cause the connector insert and connector receptacle to disconnect from each other. In some circumstances, it can cause either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle to be damaged. But in some systems, it can be useful for the connector insert to be able to move relative to the electronic device housing the connector receptacle. That is, it can be desirable that the connector insert and a connector receptacle in the electronic device be connected throughout these movements. 
     Thus, what is needed are connector inserts and connector receptacles that have a small form factor and where after a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert can move relative to an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide connector inserts and connector receptacles that have a small form factor and where after a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert can rotate and articulate relative to an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide connector inserts and connector receptacles that have a small form factor. The connector inserts can be reduced in size by limiting a number of contacts that they have. For example, a number of contacts can be reduced by combining data and power. Data and power signals can be combined and transmitted or received using contacts on the connector inserts. The connector insert can further be reduced in size by utilizing a connector tongue as the connector insert. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a connector insert can be formed as a tongue having a top side and a bottom side. Two contacts can be located on each of the top and bottom sides. These two contacts can each convey a differential signal. A power supply, ground, or both can be combined with either or both of these differential signals. A ground ring to convey a ground and to provide shielding can be located or formed around a front and sides of the tongue. 
     The connector receptacles can be reduced in size by employing contacts that wrap over (or under) themselves in a space-saving configuration. For example, a connector receptacle can have two contacts having contacting portions in a top of an opening in a housing and two contacts having contacting portions in a bottom of an opening in a housing, where the contacting portions can physically and electrically connect to contacts on the connector insert tongue. These contacts can have contact tails that wrap underneath the contacting portions. The contact tails can include through-hole portions to be inserted into and soldered to holes in a board, posts for connecting to wires, or surface mount portions to be soldered to contacts on a board, where the board can be a flexible circuit board, printed circuit board, or other appropriate substrate. The contacts can further include barbs that can be inserted in a housing of the connector receptacle. These barbs can extend laterally from the contacting portions to further save space. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide connector inserts and connector receptacles for electronic devices, where when a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert and connector receptacle can rotate together about an axis relative to an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. The connector receptacle can be a portion of a connector receptacle assembly that can be located in the electronic device. The connector receptacle assembly can also include a front housing attached to the connector receptacle, where the front housing can have an opening for the connector insert. The opening in the front housing can be at a surface of a device enclosure that at least partially houses the electronic device. The front housing can ride on a ring or bearing, where the ring or bearing is fixed in this rotational direction. The front housing can rotate in the bearing, thereby allowing the connector receptacle assembly to rotate relative to the device enclosure through a rotation angle. The rotation angle can be plus and minus 180 degrees, plus and minus 120 degrees, plus and minus 90 degrees, plus and minus 45 degrees, or it can have another magnitude. Also, the magnitude can be different for each direction of rotation. 
     In order to maintain a connection between the rotating connector receptacle and nonrotating portions of the connector receptacle assembly, a flexible circuit board can be used to connect the connector receptacle to other portions of the connector receptacle assembly. One example can provide a connector receptacle having contacts, where each contact has a contacting portion at a first end and a post at a second end, and where the posts are connected to a first end of a flexible circuit board. A second end of the flexible circuit board might remain fixed while the connector receptacle rotates. The flexible circuit board can include an excess length or slack that can form a loop between the first end and the second end of the flexible circuit board. This slack can allow the first end of the flexible circuit board to rotate with the connector receptacle while maintaining a connection to other portions of the connector receptacle assembly via the second end of the flexible circuit board. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector inserts and connector receptacles for electronic devices, where when a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert and connector receptacle can articulate together in a plane relative the electronic device. The bearing that supports the front housing can pivot about a pivot axis, thereby allowing the front housing, the attached connector receptacle and other portions of the connector receptacle assembly, as well as the connector insert, to articulate through a plane defined by the pivot axis of the bearing. This articulation can have various magnitudes. The articulation can be in one or more directions, and it can be through articulation angles of 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, or other angle. The articulation can be in one direction or two opposing directions, and the magnitude of possible articulation can be different in each direction. 
     In order to maintain a connection between the articulating connector receptacle assembly and circuits and components in the electronic device, a junction box can be used to connect first wires that are connected to contacts on the second end of the flexible circuit board to second wires that connect to circuits and components in the electronic device. The junction box can either be fixed relative to the device enclosure or the junction box can articulate with other portions of the connector receptacle assembly. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector inserts and connector receptacles for electronic devices, where when a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert can both rotate about an axis and articulate in a plane relative the electronic device. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the connector insert and connector receptacle can rotate about an axis and articulate through a plane together relative to the electronic device. This flexibility can be provided by using both the flexible circuit board and junction box as described above. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous in electronic devices such as audio headphones. Connector inserts can be located at each end of a headband, where the connector inserts are each inserted into a connector receptacle in a corresponding earcup. The rotation and articulation provided by an embodiment of the present invention can allow the two earcups to be comfortably positioned against sides of a listener&#39;s head. 
     In some circumstances, it can be disadvantageous for a connector insert to be able to easily disconnect from a connector receptacle. To guard against an inadvertent disconnection, these and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a locking mechanism to secure a connector insert in place in a connector receptacle assembly. For example, a connector receptacle assembly can include a locking mechanism that locks a connector insert in place when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle assembly. The connector insert can have a sliding or otherwise movable control mechanism that can be actuated to effect a release of the connector insert from the connector receptacle assembly. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide other locking mechanisms where a locking mechanism locks a connector insert in place when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle assembly. To release the connector insert, the connector insert can be rotated beyond an expected range (overturned) whereupon the connector insert can be released. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide other locking mechanisms where a locking mechanism uses a locking mechanism to lock a connector insert in place when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle assembly. To release the connector insert, a sliding mechanism can be actuated to move the locking mechanism, whereupon the connector insert can be released. These locking mechanisms can be particularly useful in devices such as audio headphones. For example, a locking mechanism can prevent an inadvertent disconnection between a headband and an earcup of the audio headphones, which could otherwise be caused by a listener&#39;s activity, such as running or working out. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector structures that can be implemented in both a connector receptacle and a connector insert. This dual utilization can reduce tooling and design costs since one contact structure can be used for both a connector insert and a corresponding connector receptacle. These connector structures can be symmetrical or otherwise configured such that two such structures can mate when they are placed in opposition and one structure is rotated relative to the other, for example by 90 degree, 180 degrees, or other angle. 
     The contacts of these dual-use connector structures can have various configurations. Contacts in a connector can mate with corresponding contacts in a corresponding connector, where the contacts and corresponding contacts have mating features such that they form an electrical connection when the connector and corresponding connector are mated. These mating features can be interlocking features, mating surface features, or other features that provide an electrical connection between contacts. For example, contacts formed as pins or prongs in a connector can mate by interlocking with forked contacts in a corresponding connector. In another example, contacts formed as pins or prongs in a connector can mate with contacts having recessed surfaces in corresponding connector. 
     These different contacts can be symmetrically located in connector structures that are used in both a connector insert and a connector receptacle. The different contacts can be arranged in an alternating fashion in an array, radially, or in another configuration. For example, a connector structure can have contacts in a two-by-two array or radial configuration, where contacts having first mating features are located in opposing corners of the array or radial configuration, and contacts having second mating features are located in the remaining corners of the array or radial configuration. Where contacts having the first interlocking features have a different size than contacts having the second interlocking features, the overall size of the connector structure can be reduced by placing these two types of contacts in this or other alternating manner. 
     In one example, a connector structure can include two contacts formed as pins or prongs can be placed in opposing corners, while two forked contacts can be placed in the remaining corners. In another example, a connector structure can include two contacts formed as pins or prongs can be placed in opposing corners, while two contacts having mating recesses can be placed in the remaining corners. Such a connector structure can be mated with an identical connector structure when they are placed in opposition and one is rotated 90 degrees relative to the other. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, contacts, ground rings, shields, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacle assemblies and connector inserts can be formed by stamping, forging, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The 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 nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as the housings and other structures 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, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles, connector receptacle assemblies, and connector inserts that can be located in, or can connect to, various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices such as smart watches, headphones, earbuds, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, audio devices, video delivery systems, adapters, styluses, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles and connector inserts can provide pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt™, Lightning™, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), test-access-port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Testing (DART), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future. Other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that can be used to provide a reduced set of functions for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these connector receptacles and connector inserts can be used to convey power, ground, signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. 
     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 a portion of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a portion of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded diagram of the connector insert of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a backside view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded diagram of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded diagram of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a portion of another connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded diagram of the connector insert of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates another crimp bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of a connector receptacle and associated structures according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 19-21  illustrates a rotation and articulation of a connector receptacle in a connector receptacle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention for attaching a connector insert to a connector receptacle; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a connector insert held in place in a connector receptacle by a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a cutaway side-view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a cutaway side-view illustrating a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28A-28C  illustrate the operation of the overturn lock of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates another locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 31A-31B  illustrate a structure for generating friction during overturn of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle locking assembly of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a connector receptacle locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle locking assembly of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a connector receptacle locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates the connector receptacle locking assembly of  FIG. 35  along with a portion of a device enclosure according to an embodiment of the present illustrates the invention; 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle locking assembly  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a connector insert and a connector receptacle utilizing a common connector structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a connection between a connector insert and a connector receptacle utilizing a common connector structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates another connector portion according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 41  illustrates a front view of a connector portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a portion of an electronic system 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. 
     In this example, connector insert  300  can be inserted into connector receptacle assembly  105  in electronic device  100 . That is, connector insert  300  can mate with connector receptacle  500  of connector receptacle assembly  105  of electronic device  100 . Connector receptacle assembly  105  can be located in device enclosure  110  of electronic device  100 . Device enclosure  110  can partially, substantially, or completely house electronic device  100 . Connector receptacle assembly  105  can include front housing  120  and connector receptacle housing  520 . Front housing  120  can include extensions  125  that can fit in slots  524  of connector receptacle  500 . Slots  524  can be located between shield  530  and connector receptacle housing  520 . Connector receptacle housing  520  can include cavity  522 . Connector receptacle housing  520  can support a plurality of contacts  510  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) in cavity  522  to physically and electrically connect to contacts  310  on connector insert  300 . 
     Connector insert  300  can be inserted into connector receptacle  500  via passage  122  in front housing  120 . When connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  are mated, connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  can rotate together relative to electronic device  100 . Connector receptacle assembly  105  can ride on ring or bearing  150  and rotate relative to device enclosure  110 . Ring or bearing  150  can have a circular inside surface  152 . Front housing  120  can have a circular outside surface  121  to mate with inside surface  152  of ring or bearing  150  and can rotate relative to ring or bearing  150  through rotational angle  301 . Ring or bearing  150  can be supported at axis  127  that can be fixed relative to device enclosure  110 , either directly or through one or more structures. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, rotational angle  301  can have various magnitudes. The amount of possible rotation can be plus and minus 180 degrees, plus and minus 120 degrees, plus and minus 90 degrees, plus and minus 45 degrees, or it can have another magnitude. The amount of rotation can be different depending on the direction of rotation. For example, connector insert  300  and connector receptacle assembly  105  can have a normal or resting position. Connector insert  300  and connector receptacle assembly  105  can rotate through a first angle in a first direction and a second angle in a second opposite direction. The first angle and the second angle can have the same or different magnitudes, such as 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, 180, or other angle. 
     In this example, front housing  120  can interface with device enclosure  110  at opening  112 . Front housing  120  can rotate relative to device enclosure  110  at opening  112 . Opening  112  can be sealed to prevent moisture leakage or other ingress into electronic device  100 . Contacts  510  of connector receptacle  500  can be connected to wires, a flexible circuit board  1670  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), or other conduit that can allow contacts  510  to remain electrically connected to circuitry in electronic device  100  as connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  rotate. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portion of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, connector insert  300  can mate with connector receptacle assembly  105  in electronic device  100  when connector insert  300  is inserted into passage  122  of front housing  120  and cavity  522  of connector receptacle housing  520  of connector receptacle  500 . Connector receptacle assembly  105  can be located in device enclosure  110 . Device enclosure  110  can partially, substantially, or completely house electronic device  100 . Connector receptacle assembly  105  can include a front housing  120  and connector receptacle housing  520 . Front housing  120  can include extensions  125  that can fit in slots  524 . Slots  524  can be located between shield  530  and connector receptacle housing  520 . Connector receptacle housing  520  can include cavity  522 . Connector receptacle housing  520  can support a plurality of contacts  510  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) that mate with contacts  310  of connector insert  300  when connector insert  300  is inserted into connector receptacle housing  520 . 
     When connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  are mated, connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  can articulate together about axis  127  relative to electronic device  100 . The articulation can be in one or more directions. The articulation can be through an articulation angle  303 . This articulation angle  303  can be an angle of 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, or it can be another angle. This articulation can be through a plane that is normal to axis  127 . 
     Bearing  150  can tilt or articulate about axis  127 . This allows connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  to also articulate about axis  127 . Connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  can also rotate about their axis identified as rotational angle  301 . The amount of possible articulation can vary depending on the angle of rotation of connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500 . 
     The flexibility provided by the ability of connector insert  300  and connector receptacle  500  to rotate and articulate can be particularly advantageous in electronic devices such as audio headphones. Connector inserts  300  can be located at each end of a headband (not shown), where connector inserts  300  are each inserted into connector receptacle  500  in a corresponding earcup (not shown.) The rotation and articulation provided by an embodiment of the present invention can allow the two earcups to be comfortably positioned against sides of a listener&#39;s head. 
     Again, front housing  120  can interface with device enclosure  110  at opening  112 . Front housing  120  can articulate relative to device enclosure  110  at opening  112 . Opening  112  can be sealed to prevent moisture leakage or other ingress into electronic device  100 . 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector inserts, such as connector insert  300 , and connector receptacles, such as connector receptacle  500 , that can have a reduced size. This can help to save space inside of electronic device  100 . Saving space in electronic device  100  can allow electronic device  100  to be smaller, include more functionality, or combination of both. Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector inserts having a reduced size by limiting the number of contacts that they have. The size of the connector inserts can be further reduced by forming the connector inserts as a tongue. In the following example, a connector insert can be formed as a tongue having top and bottom sides, with two contacts on each of the top and bottom sides. Each pair of contacts can convey a differential signal. A power supply can be combined with a differential signal and provided on the contacts. For example, a power supply can be added to each side of a first differential signal while ground can be added to each side of a second differential signal. In this way, two contacts on a first side of a connector insert can convey a power supply and a first differential signal, while two contacts on a second side of the connector insert can convey ground and a second differential signal. This arrangement can provide a connector inset having a reduced number of contacts that can still convey high-speed data signals and power. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  300  can include tongue  305  supporting a pair of contacts  310  on each of a top and bottom sides. Contacts  310  can be located in insulator  320 . Ground ring  330  can surround insulator  320 . Connector insert  300  can further include board  340 . Board  340  can include contacts  342  and ground contact  343  on either or both a top and bottom side. Contacts  342  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  340  to contacts  310 . Contacts  342  can be soldered or otherwise connected to wires, conduits, for example wires or conduits in a cable, or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. Ground contacts  343  on either or both a top and bottom side of connector insert  300  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  340  to ground ring  330 . Ground contact  343  can be soldered or otherwise connected to a shield or other ground conductor in a cable or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded diagram of the connector insert of  FIG. 3 . In this example, contacts  310  can be mated with contacting portions  312 . Contacting portions  312  can include solder points  315  that can be soldered to contacts  318  on board  340 . Contacts  318  can be soldered to solder points  315  of contacting portions on each of the top and bottom side of board  340 . Contacts  310  and contacting portions  312  can be located in insulating portions  316 . Insulating portions  316  can be injection molded portions. Insulating portions  316  can be housed in insulator  320 . Insulator  320  can be an overmold formed of nylon or other insulating material. Ground ring  330  can form tongue  305 . Ground ring  330  can be formed or placed around insulator  320 , or insulator  320  can be formed in ground ring  330 . Ground springs  344  can be soldered to ground contacts  346  on board  340 . 
     Board  340  can include contacts  342  and ground contact  343  on either or both a top and bottom side. Contacts  342  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  340  to contacts  310  via contacts  318  and contacting portions  312 . Contacts  342  can be soldered or otherwise connected to wires or conduits in a cable or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. Ground contacts  343  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  340  to ground ring  330  via ground contact  346  and ground springs  344 . Ground contacts  343  can be soldered or otherwise connected to a shield or other ground in a cable or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be a flexible or rigid conduit. 
     Again, these and other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector inserts, such as connector insert  300 , and connector receptacles, such as connector receptacle  500 , that can have a reduced size. This can help to save space inside of electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) Saving space in electronic device  100  can allow electronic device  100  to be smaller, include more functionality, or combination of both. 
     The connector receptacles can be reduced in size by employing contacts that wrap over (or under) themselves in a space-saving configuration. For example, a connector receptacle can have two contacts having contacting portions in a top of an opening or cavity in a housing and two contacts having contacting portions in a bottom of an opening or cavity in a housing, where the contacting portions can physically and electrically connect to contacts on a connector insert tongue when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. These contacts can have contact tails that wrap underneath the contacting portions. The contact tails can include through-hole portions to be inserted into and soldered to holes in a board, posts for connecting to wires, or surface mount portions to be soldered to contacts on a board, where the board can be a flexible circuit board, printed circuit board, or other appropriate substrate. The contacts can further include barbs that can be inserted in a housing of the connector receptacle to secure the contacts to the connector receptacle housing. These barbs can extend laterally from the contacting portions to further save space. Examples of connector receptacles that can be used as connector receptacle  500  are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, contacts  510  can have contacting portions  514  located in cavity  522  of connector receptacle housing  520  of connector receptacle  500 . Connector receptacle housing  520  can be shielded by shield  530 . Shield  530  can be spot or laser welded to itself at various points  536 . Shield  530  can include tabs  532  to form ground connections to wires, a flexible circuit board, or other flexible conduits. Extensions  125  of front housing  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be inserted into slots  524  and held in place by tabs  534 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a backside view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 5 . Connector receptacle housing  520  of connector receptacle  500  can be shielded by shield  530 . Shield  530  can include tabs  534  and can be spot or laser welded to itself at points  536 . Contacts  510  can include surface mount contacting portions  512  for connecting to wires or contacts at a surface of the flexible circuit board or other conduit. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded diagram of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 5 . In this example, contacts  510  can be inserted into connector receptacle housing  520 , though connector receptacle housing  520  can be formed around contacts  510 , for example by injection molding. Insulating tape  712 ,  714 , and  710  can isolate contacts  510  from shield  530 . Insulating tape  712 ,  714 , and  710  can be Kapton tape, or other polyamide or other tape, secured using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Shield  530  can shield connector receptacle housing  520 . 
     Contacts  510  can include surface mount contacting portions  512  and contacting portions  514 . Contacting portions  514  can physically and electrically connect to contacts  310  on connector insert  300  when connector insert  300  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) is mated with connector receptacle  500 . Surface mount contacting portions  512  can connect to wires or contacts at a surface of a flexible circuit board or other conduit. Surface mount contacting portions  512  can fold up and over contacting portions  514  to save space and reduce the size of connector receptacle  500 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This connector receptacle  800 , as with the other included connector receptacles, can be used in place of connector receptacle  500  in electronic device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     Connector receptacle  800  can include connector receptacle housing  820  shielded by shield  830 . Shield  830  can be spot or laser welded to itself at points  836 . Connector receptacle  800  can include tabs  834  over slot  824 . Slots  824  can hold extensions  125  of front housing  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) Tabs  834  on shield  830  can hold extensions  125  in place in slots  824 . Contacts  810  can include posts  812 . Post  812  can be connected to wires or other flexible conduit, which can connect to circuitry in electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This connector receptacle  900 , as with the other included connector receptacles, can be used in place of connector receptacle  500  in electronic device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     Connector receptacle  900  can include contacts  910  having contacting portions  914  in opening or cavity  922  of connector receptacle housing  920 . Connector receptacle housing  920  can be shielded by shield  930 . Contacts  910  can further include posts  912 . Posts  912  can be soldered or otherwise connected to wires or other flexible conduit, which can connect to circuitry in electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) Tabs  124  of front housing  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can fit in slots  924  and can be held in place by tabs  934 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 9 . In this example, connector receptacle housing  920  of connector receptacle  900  can be shielded by shield  930 . Shield  930  can include tabs  934 . Portions of shielding  930  can be spot or laser welded to itself at points  936 . Posts  912  can be soldered or otherwise attached to wires or other flexible conduit. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded diagram of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 9 . In this example, contacts  910  can be inserted into connector receptacle housing  920  or connector receptacle housing  920  can be formed around contacts  910 . Connector receptacle housing  920  can be shielded by shield  930 . Insulating tape  1110  and  1112  can be used to isolate contacts  910  from shield  930 . Insulating tape  1110  and  1112  can be Kapton tape, or other polyamide or other tape, secured using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Tabs  124  of front housing  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be inserted into slots  924  and held in place with tabs  934  on shield  930 . 
     Contacts  910  can include contacting portions  914 . Contacting portions  914  can physically and electrically connect to contacts  310  on connector insert  300  when connector insert  300  is mated with connector receptacle  900 . Post  912  can be soldered or otherwise attached to wires or other flexible conduit to connect contacts  910  to circuitry of electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) Barbs  916  can be inserted into slots  929  in connector receptacle housing  920  to hold contacts  910  in place. Contacting portions  914  can be joined to posts using U-shaped portion  911 . This can allow contacting portions  914  to wrap over (or under) posts  912 , thereby saving space. 
     Contacts  910 , as with contacts  510 ,  710 ,  810 , and the other contacts shown herein, can be formed of various materials. For example, they can be formed of titanium-copper, stainless steel, steel, copper, phosphor-bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated with gold or other material. They can have an underplate formed of silver, electroless nickel, nickel, or other material. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a portion of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  1200  can be used as connector insert  300  in  FIG. 1  or as a connector insert in these and other embodiments of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  1200  can include tongue  1205  supporting a pair of contacts  1210  on each of a top and bottom side of the tongue. Contacts  1210  can be located in insulator  1220 . Ground ring  1230  can surround insulator  1220 . Connector insert  1200  can further include board  1240 . Board  1240  can include contacts  1242  on either or both a top and bottom side. Contacts  1242  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) of board  1240  to contacts  1210 . Contacts  1242  can be soldered or otherwise connected to wires, conduits, for example wires or conduits in a cable, or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. Contacts  1243  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) on a top and bottom side of connector insert  1200  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  1240  to ground ring  1230 . Contacts  1243  can be soldered or otherwise connected to a shield or other ground conductor in a cable or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded diagram of the connector insert of  FIG. 12 . In this example, contacts  1210  of connector insert  1200  can be mated with contacting portions (not shown) that can be similar to contacting portions  312  (shown in  FIG. 4 .) The contacting portions can include solder points  1215  that can be soldered to contacts  1218  on board  1240 . Contacts  1218  can be soldered to solder points  1215  of contacting portions on each of the top and bottom side of board  1240 . Contacts  1210  and their corresponding contacting portions can be located in insulating portions  1216 . Insulating portions  1216  can be injection molded portions. Insulating portions  1216  can be housed in insulator  1220 . Insulator  1220  can be an overmold formed of nylon or other insulating material. Ground ring  1230  can be formed or placed around insulator  1220 , or insulator  1220  can be formed in ground ring  1230 . Ground ring  1230  can define tongue  1205 . Ground springs  1244  can be soldered to ground contacts  1246  on either or both the top and bottom sides of board  1240 . 
     Board  1240  can include contacts  1242  and contacts  1243  on either or both a top and bottom side. On each side of board  1240 , contacts  1242  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  1240  to contacts  1210  via contacts  1218  and contacting portions  1212 . Contacts  1242  can be soldered or otherwise connected to wires or conduits in a cable or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. On either or both a top and bottom of board  1240 , contacts  1243  can be connected through traces or planes (not shown) on board  1240  to ground ring  1230  via ground contact  1246  and ground springs  1244 . Contacts  1243  can be soldered or otherwise connected to a shield or other ground in a cable or other connector portion (not shown), where the connector portion can be flexible or rigid conduit. The arrangement of contacts  1242  and contacts  1243  can provide terminations for a cable where a differential signal is conveyed by conduits soldered to contacts  1242  while power and ground conduits or shields are positioned on each side of the differential signal to provide shielding and are terminated at contacts  1243 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, crimp bracket  1410  can be attached to ground ring  1230  of connector insert  1200 . Specifically, crimp bracket  1410  can include extension  1412 . Extension  1412  can be laser or spot-welded to a rear portion of ground ring  1230 . Extension  1412  and ground ring  1430  can provide shielding for signals and power supplies conveyed by contacts  1210 . Ground ring  1230  can define tongue  1205 . Ground ring  1230  can be separated from contacts  1210  by insulation  1220 . Plug crimp  1414  can be crimped around a cable or conductors (not shown.) Plug crimp  1414  can hold the cable and conductors in place, and the cable and conductors can be attached to contacts  1242  and contacts  1243  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) on board  1240 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another crimp bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, crimp bracket  1410  can include extension  1412 . Extension  1412  can be physically and electrically connected to ground ring  1230 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Plug crimp  1414  can hold a cable and conduits in place in connector insert  1200  (shown in  FIG. 14 .) Crimp bracket  1410  can further include plug crimp ground springs  1416 . Plug crimp ground springs  1416  can physically and electrically connect to a housing of a structure (not shown) supporting connector insert  300 . In this way, crimp bracket  1410  can electrically and mechanically connect cable conduits, such as a ground shield, to ground ring  1230 . 
     Again, connector insert  300  along with connector receptacle assembly  105  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) can rotate relative to device enclosure  110  (also shown in  FIG. 2 .) A flexible circuit board can be used to convey signals between connector receptacle assembly  105  and circuitry housed by device enclosure  110 . This flexible circuit board can include a first amount of slack or excess length, wherein the slack increases or decreases as connector receptacle assembly  105  is rotated. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1600  can be used as connector receptacle  500  in  FIG. 1 , or as a connector receptacle in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1600  can include housing  1620 , which can be located in shield  1630 . Tab  1626  of housing  1620  can fit in opening  1632  of shield  1630  to hold housing  1620  in place. Tab  1634  can extend from shield  1630  and can accept a fastener for securing connector receptacle  1600  to other structures (not shown) in electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) A back side  1638  of shield  1630  can be laser or spot-welded to bracket  1660  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) at locations  1639 . Flexible circuit board  1670  can have a first end  1677  that can be attached to posts  1616  of contacts  1610  (both shown in  FIG. 17 .) Flexible circuit board  1670  can further have a second end  1679 . Second end  1679  can be supported by stiffener or cowling  1690  and can have one or more contacts  1672  plated on a surface. First end  1677  of flexible circuit board  1670  can pass through slot  1636  in shield  1630  in order to reach tabs posts of contact  1610 . Flexible circuit board  1670  can further include ground contacts  1674 . Ground contacts  1674  can be soldered or spot or laser-welded to an outside surface of shield  1630 . Ground contacts  1674  can be further connected to a ground contact (one of contacts  1610 ) in housing  1620 , to one or more ground traces in flexible circuit board  1670 , or both. The connection between ground contact  1674  and shield  1630  can also act as a strain relief to protect connections between contacts  1610  and flexible circuit board  1670 , details of which are shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     Flexible circuit board  1670  can include loop  1671  and an excess length, or slack, shown here as loop  1673 , between first end  1677  and second end  1679 . Housing  1620  and shield  1630  of connector receptacle  1600  can rotate about their central axis. Conversely, second end  1679  of flexible circuit board  1670 , along with contacts  1672  and stiffener or cowling  1690 , can be nonrotating. Accordingly, the amount of slack in loop  1673  can increase or decrease depending on a direction of rotation of connector receptacle housing  1620  and shield  1630 . Examples are shown below. 
       FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1600  can include flexible circuit board  1670  having openings  1675 , openings  1676 , and openings  1678  on first end  1677 . Openings  1676  can accept tabs  1628  on housing  1620  to secure first end  1677  of flexible circuit board  1670  in place relative to housing  1620 . Tab  1626  on housing  1620  can fit in opening  1632  of shield  1630  to secure shield  1630  to housing  1620 . 
     Housing portions  1623  and  1625  can each support two contacts  1610  having contacting portions  1614 . Tabs  1627  on housing portion  1625  can fit in openings (not shown) in an underside of housing portion  1623 . Contacts  1610  on housing portion  1623  can terminate in posts  1618 . Posts  1618  can fit in, and be soldered to, openings  1675  on flexible circuit board  1670 , thereby forming an electrical connection from contacts  1610  of housing portion  1623  to traces (not shown) of flexible circuit board  1670 . Similarly, contacts  1610  of housing portion  1625  can terminate in posts  1616 , which can fit in, and be soldered to, openings  1675  of flexible circuit board  1670 . In this way, contacts  1610  of housing portion  1625  can electrically connect to traces (not shown) of flexible circuit board  1670 . Further, contacts  1610  of connector receptacle  1600  can connect to corresponding contacts  1672  on second end  1679  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) of flexible circuit board  1670 . 
     Contacts  1610  of housing portion  1623  and contacts  1610  of housing portion  1625  can fit in rear openings  1621  in housing  1620 . Bracket  1660  can fit behind housing portion  1623  and housing portion  1625 . Bracket  1660  can include side ground contacts  1662 , which can fit in openings  1624  of housing  1620 . Shield  1630  can include slot  1636  to allow passage of flexible circuit board  1670 . A back side  1638  of shield  1630  can be soldered to a back portion  1664  of bracket  1660  at locations  1639  (shown in  FIG. 16 .) Shield  1630  can further include tabs  1634 . Tabs  1634  can be used in securing connector receptacle  1600  in place in an electronic device (not shown) housing connector receptacle  1600 . 
     Contacting portions  1614  of contacts  1610  can mate with contacts  1210  of connector insert  1200  when connector insert  1200  is inserted into connector insert  1300 . This arrangement can be particularly useful in devices such as audio headphones. Data and power can be shared among two or more of the earcups (not shown) and headband (not shown) of the headphones. For example, power received at or stored in a battery in a first earcup can be provided to a second earcup. Data can also be transferred between the first and second earcups. 
     Housing  1620 , housing portion  1623 , and housing portion  1625  can be formed of plastic, nylon, or other nonconductive material. Contacts  1610 , bracket  1660 , and shield  1630  can be formed of copper, steel, bronze, or other conductive materials. One or more of these structures can be plated to protect against corrosion. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector receptacle having contacts where the contacts have contacting portions at a first end, and where the contacting portions mate with corresponding contacts of a corresponding connector insert when the connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle. The contacts can further have posts at second ends, where the posts are connected to a first end of a flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board can terminate at a second end, where the second end supports contacts that can be soldered to wires. The wires can extend from contacts at the second end of the flexible circuit board to a junction box, where the junction box can be connected to conduits or wires that further connect to circuits and components in the electronic device housing the connector receptacle. 
     The contacts, connector receptacle, and first end of the flexible circuit board can rotate relative to the device enclosure, while the second end of the flexible circuit board does not rotate. An amount of slack or excess length can be provided in the flexible circuit board between the first end of the flexible circuit board and the second end of the flexible circuit board. As the first end of the flexible circuit board rotates, the slack can be increased or decreased, depending on the direction of rotation. This can allow connections between contacts in the connector receptacle and the electronic device to be maintained as the connector receptacle rotates relative to the device enclosure. 
     The contacts, connector receptacle, flexible circuit board, and junction box can articulate relative to the device enclosure. An amount of slack can be provided in the wires between the junction box and the circuits and components in the electronic device. As the connector receptacle articulates, the slack in the wires can vary, depending on the direction of articulation. This can allow connections between contacts in the connector receptacle and circuits and components in the electronic device to be maintained as the connector receptacle articulates relative to the device enclosure. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of a connector receptacle and associated structures according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle  1600  can be included as part of connector receptacle assembly  1800 , along with connector receptacle assembly housing  1810 . Connector receptacle  1600  can include shield  1630  and flexible circuit board  1670 . Flexible circuit board  1670  can include an excess length or slack in loop  1673 . Flexible circuit board  1670  can also include loop  1671 . Flexible circuit board  1670  can attach to contacts  1610  inside shield  1630  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ) at a first end  1677 . Flexible circuit board  1670  can further include second end  1679  supporting contacts  1672 . Contacts  1672  can be soldered to ends of wires  1696 . Wires  1696  can be connected to junction box  1698 . Second end  1679  of flexible circuit board  1670  can be supported by stiffener or cowling  1690 . 
     Again, shield  1630  along with housing  1620  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) can rotate about a central axis. As shield  1630  and housing  1620  rotate, the amount of slack or excess length in loop  1673  in flexible circuit board  1670  can increase or decrease. Shield  1630 , housing  1620 , and flexible circuit board  1670 , stiffener or cowling  1690 , and junction box  1698  can also articulate through a plane through the central axis. Wires (not shown) or other conduits can be used to connect junction box  1698  to other circuits inside an electronic device that houses connector receptacle assembly  1800 . In this way, housing  1620  and shield  1630  can rotate and articulate while maintaining a connection from contacts  1610  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) to circuitry and components in the electronic device. Examples of these movements are shown in the following figures. 
       FIGS. 19-21  illustrates a rotation and articulation of a connector receptacle in a connector receptacle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 19 , housing  1620  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) and shield  1630  of connector receptacle  1600  can be rotated in a clockwise direction as shown relative to a remaining portion of connector receptacle assembly  1800 . Accordingly, a slack in loop  1673  in flexible circuit board  1670  can be reduced as more of flexible circuit board  1670  is consumed along an outside surface of shield  1630  by the clockwise rotation of first end  1677  of flexible circuit board  1670  and slot  1636  in shield  1630 . In  FIG. 20 , housing  1620  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) and shield  1630  of connector receptacle  1600  can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the remaining portion of connector receptacle assembly  1800 . Accordingly, slack in loop  1673  in flexible circuit board  1670  can be increased as less of flexible circuit board  1670  is consumed along the outside surface of shield  1630  by the counter-clockwise rotation of first end  1677  of flexible circuit board  1670  and slot  1636  in shield  1630 . In  FIG. 21 , housing  1620  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) and shield  1630  of connector receptacle  1600  can be articulated or tilted relative to a remaining portion of connector receptacle assembly  1800 . Wires (not shown) connected to junction box  1698  can connect to circuits and components in the electronic device (not shown) housing connector receptacle assembly  1800 . 
     In some circumstances, it can be disadvantageous for a connector insert to be able to easily disconnect from a connector receptacle. To guard against such an inadvertent disconnection, these and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a locking mechanism to secure a connector insert in place in a connector receptacle assembly. These locking mechanisms can be particularly useful in devices such as audio headphones. For example, a locking mechanism can prevent an inadvertent disconnection between a headband and an earcup of the audio headphones, which could otherwise be caused by a listener&#39;s activity, such as running or working out. 
     For example, a connector receptacle assembly can include a locking mechanism that locks a connector insert in place when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle assembly. The connector insert can have a sliding or otherwise movable control mechanism that can be actuated to effect a release of the connector insert from the connector receptacle assembly. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention for attaching a connector insert to a connector receptacle. This example utilizes canted spring  2210  (also referred to as a canted coil spring.) Canted spring  2210  can have the following properties: First, when canted spring  2210  is relaxed or in a groove geometry that allows the cant-direction to flip into one of two stable directions, canted spring  2210  might only provide a nominal resistance to an insertion and extraction; and second, when canted spring  2210  is in a constrained groove and compressed radially, canted spring  2210  can enter a state where canted spring  2210  provides a nominal resistance to an insertion (more specifically, a nominal resistance to movement in the same direction) and a large resistance to an extraction (more specifically, a large resistance to movement in the opposing direction). As such, when connector insert  1200  is inserted into connector receptacle  1600 , canted spring  2210  can be positioned in a constrained groove and can provide minimal insertion resistance. Once connector insert  1200  is in place in connector receptacle  1600 , so long as canted spring  2210  remains in the constrained groove, canted spring  2210  can provide a large resistance to an extraction of connector insert  1200 . This can help to avoid an inadvertent extraction of connector insert  1200  from connector receptacle  1600 . In order to release connector insert  1200 , the groove geometry can be altered, thereby allowing the cant-direction to flip on extraction reducing the resistance to the extraction of connector insert  1200 . 
     In this implementation, connector insert  2200  can include tongue  2205 , which can support contacts (not shown) for mating with contacts  1610  in connector receptacle  1600 . Connector insert  2200  can further include board  2241  and contacts  2243 . Conductors  2240  can be soldered to contacts  2243 . Connector insert  2200  can be partially encased by shell  2250 . Shell  2250  can have various widths or diameter along its length. For example, shell  2250  can have a diameter  2281  along a front portion, followed by a wider diameter  2283  at step  2252 . Sliding portion  2260  can be placed around a rear portion of shell  2250 . Spring  2270  can bias sliding portion  2260  against step  2252  of shell  2250 . Sliding portion  2260  can include a front end  2262  having diameter  2285 . 
     Connector insert  2200  can be inserted into opening  2221  in front housing  2220 . Contacts on tongue  2205  can physically and electrically connect to contacts  1610  in housing  1620  of connector receptacle  1600  when connector insert  2200  is mated with connector receptacle  1600 . Canted spring  2210  can be located in slot or groove  2222  in front housing  2220 . Housing  1620  can be shielded by shield  1630 . 
     As connector insert  2200  is inserted into connector receptacle  1600 , canted spring  2210  can first encounter shell  2250 . Since canted spring  2210  is in the relaxed state and not compressed radially in a constrained groove, only a nominal insertion force is needed to insert connector insert  2200  into connector receptacle  1600 . Step  2252  of shell  2250  can then encounter canted spring  2210 , thereby stretching canted spring  2210  over the larger diameter  2283  and compressing radially. Once canted spring  2210  reaches narrowed front end  2262  of sliding portion  2260 , connector insert  2200  is fully inserted into connector receptacle  1600 . At this position, canted spring  2210  enters a constrained groove and can provide a significant resistance to an extraction of connector insert  2200 . This state is shown further in the following figure. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a connector insert held in place in a connector receptacle by a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  2200  has been fully inserted into connector receptacle  1600 . Contacts on tongue  2205  of connector insert  2200  can physically and electrically connect to contacts  1610  in connector receptacle  1600 . Canted spring  2210  can be located in slot or groove  2222  in front housing  2220 . Canted spring  2210  can be stretched to an inside width or diameter  2285  by a front end  2262  of sliding portion  2260 . Spring  2270  can bias front end  2262  of sliding portion  2260  against step  2252  of shell  2250 . 
     Connector insert  2200  can be extracted from connector receptacle  1600  by sliding portion  2260  away from step  2252 . This can allow canted spring  2210  to relax to the diameter of  2287  into a larger groove shaped to allow the cant-direction to flip upon extraction and cause canted spring  2210  to provide only a nominal resistance to the extraction of connector insert  2200  from connector receptacle  1600 . Once connector insert  2200  has been fully extracted from connector receptacle  1600 , canted spring  2210  can be in a relaxed state and can provide a nominal resistance to the next insertion of connector insert  2200 . 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a sliding mechanism can move an interference structure into a position where it interferes with an extraction of a connector insert from a connector receptacle. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  2400  can include a tongue  1205  supporting contacts  1210 . A sliding mechanism  2422  can be located in housing  2410 . Sliding mechanism  2422  can be moved between two positions. When sliding mechanism  2422  is in a first position, interference structure  2430  can be flush or recessed below a surface of housing  2410 . When sliding mechanism  2422  is in a second position, interference structure  2430  can extend the above a surface of housing  2410 , thereby providing an interference fit with a corresponding structure on a connector receptacle (not shown) in order to prevent an inadvertent extraction of the connector insert from the connector receptacle. 
       FIG. 25  is a cutaway side-view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  2400  has been inserted into connector receptacle  2500 , but is not yet been locked in place. In this example, sliding mechanism  2422  of locking mechanism  2420  can be in a forward position in opening  2412 . Interference structure  2430 , shown here as a sphere, can be located in recess  2426  behind ramp  2424  of locking mechanism  2420 . Interference structure  2430  can be located in notch  2413  in housing  2410 . Interference structure  2430  can be aligned with notch  2510  in housing  2520  of connector receptacle  2500 . In order to lock connector insert  2400  in place in connector receptacle  2500 , sliding mechanism  2422  can be slid backward in opening  2412 . This can force interference structure  2430  to slide up ramp  2424  of locking mechanism  2420  and into notch  2510 . This can cause an interference fit preventing an accidental extraction of connector insert  2400  from connector receptacle  2500 . This locked state is shown further in the following figure. 
       FIG. 26  is a cutaway side-view illustrating a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, sliding mechanism  2422  has been slid backward in opening  2412 . This backward movement of locking mechanism  2420  can force interference structure  2430  up ramp  2424  to position  2428 . In this configuration, interference structure  2430  can extend the above a surface of housing  2410  and can extend into notch  2510  in housing  2520  of connector receptacle  2500 . The extension of interference structure  2430  into notch  2510  can provide an interference fit between connector insert  2400  and connector receptacle  2500 , thereby a helping to prevent an accidental extraction of connector insert  2400  from connector receptacle  2500 . 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide other locking mechanisms where a locking mechanism locks a connector insert in place when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle assembly. To release the connector insert, the connector insert can be rotated beyond an expected range (overturned) whereupon the connector insert can be released. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a portion  2790  of a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) can be inserted into connector receptacle locking assembly  2700 . Connector receptacle locking assembly  2700  can include front housing  2710  having extensions  2712 . Extensions  2712  can be used to secure a connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600 , to connector receptacle locking assembly  2700 . Connector receptacle locking assembly  2700  can further include bearing  2720  having stop  2722 . Clip carrier  2740  can support clip  2730 . Clip  2730  can be spot or laser welded to clip carrier  2740  at locations  2732 . Clip  2730  can include wide portion  2734  and interference portion  2736  (shown in  FIG. 29 .) Interference portion  2736  can fit in a slot or groove (not shown) in connector insert portion  2790  to lock connector insert portion  2790  in place in connector receptacle locking assembly  2700 . 
     Bearing  2720  can pivot about axis  2724  relative to device enclosure  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and front housing  2710  can rotate axially in bearing  2720  relative to device enclosure  110 . This arrangement allow connector insert portion  2790 , or other connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  in  FIG. 13 , to move relative to device enclosure  110 . For example, connector insert  1200  can rotate relative to device enclosure  110  and bearing  2720  about its primary axis. Connector insert  1200  can also tilt or articulate about axis  2724  relative to device enclosure  110 . A connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), can be attached to extensions  2712  of front housing  2710  and can rotate and articulate along with connector insert  1200 . In such a configuration, bearing  2720  can be a moment-compensator bearing. 
     Connector insert portion  2790  can have a front tapered edge  2792  that can deflect interference portion  2736  of clip  2730 , thereby allowing an insertion of connector insert portion  2790 . Once locked in place, clip  2730  can act to retain connector insert portion  2790  in place in connector receptacle locking assembly  2700 . To remove connector insert portion  2790 , connector insert portion  2790  can be rotated until wide portion  2734  of clip  2730  reaches stop  2722  of bearing  2720 . A further rotation (referred to as an overturn) beyond this point can cause clip  2730  to distort and can cause interference portion  2736  to be pulled out of the slot or groove in connector insert portion  2790 , thereby allowing connector insert portion  2790  to be extracted from connector receptacle locking assembly  2700 . Examples of this are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 28A-28C  illustrate the operation of the overturn lock of  FIG. 27 . In  FIG. 28A , clip  2730  can be at a normal position and wide portion  2734  of clip  2730  can be away from stop  2722  of bearing  2720 . In  FIG. 28B , connector insert portion  2790  can be turned, in this example approximately 90 degrees, until wide portion  2734  of clip  2730  reaches stop  2722  of bearing  2720 .  FIG. 28C  shows that with further overturning, clip  2730  can begin to distort. Interference portion  2736  can be pushed by this distortion out of a groove (not shown) in connector insert portion  2790  (shown in  FIG. 26 .) 
       FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 27 . In this example, connector receptacle locking assembly  2700  can include front housing  2710 . Front housing  2710  can include alignment portion  2718  for mating with features  3748  of clip carrier  2740 . Front housing  2710  can further include a slot  2713  through which interference portion  2736  can fit when it is located in a groove slot on a corresponding connector insert (not shown.) Front housing  2710  can further include extensions  2712 . A connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) can be attached to extensions  2712 . 
     Connector receptacle locking assembly  2700  can further include bearing  2720  having passage  2723  for accepting front housing  2710 . Bearing  2720  can further include stop  2722 . Clip carrier  2740  can include raised features  2742  and  2746  separated by gaps  2745  and  2747 . Clip  2730  can be placed on clip carrier  2740  and spot or laser welded to clip carrier  2740  as shown in  FIG. 27 . Clip portions  2735  and  2737  can fit in gaps  2745  and  2747  of clip carrier  2740 . Interference portion  2736  can be placed inside of raised portion  2746 . Wide portion  2734  can be at an opposite end of clip  2730  away from where clip  2730  is attached to clip carrier  2740 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates another locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle locking assembly  3000  can include front housing  3010  and bearing  3020 . Connector receptacle locking assembly  3000  can further include compression plate  3050  and disk spring  3060  (shown in  FIG. 32 .) Similar to the example shown in  FIG. 27 , connector receptacle locking assembly  3000  can further include clip carrier  3040  and clip  3030 . 
     As before, clip  3030  can be spot or laser-welded to clip carrier  3040 . Clip  3030  can include a wide portion  3034  and interference portion  3036 . Joining portions  3035  and  3037  of clip  3030  can fit in gaps between raised features  3042  and  3046  on clip carrier  3040 . Interference portion  3036  can fit in a groove or slot on a connector insert (not shown) via cutout  3012  in front housing  3010  to help to retain the connector insert in connector receptacle locking assembly  3000 . 
     Bearing  3020  can pivot about axis  3024  relative to device enclosure  110  and front housing  3010  can rotate axially in bearing  3020  relative to device enclosure. This arrangement allow a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  in  FIG. 13 , to move relative to device enclosure  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) For example, connector insert  1200  can rotate relative to device enclosure  110  and bearing  3020  about its primary axis. Connector insert  1200  can also tilt or articulate about axis  3024  relative to device enclosure  110 . A connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), can be attached to a rear of front housing  3010  and can rotate and articulate along with connector insert  1200 . In such a configuration, bearing  3020  can be a moment-compensator bearing. 
     Front housing  3010  can include flat portion  3015  that can mate with flat portion  3045  of clip carrier  3040 . As a connector insert (not shown) that is inserted into connector receptacle locking assembly  3000  is rotated, wide portion  3034  of clip  3030  can reach stop  3022  of bearing  3020 . As the connector insert is rotated beyond this point, clip  3030  can distort. As before, this can cause interference portion  3036  to extract from the slot in the connector insert, thereby allowing the connector insert to be extracted from connector receptacle locking assembly  3000 . 
     In some circumstances, it can be desirable to increase a force necessary to overturn front housing  3010  and distort clip  3030 . Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide structures that increase friction as this overturning occurs. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIGS. 31A-31B  illustrate a structure for generating friction during overturn of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 31A , clip carrier  3040  can include notch  3049  for accepting ramp  3052  on compression plate  3050 . In  FIG. 31B , compression plate  3050  can be held in place as clip carrier  3040  rotates. This can cause ramp  3052  to push clip carrier  3040  away from compression plate  3050 , thereby increasing a friction resisting further rotation of clip carrier  3040 . 
       FIG. 32  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle locking assembly of  FIG. 30 . Connector receptacle locking assembly  3000  can include front housing  3010  and bearing  3020 . Bearing  3020  can include stop  3022 . Clip  3030  can include interference portion  3036  and wide portion  3034 . Clip  3030  can be held in place by clip carrier  3040 . As shown above, clip  3030  can mate with raised features  3042  and  3046  on clip carrier  3040 . Compression plate  3050  can include ramp  3052 , which can fit in notch  3049  on a back surface of clip carrier  3040 . Disk spring  3060  can provide a compression force on compression plate  3050 . 
     Again, this example utilizes an increasing friction force to limit the overturning of a connector insert in a connector receptacle assembly. Instead of friction, these and other embodiments can use other forces, such as a spring force. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a connector receptacle locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle locking assembly  3300  can include front housing  3310 , bearing  3320 , clip carrier  3040 , clip  3030 , and springs  3362 . Instead of compression plate  3050  used in the above example, springs  3362  can be used to provide an increasing spring resistance as a connector insert (not shown) that is inserted into connector receptacle locking assembly  3300  is overturned. 
     Bearing  3320  can pivot about axis  3324  relative to device enclosure  110  and front housing  3310  can rotate axially in bearing  3320  relative to device enclosure. This arrangement allow a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  in  FIG. 13 , to move relative to device enclosure  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) For example, connector insert  1200  can rotate relative to device enclosure  110  and bearing  3020  about its primary axis. Connector insert  1200  can also tilt or articulate about axis  3324  relative to device enclosure  110 . A connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), can be attached to a rear of front housing  3310  and can rotate and articulate along with connector insert  1200 . In such a configuration, bearing  3320  can be a moment-compensator bearing. 
     This spring resistance can be provided by springs  3362  and spring limiters  3326 . Spring limiters  3326  can be tabs or projections from a rear surface of bearing  3320 . As before, as the connector insert is overturned, wide portion  3334  of clip  3330  can reach stop  3322  of bearing  3320 . Further overturning can distort clip  3330 , thereby forcing interference feature  3336  out of a slot or groove on the connector insert, thereby allowing the connector insert to be removed from connector receptacle locking assembly  3300 . Also as the connector insert is overturned, a spring force provided by springs  3362  can increase. In this way, a deliberate effort can be required to remove the connector insert from connector receptacle locking assembly  3300 . 
       FIG. 34  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle locking assembly of  FIG. 33 . Connector receptacle locking assembly  3300  can include front housing  3310  and bearing  3320 . Bearing  3320  can include stop  3322  and spring limiters  3326 . Springs  3362  can extend from spring assembly  3360 . Clip  3330  can include interference feature  3336  and wide portion  3334  and can fit with raised features  3342  and  3346  on clip carrier  3040 . Washer  3370  can be utilized to provide spacing in order to prevent binding between springs  3362  at a rear surface of clip carrier  3340 . 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide other locking mechanisms that use a locking mechanism such as a latch to lock a connector insert in place when a connector insert is inserted into a connector receptacle assembly. To release the connector insert, a sliding mechanism can be actuated to move the latch, whereupon the connector insert can be released. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates a connector receptacle locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle locking assembly  3500  can include front housing  3510  having extensions  3512 . Extension  3512  can be secured to a connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600  (shown in  FIG. 16 .) Connector receptacle locking assembly  3500  can further include bearing  3520 . Latch collar  3540  can be attached to bearing  3520 . Latch collar  3540  can support latch  3550 . Latch  3550  can be opened and closed using cable  3560 . That is, latch  3550  can be moved between a closed position and an open position. When latch  3550  is in the closed position, latch  3550  can fit in a groove or slot in a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  (shown in  FIG. 13 ), thereby securing connector insert  1200  in place in connector receptacle locking assembly  3500 . When latch  3550  is in the open position, latch  3550  is clear of the groove or slot in connector insert  1200  and connector insert  1200  can be inserted or extracted. 
     Pulling on cable  3560  can lift point  3552  of latch  3550  in an upward direction as shown to the open position, thereby allowing a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) to be inserted and extracted from connector receptacle locking assembly  3500 . To effectuate the movement of latch  3550  to the open position, latch  3550  can pivot about point  3553  (shown in  FIG. 37 ) on a first end of latch  3550  to allow point  3552  on a second end of latch  3550  to move upward through slot  3542  in latch collar  3540 . Releasing cable  3560  can allow point  3552  to move downward as shown, thereby moving latch  3550  to the closed position. When connector insert  1200  is inserted into connector receptacle locking assembly  3500 , moving latch  3550  into the closed position can place latch  3550  in a groove or slot in connector inset  1200 , thereby locking connector insert  1200  in place in connector receptacle locking assembly  3500 . Cable  3560  can be protected by sleeve  3569  to reduce friction induced wear. 
     Bearing  3520  can pivot about axis  3524  relative to device enclosure  110  and front housing  3510  can rotate axially in bearing  3520  relative to device enclosure. This arrangement can allow a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200 , to move relative to device enclosure  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) For example, connector insert  1200  can rotate relative to device enclosure  110  and bearing  3520  about its primary axis. Connector insert  1200  can also tilt or articulate about axis  3524  relative to device enclosure  110 . A connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600 , can be attached to extensions  3512  of front housing  3510  and can rotate and articulate along with connector insert  1200 . In such a configuration, bearing  3520  can be a moment-compensator bearing. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, cable  3560  can be attached to a sliding mechanism on a device enclosure for an electronic device that also supports connector receptacle locking assembly  3500 . An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates the connector receptacle locking assembly of  FIG. 35  along with a portion of a device enclosure according to an embodiment of the present illustrates the invention. In this example, cable  3560  can terminate at a first end  3564  connected to sliding mechanism  3610 . Sliding mechanism  3610  can move between a first position and a second position in opening  3612  in device enclosure  3620 . Cable  3650  can terminate at a second end  3562 . Second end  3562  can provide a force to point  3552 , which can open latch  3550  (shown in  FIG. 35 ) as sliding mechanism  3610  moves to an open position. In this example, sliding mechanism  3610  is shown in the first position and latch  3550  (shown in  FIG. 35 ) is closed. Moving sliding mechanism  3610  in opening  3612  to the second position can pull on cable  3560 , which can pull upward on point  3552 , thereby moving latch  3550  in slot  3542  to the open position in connector receptacle locking assembly  3500 . 
       FIG. 37  is an exploded view of the connector receptacle locking assembly  FIG. 35 . Connector receptacle locking assembly  3500  can include front housing  3510  for accepting a connector insert, such as connector insert  1200  (shown in  FIG. 1200 ). Front housing  3510  can include extension  3512 , which can support a connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1600  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). Front housing  3510  can mate with bearing  3520 . Latch collar  3540  can fit over rear portion  3514  of front housing  3510 . Latch collar  3540  can include slot  3542  for guiding latch  3550 . Latch  3550  can rotate about point  3553  when point  3552  is pulled on by second end  3562  of cable  3560 . A nut or other fastener  3570  can secure latch collar  3540  to front housing  3510 . Cable  3560  can be protected by sleeve  3569 . 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector structures that can be implemented in both a connector receptacle and a connector insert. This dual utilization can reduce tooling and design costs since one structure can be used for both the connector receptacle and the connector insert. These connector structures can be symmetrical or otherwise configured such that two such structures can mate when they are placed in opposition and one structure is rotated relative to the other, for example by 90 degree, 180 degrees, or other angle. 
     The contacts of these dual-use connector structures can have various configurations. Contacts in a connector can mate with corresponding contacts in a corresponding connector, where the contacts and corresponding contacts have mating features such that they form an electrical connection when the connector and corresponding connector are mated. These mating features can be interlocking features, mating surface features, or other features that provide an electrical connection between contacts. For example, contacts formed as pins or prongs in a connector can mate by interlocking with forked contacts in a corresponding connector. In another example, contacts formed as pins or prongs in a connector can mate with contacts having recessed surfaces in corresponding connector. 
     These different contacts can be symmetrically located in connector structures that are used in both a connector insert and a connector receptacle. The different contacts can be arranged in an alternating fashion in an array, radially, or in another configuration. For example, a connector structure can have contacts in a two-by-two array or radial configuration, where contacts having first mating features are located in opposing corners of the array or radial configuration, and contacts having second mating features are located in the remaining corners of the array or radial configuration. Where contacts having the first interlocking features have a different size than contacts having the second interlocking features, the overall size of the connector structure can be reduced by placing these two types of contacts in an alternating manner. 
     In one example, a connector structure can include two contacts formed as pins or prongs can be placed in opposing corners, while two forked contacts can be placed in the remaining corners. In another example, a connector structure can include two contacts formed as pins or prongs can be placed in opposing corners, while two contacts having mating recesses can be placed in the remaining corners. Such a connector structure can be mated with an identical connector structure when they are placed in opposition and one is rotated 90 degrees relative to the other. Examples of such connector structures are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a connector insert and a connector receptacle utilizing a common connector structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  3800  can include a connector structure comprising contacts  3810 , contacts  3820 , and housing  3830 . Connector receptacle  3900  can include an identical or similar connector structure comprising contacts  3910 , contacts  3920 , and housing  3930 . 
     Connector insert  3800  can be mated with connector receptacle  3900  by inserting shell  3850  of connector insert  3800  into opening  3952  in housing  3950  of connector receptacle  3900 . Shell  3850  can be conductive and can electrically connect to ground contacts  3954  in housing  3950 . In this way, shell  3850  can form a ground path from a first electronic device (not shown) supporting connector insert  3800  to a second electronic device (not shown) housing connector receptacle  3900 . 
     In connector insert  3800 , housing  3830  can support contacts  3810  and contacts  3820 . Contacts  3810  can include wire terminals  3814 . Wires (not shown) from the first electronic device supporting connector insert  3800  and can be crimped, soldered, or otherwise fixed to wire terminals  3814 . Contacts  3810  can further include a contacting portion  3812 . In this example, contacting portion  3812  can be a mating feature having a prong or pin shape. Contacts  3820  can include wire terminals  3824 . Wires (not shown) from the first electronic device supporting connector insert  3800  can be crimped soldered, or otherwise fixed to wire terminals  3824 . Contacts  3820  can further include contacting portions (not shown), which can be the same as contacting portions  3922  of contacts  3920 . 
     In connector receptacle  3900 , housing  3930  can support contacts  3910  and contacts  3920 . Contacts  3910  can include wire terminals  3914 . Wires (not shown) from the second electronic device housing connector receptacle  3900  can be crimped, soldered, or otherwise fixed to wire terminals  3914 . Contacts  3910  can further include a contacting portion  3912 . In this example, contacting portion  3912  can be a mating feature having a prong or pin shape. Contacts  3920  can include wire terminals  3924 . Wires (not shown) from the second electronic device supporting connector receptacle  3900  can be crimped soldered, or otherwise fixed to wire terminals  3924 . Contacts  3920  can further include contacting portions  3922 , which can be a mating feature having a forked shape. 
     In this example, when connector insert  3800  is mated with connector receptacle  3900 , the prong or pin-shaped contacting portions  3812  of contacts  3810  can fit in and contact with forked-shaped contacting portions  3922  of contacts  3920 . Contacting portions  3812  of contacts  3810  can access contacting portions  3922  of contacts  3920  via passages  3932  in housing  3930 . Similarly, the prong or pin-shaped contacting portions  3912  of contacts  3910  can fit in and contact with forked-shaped contacting portions (not shown) of contacts  3820 . In this way, data, power, and other electronic signals can be shared between the first electronic device and the second electronic device through a path including wires in the first electronic device, contacts  3810  and contacts  3820 , contacts  3910 , contacts  3920 , and wires in the second electronic device. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a connection between a connector insert and a connector receptacle, each utilizing a common connector structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  3800  can include housing  3830  inside shell  3850 . Housing  3830  can support contacts  3810 . Contacts  3810  can include wire terminals  3814 . Wires (not shown) in a first electronic device (not shown) supporting connector insert  3800  can be crimped, soldered, or otherwise fixed to wire terminals  3814 . Contacts  3810  can further include contacting portions  3812 , shown in this example as having prong or pin shaped mating features. 
     Contacting portions  3812  can fit in and mate with contacting portions  3922  of contacts  3920 , which in this example can have fork-shaped mating portions. Contacts  3920  can further include wire terminals  3924 . Wire terminals  3924  can be connected to wires (not shown) in a second electronic device housing connector receptacle  3900 . Connector receptacle  3900  can further include housing  3950 , which can support housing  3930 . Housing  3930  can be formed around and can support contacts  3910 . 
     Connector insert  3800  can further include contacts  3820 , which can be the same as or similar to contacts  3920  in connector receptacle  3900 . Similarly, connector receptacle  3900  can further include contacts  3910 , which can be the same or similar to contacts  3810  in connector insert  3800 . 
       FIG. 40  illustrates another connector portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated connector portion can be used in both a connector insert and a connector receptacle, such as connector insert  3800  and connector receptacle  3900  (shown in  FIG. 38 .) In this example, contacts  4020  can be utilized in place of contacts  3820  (or  3920 ), and have a different mating feature for contacting portion  4022 , as compared to the mating feature of contacting portion  3822  of contacts  3820 . Specifically, in this example, contacting portion  4022  can include a recessed mating feature, as opposed to the fork-shaped mating feature of contacts  3820  (and  3920 .) 
     In this example, housing  3830  can support contacts  3810  and contacts  4020 . Housing  3830  can be formed of plastic, nylon, or other nonconductive material. Housing  3830  can be insert or injection molded around contacts  3810  and contacts  4020 . Contacts  3810  and contacts  4020  can be formed of copper, brass, steel, or other conductive material. Contacts  3810  can be plated, for example to improve conductivity and reduce corrosion. Contacts  3810  can include wire terminals  3814  and contacting portions  3812  having a prong or pin shaped mating feature. Contacts  4020  can include wire terminal portions  4024  and contacting portion  4022 , again having a recessed mating feature. A corresponding contact in a corresponding connector portion can mate with contacting portion  4022  of contact  4020  via opening  3832  in housing  3830 . The insertion of a prong-shaped mating feature into opening  3832  can provide friction to help to secure a connector insert in place in a corresponding connector receptacle. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a front view of a connector portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, housing  3830  can support contacts having contacting portions  4022  and  3812 . Contacting portions  4022  can include a recessed portion  4023 . 
     In this example, contacting portions  4012  and  3812  can be arranged in a two-by-two array, which can be the same as contacting portions  4012  and  3812  being radially placed 90° from each other. As shown, a cross-section area of contacting portion  3812  can be smaller than a cross-section of contacting portion  4012 . This reduced cross-section area can allow a spacing  4120  between opposing contacting portions to be reduced while maintaining spacing  4010  between adjacent contacting portions. This can provide for connector portions having a smaller cross-sectional area as compared to a connector portion having four contacting portions  4022 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, contacts, ground rings, shield, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacles and connector inserts can be formed by stamping, forging, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The 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 electroless nickel, nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as the housings and other structures 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, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles, connector receptacle assemblies, and connector inserts that can be located in, or can connect to, various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices such as smart watches, headphones, earbuds, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, audio devices, video delivery systems, adapters, styluses, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles and connector inserts can provide pathways for signals that are compliant with various standards such as one of the Universal Serial Bus standards including USB Type-C, 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. Other embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that can be used to provide a reduced set of functions for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these connector receptacles and connector inserts can be used to convey power, ground, signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. 
     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: 20200916
Publication Date: 20220920
Grant Date: 20220920
Priority Date: 20200916
Inventors: Soohoo, Eric T.
AMINI, MAHMOUD R.
BLOOM, DANIEL R.
MCINTOSH, Sean T.
LI, TIAN SHI
KOLE, JARED M.
LEBLANC, JASON JOSEPH
ELY, COLIN M.
CAMERON, Peter J.
KINNEY, MICHAEL A.
JOL, ERIC S.
SIAHAAN, EDWARD
ZUPKE, Robert D.
GUPTA, ROHAN
FRANCIS, JORDAN J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6658", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/422", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6315", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6595", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/774", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/714", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R39/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/422", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/774", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R39/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 73856549