Latching electrical connector

Abstract

 A connector assembly for interconnecting conductive members with an electronic device (21), such as a cellular telephone, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a receptacle (22) and a plug (23,24) that are mated together. The receptacle is operatively engaged to the electronic device. The receptacle may comprise at least one latch socket which uses ramps to tightly hold a plug with the receptacle. The receptacle may provide a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart contact pads (31). A rib (29,30) and channel (27,28) cooperatively engage each other in a tight fitting relationship to hold the contact pads of the receptacle in electrical communication with contact elements of a plug.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electrical connectors. In particular, the invention is directed to connectors for interconnecting conductive members that employ a latching mechanism.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Prior art methods are known for interconnecting electronic devices with power and data transmitting units. Electronics, such as cellular telephones, employ various types of connectors to provide secure and reliable electrical communications between power or data sources and receivers and the cellular telephone device itself.

[0003] In the past, various types of connections have been employed in cellular telephones. Connections must provide a mechanical system or apparatus that is capable of reliably, but reversibly, facilitating electrical communication between sources of power and a telephone handset. These connections are needed to charge the battery in the telephone, for example. Additionally, connections must be made to provide for data input and output into and from the telephone to allow electrical communication for various input signals that are used in cellular telephones.

[0004] One problem with such connections is that after repeated interconnnections, plastic or non-metallic parts become worn, and at some point such parts cease to provide a crisp and reliable interconnection. Further, many connection apparatus are not adapted to facilitate maintenance in the event of excessive wear, and the entire subassembly must be discarded if one key connection component becomes excessively worn such that the electrical connection is not firmly established.

[0005] An additional problem with such connections is that they must be mechanically sound to absorb shocks and jolts. Electronic devices are frequently accidentally dropped and physically abused, and thus any such connection must be physically rigorous to withstand the demands of an electronic appliance. Cellular telephones, for example, are specifically designed for mobile use, and are frequently carried in automobiles, briefcases, purses, and the like. This type of constant use often generates mechanical strain on the device.

[0006] Other prior art connection mechanisms are operated by squeezing or pinching together flexible hooks or engaging mechanisms during insertion of a plug into an electronic device. Many such mechanisms operate by facilitating the movement of such hooks back into their original shape once the engaging mechanisms are linked, thereby securing the connection. Connections of this type require significant manual dexterity to operate efficiently. Furthermore, such mechanisms are sometimes difficult to operate for persons with impaired dexterity or sight, and thus may be difficult to use in some instances.

[0007] It would be highly desirable to provide a connection apparatus that reliably secures data and power connections to electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, in a reversible manner. Connection apparatus that is easy to operate and requires little manual dexterity is preferred. Furthermore, it would be very desirable to provide a connection mechanism that is unlikely to deteriorate by undergoing high frequency use. An apparatus that is capable of receiving maintenance or replacement of worn components, thereby avoiding the need to discard entire electronic assemblies upon excessive wear of one critical component, would be useful. Also, a connection apparatus that provides a constant pressure or tension to hold together electrical contacts in a secure and firm connection is desired.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical connector that is particularly suited for interconnecting data or power plugs with an electronic device.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector with a reliable latching means that firmly secures a plug to a receptacle in an electronic device.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a latching system that reliably holds electrical contacts in secure engagement, but may be released easily and reliably when necessary.

[0011] A further object of this invention is to provide a means for reliably maintaining such connector apparatus, to enable repair or replacement of worn parts by avoiding the need to discard entire subassemblies due to excessive wear on the latching apparatus of the subassembly.

[0012] A further object of this invention is to provide a latching mechanism that does not rely upon manually squeezing or pinching together flexible components to mate the latching mechanism to an electronic device.

[0013] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, a connector assembly for securely interconnecting conductive members is provided with an electronic device. The connector assembly provides a receptacle, the receptacle being operatively engaged to an electronic device. The receptacle further comprises at least one contact socket. The receptacle further includes a rib. The receptacle comprises a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart contact pads positioned along the length of said receptacle. Additionally, the receptacle includes a plug, the plug comprising at least one channel adapted to operatively engage a rib of the receptacle. The plug further comprises a plurality of connector elements adapted to engage said spaced apart contact pad positions defined along said receptacle. A channel also is adapted for receiving the rib against an inner surface of the channel. Typically, the channel and rib are configured to cooperatively engage in a secure reversible fit to bias the connector elements in operative engagement with the contact pads.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the connector assembly comprises a multipurpose plug having a power plug and a data plug which are electrically separate but are provided in combination. The connector assembly also includes an electronic device to which the assembly is secured, such as a telephone. The connector assembly also may be provided with at least two channels.

[0016] A connector assembly having at least two ribs or channels is provided in one aspect of the invention. The connector assembly includes ramped faces which are provided on the receptacle to facilitate secure mating of the receptacle with the plug. In another embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises a deflecting means, said deflecting means being capable of deflecting laterally and then springing back into position to secure a rib into a channel.

[0017] In some applications, the connector rib is molded into said receptacle. In other applications, the rib comprises a hardened insert that is capable of periodic replacement. Some applications employ a metal rib.

[0018] Some applications of the invention comprise a power plug and a data plug. In those applications, the power and data plug cooperate to form an engaging surface along which said connector elements engage said connector pads. Further, the power plug and data plug each comprise at least one channel along the engaging surface.

[0019] The connector assembly also provides a data plug which is adapted to transmit and receive signals representing data to and from the data plug to the receptacle. In one application, the connector assembly provides a power plug that is adapted to provide power to the receptacle.

[0020] A connector assembly is also provided in which the rib is located on the plug, and the channel is located on the receptacle. In some applications, there are numerous ribs and channels which interconnect to each other.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, a method of interconnecting a plurality of conductive members to an electronic device is provided comprising a receptacle, the receptacle being operatively engaged to an electronic device. Further, the receptacle includes a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart electrical contact pads positioned along said receptacle. A plug is also provided, the plug comprising a plurality of connector elements adapted to engage said spaced apart contact pad positions defined along said receptacle. In one invention, an elongate rib is provided that is curved along its outer surface. The rib is provided with a channel for operative engagement with said rib. The rib is pressed into the channel, which facilitates the mating of the plug with the receptacle. The rib and channel are configured to cooperatively engage each other to secure the connector elements in operative engagement with the contact pads.

[0022] A cellular telephone having connectors as described above is also presented as one aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] A full and enabling disclosure of this invention, including the best mode shown to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in this specification. The following Figures illustrate the invention:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention showing the horizontal configuration in which the receptacle and the plug are located on the end of a cellular telephone handset;

Figure 2 depicts the handset shown in Figure 1 wherein the plug has been placed into the receptacle;

Figure 3A shows a cross-section of the connector taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 3B shows the receptacle and plug beginning mating contact;

Figure 3C shows the receptacle and plug in further contact wherein a deflective means is working to engage at least one rib with at least one channel;

Figure 3D shows the receptacle and plug of the invention in a fully seated configuration, in which ribs and channels are mated in a secure fit;

Figure 4 shows the typical horizontal configuration of the connector associated with a cellular telephone;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the forty-five degree angle orientation of the invention in a further embodiment;

Figure 6 shows still a further embodiment of the invention having a vertical configuration with the receptacle along the long axis of the telephone;

Figure 7 shows an alternative configuration of the invention in which the receptacle mates with a plug that has only five contact pads on a data plug and only two contact pads on a power plug; and

Figure 8 reveals a further aspect of the invention in which the ribs used in connection with the receptacle comprise inserts which are physically attached to the molded material of the receptacle.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in this invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or are obvious from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.

[0025] Turning to Figure 1, one example of the invention reveals a telephone with latching system 20 is shown comprising a telephone handset 21 and a receptacle 22. The receptacle 22 is mated with a plug, comprising a power plug 23 and data plug 24 shown on the left side of Figure 1. An electrical bus 25 carries signals into and from the data plug 24. Several connector elements are shown along the length of the plug, and one representative example is connector element 26. In this particular application, the connector element 26 is flexible, and engages a corresponding contact pad 31 located on the receptacle 22. In all, there are ten contact elements on the data plug 24 in this particular embodiment, and two contact elements located on the power plug 23 shown in Figure 1. However, other embodiments could have any number of contact elements. These twelve contact elements of the plugs mate with twelve contact pads of the receptacle. The plug further contains an upper channel 27 and a lower channel 28 which interacts, respectively with an upper rib 29 and a lower rib 30. The upper rib 29 and lower rib 30 are located on the receptacle 22. In a typical application, the receptacle is made of a molded plastic material which is capable of slight deformation under pressure that enables a "snap-fit" of the plug into the receptacle by the application of a predetermined amount of force. Commonly used materials include nylon, glass reinforced plastic, and polymers such as polypropylene. Thus, the plug and receptacle can be mated with ribs of the receptacle aligned within the channels of the plug. The receptacle and plug then may be pulled apart by a second application of sufficient force. A power cord 32 provides electrical energy to the power plug 23. The latch socket 33 is the space between the upper rib 29 and lower rib 30 on the receptacle 22. The latch socket actually receives the power plug 23 and data plug 24 as they are mated into the receptacle 22.

[0026] In Figure 2, the receptacle 22 has been mated with the power plug 23 and data plug 24. Thus, Figure 2 shows a cellular phone handset as one example of the invention with a connector which is provided in Figure 1, except that the connector is mated into its connected position. Line 3-3 is shown as a dotted line across the width (or depth) of the connector, which forms a cross-section shown in Figures 3A-3D.

[0027] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the initial stages involved in mating the connectors of the invention. The progression from Figure 3A through Figure 3D shows the receptacle 22 coming further in contact with the data plug 24 (identical to power plug 23) until they are securely mated as shown in Figure 3D.

[0028] In Figure 3A, a lower slot 40 is located immediately behind lower rib 30 as seen in cross-section. Ramp face 41 of the receptacle 22 is configured to mate with ramp face 42 of the data power plug 24. The ramp faces combine to interlock the receptacle 22 with the data or power plug 24, helping to keep the connection mated even while forces are acting on the connector. The body 43 of the data or power plug 24 is shown on the left side of Figure 3A.

[0029] In Figure 3B, the connector element 26 has moved closer to the ramp face 41 which contains the contact pad for electrical conductivity. Further, the ramp face 42, as shown in Figure 3B, actually strikes the upper rib 29 and lower rib 30 in frictional contact. The upper channel 27 and lower channel 28 are moving closer to the ribs 29 and 30, respectively.

[0030] In Figure 3C, a deflected upper lip 44 and a deflected lower lip 45 have been moved to the side by the intrusion of the ramp face 42 of the power of the data plug 24 into the socket of the receptacle 22. The upper and lower lips on the receptacle are deflected, being pushed out. In most cases, the receptacle is made of a plastic or polymeric material, but can be made of a variety of materials that are capable of bending to some extent, and then moving back into position to snap-fit the receptacle to the plug.

[0031] In Figure 3D, a seated upper receptacle lip 44 is seen at the upper portion of Figure 3D, and a seated lower receptacle lip 45 is seen at the lower portion of the Figure 3D. Even when fully inserted, wherein the ramp face 41 has contacted ramp face 42, there still remains a nominal gap between the receptacle 22 and the body of the data plug 24. The upper seated gap 48 and the lower seated gap 49 are seen in Figure 3D. Further, a circuit board connector slot 50 is seen at the back of the connector. This circuit board connector slot 50 is the engagement point for a typical circuit board within the handset of the telephone.

[0032] In some embodiments, the data plug may have two sets of electrical contact elements, such as shown by the embodiment of Figure 1. However, any number of sets may be used in the practive of the invention. Figure 1 shows two sets of five contact pads on the data plug 24, and one set of two pads on the power plug 23. However, it is possible to have only one set of contact pad elements on the data plug, as shown in Figure 7, or to have more or less than five contact pads in each set. Further, the number of contact pads in each power plug may be more or less than two. The number of contacts provided for interconnection in each power and data plug is dictated by the power and data requirements of the electronic device that the connector is associated with at a given time, and may vary among different devices, or even different models of the same type of electronic device.

[0033] It should be understood as well that the connectors of this invention are useful with many different types of electronic devices, including many different types of hand held or portable electronic or static devices. Also, the invention is particularly useful with portable telephones, and for that reason many of the examples depicted in the Figures show cellular telephones. However, the connector assemblies of this invention are useful with many other types of electronic devices having an unlimited number of configurations.

[0034] The ribs and channels that form the latch of the invention may assume various geometrical shapes, including elongated hoops, ovals, circles, spheres, and rectangular elongated shapes. There is no limit to the number of different configurations that can work to serve as a latch in this invention. Further, various materials may be used to construct the receptacles and plugs of this invention, including plastic, elastomers, polymers, wood and metals. In general, some flexibility is required to form a deflecting means that is capable of flexing to facilitate a "snap fit" device that may be pulled apart by the application of force in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0035] The latch of this invention has the additional advantage of being capable of de-latching by pressure applied in the same clarity direction as the insertion direction of the latch. That is, there is generally no need, in using the latching mechanism of this invention, to apply pressure perpendicular to the handset of the device. Thus, de-latching may occur by simply reversing the forces to pull the latch out of the latch socket. No squeezing or pushing from the side is required, and thus, accidental de-latching sometimes may be avoided using the connection assembly of this invention.

[0036] Turning to Figure 4, a horizontal orientation 100 of the invention is shown having a cellular telephone 121 and a horizontal receptacle configuration 122. In this horizontal configuration the socket of the receptacle is pointed towards the distal end, or end, portion of the telephone.

[0037] In Figure 5, a forty-five degree orientation 200 is shown comprising a 45 degree receptacle configuration 222.

[0038] Figure 6 reveals a vertical orientation 300 having a vertical receptacle configuration 322. Thus, different cellular handset configurations will require a different type of connector assembly that is capable of receiving input from a different direction in relation to the telephone handset.

[0039] In Figure 7, a cellular telephone 400 is shown with a handset 421 having a horizontal configuration receptacle 422 comprising in combination a power portion 420 and a data portion 424. The receptacle 422 is comprised of one set of 5 contact pads labeled as 423-427 as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, 2 contact pads 428 and 429 are shown on the power portion of the receptacle 422. The power contact pads 428 and 429 are shown on the left side. Furthermore, power plug 423 and data plug 424 are shown on the left side of the figure, in an unconnected configuration.

[0040] In Figure 8, another embodiment of the invention is shown which comprises a receptacle 500 having a receptacle body 506 with a receptacle side 505. The printed circuit board entry point 504 is shown near the back of the receptacle. On the front of the receptacle, metal insert rib 502 and metal insert rib 501 are shown on the socket, or front, portion of the receptacle 500. The metal insert rib 502 is attached to the plastic body 506, such that upon numerous engagement and disengagement events, these ribs may be removed and replacement ribs may be provided into the socket assembly.

[0041] This particular configuration would be advantageous in a very high use situation wherein the connection and disconnection of the connector is occurring at a high rate. Thus, when the ribs become worn, they may be replaced. This configuration would be particularly useful in situations in which there is a high cost associated with either the handset containing the receptacle, or the plug portion of the connector. In Figure 8, contact pad 508 is seen on ramp 509, and ramp 510 contains a second set of 5 contact pads. A channel insert 507 is shown on the plug 525. In this configuration, the channel insert 507 may be replaced if it becomes worn. Thus, maintenance of the configuration shown in Figure 8 is possible.

[0042] It should be recognized by persons of skill in the art that there is no limit to the number of ribs and corresponding channels that may be provided in the connector device of the invention. Many embodiments will use a rib in the upper and lower position, and a corresponding channel. Furthermore, the rib may be located on either the receptacle or the plug. Additionally, the channel can be located on either the receptacle or the plug. The invention is therefore capable of numerous combinations including the number of contact elements, contact pads, channels, and ribs which are employed.

[0043] It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. The invention is shown by example in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for securely interconnecting conductive members with an electronic device, comprising:

a receptacle, the receptacle being operatively engaged to an electronic device, the receptacle further comprising at least one contact socket, the receptacle further comprising a rib, the receptacle comprising a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart contact pads positioned along said receptacle,

a plug, the plug comprising at least one channel adapted to operatively engage a rib of the receptacle, said plug further comprising a plurality of connector elements adapted to engage said spaced apart contact pad positions defined along said receptacle,

   wherein said channel is adapted for receiving said rib against an inner surface of the channel, the channel and rib being configured to co-operatively engage in a secure reversible fit to bias said connector elements in operative engagement with said contact pads.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the plug further comprising a power plug and a data plug in combination.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1 in which said rib is molded into said receptacle.

4. The connector assembly of claim 2 in which the power plug and the data plug further co-operate to form a single engaging surface along which said connector elements engage said connector pads, wherein the power plug and the data plug each comprise at least one channel along said engaging surface.

5. The connector assembly of claim 2 in which the data plug is adapted to transmit signals representing data from the data plug to the receptacle.

6. The connector assembly of claim 2 in which the power plug is adapted to provide power to the receptacle.

7. A connector assembly for securely interconnecting conductive members with an electronic device, comprising:

a receptacle, the receptacle being operatively engaged to an electronic device, the receptacle further comprising at least one contact socket, the receptacle further comprising a channel, the receptacle comprising a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart contact pads positioned along said receptacle,

a plug, the plug comprising at least one rib adapted to operatively engage a channel of the receptacle, said plug further comprising a plurality of connector elements adapted to engage said spaced apart contact pad positions defined along said receptacle,

   wherein said channel is adapted for receiving said rib against an inner surface of the channel, the channel and rib being configured to co-operatively engage in a secure reversible fit to bias said connector elements in operative engagement with said contact pads.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7 wherein the plug further comprises a power plug and a data plug combination.

9. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 wherein the electronic device to which the assembly is secured is a telephone.

10. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 wherein at least two channels are provided.

11. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 in which at least two ribs are provided.

12. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 in which ramped faces are provided to facilitate secure mating of the receptacle with the plug.

13. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 wherein said assembly further comprises a deflecting means, said deflecting means being capable of deflecting laterally and then springing back into position to secure a rib with a channel.

14. The connector assembly of claim 7 in which said rib is molded into said plug.

15. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 in which said rib comprises a hardened insert that is capable of periodic replacement.

16. The connector assembly of claim 1 or claim 7 in which said rib is a metal rib.

17. The connector assembly of claim 8 in which the power plug and the data plug further co-operate to form a single engaging surface upon which said connector elements engage said connector pads, wherein the engaging surface comprises at least one rib.

18. The connector assembly of claim 8 in which the data plug is adapted to transmit signals representing data from the data plug to the receptacle.

19. The connector assembly of claim 8 in which the power plug is adapted to provide power to the receptacle.

20. A method of interconnecting a plurality of conductive members to an electronic device, comprising:

(a) providing a receptacle, the receptacle being operatively engaged to an electronic device, the receptacle comprising a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart electrical contact pads positioned along said receptacle,

(b) providing a plug, the plug comprising a plurality of connector elements adapted to engage said spaced apart contact pad positions defined along said receptacle,

(c) providing a rib, the rib being elongate and curved along its outer surface,

(d) providing a channel for operative engagement with said rib,

(e) pressing the rib into the channel

(f) facilitating mating of the plug with the receptacle,

(g) wherein said rib and channel are configured to co-operatively engage each other to secure the connector elements in operative engagement with said contact pads.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of deflecting the channel away from the rib prior to mating the channel with the rib.

22. A cellular telephone which includes a connector, the connector further comprising a receptacle, the receptacle further comprising at least one contact socket, the receptacle further comprising a rib, the receptacle comprising a plurality of adjacently disposed spaced apart contact pads positioned along said receptacle, the connector further comprising a plug, the plug comprising at least one channel adapted to operatively engage a rib of the receptacle, said plug further comprising a plurality of connector elements adapted to engage said spaced apart contact pad positions defined along said receptacle, wherein said channel is adapted for receiving said rib against an inner surface of the channel, the channel and rib being configured to co-operatively engage in a secure reversible fit to bias said connector elements in operative engagement with said contact pads.

Drawing