USRE49287E1 - Socket structure with duplex electrical connection - Google Patents

Abstract

A socket structure includes a base; a slot, disposed on one end of the base and to be connected to one plug having one row of terminals; a tongue disposed on a front end of the base and within the slot so that chambers of the slot on two sides of the tongue may be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the slot; one row of first contacts separately arranged on one surface of the tongue, wherein each first contact is electrically connected to a first pin extending out of the base; and one row of second contacts separately arranged on the other surface of the tongue. Each second contact is electrically connected to a second pin extending out of the base. When the plug is inserted into the slot, the row of terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the row of first or second contacts.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/759,408, filed Apr. 13, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,198,563, which claims priority to Taiwan Application No. 99100847, filed Jan. 13, 2010, Taiwan Application No. 98210021, filed Jun. 5, 2009, Taiwan Application No. 98117405, filed May 26, 2009, and Taiwan Application No. 98112573, filed Apr. 15, 2009, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to a socket structure with duplex electrical connection.

2. Related Art

The most popular signal transmission specification of the modern computer apparatus is the universal serial bus (USB). A connector socket and a transmission cable satisfying this specification may make peripheral apparatuses, such as a mouse, a keyboard and the like, which are externally connected to the computer, be immediately detected and used by the computer.

Only one surface of the USB plug has one row of connection terminals. So, one surface of a tongue of the current USB socket has one row of connection terminals. In use, the USB plug has to be correctly inserted so that the connection terminals of the USB plug and the USB socket may be electrically connected together.

In order to ensure the inserted USB plug to be electrically connected to the USB socket, the USB plug and socket have mistake-proof designs. That is, when the USB plug cannot be oppositely inserted, the user has to turn the USB plug and then insert the USB plug so that the electrical connection may be ensured after the insertion.

The user usually randomly inserts the USB plug into the USB socket. So, the possibility of incapable of inserting the USB plug reaches 50%. The user often has to insert the USB plug twice in an inconvenient manner.

Furthermore, the types of the plugs are gradually increased day after day. Also, the USB plugs having the same external shape may have different connection interfaces. If two plugs having the same external shape but different connection interfaces may be inserted into and electrically connected to the same socket, the usage of the socket may be diversified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a socket structure with duplex electrical connection, wherein a plug may be normally and oppositely inserted into the socket structure to create electrical connection in a simple and easy way.

Another object of the invention is to provide a socket structure with duplex electrical connection, wherein the socket structure may be used as a dual-slot and may be simultaneously electrically connected to two plugs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a socket structure with duplex electrical connection, wherein the socket structure may be electrically connected to two plugs, which have the same external shapes but different connection interfaces, in a diversified manner.

Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a socket structure with duplex electrical connection, wherein guide-in sheets of terminals on two surfaces of a tongue are vertically staggered so that the terminals on two surfaces of the tongue may be elastically moved alternately, the larger elastic moving chamber may be obtained and the contact of the terminal has the larger surface contact area.

Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a socket structure with duplex electrical connection, wherein at least one side of a metal housing of the socket structure projects inwardly to form at least one laterally elastically movable elastic sheet, and when a plug is inserted into a connection slot, the at least one elastic sheet may rest against the plug or the tongue to prevent the plug from being turned to break the tongue.

To achieve the above-identified objects, the invention provides a socket structure with duplex electrical connection. The socket structure includes a plastic base; a connection slot, disposed on one end of the base and to be connected to one plug having one row of terminals; a tongue disposed on a front end of the base and within the slot so that chambers of the slot on two sides of the tongue may be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the slot; one row of first contacts separately arranged on one surface of the tongue, wherein each first contact is electrically connected to a first pin extending out of the base; and one row of second contacts separately arranged on the other surface of the tongue, wherein each second contact is electrically connected to a second pin extending out of the base. When the plug is inserted into the slot, the row of terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the row of first or second contacts.

A metal housing covering the plastic base may further be provided. At least one side of the metal housing projects inwardly to form at least one laterally elastically movable elastic sheet. When the plug is inserted into the connection slot, the at least one elastic sheet may rest against the plug or the tongue to prevent the plug from turning.

The at least one row of first contacts and the first pins are formed on at least one row of first terminals. The at least one row of second contacts and the second pins are formed on at least one row of second terminals. The first contact and the second contact respectively project beyond one surface of the tongue. The row of first terminals and the row of second terminals pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. The front end of the first contact has a first guide-in sheet. The front end of the second contact has a second guide-in sheet. The first contact and the second contact are vertically aligned, and the first guide-in sheet and the second guide-in sheet are staggered in a left to right direction.

Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view showing a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional top view showing the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the usage state of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a front view showing the first embodiment of the invention and the normal state of the USB 2.0 plug.

FIG. 5 shows the usage state of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a front view showing the first embodiment of the invention and the opposite state of the USB 2.0 plug.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view showing a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view showing a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view showing the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional top view showing the fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view showing a sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional top view showing the sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional bottom view showing the sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the usage states of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view showing a light and handy mobile disk.

FIG. 19 shows the usage state of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view showing another light and handy mobile disk.

FIG. 21 shows the usage state of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view showing a seventh embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a pictorial view showing an eighth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view showing a ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a front view showing the ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional bottom view showing the ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional top view showing the ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show the usage states of the ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view showing a tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional top view showing the tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional bottom view showing the tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional front view showing an eleventh embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view showing the eleventh embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 35 is a pictorially exploded view showing a twelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 36 is a pictorially assembled view showing the twelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 37 is a front view showing the twelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 38 to 41 are pictorial views showing the usage states of the twelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42 is a pictorially assembled view showing a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 43 and 44 are pictorial views showing the usage states of the thirteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 45 is a pictorially assembled view showing a fourteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 46 and 47 are pictorial views showing the usage states of the fourteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 48 is a pictorially assembled view showing a fifteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 49 is a pictorially assembled view showing a sixteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 50 is a pictorially assembled view showing a seventeenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 51 is a pictorially assembled view showing an eighteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 52 is a pictorially exploded view showing a nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 53 is a pictorially assembled view showing terminals and a plastic base of the nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 54 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 20^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 55 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 21^stembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 56 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 22^ndembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 57 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 23^rdembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 58 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 24^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 59 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 25^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 60 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 26^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 61 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 27^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 62 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 28^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 63 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 29^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 64 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 30^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 65 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 31^stembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 66 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 32^ndembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 67 is a front view showing the 32^ndembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional side view showing the 32^ndembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 69 to 71 show the usage states of the 32^ndembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 72 is a pictorially assembled view showing a 33^rdembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 73 is a front view showing the 33^rdembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 74 and 75 show the usage states of the 33^rdembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 76 is a front view showing a 34^thembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 77 to 79 show the usage states of the 34^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view showing a micro USB 3.0 plug.

FIG. 81 is a front view showing a 35^thembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 82 and 83 show the usage states of the 35^thembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 84 and 85 show the usage states of a 36^thembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 86 is a schematic top view showing terminals when the high frequency of the invention is increased.

FIG. 87 is a schematic side view showing the terminals when the high frequency of the invention is increased.

FIG. 88 is a schematic top view showing terminals when the high frequency of the invention is decreased.

FIG. 89 is a schematic side view showing the terminals when the high frequency of the invention is decreased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same references relate to the same elements.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, a USB 2.0 socket of this embodiment includes aplastic base30, ametal housing40, atongue50, one row offirst terminals60 and one row ofsecond terminals70.

Theplastic base30 has one row ofterminal slots31, and arear cover32 covers a rear end of theplastic base30 from bottom to top.

Themetal housing40 covers theplastic base30. A front section of the metal housing is formed with aconnection slot45, which may be electrically connected to a USB 2.0 plug.

Thetongue50 and theplastic base30 are integrally injection molded together. Thetongue50 has afirst surface501 and asecond surface502 disposed opposite thefirst surface501, and is horizontally disposed on the front end of theplastic base30 and at a middle of theconnection slot45, such that theconnection slot45 is formed with compatible and symmetrical profiles on top and bottom sides of thetongue50 and compatible and symmetrical profiles on left and right sides of thetongue50. Thus, the USB 2.0 plug is normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into theconnection slot45 to create the bidirectional insertion and connection, and thetongue50 has four throughslots51 separately arranged.

One row of fourfirst terminals60 are separately arranged and fixed to theplastic base30. The first terminal is integrally formed with afirst contact61, afirst extension62, a first fixingportion63 and afirst pin64. Thefirst fixing portion63 is fixed to theterminal slot31 of theplastic base30. Thefirst contact61, arranged on thefirst surface501 of thetongue50, projects beyond the top of thetongue50 and is elastically moved in correspondence with the throughslot51. Thefirst pin64 extends out of theplastic base30.

The one row ofsecond terminals70 and the one row offirst terminals60 pertain to the same connection interface and the terminals have oppositely arranged serial numbers. Also, there are foursecond terminals70 separately arranged and fixed to theplastic base30. The second terminal is integrally formed with asecond contact71, asecond extension72, asecond fixing portion73 and asecond pin74. Thesecond fixing portion73 is fixed to theterminal slot31 of theplastic base30. Thesecond contact71, arranged on thesecond surface502 of thetongue50, projects beyond the bottom of thetongue50 and is elastically moved in correspondence with the throughslot51. Thesecond pin74 extends out of theplastic base30. Thefirst contact61 of thefirst terminal60 and thesecond contact71 of thesecond terminal70 corresponding to the same throughslot51 are aligned with each other in a front to rear direction.

The one row ofsecond terminals70 and the one row offirst terminals60 have oppositely arranged serial numbers. As shown inFIG. 4A, thesecond terminals70 on the bottom of the tongue have the serial numbers of 1, 2, 3, 4 from left to right, while thefirst terminals60 on the top of the tongue have the serial numbers of 4, 3, 2, 1 from left to right. Thus, the same signal sorting may be obtained when the USB 2.0 plug is normally and oppositely electrically connected thereto.

The one row offirst terminals60 and the one row ofsecond terminals70 are formed by pressing the same metal sheet. So, the first fixingportion63 and the second fixingportion73 are located on the same level so that the two rows may be assembled with and fixed to theterminal slots31 of theplastic base30 at a time. In addition, thefirst pin64 and thesecond pin74 are aligned in one row.

According to the above-mentioned structure,FIGS. 4 and 4A show the usage states of the USB 2.0 plug of a signal line.FIG. 4A is a front view showing the socket of the invention and theplug10 in a normal state. The USB 2.0plug10 has aplastic base12 and ametal housing13 covering theplastic base12. Achamber14 is formed between themetal housing13 and theplastic base12. One surface of theplastic base12 is formed with one row ofconnection terminals11. In a front view, the one row ofconnection terminals11 have the serial numbers of 4, 3, 2, 1 from left to right. When theconnection terminals11 of the USB 2.0plug10 face thesecond surface502 of thetongue50 and are normally inserted into theconnection slot45, itschamber14 is fitted with thetongue50, and its one row ofconnection terminals11 are turned into the serial numbers of 1, 2, 3, 4 from left to right, and are electrically connected to thesecond contact71 of the one row ofsecond terminals70 on the bottom of the tongue50 (the serial numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4 from left to right). As shown inFIGS. 5 and 5A, when theconnection terminals11 of the USB 2.0plug10 face thefirst surface501 of thetongue50 and are oppositely inserted into theconnection slot45, itschamber14 is also fitted with thetongue50, and its one row ofconnection terminals11 are turned into the serial numbers of 4, 3, 2, 1 from left to right and are electrically connected to thefirst contacts61 of the one row offirst terminals60 on the top of the tongue50 (the serial numbers are 4, 3, 2, 1 from left to right). Because thetongue50 is horizontally disposed at the middle of theconnection slot45, the profile of theconnection slot45 above thetongue50 is symmetrical with the profile thereof below the tongue, and the profiles of theconnection slot45 on the left and right sides of the tongue are symmetrical with each other. Thus, the USB 2.0plug10 may be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into theconnection slot45.

According to the above-mentioned description, it is obtained that the invention may be electrically connected to the USB 2.0 plug, which is normally and oppositely inserted, so that the convenience in use may be obtained.

As shown inFIG. 6, the second embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the first embodiment except that theplastic base30 of this embodiment has two rows ofterminal slots31, and the one row offirst terminals60 and the one row ofsecond terminals70 are formed by respectively pressing two metal sheets. So, the first fixingportion63 is engaged with the upperterminal slot31 of theplastic base30, and the second fixingportion73 is engaged with thelower terminal slot31 of theplastic base30.

As shown inFIG. 7, the third embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the second embodiment except that thefirst pins64 of the one row offirst terminals60 and thefirst pins74 of the one row ofsecond terminals70 of this embodiment are staggered and respectively arranged in two rows.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the fourth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the first embodiment except that thefirst contact61 of thefirst terminal60 and thesecond contact71 of thesecond terminal70 of this embodiment are parallel to each other in a left to right direction.

As shown inFIGS. 10 to 12, the fifth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the first embodiment except that thetongue50 of this embodiment needs not to be formed with the through slot. Thefirst contact61 of thefirst terminal60 is formed by prodding the plate surface of thefirst extension62 and projects beyond the plate surface. The one end of thefirst contact61 is connected to thefirst extension62 and gradually protrudes to the other end from front to rear and is opened. The plate surface of thefirst extension62 has anopening620. When thefirst contact61 is pressed and flattened, thefirst contact61 may lie on theopening620. The one row ofsecond terminals70 and the one row offirst terminals60 have the same structure, pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. Thesecond contact71 of thesecond terminal70 is formed by prodding the plate surface of thesecond extension72 and projects beyond the plate surface. The one end of thesecond contact71 is connected to thesecond extension72, and gradually protrudes to the other end from front to rear and is opened. Thefirst contact61 and thesecond contact71 are vertically aligned with each other.

As shown inFIGS. 13 to 15, the sixth embodiment of the invention is a USB 3.0 socket, which is substantially the same as the third embodiment except that this embodiment further has one row offirst contacts53 disposed in front of thefirst contacts61, and one row ofsecond contacts57 disposed in front of thesecond contact71 in addition to one row offirst contacts61 and one row ofsecond contacts71. That is, thetongue50 is a circuit board assembled and positioned in theplastic base30. Fivefirst traces52 are disposed on the top surface of thetongue50, and havefirst contacts53 separately arranged on the front section of the tongue andfirst connection terminals54 disposed on the rear section of the tongue. The row offirst connection terminals54 are electrically connected to an additional row of first pins80. Fivesecond traces56 are disposed on a bottom surface of thetongue50, and havesecond contacts57 separately arranged on the front section of the tongue andsecond connection terminals58 disposed on the rear section of the tongue. The row ofsecond connection terminals58 are electrically connected to an additional row of second pins85.

The one row offirst contacts53 and the one row ofsecond contacts57 pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers.

The one row offirst pins80 are bonded to the one row offirst connection terminals54. The one row ofsecond pins85 are bonded to the one row ofsecond connection terminals58. In addition, the first fixingportion63 of the one row offirst terminals60 is bonded and fixed to the top surface of thetongue50. First fixingportions73 of the one row ofsecond terminals70 are bonded and fixed to the bottom surface of thetongue50. The one row offirst pins80 and thefirst pins64 of the one row offirst terminals60 are arranged in a row. The one row ofsecond pins85 and thesecond pins74 of the one row ofsecond terminals70 are arranged in a row.

According to the above-mentioned structure, as shown inFIG. 16, when the USB 3.0plug15 is normally inserted, its one row ofconnection terminals16 are electrically connected to thesecond contacts71 of thesecond terminals70. The other row ofconnection terminals17 are electrically connected to thesecond contacts57 of the second traces. As shown inFIG. 17, when the USB 3.0plug15 is oppositely inserted, its one row ofconnection terminals16 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts61 of thefirst terminals60, and the other one row ofconnection terminals17 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts53 of the first traces.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view showing a light and handymobile disk20. One end of thedisk20 has aplug21, which is a USB 2.0 plug without a metal housing. One surface of theplug21 has fourconnection terminals22, which are separately arranged and cannot be elastically moved.

FIG. 19 shows the usage state of the light and handymobile disk20. When theplug21 is connected to the top of thetongue50, the one row ofconnection terminals22 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts61 of the one row offirst terminals60 on the top of the tongue. When theplug21 is connected to the bottom of thetongue50, the one row ofconnection terminals22 are electrically connected to thesecond contacts71 of the one row ofsecond terminals70 on the bottom of the tongue. According to the above-mentioned description, it is obtained that the socket structure of the invention, when being connected to the light and handy mobile disk, may serve as a dual-slot so that two light and handy mobile disks may be simultaneously connected thereto.

FIG. 20 is a side view showing another light and handymobile disk25. One end of thedisk25 has aplug28, which is a USB 3.0 plug without a metal housing. Theplug28 is substantially the same as theplug20. One surface of theplug28 is formed with one row of fourconnection terminals26, which are separately arranged and cannot be elastically moved, and further formed with one row of fiveconnection terminals27, which are separately arranged and may be moved elastically.

FIG. 21 shows the usage state of the light and handymobile disk25. When theplug28 is electrically connected to the top surface of thetongue50, the one row ofconnection terminals26 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts61 of the one row offirst terminals60 on the top of the tongue. The one row ofconnection terminals27 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts53 of one row of first traces on the top surface of the tongue. When theplug28 is electrically connected to the bottom of thetongue50, the one row ofconnection terminals26 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts71 of the one row ofsecond terminals70 on the bottom of the tongue. The one row ofconnection terminals27 are electrically connected to thesecond contacts57 of one row of second traces on the bottom surface of the tongue, so that two light and handymobile disks25 may be simultaneously connected to the top and bottom sides of thetongue50.

As shown inFIG. 22, the seventh embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the sixth embodiment except that the one row offirst pins80 are not aligned with thefirst pins64 of the one row offirst terminals60 in this embodiment, and the one row ofsecond pins85 are not aligned with thesecond pins74 of the one row ofsecond terminals70.

As shown inFIG. 23, the eighth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the first embodiment except that this embodiment pertains to a multilayer USB 2.0 socket, and theplastic base30 has twoconnection slots35 stacked together.

As shown inFIGS. 24 to 27, the ninth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the fifth embodiment, and itstongue50 is also disposed at the middle of theconnection slot45, so that the chamber above thetongue50 of theconnection slot45 is the same as the chamber below thetongue50, and the chambers on the left and right sides of the tongue are the same. The difference between the ninth and fifth embodiments is that the one row offirst terminals60 on the top surface of thetongue50 and the one row ofsecond terminals70 on the bottom surface of thetongue50 pertain to different connection interfaces in this embodiment. The one row of foursecond terminals70 are separately arranged on the bottom surface of thetongue50. Thesecond terminals70 of the ninth and fifth embodiments have the same structure. Thesecond terminal70 is also integrally formed with asecond contact71, asecond extension72, asecond fixing portion73 and asecond pin74. The one row of ninefirst terminals60 are separately arranged on the top surface of thetongue50. The structure of thefirst terminal60 is almost the same as that of thesecond terminal70, and is also integrally formed with afirst contact61, afirst extension62, a first fixingportion63 and afirst pin64.

FIG. 28 shows the usage state of the USB 2.0plug10 of the signal line. When theconnection terminal11 of the USB 2.0plug10 is inserted upwardly into theconnection slot45, itschamber14 is fitted with thetongue50, and its one row ofconnection terminals11 are electrically connected to thesecond contacts71 of thesecond terminals70 on the bottom of thetongue50.FIG. 29 shows the usage state of theplug18 having the shape the same as that of the USB 2.0 plug but a connection interface different from that of the USB 2.0 plug. Theplug18 has one row of nineconnection terminals19. When theconnection terminal19 of theplug18 is inserted downwardly into theconnection slot45, its one row ofconnection terminals19 are electrically connected to thefirst contacts61 of thefirst terminals60 on the top of thetongue50.

According to the above-mentioned description, it is obtained that the socket structure of this embodiment may be electrically connected to two plugs having metal housings and the same shape but different connection interfaces so that the usage thereof may be diversified.

Of course, the socket structure of this embodiment may also be connected to two light and handy mobile disks or storage cards having two different connection interfaces but having no metal housing.

As shown inFIGS. 30 to 32, the tenth embodiment of the invention is a USB 3.0 socket, which is almost the same as the fifth embodiment except for the difference to be described in the following. This embodiment also has one row offirst terminals60 and one row ofsecond terminals70, which have the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. This embodiment further has one row offirst terminals65 and one row ofsecond terminals90, which have the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers.

Thefirst terminal65 has afirst contact66, afirst extension67, a first fixingportion68 and afirst pin69. The one row of fivefirst terminals65 are disposed on the top surface of thetongue50 and are arranged between the one row offirst terminals60. Thefirst contacts66 of thefirst terminals65, which cannot be elastically moved, lie on the top surface of the tongue. Thefirst contact66 of thefirst terminal65 is disposed in front of thefirst contact61 of thefirst terminal60.

Thesecond terminal90 has asecond contact91, asecond extension92, asecond fixing portion93 and asecond pin94. The one row of fivesecond terminals90 are disposed on the bottom surface of thetongue50 and arranged between the one row ofsecond terminals70. Thesecond contact91 of thesecond terminal90 cannot be elastically moved and lies on the top surface of the tongue. Thesecond contact91 of thesecond terminal90 is disposed in front of thesecond contact71 of thesecond terminal70.

The two rows offirst terminals60 and65 are formed by pressing the same metal sheet. The two rows ofsecond terminals70 and90 are formed by pressing the same metal sheet.

As shown inFIGS. 33 and 34, the eleventh embodiment of the invention is a mini USB 2.0 socket, which may allow a plug to be normally and oppositely inserted for connection. Compare with the connection interface of USB 2.0, the connection interface of the mini USB 2.0 has an additional terminal. So, the structure of this embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and similarly has aplastic base30, ametal housing40, atongue50, one row offirst terminals60 and one row ofsecond terminals70. The difference therebetween is that there are one row of fivefirst terminals60 in this embodiment, and thefirst terminal60 has afirst contact61 projecting beyond the top surface of thetongue50. There are also one row of fivesecond terminals70. Each second terminal has asecond contact71 projecting beyond the bottom surface of thetongue50. The one row ofsecond terminals70 and the one row offirst terminals60 pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. The structures of thesecond terminal70 and thefirst terminal60 are also substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

As shown inFIGS. 35 to 37, the twelfth embodiment of the invention is a USB 2.0 socket, which allows a plug to be normally and oppositely inserted for connection and is almost the same as the first embodiment. The socket similarly has aplastic base30, ametal housing40, atongue50, one row offirst terminals60 and one row ofsecond terminals70. The differences between the twelfth and first embodiments are described in the following.

Two sides of themetal housing40 are prodded inwardly to form four laterally elastically movable elastic sheets, which include two outerelastic sheets41 and two innerelastic sheets42 respectively disposed above and below thetongue50. The two innerelastic sheets42 are disposed on inner sides of the two outerelastic sheets41. The two innerelastic sheets42 respectively rest against the top and bottom surfaces on one side of thetongue50. Each elastic sheet has one end connected to a portion near the front end on the two sides of themetal housing40 and extends inwardly in an arced manner. Each elastic sheet has aprojection46. When theprojection46 is pressed, the elastic sheet is elastically moved outwardly.

The front end of thefirst contact61 of thefirst terminal60 has a first guide-insheet611. The plate surface of the first guide-insheet611 is smaller than the plate surface of thefirst contact61. The front end of thesecond contact71 of thesecond terminal70 has a second guide-insheet75. The plate surface of the second guide-insheet75 is smaller than the plate surface of thesecond contact71. Thefirst contact61 and thesecond contact71 are vertically aligned, and the first guide-insheet611 and the second guide-insheet75 are staggered in a left to right direction. Both the first guide-insheet611 and the second guide-insheet75 are hooked on thetongue50.

As shown inFIG. 39, when theconnection terminal22 of the light and handymobile disk20 is inserted downwardly into the space above thetongue50, two elastic sheets on two sides of the top of thetongue50 are pushed away and elastically moved outwardly, and the innerelastic sheets42 on two sides of the bottom of the tongue rest against the bottom surface of thetongue50. So, when the light and handymobile disk20 is improperly inserted to turn downwards, the innerelastic sheets42 resting against the bottom surface of thetongue50 can prevent thetongue50 from being forced downwards and thus broken.

When thefirst contact61 of thefirst terminal60 is in elastic contact with theconnection terminal22 of the light and handymobile disk20 and is elastically moved downwards, the first guide-insheet611 cannot touch the second guide-insheet75 because the first guide-insheet611 and the second guide-insheet75 are staggered in a left to right direction.

As shown inFIG. 38, when theconnection terminal22 of the light and handymobile disk20 is inserted upwards into the space below thetongue50, two elastic sheets on two sides of thetongue50 are pushed away and elastically moved outwards. Because the innerelastic sheets42 on two sides of the top of the tongue rest against the top surface of thetongue50, thetongue50 is also protected and cannot be broken when the light and handymobile disk20 is improperly inserted.

As shown inFIG. 40, when the connection terminal of the USB 2.0plug10 having the metal housing is inserted upwardly into the connection slot, the USB 2.0plug10 occupies the entire chamber below thetongue50 but does not occupy the entire chamber above the tongue. At this time, the outerelastic sheets41 on two sides of the top of the tongue rest against the USB 2.0plug10 to prevent the USB 2.0plug10 from being rotated upwards and thus provide the effect of protecting thetongue50.

As shown inFIG. 41, when the connection terminal of the USB 2.0plug10 is inserted downwardly into the connection slot, the USB 2.0plug10 occupies the entire chamber above thetongue50 but does not occupy the entire chamber below the tongue. At this time, the outerelastic sheets41 on two sides of the bottom of the tongue rest against the USB 2.0plug10 to prevent the USB 2.0plug10 from being rotated upwards to achieve the effect of protecting thetongue50.

The design of this embodiment has the effect of bidirectional insertion, and further has the effects of protecting the tongue and enlarging the contact area of the terminal.

As shown inFIG. 42, the thirteenth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the twelfth embodiment except that one of two laterally elastically movable outerelastic sheets41 is formed on each of two sides of themetal housing40 above and below thetongue50 by prodding themetal housing40 inwardly.

As shown inFIG. 43, when the connection terminal of the USB 2.0plug10 is inserted upwardly into the connection slot, the outerelastic sheets41 on two sides of the top of the tongue rest against the USB 2.0plug10. As shown inFIG. 44, when the connection terminal of the USB 2.0plug10 is inserted downwardly into the connection slot, the outerelastic sheets41 on two sides of the bottom of the tongue rest against the USB 2.0plug10.

As shown inFIG. 45, the fourteenth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the twelfth embodiment except that each of two sides of themetal housing40 is prodded inwardly to form a laterally elastically movable middleelastic sheet43. The middleelastic sheet43 is disposed at a middle height on one side of theconnection slot45 and has the structure the same as that of the outerelastic sheet41.

As shown inFIG. 46, when the connection terminal of the light and handymobile disk20 is inserted upwardly into theconnection slot45, the middleelastic sheets43 on two sides of the tongue rest against onesurface23 of the light and handymobile disk20 formed with the connection terminal to prevent the light and handymobile disk20 from being rotated upwards. As shown inFIG. 47, when the connection terminal of the light and handymobile disk20 is inserted downwardly into the connection slot, the middleelastic sheets43 on two sides of the tongue rest against one surface of the light and handymobile disk20 formed with the connection terminal to prevent the light and handymobile disk20 from being rotated downwards.

As shown inFIG. 48, the fifteenth embodiment of this invention is almost the same as the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments. That is, each of two sides of themetal housing40 is prodded inwardly to form a middleelastic sheet43 and two outerelastic sheets41, which are laterally elastically movable.

As shown inFIG. 49, the sixteenth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the twelfth embodiment except that one end of the outerelastic sheet41 and one end of the innerelastic sheet42 are connected to two side plate surfaces of themetal housing40 and extend outwardly in an arced manner. Each elastic sheet has aprojection46. When theprojection46 is pressed, the elastic sheet is elastically moved outwardly.

As shown inFIG. 50, the seventeenth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the thirteenth embodiment except that the one end of the outerelastic sheet41 of this embodiment is connected to the middle plate surface on each of two sides of themetal housing40 and extends outwardly in an arced manner.

As shown inFIG. 51, the eighteenth embodiment of the invention is almost the same as the fourteenth embodiment except that one end of the middleelastic sheet43 of this embodiment is connected to the middle plate surface on each of two sides of themetal housing40 and extends outwardly in an arced manner.

As shown inFIGS. 52 and 53, the nineteenth embodiment of the invention is a USB 3.0 socket, which allows the plug to be inserted normally and oppositely, and is almost the same as the twelfth embodiment except that this embodiment additionally has one row offirst terminals65 and one row ofsecond terminals90. Thecontact66 of thefirst terminal65 lies on the top surface of thetongue50 and is disposed in front of thecontact61 of thefirst terminal60 on the same surface. Thecontact91 of thesecond terminal90 lies on the bottom surface of thetongue50 and is disposed in front of the contact of thesecond terminal70 on the same surface.

As shown inFIG. 54, the 20^thembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the twelfth embodiment except that the embodiment is a four-layer USB 2.0 socket that allows the USB plug to be normally and oppositely inserted for connection. That is, theplastic base30 has fourconnection slots35, and themetal housing40 has four openings corresponding to the fourconnection slots35.

As shown inFIG. 55, the 21^stembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the nineteenth embodiment except that this embodiment is a two-layer USB 3.0 socket that allows the plug to be normally and oppositely inserted. That is, theplastic base30 has twoconnection slots35, and themetal housing40 has two openings corresponding to the fourconnection slots35.

As shown inFIG. 56, the 22^ndembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the 20^thembodiment except that this embodiment is a three-layer stacked socket. That is, the plastic base has, from bottom to top, aconnection slot35, aconnection slot36 and aconnection slot37. Themetal housing40 has three openings corresponding to the three connection slots, wherein the lowest slot is theconnection slot35 of the USB 3.0 socket that allows the plug to be normally and oppositely inserted, the middle slot is theconnection slot36 of the socket shared by the USB 3.0 and eSATA (External Serial ATA) plugs, and the upper slot is theconnection slot37 of the USB 2.0 socket that allows the plug to be inserted unidirectionally.

As shown inFIG. 57, the 23^rdembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the 21^stembodiment except that this embodiment is a three-layer stacked socket. That is, the plastic base has, from bottom to top, aconnection slot35, aconnection slot37 and aconnection slot38. Themetal housing40 has three openings corresponding to the three connection slots, wherein thelowest connection slot35 allows the USB 3.0 plug to be normally and oppositely inserted for connection, themiddle connection slot37 allows the USB 2.0 plug to be unidirectionally inserted for connection, and theupper connection slot38 allows the 1394 plug to be inserted.

As shown inFIG. 58, the 24^thembodiment of the invention is a dual-slot USB 2.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection and is almost the same as the eighth embodiment except that the twoconnection slots35 of this embodiment are arranged from left to right and have the insertion ports facing frontward, and thetongues50 in theconnection slots35 are in the upright state.

As shown inFIG. 59, the 25^thembodiment of the invention is a dual-slot USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection and is almost the same as the 24^thembodiment. The twoconnection slots35 are also arranged from left to right, and thetongues50 in theconnection slots35 are in the upright state.

As shown inFIG. 60, the 26^thembodiment of the invention includes three sockets arranged from left to right and is almost the same as the 25^thembodiment except that theleftmost connection slot35 corresponds to the USB 2.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection, themiddle connection slot35 corresponds to the USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection, and therightmost connection slot38 corresponds to the 1394 socket.

As shown inFIG. 61, the 27^thembodiment of the invention has three sockets arranged from left to right and is almost the same as the 26^thembodiment except that therightmost connection slot36 is shared by the USB 3.0 and eSATA plugs.

As shown inFIG. 62, the 28^thembodiment of the invention is a dual-slot USB 2.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection, and is almost the same as the 24^thembodiment except that this embodiment hasupright slots35, and the insert ports of theconnection slots35 face upwards.

As shown inFIG. 63, the 29^thembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the 28^thembodiment except that this embodiment is a dual-slot USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection.

As shown in FIG,64, the 30^thembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the 29^thembodiment except that this embodiment contains three upright slots. Theleftmost connection slot35 corresponds to the USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection, themiddle connection slot36 corresponds to the socket shared by the USB 3.0 and eSATA plugs, and therightmost connection slot38 corresponds to the 1394 socket.

As shown inFIG. 65, the 31^stembodiment of the invention is almost the same as the 30^thembodiment except that therightmost connection slot39 of this embodiment is shared by the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and display ports.

As shown inFIGS. 66 to 68, the 32^ndembodiment of the invention is a micro USB 2.0 socket, which includes aplastic base30, ametal housing40, one row offirst terminals60 and one row ofsecond terminals70.

Theplastic base30 has two rows ofterminal slots31. The front end of theterminal slot31 is integrally formed with a projectingtongue50, and each of the top and bottom surfaces of thetongue50 is formed with fiveterminal slots59 separately arranged.

Themetal housing40 covers theplastic base30, the front section of themetal housing40 is formed with aconnection slot45, and theconnection slot45 is disposed on the front end of theplastic base30 and covers thetongue50 therein. The top and bottom ends are narrower than the middle section so that the four corners of its profile are formed with symmetric slopededges48, and the top, bottom, left and right sides of thetongue50 are formed with compatible and symmetrical profiles. Thus, a micro USB 2.0 plug may be bidirectionally inserted for connection. In addition, each of the top and bottom plates of themetal housing40 is prodded to form twoelastic locks413, and each of four slopededges48 of the front end of theconnection slot45 is formed with aslant guiding plate47 expanding outwards. When the micro USB plug is inserted into the connection slot and touches theslant guiding plate47, it is guided toward the center of the connection slot.

The one row offirst terminals60 have five first terminals. Eachfirst terminal60 has afirst contact61, a first fixingportion63 and afirst pin64. Thefirst fixing portions63 are fixed to the upper row ofterminal slots31 of theplastic base30. Thefirst contact61 cannot be elastically moved but lies in theterminal slot59 on the top surface of thetongue50. Thefirst pin64 extends out of the bottom of theplastic base30.

The one row ofsecond terminals70 have five terminals. Eachsecond terminal70 has asecond contact71, asecond fixing portion73 and asecond pin74. Thesecond fixing portions73 are fixed to the lower row ofterminal slots31 of theplastic base30. Thesecond contact71 cannot be elastically moved and lies in theterminal slot59 on the bottom of thetongue50. Thesecond pin74 extends out of theplastic base30 to the bottom thereof. The at least one row offirst contacts61 and the at least one row ofsecond contacts71 pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. That is, the one row ofsecond contacts71 have the serial numbers of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 from left to right, and the one row offirst contacts61 have the serial numbers of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 from left to right.

According to the above-mentioned structure, as shown inFIG. 69, the micro USB 2.0plug110 has aplastic base114 and a metal casing covering theplastic base114. Theplastic base114 has aconnection slot111 and one row of fiveconnection terminals112, and twoelastic locks113 on the top end surface. When theconnection terminals112 of the micro USB 2.0plug110 are upwardly and normally inserted into theconnection slot45, theconnection slot111 of the micro USB 2.0 plug is fitted with thetongue50, and its one row ofconnection terminals112 are electrically connected to the one row ofsecond contacts71 on the bottom side of thetongue50. The two elastic projectinghooks113 may hook on the rear sides of theelastic locks413 of the top plate of themetal housing40. As shown inFIG. 70, when theconnection terminal112 of the micro USB 2.0plug110 is downwardly and oppositely inserted into theconnection slot45, the one row ofconnection terminals112 are electrically connected to the one row offirst contacts61 on the top surface of thetongue50, and the twoelastic locks113 may engage with the rear sides of the twoelastic locks413 of the bottom plate of themetal housing40. According to the above-mentioned description, it is obtained that the embodiment can allow the micro USB 2.0plug110 to be normally and oppositely inserted for electrical connection.

As shown inFIG. 71, when the micro USB 2.0plug110 is inserted into theconnection slot45 but is biased upward and not aligned with the slot, the micro USB 2.0plug110 touches theslant guiding plates47 of two corners on the top of theconnection slot45. The micro USB 2.0plug110 is guided, by the slant surface of theslant guiding plate47, to the center of theconnection slot45 so that the plug may be inserted in an aligned manner and the convenience in use may be obtained.

As shown inFIGS. 72 and 73, the 33^rdembodiment of the invention is a mini USB 2.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection. The structure of this embodiment is almost the same as the structure of the eleventh embodiment and includes aplastic base30, ametal housing40, atongue50, one row offirst terminals60 and one row ofsecond terminals70. The difference therebetween is that the front sections of the top and bottom plate surfaces of themetal housing40 of this embodiment are formed with fourprojections49 projecting toward theconnection slot45. In addition, the structures of the one row offirst terminals60 and the one row ofsecond terminals70 are the same as the structures of the twelfth embodiment ofFIG. 35. That is, the front end of thecontact61 of thefirst terminal60 is formed with a downward guide-insheet611. The plate surface of the guide-insheet611 is smaller than thecontact61. The front end of thesecond contact71 of thesecond terminal70 is formed with an upward guide-insheet75. The plate surface of the guide-insheet75 is smaller than thecontact71. The guide-insheets611 and the guide-insheets75 are staggered in a left to right direction.

As shown inFIG. 74, when the mini USB 2.0plug120 is normally inserted into the socket, fourprojections49 on the top plate of themetal housing40 push the mini USB 2.0plug120 downwards to prevent themetal casing121 of the mini USB 2.0plug120 from touching thesecond terminal70 to cause the short-circuited condition.

As shown inFIG. 75, when the mini USB 2.0plug120 is oppositely inserted into the socket, the fourprojections49 on the bottom plate of themetal housing40 push the mini USB 2.0plug120 upwards to prevent themetal casing121 of the mini USB 2.0plug120 from touching thefirst terminal60 to cause the short-circuited condition.

As shown inFIG. 76, the 34^thembodiment of the invention is a micro USB socket for the bidirectional insertion and connection of the micro USB 2.0 plug and the unidirectional insertion and connection of the micro USB 3.0 plug. The structure of this embodiment is almost the same as the 32^ndembodiment except that theplastic base30 and themetal housing40 of this embodiment are wider than those of the 32^ndembodiment. The front section of themetal housing40 is also formed with thewider connection slot45. The socket of this embodiment further has asecond tongue510 and one row of fivethird terminals100. Thesecond tongue510 integrally projects beyond the front end of theplastic base30. Thesecond tongue510 and thetongue50 are located on the same level and in parallel. However, the chambers above and below thesecond tongue510 are not compatible with each other. The lower chamber is larger than the upper chamber. The chambers on the left and right sides of theconnection slot45 are not compatible. The one row ofthird terminals100 are fixed to theplastic base30. Thethird terminals100 havethird contacts101 separately arranged on the bottom surface of thesecond tongue510, and have pins extending out of the plastic base.

As shown inFIG. 77, when the micro USB 2.0plug110 is oppositely inserted into theconnection slot45, theconnection terminal112 of the micro USB 2.0plug110 is electrically connected to thefirst contact portion61 on the top of thetongue50.

As shown inFIG. 78, when the micro USB 2.0plug110 is normally inserted into theconnection slot45, theconnection terminal112 of the micro USB 2.0plug110 is electrically connected to thesecond contact portion71 on the bottom of thetongue50.

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view showing a micro USB 3.0plug115, which is almost the same as the micro USB 2.0 plug, and includes one row of five elasticallymovable connection terminals117 on the left side, and one row of five elasticallymovable connection terminals118 on the right side.

As shown inFIG. 79, when the micro USB 3.0plug115 is normally inserted into theconnection slot45, the one row ofconnection terminals117 of the micro USB 3.0plug115 are electrically connected to one row ofsecond contact portions71 on the bottom oftongue50, and the other row ofconnection terminals118 of the micro USB 3.0plug115 are electrically connected to one row ofthird contact portions101 on the bottom of thetongue510.

As shown inFIG. 81, the 35^thembodiment of the invention is a micro USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection of the micro USB 3.0 plug. The structure of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the 34^thembodiment except that the chambers above and below thesecond tongue510 are compatible and symmetrical, and the chambers on the left and right sides of theconnection slot45 are also compatible and symmetrical. The structure of this embodiment further has one row of fivefourth terminals105 fixed to theplastic base30. Thefourth terminals105 havefourth contacts106 separately arranged on the top surface of thesecond tongue510 and have pins extending out of the plastic base. The one row offirst contacts61 and the at least one row ofthird contacts101 pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. As shown inFIG. 81, the one row offirst contacts61 have the serial numbers of 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6 from left to right, and the one row ofthird contacts101 have the serial numbers of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 from left to right. The one row ofsecond contacts71 and the one row offourth contacts106 pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers. The one row ofsecond contacts71 have the serial numbers of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 from left to right, and the one row offourth contacts106 have the serial numbers of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 from left to right.

In addition, each of the top and bottom plates of themetal housing40 is prodded to form with elasticpressing sheet410 symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. Apositioning projection412 and a guide-inslant sheet411 are formed near two lateral sides. The elasticpressing sheet410 extends inwards. Two sides of the twopositioning projections412 are separated from themetal housing40, and the front and rear ends of the twopositioning projections412 are connected to themetal housing40. When the micro USB 3.0plug115 is normally inserted into theconnection slot45, the two guide-inslant sheets411 may assist in guiding the plug.

As shown inFIG. 82, when the micro USB 3.0plug115 is normally inserted into theconnection slot45, the one row ofconnection terminals117 of the micro USB 3.0plug115 are electrically connected to one row ofsecond contact portions71 on the bottom of thetongue50. The other row ofconnection terminals118 of the micro USB 3.0plug115 are electrically connected to one row ofthird contact portions101 on the bottom of thetongue510. The ten connection terminals are correspondingly electrically connected to the contact portions, wherein the connection terminal and the contact portion connected together have the same serial number. At this time, the elasticpressing sheet410 and thepositioning projection412 of the top plate of themetal housing40 may rest against the micro USB 3.0plug115 to form the better positioning effect. Thepositioning projection412 of the bottom plate of themetal housing40 may be positioned on one side of the micro USB 3.0plug115.

As shown inFIG. 83, when the micro USB 3.0plug115 is oppositely inserted into theconnection slot45, the one row ofconnection terminals117 of the micro USB 3.0plug115 are electrically connected to one row offourth contact portions106 on the top of thetongue510. The other row ofconnection terminals118 of the micro USB 3.0plug115 are electrically connected to the one row offirst contact portions61 on the top of thetongue50. The ten connection terminals are correspondingly electrically connected to the contact portions, wherein the connection terminal and the contact portion connected together have the same serial number. At this time, the elasticpressing sheet410 and thepositioning projection412 of the bottom plate of themetal housing40 may rest against the micro USB 3.0plug115 to form the better positioning effect. Thepositioning projection412 of the top plate of themetal housing40 may be positioned on one side of the micro USB 3.0plug115.

As shown inFIGS. 84 and 85, the 36^thembodiment of the invention is a micro USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection of the micro USB 3.0 plug. The structure of this embodiment is almost the same as the 35^thembodiment except that this embodiment does not have the guide-in slant sheet, and only has thepositioning projection412. Thepositioning projection412 has two sides connected to themetal housing40, and front and rear ends separated from themetal housing40.

Two surfaces of the tongue of the invention are formed with contacts, so there are many terminals arranged densely, and the high-frequency requirement is highly needed. The factors affecting the high frequency include the electroconductivity of the terminal, the cross-sectional area of the terminal, and the length of the terminal. In order to achieve the proper high frequency, the cross-sectional area and the length of the terminal need to be changed and then the high-frequency test has to be performed to obtain the desired high-frequency value.

Taking the USB 3.0 socket for bidirectional insertion and connection as an example, as shown inFIGS. 86 and 87, when the high-frequency test does not reach the standard, the plate widths or the plate thicknesses of the two rows offirst terminals60 and65 and the two rows ofsecond terminals70 and90 may be increased so as to increase the frequency. As shown inFIGS. 88 and 89, when the high-frequency test exceeds the standard, the plate widths or the plate thicknesses of the two rows offirst terminals60 and65 and the two rows ofsecond terminals70 and90 may be decreased, or the terminals may be curved to increase the lengths so as to decrease the frequency.

While the invention has been described by way of examples and in terms of preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications.

Claims (68)

What is claimed is:

1. A socket structure with duplex electrical connection, the socket structure comprising:

a plastic base;

a connection slot, which is disposed in front of the plastic base and may be connected to a plug having at least one row of connection terminals;

a tongue, which has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and is disposed on one end of the plastic base and within the connection slot, such that chambers of the connection slot on two sides of the tongue make the plug be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the connection slot;

at least one row of first contacts separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to a first pin extending out of the plastic base; and

at least one row of second contacts separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue, wherein:

each of the second contacts is electrically connected to a second pin extending out of the plastic base;

when the plug is normally inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the second surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the at least one row of second contacts; and

when the plug is oppositely inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the first surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the at least one row of first contacts.

2. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one row of first contacts and the first pins are formed on at least one row of first terminals; the first terminal is integrally formed with the first contact, a first extension, a first fixing portion and the first pin; the at least one row of second contacts and the second pins are formed on at least one row of second terminals; and the second terminal is integrally formed with the second contact, a second extension, a second fixing portion and the second pin.

3. The socket structure according toclaim 2, wherein the first contacts of the row of first terminals and the second contacts of the row of second terminals respectively project beyond one of the surfaces of the tongue.

4. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the chambers of the connection slot on the two sides of the tongue are formed with compatible profiles, the at least one row of connection terminals are formed on only one of the surfaces of the plug, and the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are electrically connected to only one of the rows of contacts on one of the surfaces of the tongue.

5. The socket structure according toclaim 1, further comprising a metal housing covering the plastic base, wherein the tongue and the plastic base are integrally formed.

6. The socket structure according toclaim 3, wherein the tongue is formed with through slots separately arranged, and the first contacts of the first terminals and the second contacts of the second terminals are elastically moved in correspondence with the through slots.

7. The socket structure according toclaim 6, wherein the first contact of the first terminal and the second contact of the second terminal corresponding to the same one of the through slots are aligned with each other in a front to rear direction.

8. The socket structure according toclaim 6, wherein the first contact of the first terminal and the second contact of the second terminal are parallel to each other in a left to right direction.

9. The socket structure according toclaim 3, wherein:

the first contact of the first terminal is prodded and projects beyond a plate surface of the first extension, and one end of the first contact is connected to the first extension and gradually protrudes to the other end from front to rear and is opened; and

the second contact of the second terminal is prodded and projects beyond a plate surface of the second extension, and one end of the second contact is connected to the second extension and gradually protrudes to the other end from front to rear and is opened.

10. The socket structure according toclaim 9, wherein the row of first terminals and the row of second terminals pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers, and the first contact and the second contact are vertically aligned with each other.

11. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein:

the tongue is a circuit board, first traces are formed on a top side of the tongue, and the first trace has the first contact on a front section of the tongue and a first connection terminal on a rear section of the tongue, the first connection terminal is electrically connected to the first pin; and second traces are formed on a bottom side of the tongue, the

second trace has the second contact on the front section of the tongue and a second connection terminal on the rear section of the tongue, and the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the second pin.

12. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the plug has a plastic base and a metal housing, the metal housing covers the plastic base, a chamber is formed between the metal housing and the plastic base, and the chamber is fitted with the tongue when the plug is inserted into the connection slot.

13. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the plug does not have a metal housing, and when the plug is inserted into the connection slot, the plug may be connected to a top side or a bottom side of the tongue so that two plugs may be simultaneously connected to the top and bottom sides of the tongue.

14. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one row of first contacts and the at least one row of second contacts pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers, and the plug may be normally and oppositely inserted for electrical connection with the connection terminals of the plug facing upward or downward.

15. The socket structure according toclaim 14 being a universal serial bus (USB) socket, wherein there are four rows of the first contacts and four rows of the second contacts.

16. The socket structure according toclaim 14 being a mini universal serial bus (USB) socket, wherein there are five rows of the first contacts and five rows of the second contacts.

17. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one row of first contacts and the at least one row of second contacts pertain to different connection interfaces, and may be respectively electrically connected to the plug and the other plug, which have the different connection interfaces.

18. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the tongue is disposed at a middle within the connection slot so that the connection slot is formed with symmetric profiles in up, down, left and right chambers of the tongue.

19. The socket structure according toclaim 5, wherein at least one side of the metal housing projects inwardly to form at least one laterally elastically movable elastic sheet, and when the plug is inserted into the connection slot, the at least one elastic sheet may rest against the plug or the tongue to prevent the plug from turning.

20. The socket structure according toclaim 19, wherein the at least one elastic sheet is a middle elastic sheet disposed at a middle height on one side of the connection slot, the plug does not have a metal housing, the plug may be connected to a top side or a bottom side of the tongue when the plug is inserted into the connection slot, and the middle elastic sheet rests against one of the surfaces of the plug formed with the connection terminals.

21. The socket structure according toclaim 19, wherein the at least one elastic sheet comprises two outer elastic sheets, which are disposed above and below of the tongue on one side of the connection slot, the plug has a plastic base and a metal housing covering the plastic base, a chamber is formed between the metal housing and the plastic base, and when the plug is inserted into the connection slot, the chamber is fitted with the tongue, an elastic sheet on one side of the metal housing is pushed away by the plug, and the other elastic sheet rests against one of the surfaces of the plug.

22. The socket structure according toclaim 21, wherein the at least one elastic sheet further comprises two inner elastic sheets disposed on inner sides of the two outer elastic sheets, and the two inner elastic sheets respectively rest against top and bottom surfaces on one side of the tongue.

23. The socket structure according toclaim 21, wherein the at least one elastic sheet further comprises a middle elastic sheet disposed on an inner side of the two outer elastic sheets and disposed at a middle height on one side of the connection slot, and when the plug does not have the metal housing, the plug inserted into the connection slot may be connected to a top side or a bottom side of the tongue, and the middle elastic sheet rests against one of the surfaces of the plug formed with the connection terminals.

24. The socket structure according toclaim 19, wherein one end of the elastic sheet is connected to one side of the metal housing near a front end of the metal housing and extends inwardly in an arced manner, the elastic sheet has a projection, and the elastic sheet is elastically moved outwardly when the projection is pressed.

25. The socket structure according toclaim 19, wherein one end of the elastic sheet is connected to a side plate surface of the metal housing and extends outwardly in an arced manner, the elastic sheet has a projection, and the elastic sheet is elastically moved outwardly when the projection is pressed.

26. The socket structure according toclaim 3, wherein a front end of the first contact has a first guide-in sheet, a front end of the second contact has a second guide-in sheet, the first contact and the second contact are vertically aligned with each other, and the first guide-in sheet and second guide-in sheet are staggered in a left to right direction.

27. The socket structure according toclaim 1, wherein the plastic base is further formed with at least another connection slot, and the another connection slot has at least one row of terminals to be connected to another plug.

28. The socket structure according toclaim 14, wherein top and bottom ends of the connection slot are narrower than a middle section of the connection slot so that four corners of a profile of the connection slot have sloped edges.

29. The socket structure according toclaim 28, wherein each of the four sloped edges on the front end of the connection slot is formed with a slant guiding plate expanding outwardly, and when the plug is inserted into the connection slot to touch the slant guiding plate, the plug is guided toward a center of the connection slot.

30. The socket structure according toclaim 28 being a micro USB 2.0 socket, wherein each of the at least one row of first contacts and the at least one row of second contacts is a row of five connection terminals, which cannot be elastically moved.

31. The socket structure according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a second tongue disposed within the connection slot, wherein the second tongue and the tongue are located on the same level and in parallel;

at least one row of third contacts separately arranged on one surface of the second tongue, wherein each of the third contacts is electrically connected to a pin extending out of the plastic base; and

at least one row of fourth contacts separately arranged on the other surface of the second tongue, wherein each of the fourth contacts is electrically connected to a pin extending out of the plastic base;

wherein the at least one row of first contacts and the at least one row of third contacts pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers, the at least one row of second contacts and the at least one row of fourth contacts pertain to the same connection interface and have oppositely arranged serial numbers.

32. The socket structure according toclaim 31 being a micro USB 3.0 socket, wherein each of the at least one row of first contacts, the at least one row of second contacts, the at least one row of third contacts and the at least one row of fourth contacts has one row of five connection terminals, which cannot be elastically moved.

33. The socket structure according toclaim 14, further comprising:

a second tongue disposed within the connection slot, wherein the second tongue and the tongue are located on the same level and in parallel; and

at least one row of third contacts separately arranged on one surface of the second tongue, wherein each of the third contacts is electrically connected to a pin extending out of the plastic base.

34. A socket structure configured for a duplex electrical connection, the socket structure comprising:

a plastic base;

a connection slot, which is disposed in front of the plastic base and configured to be connected to a plug having at least one row of connection terminals;

a tongue, which has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and is disposed on one end of the plastic base and within the connection slot, such that chambers of the connection slot on two sides of the tongue allow the plug to be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the connection slot;

at least one row of first contacts separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to a respective first pin extending out of the plastic base; and

at least one row of second contacts separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue, wherein:

each of the second contacts is electrically connected to a respective second pin extending out of the plastic base;

when the plug is normally inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the second surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the at least one row of second contacts, and the tongue is disposed at a middle within the connection slot so that the connection slot is formed with symmetric profiles in up, down, left and right chambers around the tongue; and

when the plug is oppositely inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the first surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the at least one row of first contacts, and the tongue is disposed at the middle within the connection slot so that the connection slot is formed with symmetric profiles in up, down, left and right chambers around the tongue.

35. The socket structure of claim 34, further comprising a metal housing at least partially covering the plastic base.

36. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein the tongue and the plastic base are integrally formed.

37. The socket structure of claim 34, further comprising a plurality of slots in the tongue for respective ones of the at least one row of first contacts.

38. The socket structure of claim 34, further comprising a plurality of slots in the tongue for respective ones of the at least one row of second contacts.

39. The socket structure of claim 34, further comprising a rear cover on the plastic base.

40. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein each contact is a portion of a respective terminal.

41. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to the respective first pin extending out of the plastic base through a rear cover.

42. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein each of the second contacts is electrically connected to the respective second pin extending out of the plastic base through a rear cover.

43. The socket structure of claim 34, further comprising at least one row of first terminals separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue.

44. The socket structure of claim 43, further comprising at least one row of second terminals separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue.

45. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein at least two of the first contacts are not in electrical communication with one another.

46. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein at least two of the second contacts are not in electrical communication with one another.

47. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein the at least one row of first contacts and the respective first pins are formed on respective ones of a row of first terminals.

48. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein a first contact and a second contact respectively project beyond one surface of the tongue.

49. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein each of the first contacts and each of the second contacts are within the connection slot.

50. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein the symmetrical profiles in the up and down chambers are the same, and the symmetrical profiles in the left and right chambers are the same.

51. The socket structure of claim 34, wherein the socket structure does not include the plug.

52. A socket structure configured for a duplex electrical connection with a plug, the socket structure comprising:

a plastic base;

a connection slot, which is disposed in front of the plastic base and configured to be connected to the plug having at least one row of connection terminals;

a tongue, comprising a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, the tongue being disposed on one end of the plastic base and within the connection slot, such that chambers of the connection slot on two sides of the tongue allow the plug to be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the connection slot based on an operational state of when the socket structure is connected to the plug;

at least one row of first contacts separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to a respective at least first pin extending out of the plastic base; and

at least one row of second contacts separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue, wherein

each of the second contacts is electrically connected to a respective at least second pin extending out of the plastic base: and, the socket structure is configured for two separate operational states: a first operational state

when the plug is normally inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the second surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are configured to electrically connect to the at least one row of second contacts, and the tongue is disposed at a middle within the connection slot so that the connection slot is formed with symmetric profiles in up, down, left and right chambers around the tongue; and a second operational state

when the plug is oppositely inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the first surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are configured to electrically connect to the at least one row of first contacts, and the tongue is disposed at the middle within the connection slot so that the connection slot is formed with symmetric profiles in up, down, left and right chambers around the tongue.

53. The socket structure of claim 52, further comprising a metal housing at least partially covering the plastic base.

54. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein the tongue and the plastic base are integrally formed.

55. The socket structure of claim 52, further comprising a plurality of slots in the tongue for respective ones of the at least one row of first contacts.

56. The socket structure of claim 52, further comprising a plurality of slots in the tongue for respective ones of the at least one row of second contacts.

57. The socket structure of claim 52, further comprising a rear cover on the plastic base.

58. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein each contact is a portion of a respective terminal.

59. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to the respective first pin extending out of the plastic base through a rear cover.

60. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein each of the second contacts is electrically connected to the respective second pin extending out of the plastic base through a rear cover.

61. The socket structure of claim 52, further comprising at least one row of first terminals separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue.

62. The socket structure of claim 61, further comprising at least one row of second terminals separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue.

63. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein at least two of the first contacts are not in electrical communication with one another.

64. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein at least two of the second contacts are not in electrical communication with one another.

65. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein the symmetrical profiles in the up and down chambers are the same, and the symmetrical profiles in the left and right chambers are the same.

66. The socket structure of claim 52, wherein the socket structure does not include the plug.

67. A socket structure configured for a duplex electrical connection with a plug, the socket structure comprising:

a plastic base;

a connection slot, which is disposed in front of the plastic base and configured to be connected to the plug having at least one row of connection terminals;

a tongue, comprising a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, the tongue being disposed on one end of the plastic base and within the connection slot, such that chambers of the connection slot on two sides of the tongue allow the plug to be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the connection slot based on an operational state of when the socket structure is connected to the plug;

at least one row of first contacts separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to a respective at least first pin extending out of the plastic base;

at least one row of second contacts separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue, wherein

each of the second contacts is electrically connected to a respective at least second pin extending out of the plastic base; and, the socket structure is configured for two separate operational states: a first operational state

when the plug is normally inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the second surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are configured to electrically connect to the at least one row of second contacts; and a second operational state

when the plug is oppositely inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the first surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are configured to electrically connect to the at least one row of first contacts; and

a metal housing coveting the plastic base wherein the tongue and the plastic base are integrally formed,

wherein:

at least one side of the metal housing projects inwardly to form at least one laterally elastically movable elastic sheet, and when the plug is inserted into the connection slot, the at least one elastic sheet may rest against the plug or the tongue to prevent the plug from turning when inserted,

the at least one elastic sheet comprises a first outer elastic sheet and a second outer elastic sheet which are disposed above and below of the tongue on one side of the connection slot, the plug has a plastic base and a metal housing covering the plastic base, a chamber is formed between the metal housing and the plastic base, and when the plug is inserted into the connection slot, the chamber is fitted with the tongue, the first outer elastic sheet on one side of the metal housing is pushed away by the plug, and the second outer elastic sheet rests against one of the surfaces of the plug, and

the at least one elastic sheet further comprises two inner elastic sheets disposed on inner sides of the two outer elastic sheets, and the two inner elastic sheets respectively rest against top and bottom surfaces on one side of the tongue.

68. A socket structure configured for a duplex electrical connection with a plug, the socket structure comprising:

a plastic base;

a connection slot, which is disposed in front of the plastic base and configured to be connected to the plug having at least one row of connection terminals;

a tongue, comprising a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, the tongue being disposed on one end of the plastic base and within the connection slot, such that chambers of the connection slot on two sides of the tongue allow the plug to be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the connection slot based on an operational state of when the socket structure is connected to the plug;

at least one row of first contacts separately arranged on the first surface of the tongue, wherein each of the first contacts is electrically connected to a respective at least first pin extending out of the plastic base; and

at least one row of second contacts separately arranged on the second surface of the tongue, wherein

each of the second contacts is electrically connected to a respective at least second pin extending out of the plastic base; and, the socket structure is configured for two separate operational states: a first operational state

when the plug is normally inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the second surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are configured to electrically connect to the at least one row of second contacts; and a second operational state

when the plug is oppositely inserted into the connection slot with the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug facing the first surface of the tongue, the at least one row of connection terminals of the plug are configured to electrically connect to the at least one row of first contacts,

wherein:

the at least one row of first contacts and the first pins are formed on at least one row of first terminals,

the first terminal is integrally formed with the first contact, a first extension, a first fixing portion and the first pin,

the at least one row of second contacts and the second pins are formed on at least one row of second terminals, and the second terminal is integrally formed with the second contact, a second extension, a second fixing portion and the second pin,

the first contacts of the row of first terminals and the second contacts of the row of second terminals respectively project beyond one of the surfaces of the tongue, and

a front end of the first contact has a first guide-in sheet, a front end of the second contact has a second guide-in sheet, the first contact and the second contact are vertically aligned with each other, and the first guide-in sheet and second guide-in sheet are staggered in a left to right direction.

Images