CONNECTION PORT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present application is directed to a connection port for an electronic device, and more particularly, to a connection port that includes multiple indexing positions that each provide for establishing an electrical connection.
BACKGROUND
Electronic devices, such as cell phones, PDA, lap top computers, monitoring devices, and GPS devices, include a connection port for various purposes, such as for charging and signaling. The port includes a receptacle configured to receive an exterior plug, and one or more electrical connectors that operatively connect with the plug. For example, a port may be configured to receive DC power supplied through a transformer from a conventional AC power supply.
The receptacle on the electronic device should be configured to provide an indication to the user that the plug is properly and fully mounted into the receptacle. The receptacle should also be configured to mechanically engage with the plug to prevent inadvertent separation, such as if the device is grasped by the user during the connection.
In some existing devices, it may be difficult for the user to engage the plug with the receptacle. This may be caused by the receptacle being configured to receive the plug in a specific rotational position. This may be further complicated when the receptacle is located on the device at a position that may normally be out of view of the user, such as if the receptacle is mounted on a back side of the device away from a display screen.
Further, prior electronic device included a port that did not prevent or reduce debris or water from entering into the interior of the device. This reduced or eliminated the ability of the device to be used in certain environments, such as in outdoor environments. Further, certain users may not use the device because of the required amount of care necessary to prevent damage. For example, an outdoors enthusiast may not purchase a device that is not able to resist water.
SUMMARY
The present application is directed to a connection port for an electronic device. The port is shaped to include multiple indexing positions that provide for receiving an exterior connector at different rotational orientations. Electrical connectors are positioned at the port to establish an electrical connection with the connector at each indexing position.
One embodiment is directed to a first connector in an electronic device that includes a non-circular opening formed in a housing and configured to receive a second connector in two or more different angular orientations. Circular concentric electrical contacts are aligned with the opening. The first connector is configured to receive the second connector at each of the two or more different angular orientations and to form an electrical connection with the second connector at each of the angular orientations. The non-circular opening is configured to prevent rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector at each of the plurality of different angular orientations.
The housing may extend over at least a portion of an outer electrical contact of the plurality of circular concentric electrical contacts.
The plurality of circular concentric electrical contacts may be centered at the opening.
The opening may include first and second radial sections that extend outward from a center of the opening with each of the first and second radial sections including a common size and shape and being positioned on a common half of the opening.
The plurality of circular concentric electrical contacts may be positioned within a printed circuit board that is attached to an inner surface of the housing with the printed circuit board being larger than the opening to extend across an entirety of the opening.
A waterproof seal may be formed between the inner surface of the housing and the printed circuit board.
A magnet may be positioned in proximity to the plurality of concentric electrical contacts to attract the second connector. The plurality of concentric electrical contacts may be positioned between the housing and the magnet.
Another embodiment is directed to a first connector in an electronic device and includes an opening formed in an exterior housing of the device and configured to receive a second connector. A printed circuit board is positioned at an inner side of the exterior housing and is sized to extend across the opening. The printed circuit board includes electrical contacts aligned with the opening and having at least an inner electrical contact and an outer electrical contact that extends continuously around the inner electrical contact. At least a portion of the outer electrical contact extends under the exterior housing. Each of the electrical contacts may include a circular shape.
The opening may include a non-circular shape.
The first connector may be configured to receive the second connector at at least two or more different angular orientations and to form an electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the second connector at each of the angular orientations.
The opening may be configured to prevent rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector at each of the plurality of different angular orientations.
The electrical contacts may be centered at the opening.
A seal may connect the printed circuit board to an inner surface of the housing. A magnet may be positioned in proximity to the opening to attract the second connector. The printed circuit board may be positioned between the housing and the magnet.
Another embodiment is directed to a first connector in an electronic device and includes a non-circular opening formed in a housing with the opening including at least three axes of symmetry that extend across the opening. A plurality of circular concentric electrical contacts are aligned with the opening. The first connector is configured to receive a second connector at each of a plurality of different angular orientations and to form an electrical connection between the plurality of circular concentric electrical contacts and the second connector at each of the angular orientations.
An outer circular contact of the plurality of circular contacts may extend under the housing.
The opening may include a plurality of arms that are each in communication with a common central section. Each of the arms may include a common shape and size.
The opening may include at least one section of an outer perimeter that is straight.
A magnet may be positioned behind the plurality of circular electrical contacts away from the opening to attract the second connector.
The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a port and a connector.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a device with a connection port.
Figure 3 is a top view of a device with a connection port. Figure 4 is a sectional view cut along line IV-IV of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a sectional view cut along line V-V of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 5 in a slightly different angular orientation.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a charger.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a connector.
Figure 9 is a section view cut along line IX-IX of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a schematic view of electrical connections of an electronic device and a connector.
Figure 1 1 is a schematic view of a port of an electronic device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present application is directed to a connection port on an electronic device configured to receive an exterior connector for one or more of signaling and charging functions. The port is shaped to receive the connector at multiple indexing positions each at a different rotational orientation. The port includes one or more electrical connectors that engage with the connector at each of the indexing positions.
Figure 1 schematically illustrates a port 20 extending into the exterior of an electronic device 10. The port 20 further includes an opening 12 in a housing 1 1 and one or more electrical connectors 17. In this embodiment, the port 20 includes four indexing positions formed by the four arms 13 that extend outward from a central section 14. An electrical connector 30 such as from a charger or connection cable includes a corresponding shape, and one or more electrical connectors 38. The port 20 is sized and shaped to receive the male connector 30 at each of the different indexing positions. At each position, an electrical connection is formed between the electrical connectors 17, 38. Further, the shape of the port 20 prevents relative rotation between the port 20 and connector 30 to maintain the electrical connection.
The port 20 and connector 30 may include a variety of shapes and sizes for the connector 30 to fit within the port 20 and form an electrical connection. The port 20 and connector 30 are further shaped and sized such that the electrical connectors 20, 30 align at each of the various indexing positions to form the electrical connection.
Figure 2 illustrates on embodiment of an electronic device 10 that includes an outer housing 1 1 that protects the internal components. The outer housing 1 1 may be constructed from a variety of different materials such as plastic. The outer housing 1 1 may be a single piece, or may include multiple separate pieces that are connected together. The device 10 may include various shapes and sizes. The embodiment of Figure 1 includes a generally rectangular shape with enlarged top and bottom faces, and smaller lateral sidewalls. In one embodiment, the device 10 is substantially square that includes a length and width of about 1 .5 inches. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 1 , the housing 40 is substantially square with lengths and widths of about 40mm and a thickness of about 15mm. In one specific embodiment, the housing includes a length of about 38.9mm, a width of about 39.8mm, and a thickness of about 14mm.
The port 20 is positioned to be accessible to and receive the connector 30. The port 20 includes an opening 12 that extends through the outer housing 1 1 . The opening 12 in Figure 1 includes a number of arms 13 that extend outward from a central section 14. Each of the splines 13 includes substantially the same shape and size. In one embodiment, each of the splines 13 includes a substantially straight shape that extends directly outward from the central section 14.
The opening 12 may include one or more axis of symmetry that extends across the opening 12. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 2, the opening 12 includes three axes of symmetry with each axis extending through a pair of opposing arms 13. The opening 12 may also include various other numbers of axes of symmetry.
In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 2, each of the arms 13 includes substantially the same shape and size. Further, two or more of the arms 13 are positioned on a common half of the opening 12.
As illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the connection port 20 further includes a flexible printed circuit board 16 (PCB) that extends across the opening 12 and is positioned within an interior of the outer housing 1 1 . The PCB 16 is exposed and accessible through the opening 12. The PCB 16 includes the electrical contacts 17 that form a portion of the electrical connection upon engagement with the connector 30. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts 17 are continuous and extend along different sections of the splines 13. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts 17 include a series of concentric rings 17 that are electrically connected to internal electronics 50 of the device 10. The rings 17 may be constructed from a conductive material. As best illustrated in Figure 3, the rings 17 include a first interior ring with the smallest diameter, and additional rings that encircle the interior ring each with a progressively larger diameter. One or more of the rings 17 may be positioned within the central section 14 of the opening 12. One or more of the larger rings 17 may extend outward into the splines 13 that extend outward from the central section 14. The distance between each of the rings 17 may be the same as illustrated in Figure 3. Other embodiments include at least one of the distances between adjacent rings being different. The electrical contacts 17 may be configured to be positioned at a common distance from a center of the opening 12 at each of the indexing positions.
The PCB 16 may be further attached to the inner surface of the housing 1 1 . In one embodiment, the circuit board 16 and housing 1 1 include mating posts and alignment holes that engage together to attach the circuit board 16 to the housing 1 1 and provide alignment for the circuit board 16 relative to the opening 12. An adhesive may be applied to further attach the circuit board 16 to the housing 1 1 . In one embodiment, a seal 57 is formed between the circuit board 16 and the housing 1 1 to reduce or prevent water or debris from entering into the interior of the device 10. The seal 57 may be formed by the adhesive and/or a gasket.
As best illustrated in Figure 5, a recess 18 may extend into the inner surface of the housing 1 1 at the opening 12. The recess 18 may be larger in width and length than the PCB 16 such that the PCB 16 seats in the recess 18. The recess 18 may also be deeper than a thickness of the PCB 16 such that the PCB 16 is positioned below the inner surface of the housing 1 1 . The recess 18 may also be sized to receive a magnet 19 that is positioned in proximity to the opening 12. This also positions a portion or entirety of the magnet 19 below the inner surface of the housing 1 1 . This positioning of the FPC 16 and magnet 19 minimizes a height H of the device 10.
The device 10 may further include a variety of input buttons 15 that extend through openings in the outer housing. The input buttons are operatively connected to the internal electronics 50 to provide for a user to operate the various features of the device 10.
The exterior connector 30 is configured to engage with the port 20 at the different indexing positions. Each indexing position is at a different rotational orientation and provides for an electrical connection between the device 50 and the connector 30. The connector 30 may include various shapes and sizes, and be used for various purposes, such as for charging and communication.
Figure 7 illustrates a connection device 91 that engages with the port 20 to charge and/or communicate with the device 10. The connection device 91 includes an intermediate cable 33 that extends between a first connector 31 and the connector 30. The first connector 31 may include various configurations, such as a USB Standard Type A plug, or prongs for connecting to conventional household AC power outlet. The connector 30 is shaped and sized to engage with the connection port 20 on the device 10. As illustrated in Figure 8, the connector 30 includes an outer housing 34 formed by one or more sections. The housing 34 may include various shapes and sizes. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 8, the housing 34 is substantially cylindrical with opposing enlarged top and bottom sides and a curved lateral wall.
A protrusion 35 extends outward from one of the sides and is sized and shaped to engage with the port 20. The protrusion 35 includes a central section 36 and outwardly-extending splines 37. The splines 37 are sized and shaped such that the protrusion 35 can engage with the port 20 at each of the different indexing positions. In one embodiment, each of the connector 30 and port 20 include six splines 13, 37 to provide for engagement in six different indexing positions each with a different rotational orientation. In one embodiment, the protrusion 35 includes the same number of splines 37 as the splines 13 of the port 20. This enhances the engagement between the connector 30 and the port 20. Other embodiments may include the connector 30 including fewer splines 37 than the splines 13 of the port 20.
A series of pins 38 extend outward beyond the protrusion 35 to engage with the electrical contacts 17 in the device port 20. In one embodiment, the pins 38 are aligned in a straight line to extend across the protrusion 35 to contact with each of the rings 17. In the embodiment of Figure 8, a central pin is located within a center of the protrusion 35, with the other pins 38 being aligned along a pair of opposing splines 37. As illustrated in Figure 8, one or more of the splines 37 may be used for positioning but do not include a pin.
One or more of the pins 38 may be biased outward beyond the surface of the protrusion 35 to enhance contact with the corresponding electrical contact rings 17 when the connector 30 is engaged with the port 20 on the device 10. In one
embodiment as illustrated in Figure 9, the pins 38 include movable first and second sections 41 , 42. A biasing member 40, such as a spring, is positioned within the pin 38 to bias the first section 41 away from the second section 42. The second section 42 may be fixed and/or supported on a surface 43 such that the force of the biasing member 40 causes the first section 41 to be biased outward beyond the surface of the protrusion 35.
In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 8, the connector 30 includes a total of four pins aligned in a straight line across a pair of splines 37. A center pin 38 (i.e., the second pin from the left) is positioned at a center of the central section 36. Two pins 38 (i.e., the third and fourth pins from the left) are positioned on a first side of the center pin 38, and a single pin 38 {i.e., the first pin in the row) is positioned on an opposing second side of the center pin 38. The two pins 38 on the first side of the center pin are align to contact against the first ring beyond the center pad (i.e., the inner ring) and outer concentric rings (see Figure 3). The single pin on the second side of the center pin is aligned to contact against the intermediate ring. Positioning the pins 38 that contact against adjacent rings 17 on opposing splines 13 provides for the rings 17 to be placed in closer proximity while still providing for contact by the pins 38.
The connector 30 may also include a magnet 39. Magnet 39 is aligned relative to the magnet 19 in the device 10 such that the poles are oriented to generate an attractive force when the connector 32 is brought into proximity with the device port 20.
This magnetic force provides for the connector 30 to become engaged with and remain engaged with the port 20.
In use for charging the device 10, the first connector 31 of the connection device
91 is plugged into a power source. The connector 30 is aligned with and engaged with the port 20 of the device 10. The alignment includes positioning the splines 37 and central section 36 of the protrusion 35 of the charger 30 with the corresponding splines
13 and central section 14 of the device port 20. The relative sizes between the units provide for the splines 37 and central section 36 of the connector 30 to engage with and fit within the corresponding splines 13 and central section 14 of the device port 20. The engagement also provides for the pins 38 that extend outward beyond the protrusion to contact against and electrically connect to the corresponding electrical contact rings 17 on the PCB 16 of the device port 20.
The magnets 19, 39 in the components provide a magnetic force to cause the protrusion 35 of the connector 30 to fit into and engage with the device port 20. The magnetic force also maintains the engagement while the device 20 is being charged, particularly in the event the device 10 and/or device 91 are jostled or otherwise moved during the charging process.
The corresponding shapes of the splines 13 and splines 37 allow for engagement in the different indexing positions. In an embodiment that includes six equal splines 13, 37, the connection may occur in any of six different indexing positions each at a different rotational orientation. At each orientation, the shapes of the splines 13, 37 provide for the pins 38 to be aligned with and contact against the corresponding rings
17.
The system described above may be used on a variety of different devices 10. In one embodiment, the device 10 is a wireless child device that is worn by a child that is to be monitored by a monitoring system. The device includes GPS functionality, a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless data, and a display to display various information. One specific embodiment of a child device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/736,413, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other applicable devices may include but are not limited to laptop computers, cellular phones, and PDAs.
Figure 10 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the electrical connections between the connector 30 and the device 10. The device 10 includes electrical contacts 17 that are spaced apart across the opening 12 of the port 20. Each of the contacts 17 is electrically connected to the internal electronics 50 of the device 10 that includes an internal battery that powers the device 10. The magnet 19 is further positioned in proximity to the opening 12 to create a magnetic force with magnet 39 when the connector 30 is in proximity.
Connector 30 includes the pins 38 that are spaced apart across the protrusion 35 to align with and contact against the contacts 17 when the connector 30 is engaged with the connection port 20. The second connector's pins 38 are each electrically connected to circuitry within the connector 30 which is in turn connected to one or more wires that extend through the cable 33.
In one embodiment, the outer pin on the connector 30 is designated for positive DC power and the central pin is used for a return path of DC power. The two other pins 38 are configured for serial communication.
The contacts 17, 38 may include various numbers and configurations. In the various embodiments whether the contacts 38 are for power or data signals, a variety of functions could be assigned to any of the contacts 38.
The port 20 and connector 30 may have a variety of corresponding shapes that provide for positioning at the different indexing positions. The various shapes provide for the contacts 38 to align with the corresponding contacts 17 in the various rotational orientations. Each of the various shapes provide for indexing at different rotational positions between the device 10 and charger 30 while still maintaining electrical contact between the pins 38 and rings 17. The shapes also prevent rotation between the connector 30 and the port 20.
The port 20 and connector 30 may include various shapes and sizes to provide for electrical connection at different indexing positions, while preventing relative rotation between the connector 30 and port 20. The embodiments described above include the port 20 and connector 30 having multiple splines. Other examples include but are not limited to triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, and various other organic shapes. In some embodiments, the port 20 and connector 30 each include a similar shape. Other embodiments include the port 20 and connector 30 having different shapes.
The electrical contacts 17 are configured to form an electrical connection with the connector 30 at each of the indexing positions. The electrical contacts 17 may be continuous to extend along two or more different indexing positions. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment with the different electrical contacts 17 having circular shapes that extend into multiple different splines and therefore different indexing positions. Other embodiments include the port 20 having different discrete connectors 17 at the different indexing positions. Figure 1 1 illustrates an embodiment with a triangular port 20 having three indexing positions. Each position includes a pair of discrete connectors 17 to form the electrical connection with the connector 30.
Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper", and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as "first", "second", and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
As used herein, the terms "having", "containing", "including", "comprising" and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.