The present invention relates generally to connectors and more particularly to a connector for an electronic device.
In today's communication systems, accessories are often utilized to provide a user with remote access to certain key features associated with another electronic device. Examples of such accessories include, but are not limited to, remote speaker microphones, displays, earpiece devices, and headsets to name a few. Accessory connectors are typically used to interconnect the accessory to the electronic device. Several design challenges are associated with the implementation of an accessory connector, particularly when such a connector may be handled under adverse conditions, such as those conditions potentially encountered within the public safety arena involving law enforcement, fire rescue or emergency medical.
The design challenges associated with connector assemblies, in particular those involving an audio plug, include the amount of force needed to connect and disconnect the plug from an accessory jack. High variations in the jack's retention force may cause breakage if too tight or accidental detachment if too loose. The manner in which the plug is supported within the accessory jack may also leave the plug vulnerable to side pull and torque forces. The connector assembly may be subjected to a variety of rugged environments, particularly when operating in the public safety arena. For example, gloved users have a more difficult time sensing tactile feedback as the accessory is connected and disconnected. Sealing of the accessory connector is another concern as accessory devices used in the public safety arena are subjected to a variety of environmental conditions, such as water and dust. Spring probe connectors, for example, are typically vulnerable to dust and other contaminants. Circular connectors, for example, tend to be too large for portable type accessories. Existing audio plug and jack connectors have issues with both sealing and locking. Size, cost and ease of manufacturing are also taken into consideration, particularly for accessories which are worn or carried by a user.
Hence, a connector having an improved connector interface is highly desirable.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in apparatus components related to a connector. An improved interface is provided via a locking mechanism which facilitates engagement and disengagement of the connector to an electronic device. The connector to be described herein facilitates the management of electronic accessories and devices, particularly those used in mission critical applications where many devices need to be easily accessed by a user. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the elements.
In accordance with the various embodiments, locking sleeve 104 provides a hollow body having an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 116, and first and second openings 118, 120 at either end. The locking pattern 108 of locking sleeve 104 is formed of a circular band 122 on the outer surface 116 having first and second ends 124, 126, and a locking tab 128 formed at the first end 124. A gap 130 is formed between the locking tab 128 and the second end 126 of the circular band 122. The locking sleeve 104 further comprises a collar 132 integrated on the outer surface 116 at the second opening 120. The recess 110 for retaining the o-ring 112 is formed between the collar 132 and the circular band 122. Thus, the collar 132 is located adjacent to the recessed o-ring, and the recessed o-ring 112 is located adjacent to the locking pattern. The locking sleeve 104 provides sealing and locking via the locking pattern 108 and recessed o-ring 112. The locking pattern 108 provides a predetermined range of rotation less than 360 degrees thereby preventing over rotation of the connector 100.
The components shown in
As seen in
The plug 102 of connector 100 is initially inserted within the jack 220, but full entry of the plug will be prevented as the circular band 122 of the locking sleeve 104 will hit first hard-stop 206 upon insertion, until the connector 100 is rotated such that the gap 130 of locking sleeve 104 aligns with the first hard-stop 206. This point of engagement, shown in
Once engaged, further rotation of the connector 100 rotates circular band 122 while first hard-stop 206 is retained between the band and the recess for the o-ring 112. Only upon rotating back to gap 130 can the connector be disengaged. As with the engagement process, the user is able to disengage the connector 100 without having to visually see the symbols on the two devices. Reversing rotation until the locking tab 128 hits the first hard-stop 206 in the opposing direction allows the gap 130 of connector 100 to slide past first hard-stop 206 of socket 204 thereby disconnecting the connector 100 from the electronic device 200.
Audio jack 220 is shown attached to a circuit board 240. The audio jack may be attached to an electronic circuit in any useful fashion; the jack is soldered to a printed circuit board in the example shown. Plug 102 is shown engaged with the audio jack 220.
The interface formed in accordance with the various embodiments can be implemented, for example, to secure the connector 100 to the housing 202 to meet predetermined pull forces and sealing. The axial pull force is established by the shear strength of the first hard-stop 206. This strength can be adjusted by modifying the width or depth of the first hard-stop 206. The side pull force is provided by the length of engagement between locking sleeve 104 and socket 204. Longer lengths of engagement reduce the tolerance of the angular position of plug 102 relative to jack 220. Damage to plug 102 and jack 220 is prevented by reducing this relative angular position. As for the sealing, the connector can be designed to meet, for example, a predetermined Ingress Protection rating, such as an IP54 rating for blowing rain.
The connector 100, formed in accordance with the various embodiments, is extremely useful in interfacing one portable accessory to another portable accessory.
While shown in
Additionally, the features of locking sleeve 104 and socket 204 can be reversed such that the socket with first hard-stop 206 is located on the cable/plug side, while the locking sleeve with features 112 (o-ring recess), 122 (circular band), 124, 126 (first and second ends of band), 128 (locking tab), 130 (gap) are formed on the housing side.
Accordingly, there has been provided a connector which can be applied to electronic products that requires robust, reliable engagement/disengagement. While particularly advantageous for portable public safety type devices, the connector interface may also be applied to stereos, personal music players, medical devices, audio recording equipment, laptops, video players, chargers, etc. Utilizing the locking sleeve formed in accordance with the various embodiments has eliminated the use of springs, screws and nuts. The use of the integrally molded locking sleeve further minimizes risk of corrosion and susceptibility to ESD.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4486062 | Kasugai | Dec 1984 | A |
4776813 | Wilson et al. | Oct 1988 | A |
5058649 | Hoang et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5618204 | Nix et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
6682360 | Schauer et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
6737592 | Hoang et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
6793537 | Stefaniu et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6994579 | Yokoigawa et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7048578 | Rodrigues | May 2006 | B2 |
7077677 | Sanuki | Jul 2006 | B2 |
7175459 | Milner et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7198516 | Kemelman et al. | Apr 2007 | B1 |
7259357 | Walker | Aug 2007 | B2 |
7303418 | O'Connor | Dec 2007 | B2 |
7381078 | Mtchedlishvili et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
7484981 | Garcia et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7628545 | Cody et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7722379 | Yang et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7972154 | Pech et al. | Jul 2011 | B2 |
20060099838 | Meyers | May 2006 | A1 |
20060154522 | Bernhart et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20070268687 | Scannell, Jr. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20090142952 | Akasaka | Jun 2009 | A1 |
20090191752 | Montena | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20100021059 | Ito | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20110017491 | Lu et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110065308 | Lu et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20130029510 A1 | Jan 2013 | US |