Removable electronic module

• US 8,226,442 B2
• Filed: 03/02/2007
• Issued: 07/24/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Uusimaki, Matti, Laitinen, Timo T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Urban, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): HANIDU, GANIYU A
• Application Number:
  US11/713,346
• Publication Number:
  US 20080212291A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,971 Days
• Field of Search: 455/550.1, 455/550, 455/420, 455/41, 235/492, 235/441, 439/630, 439/67, 439/91, 439/74, 439/66
• US Class Current: 439/630
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/635 by mechanical pressure, e.g. spring force
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3818 Arrangements for facilitating insertion or removal of identification devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 including a card reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/22 including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/09181 Notches in edge pads
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10189 Non-printed connector
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/325 by abutting or pinching, i.e. without alloying process; mechanical auxiliary parts therefor adaptations of leads inserted in holes for press-fit connections H05K3/308
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/403 Edge contacts; Windows or holes in the substrate having plural connections on the walls thereof H05K3/4092 takes precedence

Abstract

An electronic module adapted to be removably, operably connected to an electronic device. The electronic module includes a housing; at least one electronic component in the housing; and a plurality of electrical contact areas. The housing has a general electronic card shape with relatively large top and bottom sides and relatively thin side edges between the top and bottom sides. The plurality of electrical contact areas are located on a first one of the side edges. The electrical contact areas are connected to the at least one electronic component such that, when the electronic module is operably connected to the electronic device, the electrical contact areas on the first side edge are adapted to electrically couple the at least one electronic component to the electronic device along the first side edge.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising:

a housing;

a resilient member mounted in the housing, wherein the resilient member comprises electrically non-conductive flexible material; and

a plurality of substantially rigid electrical contacts mounted to the resilient member, wherein the electrical contacts each comprise a first side having a first contact area which is adapted to contact a removable electronic module, and wherein the electric contacts each comprise a second side, which is offset about 90 degrees from the first side, and which is adapted to contact a second contact area on an electronic component, wherein the electrical contacts are adapted to pivot relative to the housing.

2. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the electrical contacts have a general triangular side profile.

3. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein a third side of the electrical contacts are located against the resilient member.

4. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein a third side of the electrical contacts are in movable contact with a portion of the housing.

5. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein, when removable electronic module is inserted into the electrical connector, the contacts are adapted to be moved by the removable electronic module in a first direction and the resilient member is adapted to move the contacts in a different second direction.