Robust magnetic connector

• US 9,461,403 B2
• Filed: 11/17/2014
• Issued: 10/04/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Gao, Zheng, Pong, Joshua
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams, Neil
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, TRAVIS SLOAN
• Application Number:
  US14/542,667
• Publication Number:
  US 20150207267A1
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 439 38- 40, 439/45, 439/129, 439/700, 439/824, 439/939
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/30 End pieces held in contact by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/17 with spring member on the pin
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2421 using coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2457 consisting of at least two resilient arms contacting the same counterpart
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/939 with grounding to metal mounting panel

Abstract

Connector inserts and receptacles that are robust, easily manufactured, and provide an improved connector performance. One example may provide a connector receptacle having a power contact located in a ground surface. An insulating layer may be placed between the power contact and the ground surface. The ground surface may be curved or flat, or it may have other shapes. Another example may provide a robust connector insert. This connector insert may include a crimping piece that fits over a cable braiding and is crimped. The crimping piece may then be attached to an attraction plate. A cover or shell may be attached to provide further reinforcement. Another example may provide a connector system having a ground contact and a power contact, where the ground contact is a make-first-break-last contact.

Claims

1. A connector receptacle comprising:

a plurality of magnets arranged at a face of the connector receptacle;

a ground return at the face of the connector receptacle and covering the plurality of magnets such that the ground return is between a connector insert and the plurality of magnets when the connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle;

a depressible power contact having a first end extending beyond the face of the connector receptacle and a second end extending behind the plurality of magnets;

a spring at the second end of the depressible power contact and fixed relative to the ground return, and

a stop positioned to limit a distance the depressible power contact can be depressed.

2. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least four magnets, the at least four magnets arranged to have opposing polarities.

3. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the plurality of magnets comprises three magnets, the three magnets arranged to have opposing polarities.

4. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the ground return is formed as part of a shield around the connector receptacle.

5. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the ground return is curved.

6. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the ground return is substantially planar.

7. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the ground return is formed of a material having a low magnetic conductivity.

8. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the power contact is formed of a highly conductive material.

9. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the stop is attached to the spring.

10. The connector receptacle of claim 1 wherein the spring substantially forms an elongated loop.

11. The connector receptacle of claim 10 wherein the spring compresses when the power contact is depressed relative to the ground return.

12. The connector receptacle of claim 11 wherein the stop is located on the spring.

13. A connector insert comprising:

a cable having braiding and a power conductor, where the power conductor emerges from a first end of the cable and the braiding is pulled back around the cable at the first end of the cable;

an insulating layer at the first end of the cable having an opening for the power conductor;

a power cap fixed to the power conductor such that the insulating layer is between the first end of the cable and the power cap;

a power insulator around sides of the power cap;

an attraction plate around the power insulator;

a crimping piece over the braiding and secured to the attraction plate; and

a shell over a rear portion of the attraction plate,

wherein the attraction plate is fixed to the shell by a plurality of pins in the attraction plate fit into a groove in the shell.

14. The connector insert of claim 13 wherein the attraction plate is formed of a ferromagnetic material.

15. The connector insert of claim 13 wherein the pins are spring biased.

16. A connector receptacle comprising:

a plurality of magnets arranged at a face of the connector receptacle;

a shield at the face of the connector receptacle and covering the plurality of magnets, such that the ground return is between a connector insert and the plurality of magnets when the connector insert is mated with the connector receptacle;

a power contact having a first end extending beyond the face of the connector receptacle and a second end extending behind the plurality of magnets;

a ground contact formed around sides of the power contact and having a first end extending beyond the face of the connector receptacle and a second end extending behind the plurality of magnets;

a first spring at the second end of the power contact and fixed relative to the shield; and

a second spring at the second end of the ground contact and fixed relative to the shield.

17. The connector receptacle of claim 16 wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least four magnets, the at least four magnets arranged to have opposing polarities.

18. The connector receptacle of claim 16 wherein the plurality of magnets comprises three magnets, the three magnets arranged to have opposing polarities.

19. The connector receptacle of claim 16 wherein the ground contact extends beyond the power contact.

20. The connector receptacle of claim 16 wherein the ground contact is arranged to mate with a corresponding contact on a connector insert before the power contact mates with a corresponding contact on the connector insert with the connector insert is brought into proximity with the connector receptacle.