Electronic device connectable to external device and method for connecting the same

• US 9,692,159 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2015
• Issued: 06/27/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2014
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Lee, Kwan Ho, Yun, Yong Sang
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Khiem
• Application Number:
  US14/699,466
• Publication Number:
  US 20150318628A1
• Time in Patent Office: 790 Days
• Field of Search: 439 78, 439289, 439700
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/7076 for connection between PCB and component, e.g. display
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2421 using coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/42 Securing in a demountable manner
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/703 operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling partH01R13/71 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/20 for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0274 for an electrical connector module
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4921 with bonding

Abstract

An electronic device connectable to an external device is provided. The electronic device includes a case part covering the electronic device, the case part having at least one hole, and a connector, at least a part of which is exposed through the hole so as to perform electrical or physical connection to the external device, wherein the exposed part may form a smooth surface with a surface of the case part.

Claims

1. An electronic device connectable to an external device, the electronic device comprising:

a case part configured to cover the electronic device, the case part having at least one hole;

a connector, at least a part of which is exposed through the hole so as to perform electrical or physical connection to the external device; and

a barrier part arranged on a surface of the case part so as to prevent the exposed part from protruding beyond the surface of the case part,

wherein the exposed part forms a smooth surface with the surface of the case part.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is fixed to at least one of surfaces of a board, a bracket, a housing and a hardware component in the electronic device so as to be electrically connected thereto.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is coupled to a protruding connector connected to the external device.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the exposed part has the same texture or color as that of the surface of the case part.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises:

a body part having a through-hole;

a plate movable in the through-hole; and

an elastic part configured to support the plate.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the plate has a stepped structure, wherein a first stage disposed at a lower layer of the stepped structure has a wider cross section than that of a second stage disposed at an upper layer of the stepped structure.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of the second stage is exposed to the outside through the hole.

8. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the body part comprises a guide part at an inner wall thereof, wherein the plate comprises a guide connection part coupled to the guide part so as to be moved.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the guide part is formed in a shape of a protrusion or a groove at the inner wall of the body part.

10. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the connector further comprises a contact part adjacent to an inner wall of the through-hole, wherein the contact part is exposed to the outside due to movement of the plate.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the contact part comprises at least one contact pad, wherein the contact pad transmits/receives a designated electric signal.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the contact part is formed of an elastic material.

13. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the plate comprises a pad electrically connectable to the external device.

14. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the plate defines a groove in a region adjacent to the body part or the contact part formed on the body part, along a route of the movement.

15. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the connector further comprises a fixing part connected to an exterior of the body part so as to be fixed to the electronic device.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the fixing part comprises a connection device connected to the exterior of the body part to exchange electric signals with the electronic device.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the connection device comprises a signal pad, a clip pad, or a connector terminal.

18. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the connector further comprises a base part configured to support the elastic part.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the base part further comprises a coupling part joinable to the body part.

20. A device comprising:

a protruding connector configured to be electrically or physically connected to an electronic device, the protruding connector having a stepped structure,

wherein a first stage of the stepped structure is inserted into the electronic device and a second stage of the stepped structure supports the first stage.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the first stage has a wider cross section than that of the second stage, and is inserted into the electronic device so as to be coupled thereto.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein the first stage comprises a contact region electrically connectable to the electronic device.

23. The device according to claim 20, wherein the device is configured to electrically connect a plurality of electronic devices to each other.