Passive structure for reducing corrosion in connectors

Abstract

The invention relates to a passive structure for reducing corrosion in a connector. A connector structure that can help reduce contact corrosion in a connector receptacle and can reduce liquid entering an electronic device that houses the connector receptacle. One example may increase the effective width between adjacent contacts. The example and other examples may force dendritic growth to occur in a location where the dendritic growth may be at least partially cleared by inserting a corresponding connector into the connector receptacle.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 537,767, filed September 11, 2023, which is incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The number of commercially available electronic devices of various types has increased dramatically over the past few years, and the rate of introduction of new devices shows no sign of slowing down. Devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, all-in-one computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, storage devices, wearable computing devices, portable media players, portable computing devices, navigation systems, monitors, audio devices, remote controls, adapters, etc. have become ubiquitous.

[0004] Some of these electronic devices may receive data and power via cables connected to a power adapter, a host device, or other data and power source. These cables may have connector inserts that may be inserted into connector receptacles in the electronic device. The connector receptacles may include contacts that may form electrical connections with corresponding contacts in the connector insert.

[0005] Moisture can occasionally enter a connector socket. This moisture may be sweat from a user. Moisture may come from liquid spilled on or near the electronic device housing the connector socket. Moisture may be generated by the electronic device being submerged in water. Regardless of the source, this moisture can corrode the contacts in the connector socket. This corrosion can be in the form of dendritic growths that can cause electrical connections between adjacent contacts. This moisture can also damage the connector socket structure and enter the electronic device, causing further damage.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to reduce corrosion of contacts in a connector socket due to the presence of moisture. It is also desirable to prevent leakage through the connector socket into the electronic device.

[0007]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for connector structures that can help reduce contact corrosion in a connector receptacle and can reduce the ingress of liquids into an electronic device that houses the connector receptacle. Summary of the invention

[0008] Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide connector structures that can help reduce corrosion of contacts in connector sockets and can reduce liquids that enter electronic devices that house connector sockets. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide passive features that can be formed on the tongue of the connector socket. These passive features may include structures that can limit dendritic growth by increasing the effective width between contacts. These passive features may include structures that can force dendritic growth to occur in a position on the tongue of the connector socket, where the dendritic growth may be destroyed and at least partially cleared during the insertion of the corresponding connector insert into the connector socket. The passive features may include structures that can collect liquids that may appear on the tongue. The passive features may include structures that guide liquids from a first position on the tongue to a second position on the tongue. The passive features may include structures that can protect the leading edge or leading edge of the contact so that the contact is not damaged during the insertion of the corresponding connector insert into the connector socket. The passive features may include structures that can replace one or more of the multiple contacts. The replaced contact may be replaced with a non-conductive version that reduces the current density on adjacent or nearby contacts. The replaced contact may also or alternatively be formed of a sacrificial material that may be allowed to corrode in order to protect other contacts on the tongue. Passive features may include structures that may cover portions of one or more contacts to protect them from corrosion. Other features may include properties of one or more contacts themselves. For example, portions of one or more contacts may be altered to reduce the electric field between two contacts, thereby reducing corrosion.

[0009] Other passive features can help reduce liquid ingress into the electronic device housing the connector receptacle. These passive features can help improve the seal of the back side of the tongue assembly so that liquid that enters the connector receptacle is slowed or prevented from reaching the interior of the electronic device.

[0010] Various structures can be used to limit dendritic growth by increasing the effective width between contacts. That is, such structures can increase the effective path length from one contact to an adjacent contact. For example, a rib or other raised portion can be placed in the gap between adjacent contacts at one or more locations on the tongue of the connector receptacle. The rib can extend along part or all of the length of the adjacent contact. The rib can extend beyond the leading edge of the adjacent contact in the direction toward the leading edge of the tongue. The rib can extend to or almost to the leading edge of the adjacent contact in the direction toward the leading edge of the tongue. Each rib can be a raised portion that extends from a recessed portion in the gap between contacts and has a height that is lower than, the same as, or approximately the same as, or higher than the height of the adjacent contact. Any dendritic growth between adjacent contacts needs to start growing from the first contact and then grow up and over the rib to the second contact, which is the increased path length from the first contact to the second contact. This can increase the effective width between the first contact and the second contact.

[0011] These ribs and other structures can force dendritic growth to occur in a location on the connector receptacle tongue where the dendritic growth can be disrupted and at least partially cleared during insertion of the corresponding connector insert into the connector receptacle. For example, where the passive feature is a rib or other raised portion between two contacts, dendritic growth starting from a first one of the contacts can grow upward and over the rib to a second one of the contacts. If the height of the rib is higher than or close to the height of the first and second contacts, the dendritic growth can be at least partially removed, eliminated, or cleared by inserting the corresponding connector insert into the connector receptacle. For example, a housing, ground contact, shield, or other structure of the corresponding connector insert can physically slide along the top surface of the rib to disrupt and separate at least some of the dendritic growth.

[0012] Other contaminants may accumulate on these ribs and other structures on the connector socket tongue. For example, corrosion products, such as conductive contaminants from contacts, shields, and other portions of a connector insert inserted into a connector socket, may be left behind and accumulate. Other corrosion products or conductive contaminants from external sources or from contacts, ground pads, and other structures inside the connector socket may be left behind and accumulate. Portions of corrosion products or conductive contaminants located on the ribs or other structures may be at least partially removed during the insertion of the corresponding connector insert into the connector socket. Such partial removal can be beneficial in helping to prevent conductive debris from forming paths between adjacent contacts. This helps keep the connector socket functioning properly even in the presence of corrosion products or conductive contaminants from internal or external sources.

[0013] Each rib or other raised portion may form a first groove between the rib and the first contact, and a second groove between the rib and the second contact. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, grooves may be formed between adjacent contacts to increase the effective path length between them. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, other combinations of grooves and ribs may be formed between adjacent contacts to increase the effective path length between them. The grooves may collect liquid on the tongue, thereby increasing resistance between the contacts and reducing dendrite growth and other corrosion. The grooves may also distribute liquid on the tongue, thereby reducing current density on the tongue, which may further help reduce corrosion.

[0014] These ribs and grooves can be used together with various materials and coatings to further reduce corrosion.For example, hydrophobic coatings or materials can be used to remove the liquid on the tongue from the first position.Hydrophilic coatings or materials can be used to attract liquid to the second position on the tongue.Similarly, the grooves formed between the contacts, such as the grooves formed between the ribs and the contacts, can provide capillary action to move liquid between the positions on the tongue.In these and other embodiments of the present invention, this liquid can be guided to one or more liquid detection contacts on the surface on or near the tongue by coatings, materials or grooves.For example, hydrophobic coatings or materials can be used to move liquid away from the front edge of the tongue, and hydrophilic coatings or materials can be used to move liquid toward the liquid detection contact, which is located between the contacts and near the ground pad, between a plurality of contacts and the ground pad, or at other positions on the tongue.

[0015] These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide protection for the leading edge of one or more contacts on the tongue of a connector receptacle. Such protection can reduce wear at the leading edge of the contacts, which can cause contact corrosion. These leading edges can be covered with plastic, nylon or other protective materials to prevent wear when the corresponding connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. The plastic protective material can have beveled edges to prevent the plastic from breaking or being damaged during insertion.

[0016] These and other embodiments may provide a structure in which one or more of the plurality of contacts may be replaceable. For example, in the case where the connector receptacle is a USB Type-C connector for charging, the send and receive contact pairs may not be required and may be replaced with non-conductive types. These non-conductive replacements may form a dam that reduces the thickness of the liquid at the top surface of the replacement contact, thereby reducing the current density at adjacent or nearby contacts. The replaced contacts may also or alternatively be formed of a sacrificial material that may be allowed to corrode in order to protect other contacts on the tongue. That is, these sacrificial contacts may be corroded by chlorine and chlorides in the liquid on the tongue, thereby reducing the remaining amount of chlorine and chlorides that may corrode the actual contacts on the tongue.

[0017] These and other embodiments may provide structures that can cover portions of one or more contacts to protect them from corrosion. For example, a contact on a tongue of a connector receptacle may include a contact portion that makes electrical and physical connection with a contact of the connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle. The contact may also have a rear portion, wherein the contact portion is located between the rear portion and the leading edge of the tongue. The rear portion of the contact may be angled or stepped toward the midplane of the tongue. This may allow the rear portion to be covered by a molding, thereby protecting the rear portion from corrosion.

[0018] These corrosion resistance features may include properties of one or more of the contacts themselves. For example, portions of one or more of the contacts may be narrowed to increase the spacing between the contact portions. This may reduce the electric field between the two contact portions, thereby reducing corrosion at these locations.

[0019] These and other embodiments of the present invention may include structures that help prevent leakage into electronic devices that house the connector receptacle. In one example, the contacts may be sealed by a tongue molding to prevent leakage. The rear portion of the connector may include features that form a channel, wherein the channel provides an even distribution of epoxy to better seal the connector receptacle and prevent leakage.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector structures for connector receptacles that comply with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB Type-C, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), and the like. ® (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt ™ 、Lightning ™, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), Test Access Port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Test (DART), Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future.

[0021] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the contacts, ground pads and other conductive parts of the connector socket can be formed by stamping, progressive stamping, forging, metal injection molding, deep drawing, machining, micromachining, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, threading, 3D printing, pressing or other manufacturing processes. The conductive parts can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, brass, nickel gold, copper nickel, silicon alloy or other materials or material combinations. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold or other materials.

[0022] Non-conductive portions, such as tongue moldings, ribs, and other structures may be formed using insert molding, injection molding or other molding, 3D printing, machining, or other manufacturing processes. Non-conductive portions may be formed from silicon or silicone, polyimide, glass nylon, polycarbonate, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), ceramic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other non-conductive materials or material combinations.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector sockets that may be located in various types of devices, such as tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, mobile phones, storage devices, wearable computing devices, portable computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, remote controls, adapters, and other devices.

[0024] While embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use in connector receptacles, these and other embodiments of the present invention may also be used in connector inserts and other types of connectors.

[0025] Various embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of these and other features described herein.The nature and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 An electronic system that may be improved by incorporating embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows passive features that can reduce contact corrosion on a tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3Aand Figure 3B shows additional passive features that can reduce contact corrosion on the tongue in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-section of a passive feature that can reduce contact corrosion on a tongue according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a back side of a tongue assembly including a seal improvement feature according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B shows a cross-section of the back side of a tongue assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 shows a back side of another tongue assembly including a seal improvement feature according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A cross section of the back side of a tongue assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 An electronic system that can be improved by incorporating embodiments of the present invention is shown. Electronic system 100 may include handheld computing device 110 and portable computing device 120. Handheld computing device 110 may include connector socket 112 and screen 114. Portable computing device 120 may include base 123 supporting keyboard 124 and touchpad 126. Portable computing device 120 may also include cover 128 supporting screen 129. Base 123 may be coupled to cover 128 by hinge 125. Base 123 may include connector socket 122.

[0035] The cable 130 may transmit power and data between the handheld computing device 110 and the portable computing device 120. The cable 130 may include a connector insert 132 at a first end that may be inserted into a connector receptacle 112 of the handheld computing device 110. The cable 130 may also include a connector insert 134 that may be inserted into a connector receptacle 122 of the portable computing device 120.

[0036] In this example, the electronic system 100 is shown to include a handheld computing device 110 and a portable computing device 120. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the electronic system 100 may include other types of devices. In addition, although the handheld computing device 110 is shown as a tablet computer and the portable computing device 120 is shown as a laptop computer, either or both may be other types of devices, such as a desktop computer, a stand-alone computer, a mobile phone, a storage device, a wearable computing device, an audio device, an audio device storage box, a portable computing device, a portable media player, a navigation system, an audio device, a monitor, a remote control, an adapter, and other devices.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles (such as connector receptacle 112 and connector receptacle 122) and connector inserts (such as connector insert 132 and connector insert 134) that comply with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB Type-C, High Definition Multimedia Interface, and the like. ® (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt ™ 、Lightning ™ , Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), Test Access Port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Test (DART), Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future.

[0038] Sometimes, moisture may enter a connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle 112 or connector receptacle 122. For example, handheld computer device 110 may be used during a workout, and sweat may enter connector receptacle 112. Liquid may be spilled on and may enter connector receptacle 112 on handheld computing device 110 or portable computing device 120. Handheld computing device 110 may be accidentally submerged in water, or other events may occur to handheld computing device 110 or portable computing device 120. This moisture may cause corrosion to contacts in connector receptacle 112, connector receptacle 122, or other connector receptacles.

[0039] It may be desirable to limit or prevent damage to connector receptacle 112 or connector receptacle 122, as well as handheld computing device 110, portable computing device 120, or other electronic device that receives connector receptacle 112, connector receptacle 122, or other connector receptacle. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may provide features that limit or prevent corrosion of contacts in connector receptacle 112, connector receptacle 122, or other connector receptacles. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide features that limit or prevent the ingress of liquids into handheld computing device 110, portable computing device 120, or other electronic device.

[0040] More specifically, embodiments of the present invention can provide passive features that prevent contact corrosion and liquid ingress. These passive features can be extremely cost-effective, requiring only changes to the mold, stamping process, or other modifications to the process steps. These passive features can be used alone or in conjunction with active features such as liquid detection contacts and circuits, which can consume additional resources compared to passive features. For example, these passive features can be used to guide liquid from a first position on the tongue to a second position on the tongue, where an active feature such as a liquid detection contact is placed at the second position. Examples of these passive features are shown in the following figures.

[0041] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Passive features that may reduce contact corrosion on the tongue are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A The tongue 200 may be located in a channel of a housing (not shown) of the connector receptacle 112, although the tongue 200 may also be located in a housing (not shown) of the connector receptacle 122. Figure 1 ) or other connector receptacle housing. Tongue 200 may support ground pad 250 on the top and bottom sides. Tongue 200 may include side ground contacts 230 on each side. Tongue 200 may support contact 202 on the top side and contact 204 on the bottom side (in Figure 5 Each set of adjacent contacts 202 and contacts 204 (referred to herein as contacts 202 for simplicity) may be separated by gaps 205 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2B 2 (shown in FIG. 1 ), wherein the gap 205 may be the same or different for different pairs of adjacent contacts 202. In this example, the tongue 200 may be a tongue in a universal serial bus Type-C connector receptacle. The contacts 202 may include two ground contacts 210, two VBUS contacts 212, and VCON and CC contacts 214. The tongue 200 may include similar contacts and other structures on the bottom side, but for simplicity, only the top side is mentioned here.

[0042] The tongue 200 may include structures that limit dendritic growth by increasing the effective width between the contacts 202. That is, such structures may increase the effective path length from one contact 202 to an adjacent contact 202. In this example, the rib 220 (as in Figure 2B ) or other raised portions may be placed in the gaps 205 between at least some of the adjacent contacts 202. The ribs 220 may extend along part or all of the length of the adjacent contacts 202. Each rib 220 may be a raised portion that extends vertically from a recessed portion in the gap between the contacts 202 and has a height that is lower than, the same as, or substantially the same as, or higher than the height of the adjacent contacts 202.

[0043] In some cases, a possible path for corrosion in the form of dendritic growth may be from the VBUS contact 212 to the CC contact 214. This may be caused by power being applied to the VBUS contact 212 while the CC contact 214 provides a resistive path to ground. This arrangement may provide a current path under a strong electric field, which may cause corrosion. Therefore, the rib 220 may be placed between the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214. When the rib 220 is present, the dendritic growth (not shown) between adjacent VBUS contacts 212 and CC contacts 214 needs to grow through a path starting from the VBUS contact 212 and then up and over the rib 220 to the CC contact 214. The path length from the VBUS contact 212 to the CC contact 214 is increased compared to the case where the rib 220 is not present. The rib 220 may increase the effective width between the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214 over the linear width of the gap 205.

[0044] The ribs 220 can force dendritic growth to occur in a location on the connector receptacle tongue where the corresponding connector insert (such as connector insert 132, connector insert 134 (both in Figure 1During the insertion of a corresponding connector insert (shown in FIG. 1 ) or other connector insert) into the connector receptacle 112 or other connector receptacle including the tongue 200, the dendritic growth may be disrupted and at least partially cleared. For example, the dendritic growth starting from the VBUS contact 212 may grow upward and over the rib 220 to the CC contact 214. If the height of the rib 220 is higher than or close to the height of the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214, the dendritic growth may be at least partially removed, eliminated, or cleared by inserting the corresponding connector insert. For example, the housing, ground contact, shield, shell, or other structure (not shown) of the corresponding connector insert may be physically slid along the top surface of the rib 220, thereby disrupting and separating at least some of the dendritic growth.

[0045] Other contaminants may accumulate on the ribs 220 and other structures on the connector socket tongue 200. For example, corrosion products, such as conductive contaminants from contacts, shields, and other portions of a connector insert (not shown) inserted into the connector socket 112, may be left behind and accumulate. Other corrosion products or conductive contaminants from external sources or from other structures inside the contacts 202, ground pads 250, and connector socket 112 may be left behind and accumulate. The portions of corrosion products or conductive contaminants located on the ribs 220 or other structures may be at least partially removed during the insertion of the corresponding connector insert into the connector socket 112. Such partial removal helps prevent conductive debris from forming paths between adjacent contacts 202 and can be beneficial. This helps keep the connector socket 112 functioning properly even in the presence of corrosion products or conductive contaminants from internal or external sources.

[0046] The rib 220 may extend along part or all of the length of adjacent contacts 202. In this example, the contact 202 may have a contact portion 206 and a rear portion 208. When the connector insert and the connector socket 112 or other connector sockets including the tongue 200 are mated, the contact portion 206 may be physically and electrically connected to the corresponding connector insert. The contact portion 206 may be located between the rear portion 208 and the front edge 201 of the tongue 200. The region 221 may fill the gap 205 between adjacent contacts 202, while the rib 220 may extend from the region 221 toward the front edge 211 of the contact 202. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the rib 220 may extend toward the front edge 201 of the tongue 200, may extend almost to the front edge 211, to the front edge 211, or beyond the front edge 211. The length of the region 221 may be increased, may be decreased, or the region 221 may be omitted and the rib 220 may extend to the ground pad 250.

[0047] Each rib 220 may form a groove 430 (at Figure 4 ). For example, grooves 430 may be formed between ribs 220 and VBUS contacts 212 and between ribs 220 and CC contacts 214. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, these or other grooves may be formed between adjacent contacts 202 to increase the effective path length between them. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, other combinations of grooves 430 and ribs 220 may be formed between adjacent contacts 202 to increase the effective path length between them. Grooves 430 may collect liquid present on tongues 200, thereby increasing the resistance formed by the liquid between contacts 202 and reducing dendrite growth and other corrosion. Grooves 430 may also distribute liquid on tongues 200, thereby reducing current density on tongues 200, which may further help reduce corrosion.

[0048] The ribs 220 and grooves 430 can be used with various materials and coatings to further reduce corrosion. For example, a hydrophobic coating or material (not shown) can be used to move liquid on the tongue 200 away from a first location. A hydrophilic coating or material (not shown) can be used to attract liquid to a second location on the tongue 200. Grooves 430 formed in the gap 205 between the contacts 202, such as grooves formed between the ribs 220 and the contacts 202, can provide capillary action to move liquid between locations on the tongue 200. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, such liquid can be guided by the coating, material or grooves 430 to one or more liquid detection contacts (not shown) on the surface of the tongue 200 or near the tongue. For example, a hydrophobic coating or material may be used to move liquid away from the leading edge 201 of the tongue 200, and a hydrophilic coating or material may be used to move liquid toward one or more liquid detection contacts (not shown) located between the contacts 202 and near the grounding pad 250, between multiple contacts 202 and the grounding pad 250, or at other locations on the tongue 200.

[0049] These and other embodiments may provide a structure that replaces one or more contacts 202. For example, in the case where the connector receptacle is a USB Type-C connector for charging, the transmit and receive contact pairs may not be needed and may be replaced with replacement contacts 240 and 242. The replacement contacts 240 and 242 may be non-conductive, i.e., they may be molded from plastic, nylon, glass-filled nylon, or other materials. The replacement contacts 240 and 242 may form a dam that reduces the thickness of the liquid at the top surface of the replacement contacts 240 and 242, thereby reducing the current density at adjacent or nearby contacts 202. For example, the replacement contacts 240 and 242 may increase the resistive path by covering the liquid of the area of ​​the tongue 200 surrounding the replacement contacts 240 and 242. This may reduce the current from one of the contacts in the VBUS contact 212 to the ground contact 210. The replacement contacts 240 and 242 may extend from the molded area 244.

[0050] The replacement contacts 240 and 242 may also or alternatively be formed of a metal, rather than a non-conductive contact, such as a sacrificial material that may be corroded in order to protect the other contacts 202 on the tongue. That is, the sacrificial replacement contacts 240 and 242 may be corroded by the chlorine and chlorides in the liquid on the tongue, thereby reducing the remaining amount of residual chlorine and chlorides that corrode the actual contacts 202 on the tongue. The sacrificial replacement contacts 240 and 242 may be made of a material that is more electrochemically active than the second material used to form the contact 202. The replacement contacts 240 and 242 may be formed of gold, palladium, iridium, silver, nickel, ruthenium, copper, tin, platinum, or other materials.

[0051] The passive features provided by embodiments of the present invention may include structures that can cover portions of one or more contacts 202 to protect them from corrosion. As described above, the contacts 202 on the tongue 200 of the connector receptacle 112 may include a contact portion 206 that makes electrical and physical connection with the contacts of the connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle 112. The contacts 202 may also have a rear portion 208, wherein the contact portion 206 is located between the rear portion 208 and the front edge 201 of the tongue 200. The rear portion 208 of the contacts 202 may be angled or stepped toward the midplane of the tongue 200, and the deflection may be increased at a location closer to the ground pad 250. This may allow some or all of the rear portion 208 to be covered by the plastic molding of the tongue 200, thereby protecting the rear portion 208 of the contacts 202 from corrosion.

[0052] These corrosion resistance features may include properties of one or more of the contacts 202 themselves. For example, the rear portion 208 of one or more contacts may be narrowed to increase the spacing between the rear portions 208 of the contacts 202. This may reduce the electric field between the two contacts 202 at the rear portion 208, thereby reducing corrosion at the rear portion 208.

[0053] Additional protective material 222 may be added along some or all sides of some or all of the contacts 202. This additional protective material 222 may protect the contacts 202 from corrosion due to liquid that may collect in the trenches 430.

[0054] In this example, contacts 202 are shown located on the top side of the tongue. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the same or similar set of contacts 204 may be located on the bottom side of the tongue, and those contacts 204 may include each of the features shown with respect to contacts 202. In addition, ribs 220, grooves 430, replacement contacts 240 and replacement contacts 242, and other passive (and active) features shown or disclosed herein with respect to the top side of tongue 200 may also be placed or formed on the bottom side of tongue 200.

[0055] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Additional passive features are shown that may reduce contact corrosion on the tongue in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B It is shown Figure 3A The tongue 300 may be located in a channel of a housing (not shown) of the connector receptacle 112, although the tongue 300 may also be located in a housing (not shown) of the connector receptacle 122. Figure 1 ) or other connector receptacle housing. Tongue 300 may support ground pad 350 on the top and bottom sides. Tongue 300 may include side ground contacts 330 on each side. Tongue 300 may support contact 302 on the top side and contact 304 on the bottom side (in Figure 5 Each set of adjacent contacts 302 and contacts 304 (referred to herein as contacts 302 for simplicity) may be separated by gaps 305 (as shown in FIG. Figure 3B302, where the gap 305 may be the same or different for different pairs of adjacent contacts 302. In this example, the tongue 300 may be a tongue in a universal serial bus Type-C connector receptacle. The contacts 302 may include two ground contacts 310, two VBUS contacts 312, and VCON and CC contacts 314. The contacts 302 may also include a transmit and receive pair of contacts 340 and contacts 342. The tongue 300 may include similar contacts and other structures on the bottom side, but for simplicity, only the top side is mentioned here.

[0056] These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide protection for the leading edge of one or more contacts 302 on the tongue of the connector receptacle 112, connector receptacle 122, or other connector receptacles. Such protection can reduce wear at the leading edges 311 of the contacts, which can cause corrosion of the contacts 302. These leading edges 311 can be covered with a plastic, nylon, or other protective material 313 to prevent wear when a corresponding connector insert (not shown) is inserted into the connector receptacle. The plastic protective material 313 can have a beveled edge 315 to prevent the plastic protective material 313 from being broken or damaged during insertion.

[0057] Additional protective material 322 may be added along some or all sides of some or all of the contacts 302. This additional protective material 322 may protect the contacts 302 from corrosion due to liquid that may collect in the trenches 430.

[0058] As with tongue 200 (shown in FIG. 2 ) described above, tongue 300 may include structures that limit dendritic growth by increasing the effective width between contacts 302. That is, such structures may increase the effective path length from one contact 302 to an adjacent contact 302. In this example, ribs 320 (as in FIG. Figure 3B ) or other raised portions may be placed in the gaps 305 between at least some of the adjacent contacts 302. The ribs 320 may extend along part or all of the length of the adjacent contacts 302. Each rib 320 may be a raised portion that extends vertically from a recessed portion in the gap between the contacts 302 and has a height that is lower than, the same as or substantially the same as, or higher than the height of the adjacent contacts 302.

[0059] In some cases, a possible path for corrosion in the form of dendritic growth may be from the VBUS contact 312 to the CC contact 314. This may be caused by power being applied to the VBUS contact 312 while the CC contact 314 provides a resistive path to ground. This arrangement may provide a current path under strong electric fields, which may cause corrosion. Therefore, the rib 320 may be placed between the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314. When the rib 320 is present, the dendritic growth (not shown) between adjacent VBUS contacts 312 and CC contacts 314 needs to grow through a path starting from the VBUS contact 312 and then up and over the rib 320 to the CC contact 314. The path length from the VBUS contact 312 to the CC contact 314 is increased compared to the case where the rib 320 is not present. The rib 320 may increase the effective width between the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314 over the linear width of the gap 305.

[0060] The ribs 320 can force dendritic growth to occur in a location on the connector receptacle tongue where the corresponding connector insert (such as connector insert 132, connector insert 134 (both in Figure 1 During the insertion of a corresponding connector insert (shown in FIG. 1 ) or other connector insert) into the connector receptacle 112 or other connector receptacle including the tongue 300, the dendritic growth may be disrupted and at least partially cleared. For example, the dendritic growth starting from the VBUS contact 312 may grow upward and over the rib 320 to the CC contact 314. If the height of the rib 320 is higher than or close to the height of the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314, the dendritic growth may be at least partially removed, eliminated, or cleared by inserting the corresponding connector insert. For example, the housing, ground contact, shield, shell, or other structure (not shown) of the corresponding connector insert may be physically slid along the top surface of the rib 320, thereby disrupting and separating at least some of the dendritic growth.

[0061] Other contaminants may accumulate on the ribs 320 and other structures on the connector socket tongue 300. For example, corrosion products, such as conductive contaminants from contacts, shields, and other portions of a connector insert (not shown) inserted into the connector socket 112, may be left behind and accumulate. Other corrosion products or conductive contaminants from external sources or from other structures inside the contacts 302, ground pads 350, and connector socket 112 may be left behind and accumulate. The portions of corrosion products or conductive contaminants located on the ribs 320 or other structures may be at least partially removed during the insertion of the corresponding connector insert into the connector socket 112. Such partial removal helps prevent conductive debris from forming paths between adjacent contacts 302 and can be beneficial. This helps keep the connector socket 112 functioning properly even in the presence of corrosion products or conductive contaminants from internal or external sources.

[0062] The rib 320 may extend along part or all of the length of adjacent contacts 302. In this example, the contact 302 may have a contact portion 306 and a rear portion 308. When the connector insert and the connector receptacle 112 or other connector receptacle including the tongue 300 are mated, the contact portion 306 may be physically and electrically connected to the contact in the corresponding connector insert. The contact portion 306 may be located between the rear portion 308 and the front edge 301 of the tongue 300. The region 321 may fill the gap 305 between adjacent contacts 302, while the rib 320 may extend from the region 321 toward the front edge 311 of the contact 302. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the rib 320 may extend toward the front edge 301 of the tongue 300, may extend just short of the front edge 311, extend to the front edge 311, or extend beyond the front edge 311. The length of region 321 may be increased, may be decreased, or region 321 may be omitted and rib 320 may extend to ground pad 350 .

[0063] Each rib 320 may form a groove 430 (at Figure 4 ). For example, grooves 430 may be formed between ribs 320 and VBUS contacts 312 and between ribs 320 and CC contacts 314. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, these or other grooves may be formed between adjacent contacts 302 to increase the effective path length between them. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, other combinations of grooves 430 and ribs 320 may be formed between adjacent contacts 302 to increase the effective path length between them. Grooves 430 may collect liquid present on tongue 300, thereby increasing the resistance formed by the liquid between contacts 302 and reducing dendrite growth and other corrosion.

[0064] The ribs 320 and grooves 430 can be used with various materials and coatings to further reduce corrosion. For example, a hydrophobic coating or material (not shown) can be used to move liquid on the tongue 300 away from a first location. A hydrophilic coating or material (not shown) can be used to attract liquid to a second location on the tongue 300. Similarly, grooves 430 formed in the gap 305 between the contacts 302, such as grooves formed between the ribs 320 and the contacts 302, can provide capillary action to move liquid between locations on the tongue 300. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, such liquid can be guided by the coating, material or grooves 430 to one or more liquid detection contacts (not shown) on the surface of the tongue 300 or near the tongue. For example, a hydrophobic coating or material may be used to move liquid away from the leading edge 301 of the tongue 300, and a hydrophilic coating or material may be used to move liquid toward one or more liquid detection contacts (not shown) located between the contacts 302 and near the grounding pad 350, between multiple contacts 302 and the grounding pad 350, or at other locations on the tongue 300.

[0065] The passive features provided by embodiments of the present invention may include structures that can cover portions of one or more contacts 302 to protect them from corrosion. As described above, the contacts 302 on the tongue 300 of the connector receptacle 112 may include a contact portion 306 that makes electrical and physical connection with the contacts of the connector insert when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle 112. The contacts 302 may also have a rear portion 308, wherein the contact portion 306 is located between the rear portion 308 and the front edge 301 of the tongue 300. The rear portion 308 of the contacts 302 may be angled or stepped toward the midplane of the tongue 300 so that the deflection may be increased toward the ground pad 250. This may allow some or all of the rear portion 308 to be covered by the plastic molding of the tongue 300, thereby protecting the rear portion 308 of the contacts 302 from corrosion.

[0066] These corrosion resistance features may include properties of one or more of the contacts 302 themselves. For example, the rear portion 308 of one or more of the contacts may be narrowed to increase the spacing between the rear portions 308 of the contacts 302. This may reduce the electric field between the two contacts 302 at the rear portions 308, thereby reducing corrosion at the rear portions 308.

[0067] In this example, contacts 302 are shown located on the top side of the tongue. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the same or similar set of contacts 304 may be located on the bottom side of the tongue, and those contacts 304 may include each of the features shown with respect to contacts 302. Additionally, ribs 320, grooves 430, and other passive (and active) features shown or disclosed herein with respect to the top side of tongue 300 may also be placed on the bottom side of tongue 300.

[0068] Figure 4 3, the rib 320 may be located in the gap 305 between the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314 on the tongue 300. The rib 320 may form a groove 430 between the rib 320 and each of the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314. In this example, the height of the rib 320 may be equal to or close to the height of the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314, although the rib 320 may be shorter than or taller than the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314. Side portions of the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314 (and other contacts 302 and 304) may be coated with an additional protective material 322. The additional protective material 322 may help reduce or prevent corrosion of the VBUS contact 312 and the CC contact 314 due to liquid collected in the groove 430.

[0069] The presence of ribs 320 can increase the effective width of gap 305. Specifically, the surface profile behind grooves 430 and ribs 320 is longer than the straight-line distance shown as gap 305. This surface profile is a path that dendritic growth may follow. The slope of the additional protective material 322 can also increase the effective width of gap 305. These features can reduce the likelihood of dendritic growth extending from one contact to an adjacent contact.

[0070] Although VBUS contact 312 and CC contact 314 are shown in this example, other contacts may have rib 320 between them and have the same or similar structure as shown here. In addition, tongue 200 may be provided between VBUS contact 212 and CC contact 214 (both in Figure 2A For example, the rib 220 may be located in the gap 205 between the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214 (both are in Figure 2B4). The rib 220 may form a groove 430 between the rib 220 and each of the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214. The height of the rib 220 may be equal to or close to the height of the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214, but the rib 220 may be shorter than or taller than the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214. Side portions of the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214 (and other contacts 202 and 204) may be coated with an additional protective material 222. The additional protective material 222 may help reduce or prevent corrosion of the VBUS contact 212 and the CC contact 214 due to liquid collected in the groove 430.

[0071] Additional measures may be taken to further improve the connector receptacle by reducing or preventing moisture from entering the electronic device that houses the connector receptacle. For example, the back side of the tongue assembly may be sealed with epoxy, glue, or other potting material to prevent leakage through the connector receptacle. There may be many obstacles that hinder or limit such sealing methods. For example, the contacts may extend through the back side of the tongue assembly by limiting where epoxy can be directly applied. Additionally, large areas filled with epoxy may pull epoxy away from narrower areas. Epoxy may tend to adsorb along the sides of the recess to locations where epoxy is not desired.

[0072] Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide methods, structures, and apparatus that may improve the seal of the back side of a tongue assembly. Large areas filled with epoxy may be divided into smaller areas that may be easier to fill. Protrusions and other structures may be used to limit the size of the area to be filled. Channel structures may be implemented in the back side of the tongue assembly so that epoxy is directed to otherwise difficult to reach locations, such as under contacts. The following figure shows an example of this.

[0073] Figure 5 The back side of a tongue assembly including a seal improvement feature according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tongue assembly 500 may be used in connector receptacle 112, connector receptacle 122 (both in Figure 1 2) or other connector sockets. Tongue assembly 500 may support tongue 200 (shown in FIG. 2) or tongue 300 (shown in FIG. 3). In the following example, contacts 202 and 204 are shown, but when tongue 300 is supported, contacts 202 and 204 may be replaced by contacts 302 and 304, respectively. Tongue assembly 500 may include a top contact housing 510 supporting contacts 202 and a bottom contact housing 520 supporting contacts 204. Top contact housing 510 and bottom contact housing 520 may be overmolded by molding 530. Molding 530 may be positioned in housing 580.

[0074] The back side of the tongue assembly shown here can be exposed to the handheld computing device 110 and the portable computing device 120 (both in Figure 1 500) or other internal areas of electronic devices. It is desirable to seal the back side to prevent leakage into the electronic device including the tongue-shaped component 500. Unfortunately, when a large area is filled with epoxy, the epoxy in the narrower area may be pulled apart, leaving gaps in the covered area. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may include features such as partitions or protrusions 532 that separate regions or channels 590 and channels 592 from each other. These narrow regions or channels 590 and channels 592 can be filled with epoxy in a more consistent manner than a large area. In addition, it may be difficult to apply epoxy directly to some areas, such as channel 594, because the contact 204 can prevent entry. By using separate channels, such as channel 590, channel 592, and channel 594, epoxy can be applied to channel 590 and can flow through the channel structure that fills the epoxy for channel 592 and channel 594. Additional technical features may be included, such as recessed portions 534 and recessed portions 536, and raised portions or protrusions 538 may also be included.

[0075] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A cross section of the back side of a tongue assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig. 6A The cutting line AA ( Figure 5 5. The cross section of the back side of the tongue assembly 500 shown in FIG. 5. The molding 530 may include a protrusion 538 having a recess 534 and a recess 536 on each side of the protrusion. The protrusion 538 may reduce the volume to be filled with epoxy resin. Figure 6B The cut line BB ( Figure 52 and 3. A cross-section of the back side of the tongue assembly 500 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The top contact housing 510 may support the contact 202, and the bottom contact housing 520 may support the contact 204. A molding 530 may be formed around the top contact housing 510 and the bottom contact housing 520. The molding 530 may be positioned in the housing 580. The molding 530 may include an elongated protrusion 532. The elongated protrusion 532 may separate the channel 590 from the channel 592. A third channel 594 may be positioned below the contact 204. An epoxy (not shown) may be applied to the channel 590 so that the epoxy flows into the channel 592 and the channel 594, thereby properly sealing the back side of the tongue assembly 500. It can be seen that it may be difficult to directly reach the channel 590 or the channel 594 to directly apply the epoxy because the contact 202 and the contact 204 may be in the way. Good epoxy coverage can be achieved by using a channel structure that includes channels above and below contacts 202 and 204. The epoxy may be applied to channel 590 using spraying, injection, or other application methods.

[0076] Figure 7 1 shows the back side of another tongue assembly including a seal improvement feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tongue assembly 700 may be used in connector receptacle 112, connector receptacle 122 (both in Figure 1 2) or other connector sockets. Tongue assembly 700 may support tongue 200 (shown in FIG. 2) or tongue 300 (shown in FIG. 3). In the following example, contacts 202 and 204 are shown, but when tongue 300 is supported, contacts 202 and 204 may be replaced by contacts 302 and 304, respectively. Tongue assembly 700 may include a top contact housing 710 supporting contacts 202 and a bottom contact housing 720 supporting contacts 204. Top contact housing 710 and bottom contact housing 720 may be overmolded by molding 730. Molding 730 may be positioned in housing 780.

[0077] The back side of the tongue assembly shown here can be exposed to the handheld computing device 110 and the portable computing device 120 (both in Figure 1) or other internal areas of electronic devices. It is desirable to seal the back side to prevent leakage into the electronic device including the tongue-shaped component 700. Unfortunately, when a large area is filled with epoxy, the epoxy in the narrower area may be pulled apart, leaving gaps in the covered area. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may include features such as partitions or protrusions 732, which can separate regions or channels 790 and channels 792 from each other. These narrower regions or channels 790 and channels 792 can be filled with epoxy in a more consistent manner than a large area. In addition, it may be difficult to apply epoxy directly to some areas, such as channel 794, because the contact 204 can prevent entry. By using separate channels, such as channel 790, channel 792 and channel 794, epoxy can be applied to channel 790 and can flow through the channel structure that fills the back side with epoxy. Additional technical features may be included, such as recessed portions 734 and recessed portions 736, and raised portions or protrusions 738 may also be included.

[0078] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A cross section of the back side of a tongue assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig. 8A The cutting line AA ( Figure 7 700). The molding 730 may include a protrusion 738, each side of which has a recess 734 and a recess 736. The protrusion 738 may reduce the volume of the epoxy resin to be filled. Figure 8B The cut line BB ( Figure 7 2 and 3. A cross-section of the back side of tongue assembly 700 (shown in ). Top contact housing 710 may support contact 202, and bottom contact housing 720 may support contact 204. Molding 730 may be formed around top contact housing 710 and bottom contact housing 720. Molding 730 may be positioned in housing 780. Molding 730 may include an elongated protrusion 732. Elongated protrusion 732 may separate channel 790 from channel 792. A third channel 794 may be positioned below contact 204. Epoxy may be applied to channel 790 such that the epoxy flows into channel 792 and channel 794, thereby properly sealing the back side of tongue assembly 700. It can be seen that it may be difficult to directly reach channel 790 or channel 794 to directly apply epoxy because contact 202 and contact 204 may become an obstruction. Good epoxy coverage can be achieved by using a channel structure that includes channels above and below contacts 202 and 204. The epoxy may be applied to channel 790 using spraying, injection, or other application methods.

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector structures for connector receptacles that comply with various standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB Type-C, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), and the like. ® (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt ™ 、Lightning ™ , Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), Test Access Port (TAP), Directed Automated Random Test (DART), Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), clock signals, power signals, and other types of standard, non-standard, and proprietary interfaces and combinations thereof that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future.

[0080] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the contacts, ground pads and other conductive parts of the connector socket can be formed by stamping, progressive stamping, forging, metal injection molding, deep drawing, machining, micromachining, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, threading, 3D printing, pressing or other manufacturing processes. The conductive parts can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, brass, nickel gold, copper nickel, silicon alloy or other materials or material combinations. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold or other materials.

[0081] Non-conductive portions, such as tongue moldings, ribs, and other structures may be formed using insert molding, injection molding or other molding, 3D printing, machining, or other manufacturing processes. Non-conductive portions may be formed from silicon or silicone, polyimide, glass nylon, polycarbonate, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), ceramic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other non-conductive materials or material combinations.

[0082] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector sockets that may be located in various types of devices, such as tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, mobile phones, storage devices, wearable computing devices, portable computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, remote controls, adapters, and other devices.

[0083] While embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use in connector receptacles, these and other embodiments of the present invention may also be used in connector inserts and other types of connectors. Reference numerals are used in a consistent manner throughout the various drawings.

[0084] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0085] For the purpose of illustration and description, the above description of the embodiment of the present invention is presented. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present invention to the precise form, and many modifications and variations are possible according to the above teachings. This embodiment is selected and described to fully illustrate the principle of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technical personnel in the field can make full use of the present invention in various embodiments and in the case of various modifications suitable for the specific purpose envisioned. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A connector socket, comprising: a housing having a passage; a tongue located in the channel; a first plurality of contacts located on a top side of the tongue, the first plurality of contacts comprising a first contact and a second contact separated by a first gap; a second plurality of contacts located on a bottom side of the tongue; and A first structure is positioned in the first gap, wherein the presence of the first structure increases the effective width of the first gap.

2. The connector socket of claim 1 , wherein the first structure positions dendritic growth and corrosion products generated by contacts on the corresponding connector socket at locations where they are easily at least partially removed when the corresponding connector insert is inserted into the connector socket.

3. The connector receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first structure comprises a first feature for collecting liquid.

4. The connector receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first structure comprises a first feature that directs liquid from a first location on a surface of the tongue to a second location on the surface of the tongue.

5. The connector socket of claim 4, wherein the first location is coated with a hydrophobic coating and the second location is coated with a hydrophilic coating. The connector receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the first structure comprises a rib.

7. The connector socket of claim 1, wherein the first structure includes a raised portion extending in the gap along a portion of the length of the first contact and the second contact. 8 . The connector socket according to claim 1 , wherein the first contact is formed of metal, and a front tip of the first contact is covered with plastic.

9. The connector socket of claim 8, wherein the plastic front tip of the first contact is beveled.

10. The connector socket of claim 1 , further comprising a second structure and a third structure located between the first contact and a third contact of the first plurality of contacts, the second structure and the third structure comprising a raised portion, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, the second structure, and the third structure each have substantially the same width.

11. The connector socket of claim 1 , wherein the first contact comprises a rear portion and a contact portion, the contact portion being located between a front edge of the tongue and the rear portion, wherein the contact portion is physically and electrically connected to a corresponding contact in the connector insert when the connector insert is mated with the connector socket, and wherein a width of the rear portion is narrower than a width of the contact portion. 12 . The connector socket according to claim 1 , wherein the connector socket is a Universal Serial Bus Type-C connector socket.

13. A connector socket, comprising: a housing having a passage; a tongue located in the channel; a first plurality of contacts located on a top side of the tongue, the first plurality of contacts comprising a first contact and a second contact separated by a first gap; a second plurality of contacts located on a bottom side of the tongue; and A raised portion extends in the gap along a portion of the length of the first contact and the second contact.

14. The connector socket of claim 13, wherein the raised portion forms a first groove between the first contact and the raised portion, and a second groove between the second contact and the raised portion.

15. The connector socket of claim 14, wherein a top of the raised portion is at least substantially coplanar with a top surface of the first contact and a top surface of the second contact such that dendritic growth between the first contact and the second contact can be at least partially cleared when a corresponding connector insert is inserted into the connector socket.

16. The connector socket of claim 15, wherein the raised portion is a rib.

17. A connector socket, comprising: a housing having a passage; a tongue located in the channel; a first plurality of contacts located on a top side of the tongue, the first plurality of contacts comprising a first contact and a second contact separated by a first gap; a second plurality of contacts located on a bottom side of the tongue; and A raised rib extends in the gap along a portion of the length of the first contact and the second contact.

18. The connector socket of claim 17, wherein the first contact comprises a rear portion and a contact portion, the contact portion being located between a front edge of the tongue and the rear portion, wherein the rear portion is angled or stepped toward a midplane of the tongue, and wherein the rear portion is covered by a molding.

19. The connector receptacle of claim 18, wherein the tongue further comprises a back side, the back side being exposed to an interior area of ​​an electronic device housing the connector receptacle, wherein the back side comprises: a molding supporting the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts; and An elongated projection extends from the back side and is located between the first plurality of contacts and a top portion of the back side, wherein the elongated projection divides the back side into a first channel and a second channel.

20. The connector socket of claim 19, wherein the back side further comprises a third channel between the second plurality of contacts and a bottom of the back side.

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