Magnetic circuit for magnetic connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector insert with reliable contacts and a connector receptacle with an improved magnetic circuit for use in an electronic device having a thin size profile. These and other examples may provide connector receptacles that may be readily aligned with openings in electronic devices, as well as connector inserts and connector receptacles that may be readily manufactured.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 616,102, filed on March 25, 2024, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 543,487, filed on December 6, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 033,514, filed on September 25, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 259,910, filed on September 24, 2021, which are incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The number of commercially available electronic devices of all types has increased dramatically over the past few years, and the rate of new device introductions shows no sign of slowing down. Devices such as tablets, laptops, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cellular phones, storage devices, wearable computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and the like have become ubiquitous.

[0004] Electronic devices can share power and data via cables, which can include one or more wires, fiber optic lines, or other conductors. Connector inserts can be located at each end of these cables and can be inserted into connector receptacles in the communicating electronic devices to form pathways for power and data.

[0005] A connector insert may have contacts that mate with corresponding contacts in a connector receptacle. These contacts may form part of an electrical path for data, power, or other types of signals. One type of contact, a spring-loaded contact, may be used in a connector insert or connector receptacle. However, spring-loaded contacts may have reduced reliability, particularly when the current from the power supply flows through the spring.

[0006] A connector receptacle can be positioned within an opening in an electronic device. In many devices, this opening may be located on a side of the electronic device. However, these electronic devices are becoming increasingly thinner, making this positioning increasingly difficult. This difficulty can be particularly acute when the connector receptacle is a magnetic connector. For example, it can be difficult to provide sufficient magnetic force in a thin connector receptacle to reliably retain a corresponding connector insert.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a connector insert with reliable contacts and a connector receptacle with an improved magnetic circuit for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Thus, embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector insert with reliable contacts and a connector receptacle with an improved magnetic circuit for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. These and other embodiments of the present invention can further provide a connector receptacle that can be easily aligned with an opening in an electronic device, as well as a connector insert and connector receptacle that can be easily manufactured.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can provide highly reliable contacts for connector inserts and connector receptacles. These contacts can be spring-loaded contacts having a contact portion or plungers biased by a spring or other biasing structure. When a connection is formed between the spring-loaded contact and the corresponding contact, the biased plunger can be depressed. Thus, the spring can apply a force between the plunger and the corresponding contact to form an electrical connection. The current in the electrical connection can flow through the plunger and the barrel or other housing for the plunger that contacts the plunger. However, in some cases, when the plunger is depressed, the contact between the plunger and the barrel may be broken. When this happens, current can flow through the spring. If the contact is a power contact, the current may damage or destroy the spring, rendering the contact and possibly the connector inoperable.

[0010] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide a spring-biased contact comprising an intermediate object between the plunger and the spring or other biasing structure. The intermediate object may have a first length that is greater than the inner diameter of the barrel that accommodates the plunger, the spring, and the intermediate object. The intermediate object may be located between the rear side of the plunger and the spring, wherein the intermediate object contacts the inner surface of the barrel at a first position and a second position simultaneously. The first position and the second position may be on opposite sides of the intermediate object. The first position may be a first distance from the front opening of the barrel, and the second position may be a second distance from the front opening of the barrel, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

[0011] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the inner surface of the barrel can provide a first force against the intermediate object along a first vector at a first location, and the inner surface of the barrel can provide a second force against the intermediate object along a second vector at a second location. The first force vector and the second force vector can be parallel and non-overlapping.

[0012] The intermediate object can have a variety of shapes. For example, the intermediate object can have a capsule shape. The intermediate object can have a rotating stadium shape. The intermediate object can have a spherocylinder shape. The intermediate object can have a shape defined by two hemispheres separated by a cylinder.

[0013] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the interface between the plunger and the intermediate object can be arranged to provide a force between the intermediate object and the barrel, as well as a force between the plunger and the barrel. For example, the rear side of the plunger can have an inclined surface. The rear side of the plunger can have a tapered surface. The rear side of the plunger can have an eccentric tapered surface. The rear side of the plunger can have an inclined eccentric tapered surface. The contact can be one of several contacts in a connector receptacle or a connector insert.

[0014] These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector system with an improved magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit can provide a magnet array arranged to provide a strong attachment that allows the use of low-profile connector sockets and connector inserts. The magnet array can include magnets and magnetic elements, where the magnetic elements can be magnetically conductive pole pieces. Each pole piece can have magnets on two or more sides thereof. The magnets can be arranged in an alternating manner so that the field lines of the pole pieces provide a strong magnetic attachment to the magnetically conductive suction plate of the corresponding connector. The magnetic circuit can also include a suction plate that can be arranged to be attracted to the magnet array and fit into a connector that accommodates the magnet array.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide a connector receptacle that can be easily aligned with an opening in a device housing of an electronic device. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board or other substrate and may be at least partially housed in the device housing. The device housing may have an opening. The connector receptacle may be mounted on a portion of the device housing, board, or other substrate. The connector receptacle may be attached to the housing or board using a bracket. The bracket can be positioned within the housing of the connector receptacle so that the connector receptacle can be positioned within the electronic device in at least one dimension. This can allow the connector receptacle to be aligned with the opening in the device housing of the electronic device.

[0016] While embodiments of the present invention may provide connector inserts and connector receptacles for delivering power, these and other embodiments of the present invention may also be used as connector receptacles in other types of connector systems, such as connector systems that may be used to transmit power, data, or both.

[0017] In various embodiments of the present invention, the contacts, shields, plungers, springs, pistons, intermediate objects, barrels, brackets, threaded nuts, and other conductive parts of the connector receptacles and connector inserts can be formed by stamping, metal injection molding, machining, micromachining, CNC machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing processes. The conductive parts can be formed from stainless steel, steel, copper, copper-titanium, phosphor bronze, or other materials or material combinations. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold, tin-nickel, tin-nickel alloy, satin nickel plating, or other materials. The springs can be coated with parylene. Non-conductive parts such as housings, locks, pistons, contact housings, housing locks, and other parts can be formed using injection molding or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing processes. The non-conductive parts can be formed from silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, glass-filled nylon, oil-filled nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), ceramic, or other non-conductive materials or material combinations. Various dampers and adhesives can be formed from silicone, nitrile, epoxy, or other adhesives or other materials. The printed circuit board or other board used may be formed from FR-4 or other materials.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that may be located in and connected to various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, smartphones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, video delivery systems, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles and connector inserts may provide interconnection paths for signals that conform to various standards, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High Definition (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt TM 、Lightning TM , Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), Test Access Port (TAP), Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, Directed Automatic Random Test (DART), Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), clock signal, power signal, and other types of standard, non-standard and proprietary interfaces that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future, and combinations thereof. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector sockets and connector inserts that can be used to provide a reduced set of functionality for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these interconnect paths provided by these connector sockets and connector inserts can be used to carry power, ground, signals, test points and other voltages, currents, data or other information.

[0019] 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 accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 An electronic system that may be improved by incorporating embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Connector socket;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the connector socket;

[0024] Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a connector socket;

[0025] Figure 6 The device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 A side view of a connector socket;

[0026] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Shown Figure 2 The connector socket portion;

[0027] Figure 8 A connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 9 A spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 10 Shown Figure 9 A transparent side view of a spring-loaded contact;

[0030] Figure 11 Shown Figure 9 A sectional side view of a spring-supported contact;

[0031] Figure 12 is available for Figure 9 A more detailed view of the intermediate object in the spring-loaded contact;

[0032] Figure 13A and Figure 13B An intermediate object according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 A more detailed view of the plunger of the spring-supported contact;

[0034] Figure 15 Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A more detailed view of the spring-loaded contact;

[0036] Figure 17 Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 18A and Figure 18B Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 19 Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Exploded view of the spring-loaded contact;

[0040] Figure 21 shows a magnet array according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 22 shows a magnetic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 23 yes Figure 2 Alternative exploded view of the connector socket;

[0043] Figure 24 yes Figure 2 Alternative exploded view of the connector socket;

[0044] Figure 25 shows a top view of a magnet array according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 26 Shown Figure 25 A bottom view of the magnet array;

[0046] Figure 27 yes Figure 2 Alternative exploded view of the connector socket;

[0047] Figure 28 shows a top view of a magnet array according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0048] Figure 29 Shown Figure 28 Bottom view of the magnet array. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1 The electronic system that can be improved by incorporating embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As such, the drawings are shown for illustrative purposes only and do not limit possible embodiments of the invention or the claims.

[0050] The figure shows an electronic device 300 that includes a connector socket 100. The electronic device 300 may include a bottom housing 301 that encapsulates the connector socket 100. The electronic device 300 may also include a top housing 302 above the bottom housing 301. The top housing 302 may house a screen or monitor or other electronic components (not shown). The bottom housing 301 may house a keyboard, a processor, a battery, or other electronic components (not shown). The electronic components in the top housing 302 and the bottom housing 301 can receive and provide power and data using the connector socket 100. In one example, the electronic components in the top housing 302 and the bottom housing 301 can receive power via the connector socket 100 and can provide data about the charging status of the battery (not shown) of the electronic device 300 via the connector socket 100.

[0051] The connector receptacle 100 may include a shield 170 having tabs 172. The tabs 172 may be inserted into and soldered to openings (not shown) in a printed circuit board (not shown) in a bottom housing 301 of an electronic device 300. The connector insert 200 may be inserted into or mated with the connector receptacle 100. The connector insert 200 may include a channel 202 for a cable (not shown).

[0052] In this example, electronic device 300 can be a laptop or portable computer. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, electronic device 300 can be another portable computing device, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a standalone computer, a wearable computing device, a smartphone, a storage device, a portable media player, a navigation system, a monitor, a power supply, a video delivery system, an adapter, a remote control device, a charger, or other device.

[0053] Examples of connector receptacle 100 and connector insert 200 are shown in the following figures.

[0054] Figure 2 1 shows a connector socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector socket 100 may include a table 112 (eg, a table 112 supporting a contact surface 122 of a contact 120) Figure 418). The table 112 may be exposed through an opening 182 in the panel 180. The contact 120 may terminate in a through-hole contact portion 124. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the contact 120 may terminate in a surface mounted contact portion (not shown). The housing 130 may include a column 136. The shield 170 may include a tab 172. The through-hole contact portion 124, column 136, and tab 172 may be inserted into a printed circuit board, flexible circuit board, or other suitable substrate 620 (e.g., Figure 6 190 ). The housing 130 may also include tabs 132 that fit into openings 192 of the shield 190. The shield 170 may be attached to the shield 190 at points 191 by spot welding, laser welding, or other techniques. The bracket 160 may be used to secure the connector receptacle 100 to an electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 1 ), as further shown below.

[0055] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 The bracket 160 may be exposed through the opening 194 in the shield 190. The shield 170 may include a tab 172. The contact 120 (e.g. Figure 4 The housing 130 may include a column 136. The through-hole contact portion 124, the column 136, and the tab 172 may be adapted to be mounted on a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or other suitable substrate 620 (e.g., Figure 6 The bracket 160 can be used to fix the connector socket 100 on the electronic device 300 (such as Figure 1 as shown).

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of a connector receptacle. The contact 120 may be supported by a contact housing 110. The contact housing 110 may terminate in a table 112. The contact 120 may include a contact surface 122 on the table 112 and a through-hole contact portion 124. The table 112 may be exposed from an opening 182 in the panel 180. The panel 180 may protect the magnet array 150. The panel 180 may be formed of a soft magnetic alloy to optimize the contact between the magnet array 150 and the suction plate 250 (e.g., Figure 8 For example, the panel 180 may be formed of a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, low carbon steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon or nickel-iron alloys, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other materials.

[0057] The magnet array 150 can be positioned around the contact housing 110. The contact housing 110 can pass through the opening 168 in the magnet array 150. The magnet array 150 can include a pole piece 152, a pole piece 154a, a pole piece 154b, a pole piece 156a, a pole piece 156b, and a pole piece 158. The magnet array 150 can include a magnet 151, a magnet 153a, a magnet 153b, a magnet 155a, a magnet 155b, a magnet 157a, a magnet 157b, and a magnet 159. Each pole piece can be formed of a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, mild steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon, or nickel-iron alloys, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other materials.

[0058] Each of these pole pieces may be adjacent to two or more magnets. For example, pole piece 152 may be adjacent to magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b. Pole piece 152 may guide the field lines of magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b. For example, magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b may have their north poles adjacent to pole piece 152 and their south poles away from pole piece 152, so that pole piece 152 can guide the field lines from their north poles. Alternatively, magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b may have their south poles adjacent to pole piece 152 and their north poles away from pole piece 152, so that pole piece 152 can guide the field lines to their south poles. Pole piece 152, pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b, pole piece 156a, pole piece 156b, and pole piece 158 may guide field lines of alternating polarity. For example, pole piece 152, pole piece 156a, and pole piece 156b can direct field lines of a first polarity, while pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b, and pole piece 158 can direct field lines of a second polarity. Additional magnet 167 and additional magnet 169 can be included in magnet array 150. For example, additional magnet 167 can be adjacent to pole piece 152. In the example where the north poles of magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b are adjacent to pole piece 152, the north pole of additional magnet 167 can also be adjacent to pole piece 152, while the south pole of additional magnet 167 can face away from pole piece 152. Additional magnet 167 and additional magnet 169 can further increase the magnetic attraction force disposed on the face of connector receptacle 100. Further details of magnet array 150 can be seen below. Figure 21 and Figure 22 middle.

[0059] The contact housing 110 may also be supported by the housing 130 and the lock 140. The contact housing 110 may be positioned between the housing 130 and the lock 140. The housing 130 may include a column 136, a tab 132, and a tab 134. The tab 132 may fit into the opening 192 of the shield 190. The tab 134 may fit into the opening 174 of the shield 170. The shield 170 may also include a tab 172. The lock 140 may include a column 142 that may fit into a corresponding recess (not shown) in the housing 130. The bracket 160 may fit into the opening 194 of the shield 190. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the bracket 160 may be replaced with a single bracket, such as bracket 2360 (e.g., Figure 23 shown).

[0060] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the connector receptacle 100 may be located in an electronic device that also includes speakers, tactile components, actuators, or other components. These may cause vibrations in nearby components (such as the connector receptacle 100), which may result in audible noise. Similarly, the magnetic field generated by the magnet array 150 interacting with the variable current flowing through the contacts 120 may also induce vibrations that result in audible noise. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide dampers that may reduce the tendency of the connector receptacle 100 to generate vibration noise. These dampers may also protect the magnet array 150 from cracking, breaking, or other damage. For example, foam sheets, adhesives, silicones, plastic insulators, elastomers, and other materials or structures may be placed or formed between or within various parts of the connector receptacle 100. These may be formed from epoxy, room temperature vulcanized silicone, or other silicone or other elastomeric materials, or other materials. For example, a damper may be placed between the magnet array 150 and the shield 170 , between the magnet array 150 and the shield 190 , between the magnet array 150 and the panel 180 , between the contact housing 110 and the magnet array 150 , or elsewhere in the connector receptacle 100 .

[0061] Silicone, such as room temperature vulcanized silicone, may be placed between the contact housing 110 and the magnet array 150. For example, the silicone may be placed or formed along the side of the contact housing 110, along the top and bottom sides of the contact housing 110, or a combination thereof. The silicone or other material may be formed in advance and placed in the desired location. Alternatively, the silicone or other material may be injected between the contact housing 110 and the magnet array 150 and cured in place. In this example, silicone may be injected between the side of the contact housing 110 and the pole piece 152 and between the contact housing 110 and the pole piece 158 to form a damper 117 and a damper 119, respectively. The damper 117 may be formed between the left side of the contact housing 110 (as viewed from the front of the contact socket 100) and the pole piece 152, while the damper 119 may be formed between the right side of the contact housing 110 and the pole piece 158. Before the housing 130 and lock 140 are attached, silicone for the dampers 117 and 119 may be injected from the back side (not shown) of the magnet array 150 using a needle placed between the contact housing 110 and the magnet array 150 .

[0062] Alternatively, the dampers 117 and 119 may be formed in advance as sheets of silicone, foam, or other material and inserted or otherwise placed between the contact housing 110 and the magnet array 150. For example, the dampers 117 and 119 may be inserted between the contact housing 110 and the magnet array 150 from the rear side of the magnet array 150 before the housing 130 and the lock 140 are attached. Alternatively, the dampers 117 and 119 may be attached to the sides of the contact housing 110, and then the magnet array 150 may be formed around the contact housing 110, the dampers 117, and the magnet array 150.

[0063] It is desirable to precisely align the table 112 and the contact surface 122 to the electronic device 300 (e.g. Figure 1 The connector receptacle 100 is positioned on or in association with the surface of the bottom housing 301. This can help provide precise alignment. However, various manufacturing tolerances still exist. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to adjust the connection between the connector receptacle 100 and the bottom housing 301 in at least one direction. An example is shown in the following figure.

[0064] Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 The bottom surface 101 of the connector receptacle 100 may be adjacent to a printed circuit board, a housing surface, or other suitable substrate 620 (e.g., Figure 6 The bracket 160 can be used to fix the connector socket 100 to the substrate 620. In order to improve the connection between the connector socket 100 and the bottom shell 301 (as shown in FIG. Figure 1135 in the housing 130. Thus, the tab 162 of the bracket 160 can slide vertically in the slot 135. This can allow the bracket 160 to move relative to the rest of the connector receptacle 100. This relative movement can allow the connector receptacle 100 to be adjusted relative to the substrate 620 and allow the connector receptacle 100 and the table 112 (as shown) to be adjusted relative to each other. Figure 4 as shown) is precisely positioned in the opening of the bottom housing 301.

[0065] In this example, the bracket 160 is able to move the plate upward until the tab 162 hits the top 137 of the slot 135. Additionally or alternatively, upward travel may be limited by an edge 197 at the top of the opening 194 in the shield 190. Additionally or alternatively, upward travel may be limited by an edge 139 of the housing 130 that engages the bracket 160. The bracket 160 is able to move downward until the bracket 160 hits the bottom edge 195 of the opening 194. This arrangement can allow the bracket 160 to move vertically relative to the rest of the connector receptacle 100. In this example, the table 112 can be located in the recess 113. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the bracket 160 can be replaced with a single bracket or with three or more brackets. A single bracket, such as bracket 2360 (e.g., Figure 23 ). The single bracket 2360 may be adjusted in a similar manner to the bracket 160 , or the single bracket 2360 may be fixed in place on the shield 190 .

[0066] Figure 6 The device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 In this example, the connector receptacle 100 can be attached to a substrate 620 via a bracket 160. The substrate 620 can be a printed circuit board, a portion of the bottom housing 301 (e.g., Figure 1 ) or other suitable substrate. The base 620 may include a fastener opening 630 to receive the fastener 610. The fastener 610 may pass through the opening 164 in the bracket 160 to secure the bracket 160 and the connector receptacle 100 to the base 620. Similarly, the tab 162 of the bracket 160 may move vertically in the slot 135 of the housing 130. The fastener 610 may pass through the opening 194 in the shield 190. When a bracket such as bracket 2360 (such as Figure 23 ) is secured to the shield 190 or other structures such as magnetic elements 2210 and 2220 (as shown) Figure 22135 as shown), the bracket 2360 can be pre-biased (i.e., tilted relative to the substrate 620 in the plane shown) as it extends away from the shield 190 and the slot 135. The tilt can be toward or away from the substrate 620. When the fastener 610 is inserted into the fastener opening 630 in the substrate 620, for example by turning a screw used as the fastener 610 into the threaded fastener opening 630, the bracket 2360 can flatten (i.e., become parallel to the substrate 620). This variation can provide a range by which the table 112 of the connector receptacle 100 can be positioned within the recess 113 (e.g., Figure 5 shown).

[0067] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Shown Figure 2 The housing 130 may include a slot 135 for receiving the bracket 160. The bracket 160 may include a tab 162 and an opening 164.

[0068] Figure 8 1 shows a connector insert seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector insert 200 can be arranged to mate with the connector receptacle 100, such as Figure 1 The connector insert 200 may be located at the first end of the cable 290. The connector insert 200 may include a suction plate 250 that may be magnetically attracted to the magnet array 150 (e.g., Figure 4 The suction plate 250 may include a table 112 (as shown) for receiving the connector socket 100. Figure 2 The suction plate 250 can be fitted into the recess 113 of the connector socket 100 (both as shown). Figure 5 The contact surface 122 of the contact member 120 (as shown) Figure 2 ) can form an electrical connection at the contact surface 812 of the spring-supported contact 800.

[0069] Figure 9 A spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spring-loaded contact 800 may include a plunger 810. The plunger 810 may include a contact surface 812. The plunger 810 may be exposed from a front opening 822 in a barrel 820.

[0070] When the spring-supported contact 800 is in contact with the corresponding contact (such as the contact surface 122 of the contact 120 (such as Figure 4 When contact is made between the spring 860 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the biasing plunger 810 can be depressed. Figure 10810 and the corresponding contact, thereby forming an electrical connection. Typically, the current in the electrical connection can flow through the plunger and the barrel 820. However, in some configurations, when the plunger 810 is depressed, the contact between the plunger 810 and the barrel 820 can be broken. In this case, the current can flow through the spring 860. If the spring-loaded contact 800 is a power contact, such as a contact that provides a power supply voltage or ground, the current can damage or destroy the spring 860, rendering the contact inoperable.

[0071] Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide a spring biased contact comprising an intermediate object between the plunger 810 and the spring 860 or other biasing structure. An example is shown in the following figure.

[0072] Figure 10 Shown Figure 9 810. The plunger 810 may include a contact surface 812. The plunger 810 may also include a neck 816 leading to a body 818. The body 818 may be retained within the barrel 820 through a front opening 822. The plunger 810 may include a back side 814. The back side 814 may contact an intermediate object 850. The intermediate object 850 may be positioned between the plunger 810 and a spring 860. The spring 860 may be used to push the plunger 810 out of the barrel 820 and may be compliant so that when in contact with a corresponding contact surface 122 (e.g., Figure 2 When mated, the plunger 810 can be pressed into the barrel 820 of the spring-supported contact 800.

[0073] Figure 11 Shown Figure 9 FIG2 is a cross-sectional side view of a spring-loaded contact 800. The spring-loaded contact 800 may include an intermediate object 850 within a barrel 820. The intermediate object 850 may be positioned between a plunger 810 and a spring 860. The intermediate object 850 may contact a rear side 814 of the plunger 810. The plunger 810 may also have a plunger head or contact surface 812. The spring 860 may urge the intermediate object 850 against the rear side 814 of the plunger 810.

[0074] Figure 12 is available for Figure 9850 can be positioned between the plunger 810 and the spring 860. The intermediate object 850 can encounter the back side 814 of the plunger 810 and the spring 860. The intermediate object 850 can provide multiple paths for current in the spring-loaded contact 800. For example, current can flow through the plunger 810 into the intermediate object 850 and flow through the first location 852 to the barrel 820. Current can also flow through the plunger 810 into the intermediate object 850 and flow through the second location 854 to the barrel 820. These current paths can help limit the current through the spring 860. The current in the barrel 820 can then flow through other conduits connected to the barrel 820, such as wires, board traces, or other (not shown).

[0075] The intermediate object 850 may have a first length L1 that is greater than the inner diameter D1 of the barrel 820. The intermediate object 850 may be located between the rear side 814 of the plunger 810 and the spring 860, wherein the intermediate object 850 contacts the inner surface of the barrel at both a first position 852 and a second position 854. The first position 852 and the second position 854 may be located on opposite sides of the intermediate object 850. The first position 852 may be a first distance (not shown) from the front opening 822 of the barrel 820, and the second position 854 may be a second distance (not shown) from the front opening 822, the first distance being different from the second distance.

[0076] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the inner surface of the barrel 820 can provide a first force along a first force vector F1 against the intermediate object 850 at a first location 852. The inner surface of the barrel 820 can provide a second force along a second force vector F2 against the intermediate object 850 at a second location 854. The first force vector F1 and the second force vector F2 can be parallel and non-overlapping. The back side 814 of the plunger 810 can provide a third force vector F3 against the intermediate object 850 at a location 858. The spring 860 can provide a fourth force vector F4 against the intermediate object 850 at a location 856.

[0077] FIG13 illustrates an intermediate object according to an embodiment of the present invention. Intermediate object 850 can have a variety of shapes. For example, intermediate object 850 can have a capsule shape. Intermediate object 850 can have a rotating stadium shape. Intermediate object 850 can have a spherocylinder shape. Intermediate object 850 can have a shape defined by two hemispheres 1310 and 1312 separated by a cylinder 1314.

[0078] Figure 14 yes Figure 9810. A more detailed view of a plunger having a spring-loaded contact member. The plunger 810 may include a contact surface 812. The plunger 810 may also include a neck 816 leading to a body 818. The plunger 810 may include a back side 814. The back side 814 may be inclined. The back side 814 may have a conical recess. The back side 814 may have a conical surface. The back side 814 may have an eccentric conical surface. The back side 814 may have an inclined eccentric conical surface. The conical recess may have an apex at point 815. The plunger 810 may be used as other plungers shown herein or otherwise provided by embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 15 Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spring-loaded contact 1500 may be used as the spring-loaded contact 800 (e.g., Figure 8 1570). The spring-supported contact 1500 may include a plunger 1510, an intermediate object 1570, a piston 1580, and a spring 1560. At least a portion of the plunger 1510, the intermediate object 1570, the piston 1580, and the spring 1560 may be housed in the barrel 1520. The piston 1580 may include a head 1582 and a tail 1584. Some of the springs 1560 may surround the tail 1584 of the piston 1580, thereby maintaining alignment between the piston 1580 and the springs 1560. The springs 1560 may apply a force to the head 1582 of the piston 1580, thereby pushing the head 1582 of the piston 1580 into the intermediate object 1570. The intermediate object 1570 may be pushed against the back side 1514 of the piston 1580. When the spring-supported contact 1500 engages a corresponding contact member (such as the contact surface 122 of the contact member 120 (e.g., Figure 4 ), the plunger 1510 can be pressed into the barrel 1520. This can compress the spring 1560. In this way, when the contacts are mated, the spring 1560 can continue to apply a force that pushes the plunger 1510 against the contact surface 122.

[0080] Figure 16 Shown Figure 15 A close-up view of a portion of a spring-loaded contact member 1560 is provided. Springs 1560 can push against a head 1582 of a piston 1580. Some springs 1560 can surround a tail 1584 of the piston 1580. Springs 1560 can apply a force F1 to the intermediate object 1570 at location 1574 through the head 1582 of the piston 1580. This force can be opposed by a force F2 applied by the rear side 1514 of the plunger 1510 to the intermediate object 1570 at location 1572. These forces can push the intermediate object 1570 into the barrel 1520 at location 1576 with a force F3.

[0081] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, intermediate object 1570 may be formed from a conductive material, while piston 1580 may be formed from a non-conductive or insulating material. This arrangement allows current to flow through spring-supported contact 1500 while protecting spring 1560 from excessive current. Plunger 1510 may contact intermediate object 1570 at location 1572. Current may flow through this location, through intermediate object 1570, and to cylinder 1520 at location 1576. When piston 1580 is non-conductive, current does not flow through intermediate object 1570 to piston 1580 via location 1574. This protects spring 1560 from excessive current. When piston 1580 is conductive, current may flow through intermediate object 1570 via location 1574 to piston 1580. Piston 1580 may then contact the inner surface of cylinder 1520, providing an alternative current path to protect spring 1560.

[0082] Figure 17 Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spring-loaded contact 1700 can be used as the spring-loaded contact 800 (e.g. Figure 8 17). The spring-loaded contact 1700 may include a plunger 1710, an intermediate object 1750, and a spring 1760. At least a portion 1716 of the plunger 1710, the intermediate object 1750, and the spring 1760 may be housed in a barrel 1720. The plunger head 1712 of the plunger 1710 may extend beyond an opening 1722 of the barrel 1720. The end of the barrel 1720 may be sealed by a seal 1724. The spring 1760 may apply a force to the intermediate object 1750, thereby pushing the intermediate object 1750 against the back side 1714 of the plunger 1710. When the spring-loaded contact 1700 engages a corresponding contact member (such as the contact surface 122 of the contact member 120 (e.g., Figure 4 17, the plunger 1710 can be pressed into the barrel 1720. This can compress the spring 1760. Thus, when the contacts are mated, the spring 1760 can continue to exert a force that pushes the plunger head 1712 of the plunger 1510 against the contact surface 122.

[0083] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, intermediate object 1750 can be formed of a conductive material. When spring-loaded contact 1700 mates with a corresponding contact, plunger 1710 can contact intermediate object 1750 at its rear side 1714. Current can flow through plunger 1710 and through this location to intermediate object 1750, and then to barrel 1720 at location 1756. Plunger 1710 can tilt within barrel 1720, thereby contacting barrel 1720 at locations 1715 and 1719. Thus, current can also flow through plunger 1710 at locations 1715 and 1719 to barrel 1720.

[0084] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the back side 1714 of the plunger 1710, as well as other back sides of other plungers shown herein, can have various profiles. For example, they can be flat, inclined, or otherwise curved, they can be tapered or have a tapered recess or other uneven surface. The back side 1714 of the plunger 1710 can have an eccentric tapered surface. The back side of the plunger can have an inclined, eccentric tapered surface.

[0085] Figure 18A and Figure 18B Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spring-loaded contact 1800 may be used as the spring-loaded contact 800 (e.g. Figure 8 ). Spring-loaded contact member 1800 may include a plunger 1810, a piston 1850, and a spring 1860. At least some of plunger 1810, including wide portion 1816, narrow portion 1815, and wide portion 1813, piston 1850, and spring 1860 may be housed in barrel 1820. Plunger head 1812 of plunger 1810 may extend through opening 1822 of barrel 1820. Plunger 1810 may include narrow portion 1815 between wide portion 1813 and wide portion 1816. Barrel 1820 may be sealed with seal 1824. Piston 1850 may include head 1852 and tail 1854. Some spring 1860 may surround tail 1854 of piston 1850 to maintain alignment between piston 1850 and spring 1860. The spring 1860 can apply force to the head 1852 of the piston 1850, thereby pushing the head 1852 of the piston 1850 into the back side 1814 of the plunger 1810. When the spring-loaded contact 1800 engages a corresponding contact (such as the contact surface 122 of the contact 120 (e.g., Figure 4 18, the plunger 1810 can be pressed into the barrel 1820. This can compress the spring 1860. Thus, when the contacts are mated, the spring 1860 can continue to exert a force that pushes the plunger head 1812 of the plunger 1810 against the contact surface 122.

[0086] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, piston 1850 can be formed of a conductive material. When spring-loaded contact 1800 is mated with a corresponding contact, plunger 1810 can contact piston 1850 at its rear side 1814. Current can flow through plunger 1810 and through this location to piston 1850, and then to barrel 1820 at location 1856. Plunger 1810 can be tilted within barrel 1820 so as to contact barrel 1820 at location 1811 of wide portion 1816 and location 1819 of wide portion 1813. Thus, current can also flow through plunger 1810 to barrel 1820 at locations 1811 and 1819. Including wide portion 1816 and wide portion 1813 can help improve the connection between plunger 1810 and barrel 1820, thereby reducing the impedance of spring-loaded contact 1800.

[0087] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the back side 1814 of the plunger 1810, as well as other back sides of other plungers shown herein, can have various profiles. For example, they can be flat, sloped, or otherwise curved, they can be tapered or have a tapered recess or other uneven surface. The back side 1814 of the plunger 1810 can have an eccentric tapered surface. The back side of the plunger can have an inclined, eccentric tapered surface.

[0088] Figure 19 Another spring-loaded contact according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spring-loaded contact 1900 can be used as the spring-loaded contact 800 (e.g. Figure 8 ). Spring-loaded contact member 1900 may include a plunger 1910, a piston 1950, and a spring 1960. At least a portion 1916 of plunger 1910, piston 1950, and spring 1960 may be housed in barrel 1920. A plunger head 1912 of plunger 1910 may extend through an opening 1922 of barrel 1920. Barrel 1920 may be sealed by a rear portion 1980. Rear portion 1980 may include a sleeve 1982 that may fit within barrel 1920. Piston 1950 may include a head 1952 and a tail 1954. A plurality of springs 1960 may surround tail 1954 of piston 1950 to maintain alignment between piston 1950 and spring 1960. Spring 1960 may apply force to piston 1950, pushing head 1952 of piston 1950 into rear side 1914 of plunger 1910. When the spring-loaded contact 1900 engages a corresponding contact, such as the contact surface 122 of the contact 120 (e.g., Figure 4 ), the plunger 1910 can be pressed into the barrel 1920. This can compress the spring 1960. In this way, when the contacts are mated, the spring 1960 can continue to apply a force that pushes the plunger head 1912 of the plunger 1910 against the contact surface 122.

[0089] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, piston 1950 can be formed of a conductive material. When spring-loaded contact 1900 mates with a corresponding contact, plunger 1910 can contact piston 1950 at its rear side 1914. Current can flow through plunger 1910 and through this location to piston 1950, and then to barrel 1920 at location 1956. Plunger 1910 can tilt within barrel 1920 so that portion 1916 of plunger 1910 contacts barrel 1920 at locations 1915 and 1919. Thus, current can also flow through plunger 1910 at locations 1911 and 1919 to barrel 1920.

[0090] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the back side 1914 of the plunger 1910, as well as other back sides of other plungers shown herein, can have various profiles. For example, they can be flat, sloped, or otherwise curved, they can be tapered or have a tapered recess or other uneven surface. The back side 1914 of the plunger 1910 can have an eccentric tapered surface. The back side of the plunger can have an inclined, eccentric tapered surface.

[0091] Although piston 1950 may be conductive, it is still desirable to protect spring 1960 from the effects of electrical current. Therefore, a portion of piston 1950 may be insulating or non-conductive. An example is shown in the figure below.

[0092] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Exploded view of a spring-loaded contact 1900. Spring-loaded contact 1900 may include a plunger 1910. Plunger 1910 may include a plunger head 1912 that may extend through an opening 1922 of a barrel 1920 and a portion 1916 that may be received within barrel 1920. Barrel 1920 may be sealed by a rear portion 1980. Rear portion 1980 may include a sleeve 1982 that may fit within barrel 1920 and may be secured in place, for example, by welding, laser welding, or spot welding. The barrel may receive a piston 1950. Piston 1950 may include a head 1952 that may contact a rear side 1914 of plunger 1910. Piston 1950 may include a tail 1954 that may be partially surrounded by a spring 1960. Spring 1960 may bias piston 1950 and plunger 1910.

[0093] Insulator 1958 can help prevent piston 1950 from electrically contacting spring 1960, thereby protecting spring 1960. Insulator 1958 can be a strip, molded plastic, or other insulating material. Insulator 1958 can be die cut, molded, or otherwise formed.

[0094] Connector socket 100 (such as Figure 4 As shown) can be used for electronic device 300 (as Figure 1When the electronic device 300 is thin or has a low z-height (i.e., it has a thin profile), it may be difficult for the connector receptacle 100 to provide sufficient magnetic retention force to hold the connector insert 200 (e.g., Figure 8 Thus, these and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a connector system with an improved magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit can provide a magnet array arranged to provide a strong attachment that allows the use of a low-profile connector socket and connector insert. The magnet array can include magnets and magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic elements can be magnetic pole pieces and the magnets can be permanent magnets. Each pole piece can have magnets on both sides thereof. The magnets can be arranged in an alternating manner so that the field lines guided by the pole pieces provide a strong magnetic attachment to the magnetic suction plate of the connector insert at the connection surface. The magnetic circuit can also include a suction plate that is arranged to be attracted to the connection surface of the magnet array and fits in a connector that accommodates the magnet array. The following figure shows an example.

[0095] Figure 21 FIG. 1 shows a magnet array according to an embodiment of the present invention. The magnet array 150 may surround the contact housing 110 (e.g., Figure 4 The magnet array 150 may have a position relative to the panel 180 (as shown). Figure 4 ) adjacent connecting surface 2100. Contact housing 110 may extend through opening 168 in magnet array 150. Magnet array 150 may include pole piece 152, pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b, pole piece 156a, pole piece 156b, and pole piece 158. Magnet array 150 may include magnet 151, magnet 153a, magnet 153b, magnet 155a, magnet 155b, magnet 157a, magnet 157b, and magnet 159. Additional magnets may also be included, including additional magnet 167 and additional magnet 169.

[0096] Each pole piece may be adjoined by two or more magnets. Generally speaking, each pole piece may have magnets at two or more surfaces. Each pole piece may direct or guide the magnetic field provided by the poles of two or more magnets at its surface. A pole piece may have two or more magnets oriented so that their north poles are at the surface of the pole piece and their south poles are away from the surface of the pole piece, and the pole piece may guide the magnetic field from the north poles of the magnets to the connecting face 2100 of the magnet array 150. Another pole piece may have magnets oriented so that their south poles are at the surface of the pole piece and their north poles are away from the surface of the pole piece, and the pole piece may guide the magnetic field from the connecting face 2100 of the magnet array 150 to the south pole of the magnet. For example, pole piece 152 may be adjoined by the north pole of magnet 151, the north pole of magnet 153a, and the north pole of magnet 153b. Pole piece 152 can direct magnetic field lines from the north poles of magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b to connection face 2100. (Pole piece 152 may be labeled "N" in the figure to indicate that the magnetic field lines are directed from the north poles of magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b toward connection face 2100. It should be noted that pole piece 152 and the other pole pieces are magnetically soft and have no inherent polarity.) Thus, magnet 151, magnet 153a, and magnet 153b may have their north poles adjacent to pole piece 152 and their south poles away from pole piece 152. More specifically, pole piece 152 has the north pole of magnet 151 at a first surface 2110 and the north poles of magnet 153a and magnet 153b at a second surface 2130, where first surface 2110 and second surface 2130 are opposing surfaces. The pole piece 152 may also have an additional magnet 167 at the third surface 2120, wherein the third surface 2120 is adjacent to the first surface 2110 and adjacent to the second surface 2130. The additional magnet 167 may have a north pole adjacent to the third surface 2120.

[0097] Pole piece 154a may have the south pole of magnet 153a on fourth surface 2140 and the south pole of magnet 155a on fifth surface 2150, where fourth surface 2140 and fifth surface 2150 are opposing surfaces. (Pole piece 154a may be labeled "S" in the figure to indicate that magnetic field lines are directed from connecting surface 2100 toward the south poles of magnets 153a and 153b.) Similarly, pole piece 154b may have the south pole of magnet 153b and the south pole of magnet 155b on opposing surfaces. Pole piece 156a may have the north pole of magnet 155a and the north pole of magnet 157a on opposing surfaces. Pole piece 156b may have the north pole of magnet 155b and the north pole of magnet 157b on opposing surfaces. Pole piece 158 may have the south pole of magnet 157a and the south pole of magnet 157b on a surface opposite to the surface adjacent to the south pole of magnet 159.

[0098] Alternatively, pole piece 152 may have the south pole of magnet 151 at first surface 2110 and the south pole of magnet 153a and the south pole of magnet 153b at second surface 2130, wherein first surface 2110 and second surface 2130 are opposing surfaces. Pole piece 152 may also have the south pole of additional magnet 167 at third surface 2120, wherein third surface 2120 is adjacent to first surface 2110 and adjacent to second surface 2130. Pole piece 154a may have the north pole of magnet 153a at fourth surface 2140 and the north pole of magnet 155a at fifth surface 2150, wherein fourth surface 2140 and fifth surface 2150 are opposing surfaces. Similarly, pole piece 154b may have the north pole of magnet 153b and the north pole of magnet 155b at opposing surfaces. Pole piece 156a may have the south pole of magnet 155a and the south pole of magnet 157a on opposite surfaces. Pole piece 156b may have the south pole of magnet 155b and the south pole of magnet 157b on opposite surfaces. Pole piece 158 may have the north pole of magnet 157a and the north pole of magnet 157b on a surface opposite to the surface adjacent to the north pole of magnet 159.

[0099] Pole pieces 152, 154a, 154b, 156a, 156b, and 158 may direct field lines of alternating polarity. For example, pole pieces 152, 156a, and 156b may direct field lines of a first polarity, while pole pieces 154a, 154b, and 158 may direct field lines of a second polarity. That is, pole piece 152 can direct field lines from the north poles of magnets 151, 153a, and 153b, pole piece 154a can direct field lines toward the south poles of magnets 153a and 155a, pole piece 154b can direct field lines toward the south poles of magnets 153b and 155b, pole piece 156a can direct field lines from the north poles of magnets 155a and 157a, pole piece 156b can direct field lines from the north poles of magnets 155b and 157b, and pole piece 158 can direct field lines toward the south poles of magnets 157a, 157b, and 159. Additional magnets 167 and 169 can be included. For example, additional magnet 167 can be adjacent to pole piece 152. In the example where the north poles of magnets 151, 153a, and 153b are adjacent to pole piece 152, the north pole of additional magnet 167 may also be adjacent to pole piece 152, while the south pole of additional magnet 167 may face away from pole piece 152. Additional magnet 169 may have its south pole adjacent to pole piece 158 and its north pole facing away from pole piece 158. Additional magnets 167 and 169 may further enhance the magnetic field at connection face 2100.

[0100] Each pole piece, such as pole piece 152, pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b, pole piece 156a, pole piece 156b and pole piece 158, and magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2212 (all as shown) Figure 22As shown) and panel 180 (as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnets 151 and 153a, 153b, 155a, 155b, 157a, 157b, and 159, as well as the additional magnets 167, 169, 2240a, and 2242a (all as shown in FIG. 1 ), may be formed of a magnetically conductive material, such as a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, low carbon steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon, or nickel-iron alloy, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other types of materials. Figure 22 The additional magnets, including additional magnet 2240b and additional magnet 2242b (not shown), can be permanent magnets formed from recycled rare earth magnets or other rare earth or other ferromagnetic materials (such as neodymium, neodymium iron boron or nickel-cobalt or other materials).

[0101] Figure 22 A magnetic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The magnetic flux generated by the magnet array 150 can be directed by one or more magnetic elements. In this example, the magnetic flux generated by the magnet array 150 can be directed by magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220. In these and other embodiments, magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 can be combined into a single magnetic element or separated into multiple magnetic elements. Magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 can be positioned along the back side 2230 of the magnet array 150 and to the side 2232 of the magnet array 150. These or other magnetic elements can be positioned above or below the magnet array 150, or they can be omitted to reduce the thickness of the magnetic circuit. Magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 can direct the field lines of the magnetic flux from the magnet array 150 to the suction plate 250. Magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 can reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnet array 150. That is, the magnetic elements 2210 and the magnetic elements 2220 can increase the magnetic flux of the magnet array 150 and concentrate it into the suction plate 250. The contact surface 122 (both as shown in FIG. Figure 4 ) can be obtained at the connection surface 2100 of the magnet array 150 to connect with the connector insert 200 (as shown Figure 8 The contact surface 812 (as shown) in the opening 251 of the suction plate 250 Figure 8 As shown) to form an electrical connection.

[0102] In this configuration, magnet 151, magnet 153a, magnet 153b (such as Figure 21 As shown), magnet 155a, magnet 155b (as shown Figure 21 As shown), magnet 157a, magnet 157b (as shown Figure 21 ) and magnet 159 may be positioned to provide flux to pole piece 152, pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b (as shown) Figure 21 As shown), pole piece 156a, pole piece 156b (as shown Figure 21 The interface between each magnet and the pole piece is such as the first surface 2110 (as shown) and the pole piece 158. Figure 21 Strong rare earth magnets can be used to further increase the magnetic flux provided by the magnet array 150, thereby increasing the magnetic attraction between the magnet array 150 and the suction plate 250.

[0103] Additional magnets, including additional magnet 167 and additional magnet 169, may also be positioned at and coincide with the rear surfaces of pole piece 152 and pole piece 158, respectively. Further additional magnets, including additional magnet 2240a, additional magnet 2240b (not shown), additional magnet 2242a, and additional magnet 2242b (not shown), may be positioned at and coincide with the rear surfaces of pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b, pole piece 156a, and pole piece 156b, respectively. These additional magnets may increase the magnetic flux in pole piece 154a, pole piece 154b, pole piece 156a, and pole piece 156b, thereby increasing the attractive force of magnet array 150.

[0104] Magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 can be formed from a variety of materials. For example, magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 can be formed from a magnetically conductive material, such as a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, low carbon steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon, or nickel-iron alloys, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other types of materials.

[0105] In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the configuration of the magnetic circuit including magnet array 150 can vary. For example, suction plate 250 can be formed from pole pieces and magnet assemblies similar to those of magnet array 150. A different number of pole pieces and magnets can be used. For example, one, two, or more than two permanent magnets can be used. Additional magnets 167, 169, 2240a, 2240b, 2242a, and 2242b can be included or omitted, as can magnetic elements 2210 and 2220. Furthermore, the relative thickness and size of the pole pieces and magnets can vary. For example, pole pieces 154a, 154b, 156a, and 156b can be narrower or shorter than magnets 153a, 153b, 155a, 155b, 157a, and 157b. Alternatively, magnets 153a, 153b, 155a, 155b, 157a, and 157b may be narrower or shorter than pole pieces 154a, 154b, 156a, and 156b. The same is true for pole pieces 152 and 158 compared to magnets 151 and 159.

[0106] The addition of magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 may increase the size of connector receptacle 100. Therefore, these and other embodiments of the present invention may employ alternative structures to reduce the size of connector receptacle 100. Examples are shown in the following figures.

[0107] Figure 23 yes Figure 2 The connector socket 2300 can be used as the connector socket 100 (such as Figure 2 ). The connector receptacle 2300 may include a magnet array 2350. The magnet array 2350 may be coupled to the magnet array 150 (as shown). Figure 21 ) and may include or omit additional magnets 2240a, 2240b, 2242a, and 2242b (as shown). Figure 22 ). Connector receptacle 2300 may further include magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220. Magnetic element 2210 and magnetic element 2220 may have a rear side 2230 and a side 2232 surrounding magnet array 2350.

[0108] The connector receptacle 2300 may include a connector housing 2310 surrounding a contact 2320. The connector housing 2310 may include a table 2312. The contact 2320 may include a contact surface 2322 on the table 2312. The contact housing 2310 and the contact 2320 may be connected to the contact housing 110 and the contact 120 (both as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The contact 2320 may be further supported by a housing 2330. The contact 2320 may pass through an opening 2334 in the housing 2330. The housing 2330 may include a cylindrical member 2332 that may be adapted to fit over the substrate 620 (e.g., Figure 6 shown) in an opening (not shown).

[0109] Connector receptacle 2300 may include a bracket and associated structures, such as the above Figure 5 The bracket 160, slot 135, and opening 194 are shown. When the housing 2330 includes the column 2332, the adjustment provided by the bracket 160 can be omitted. Instead, a single bracket 2360 can include a vertical portion 2364 that can be attached to the rear side 2230 of the magnetic element 2210 and the magnetic element 2220, such as by spot welding or laser welding. The bracket 2360 can include a fastener 610 (such as Figure 6 ) to secure the connector receptacle 2300 to the substrate 620 (as shown). Figure 6). The bracket 2360 can be pre-biased (i.e., tilted relative to the base 620) as it extends away from the magnetic element 2210 and the magnetic element 2220. The tilt can be toward or away from the base 620. When the fastener 610 is inserted into the fastener opening 630 in the base 620 (e.g., Figure 6 113 (as shown), the bracket 2360 can be flattened (i.e., become parallel to the base plate 620), for example, by turning a screw used as the fastener 610 into the threaded fastener opening 630. This variation can provide a range through which the table 2312 of the connector receptacle 2300 can be positioned within the recessed portion 113 (as shown). Figure 5 shown).

[0110] The connector receptacle 2300 may also include a panel 2380. The panel 2380 may include an opening 2382 that may provide access for the contact housing 2310. The table 2312 may be adjacent to the panel 2380. The panel 2380 may be aligned with the panel 180 (e.g., Figure 4 The connector receptacle 2300 may be shielded by a top cover 2370 and a bottom cover 2375. The top cover 2370 and the bottom cover 2375 may be formed of stainless steel or other shielding materials.

[0111] Various structures and materials can be used to provide further support for contact 2320. For example, adhesive, epoxy, silicone, or other materials can be formed around or otherwise inserted around portions of contact 2320. For example, room temperature vulcanized silicone or other silicone resin can form damper 2390, which can be inserted or formed between magnet array 2350, housing 2330, contact housing 2310, magnetic element 2210, and magnetic element 2220. Damper 2390 can reduce vibrations in contact 2320, which can be caused by speakers, haptics, actuators, or other components in or near electronic device 300 housing connector receptacle 2300, or by magnetic fields generated by magnet array 2350 interacting with variable current flowing through contact 2320. The silicone for damper 2390 can be injected through opening 2372 in top cover 2370. Alternatively, damper 2390 can be pre-formed and slid onto contact 2320.

[0112] Other dampers can be used to reduce noise and protect the magnet array 2350. For example, silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can be positioned between the top surface 2352 of the magnet array 2350 and the top cover 2370. The top cover 2370 and the bottom cover 2375 can be attached to the magnetic elements 2210 and 2220 using, for example, spot welding or laser welding. The silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can be used to occupy the vertical space between the top cover 2370 and the bottom cover 2375 that is not used by the magnet array 2350. The silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can prevent vibrations between the top cover 2370 and the magnet array 2350, and between the bottom cover 2375 and the magnet array 2350. The silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can be formed in advance and placed on the top surface of the magnet array 2350 and then covered by the top cover 2370, or silicone in a pattern of silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can be dispensed on the top surface 2352 of the magnet array 2350 and then covered by the top cover 2370 during assembly. Alternatively, the silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can be formed in advance and placed on the top cover 2370, which can then be placed on the top surface 2352 of the magnet array 2350, or silicone in a pattern of silicone strips 2392, 2394, and 2396 can be dispensed on the top cover 2370, which can then be placed on the top surface 2352 of the magnet array 2350 during assembly. An additional damper (not shown) can be located between the magnet array 2350 and the bottom cover 2375.

[0113] As previously described, dampers may be positioned between the contact housing 2310 and the magnet array 2350 to protect the magnet array 2350 and reduce vibration. For example, silicone may be placed or formed along the sides of the contact housing 2310 to form dampers, such as dampers 117 and 119 (e.g., Figure 4 23). Additional dampers (not shown) may be included along the top and bottom sides of the contact housing 2310. The silicone or other material for the dampers 117 and 119 may be formed in advance and placed in the desired locations. Alternatively, the silicone or other material for the dampers 117 and 119 may be injected between the contact housing 2310 and the magnet array 2350 and cured in place.

[0114] In this example, a varying current can flow through contact 2320 in a direction from the front of connector receptacle 2300 to the back of connector receptacle 2300 and vice versa. For most of this distance, the variable current in contact 2320 can be exposed to magnetic fields at right angles to the current. These magnetic fields can be generated by the magnets and pole pieces in magnet array 2350. The resulting Lorentz force can produce a force on the electron in either an upward or downward direction (as shown), depending on the direction of the current flow.

[0115] Likewise, this can cause vibrations in the contact 2320. This vibration can be picked up by speakers, haptics, actuators, or other components in or near the electronic device 300 that houses the connector receptacle 2300. In this example, various dampers can be used to reduce this noise. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, other actions can be taken to further reduce this noise. For example, the magnets and pole pieces in the magnet array 2350 can be configured so that the magnetic field at the contact 2320 is parallel to the direction of current flow. This arrangement can be used to reduce the resulting Lorentz force. Examples are shown in the following figures.

[0116] Figure 24 yes Figure 2 The connector socket 2400 can be used as the connector socket 100 (such as Figure 2 ). The connector receptacle 2400 may include a magnet array 2450. The magnet array 2450 is shown in more detail in the following two figures. The magnet array 2450 may be supported by a housing 2430. The contact 2420 may pass through a central channel 2451 in the magnet array 2450 and an opening 2436 in the housing 2430. The tab 2432 may fit into an opening 2468 of the top shield 2466. The tab 2433 may fit into an opening 2476 of a portion 2474 of the bottom shield 2470. The nut 2486 may fit into the opening 2438. The nut 2486 may be glued or otherwise held in place. A fastener (not shown) may be inserted into the opening 2487 of the nut 2486 to secure the connector receptacle 2400 to the substrate 620 (e.g., Figure 6 ), a housing (not shown) that houses the connector receptacle 2400, or other structures attached to or otherwise secured to the housing. In one example, the fastener may pass through a wedge (not shown) attached to the housing and into the opening 2487 of the nut 2486. The adhesive 2440 may be injected through the top or other portion of the connector receptacle 2400. The adhesive 2440 may be formed to provide a support for the magnets 2457a and 2457b (both as shown) of the magnet array 2450. Figure 2524. The adhesive 2440 may be a damper that may help reduce connector noise. The adhesive 2440 may be formed from nitrile, epoxy, silicone, or other materials.

[0117] The connector receptacle 2400 may include a contact housing 2410 surrounding a contact 2420. The contact housing 2410 may include a table 2412. The contact 2420 may include a contact surface 2422 on the table 2412. The contact housing 2410 and the contact 2420 may be connected to the contact housing 110 and the contact 120 (both as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The contact 2420 may be further supported by the housing 2430. Similarly, the contact 2420 may pass through the opening 2436 in the housing 2430.

[0118] Bracket 2460 may include a fastener 610 (e.g. Figure 6 The bracket 2460 may include an opening 2462 (shown) in the housing 2430 to secure the connector receptacle 2400 to the substrate 620. The bracket 2460 may include a vertical portion 2464 that may be attached to the rear side of the top shield 2466, for example, by spot welding or laser welding. The column 2434 may be aligned with a hole in a flexible circuit board (not shown). When the connector receptacle 2400 is positioned in a system, the flexible circuit board may move along with the housing 2430 and other portions of the connector receptacle 2400.

[0119] The connector receptacle 2400 may also include a panel 2480. The panel 2480 may include an opening 2482 that may provide access for the contact housing 2410. The table 2412 may be adjacent to the panel 2480. The panel 2480 may be aligned with the panel 180 (e.g., Figure 4 Panel 2480 may be formed of a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, mild steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon or nickel-iron alloys, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other types of materials.

[0120] Connector receptacle 2400 can be shielded by a top shield 2466 and a bottom shield 2470. Top shield 2466 and bottom shield 2470, along with bracket 2460, can be formed from stainless steel or other shielding materials. Bottom shield 2470 can be held in place by Kapton tape 2477, which can be formed from a polyimide layer and an adhesive layer. Kapton tape 2477 can have an adhesive bottom side that can adhere to bottom shield 2470. Thus, the top or Kapton tape side can protect magnet array 2450 from contact with bottom shield 2470.

[0121] Various structures and materials can be used to provide further support for the contact 2420. For example, an adhesive, epoxy, silicone, or other material can be formed around or otherwise inserted around portions of the contact 2420. For example, room temperature vulcanized silicone or other silicone can form dampers (not shown) that can be inserted or formed between the magnet array 2450, the housing 2430, and the contact housing 2410. The silicone or other material for these dampers can be injected through the top of the connector receptacle 2400 through the opening 2472 in the bottom shield 2470. Alternatively, these dampers can be formed in advance and slid over the contact 2420.

[0122] Other dampers can be used to reduce noise and protect the magnet array 2450, as shown in other examples herein. As previously described, dampers can be positioned between the contact housing 2410 and the magnet array 2450 to protect the magnet array 2450 and reduce vibration. For example, silicone can be placed or formed along the sides of the contact housing 2410 in the central channel 2451 of the magnet array 2450 to form dampers, such as dampers 117 and 119 (e.g., Figure 4 24). Additional dampers (not shown) may be included along the top and bottom sides of the contact housing 2410. The silicone or other material for the dampers 117 and 119 may be formed in advance and placed in the desired locations. Alternatively, the silicone or other material for the dampers 117 and 119 may be injected into the central channel 2451 between the contact housing 2410 and the magnet array 2450 and cured in place.

[0123] Injecting silicone or other materials for a damper between the contact housing 2410 and the magnet array 2450 may be difficult to achieve. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may provide a magnet array 2450 having a wider, taller, or larger central channel 2451 for the contact housing 2410. The following figure shows more details of the magnet array 2450.

[0124] Figure 25 24 shows an oblique top view of a magnet array according to an embodiment of the present invention. The magnet array 2450 may surround the contact housing 2410 and the contact 2420 (e.g., Figure 24) are positioned as shown. The contact housing 2410 and the contact 2420 may pass through the central channel 2451 in the magnet array 2450. The central channel 2451 in the magnet array 2450 may be made wider to allow space at the narrow end of the central channel 2451 for damping material. Similarly or in addition, the height of the central channel 2451 may be made taller to facilitate injection or other inclusion of damping material. The magnet array 2450 may include pole piece 2454a, pole piece 2456a, pole piece 2454b and pole piece 2456b. The magnet array 2450 may include magnet 2452a, magnet 2453a, magnet 2455a, magnet 2452b, magnet 2453b, magnet 2455b, magnet 2457a, magnet 2457b and magnet 2610 (as shown). Figure 26 ). In an alternative configuration, the pole pieces and magnets may be interchangeable. Magnet array 2450 may include magnet 2454a, magnet 2456a, magnet 2454b, and magnet 2456b. Magnet array 2450 may include pole piece 2452a, pole piece 2453a, pole piece 2455a, pole piece 2452b, pole piece 2453b, pole piece 2455b, pole piece 2457a, pole piece 2457b, and pole piece 2610.

[0125] Each pole piece may be adjoined by two or more magnets. Each pole piece may be adjoined by three or more magnets. In this example, each pole piece may have magnets at two opposing surfaces and at one surface adjacent to the opposing surfaces. Each pole piece may direct or guide the magnetic field provided by the poles of the two or more magnets at its surface. A pole piece may have two or more magnets oriented so that their north poles are at the surface of the pole piece and their south poles are away from the surface of the pole piece, and the pole piece may direct the magnetic field from the north poles of the magnets to the connecting face 2459 of the magnet array 2450. Another pole piece may have magnets oriented so that their south poles are at the surface of the pole piece and their north poles are away from the surface of the pole piece, and the pole piece may direct the magnetic field from the connecting face 2459 of the magnet array 2450 to the south pole of the magnet.

[0126] For example, pole piece 2454a may be adjacent to the north pole of magnet 2452a, the north pole of magnet 2455a, and the north pole of magnet 2453a. Pole piece 2454a may direct magnetic field lines from the north pole of magnet 2452a, the north pole of magnet 2452a, and the north pole of magnet 2453a to connecting surface 2459. (Pole piece 2545a may be labeled "N" in this figure to indicate that the magnetic field lines are directed from the north poles of magnet 2452a, magnet 2455a, and magnet 2453a toward connecting surface 2459. It should be noted that pole piece 2454a and other pole pieces are magnetically soft and have no inherent polarity.) Therefore, magnet 2452a, magnet 2455a, and magnet 2453a may have their north poles adjacent to pole piece 2454a and their south poles away from pole piece 2454a.

[0127] Pole piece 2456a may have a south pole of magnet 2455a and a south pole of magnet 2455b on opposite sides. (Pole piece 2456a may be labeled "S" in the figure to indicate that the magnetic field lines are directed from connecting surface 2459 toward the south poles of magnet 2455a and magnet 2455b.) Pole piece 2456a may have a south pole of magnet 2457a and a south pole of magnet 2457b on a third side. Similarly, pole piece 2456b may have a south pole of magnet 2455a and a south pole of magnet 2455b on opposite surfaces. Pole piece 2456b may have a magnet 2610 (e.g., Figure 26 Pole piece 2454b may have a north pole of magnet 2455b and a north pole of magnet 2452b on opposing surfaces. Pole piece 2454b may have a north pole of magnet 2453b on a third surface between these opposing surfaces.

[0128] In an alternative configuration, these polarities can be reversed. Pole piece 2454a may have the south pole of magnet 2452a, the south pole of magnet 2455a, and the south pole of magnet 2453a on three surfaces. Pole piece 2456a may have the north pole of magnet 2455a and the north pole of magnet 2455b on opposite sides, and the north pole of magnet 2457a and the north pole of magnet 2457b on a third side. Similarly, pole piece 2456b may have the north pole of magnet 2455a and the north pole of magnet 2455b on opposite surfaces, and the north pole of magnet 2610 on a third surface. Pole piece 2454b may have the south pole of magnet 2455b and the south pole of magnet 2452b on opposite surfaces. Pole piece 2454b may have the south pole of magnet 2453b on a third surface between these opposite surfaces.

[0129] Each pole piece, such as pole piece 2454a, pole piece 2456a, pole piece 2456b, and pole piece 2454b, can be formed of a magnetically conductive material, such as a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, mild steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon, or nickel-iron alloys, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other types of materials. They can be plated with layers of nickel and copper or other materials. They can be plated with copper layers between nickel layers, or other layers or combinations of layers, where each layer has a thickness of 1-5 microns, 2-6 microns, 4-8 microns, or other thicknesses. Each magnet, such as magnet 2452a, magnet 2453a, magnet 2455a, magnet 2455b, magnet 2453b, and magnet 2452b, as well as additional magnets including magnet 2457a, magnet 2457b, and magnet 2610, can be a permanent magnet formed from recycled rare earth magnets or other rare earth or other ferromagnetic materials such as neodymium, neodymium iron boron, or nickel-cobalt, or other materials. They can be plated with copper under nickel, electroless nickel, or other materials or combinations of materials, with each layer having a thickness of 1-5 microns, 2-6 microns, 4-8 microns, or other thickness.

[0130] In this configuration, pole pieces 2456a and 2456b can be located above and below contact 2420 in contact housing 2410. In this way, pole pieces 2456a and 2456b can direct magnetic field lines in a direction parallel to contact 2420. That is, the magnetic field of the current applied to contact 2420 can be parallel to the direction of the current flowing in contact 2420 through central channel 2451 in magnet array 2450. Furthermore, the presence of a single pole piece on contact 2420 reduces the number of magnetic field lines that are orthogonal to the direction of the current. This means that the Lorentz force acting on the current in contact 2420 is greatly reduced or eliminated.

[0131] Figure 26 Shown Figure 25 Magnet 2610 can provide an additional south pole in contact with pole piece 2456b to enhance the magnetic field.

[0132] Figure 27 yes Figure 2 The connector socket 2700 can be used as the connector socket 100 (such as Figure 2). The connector receptacle 2700 may include a magnet array 2750. The magnet array 2750 is shown in more detail in the following two figures. The magnet array 2750 may be supported by the housing 2730. The tab 2733 may fit into the opening 2768 of the top shield 2766. The tab 2732 may fit into the opening 2776 of the portion 2774 of the bottom shield 2770. The housing lock 2740 may be arranged to fit with the housing 2730. The tab 2742 on the housing lock 2740 may fit into the opening 2735 of the housing 2730, and the tab 2737 on the housing 2730 may fit into a corresponding opening (not shown) of the housing lock 2740 to form an interlocking arrangement between the housing 2730 and the housing lock 2740.

[0133] The connector receptacle 2700 may include a contact housing 2710 surrounding a contact 2720. The contact housing 2710 may include a table 2712. The contact 2720 may include a contact surface 2722 on the table 2712. The contact housing 2710 and the contact 2720 may be connected to the contact housing 110 and the contact 120 (both as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The contact member 2720 may be further supported by a housing 2730.

[0134] Bracket 2760 may include a fastener 610 (e.g. Figure 6 ) to secure the connector receptacle 2700 to the substrate 620 (as shown). Figure 6 27). Bracket 2760 may include a vertical portion 2764 that may be attached to the rear side of top shield 2766, for example, by spot welding or laser welding. Post 2734 may be aligned with a hole in a flexible circuit board (not shown). When connector receptacle 2700 is positioned in a system, the flexible circuit board may move along with housing 2730 and the rest of connector receptacle 2700.

[0135] The connector receptacle 2700 may also include a panel 2780. The panel 2780 may include an opening 2782 that may provide access for the contact housing 2710. The table 2712 may be adjacent to the panel 2780. The panel 2780 may be aligned with the panel 180 (e.g., Figure 4 27). Connector receptacle 2700 may be shielded by a top shield 2766 and a bottom shield 2770. Top shield 2766 and bottom shield 2770, along with bracket 2760, may be formed from stainless steel or other shielding materials. Faceplate 2780 may be formed from a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, mild steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon, or nickel-iron alloys, or other ferromagnetic materials, or other types of materials.

[0136] Various structures and materials may be used to provide further support for the contact 2720. For example, an adhesive, epoxy, silicone, or other material may be formed around or otherwise inserted around portions of the contact 2720. For example, room temperature vulcanized silicone or other silicone may form a damper (not shown) that may be inserted or formed between the magnet array 2750, the housing 2730, and the contact housing 2710.

[0137] Other dampers may be used to reduce noise and protect the magnet array 2750, as shown in other examples herein. A damper 2790 may be positioned between the contact housing 2710 and the magnet array 2750 to protect the magnet array 2750 and reduce vibration. For example, silicone, nitrile, or other material may be placed or formed along the sides of the contact housing 2710 in the central channel 2751 of the magnet array 2750 to form the damper 2790 or other dampers such as dampers 117 and 119 (e.g., Figure 4 27). Additional dampers (not shown) may be included along the top and bottom sides of the contact housing 2710. The silicone or other material for dampers 117 and 119 may be preformed and placed in the desired locations. The silicone or other material for dampers 2790, 117, and 119 may alternatively be injected into the central channel 2751 between the contact housing 2710 and the magnet array 2750 and cured in place.

[0138] Injecting silicone or other materials for the damper 2790 between the contact housing 2710 and the magnet array 2750 may be difficult to achieve. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may provide a magnet array 2750 having a wider, taller, or wider and taller central channel 2751 for the contact housing 2710. The following figure shows more details of the magnet array 2750.

[0139] Figure 28 27. An oblique top view of a magnet array according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The magnet array 2750 may surround the contact housing 2710 and the contact 2720 (e.g., Figure 27 ) as shown. The contact housing 2710 may pass through the center channel 2751 in the magnet array 2750. The center channel 2751 in the magnet array 2750 may be made wider to allow space at the narrow end of the center channel 2751 for damping material. Similarly or in addition, the height of the center channel 2751 may be made taller to facilitate injection or other inclusion of damping material. The magnet array 2750 may include pole piece 2754a, pole piece 2756a, pole piece 2754b and pole piece 2756b. The magnet array 2750 may include magnet 2752a, magnet 2753a, magnet 2755a, magnet 2752b, magnet 2753b, magnet 2755b, magnet 2757 and magnet 2910 (as shown). Figure 29 ). In an alternative arrangement, these magnets and pole pieces may be interchanged, and magnet array 2750 may include magnet 2754a, magnet 2756a, magnet 2754b, and magnet 2756b. Magnet array 2750 may include pole piece 2752a, pole piece 2753a, pole piece 2755a, pole piece 2752b, pole piece 2753b, pole piece 2755b, pole piece 2757, and pole piece 2910.

[0140] Each pole piece may be adjoined by two or more magnets. In this example, each pole piece may have magnets at three surfaces. Each pole piece may direct or guide the magnetic field provided by the poles of the three magnets at its surface. A pole piece may have two or more magnets oriented so that their north poles are at the surface of the pole piece and their south poles are away from the surface of the pole piece, and the pole piece may direct the magnetic field from the north poles of the magnets to the connecting face 2759 of the magnet array 2750. Another pole piece may have magnets oriented so that their south poles are at the surface of the pole piece and their north poles are away from the surface of the pole piece, and the pole piece may direct the magnetic field from the connecting face 2759 of the magnet array 2750 to the south pole of the magnet.

[0141] For example, pole piece 2754a can be adjacent to the north pole of magnet 2752a, the north pole of magnet 2755a, and the north pole of magnet 2753a. Pole piece 2754a can direct magnetic field lines from the north pole of magnet 2752a, the north pole of magnet 2752a, and the north pole of magnet 2753a to connecting surface 2759. (Pole piece 2754a can be labeled "N" in this figure to indicate that the magnetic field lines are directed from the north poles of magnet 2752a, magnet 2753a, and magnet 2755a to connecting surface 2759. It should be noted that pole piece 2754a and other pole pieces are magnetically soft and have no inherent polarity.) Therefore, magnet 2752a, magnet 2755a, and magnet 2753a can have their north poles adjacent to pole piece 2754a and their south poles away from pole piece 2754a.

[0142] Pole piece 2756a may have a south pole of magnet 2755a and a south pole of magnet 2755b on opposite sides. (Pole piece 2756a may be labeled "S" in the figure to indicate that the magnetic field lines point from connecting surface 2759 toward the south poles of magnet 2755a and magnet 2755b.) Pole piece 2756a may have a south pole of magnet 2757 on a third side. Similarly, pole piece 2756b may have a south pole of magnet 2755a and a south pole of magnet 2755b on opposite surfaces. Pole piece 2756b may have a magnet 2910 on a third side (e.g., Figure 29Pole piece 2754b may have a north pole of magnet 2755b and a north pole of magnet 2752b at opposing surfaces. Pole piece 2754b may have a north pole of magnet 2753b at a third surface between these opposing surfaces.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment, the polarity of these magnets can be reversed. Pole piece 2754a can have the south pole of magnet 2752a, the south pole of magnet 2755a, and the south pole of magnet 2753a on three surfaces. Pole piece 2756a can have the north pole of magnet 2755a and the north pole of magnet 2755b on opposite sides, and the north pole of magnet 2757 on a third adjacent surface. Similarly, pole piece 2756b can have the north pole of magnet 2755a and the north pole of magnet 2755b on opposite surfaces, and magnet 2910 on a third adjacent surface. Pole piece 2754b can have the south pole of magnet 2755b and the south pole of magnet 2752b on opposite surfaces. Pole piece 2754b can have the south pole of magnet 2753b on a third surface between these opposite surfaces.

[0144] Each pole piece, such as pole piece 2754a, pole piece 2756a, pole piece 2756b and pole piece 2754b, can be formed of a magnetically conductive material, such as a soft magnetic alloy or other magnetically conductive material, such as martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, low carbon steel, iron-cobalt, iron-silicon or nickel-iron alloy, or other ferromagnetic material, or other type of material. They can be plated with layers of nickel and copper or other materials. They can be plated with copper layers between nickel layers, or other layers or combinations of layers, each layer having a thickness of 1-5 microns, 2-6 microns, 4-8 microns or other thickness. Each magnet, such as magnet 2752a, magnet 2753a, magnet 2755a, magnet 2755b, magnet 2753b and magnet 2752b, and magnets 2757 and 2910 (such as Figure 29 Additional magnets, including those shown, may be permanent magnets formed from recycled rare earth magnets or other rare earth or other ferromagnetic materials such as neodymium, neodymium iron boron, or nickel-cobalt or other materials. They may be plated with copper under nickel, electroless nickel, or other materials or combinations of materials, with each layer having a thickness of 1-5 microns, 2-6 microns, 4-8 microns, or other thicknesses.

[0145] In this configuration, pole pieces 2756a and 2756b can be located above and below contact 2720 in contact housing 2710. In this way, pole pieces 2756a and 2756b can direct magnetic field lines in a direction parallel to contact 2720. That is, the magnetic field of the current applied to contact 2720 can be parallel to the direction of current flow in contact 2720. Furthermore, the presence of a single pole piece on contact 2720 reduces the number of magnetic field lines that are orthogonal to the direction of current flow. This means that the Lorentz force acting on the current in contact 2720 is greatly reduced or eliminated.

[0146] Figure 29 Shown Figure 28 Magnet 2910 can provide an additional south pole in contact with pole piece 2756b to enhance the magnetic field.

[0147] While embodiments of the present invention may provide connector inserts and connector receptacles for delivering power, these and other embodiments of the present invention may also be used as connector receptacles in other types of connector systems, such as connector systems that may be used to transmit power, data, or both.

[0148] In various embodiments of the present invention, the contacts, shields, plungers, springs, threaded nuts, pistons, intermediate objects, barrels, brackets, and other conductive parts of the connector receptacles and connector inserts can be formed by stamping, metal injection molding, machining, micromachining, CNC machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing processes. The conductive parts can be formed from stainless steel, steel, copper, copper-titanium, phosphor bronze, or other materials or material combinations. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold, tin-nickel, tin-nickel alloy, satin nickel plating, or other materials. The springs can be coated with parylene. Non-conductive parts such as the housing, contact housing, housing lock, and other parts can be formed using injection molding or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing processes. The non-conductive parts can be formed from silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, glass-filled nylon, oil-filled nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), ceramic, or other non-conductive materials or material combinations. Various dampers and adhesives can be formed from silicone, nitrile, epoxy, or other adhesives or other materials. The printed circuit board or other board used may be formed from FR-4 or other materials.

[0149] Embodiments of the present invention may provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that may be located in and connected to various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, smartphones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, video delivery systems, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. These connector receptacles and connector inserts may provide interconnection paths for signals that conform to various standards, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards including USB Type-C, High Definition (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt TM 、Lightning TM, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), Test Access Port (TAP), Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, Directed Automatic Random Test (DART), Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), clock signal, power signal, and other types of standard, non-standard and proprietary interfaces that have been developed, are being developed, or will be developed in the future, and combinations thereof. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide connector sockets and connector inserts that can be used to provide a reduced set of functionality for one or more of these standards. In various embodiments of the present invention, these interconnect paths provided by these connector sockets and connector inserts can be used to carry power, ground, signals, test points and other voltages, currents, data or other information.

[0150] 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 authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0151] 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 described, and many modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the above teachings. This embodiment is selected and described to fully illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art can make full use of the present invention in various embodiments and in the case of various modifications suitable for the specific use 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, comprising: a magnet array having a central channel, the central channel having a top and a bottom, the magnet array comprising a plurality of magnets and a plurality of pole pieces; as well as a plurality of contacts extending from a face of the connector through the central passage, wherein the magnet array is arranged such that one of a first magnet or a first pole piece extends above the plurality of contacts and one of a second magnet or a second pole piece extends below the plurality of contacts. 2 . The connector according to claim 1 , wherein a first pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces extends above the plurality of contacts, and a second pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces extends below the plurality of contacts. 3 . The connector of claim 1 , wherein a first magnet of the plurality of magnets extends above the plurality of contacts, and a second magnet of the plurality of magnets extends below the plurality of contacts. 4 . The connector of claim 1 , wherein a first pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces extends above the central channel, and a second pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces extends below the central channel. 5 . The connector of claim 1 , wherein a first magnet of the plurality of magnets extends above the central channel and a second magnet of the plurality of magnets extends below the central channel.

6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the magnet array further comprises a third magnet on a first side of the center channel and a fourth magnet on a second side of the center channel, wherein a first pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces extends from the third magnet to the fourth magnet along the top of the center channel, and a second pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces extends from the third magnet to the fourth magnet along the bottom of the center channel.

7. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the magnet array further includes a third pole piece on a first side of the center channel and a fourth pole piece on a second side of the center channel, wherein a first magnet of the plurality of magnets extends from the third pole piece to the fourth pole piece along the top of the center channel, and a second magnet of the plurality of magnets extends from the third pole piece to the fourth pole piece along the bottom of the center channel.

8. The connector according to claim 6, further comprising: a housing supporting the magnet array; A damper is attached to the housing, the damper having a first slot supporting a first magnet of the magnet array and a second slot supporting a second magnet of the magnet array.

9. A connector comprising: A magnet array, comprising: Multiple pole pieces; a plurality of magnets spaced apart from one another and separated by the plurality of pole pieces; and a central channel having sides formed by a first pole piece and a second pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces, a top formed by a first magnet of the plurality of magnets, and a bottom formed by a second magnet of the plurality of magnets, wherein each pole piece is adjacent to three magnets of the plurality of magnets; and A first plurality of contacts having contact portions on a front side of the magnet array extend through the central passage.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein for each pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces, the pole piece is located between and adjacent to two of the three magnets, wherein the two magnets have the same north or south pole facing the pole piece.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of contacts is supported by a contact housing that passes through the central passage, and a plurality of dampeners are positioned in the central passage between the contact housing and the magnet array.

12. The connector of claim 10, wherein the array of magnets is arranged as a ring, and wherein the first plurality of contacts passes through a center of the ring.

13. The connector of claim 11 , wherein the magnet array comprises a first pole piece having a first magnet at a first surface and a second magnet at a second surface, the first surface being adjacent to the second surface; and A second pole piece has a third magnet at a first surface and a fourth magnet at a second surface, the first surface being opposite the second surface.

14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of contacts are arranged in a contact row, the first pole piece is located on a first side of the contact row, and the second pole piece is located below the contact row.

15. A connector system comprising a magnetic circuit, the magnetic circuit comprising: a first plurality of contacts; a housing supporting the first plurality of contacts; A magnet array, comprising: a central passage, wherein the housing extends through the central passage; Multiple pole pieces; a plurality of magnets spaced apart from one another and separated by the plurality of pole pieces, the plurality of magnets comprising a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet forms a top portion of the central channel and the second magnet forms a bottom portion of the central channel, wherein each pole piece is adjacent to three magnets of the plurality of magnets; and Suction plate.

16. The connector system of claim 15, wherein for each pole piece of the plurality of pole pieces, the pole piece is located between and adjacent to two of the three magnets, wherein the two magnets have the same north pole or south pole facing the pole piece.

17. The connector system of claim 16, wherein the magnet array is housed in a connector receptacle and the suction plate forms a face of a connector insert.

18. The connector system of claim 17, wherein the connector insert comprises a second plurality of contacts that mate with the first plurality of contacts, wherein each contact of the second plurality of contacts comprises: a barrel having a front opening; a plunger having a plunger head extending through the front opening and a body received in the barrel; a spring housed in the cylinder; as well as An intermediate object is positioned between the rear side of the plunger and the spring, wherein the intermediate object contacts the inner surface of the barrel at a first position and a second position simultaneously, the first position and the second position being on opposite sides of the intermediate object. The connector system of claim 18 , wherein the intermediate object has a capsule shape.

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