GB2402267A

GB2402267A - Device connector

Info

Publication number: GB2402267A
Application number: GB0312192A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original assignee: INQUAM
Current assignee: INQUAM
Priority date: 2003-05-28
Filing date: 2003-05-28
Publication date: 2004-12-01
Also published as: WO2004107507A1; GB0312192D0

Abstract

An electrical connector 10, for connecting an accessory to a portable device, characterised by a locking mechanism 20 that comprises a rotatable locking member which can be rotated to secure the accessory to the portable device. The locking mechanism 20 may comprise a screw 24 and a corresponding screw aperture, and may be operated by a thumbwheel 22. The locking mechanism may farther include a compression spring 26 for biassing the screw 24 away from its corresponding screw aperture. Additional retaining clips 16,18 may farther hold the accessory and portable device together.

Description

DEVICE CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT

The invention relates to a connector arrangement for a portable device. Preferred examples relate to a connector arrangement for connecting an accessory to an electronic device such as a mobile telephone handset or personal digital assistant.

Devices such as mobile telephone handsets typically provide connectors for connecting the device to accessories, data cables and the like. For convenience, plugs associated with such accessories and cables are usually easy to attach to and remove from the connector on the handset. However, this also means that they can easily be unplugged inadvertently, for example by accidentally pulling on the cable. This can lead to problems such as loss oi connection or interrupted data transfer, for example when a device such as a mobile telephone handset is used in conjunction with a portable computer to provide internet access.

The invention seeks to address some of these problems.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector arrangement for connecting a portable device to a device accessory, the arrangement comprising a locking mechanism for securing the accessory to the device, characterised in that the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable locking member, the locking mechanism being lockable by rotating the locking member.

This provides for a more secure connector arrangement.

The portable device is preferably an electronic device, for example a communications or computing device. The portable device may be a mobile telephone.

The accessory is preferably any device or cable which can be connected to such a portable device. For example, the accessory may be a cable, such as a data or power cable, a power supply, a charger, a headset, a music player, a camera or another portable or non-portable device. The term accessory may also be taken to refer to a cable used to connect to such an accessory or to a plug on such a cable.

The locking mechanism preferably comprises a lock aperture adapted to receive the locking member.

The locking member is preferably moveable from a retracted position to an engaging position in which it may engage the lock aperture. This may make the mechanism easier to operate.

For convenience, the locking member is preferably biased, preferably spring-biased, to the retracted position. To this end, the locking mechanism preferably comprises a spring, for example a compression spring.

Preferably, the locking member comprises a screw. The locking mechanism preferably comprises a screw aperture. In this way, a firmer grip may be achieved.

The connector arrangement may further comprise a wheel operable to turn the locking member. This may make it easier to operate the locking mechanism. Where the locking member comprises a screw, the wheel is preferably operable to turn the screw.

The wheel preferably comprises a ridged perimeter surface. This may make the wheel easier to turn by providing better grip. The wheel may be in the style of wheels commonly referred to as 'thumbwheels'.

The arrangement preferably comprises a device connector and an accessory connector, the device and accessory connectors comprising complementary retaining formations. This may allow the accessory to be held in place whilst being secured using the locking mechanism. It may also provide an alternative, less secure but potentially more convenient, way of connecting the accessory and the device in situations where the more secure connection that may be afforded using the locking mechanism is not required. The device connector is preferably located on or associated with the device. The accessory connector is preferably located on or associated with the accessory.

The device and accessory connectors may further comprise complementary electrical contact surfaces. On at least one of the device and accessory connector, the electrical - 2 contact surfacc.s are preferably provided in the form of spring contacl.s. This may provide for more reliable electrical connections between the device and the accessory.

The complementary retaining formations preferably comprise an aperture and a retaining member suitable for insertion into the aperture. The retaining member may be in the form of a retaining clip. To provide a firmer hold, the retaining member preferably comprises two opposing engagement formations for cooperation with corresponding formations in the aperture. The opposing engagement formations preferably comprise two opposing engagement members.

This feature is of particular importance and is also provided independently.

Accordingly, in a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector arrangement for connecting a portable device to an accessory, the arrangement comprising an aperture and a retaining member suitable for insertion into the aperture, the retaining member comprising two opposing engagement members for cooperation with corresponding engagement formations in the aperture.

The two opposing engagement members are preferably spring-biased to a Vshaped configuration. This may help secure the members once inside the aperture.

The connector arrangement may further comprise a further aperture and a further retaining member suitable for insertion into the further aperture. This may make the connection more secure. The aperture and the further aperture are preferably of different size or shape. Preferably, the aperture and further aperture, and the corresponding retaining member and further retaining member, are shaped in such a way that at least one of the retaining member and the further retaining member can only be inserted into its corresponding aperture. For example, the further aperture (and its corresponding further retaining member) may be wider than the aperture, so that the further retaining member can be inserted into the further aperture, but not into the aperture. In this way, misalignment of the connection arrangement may be prevented.

Preferably, the arrangement comprises a device connector and an accessory connector. The accessory connector preferably comprises the locking member, and - 3 the device connector preferably comprises the lock aperture. In this way, the connection arrangement may be easier to manufacture and operate.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector arrangement for connecting a mobile (or wireless) telephone to an accessory, the arrangement comprising a locking mechanism for securing the accessory to the telephone, the locking mechanism comprising a locking member moveable from a retracted position to an engaging position for connecting the accessory and the telephone together, the locking member being biased towards the retracted position.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory connector for connecting an accessory to a portable device, the accessory connector comprising a locking mechanism for securing the accessory to the device, the locking mechanism having a rotatable locking member, the locking mechanism being lockable by rotating the locking member. The accessory connector is preferably a connector located on, or associated with, the accessory.

The accessory connector may further comprise any of the features of the connector arrangement described herein.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable device connector for connecting a portable device to an accessory, the portable device connector comprising a locking mechanism for securing the device to the accessory, the locking mechanism having a lock aperture adapted to receive a rotatable locking member, the locking mechanism being lockable by rotating the locking member. The portable device connector is preferably a connector located on, or associated with, the portable device.

The portable device connector may further comprise any of the features of the connector arrangement described herein.

The invention also provides a connector, a plug, and a socket for use in a connector arrangement as described herein. - 4

The invention also providc.s a method of securing an accessory to a portable device, comprising engaging a rotatable locking member of the accessory with a lock aperture oi the portable device and rotating the locking member.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Where reference is made to plug / socket configurations, other suitable connection Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I illustrates the connection of a data cable to a mobile telephone handset using the connector arrangement; Figure 2 shows a cross section of a connector plug; Figure 3 shows a cross section of a retaining clip; and Figure 4 shows a handset connector corresponding to the connector plug of Figure 2.

Figure l illustrates the connector arrangement in use. A data cable 4 is attached to a mobile telephone handset 2 by means of a secure connector plug 10. The secure connector plug 10 uses locking mechanism 20 to hold the plug firmly in place as will be described below.

The connector plug 10 is shown in more detail in Figure 2.

Connector plug 10 comprises a housing l l which receives cable 4. Cable 4 comprises a number of conductors wired to spring contacts 14 on the underside of the connector.

Retaining members in the form of retaining clips 16 and 18 are also located on the underside between the spring contacts.

A locking mechanism 20 comprises a screw 24 operated by thumbwheel 22. For better grip, thumbwheel 22 has a ridged perimeter surface 23. When not in use, the screw 24 is held in the retracted position as shown by a compression spring 26 between thumbwheel 22 and housing 11. The locking mechanism further comprises a screw aperture lor use with screw 24, the screw aperture being located on a corresponding handset connector as will be described below.

The retaining clip 18 is shown in cross section in Figure 3, and comprises two opposing members 60 and 62 spring biased open in a V-shaped configuration. By pushing the clip against the perimeter of a suitably sized clip aperture (for example, clip aperture 44 of the socket of Figure 4) the members 60, 62 can be forced together allowing them to pass into the aperture where the spring acts to push the members apart, thus securing the clip inside the aperture. Retaining clip 16 is of similar design.

Corresponding handset connector 40 suitable for connection to connector plug 10 is shown in Figure 4. The handset connector 40 comprises contact surfaces 42, clip apertures 44 and 46 and threaded screw aperture 50. A power supply socket 52 is provided for connection to a separate power supply plug (not shown). The handset connector is located on the underside of the handset, allowing connection as shown in Figure 1.

Aperture 46 comprises ridges 52 and 54 shaped so as to guide the clip members 60, 62 (shown in Figure 3) to a closed configuration when pushed into the aperture. Once past the ridges and inside the aperture the members 60, 62 return to the V-shaped configuration. Detents in members 60, 62 engage ridges 52, 54, which act to hold the retaining clip in place. Aperture 44 comprises similar ridges.

Connector plug 10 is attached to handset connector 40 by aligning the spring contacts 14 and retaining clips 16, 18 on the plug 10 with the corresponding contact surfaces 42 and clip apertures 44 and 46 on the handset connector 40 and pushing the retaining clips 16, 18 into the clip apertures 44, 46. This provides a reasonably firm connection, - 6 ! with contact being established between spring contacts 14 and contact surfaces 42.

The plug can be easily released by pulling. To aid alignment, retaining clips 16 and 18 (and their corresponding apertures 44, 46) are of different width (with clip 16 being wider than clip 18). This may prevent the plug from being plugged into the socket back-to-front.

To provide a more secure connection, thumbwheel 22 is depressed against the resistance of spring 26, compressing spring 26 and allowing screw 24 to engage screw aperture 50. By turning thumbwheel 22 the screw can then be screwed securely into screw aperture 50. Connector plug 10 is thereby held firmly in place. It can be released by unscrewing the locking mechanism 20 using thumbwheel 22 and pulling the plug 10 away from the connector 40.

For convenience, a connection can therefore be established without the use of locking mechanism 20. The thumbwheel-operated locking mechanism 20 can optionally be used to provide a more secure connection in situations where this is desirable.

The screw 24 and thumbwheel 22 arrangement may be secured to the connector plug in any suitable way, for example using a catch arrangement inside the housing.

Alternatively the spring 26 may be fixed to the thumbwheel and housing or may be secured within suitable cavities of the thumbwheel and housing by way of its radial resilience.

In one example, the thumbwheel is formed as a cap covering the screw 24 and spring 26 and extending towards, or even all the way to, the housing. A recess may be provided in the housing to receive the lowermost portion of the cap, such that the cap covers the screw and spring entirely in both its depressed and retracted positions. This may have the advantage of preventing the thumbwheel catching on other objects, and may provide better grip due to the increased surface area, thus making the thumbwheel easier to operate.

In another example, a locking mechanism using a lock-and-key arrangement may be used instead of the screw 24 and screw aperture 50. In this example, a keyhole is - 7 provided in place of the screw aperture which receives a suitably shaped key (in place of screw 24) which, when inserted and turned, secures the accessory to the device.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

1. A connector arrangement for connecting a portable device to an accessory, the arrangement comprising a locking mechanism for securing the accessory to the device, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable locking member, the locking mechanism being lockable by rotating the locking member.

2. A connector arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lock aperture adapted to receive the locking member.

3. A connector arrangement according to Claim 2, wherein the locking member is moveable from a retracted position to an engaging position in which it may engage the lock aperture.

4. A connector arrangement according to Claim 3, wherein the locking member is spring-biased to the retracted position.

5. A connector arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member comprises a screw, the locking mechanism comprising a screw aperture.

6. A connector arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a wheel operable to turn the locking member.

7. A connector arrangement according to Claim 6, wherein the wheel comprises a ridged perimeter surface.

8. A connector arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement comprises a device connector and an accessory connector, the device and accessory connectors comprising complementary retaining formations.

9. A connector arrangement according to Claim 8, wherein the complementary retaining formations comprise an aperture and a retaining member suitable for insertion into the aperture.

1(). A connector arrangement according to Claim 9, wherein the retaining member comprises two opposing engagement formations for cooperation with corresponding formations in the aperture.

11. A connector arrangement according to Claim 10, wherein the opposing engagement formations comprise two opposing engagement members.

12. A connector arrangement according to Claim 11, wherein the two opposing engagement members are spring-biased to a V-shaped configuration.

IS

13. A connector arrangement according to any of Claims 9 to 12, further comprising a further aperture and a further retaining member suitable for insertion into the further aperture.

14. A connector arrangement according to Claim 13, wherein the aperture and the further aperture are of different size or shape.

I S. A connector arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, the arrangement comprising a device connector and an accessory connector, wherein the accessory connector comprises the locking member, and wherein the device connector comprises a lock aperture.

16. A connector arrangement for connecting a mobile telephone to an accessory, the arrangement comprising a locking mechanism for securing the accessory to the telephone, the locking mechanism comprising a locking member moveablc from a retracted position to an engaging position for connecting the accessory and the telephone together, the locking member being biased towards the retracted position. - 10 '

17. An accessory connector for connecting an accessory to a portable device, the accessory connector comprising a locking mechanism for securing the accessory to the device, the locking mechanism having a rotatable locking member, the locking mechanism being lockable by rotating the locking member.

18. A portable device connector for connecting a portable device to an accessory, the portable device connector comprising a locking mechanism for securing the device to the accessory, the locking mechanism having a lock aperture adapted to receive a rotatable locking member, the locking mechanism being lockable by rotating the locking member.

19. A connector for use in a connector arrangement as claimed in any of Claims I to 16.

20. A plug for use in a connector arrangement as claimed in any of Claims I to 16.

21. A socket for use in a connector arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 16.

22. A method of securing an accessory to a portable device, comprising engaging a rotatable locking member of the accessory with a lock aperture of the portable device and rotating the locking member.

23. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

24. A method substantially as herein described with reference to Figures I to 4 of the accompanying drawings.