US20150152559A1 - Rack plating - Google Patents
Rack plating Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150152559A1 US20150152559A1 US13/878,392 US201213878392A US2015152559A1 US 20150152559 A1 US20150152559 A1 US 20150152559A1 US 201213878392 A US201213878392 A US 201213878392A US 2015152559 A1 US2015152559 A1 US 2015152559A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frames
- sub
- racks
- track
- rack
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
- C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
- C23C18/1601—Process or apparatus
- C23C18/1619—Apparatus for electroless plating
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
- C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
- C23C18/1601—Process or apparatus
- C23C18/1633—Process of electroless plating
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
- C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
- C23C18/31—Coating with metals
- C23C18/32—Coating with nickel, cobalt or mixtures thereof with phosphorus or boron
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D17/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
- C25D17/06—Suspending or supporting devices for articles to be coated
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D17/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
- C25D17/06—Suspending or supporting devices for articles to be coated
- C25D17/08—Supporting racks, i.e. not for suspending
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D3/00—Electroplating: Baths therefor
- C25D3/02—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions
- C25D3/04—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of chromium
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D3/00—Electroplating: Baths therefor
- C25D3/02—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions
- C25D3/12—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of nickel or cobalt
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D3/00—Electroplating: Baths therefor
- C25D3/02—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions
- C25D3/48—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of gold
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D3/00—Electroplating: Baths therefor
- C25D3/02—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions
- C25D3/54—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of metals not provided for in groups C25D3/04 - C25D3/50
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/16—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for manufacturing contact members, e.g. by punching and by bending
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding
- H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
- H01R13/6598—Shield material
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/60—Contacts spaced along planar side wall transverse to longitudinal axis of engagement
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
- H01R43/24—Assembling by moulding on contact members
Definitions
- the present invention relates to electrical connectors such as audio, video and data connectors.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic connectors that overcome many or all of the above described shortcomings of conventional connectors.
- Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of manufacturing such electronic connectors.
- Some embodiments of the present invention relate to improved processes for manufacturing plug connectors that have a reduced plug length and thickness and are easy to insert in and remove from a corresponding receptacle connector.
- a method of plating the connector frames includes, in part, placing the frames in a vibrating bowl to enable the bowl's vibrations load the frames in a predefined orientation onto the vibrating bowl's channel. From this channel, the frames are delivered to at least one track from which a multitude of sub-racks securely engage and lift the frames. The sub-racks carrying the frames are subsequently aggregated to form a larger rack which transports the frames to a plating tank in which the plating operation is carried out.
- each sub-racks has a multitude of hooks each adapted to engage at any given time an opening of one frame. In another embodiment, each sub-rack has a multitude of springs each adapted to engage at any given time one frame. In one embodiment, the sub-racks are aggregated in a horizontal direction to form the larger rack. In another embodiment, the sub-racks are aggregated in a vertical direction to form the larger rack.
- an apparatus adapted to aggregate a plurality of frames for a plating operation includes, in part, a track, a multitude of sub-racks and a major rack.
- the track is adapted to receive the frames in a predefined orientation and at a known rate from a vibrating bowl.
- the sub-racks are adapted to engage and lift the frames from the track.
- the major rack is adapted to receive and aggregate the sub-racks carrying the frames and transport the frames so aggregated to a plating tank in which the plating operation is carried out.
- FIGS. 1A-1C are simplified perspective, top and bottom views of an in-line dual orientation plug connector, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 2A-2F are simplified perspective views of the plug connector of FIG. 1 during various stages of manufacturing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a vibrating bowl adapted to properly orient and load connector frames onto its channel. in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the vibration bowl of FIG. 3 delivering frames from its channel to a track, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 5A , 5 B, and 5 C are perspective, front and side views of a section of a track carrying frames engaged by a sub-rack, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a major rack having disposed therein a multitude of sub-racks each carrying multiple frames, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 shows the major rack of FIG. 6 after being positioned in plating tank, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a side view of a section of a sub-rack using a spring force to engage a frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8B is a side view of a section of a sub-rack using a spring force to engage a frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a sub-rack having multiple springs each engaging a different frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 shows a major rack having disposed therein a multitude of sub-racks of FIG. 9 each carrying multiple frames, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 shows the major rack of FIG. 10 after being positioned in plating tank, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 shows a sub-rack having multiple springs each engaging a different frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic connectors that overcome many of the shortcoming of commercially available connectors.
- some embodiments of the present invention relate to connectors that have a reduced size and are easy to insert in and remove from a corresponding receptacle connector.
- FIGS. 1A-1C are simplified perspective, top and bottom views of an in-line dual orientation plug connector 100 respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Plug connector (alternatively referred to herein as connector) 100 is shown as including a body 42 and a tab or insertion end 44 that extends longitudinally away from body 42 in a direction parallel to the length of the connector.
- a cable 43 is attached to body 42 at an end opposite of tab 44 .
- Tab 44 is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector during a mating operation and includes a first contact region 46 a formed on a first major surface 44 a and a second contact region 46 b (not shown) formed at a second major surface 44 b (not shown) opposite surface 44 a.
- Surfaces 44 a, 44 b extend from a distal tip of the tab to a flange 109 .
- Tab 44 also includes first and second opposing side surfaces 44 c, 44 d (not shown) that extend between the first and second major surfaces 44 a, 44 b.
- tab 44 is between 4 to 7 mm wide, between 1 to 2 mm thick and has an insertion depth (the distance from the distal tip of insertion end 44 to flanged end 109 ) between 5 to 10 mm.
- Tab 44 includes a ground ring 105 that may be made from stainless steel or another conductive material.
- Connector 100 also includes retention features 102 a, 102 b (not shown) formed as curved pockets in the sides of ground ring 105 .
- Retention features 102 a, 102 b do not extend to either of upper surface 44 a or lower surface 44 b.
- Ground ring 105 may be fabricated using a variety of techniques such as a metal injection molding process.
- Body 42 is shown in FIG. 1B in transparent form (via dotted lines) to render certain components inside it readily visible.
- PCB 104 Disposed within tab 44 and body 42 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 104 that extends into ground ring 105 between contact regions 46 a and 46 b towards the distal tip of connector 100 .
- PCB 104 is mounted using a hot bar solder and brought into electrical communication with contacts 106 of first and second contact regions 46 a and 46 b.
- ICs integrated circuits
- ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuits
- PCB 104 includes a multitude of bonding pads 110 each of which is connected to a contact or contact pair within regions 46 a and 46 b. Wires disposed in cable 43 are soldered to bonding pads 165 to form electrical connections to contacts 106 . Generally, there is one bonding pad and one wire in cable 43 for each set of electrically independent contacts 106 , e.g., a pair of matching connected contacts, one in region 46 a and one in region 46 b that are electrically coupled to each other through PCB 104 . In other words, each wire in cable 43 is attached to a bonding pad 110 of PCB 104 to form an electrical contact with one of the electrically independent contacts 106 of regions 46 a and 46 b. One or more ground wires (not shown) of cable 43 are also soldered to the PCB bonding pad to provide a ground connection to which ground ring 105 is also connected.
- each contact in contact region 46 a is electrically connected to a corresponding contact in contact region 46 b on the opposite side of the connector.
- Contacts 106 ( 1 ) . . . 106 ( 8 ) can be used to carry a wide variety of signals including digital signals and analog signals as well as power and ground signals.
- plug connector 100 is the primary physical connector providing connection to an ecosystem of products that includes both host electronic devices and accessory devices.
- host devices include smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers and other computing devices.
- Plug connector 100 may be incorporated into an accessory device that is part of such an ecosystem to enable the host and the accessory to communicate with each other via plug connector 100 .
- accessory devices include docking stations, charge/sync cables and devices, cable adapters, clock radios, game controllers, audio equipment, memory card readers, headsets, video equipment and adapters, keyboards, medical sensors such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors, point of sale (POS) terminals, as well as numerous other hardware devices that can connect to and exchange data with the host device.
- POS point of sale
- FIGS. 2A-2F are simplified perspective views of the plug connector of FIG. 1 at various stages of manufacturing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the manufacture of plug connector 100 may start with construction of ground ring or frame 105 , printed circuit board 104 and contact assemblies 116 a, 116 b each of which may occur independently of the others in any order.
- Frame 105 shown in FIG. 2A , may be fabricated using a variety of techniques, as described below.
- Printed circuit board 104 ( FIG. 2B ) includes a set of bonding pads 110 formed at one end and a second set of bonding pads 112 formed at the opposing end. Bonding pads 110 serve as solder attachment points for wires from cable 43 . Eight bonding pads 112 corresponding to the eight contacts 106 ( 1 ) . . . ( 8 ) are formed on each of the opposing sides 104 a, 104 b of PCB 104 . Additionally, a third set of bonding pads 114 can be formed on either or both sides of PCB 104 to electrically connect one or more integrated circuits, such as ICs 108 a, 108 b, to the printed circuit board.
- ICs 108 a, 108 b integrated circuits
- each contact assembly includes a frame 115 ( FIG. 2D ) and eight slots—one for each of contacts 106 ( 1 ) . . . ( 8 ).
- the contacts may be made from a variety of conductive materials such as nickel-plated brass, stainless steel or palladium nickel. The contacts can be cut to size in a stamping or similar process from a metal sheet and placed in respective slots of each frame 115 .
- dielectric overmold 118 is formed with an injection molding process using polyoxymethylene (POM).
- POM polyoxymethylene
- each frame 105 is plated before being used to form a plug connector.
- frames 105 are plated using Nickel.
- many other metals such as Chrome, Gold, Palladium, and the like may be used to plate frames 105 .
- plating of the frames is carried out using sub-racks aggregated to form a larger rack, with each sub-rack securely carrying a multitude of frames.
- the frames are first loaded onto a vibrating bowl 200 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the vibrations of vibrating bowl 200 cause frames 105 to be properly oriented and loaded onto the vibrating bowl's downwardly spiraling channel 205 .
- FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of vibration bowl 200 delivering frames 105 from its channel 205 to a single track 210 .
- any number of tracks may be positioned to receive the frames from a vibrating bowl's channel.
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a section of track 210 carrying two frames 105 .
- track 210 is shown as carrying only two frames, it is understood that at any given time a track may carry many more frames.
- a sub-rack 220 that has been properly positioned to engage the frames in their openings 230 via hooks 225 formed on sub-rack 220 .
- sub-rack 225 is shown as having only two hooks, it is understood that a sub-rack, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, can include many more hooks for engaging and carrying the frames.
- frames 210 may be oriented such that their opening 230 is in track 210 thus exposing their cavity for secure engagement by other mechanisms.
- the distance between adjacent frames in track 210 is selected such that no contact between such frames can occur.
- the distance between adjacent frames in a track is defined by the height and width of each of the frames. For example, if the width and height of each frame are 6.6 mm and 9.57 mm respectively, the separation between adjacent frames in track 210 may be selected to be approximately 3 mm.
- FIG. 5B is a front view of the channel/sub-rack arrangement of FIG. 5A showing the distance between two adjacent frames.
- the distance between the frames is selected to be nearly half the width of each frame, although a value more or less than this distance may also be used.
- FIG. 5C is a side view of a frame 105 positioned on track 210 and engaged by hook 225 of sub-track 220 .
- FIG. 6 shows an exemplary major rack 235 having disposed therein twelve horizontal sub-racks 220 each carrying fifteen frames 105 .
- FIG. 7 shows major rack 235 positioned in plating tank prior to a plating operation.
- each sub-rack includes a multitude of resilient and elastic strips each adapted to securely engage a different frame prior to lifting the frame off the track.
- FIG. 8A is a side view of a section of a vertical sub-rack 310 having a pair of resilient strips 315 , 320 engaging a frame 105 in the frame's cavity, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Strips 310 , 320 provide a spring force that securely engages and holds the frames.
- Strips 310 , 320 are alternatively referred to herein as a spring. It is understood that a sub-rack, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may include multiple springs for engaging and carrying multiple frames.
- FIG. 8B is a side view of a sub-rack 330 having a spring 335 engaging a frame 105 in the frame's cavity, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It is understood that sub-rack 330 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may include multiple springs for engaging and carrying multiple frames.
- frame 105 is shown as having been rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to its position in track 210 of FIG. 5B .
- FIG. 9 shows a vertical sub-rack 330 having multiple springs 335 each securely engaging a different frame 105 .
- FIG. 10 shows an exemplary major rack 345 having disposed therein twelve vertical sub-racks 320 each carrying fifteen frames 105 .
- FIG. 11 shows major rack 345 positioned in plating tank prior to the plating operation.
- a multitude of tracks 210 are positioned in parallel to receive the frames from the vibrating bowl's channel.
- the sub- racks may be placed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the track's direction, thereby to securely engage multiple frames from multiple tracks at any given time. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the distance between adjacent frames in each track may be substantially reduced.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of a sub-rack 330 having a number of springs 335 each engaging a frame 105 in the frame's opening 230 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It is understood that sub-rack 330 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may include multiple springs for engaging and carrying multiple frames.
- frames 105 are plated with Nickel.
- the plating process may be a nickel electroplating process using nickel sulfate or an electroless nickel plating process, e.g., high phosphorus electroless nickel.
- the plating process make include a number of steps such as electrolytic degreasing, rinsing with pure water, activating acid, rinsing with pure water, nickel pre-plating, rinsing with pure water, nickel plating, rinsing with pure water, rinsing with hot pure water, cooking in an oven, and drying on a counter.
- other standard nickel electroplating processes and electroless nickel plating processes may be used at step 834 .
- the above embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and not limitative. Various alternatives and equivalents are possible.
- the invention is not limited by the engaging mechanism, spring, hook or otherwise, used to engage and lift the frames off a track.
- the invention is not limited by the spacing between the frames in a track.
- Other additions, subtractions or modifications are obvious in view of the present disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A method of plating the connector frames includes, in part, placing the frames in a vibrating bowl to enable the bowl's vibrations load the frames in a predefined orientation onto the vibrating bowl's channel. The properly oriented frames are delivered from this channel to a track. Subsequently, a multitude of sub-racks securely engage and lift the frames from the track. The sub-racks are afterwards aggregated to form a larger rack which transports the frames to a plating tank in which the plating operation is performed. Optionally, the spacing between adjacent frames in the track is such that no contact between adjacent frames can occur. Each sub-rack has a multitude of hooks or springs adapted to engage the frames. The sub-racks may be aggregated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction to form the larger rack.
Description
- This application is the U.S. National Stage entry of PCT/CN2012/081245, filed Sep. 11, 2012, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- The present invention relates to electrical connectors such as audio, video and data connectors.
- The use of mobile consumer electronic devices is on the rise. Such devices often communicate with other electronic devices or charging stations via one or more connectors disposed in a connector-cable assembly. The increased complexity and functions performed by such devices, i.e., smart-phones, media players, and the like, require new approaches to the electrical connectors that such devices use.
- Many standard data connectors are only available in sizes that are limiting factors in making portable electronic devices smaller. Furthermore, many conventional data connectors, such as a USB connector, can only be mated with a corresponding connector in a single, specific orientation. It is sometimes difficult for the user to determine whether such a connector is oriented in the correct insertion position. In addition to the orientation problem, even when such a connector is properly aligned, the insertion and removal of the connector is not always precise, and may have an inconsistent feel. Further, even when the connector is fully inserted, it may have an undesirable degree of wobble that may result in either a faulty connection or breakage. Moreover, many conventional connectors also include an interior cavity that is prone to collecting and trapping debris which may interfere with the electrical connections and affect signal integrity.
- Many other commonly used data connectors, including standard USB connectors, mini USB connectors, FireWire connectors, as well as many of the proprietary connectors used with common portable media electronics, suffer from some or all of these deficiencies. Furthermore, with the increased demand for mobile consumer devices, the manufacturing processes used to fabricate these devices would benefit from automation.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic connectors that overcome many or all of the above described shortcomings of conventional connectors. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of manufacturing such electronic connectors.
- Some embodiments of the present invention relate to improved processes for manufacturing plug connectors that have a reduced plug length and thickness and are easy to insert in and remove from a corresponding receptacle connector.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of plating the connector frames includes, in part, placing the frames in a vibrating bowl to enable the bowl's vibrations load the frames in a predefined orientation onto the vibrating bowl's channel. From this channel, the frames are delivered to at least one track from which a multitude of sub-racks securely engage and lift the frames. The sub-racks carrying the frames are subsequently aggregated to form a larger rack which transports the frames to a plating tank in which the plating operation is carried out.
- In one embodiment, the spacing between adjacent frames in the track is such that no contact between adjacent frames can occur. In one embodiment, each sub-racks has a multitude of hooks each adapted to engage at any given time an opening of one frame. In another embodiment, each sub-rack has a multitude of springs each adapted to engage at any given time one frame. In one embodiment, the sub-racks are aggregated in a horizontal direction to form the larger rack. In another embodiment, the sub-racks are aggregated in a vertical direction to form the larger rack.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus adapted to aggregate a plurality of frames for a plating operation includes, in part, a track, a multitude of sub-racks and a major rack. The track is adapted to receive the frames in a predefined orientation and at a known rate from a vibrating bowl. The sub-racks are adapted to engage and lift the frames from the track. The major rack is adapted to receive and aggregate the sub-racks carrying the frames and transport the frames so aggregated to a plating tank in which the plating operation is carried out.
-
FIGS. 1A-1C are simplified perspective, top and bottom views of an in-line dual orientation plug connector, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 2A-2F are simplified perspective views of the plug connector ofFIG. 1 during various stages of manufacturing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 shows a vibrating bowl adapted to properly orient and load connector frames onto its channel. in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the vibration bowl ofFIG. 3 delivering frames from its channel to a track, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 5A , 5B, and 5C are perspective, front and side views of a section of a track carrying frames engaged by a sub-rack, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a major rack having disposed therein a multitude of sub-racks each carrying multiple frames, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 shows the major rack ofFIG. 6 after being positioned in plating tank, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8A is a side view of a section of a sub-rack using a spring force to engage a frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8B is a side view of a section of a sub-rack using a spring force to engage a frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 shows a sub-rack having multiple springs each engaging a different frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 shows a major rack having disposed therein a multitude of sub-racks ofFIG. 9 each carrying multiple frames, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 shows the major rack ofFIG. 10 after being positioned in plating tank, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 shows a sub-rack having multiple springs each engaging a different frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. - Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic connectors that overcome many of the shortcoming of commercially available connectors. For example, some embodiments of the present invention relate to connectors that have a reduced size and are easy to insert in and remove from a corresponding receptacle connector.
-
FIGS. 1A-1C are simplified perspective, top and bottom views of an in-line dualorientation plug connector 100 respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Plug connector (alternatively referred to herein as connector) 100 is shown as including abody 42 and a tab orinsertion end 44 that extends longitudinally away frombody 42 in a direction parallel to the length of the connector. A cable 43 is attached tobody 42 at an end opposite oftab 44. -
Tab 44 is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector during a mating operation and includes afirst contact region 46 a formed on a firstmajor surface 44 a and asecond contact region 46 b (not shown) formed at a secondmajor surface 44 b (not shown)opposite surface 44 a.Surfaces flange 109. Whentab 44 is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector of a host device,surfaces Tab 44 also includes first and secondopposing side surfaces 44 c, 44 d (not shown) that extend between the first and secondmajor surfaces tab 44 is between 4 to 7 mm wide, between 1 to 2 mm thick and has an insertion depth (the distance from the distal tip ofinsertion end 44 to flanged end 109) between 5 to 10 mm. -
Tab 44 includes aground ring 105 that may be made from stainless steel or another conductive material.Connector 100 also includes retention features 102 a, 102 b (not shown) formed as curved pockets in the sides ofground ring 105. Retention features 102 a, 102 b do not extend to either ofupper surface 44 a orlower surface 44 b.Ground ring 105 may be fabricated using a variety of techniques such as a metal injection molding process.Body 42 is shown inFIG. 1B in transparent form (via dotted lines) to render certain components inside it readily visible. - Disposed within
tab 44 andbody 42 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 104 that extends intoground ring 105 betweencontact regions connector 100.PCB 104 is mounted using a hot bar solder and brought into electrical communication withcontacts 106 of first andsecond contact regions PCB 104 to provideinformation regarding connector 100 and any accessory or device thatconnector 100 is part of The ICs may perform such functions as authentication, identification, contact configuration, signal transfer and current or power regulation. -
PCB 104 includes a multitude ofbonding pads 110 each of which is connected to a contact or contact pair withinregions contacts 106. Generally, there is one bonding pad and one wire in cable 43 for each set of electricallyindependent contacts 106, e.g., a pair of matching connected contacts, one inregion 46 a and one inregion 46 b that are electrically coupled to each other throughPCB 104. In other words, each wire in cable 43 is attached to abonding pad 110 ofPCB 104 to form an electrical contact with one of the electricallyindependent contacts 106 ofregions ground ring 105 is also connected. - As seen from the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1B and 1C , eight external contacts 106(1) . . . 106(8) are spaced apart along a single row in each ofcontact regions contact region 46 a is electrically connected to a corresponding contact incontact region 46 b on the opposite side of the connector. Contacts 106(1) . . . 106(8) can be used to carry a wide variety of signals including digital signals and analog signals as well as power and ground signals. - In one embodiment, plug
connector 100 is the primary physical connector providing connection to an ecosystem of products that includes both host electronic devices and accessory devices. Examples of host devices include smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers and other computing devices.Plug connector 100 may be incorporated into an accessory device that is part of such an ecosystem to enable the host and the accessory to communicate with each other viaplug connector 100. Examples of accessory devices include docking stations, charge/sync cables and devices, cable adapters, clock radios, game controllers, audio equipment, memory card readers, headsets, video equipment and adapters, keyboards, medical sensors such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors, point of sale (POS) terminals, as well as numerous other hardware devices that can connect to and exchange data with the host device. -
FIGS. 2A-2F are simplified perspective views of the plug connector ofFIG. 1 at various stages of manufacturing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The manufacture ofplug connector 100 may start with construction of ground ring orframe 105, printedcircuit board 104 andcontact assemblies Frame 105, shown inFIG. 2A , may be fabricated using a variety of techniques, as described below. - Printed circuit board 104 (
FIG. 2B ) includes a set ofbonding pads 110 formed at one end and a second set ofbonding pads 112 formed at the opposing end.Bonding pads 110 serve as solder attachment points for wires from cable 43. Eightbonding pads 112 corresponding to the eight contacts 106(1) . . . (8) are formed on each of the opposing sides 104 a, 104 b ofPCB 104. Additionally, a third set ofbonding pads 114 can be formed on either or both sides ofPCB 104 to electrically connect one or more integrated circuits, such asICs - After attaching
ICs PCB 104 is inserted through a back opening offrame 105 so as to positionbonding pads 112 inopening 106. Next,contact assemblies FIG. 2D ) are positioned within theopenings 106 on each side offrame 105. Each contact assembly includes a frame 115 (FIG. 2D ) and eight slots—one for each of contacts 106(1) . . . (8). The contacts may be made from a variety of conductive materials such as nickel-plated brass, stainless steel or palladium nickel. The contacts can be cut to size in a stamping or similar process from a metal sheet and placed in respective slots of eachframe 115. - The ground ring/PCB/contact assembly structure, shown in
FIG. 2E , is then placed in a molding tool to form a thermoplastic or similardielectric overmold 118 around the contacts to provide smooth and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces of the tab and a finished look, as shown inFIG. 2F . In one embodiment,dielectric overmold 118 is formed with an injection molding process using polyoxymethylene (POM). - Referring to
FIG. 2A , eachframe 105 is plated before being used to form a plug connector. In one embodiment, frames 105 are plated using Nickel. However, many other metals such as Chrome, Gold, Palladium, and the like may be used to plate frames 105. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, plating of the frames is carried out using sub-racks aggregated to form a larger rack, with each sub-rack securely carrying a multitude of frames. To achieve this, the frames are first loaded onto a vibratingbowl 200, as shown inFIG. 3 . The vibrations of vibratingbowl 200 cause frames 105 to be properly oriented and loaded onto the vibrating bowl's downwardly spiralingchannel 205. Once the frames reach the end ofchannel 205, they are delivered to one or more tracks.FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view ofvibration bowl 200 deliveringframes 105 from itschannel 205 to asingle track 210. However, although not shown, it is understood that any number of tracks may be positioned to receive the frames from a vibrating bowl's channel. - Once positioned on a
track 210, the frames are engaged and lifted by one or more sub-racks.FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a section oftrack 210 carrying twoframes 105. Althoughtrack 210 is shown as carrying only two frames, it is understood that at any given time a track may carry many more frames. Also shown inFIG. 5A is a sub-rack 220 that has been properly positioned to engage the frames in theiropenings 230 viahooks 225 formed onsub-rack 220. Althoughsub-rack 225 is shown as having only two hooks, it is understood that a sub-rack, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, can include many more hooks for engaging and carrying the frames. It is further understood, that the orientation of the frames intrack 210 may be different than the one shown inFIGS. 5A-5C . For example, in some embodiments, frames 210 may be oriented such that theiropening 230 is intrack 210 thus exposing their cavity for secure engagement by other mechanisms. - To improve the plating performance, avoid shading, and increase the electrical current density during the plating operation, the distance between adjacent frames in
track 210 is selected such that no contact between such frames can occur. In one embodiment, the distance between adjacent frames in a track is defined by the height and width of each of the frames. For example, if the width and height of each frame are 6.6 mm and 9.57 mm respectively, the separation between adjacent frames intrack 210 may be selected to be approximately 3 mm. -
FIG. 5B is a front view of the channel/sub-rack arrangement ofFIG. 5A showing the distance between two adjacent frames. In the examples shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B , the distance between the frames is selected to be nearly half the width of each frame, although a value more or less than this distance may also be used.FIG. 5C is a side view of aframe 105 positioned ontrack 210 and engaged byhook 225 ofsub-track 220. - Once a predetermined number of
sub-racks 220 have securely engaged a sufficient number of the frames, the sub-racks are transported to a major rack. Such a transportation may be automated, semi-automated or manual.FIG. 6 shows an exemplarymajor rack 235 having disposed therein twelvehorizontal sub-racks 220 each carrying fifteenframes 105.FIG. 7 showsmajor rack 235 positioned in plating tank prior to a plating operation. - In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each sub-rack includes a multitude of resilient and elastic strips each adapted to securely engage a different frame prior to lifting the frame off the track.
FIG. 8A is a side view of a section of avertical sub-rack 310 having a pair ofresilient strips 315, 320 engaging aframe 105 in the frame's cavity, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Strips Strips -
FIG. 8B is a side view of a sub-rack 330 having aspring 335 engaging aframe 105 in the frame's cavity, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It is understood thatsub-rack 330, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may include multiple springs for engaging and carrying multiple frames. InFIGS. 8A and 8B ,frame 105 is shown as having been rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to its position intrack 210 ofFIG. 5B .FIG. 9 shows avertical sub-rack 330 havingmultiple springs 335 each securely engaging adifferent frame 105. - Once a predetermined number of
sub-racks 230 have securely engaged a sufficient number of the frames, the sub-racks are transported to a major rack. Such a transportation may be automated, semi-automated or manual.FIG. 10 shows an exemplarymajor rack 345 having disposed therein twelvevertical sub-racks 320 each carrying fifteenframes 105.FIG. 11 showsmajor rack 345 positioned in plating tank prior to the plating operation. - As described above, in some embodiments, a multitude of
tracks 210 are positioned in parallel to receive the frames from the vibrating bowl's channel. In such embodiments, the sub- racks may be placed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the track's direction, thereby to securely engage multiple frames from multiple tracks at any given time. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the distance between adjacent frames in each track may be substantially reduced. -
FIG. 12 is a side view of a sub-rack 330 having a number ofsprings 335 each engaging aframe 105 in the frame'sopening 230, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It is understood thatsub-rack 330, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may include multiple springs for engaging and carrying multiple frames. - In one embodiment, frames 105 are plated with Nickel. In some embodiments, the plating process may be a nickel electroplating process using nickel sulfate or an electroless nickel plating process, e.g., high phosphorus electroless nickel. For nickel electroplating, the plating process make include a number of steps such as electrolytic degreasing, rinsing with pure water, activating acid, rinsing with pure water, nickel pre-plating, rinsing with pure water, nickel plating, rinsing with pure water, rinsing with hot pure water, cooking in an oven, and drying on a counter. Alternatively, other standard nickel electroplating processes and electroless nickel plating processes may be used at step 834.
- The above embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and not limitative. Various alternatives and equivalents are possible. The invention is not limited by the engaging mechanism, spring, hook or otherwise, used to engage and lift the frames off a track. The invention is not limited by the spacing between the frames in a track. Nor is the invention limited by the number of frames secured by each sub-rack. Other additions, subtractions or modifications are obvious in view of the present disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of plating a plurality of frames each associated with a different one of a plurality of connectors, the method comprising:
placing the plurality of frames in a vibrating bowl;
loading each of said plurality of frames onto a channel of the vibrating bowl and in a predefined orientation in response to vibrations of the vibrating bowl;
transferring said plurality of frames from the vibrating bowl's channel to at least one track;
using a plurality of sub-racks to engage and lift the plurality of frames from the at least one track;
aggregating the plurality of sub-racks to form a rack; and
transporting the rack to a plating tank to plate the plurality of frames.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein adjacent frames in the at least one track are spaced apart so as to inhibit contact therebetween.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein a distance between adjacent frames in the track is defined by a height and a width of the plurality of frames.
4. The method claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of sub-racks has a plurality of hooks each adapted to engage an opening of at least one of the plurality of frames.
5. The method claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of sub-racks has at least one spring adapted to engage a cavity of at least one of the plurality of frames.
6. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
aggregating the plurality of sub-racks in a horizontal direction to form the rack.
7. The method of claim 5 further comprising:
aggregating the plurality of sub-racks in a vertical direction to form the rack.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said plating is nickel plating.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said plating is performed using a metal selected from a group consisting of Chrome, Gold, and Palladium.
10. The method claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of sub-racks has at least one spring adapted to engage an opening of at least one of the plurality of frames.
11. An apparatus adapted to aggregate a plurality of frames each associated with a different one of a plurality of connectors, the apparatus comprising:
a track adapted to receive the plurality of frames along a predefined orientation and at a known rate from a vibrating bowl;
a plurality of sub-racks adapted to engage and lift the plurality of frames from the track; and
a rack adapted to receive and aggregate the plurality of sub-racks, said track being further adapted to be transported to a plating tank to plate the plurality of frame.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said track is adapted to maintain a predefined distance between adjacent frames to inhibit contact therebetween.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a distance between adjacent frames in the track is defined by a height and a width of the plurality of frames.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of sub-racks has a plurality of hooks each adapted to engage an opening of at least one of the plurality of frames.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of sub-racks has at least one spring adapted to engage a cavity of at least one of the plurality of frames.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said rack is adapted to receive and aggregate the plurality of sub-racks in a horizontal direction.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said rack is adapted to receive and aggregate the plurality of sub-racks in a vertical direction.
18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said plating is nickel plating.
19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said plating is performed using a metal selected from a group consisting of Chrome, Gold, and Palladium.
20. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of sub-racks has at least one spring adapted to engage an opening of at least one of the plurality of frames.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2012/081245 WO2014040224A1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2012-09-11 | Rack plating |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150152559A1 true US20150152559A1 (en) | 2015-06-04 |
Family
ID=50277474
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/878,392 Abandoned US20150152559A1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2012-09-11 | Rack plating |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US20150152559A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014040224A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD960106S1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2022-08-09 | Apple Inc. | Connector |
USD684539S1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2013-06-18 | Apple Inc. | Connector |
USD684976S1 (en) | 2012-09-07 | 2013-06-25 | Jody Akana | Adapter |
USD731434S1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2015-06-09 | Apple Inc. | Connector |
USD699188S1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2014-02-11 | Apple Inc. | Adapter |
USD781785S1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2017-03-21 | Apple Inc. | Adapter |
ES2828502B2 (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2021-10-29 | Aragonesa De Componentes Pasivos S A | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH INSERTABLE CONNECTOR |
CN111485275B (en) * | 2020-05-22 | 2021-04-13 | 太仓市海峰电镀有限公司 | Rack plating production line |
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US3391073A (en) * | 1964-08-24 | 1968-07-02 | Aluminum Coil Anodizing Corp | Anodizing apparatus |
US3923631A (en) * | 1974-06-17 | 1975-12-02 | Empire Plating Co | Electroplating rack |
US4895771A (en) * | 1988-06-14 | 1990-01-23 | Ab Electronic Components Limited | Electrical contact surface coating |
US20010018299A1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2001-08-30 | Lin Cheng Te | Electrical connector and method of preparing same for soldering |
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JPS59124620A (en) * | 1982-12-30 | 1984-07-18 | Nippon Mektron Ltd | Automatic plating device |
US7447037B2 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2008-11-04 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Single chip USB packages by various assembly methods |
JP2002146591A (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2002-05-22 | Toto Ltd | Plating method and appliance for water supply |
JP3784824B1 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2006-06-14 | 株式会社アイプラント | Electroplating treatment system |
JP2008156736A (en) * | 2006-12-26 | 2008-07-10 | Marunaka Kogyo Kk | Device for transporting object to be treated in surface treatment apparatus |
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2012
- 2012-09-11 WO PCT/CN2012/081245 patent/WO2014040224A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-09-11 US US13/878,392 patent/US20150152559A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US2872019A (en) * | 1957-01-24 | 1959-02-03 | Chase Equipment Corp | Non-jamming vibratory hopper |
US3391073A (en) * | 1964-08-24 | 1968-07-02 | Aluminum Coil Anodizing Corp | Anodizing apparatus |
US3923631A (en) * | 1974-06-17 | 1975-12-02 | Empire Plating Co | Electroplating rack |
US4895771A (en) * | 1988-06-14 | 1990-01-23 | Ab Electronic Components Limited | Electrical contact surface coating |
US20010018299A1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2001-08-30 | Lin Cheng Te | Electrical connector and method of preparing same for soldering |
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