Interposer connectors with magnetic components

摘要

Disclosed are interposer electrical connector embodiments including magnetic components used to facilitate interconnection of peripheral devices to standard input/output, or “I/O”, connectors (such as USB connectors) of devices such as mobile communications products (e.g. smart phones, tablets, and personal computers). The interposer connector embodiments disclosed include those in which a plurality of discrete permanent magnets are arranged with magnetic poles aligned in the same orientation perpendicular to and on one side of the electrical interface. Other embodiments include a plurality of bar permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the interface with all poles of the same type directed at the interface, but each one opposing a ferromagnetic element. These arrangements provide self-aligning capabilities useful for electrical connections that have restrictions on visibility or connection approach geometries. Other embodiments have a single magnet per mated connector pair and magnetic pole pieces and/or actuators to concentrate magnetic flux providing the magnetic attractive force for a plurality of electrical connections.

主权项

1. An electrical connector system comprising:
a first connector comprising: a first connector mating interface; a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed along the first connector mating interface; and one or more first magnetic structures wherein a portion of a first magnetic structure is positioned behind each of the first electrical contacts; a second connector comprising: a second connector housing having a second connector mating interface; a plurality of second electrical contacts disposed along the second connector mating interface; and a compliant substrate; and a plurality of second magnetic structures affixed to the compliant substrate wherein a portion of a second magnetic structure is positioned behind each of the second electrical contacts; and a source of magnetic flux providing a magnetic attraction between the one or more first magnetic structures and the second magnetic structures; and wherein the magnetic attraction moves the second magnetic structures relative to the second connector housing as the first connector mating interface approaches the second connector mating interface.