Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-31
2004-10-12
Martin, David (Department: 2841)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S760000, C361S720000, C361S748000, C361S794000, C439S951000, C439S924100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06804119
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and more specifically, to an edge connector having electrostatic discharge arrest features and digital camera employing same.
BACKGROUND
The assignee of the present invention manufactures digital cameras, and other computer-related devices. One current design of the assignee of the present invention for a digital camera has a docking connector on the bottom.
Since this docking edge connector needs to be used without a user plugging something in (for example just setting the camera in its base) the best type of connector is an edge connector. One problem with this type of connection, is that it leaves the signals exposed. This is undesirable from an electrostatic discharge (ESD) standpoint.
One solution is to protect these signals from electrostatic discharge events with electronic devices, such as clamp diodes, capacitors, or ferrite devices, and the like. However, this is a bad solution from a cost and space standpoint. Furthermore, electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices or doors on the product are expensive and requires more space in the product.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,240 discloses “A high density electrical connector comprised of a block of insulative material having a plurality of electrical contacts for providing plural electrical connections and an electrical conductor for providing electrostatic discharge protection for the electrical contacts mounted thereto. The electrical conductor is positioned forward of the electrical contacts relative to the leading edge of the insulative material, thereby protecting the electrical contacts from electrostatic discharges. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the electrical connector may be a plug type electrical connector with the electrical conductor mounted on the leading edge of the projecting blades or may be a receptacle type electrical connector with the electrical conductor mounted to the leading edge of the insulative insert.”
U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,620 discloses “A board adapter for electrically transmitting signals between an electrical card connector and a mother board, includes a plurality of signal traces formed on both faces of the board adapter for electrically connecting signal holes with corresponding conductive pads. The signal holes respectively receive the corresponding contacts of the card connector. The conductive pads electrically engage with corresponding contacts disposed within a receiving slot defined in a card edge connector when the board adapter is inserted therein and stabilizing means ensures proper engagement therebetween. The stabilizing means comprises a cutout defined on a bottom edge of the board adapter and a post formed in the receiving slot of the card edge connector. The engagement between the cutout and the post ensures that the conductive pads of the board adapter are properly aligned with the contacts of the card edge connector.”
U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,523 discloses that “The main system printed circuit board of a computer is mounted on a tray structure that also supports other CPU components of the computer and is removably insertable into the housing portion of the computer. A specially designed card edge connector portion of the system board is operatively insertable into a socketed connector on another circuit board interiorly mounted within the housing. Electrically conductive signal fingers and grounding fingers are respectively mounted on first and second sides of the card edge, with the signal fingers being connected to the signal plane of the system board, and the grounding fingers being connected to its ground plane. A sacrificial grounding pad is positioned on the second side of the edge connector portion, between the grounding pads and its leading edge, and is initially engaged by the internal connector contact strips, as the card edge is being inserted into the connector, to equalize any voltage potential between the two circuit boards before the contact strips engage the signal and grounding fingers. The grounding pad thus eliminates the necessity of incorporating clamping diodes in the system board circuitry to avoid ESD damage to its components. The initially engageable grounding pad also serves as a sacrificial contact wear member that lengthens the connectivity life of the system board by diminishing the mechanical wear-away of the signal and grounding fingers.”
However, none of these patents disclose or suggest the use of signal contacts are displaced inwardly away from the edge of the connector that have different lengths and shapes, depending upon their purpose and a row of vias in the connector that attract electrostatic energy before it can reach the signal contacts.
What is desirable is a connector structure that prevents electrostatic discharge events from ever reaching the signal pins. Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide for an improved docking edge connector that prevents electrostatic discharge from occurring. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide for digital camera employing the improved docking edge connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To accomplish the above and other objectives, the present invention provides for a docking edge connector having electrostatic discharge features that prevent the occurrence of electrostatic discharge events. To prevent the occurrence of electrostatic discharge events, the present invention provides a row of vias in the connector that attract electrostatic energy before it can reach the signal contacts. Furthermore, the signal contacts are displaced inwardly away from the edge of the connector and have different lengths and shapes, depending upon their purpose.
One advantage of the present invention over what has been done before is that it is virtually cost free, eliminating the need for discrete electrostatic discharge devices. The present invention substantially reduces or eliminates electrostatic discharge problems for exposed edge-connectors.
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Bui Hung
Hewlett--Packard Development Company, L.P.
Martin David
LandOfFree
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