Pass-through connectors for connector systems
Methods and apparatus that can allow an electronic device housed in a protective accessory to communicate with another electronic device, and are readily manufactured. An example can provide a connector assembly that can include a number of top contacts electrically connected to a corresponding number of bottom contacts. The top contacts can be spaced at a first pitch while the bottom contacts can be spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch different than the first pitch.
1. A connector assembly for an intermediate accessory, the connector assembly comprising:
a plurality of top contacts, each top contact comprising:
a cap;
a terminal comprising a plurality of feet; and
a spring at least partially housed by the cap and the terminal, the spring to bias the cap and to allow the cap to be depressed into the terminal;
a top housing having a plurality of openings, each opening for a cap of a corresponding top contact in the plurality of top contacts;
a plurality of bottom contacts having a top surface and a bottom contacting surface, wherein the plurality of feet of each terminal are fixed to a top surface of a corresponding bottom contact; and
a bottom housing molded around portions of the plurality of bottom contacts.
2. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the top contacts are spaced at a first pitch and the bottom contacts are spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch different than the first pitch.
3. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the top contacts are spaced at a first pitch and the bottom contacts are spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch larger than the first pitch.
4. The connector assembly of claim 3 wherein the top housing comprises a raised surface around the plurality of openings.
5. The connector assembly of claim 4 wherein for each top contact, the cap includes a recess inside the cap, and the spring extends from the recess in the cap to the bottom housing.
6. The connector assembly of claim 5 wherein the plurality of feet of each terminal are fixed to a top surface of a corresponding bottom contact with one of soldering, spot-welding, or laser welding.
7. The connector assembly of claim 6 wherein a bottom side of the top housing includes an alignment tab to fit in a corresponding alignment hole in a top side of the bottom housing.
8. The connector assembly of claim 6 wherein the top housing is fixed to the bottom housing with a layer of adhesive.
9. The connector assembly of claim 6 wherein the top housing is shaped to fit in a recess in the bottom housing.
10. The connector assembly of claim 6 wherein the intermediate accessory is a case for an electronic device.
11. An electronic system comprising:
an intermediate accessory comprising a second connector assembly, the second connector assembly comprising:
a plurality of top contacts, wherein each top contact can physically and electrically connect to a corresponding contact in a first plurality of contacts in a first connector assembly in a first electronic device, each top contact comprising:
a cap;
a terminal comprising a plurality of feet; and
a spring at least partially housed by the cap and the terminal, the spring to bias the cap and to allow the cap to be depressed into the terminal;
a top housing having a plurality of openings, each opening for a cap of a corresponding top contact in the plurality of top contacts;
a plurality of bottom contacts having a top surface and a bottom contacting surface, wherein the plurality of feet of each terminal are fixed to a top surface of a corresponding bottom contact; and
a bottom housing molded around portions of the plurality of bottom contacts; and
a second electronic device comprising a third connector assembly, the third connector assembly comprising:
a housing having a plurality of slots and a plurality of openings;
a second plurality of contacts, wherein each contact in the second plurality of contacts can contact physically and electrically connect to a corresponding contact in the plurality of bottom contacts, each contact having a contacting portion attached to a first end of a contact body, wherein the contact body is angled away from a bottom of the housing such that the contacting portion can be depressed into the housing; and
an overmolded portion formed over a second end of each contact body, the second end opposite the first end.
12. The electronic system of claim 11 wherein the top contacts are spaced at a first pitch and the bottom contacts are spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch different than the first pitch.
13. The electronic system of claim 11 wherein the top contacts are spaced at a first pitch and the bottom contacts are spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch larger than the first pitch.
14. The electronic system of claim 13 wherein the top housing is shaped to fit in a recess in the bottom housing.
15. An electronic system comprising:
an intermediate accessory comprising a second connector assembly, the second connector assembly comprising:
a plurality of top contacts, wherein each top contact can physically and electrically connect to a corresponding contact in a first plurality of contacts in a first connector assembly in a first electronic device, each top contact comprising:
a cap;
a terminal comprising a plurality of feet; and
a spring at least partially housed by the cap and the terminal, the spring to bias the cap and to allow the cap to be depressed into the terminal;
a top housing having a plurality of openings, each opening for a cap of a corresponding top contact in the plurality of top contacts;
a plurality of bottom contacts having a top surface and a bottom contacting surface, wherein the plurality of feet of each terminal are fixed to a top surface of a corresponding bottom contact; and
a bottom housing molded around portions of the plurality of bottom contacts; and
a second electronic device comprising a third connector assembly, the third connector assembly comprising:
a second plurality of contacts, wherein each contact in the second plurality of contacts can physically and electrically connect to a corresponding contact in the plurality of bottom contacts, each contact comprising a contacting portion at a first end and a surface-mount contacting portion at a second end; and
a housing supporting the second plurality of contacts.
16. The electronic system of claim 15 wherein the top contacts are spaced at a first pitch and the bottom contacts are spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch different than the first pitch.
17. The electronic system of claim 15 wherein the top contacts are spaced at a first pitch and the bottom contacts are spaced at a second pitch, the second pitch larger than the first pitch.
18. The electronic system of claim 17 wherein the second plurality of contacts comprises a central contact and two outside contacts, wherein each outside contacts further comprise a barb near the second end of the contact, the barb to be inserted into the housing, and wherein the housing is molded around a portion of the central contact.