Power connectors having common clip assembly
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsRicardo A. Mariano, Min Chul Kim, Nathan N. Ng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Power plugs that may include portions that can be used in different regions, may provide reliable functionality, may be reliably manufactured, and have a pleasant appearance. One example may provide a power plug that has a clip assembly that may be used in different regions. Another example may provide a power plug that functions in a reliable manner by having a durable overmold. Another example may provide a power plug that may be reliably manufactured by providing a contact that eliminates the need for soldering or welding, and also provides alignment features to protect the contact during assembly. Another example may provide a power plug that has an attractive appearance by forming an overmold over an inner mold.
Claims18
A power plug comprising:
- a prong assembly comprising:
- a plurality of power prongs;
- an inner mold formed over central sections of the prongs;
- and
- an overmold around the inner mold;
- and
- a clip assembly comprising:
- a plurality of contacts each having a clip portion to accept an end of one of the plurality of power prongs;
- a contact holder to support the plurality of contacts;
- and
- a clip to support the contact holder.
A method of manufacturing a power plug, the method comprising:
- forming a prong assembly by:
- receiving a plurality of power prongs;
- forming an inner mold over central portions of the power prongs;
- and
- forming an overmold over the inner mold;
- and
- forming a clip assembly by:
- receiving a plurality of contacts each having a clip portion to accept an end of one of the plurality of power prongs;
- placing the contacts on a contact holder;
- and
- inserting the contact holder in a clip.
A clip assembly for a plurality of power plugs, each power plug compliant with requirements for a different region, the clip assembly comprising:
- a plurality of contacts each having a clip portion to accept an end of one of a plurality of power prongs;
- a contact holder to support the plurality of contacts, wherein the contact holder includes one or more locating features;
- and
- a clip to support the contact holder,
- wherein the locating features include a tab arranged to fit in an opening in an overmold of a prong assembly when the prong assembly is mated to the clip assembly during assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.