Waterproof cover and protective shell for io interface connector

Abstract

The utility model belongs to IO interface connector structure field, concretely relates to waterproof upper cover and protection shell of IO interface connector, disclose waterproof upper cover of IO interface connector, including cover and first socket and a plurality of second sockets on the cover, the inside top wall of cover is equipped with the light guide column that corresponds with a plurality of second sockets, light guide column and cover are all black light -transmitting material, and integrative forming, the light guide hole is set up on the light guide column, the wall thickness between the outer top wall of cover and the end of light guide hole is less than the wall thickness between the inside and outside two sides top wall of cover, the inner periphery of light guide hole is frosted surface, still disclose waterproof protection shell of IO interface connector, including bottom cover and waterproof upper cover as mentioned above, the scheme can realize the integrative forming after upper cover and light guide column, the fixed point light emission of pilot lamp on upper cover, to avoid producing light diffusion, avoid the mutual interference of pilot lamp, prevent the influence identification pilot lamp corresponding socket, avoid exposing internal structure because of emitting light simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of IO interface connector structure, and in particular to a waterproof top cover and protective shell for an IO interface connector. Background Technology

[0002] IO-Link is an innovative point-to-point communication protocol designed to connect I / O systems and field devices. This protocol uses an open standard, ensuring smooth bidirectional data exchange between sensors and devices, while also offering broad communication coverage, allowing all IO-Link-enabled sensors and devices to be easily integrated into various fieldbus or automation systems.

[0003] I / O (I / O) connectivity protocols are widely used in products, such as common I / O interface connectors. I / O interface connectors are primarily used to connect computer or control systems to external devices to transmit data and control signals between the two. I / O interface connectors mainly have two types of sockets, which detachably connect to the plugs on corresponding cables. Due to the need for strong connection stability and anti-interference performance, the sockets are often sealed with caps when not in use. The socket and plug are often connected by threads, and the I / O interface connector is potted with adhesive to fill and seal the internal space, thereby strengthening the connection strength and waterproof performance. However, this potting process increases production costs. Furthermore, in order for the indicator lights (such as LEDs or light guides) inside the I / O interface connector to shine light outside the top cover, holes need to be made in the top cover, and the indicator lights are installed in these holes. This can lead to leakage if the openings are not potted. If the light guide column and the top cover are molded as a single piece, eliminating the opening, it can avoid the use of potting glue and prevent leakage, thus reducing production costs. However, since the top cover and the light guide column are both made of light-transmitting and light-guiding materials, when the indicator light is lit, it will expose the internal structure of the IO interface connector, affecting the product's aesthetics. At the same time, it will also cause light diffusion on the top cover, causing different indicator lights to interfere with each other, thus affecting the identification of the socket corresponding to the indicator light. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a waterproof top cover and protective shell for an IO interface connector. After the top cover and light guide post of the IO interface connector are integrally formed, the indicator light can emit light at a fixed point on the top cover to avoid light diffusion, avoid mutual interference of indicator lights, prevent affecting the identification of the socket corresponding to the indicator light, and at the same time avoid exposing the internal structure due to light emission, so as to prevent affecting the aesthetics of the product.

[0005] The technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows: a waterproof cover for an IO interface connector, comprising a cover body for mounting a circuit board inside, the cover body having a first socket and several second sockets for conducting the inner and outer sides, the inner side of the cover body having light guide posts corresponding one-to-one with the several second sockets, the light guide posts and the cover body being made of black light-transmitting material and integrally formed; the upper end of the light guide post is located on the inner top wall of the cover body, the lower end of the light guide post has a light guide hole for facing the active light-emitting element on the circuit board, the end of the light guide hole extends to the upper end of the light guide post, the wall thickness between the outer top wall of the cover body and the end of the light guide hole is less than the wall thickness between the inner and outer top walls of the cover body, and the inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole is a frosted surface.

[0006] In the waterproof cover of the aforementioned IO interface connector, the end of the light guide hole is arranged in an arc shape.

[0007] In the waterproof cover of the aforementioned IO interface connector, the outer diameter of the light guide post gradually increases from its lower end to its upper end, and the inner diameter of the light guide hole gradually decreases from its opening to its end.

[0008] In the waterproof cover of the aforementioned IO interface connector, a fixing post for fixing the circuit board is provided on the inner top wall of the cover.

[0009] In the aforementioned waterproof cover for the IO interface connector, the first socket, the second socket, and the cover body are integrally formed.

[0010] This utility model also provides a waterproof protective shell for an IO interface connector, including a waterproof top cover for the IO interface connector as described above, and a bottom cover, wherein the bottom cover is connected to the edge of the cover body around the edge of the cover body.

[0011] In the aforementioned waterproof protective housing for the IO interface connector, the bottom cover has a first connecting groove that surrounds its edge, and the edge of the cover has a first connecting protrusion that is inserted into the first connecting groove, and the first connecting protrusion is connected to the first connecting groove.

[0012] In the aforementioned waterproof protective housing for the IO interface connector, an annular groove is provided in the middle of the bottom cover, and a hollow connecting post is provided on the inner top wall of the cover. The connecting post is inserted into the annular groove and connected to the annular groove.

[0013] In the aforementioned waterproof protective housing for the IO interface connector, two parallel and spaced partitions are also provided on the inner top wall of the cover. The partitions extend to the inner side walls on opposite sides of the cover, and the lower side of the partitions is connected to the bottom cover.

[0014] In the aforementioned waterproof protective housing for the IO interface connector, a second connecting groove is provided on the bottom cover, and a second connecting protrusion is provided on the lower edge of the partition, which is inserted into the second connecting groove, and the second connecting protrusion is connected to the second connecting groove.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model after adopting the above technical solution are as follows:

[0016] This technical solution integrates the top cover (specifically, the cover body) of the IO interface connector with the light guide post, eliminating the need for potting to fill gaps and preventing leakage, thus effectively reducing production costs. The lower end of the light guide post has a light guide hole, the opening of which faces the active light-emitting components such as LED chips or LED patches on the circuit board, allowing light emitted by these components to enter and propagate through the light guide hole. In practical use, the opening of the light guide hole is as close as possible to the active light-emitting component. Ideally, the lower end of the light guide post is attached to the circuit board, with the active light-emitting component located within the light guide hole. The inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole is frosted, reducing the light transmittance of the light guide post. When light shines on the inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole, the light undergoes repeated diffuse reflection within the hole, constantly intersecting and converging. This also relatively reduces light refraction and transmission through the sides of the light guide post, improving its light guiding efficiency and indirectly increasing its brightness. Although both the light guide and the top cover are made of light-transmitting material, they are both black, serving to absorb, weaken, and block light. For light to reach the top wall of the top cover, it must pass through the light guide and propagate from its end or side. When the light exits from the side of the light guide, it is first blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole (i.e., the frosted surface), then weakened by the black material of the light guide, and then its energy is consumed by the propagation distance between the light guide and the top wall of the top cover. Finally, it is blocked by the black material and thickness of the top wall of the top cover, making the light intensity insufficient to emit light at locations other than the end of the light guide, thus failing to illuminate the internal structure. Simultaneously, the wall thickness between the end of the light guide hole and the outer top wall of the top cover is less than the wall thickness between the inner and outer top walls of the cover. This makes it easier for light concentrated within the light guide hole to exit the top wall of the top cover at the end of the light guide hole, reducing energy loss during light propagation, minimizing brightness loss, and forming a clearly defined light spot on the outer top wall of the cover. Since the end of the light guide hole is directly facing the active light-emitting component, other parts of the circuit board will not be exposed. After the top cover of the IO interface connector and the light guide post are integrally molded, the indicator light can emit light at a fixed point on the top cover to avoid light diffusion, avoid mutual interference between indicator lights, prevent affecting the socket corresponding to the identification indicator light, and at the same time avoid exposing the internal structure due to light emission, so as to prevent affecting the product's aesthetics. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof protective shell of the IO interface connector of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cover of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light guide column and the cover body integrally formed in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom cover of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the cover and the circuit board in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Reference numerals: 1. Cover; 2. Bottom cover; 3. Circuit board; 4. Bolt;

[0023] 11. First socket; 111. First connecting pin; 12. Second socket; 121. Connecting pin post; 1211. Second connecting pin; 122. Internal thread nut; 13. First connecting flange; 14. Partition; 141. Second connecting flange; 15. Light guide post; 151. Light guide hole; 16. Connecting post; 17. Fixing post;

[0024] 21. First connecting groove; 22. Second connecting groove; 23. Annular groove; 31. Active light-emitting element. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, but this does not constitute any limitation on this utility model.

[0026] Example 1:

[0027] like Figure 1 - Figure 5 As shown, the waterproof cover of the IO interface connector includes a cover 1 for mounting the circuit board 3 inside. The cover 1 is provided with a first socket 11 for conducting the inner and outer sides and a number of second sockets 12. The inner side of the cover 1 is provided with light guide posts 15 corresponding to the number of second sockets 12. The light guide posts 15 and the cover 1 are both made of black light-transmitting material and are integrally formed. The upper end of the light guide post 15 is located on the inner top wall of the cover 1. The lower end of the light guide post 15 is provided with a light guide hole 151 for facing the active light-emitting element 31 on the circuit board 3. The end of the light guide hole 151 extends to the upper end of the light guide post 15. The wall thickness between the outer top wall of the cover 1 and the end of the light guide hole 151 is less than the wall thickness between the inner and outer top walls of the cover 1. The inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole 151 is frosted.

[0028] The specific working principle is as follows: the upper cover of the IO interface connector (specifically, the cover body 1 of the upper cover) is integrally formed with the light guide post 15, so that the upper cover does not need to use potting glue to fill the gaps and can prevent leakage, effectively reducing production costs. The lower end of the light guide post 15 has a light guide hole 151. The opening of the light guide hole 151 is directly opposite the active light-emitting element 31 such as lamp beads or LED patches on the circuit board 3, so that the light emitted by the active light-emitting element 31 can enter into the light guide hole 151 and propagate through the light guide hole 151. In actual use, the opening of the light guide hole 151 is as close as possible to the active light-emitting element 31. In an ideal state, the lower end of the light guide post 15 is attached to the circuit board 3, and the active light-emitting element 31 is located in the light guide hole 151. The inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole 151 is frosted, which reduces the light transmittance of the light guide post 15. When light shines on the inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole 151, the light will repeatedly undergo diffuse reflection within the guide hole, and continuously intersect and converge. This also relatively reduces the light refraction and light transmission passing through the side of the light guide post 15, improving the light guiding efficiency of the light guide post 15 and indirectly increasing the light guiding brightness. Although the light guide post 15 and the top cover are both made of light-transmitting material, they are both black, which serves to absorb, weaken, and block light. If light is to reach the top wall of the cover, it must pass through the light guide post 15 and propagate from the end or side of the light guide post 15. When the light passes through the side of the light guide post 15, it is first blocked by the inner circumferential surface (i.e., the frosted surface) of the light guide hole 151, then weakened by the black material of the light guide post 15, and then its energy is consumed by the propagation distance between the light guide post 15 and the top wall of the cover. Then it is blocked by the black material and thickness of the top wall of the cover, so that the light intensity is insufficient to emit light at the position other than the end of the light guide post 15, and thus cannot illuminate the internal structure. At the same time, the wall thickness between the end of the light guide hole 151 and the outer top wall of the cover is less than the wall thickness between the inner and outer top walls of the cover 1, making it easier for the light concentrated in the light guide hole 151 to pass through the top wall of the cover at the end of the light guide hole 151. This reduces the energy loss of light propagation, reduces brightness loss, and forms a light spot with a clear edge on the outer top wall of the cover 1. Since the end of the light guide hole 151 is directly facing the active light-emitting element 31, other positions of the circuit board 3 will not be exposed. After the upper cover of the IO interface connector and the light guide post 15 are integrally formed, the indicator light can emit light at a fixed point on the upper cover to avoid light diffusion, avoid mutual interference of indicator lights, prevent affecting the socket corresponding to the identification indicator light, and at the same time avoid exposing the internal structure due to light emission, so as to prevent affecting the aesthetics of the product.

[0029] In this embodiment, the roughness Ra of the inner peripheral surface (i.e., the frosted surface) of the light guide hole 151 ranges from 0.1 μm to 0.2 μm. When the roughness Ra of the inner peripheral surface of the light guide hole 151 is less than this range, light is prone to exhibit a specular reflection effect due to dense reflection within the light guide hole 151, making the light unidirectional within the light guide hole 151, which is not conducive to diffusion within the light guide hole 151, reducing the brightness intensity of the area within the light guide hole 151, and affecting the light guiding effect of the light guide post 15. When the roughness Ra of the inner peripheral surface of the light guide hole 151 is greater than this range, the light density in the area where diffuse reflection can occur within the light guide hole 151 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the brightness intensity of the area within the light guide hole 151, which also affects the light guiding effect of the light guide post 15. In addition, the light guide post 15 and the outer shell are made of the same material, specifically PC or PA, etc., and this embodiment does not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, preferably, the end of the light guide hole 151 is arranged in an arc shape.

[0031] In the specific design, the arc shape is recessed towards the outer top wall of the cover 1. In this embodiment, the curvature of the arc shape is not subject to too many restrictions.

[0032] Another preferred design is that the arc shape is hemispherical, that is, the end of the light guide post 15 is hemispherical, which further reduces the wall thickness between the end of the light guide post 15 and the outer top wall of the cover 1. Light can penetrate the top wall of the cover more easily at the end of the light guide post 15, reducing the difficulty of light penetrating the cover 1, the energy loss and refraction loss of light propagation, and reducing brightness loss, so that the operator can observe the light of the indicator light from more angles and directions.

[0033] In actual production, the outer diameter of the light guide post 15 gradually increases from its lower end to its upper end, and the inner diameter of the light guide hole 151 gradually decreases from its opening to its end.

[0034] The diameter settings of the light guide post 15 and the light guide hole 151 make the light guide post 15 relatively easy to demold during injection molding, thereby reducing the production cost of mold processing.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, in actual use, the inner top wall of the cover 1 is provided with fixing posts 17 for fixing the circuit board 3.

[0036] The upper end of the fixing post 17 is fixed to the inner top wall of the cover 1, and the lower end of the fixing post 17 is provided with a threaded hole facing the circuit board 3. The circuit board 3 is detachably connected to the threaded hole by bolts 4 and locked onto the fixing post 17.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fixing post 17 can also be connected to the circuit board 3 by ultrasonic welding or hot melt bonding, but this embodiment does not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0038] Another preferred embodiment is that the first socket 11, the second socket 12, and the cover 1 are integrally formed.

[0039] The first socket 11, the second socket 12, and the cover 1 are integrally formed, so that the upper cover and related structures on the upper cover are integrated into a single whole, avoiding gaps caused by assembly and improving waterproof performance.

[0040] The specific structure of the first socket 11 is as follows: the first socket 11 is an externally threaded tube post, and a first connecting pin 111 is fixed inside the externally threaded tube post. The first connecting pin 111 passes through the cover 1 and extends to the circuit board 3 and is connected to the circuit board 3.

[0041] In actual installation, the external threaded tube has an opening for the first connecting pin 111 to pass through.

[0042] The specific structure of the second socket 12 is as follows: the second socket 12 includes an internally threaded nut 122 and a connecting pin 121 disposed on the outer top wall of the cover 1. The connecting pin 121 is disposed in the middle of the internally threaded nut 122 and is spaced apart from the internally threaded nut 122. A second connecting pin 1211 is fixed on the connecting pin 121. The second connecting pin 1211 penetrates the cover 1 and extends to the circuit board 3 and is connected to the circuit board 3.

[0043] In actual setup, the connecting pin post 121 has an opening for the second connecting pin 1211 to pass through.

[0044] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the waterproof protective shell of the IO interface connector includes a waterproof top cover of the IO interface connector as described above, and also includes a bottom cover 2, which is connected to the edge of the cover body 1 around the edge of the cover body 1.

[0045] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the connection method between the bottom cover 2 and the cover body 1 is such that the connection point between the bottom cover 2 and the cover body 1 is a fully enclosed linear connection, rather than a point connection with multiple points spaced apart, thus avoiding assembly gaps between the bottom cover 2 and the cover body 1 and improving the overall sealing and waterproof performance of the protective shell.

[0046] In specific implementation, the connection between the bottom cover 2 and the cover body 1 can be achieved by ultrasonic welding or other methods such as hot melt bonding. This embodiment does not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, in a further improvement, the bottom cover 2 is provided with a first connecting groove 21 that surrounds its edge, and the edge of the cover 1 is provided with a first connecting protrusion 13 that is inserted into the first connecting groove 21, and the first connecting protrusion 13 is connected to the first connecting groove 21.

[0048] The first connecting groove 21 and the first connecting protrusion 13 provide a physical barrier against seepage at the connection between the bottom cover 2 and the cover body 1. This waterproof redundancy design of the connection structure improves the waterproof performance.

[0049] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, another improvement is that the bottom cover 2 is provided with an annular groove 23 in the middle, and the inner top wall of the cover 1 is provided with a hollow connecting post 16. The connecting post 16 is inserted into the annular groove 23 and connected to the annular groove 23.

[0050] The connection of the connecting post 16 and the annular groove 23 allows the middle part of the protective shell to also form a support point through the connection of the connecting post 16 and the annular groove 23, which enhances the connection strength between the bottom cover 2 and the cover body 1 and prevents the middle part of the protective shell from deforming and affecting the connection effect between the edge of the cover body 1 and the bottom cover 2.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, as a further improvement of this embodiment, two parallel partitions 14 are also provided on the inner top wall of the cover 1. The partitions 14 extend to the inner side walls on opposite sides of the cover 1, and the lower side of the partitions 14 is connected to the bottom cover 2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the circuit board 3 is disposed between two partitions 14. The partitions 14 are located between the outer wall of the cover 1 and the circuit board 3, serving as a physical barrier for secondary waterproofing. This also constitutes a waterproof redundancy design on the cover 1, thereby improving the waterproof performance.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the specific connection method between the bottom cover 2 and the partition 14 is as follows: a second connecting groove 22 is provided on the bottom cover 2, and a second connecting protrusion 141 is provided on the lower edge of the partition 14, which is inserted into the second connecting groove 22. The second connecting protrusion 141 is connected to the second connecting groove 22.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, there are multiple second connecting protrusions 141, which are spaced apart; correspondingly, there are also multiple second connecting grooves 22, which are directly opposite to the multiple second connecting protrusions 141; the second connecting protrusions 141 are connected to the corresponding second connecting grooves 22.

[0055] In some embodiments, there is only one first connecting flange 13 on the partition 14, which extends to the opposite sides of the partition 14, and the length of the second connecting groove 22 on the bottom cover 2 is matched with the first connecting flange 13 so that the two can be smoothly inserted and connected.

[0056] In specific implementation, the first connecting flange 13 and the first connecting groove 21, the connecting post 16 and the annular groove 23, the second connecting flange 141 and the second connecting groove 22 can each be ultrasonically welded or hot-melt bonded, etc. This embodiment does not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0057] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model, but the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A waterproof cover for an I / O interface connector, comprising a cover body for mounting a circuit board inside, the cover body having a first socket for conducting communication between the inner and outer sides and a plurality of second sockets, and the inner side of the cover body having light guide posts corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of second sockets, characterized in that, The light guide post and the cover are both made of black translucent material and are integrally formed. The upper end of the light guide post is located on the inner top wall of the cover. The lower end of the light guide post has a light guide hole for facing the active light-emitting component on the circuit board. The end of the light guide hole extends to the upper end of the light guide post. The wall thickness between the outer top wall of the cover and the end of the light guide hole is less than the wall thickness between the inner and outer top walls of the cover. The inner circumferential surface of the light guide hole is frosted.

2. The waterproof top cover of the IO interface connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the light guide hole is rounded.

3. The waterproof top cover of the IO interface connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the light guide column gradually increases from its lower end to its upper end, and the inner diameter of the light guide hole gradually decreases from its opening to its end.

4. The waterproof top cover of the I / O interface connector according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The inner top wall of the cover is provided with fixing posts for fixing the circuit board.

5. The waterproof top cover of the I / O interface connector according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first socket, the second socket, and the cover are integrally formed.

6. A waterproof protective housing for an I / O interface connector, comprising a waterproof top cover for the I / O interface connector as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a bottom cover, which is attached around the edge of the cover body.

7. The waterproof protective housing for the I / O interface connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom cover has a first connecting groove that surrounds its edge, and the edge of the cover has a first connecting protrusion that is inserted into the first connecting groove, and the first connecting protrusion is connected to the first connecting groove.

8. The waterproof protective shell for the IO interface connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom cover also has an annular groove in the middle, and the inner top wall of the cover has a hollow connecting post, which is inserted into the annular groove and connected to the annular groove.

9. The waterproof protective shell for the IO interface connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner top wall of the cover is also provided with two parallel and spaced partitions, which extend to the inner side walls of opposite sides of the cover, and the lower side of the partitions is connected to the bottom cover.

10. The waterproof protective housing for the I / O interface connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom cover has a second connecting groove, and the lower edge of the partition has a second connecting protrusion that is inserted into the second connecting groove. The second connecting protrusion is connected to the second connecting groove.

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