Self-lock structure

Abstract

A self-locking structure includes an upper locking mechanism and a lower locking mechanism. The upper locking mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a joint part. The fixed part includes an ear; the movable part includes a wing and an upper buckle connected to the wing, wherein the fixed part and the movable part are connected by the joint part; the joint part is flexible, allowing the movable part to move away from or towards the fixed part using the joint part as an axis. The lower locking mechanism includes a lower buckle and an arm connected to the lower buckle, and the arm is hinged to the ear of the fixed part and the wing of the movable part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a self-locking structure, and more particularly to a self-locking structure for a USB connector. [Previous Technology]

[0002] USB connectors are now widely used in various electronic devices for signal transmission. Generally, USB connectors are designed for easy plugging and unplugging, allowing the USB plug to be easily removed. However, this ease of plugging and unplugging also means that users may accidentally unplug the USB connector or accidentally touch it, resulting in improper connection and signal failure. In some applications, to ensure reliable signal connection, it is necessary to ensure that the USB connector is stably connected to the device. Therefore, it is necessary to lock and secure the USB connector so that it remains connected even in the event of accidental operation or contact. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] In some embodiments, a self-locking structure is provided, including: an upper locking mechanism, the upper locking mechanism including: a fixed part, the fixed part including an ear; a movable part, the movable part including a wing and an upper buckle, the wing being connected to the upper buckle; and a connecting part, wherein the fixed part and the movable part are connected by the connecting part, the connecting part being elastic, such that the movable part can move away from or towards the fixed part about the connecting part as an axis; and a lower locking mechanism, the lower locking mechanism including: a lower buckle; and an arm, the arm being connected to the lower buckle, and the arm being hinged to the ear of the fixed part and the wing of the movable part.

[0004] In some embodiments, a self-locking structure for a USB connector is provided, the self-locking structure comprising: a housing forming a chamber capable of receiving an inserted USB connector; an upper locking mechanism comprising: a fixing portion including an ear portion, the fixing portion being fixed to the housing; a movable portion including a wing portion and an upper latch, the wing portion being connected to the upper latch; and an engaging portion, wherein the fixing portion and the movable portion are connected by the engaging portion, the engaging portion being elastic, such that the movable portion can move away from or towards the fixing portion about the engaging portion as an axis; and a lower locking mechanism comprising: a lower latch; and an arm portion connected to the lower latch portion, the arm portion being hinged to the ear portion of the fixing portion and the wing portion of the movable portion.

[0005] To further understand the features and technical content of this disclosure, please refer to the following detailed description and figures related to this disclosure. However, the figures provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the content of this disclosure.

Implementation Method

[0006] Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification. This disclosure can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this disclosure. In addition, the drawings in this disclosure are only simple illustrations and are not depictions based on actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this disclosure in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are mainly used to distinguish one element from another.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a USB female connector 100 and a USB male connector 100' locked by a self-locking structure 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this disclosure, the USB male connector 100' may also be simply referred to as a "USB connector". The self-locking structure 101 can be installed on the housing 122 of the USB female connector 100 (see Figure 2A), for example, by soldering, bonding, or other suitable means to attach the self-locking structure 101 to the USB female connector 100. The design of the self-locking structure 101 does not create significant resistance to the inserted USB male connector 100', thus allowing the USB male connector 100' to be smoothly inserted into the USB female connector 100. When the USB male connector 100' is inserted into place, the self-locking structure 101 automatically locks the USB male connector 100', preventing the user from easily removing it. For example, the USB male connector 100' can be a USB-A type connector (also known as USB Type-A) with grooves on its shell; the self-locking structure 101 can lock into the grooves on the USB male connector 100' to achieve a locking effect.

[0008] Figures 2A and 2B show schematic diagrams of the front and back sides of the self-locking structure 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The self-locking structure 101 includes an upper locking mechanism 102 and a lower locking mechanism 116. The upper locking mechanism 102 includes a fixing part 104, a movable part 106, and a connecting part 108. The USB female connector 100 includes a housing 122, wherein the housing 122 includes an upper housing surface 124, a lower housing surface 126, and a sidewall; the housing 122 forms a cavity capable of receiving an inserted USB connector. An upper slot 125 and a lower slot 127 may be provided in the upper housing surface 124 and the lower housing surface 126, respectively (see Figures 4A to 4D). The fixing part 104 surrounds at least a portion of the housing 122 of the USB female connector 100, and the fixing part 104 includes an ear 110, wherein the ear 110 is located on the side of the USB female connector 100. In this embodiment, the ear portion 110 is a rectangular shape that protrudes laterally outward, but it can also be configured in other shapes. The fixing portion 104 can be fixed to the housing 122 of the USB female connector 100 by welding, bonding, or other suitable attachment methods, such as the upper housing surface 124 of the housing 122. The movable portion 106 includes a wing portion 112 and an upper latch 114, and the wing portion 112 is connected to the upper latch 114. The wing portion 112 includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion that are perpendicular to each other to form an L-shape, wherein when the USB connector is not inserted into the cavity, the first wing portion is perpendicular to the ear portion 110, and the second wing portion is parallel to the ear portion 110.

[0009] The fixed part 104 and the movable part 106 are connected by a joint 108; in the embodiments of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the joint 108 is a generally U-shaped metal. Because the metal itself is elastic, when an external force is applied to the movable part 106 (e.g., by bending it upwards in FIG. 2A), the elasticity of the joint 108 allows the movable part 106 to move away from the fixed part 104 about the joint 108 as an axis. When no external force is applied to the movable part 106, the elasticity of the joint 108 allows the movable part 106 to move closer to the fixed part 104 about the joint 108 as an axis. In some variations, the joint can be replaced with other elastic elements, such as springs.

[0010] The lower locking mechanism 116 includes a lower latch 118 and an arm 120. The arm 120 is connected to the lower latch 118 to form a generally L-shaped shape, and the arm 120 is hinged to the ear 110 of the fixed part 104 and the wing 112 of the movable part 106.

[0011] The housing 122 of the USB female connector 100 includes an upper slot 125 and a lower slot 127 (see Figures 4A to 4D), wherein the upper slot 125 and the lower slot 127 allow the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 to pass through them respectively, so as to engage the USB male connector 100'. This engagement process will be described in Figures 4A to 4D.

[0012] Figures 3A and 3B respectively show schematic diagrams of the front and back sides of the self-locking structure 101 when unlocked, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 3A and 3B can be referenced together with Figures 2A and 2B. As previously described, an external force can be applied to the movable part 106 to move it away from the fixed part 104 about the connecting part 108 as an axis. The arm 120 includes a strip-shaped hole 128 and a circular hole 130 disposed therein, wherein a first hinge member 140 passes through the strip-shaped hole 128, so that the arm 120 is hinged to the wing 112, and the first hinge member 140 is movable in the strip-shaped hole 128. A second hinge member 150 passes through the circular hole 130, so that the arm 120 is hinged to the ear 110. The first hinge member 140 and the second hinge member 150 can be rivets, screws, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the movable part 106 is moved away from the fixed part 104, the wing 112 of the movable part 106 drives the arm 120 of the lower locking mechanism 116 via the first hinge 140, causing the lower locking mechanism 116 to pivot relative to the ear 110 about the second hinge 150. The pivoting of the lower locking mechanism 116 will then drive the lower latch 118 to move.

[0013] Based on the comparison of Figures 2A to 3B, it can be seen that when the movable part 106 moves away from the fixed part 104 with the connecting part 108 as the axis, the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 move away from each other. When a USB connector is inserted, the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 move away from the inserted USB connector, thereby achieving unlocking.

[0014] Figure 3C shows a schematic diagram of an unlocking tool for unlocking according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figure 3C, a pin 132 is used as the unlocking tool, which can easily apply force to the upper locking mechanism 102, causing the upper locking mechanism 102 to move away from the fixing part 104 around the engagement part 108, thereby achieving the above-mentioned unlocking state. It should be noted that the unlocking tool in Figure 3C is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In variant embodiments, the upper locking mechanism can also be unlocked by directly moving it without using a tool.

[0015] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show schematic diagrams of states 400, 402, 404, and 406 of the locking and unlocking process of the self-locking structure 101 for the USB connector according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 4A to 4D illustrate the locking and unlocking process of the self-locking structure 101 using cross-sectional views of the USB female connector 100 and the USB male connector 100'. Figure 4A shows state 400 without a USB connector inserted; the self-locking structure 101 in this state 400 is the same as that shown in Figures 2A and 2B, but the cross-sectional view of Figure 4A shows more clearly the housing 122 of the USB female connector 100 (see Figure 2A), which includes an upper slot 125 and a lower slot 127, wherein the upper latch 114 can pass through the upper slot 125 and the lower latch 118 can pass through the lower slot 127. The upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 each have an inclined surface, which is inclined in the direction of insertion of the USB connector. Therefore, when the USB connector is inserted, the self-locking structure 101 does not generate significant resistance to the USB connector.

[0016] Figure 4B shows the state 402 where the USB male connector 100' is not fully inserted into the USB female connector 100. At this time, the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 of the self-locking structure 101 are still abutting against the upper surface 102' and the lower surface 104' of the USB male connector 100', respectively, and the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 have not yet reached the upper groove 106' and the lower groove 108' of the USB male connector 100' located on the upper surface 102' and the lower surface 104'.

[0017] Figure 4C shows the USB male connector 100' inserted in position 404. The elasticity of the engagement portion 108 of the self-locking structure 101 (see Figure 2B) drives the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 into the upper groove 106' and lower groove 108' of the USB male connector 100', respectively. Since the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 have inclined surfaces along the insertion direction of the USB connector, when the USB male connector 100' is to be removed, the upper surface 102' and the lower surface 104' of the USB male connector 100' will respectively lock the inclined surfaces of the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118, thereby achieving the effect of preventing removal. With this design of the self-locking structure 101, the USB connector can remain connected even if it is accidentally operated or touched.

[0018] Figure 4D shows the unlocked state 406 of the self-locking structure 101. When the movable part 106 of the self-locking structure 101 is moved away from the fixed part 104, the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118 will be driven to leave the upper groove 106' and the lower groove 108' of the USB male connector 100' respectively, thus achieving unlocking.

[0019] The contacts of the USB female connector 100 and the USB male connector 100' used for signal transmission need to conform to the USB specification, but some features on their housings can be changed as needed. For example, the size or number of the upper slot 125 and the lower slot 127 of the USB female connector 100 and / or the size or number of the upper groove 106' and the lower groove 108' of the USB male connector 100' can be changed accordingly based on the design of the upper latch 114 and the lower latch 118.

[0020] The scope of the patent application of this disclosure is not limited to the above content. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the description and drawings of this disclosure are included in the scope of the patent application of this disclosure. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0021] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the USB female connector and USB male connector being locked by a self-locking structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 2A and 2B show schematic diagrams of the front and back sides of the self-locking structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. Figures 3A and 3B show schematic diagrams of the front and back sides of the self-locking structure when unlocked according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. Figure 3C shows a schematic diagram of an unlocking tool for unlocking according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show schematic diagrams of the locking and unlocking process of the self-locking structure on the USB connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A self-locking structure, comprising: An upper locking mechanism includes: a fixed portion including an ear; a movable portion including a wing and an upper latch, the wing being connected to the upper latch; and a connecting portion, wherein the fixed portion and the movable portion are connected by the connecting portion, the connecting portion being elastic, allowing the movable portion to move away from or towards the fixed portion about the connecting portion as an axis; and a lower locking mechanism including: a lower latch; and an arm connected to the lower latch, the arm being hinged to the ear of the fixed portion and the wing of the movable portion.

2. The self-locking structure as described in claim 1, wherein, When the movable part moves away from the fixed part about the joint, the wing of the movable part drives the arm of the lower locking mechanism, causing the lower locking mechanism to pivot relative to the ear.

3. The self-locking structure as described in claim 1, wherein, When the movable part moves away from the fixed part about the joint as an axis, the upper latch and the lower latch move away from each other.

4. The self-locking structure as described in claim 1 further includes a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein the arm includes a strip-shaped hole and a circular hole disposed therein, the first hinge passes through the strip-shaped hole to hinge the arm to the wing, and the second hinge passes through the circular hole to hinge the arm to the ear, and the first hinge is movable in the strip-shaped hole.

5. A self-locking structure for a USB connector, the self-locking structure comprising: A housing that forms a chamber capable of receiving the inserted USB connector; An upper locking mechanism includes: a fixed portion including an ear portion, the fixed portion being fixed to the housing; a movable portion including a wing portion and an upper latch, the wing portion being connected to the upper latch portion; and a connecting portion, wherein the fixed portion and the movable portion are connected by the connecting portion, the connecting portion being elastic, allowing the movable portion to move away from or towards the fixed portion about the connecting portion as an axis; and a lower locking mechanism including: a lower latch portion; and an arm portion connected to the lower latch portion, the arm portion being hinged to the ear portion of the fixed portion and the wing portion of the movable portion.

6. The self-locking structure as described in claim 5, wherein the chamber is capable of receiving a USB-A type connector.

7. The self-locking structure as described in claim 5, wherein, When the movable part moves away from the fixed part about the joint, the wing of the movable part drives the arm of the lower locking mechanism, causing the lower locking mechanism to pivot relative to the ear.

8. The self-locking structure as described in claim 5, wherein, When the movable part moves away from the fixed part about the joint as an axis, the upper latch and the lower latch move away from each other.

9. The self-locking structure as described in claim 5, wherein, When the movable part moves away from the fixed part about the joint, the upper and lower latches move away from the USB connector inserted into the cavity.

10. The self-locking structure as described in claim 5, further comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein the arm includes a strip-shaped hole and a circular hole disposed therein, the first hinge passes through the strip-shaped hole to hinge the arm to the wing, and the second hinge passes through the circular hole to hinge the arm to the ear, and the first hinge is movable in the strip-shaped hole.

11. The self-locking structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing includes an upper housing surface and a lower housing surface relative to the upper housing surface, the upper housing surface including an upper slot therethrough, and the lower housing surface including a lower slot therethrough.

12. The self-locking structure as described in claim 11, wherein, When the USB connector is inserted into the chamber, the upper and lower latches can respectively lock the USB connector through the upper and lower slots.

13. The self-locking structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wing includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion, the first wing portion and the second wing portion being perpendicular to each other to form an L-shape, wherein when the USB connector is not inserted into the chamber, the first wing portion is perpendicular to the ear and the second wing portion is parallel to the ear.

14. The self-locking structure as described in claim 5, wherein the upper latch and the lower latch each have an inclined surface that is inclined in the direction in which the USB connector is inserted.

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