Limiting mechanism, connector and device having the same

Abstract

This invention relates to a limiting structure, a connector, and an electronic device. The connector includes a body with a through hole. The limiting structure includes a retainer and a limiting member. The retainer is disposed on the body and includes a channel and at least one retaining arm, with the at least one retaining arm disposed on the side of the channel. The limiting member includes a limiting part and at least one retaining block. The limiting member is movably received in the channel. When the limiting member is received and retained in the channel, the retaining block and the retaining arm are engaged. The limiting part protrudes through the through hole and is used for limiting, thereby facilitating the assembly and limiting of the connector and electronic device components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical connector technology, and particularly relates to a limiting structure, connector and electronic device. Prior Technology

[0002] Connectors are frequently assembled or connected to components of electronic devices, such as panels or housings, to achieve their connection function. However, after assembly or connection, misalignment can easily occur, leading to poor connection over time. Therefore, necessary improvements are needed to limit the movement of connectors during assembly with electronic device components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a limiting structure, connector, and electronic device to facilitate the assembly and limiting of connector and electronic device components.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention can adopt the following technical solution: a limiting structure applied to a connector, the connector including a body with a through hole, the limiting structure including a retainer and a limiting member, the retainer being disposed on the body, the retainer including a channel and at least one retaining arm, the retaining arm being disposed on the side of the channel; the limiting member including a limiting part and at least one retaining block, the limiting member being movably received in the channel, when the limiting member is received and retained in the channel, the retaining block and the retaining arm are retained, and the limiting part correspondingly protrudes through the through hole and is used for limiting.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention may adopt the following technical solution: a connector, the connector comprising a body having a through hole and the aforementioned limiting structure.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention may adopt the following technical solution: an electronic device, the electronic device including a panel with an assembly hole and the above-mentioned connector, when the panel abuts against the limiting part, the limiting member extends out of the channel, and the limiting part is received in the through hole; when the limiting part passes through the assembly hole, the limiting member is received and held in the channel, and the limiting part correspondingly passes out of the through hole and limits the panel.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the clamping block clamps with the clamping arm, and the limiting part protrudes through the through hole and is used for limiting, so as to realize convenient assembly and limiting of connector and electronic device components. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to the first embodiment of this application, wherein the limiting structure is in a locking state; Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of Figure 1 from another angle; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1, in which the limiting structure is not in the locking state; Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of Figure 3 from another angle; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is another exploded perspective view of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to a second embodiment of this application; Figure 8 is a partial 3D view of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a partial 3D view of Figure 3; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the connector in Figure 3 assembled into an electronic device, wherein the limiting structure has not been pushed forward; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector in Figure 10 assembled into an electronic device, in which the limiting structure is pushed forward. Implementation

[0009] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, not to describe a specific order or sequence. In the specification, claims, and drawings of this application, unless otherwise stated, for example, A / B can mean either A or B. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, the term "multiple units" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application refers to two or more units.

[0010] Understandably, the connection relationships described in this application refer to direct or indirect connections. For example, the connection between A and B, or A electrically connecting B, can be a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components. For example, A can be directly connected to C, and C can be directly connected to B, thus enabling a connection between A and B through C.

[0011] It should also be noted that the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application or the methods shown in the flowcharts include one or more steps for implementing the method. Without departing from the scope of the claims, the execution order of multiple steps can be interchanged, and some steps can also be deleted.

[0012] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0013] Connectors are frequently assembled or connected to components of electronic devices, such as panels or housings, to achieve their connection function. However, after assembly or connection, misalignment can easily occur, leading to poor connection over time. Therefore, necessary improvements are needed to limit the movement of connectors during assembly with electronic device components.

[0014] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a limiting structure, a connector, and an electronic device to facilitate the assembly and limiting of connector and electronic device components.

[0015] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. This application embodiment provides a connector 100, which can be used to connect to components of an electronic device to achieve an electrical connection between electronic devices. In some embodiments, the connector 100 can be an electrical connector with electrical conduction function.

[0016] The connector 100 may include a body 10 and a limiting structure 20. The limiting structure 20 is disposed on the body 10 and is used for the assembly and limiting of components of the electronic device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body 10 may include a support portion 11, a conductive portion 12, and a power terminal 13.

[0018] The support portion 11 may include a platform portion 111 and a connecting portion 112. The platform portion 111 has a through hole 113 (see FIG. 5), which penetrates the platform portion 111. The connecting portion 112 protrudes from the platform portion 111 and can be used to connect to components of an electronic device, while the platform portion 111 can be used to support components of an electronic device.

[0019] The conductive portion 12 is disposed along the platform portion 111 and the connecting portion 112 to realize electrical conduction. In some embodiments, the conductive portion 12 has an alignment hole 121, which corresponds to the through hole 113. In some embodiments, the conductive portion 12 may be, but is not limited to, a metal sheet for realizing electrical conduction. When the connecting portion 112 is connected to a component of an electronic device, such as a connector socket of the electronic device, electrical conduction between the connector 100 and the electronic device can be realized.

[0020] The power terminal 13 is disposed on the support portion 11, and the support portion 11 is provided with a mating groove 114, and the contact portion 131 of the power terminal extends into the mating groove 114.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6 together. The limiting structure 20 may include a card holder 21 and a limiting member 22.

[0022] The card holder 21 can be disposed on the platform portion 111 of the support portion 11 and corresponding to the through hole 113. In some embodiments, the card holder 21 can extend from the surface of the platform portion 111 away from the connecting portion 112 in a direction away from the connecting portion 112, and the card holder 21 can be disposed at a distance from the connecting portion 112. The card holder 21 may include a channel 211, at least one holding arm 212, and at least one positioning arm 213.

[0023] The card holder 21 is hollow to form a channel 211, which is used to accommodate the limiting member 22.

[0024] Both the holding arm 212 and the positioning arm 213 are disposed on the side of the channel 211. The holding arm 212 and the positioning arm 213 are spaced apart. The holding arm 212 can be used to hold the limiting member 22 so that the limiting member 22 is stably held in the channel 211; the positioning arm 213 can be used to limit or position the limiting member 22 to prevent the limiting member 22 from disengaging from the channel 211.

[0025] In some embodiments, both the holding arm 212 and the positioning arm 213 are elastic arms, capable of elastic deformation and elastic restoring force when the holding arm 212 and / or the positioning arm 213 abuts against the limiting member 22. In some embodiments, the card holder 21 may include one holding arm 212 and two positioning arms 213, which are spaced apart on the same side of the channel 211, with the holding arm 212 positioned between the two positioning arms 213. In other embodiments, the card holder 21 may include more holding arms 212 and positioning arms 213, respectively distributed on opposite sides of the channel 211, capable of holding and positioning the limiting member 22 from both sides.

[0026] The end of the holding arm 212 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion 2122, which protrudes towards the channel 211 and is used to hold the limiting member 22.

[0027] The end of the positioning arm 213 is provided with a hook 2132, which protrudes toward the channel 211 and is used to limit or position the limiting member 22.

[0028] The limiting member 22 may include a limiting part 221, at least one holding block 222 and at least one positioning block 223.

[0029] A limiting portion 221 is disposed at one end of the limiting member 22. In some embodiments, the limiting member 22 further includes a stop surface 224 disposed at one end. It can be understood that the stop surface 224 can be a side surface of the limiting member 22, and the limiting portion 221 protrudes from the stop surface 224 and extends outward from the stop surface 224. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 221 is used to movably correspond to the through hole 113 and to limit the components of the electronic device.

[0030] At least one holding block 222 and at least one positioning block 223 are disposed at the other end of the limiting member 22 opposite to the limiting portion 221, with the holding block 222 and the positioning block 223 arranged at adjacent intervals. The holding block 222 can be used to hold the holding arm 212 so that the limiting member 22 is stably held in the channel 211. The positioning block 223 can be used to hold the positioning arm 213 to limit or position the limiting member 22, so as to prevent the limiting member 22 from disengaging from the channel 211.

[0031] In some embodiments, the limiting member 22 may include a retaining block 222 and two positioning blocks 223. The retaining block 222 and the two positioning blocks 223 are spaced apart at the other end of the limiting member 22 opposite to the limiting portion 221, and the retaining block 222 is disposed between the two positioning blocks 223. In other embodiments, the limiting member 22 may include more retaining blocks 222 and positioning blocks 223, respectively distributed on opposite surfaces of the limiting member 22, and can cooperate with the retaining arm 212 and the positioning arm 213 from both sides respectively. In some embodiments, the retaining block 222 and the two positioning blocks 223 are staggered, with the retaining block 222 closer to the end of the limiting member 22 relative to the two positioning blocks 223, and the two positioning blocks 223 may be collinear.

[0032] In some embodiments, the retaining block 222 is generally arc-shaped and can smoothly transition with the arc-shaped protrusion 2122 of the retaining arm 212, facilitating the retaining block 222 and the retaining arm 212 to retain and release. The positioning block 223 is generally rectangular and can be securely retained with the hook 2132 of the positioning arm 213, facilitating the limiting or positioning of the positioning block 223 and the retaining arm 212.

[0033] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8, when the stop surface 224 abuts against the platform portion 111, the limiting portion 221 protrudes from the through hole 113, the protrusion 2122 of the holding arm 212 abuts against the holding block 222, and the limiting member 22 is securely placed in the channel 211. At this time, the limiting member 22 and the card holder 21 can be in the first state. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 9, when the limiting portion 221 is received in the through hole 113, the protrusion 2122 of the holding arm 212 releases the holding block 222, the positioning block 223 is engaged with the hook 2132 of the positioning arm 213, and the limiting member 22 extends out of the channel 211. At this time, the limiting member 22 and the card holder 21 can be in the second state.

[0034] In some embodiments, the card holder 21 may further include at least one slit 214, which is formed on at least one side of the card holder 21 and communicates with the channel 211. In some embodiments, the limiting member 22 may further include at least one rib 225 and at least one push block 226, with the rib 225 and the push block 226 connected and disposed on at least one side of the limiting member 22. The rib 225 passes through the slit 214, and the push block 226 protrudes from the slit 214, that is, protrudes from at least one side of the card holder 21. The push block 226 can be used to drive the rib 225 to move in the slit 214, thereby driving the limiting member 22 to move in the channel 211.

[0035] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the card holder 21 may include two slits 214, which are formed on opposite sides of the card holder 21 and communicate with the channel 211 respectively. In other embodiments, the limiting member 22 may include two ribs 225 and two push blocks 226. The two ribs 225 are respectively connected to the corresponding two push blocks 226 and are disposed on opposite sides of the limiting member 22. The two ribs 225 pass through the two slits 214 respectively, and the two push blocks 226 protrude from the two slits 214 respectively, that is, protrude from opposite sides of the card holder 21. The two push blocks 226 can be used to simultaneously drive the two ribs 225 to move in the two slits 214 respectively, thereby jointly driving the limiting member 22 to move in the channel 211.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the push block 226 is provided with a wave pattern, which can facilitate the user's operation of the push block 226.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9 together. When assembling the limiting structure 20, since the card holder 21 is formed on the body 10, it is only necessary to assemble the limiting member 22 to the card holder 21, extend the limiting part 221 of the limiting member 22 into the channel 211, and move the limiting member 22 toward the through hole 113 in the channel until the stop surface 224 abuts against the platform part 111 of the body 10. At this time, the limiting part 221 is exposed from the through hole 113 and protrudes from the platform part 111. During the movement of the limiting member 22 toward the through hole 113 in the channel, the user can push the movement of the limiting member 22 by the push block 226. The push block 226 drives the rib 225 to move in the slit 214, thereby driving the movement of the limiting member 22. The holding block 222 slides over the protrusion 2122 at the end of the holding arm 212. When the stop surface 224 abuts against the platform portion 111 of the body 10, the holding block 222 is held against the protrusion 2122 at the end of the holding arm 212, thereby realizing that the limiting member 22 is securely held in the card holder 21.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 5, 6, 8 to 11. When the connector 100 is assembled to a component of an electronic device, such as the panel 200 of a server, the panel 200 has an assembly hole 210. The connecting part 112 of the carrier part 11 passes through the assembly hole 210, and the platform part 111 and the conductive part 12 abut against the panel 200. At this time, the limiting part 221 protruding from the through hole 113 also abuts against the panel 200. Due to the force generated by the panel 200 abutting, the limiting part 221 moves away from the through hole 113 in the channel until the positioning block 223 is engaged with the positioning arm 213. At this time, the limiting part 221 is received in the through hole 113. During this process, the engaging block 222 slides past the protrusion 2122 at the end of the engaging arm 212, so that the engaging arm 212 releases the limiting member 22. Next, the connector 100 is moved relative to the surface of the panel 200 so that the limiting part 221 that is abutting the panel 200 moves to the assembly hole 210. The limiting part 221 no longer abuts against the panel 200 and can pass through the through hole 113, the alignment hole 121 and the assembly hole 210. Thus, the limiting part 221 can limit the panel 200 and restrict the relative movement between the connector 100 and the panel 200. During the process of the limiting part 221 passing through the through hole 113, the alignment hole 121 and the assembly hole 210, the movement of the limiting member 22 can be pushed by the push block 226. The push block 226 drives the rib 225 to move in the slit 214, thereby driving the limiting member 22 to move toward the through hole 113 until the stop surface 224 abuts against the platform part 111 of the body 10. The holding block 222 slides over the protrusion 2122 at the end of the holding arm 212 and is held in place by the protrusion 2122 at the end of the holding arm 212, thereby realizing that the limiting member 22 is securely held in the card holder 21.

[0039] In the connector 100 of this application embodiment, the limiting member 22 is movably received in the channel 211 and is held by the holding block 222 and the holding arm 212 to stably hold the limiting member 22 in the channel 211. The limiting part 221 protrudes through the through hole 113 and is used to limit the components of the electronic device, such as the panel 200. The holding block 222 is released by the holding arm 212 so that the limiting member 22 can extend out of the channel 211 and the limiting part 221 is received in the through hole 113 to release the limiting effect, thereby realizing convenient assembly and limiting of the connector 100 and the components of the electronic device.

[0040] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Any equivalent changes to the technical solutions of the present invention made by those skilled in the art through reading the present invention specification are covered by the claims of the present invention.

[0041] 100: Connector 10:Ontology 11: Bearing section 111: Platform Department 112: Connecting part 113: Through hole 114: Connecting groove 12: Conductive part 13: Power terminals 131:Contact Department 121: Alignment Hole 20: Limiting structure 21: Booth Seat 200: Panel 210: Assembly hole 211: Channel 212: Clamping Arm 2122: Bump 213: Positioning Arm 2132: Hook 214: Slit 22: Limiting component 221: Limiting part 222: Card Hold Block 223: Positioning Block 224: Stop surface 225: Ribs 226: Push Block

Claims

1. A limiting structure applied to a connector, the connector comprising a body having a through hole, wherein, The limiting structure includes: a card holder disposed on the body, the card holder including a channel and at least one holding arm, the holding arm being disposed on the side of the channel; a limiting member including a limiting part and at least one holding block, the limiting member being movably received in the channel; when the limiting member is received and held in the channel, the holding block and the holding arm hold each other, and the limiting part correspondingly protrudes through the through hole and is used for limiting.

2. The limiting structure as described in claim 1, wherein, When the holding arm releases the holding block, the limiting member extends out of the channel, and the limiting part is received in the through hole.

3. The limiting structure as described in claim 2, wherein: The card holder further includes at least one positioning arm, which is disposed on the side of the channel and spaced apart from the holding arm; the limiting member further includes at least one positioning block, which is spaced apart from and offset from the holding block; when the limiting member extends out of the channel, the positioning arm is engaged with the positioning block to prevent the limiting member from disengaging from the channel.

4. The limiting structure as described in claim 3, wherein, The end of the clamping arm is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion for clamping the clamping block, and the end of the positioning arm is provided with a hook for clamping the positioning block.

5. The limiting structure as described in claim 1, wherein: The card holder includes at least one slit, which is located on one side of the card holder; the limiting member includes at least one rib and at least one push block, the rib passing through the slit, the push block protruding from one side of the card holder, and the push block being used to drive the limiting member to move in the channel.

6. The limiting structure as described in claim 1, wherein: The card holder also includes two slits, which are opened on opposite sides of the card holder; the limiting member includes two ribs and two push blocks, the ribs respectively pass through the slits, and the push blocks respectively protrude from opposite sides of the card holder, the push blocks being used to drive the limiting member to move in the channel.

7. The limiting structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The through hole communicates with the channel and is located at one end of the channel. When the limiting member moves in the channel, the limiting part extends out of or is received in the through hole.

8. The limiting structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The limiting member includes a stop surface, and the limiting part protrudes from the stop surface; when the limiting member is received and held in the channel, the stop surface abuts against the body, and the limiting part protrudes through the through hole.

9. A connector comprising: The body having a through hole; and a limiting structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electronic device, wherein, The electronic device includes: a panel having an assembly hole; and a connector as described in claim 9; wherein, when the panel abuts against the limiting portion, the limiting member extends out of the channel, and the limiting portion is received in the through hole; when the limiting portion passes through the assembly hole, the limiting member is received and held in the channel, and the limiting portion correspondingly extends out of the through hole and limits the panel.

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