A connector and data line with Type-C plug

Abstract

This invention discloses a connector with a Type-C plug. The connector includes a circuit board, with one end of the Type-C plug connected to the circuit board. The end of the Type-C plug connected to the circuit board has an edge. The connector also includes a housing structure with a fixing structure. The fixing structure includes a limiting block with a limiting surface, which limits the edge position of the Type-C plug. The connector features a simple structure, reliable internal protection, good fixing effect, high reliability, low processing cost, and small size. The assembly process is simple, highly controllable, and conducive to mass production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of data transmission, and more specifically to a connector and data cable with a Type-C plug. Background Technology

[0002] With the advent of 5G and the development of smart terminal devices, the requirements for data transmission are becoming increasingly stringent. Currently, electronic devices utilize various electrical connectors to achieve electrical signal connections, which cannot meet the data transmission requirements of devices such as VR, or the connectors are too bulky and inconvenient to carry. Furthermore, the conventional method of using one-piece injection molding for the connection between the cable and plug on current data cables causes compression and deformation of the lenses or components inside the optoelectronic module due to its structure and assembly process, making the outer casing unsuitable for use on optoelectronic modules or rendering it unusable. Other methods result in excessively large dimensions, unreliable structures, high manufacturing costs, complex assembly processes, and stringent requirements for operational control points. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned deficiencies or improvement needs of existing technologies, this invention provides a connector and data cable with a Type-C plug. It features a simple structure, reliable internal protection, good fixation, high reliability, low processing cost, and small size; the assembly process is simple, highly controllable, and conducive to mass production.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0005] The present invention provides a connector with a Type-C plug, the connector including a circuit board, one end of the Type-C plug being connected to the circuit board, the end of the Type-C plug connected to the circuit board having an edge; the connector also includes a housing structure, the housing structure having a fixing structure, the fixing structure including a limiting block, the limiting block having a limiting block limiting surface, the limiting block limiting surface being used to limit the edge position of the Type-C plug.

[0006] Specifically, the housing structure also has a fixing groove, which is used to define the position of the circuit board; the fixing groove includes a fixing groove limiting surface and a bottom surface, the fixing groove limiting surface is at the front end of the fixing groove, and the fixing groove limiting surface is used to define the front and rear position of the circuit board.

[0007] Specifically, the shell structure includes a first half-shell and a second half-shell, which are symmetrically arranged.

[0008] Specifically, the height of the fixing grooves on the first half-shell and the second half-shell is half the thickness of the circuit board, respectively.

[0009] Specifically, the first half-shell has a positioning pin and a positioning hole; correspondingly, the second half-shell is provided with a positioning hole and a positioning pin.

[0010] Specifically, the Type-C plug has a slot that is recessed inwards, the edge of the Type-C plug is on the slot, and a limiting block extends into the slot and contacts the edge of the Type-C plug.

[0011] Specifically, the Type-C plug has protruding slots on both sides to form bayonets, with one bayonet on each side of the plug. Each bayonet has an opening of a certain width in the middle. The circuit board extends into the opening of the bayonet, and the circuit board and the Type-C plug are welded and fixed together by soldering claws inside the slot.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a data cable comprising a connector having a Type-C plug as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0013] Specifically, the data cable is a hybrid optical-electric cable.

[0014] Specifically, the data cable has Type-C plugs at both ends, and the Type-C plugs at both ends are connected through the optoelectronic hybrid cable.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are at least as follows:

[0016] (1) The shell structure of the present invention is precisely positioned and forms a cavity, providing reliable internal protection and effectively protecting the optoelectronic module components. The structure is ingeniously designed.

[0017] (2) The optoelectronic connector of the present invention adopts a Type-C plug. The Type-C plug has a compact structure, a reasonable connection structure with the circuit board, a simple assembly process, a small size, a reliable connection and fixation, and high precision.

[0018] (3) The data cable of this invention adopts a hybrid optical and electrical cable with Type-C plugs at both ends, which has high transmission speed and is lightweight and portable. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an overall schematic diagram of an embodiment of a Type-C data cable according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded view of one embodiment of the optoelectronic module connector of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the optoelectronic module connector part of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4The image shown is a side view of the optoelectronic module connector of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the first or second half-shell of the inner shell of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 As shown Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the optoelectronic module connector along line AA.

[0025] Figure 7 As shown Figure 6 A magnified view of part F.

[0026] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a Type-C plug according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," "longitudinal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. The interpretation of these terms should be made from the perspective of someone skilled in the art.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly from the perspective of someone skilled in the art. For example, "connection" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0031] Figure 1 The diagram shows an overall schematic of an embodiment of a Type-C data cable according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, both the male connector 500 and the female connector 600 of the Type-C data cable are Type-C interface connectors. The Type-C interface has an optoelectronic module connector, and the optoelectronic module connectors are connected to each other via a hybrid optoelectronic cable 700.

[0032] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded view of one embodiment of the optoelectronic module connector of the present invention. Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the optoelectronic module connector part of the present invention. Figure 4 The image shown is a side view of the optoelectronic module connector of the present invention. Figure 2-4 As shown, the optoelectronic module connector includes an optoelectronic module 100, a connector plug 200, and a housing structure 300. The optoelectronic module 100 is fixedly connected to the connector plug 200. The optoelectronic module is fixed within the housing structure. The optoelectronic module 100 includes a circuit board 101 and components 102 integrated on the circuit board. The components 102 are integrated on both sides of the circuit board 101. The components 102 include an optical module lens, a chip, electronic components, etc. The connector plug 200 is a Type-C plug, and the Type-C plug has an edge 202.

[0033] The housing structure 300 includes an inner shell 301 and an outer shell 302. The inner shell 301 includes two symmetrically arranged half-shell structures, specifically a first half-shell 301a and a second half-shell 301b. The inner shell, formed by the first half-shell 301a and the second half-shell 301b, has an internal cavity. The first half-shell 301a and the second half-shell 301b have fixing structures for fixing the optoelectronic module and for securing and encapsulating connectors, etc. The outer shell 302 is fixed outside the inner shell 301. The first half-shell 301a and the second half-shell 301b are symmetrically arranged. The optoelectronic module is fixed inside the inner shell, formed by the first half-shell 301a and the second half-shell 301b. A connector plug 200 is fixed at one end of the head 300a, and a cable 700 is connected to one end of the tail 300b.

[0034] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the first or second half-shell of the inner shell of the present invention. Figure 5 The fixing structure includes fixing grooves 303 on both sides, which are used to fix the circuit board. The size of the fixing groove 303 is the same as the size of the circuit board, specifically, the length and width of the fixing groove are the same as the length Lx and width Wx of the circuit board, so that the circuit board can fit perfectly into the fixing groove. The depth of the fixing groove on the first half-shell or the second half-shell is half the thickness of the circuit board. The two half-shell structures fit together to hold the circuit board in place and completely fix it. Specifically, the front end of the fixing groove has a fixing groove limiting surface 3031. The edge 104 of the circuit board contacts the fixing groove limiting surface 3031 and abuts against it. The fixing groove limiting surface 3031 is used to limit the front and rear position of the circuit board. Specifically, the rear end of the fixing groove has a "V"-shaped opening 306. The V-shaped opening 306 is used to accommodate the distributed wire bundle 701 at the connection between the cable 700 and the circuit board 101. The cables and optoelectronic modules are dispersed at their connections, converging at the rear end of the inner shell through a figure-eight opening. This figure-eight opening is adapted to the arrangement of the cable harness. The circuit board is secured at the front end of the fixing slot via a limiting surface and at the rear end via the figure-eight opening, making full use of space and achieving good fixation.

[0035] The fixing structure also includes a connector hole located at the head of the housing structure. The cross-sectional shape of the connector hole is the same as that of the connector plug. In this embodiment, the fixed connector plug 200 is a Type-C connector with an oblong cross-section. Correspondingly, the connector hole is an oblong groove 304, which is used to fix the connector plug 200. The cross-sectional shape of the oblong groove 304 is the same as that of the connector plug 200. The oblong groove 304 connects with the fixing groove 303. The heads of the first half-shell and the second half-shell each have a semi-oblong groove, and the two half-shell structures engage together, with the Type-C connector plug precisely fixed within the oblong groove.

[0036] In this embodiment, the fixing groove has two limiting surfaces 3033 on both sides of the circuit board. These limiting surfaces completely cover and fix the circuit board, providing protection. In another embodiment, the fixing groove is open on both sides without limiting surfaces. The absence of limiting surfaces and the open shape of the fixing groove reduces the size of the housing structure, makes manufacturing easier, facilitates positioning, and lowers costs. In the embodiment without limiting surfaces, the width of the fixing groove is equal to the width of the circuit board.

[0037] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing structure includes a limiting block 305. The limiting block 305 is disposed at the rear end of the waist-shaped groove 304, and the fixing groove 303 is used to further define the position of the connector plug. Specifically, the front end of the limiting block 305 has a limiting block limiting surface 3051, which contacts the edge 202 of the Type-C plug. The edge 202 of the Type-C plug abuts against the limiting block limiting surface 3051, thereby further defining the front-rear position of the connector plug. The limiting block limiting surface 3051 can resist the backward force of the plug, and the fixing groove limiting surface 3031 can resist the forward force of the plug. The two act simultaneously to further fix the plug, resulting in a good fixing effect and making it less prone to damage during insertion and removal. The waist-shaped groove 304 has a waist-shaped groove limiting side surface 3041, and the fixing groove also has a bottom surface 3035. The waist-shaped groove limiting side surface 3041 is connected to the fixing groove limiting surface 3031 and the bottom surface 3035.

[0038] like Figure 8 and Figure 3 Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, the Type-C plug has a notch 201 that is recessed inwards. The edge 202 of the Type-C plug is inside the notch 201, and the limiting block 305 protrudes from the waist-shaped groove, extending into the notch 201 and contacting the edge 202 of the notch. Recesses 203 are formed on both sides of the notch, one on each side of the plug. Each recess has an opening 2031 of a certain width in the middle, into which the circuit board extends, and is soldered to the plug by solder claws within the notch. By setting the notch and recesses in this embodiment, the space of the Type-C plug is fully utilized and positioned, resulting in a compact structure and good fixing effect.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the depth of the opening 2031 of the bayonet is the same as the depth of the slot, the limiting surface 3051 of the limiting block and the limiting surface 3031 of the fixing slot are on the same plane, the circuit board abuts against the inside of the bayonet and contacts the limiting surface 3031 of the fixing slot, and the edge 202 of the slot abuts against the limiting block 305. With this structure, the circuit board and the Type-C plug are accurately positioned and easy to position.

[0040] Specifically, the fixing structure also includes a circular groove at the tail of the inner shell. The first and second half-shells each have a semi-circular groove 307, which connects to a figure-eight opening. The two half-shell structures snap together, and the semi-circular grooves of the first and second half-shells form a circular groove through which the cable passes. The cables are evenly distributed and connected to the tail end of the circuit board, converging into the circular groove through the figure-eight opening.

[0041] The first and second half-shells of this invention are symmetrically arranged. The first half-shell has positioning pins 310 and positioning holes 311 at both ends, and the second half-shell has corresponding positioning holes 311 and positioning pins 310 at both ends. The positioning pins 310 on the first half-shell are inserted into the positioning holes 311 on the second half-shell, and the positioning pins 310 on the second half-shell are inserted into the positioning holes 311 on the first half-shell. The first and second half-shells are fastened together to fix the optoelectronic module, connector, cable, and other components of the connector.

[0042] Specifically, the inner shell of this invention has a protruding tail tube 308 at its tail end, through which the cable passes. By providing the protruding tail tube, the cable is protected instead of a tail sleeve.

[0043] Specifically, the inner shell of the present invention has an oblong outer perimeter in cross-section, and the two halves of the inner shell are formed by injection molding. Specifically, the inner shell is made of plastic, preferably ABS. The inner ring of the outer shell has the same shape as the inner shell and has an oblong hole, using an interference fit. The outer shell as a whole has an oblong ring structure. The outer shell material is metal, integrally formed by a deep drawing process, specifically, aluminum alloy.

[0044] With the housing structure of this invention, the overall dimensions of the connector housing can reach a length L≤20mm, width W≤12mm, and thickness H≤6mm. This size is significantly smaller than other existing optoelectronic composite cable connectors. It also allows for space-saving of the optoelectronic module and secures the connector and cable, resulting in good performance, small size, and reliable operation.

[0045] The inner shell of this invention is made of plastic, and a shielding material lining can be installed inside the inner shell. A cavity is formed inside the inner shell to provide shelter for the optoelectronic module and to initially secure the connector and cable. During assembly, two inner shells are first used to snap together to secure the connector cable, optoelectronic module, and connector. Specifically, the connector plug is secured in the waist-shaped groove area at the front of the inner shell, and the circuit board of the optoelectronic module is secured in the middle fixing groove. The limiting block between the waist-shaped groove and the fixing groove works together with the fixing groove to prevent the connector plug and optoelectronic module from moving back and forth. A cavity is formed in the middle of the fixing groove of the inner shell to avoid obstructing the optoelectronic module components. The cable is secured in the circular groove at the rear of the inner shell. Finally, a metal outer shell and tail sleeve are used for reinforcement to enhance reliability.

[0046] During the assembly and fixation of the inner shell, adhesive is applied to the circular groove between the cable and the tube to enhance tensile strength. Then, a metal outer shell is fitted over the inner shell to provide support and increase protection. Adhesive is also applied between the metal outer shell and the inner shell to prevent loosening. A tail sleeve can also be fitted at the end to enhance the bending resistance of the cable connection.

[0047] This invention features a simple and highly controllable assembly process, facilitating quality control and mass production. The outer shell boasts high strength, providing reliable internal protection. Raw materials are readily available, the shell structure is simple, and processing costs are low. It is compact, with dimensions of 20*12*6mm (length, width, height) or even smaller, comparable in size to a typical pure cable plastic plug, making it easy to carry.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photoelectric module connector with a Type-C plug, characterized in that: The connector includes a circuit board, one end of a Type-C plug is connected to the circuit board, and the end of the Type-C plug connected to the circuit board has an edge; the connector also includes a housing structure, the housing structure has a fixing structure, the fixing structure includes a limiting block, the limiting block has a limiting block limiting surface, and the limiting block limiting surface is used to limit the edge position of the Type-C plug; The shell structure includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell includes a first half-shell and a second half-shell. The inner shell is made of plastic, and the outer shell is made of metal. The outer casing has an overall waist-shaped ring structure, and the inner ring of the outer casing has the same shape as the inner shell, using an interference fit; the casing structure also has a fixing groove, which is used to define the position of the circuit board; the fixing groove includes a fixing groove limiting surface and a bottom surface, the fixing groove limiting surface is at the front end of the fixing groove, and the fixing groove limiting surface is used to define the front and rear position of the circuit board; The Type-C plug has a slot that is recessed inwards. The edge of the Type-C plug is on the slot, and the limiting block extends into the slot and contacts the edge of the Type-C plug. The Type-C plug has protruding slots on both sides to form bayonets, one on each side of the plug. Each bayonet has an opening of a certain width in the middle. The circuit board extends into the opening of the bayonet and is fixed to the Type-C plug by welding claws inside the slot.

2. The optoelectronic module connector with a Type-C plug as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first half-shell and the second half-shell are arranged symmetrically.

3. The optoelectronic module connector with a Type-C plug as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the fixing grooves on the first half-shell and the second half-shell is half the thickness of the circuit board, respectively.

4. The optoelectronic module connector with a Type-C plug as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first half-shell has a positioning pin and a positioning hole; correspondingly, the second half-shell is provided with a positioning hole and a positioning pin.

5. A data cable, characterized in that, The data line includes an optoelectronic module connector with a Type-C plug as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The data cable as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The data cable is a hybrid optical-electric cable.

7. The data cable as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The data cable has Type-C plugs at both ends, and the Type-C plugs at both ends are connected by the optoelectronic hybrid cable.

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