Connector assembly
Through the assembly structure of the guide shield cover, side cover plate and light guide, the problems of unstable snap structure and insufficient electromagnetic interference suppression effect are solved, and the stable fixation of the light guide and electromagnetic interference suppression are achieved, and the light guide can be removed and reused.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410174239.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-08
AI Technical Summary
The snap structure of the existing connector assembly is prone to disengagement, resulting in unstable assembly and stamping openings affect the electromagnetic interference suppression effect.
The assembly structure of the guide shield cover, side cover plate and light guide is adopted, including interference fit and elastic hooking. The light guide is firmly fixed by the interference fit of the retaining sheet and the retaining hole and the elastic hooking of the locking block and the locking sheet.
The stability and electromagnetic interference suppression effect of the light guide are improved, and the electromagnetic interference problem caused by the opening is avoided, and the light guide can be removed and reused.
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Figure CN120453798A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, in particular to a connector assembly with a light guide. Background Art
[0002] Chinese invention patent publication number CN110364871B (corresponding to U.S. invention patent number US10,950,983B2) discloses that a snap-fit structure is formed on the side wall and the light guide of the shell, and the snap-fit structure includes a first snap-fit structure suitable for positioning multiple light guides in the vertical direction, and a second snap-fit structure suitable for positioning multiple light guides in the horizontal direction; the first snap-fit structure includes: a first connecting column, extending in the horizontal direction and connected between two adjacent light guides; and a first snap-fit component, having a first C-shaped slot suitable for being clamped on the first connecting column; the second snap-fit structure includes: a second connecting column, extending in the vertical direction and connected between two adjacent light guides; and a second snap-fit component, having a second C-shaped slot suitable for being clamped on the second connecting column.
[0003] However, the first and second latches are stamped parts formed by punching the sidewalls of the housing. This means that multiple holes must be punched into the housing to form the latches. These holes reduce the housing's electromagnetic interference suppression effectiveness. Furthermore, the latches are connected to the connecting post solely through a C-shaped slot, which can easily detach from the opening, resulting in an inadequate and unstable assembly. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can solve at least one of the aforementioned problems.
[0005] Therefore, the connector assembly of the present invention includes a guide shielding cover, a side cover, a light guide, and a first assembly structure. The guide shielding cover includes a side wall. The side cover is assembled to the side wall of the guide shielding cover. The light guide includes a plurality of light pipes. Each of the light pipes has a light input end and a light output end. The first assembly structure is disposed between the light guide and the side cover and is used to assemble the light guide to the side cover. The first assembly structure includes an interference fit structure and an elastic snap-fit structure.
[0006] In some embodiments, the interference fit structure includes a retaining hole formed in the light guide and a retaining piece provided on the side cover. In an assembly direction in which the light guide faces the side cover, the retaining piece is fixed to the retaining hole by interference fit.
[0007] In some embodiments, the side of the retaining piece has a front convex portion and a concave portion located behind the front convex portion. The retaining hole has an inner convex portion that fits into the concave portion of the side of the retaining piece. The front convex portion interferes with the inner convex portion in the retaining hole during the insertion process.
[0008] In some embodiments, the side edge of the retaining piece further has a rear convex portion located behind the concave portion, and the concave portion is located between the front convex portion and the rear convex portion.
[0009] In some embodiments, the elastic buckle structure comprises a locking block provided on the light guide and an elastic locking piece provided on the side cover, wherein the locking piece buckles the locking block in an assembly direction in which the light guide faces the side cover.
[0010] In some embodiments, the light guide further includes a support portion integrally connected to the light guide tube, and the support portion of the light guide is formed with the retaining hole and the locking block.
[0011] In some embodiments, the support portion includes a support rod and a plurality of connecting rods connected to the light guide tube. The support rod of the light guide member is formed with the retaining hole, and the locking block is provided thereon.
[0012] In some embodiments, the locking piece has a locking hole for locking the locking block.
[0013] In some embodiments, a guide surface is provided on a side of the locking block facing the locking piece, and a guide edge is provided on a side of the locking piece facing the locking block to match the guide surface.
[0014] In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a base and a second assembly structure. The base includes a plurality of light guide holes. The light guide holes are respectively configured to accommodate light input ends of the light guides. The second assembly structure is disposed between the light guide and the base.
[0015] In some embodiments, the second assembly structure includes a plurality of snap-fit blocks respectively disposed at the light-incoming end of the light guide tube, and a plurality of snap-fit grooves respectively formed on the inner wall of the light guide tube receiving hole of the base, wherein the snap-fit blocks snap-fit into the snap-fit grooves respectively.
[0016] In some embodiments, the base is made of a soft material including rubber.
[0017] In some embodiments, the guide shield further comprises an assembly piece protruding from the side wall, the side cover comprises an assembly hole, and the assembly piece passes through the assembly hole of the side cover and is buckled with the side cover.
[0018] In some embodiments, the guide shield further includes a compartment frame. The compartment frame includes the assembly piece. The side wall includes an assembly hole. The assembly hole of the side cover corresponds to the assembly hole of the side wall. The assembly piece extends outward through the assembly hole of the side wall and the assembly hole of the side cover in sequence, and is fastened to the side cover.
[0019] The connector assembly of the present invention includes a guide shielding cover, a light guide and a first assembly structure. The light guide is assembled on the guide shielding cover and includes a light guide tube. The light guide tube has a light input end and a light output end. The first assembly structure is arranged between the light guide and the guide shielding cover and is used to position the light guide in the guide shielding cover. The first assembly structure includes an interference fit structure. The interference fit structure has a retaining hole and a retaining plate. The retaining plate is fixed to the retaining hole by interference fit. The side of the retaining plate has a front protrusion and a recess located behind the front protrusion. The retaining hole has an inner protrusion that fits into the recess on the side of the retaining plate. The front protrusion interferes with the inner protrusion in the retaining hole during the plugging process.
[0020] In some embodiments, the side edge of the retaining piece further has a rear convex portion located behind the concave portion, and the concave portion is located between the front convex portion and the rear convex portion.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first assembly structure further includes an elastic buckle structure having a locking block and an elastic locking piece, wherein the locking piece buckles the locking block.
[0022] In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a side cover. The side cover is assembled onto the guide shield and is provided with the retaining plate and the locking plate. The light guide is assembled onto the side cover. The light guide is formed with the retaining hole and is provided with the locking block. The retaining hole is assembled and fixed to the retaining plate in the assembly direction of the light guide facing the side cover. The locking block is assembled and fixed to the locking plate in the assembly direction of the light guide facing the side cover.
[0023] In some embodiments, the light guide further includes a support portion integrally connected to the light guide tube, and the support portion of the light guide is formed with the retaining hole and the locking block.
[0024] In some embodiments, the support portion includes a support rod and a plurality of connecting rods connected to the light guide tube. The support rod of the light guide member is formed with the retaining hole, and the locking block is provided thereon.
[0025] In some embodiments, the locking piece has a locking hole for locking the locking block.
[0026] In some embodiments, the locking block has a guide surface facing the locking piece during assembly. One side of the locking piece further has a guide edge facing the locking block and cooperating with the guide surface.
[0027] In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a base and a second assembly structure. The base includes a light guide receiving hole. The light guide receiving hole is used to accommodate the light input end of the light guide. The second assembly structure is disposed between the light guide and the base.
[0028] In some embodiments, the second assembly structure includes a snap-fit block disposed at the light incident end of the light guide tube accommodated in the light guide tube accommodating hole, and a snap-fit groove formed in the base and used for snapping with the snap-fit block.
[0029] In some embodiments, the base is made of a soft material including rubber.
[0030] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by assembling the light guide member on the side cover, the side wall of the guide shielding cover does not need the structure and openings for assembling the light guide tube, and by assembling the side cover to the side wall of the guide shielding cover, some openings or openings on the side wall can be shielded, and the side cover has the dual technical effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and being used to assemble the light guide member. In addition, by providing the first assembly structure that cooperates with each other between the light guide member and the side cover, and providing the second assembly structure that cooperates with each other between the light guide member and the base, the light guide member and the base can be stably and reliably fixed to the side cover. Furthermore, by providing the interference fit structure and the elastic buckle structure between the light guide member and the side cover, the light guide member can be fixed more firmly and can also be removed. In addition, when the retaining sheet is inserted into the retaining hole, the front convex portion first interferes with and scrapes the inner convex portion. Although the inner convex portion is partially scraped, it will still generally remain in a convex shape and pass over the front convex portion and enter the recessed portion, and then be restricted by the front convex portion and the rear convex portion. Conversely, when the retaining sheet exits the retaining hole, the inner convex portion will scrape the front convex portion again and still remain in a convex shape and pass over the front convex portion, which is conducive to the retaining hole being assembled and utilized again. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Other features and effects of the present invention will be more clearly seen in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly and a pluggable module of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the embodiment;
[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG, with multiple grounding members, a socket connector, and an external heat sink of the embodiment removed;
[0035] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment, illustrating the structure of the side cover plate assembled on the guide shield and the plurality of retaining plates and locking plates;
[0036] Figure 5 is a partially cutaway enlarged perspective view illustrating the connection between a base, a light guide, a first assembly structure, and the side cover of the embodiment;
[0037] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional exploded view illustrating the implementation details of the base, the light guide, the first assembly structure, and the side cover;
[0038] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 An incomplete cross-sectional view of line VII-VII in FIG.
[0039] Figure 8 It corresponds to Figure 5 A side view of
[0040] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 1 ; and
[0041] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 Incomplete cross-sectional view of line XX in FIG.
[0042] The reference numerals are as follows:
[0043] 100: Connector assembly
[0044] 1: Guide shield
[0045] 11: hood
[0046] 111: Top wall
[0047] 111a: Upper window
[0048] 112: Bottom wall
[0049] 113: Sidewall
[0050] 113a: Assembly hole
[0051] 113e: Shrapnel opening
[0052] 113f: Inner extension shrapnel
[0053] 114: Back wall
[0054] 115: pin
[0055] 12: Compartment frame
[0056] 126: Assembly sheet
[0057] 14: Grounding piece
[0058] 141: Elastic part
[0059] 15: Upper storage space
[0060] 16: Lower storage space
[0061] 2: Socket connector
[0062] 21: Shell
[0063] 211: Upper socket
[0064] 212: Lower socket
[0065] 22:Terminal
[0066] 221:Contact Department
[0067] 222: Tail
[0068] 4: External radiator
[0069] 5: Cover plate
[0070] 51:Assembly hole
[0071] 6: Side cover
[0072] 61: Assembly hole
[0073] 7: Base
[0074] 71: Light guide hole
[0075] 731: buckle slot
[0076] 731a: hook fitting portion
[0077] 8: Light guide
[0078] 80: Support
[0079] 81: Light guide
[0080] 811: Forward section
[0081] 812: Descending section
[0082] 813: curved section
[0083] 814: light input end
[0084] 815: Light output end
[0085] 82: Connecting rod
[0086] 83:Support rod
[0087] 841: buckle block
[0088] 841a:Hook
[0089] 9a: First assembly structure
[0090] 9b: Second assembly structure
[0091] 93:Interference fit structure
[0092] 931:Holding hole
[0093] 932: Holding piece
[0094] 933:Inner convex part
[0095] 934: Lordosis
[0096] 935: concave part
[0097] 936: posterior convex part
[0098] 94: Elastic buckle structure
[0099] 941: Locking block
[0100] 942: Locking piece
[0101] 943:Guide surface
[0102] 944: Locking hole
[0103] 945: Guiding Edge
[0104] 200: pluggable module
[0105] 201: Shell
[0106] 201a: plug-in part
[0107] 201b: Locking groove
[0108] 202: Plug in circuit board
[0109] 203: Cable
[0110] 204: Unlocking piece
[0111] D1: front and back direction
[0112] D2: Up and down direction
[0113] D3: left and right direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0114] See Figures 1 to 3 , is an embodiment of the connector assembly 100 of the present invention. The connector assembly 100 is suitable for being set on a circuit board (not shown) and can be plugged into a pluggable module 200. The pluggable module 200 has a shell 201, a plug-in circuit board 202 and a cable 203. The shell 201 has a plug-in portion 201a. The plug-in circuit board 202 is located at the front end of the shell 201 (the front end of the shell 201 is one end adjacent to the connector assembly 100, and the rear end of the shell 201 is the other end away from the connector assembly 100) and is protruding from the plug-in portion 201a. The cable 203 is arranged at the rear end of the shell 201 and is electrically connected to the plug-in circuit board 202. The connector assembly 100 includes a guide shield 1, a socket connector 2, an external heat sink 4, a cover plate 5, a side cover plate 6, a base 7, a light guide 8, a first assembly structure 9a and a second assembly structure 9b.
[0115] The guide shield 1 can be formed from a metal sheet by stamping and bending. The guide shield 1 is suitable for placement on the circuit board and comprises a housing 11, a compartment frame 12, and a plurality of grounding members 14. The housing 11 comprises a top wall 111, a bottom wall 112, two side walls 113, a rear wall 114, and a plurality of pins 115. The top wall 111 extends along a front-to-back direction D1 (arrow direction indicates forward, reverse direction indicates rear). The two side walls 113 are spaced apart in a left-right direction D3 (arrow direction indicates right, reverse direction indicates left). Specifically, the two side walls 113 extend downward from the left and right edges of the top wall 111 in a vertical direction D2 (arrow direction indicates upward, reverse direction indicates downward). The bottom wall 112 can be detachably or integrally assembled to the bottoms of the two side walls 113 and is spaced apart from the rear wall 114, leaving a bottom opening (not shown). The rear wall 114 is connected to the rear end of the top wall 111 and to the rear sides of the two side walls 113. The plurality of pins 115 are spaced apart and extend downward from the bottom edges of the two side walls 113 and are suitable for being fixed to the circuit board and / or connected to a ground trace (not shown).
[0116] The partition frame 12 is arranged in the cover body 11 and defines an upper accommodating space 15 and a lower accommodating space 16 together with the cover body 11. The rear section of the upper accommodating space 15 and the rear section of the lower accommodating space 16 are connected to each other. The front opening of the upper accommodating space 15 or the lower accommodating space 16 can allow the plug-in portion 201a of the pluggable module 200 to be inserted from front to back in the front-to-back direction D1. In this embodiment, each side wall 113 of the cover body 11 has a plurality of assembly holes 113a formed therethrough. The partition frame 12 also has a plurality of assembly pieces 126 extending from its left and right sides to the outside of the two side walls 113 respectively. The plurality of assembly pieces 126 are respectively passed through the plurality of assembly holes 113a of the two side walls 113 from the inside to the outside, and are bent and fixed after protruding from the corresponding side walls 113, thereby stably assembling the partition frame 12 to the cover body 11. In addition, each side wall 113 of the cover body 11 also has two spring clip openings 113e corresponding to the upper accommodating space 15 and the lower accommodating space 16, respectively, and two inwardly extending spring clips 113f constructed in the two spring clip openings 113e and extending obliquely toward the inside of the guide shield 1 and toward the rear. The left and right sides of the plug-in portion 201a of the pluggable module 200 are provided with two locking grooves 201b corresponding to the inwardly extending spring clips 113f to produce a locking effect. In addition, the pluggable module 200 also has an unlocking member 204, which can push the inwardly extending spring clip 113f out of the locking groove 201b when pulled. In addition, the internal space of the compartment frame 12 can be assembled with a built-in radiator (not shown).
[0117] The multiple grounding members 14 are respectively located at the front ends of the cover body 11 and the partition frame 12, and are distributed on the outside and inside of the cover body 11 and the upper and lower sides of the partition frame 12. In this embodiment, the connector assembly 100 can be set in a mounting hole (not shown) of a casing (not shown). Each of the grounding members 14 has a plurality of elastic portions 141 that are arc-shaped, extend backward, and are elastically deformable. The multiple elastic portions 141 of the grounding member 14 located on the outside are used to contact the mounting hole of the casing, and the grounding member 14 located on the inside and the multiple elastic portions 141 located on the partition frame 12 are used to contact the pluggable module 200.
[0118] See Figure 1The socket connector 2 is arranged on the circuit board and passes through the bottom opening from bottom to top, and is accommodated in the rear section of the guide shield 1, that is, the place where the rear section of the upper accommodating space 15 and the rear section of the lower accommodating space 16 are connected to each other. The socket connector 2 has an insulating shell 21 and a plurality of terminals 22 arranged in the shell 21. The shell 21 has an upper socket 211 and a lower socket 212 facing forward and arranged along the up-down direction D2. The upper socket 211 and the lower socket 212 correspond to the upper accommodating space 15 and the lower accommodating space 16, respectively, and can accommodate the plug-in circuit board 202. Each of the terminals 22 has a contact portion 221 located in the upper socket 211 or the lower socket 212, and a tail portion 222 extending downward from the bottom of the shell 21 and used for mechanically and electrically connecting to the circuit board. The upper socket 211 is used to receive the pluggable circuit board 202 when the pluggable module 200 is inserted into the upper accommodating space 15, thereby electrically connecting the pluggable circuit board 202 to the plurality of terminals 22 located on the upper socket 211. The lower socket 212 is used to receive the pluggable circuit board 202 when the pluggable module 200 is inserted into the lower accommodating space 16, thereby electrically connecting the pluggable circuit board 202 to the plurality of terminals 22 located on the lower socket 212.
[0119] See Figures 1 to 3 The external heat sink 4 has a fin-shaped structure and is disposed at an upper window 111a of the top wall 111 of the housing 11 of the guide shield 1. It contacts the pluggable module 200 inserted into the upper accommodating space 15 to direct heat energy generated by the pluggable module 200 during operation to the outside. The cover plate 5 is a metal plate and is assembled to the outside of one of the two side walls 113 of the housing 11 of the guide shield 1. In the embodiment, the cover plate 5 is assembled to the right side wall 113 and covers the two spring openings 113e and some existing openings on the corresponding right side wall 113 to enhance the electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression effect. The cover plate 5 has a plurality of assembly holes 51 corresponding to some of the plurality of assembly holes 113a of the side wall 113. The multiple assembly pieces 126 on the adjacent sides of the partition frame 12 are respectively passed through the corresponding multiple assembly holes 113a of the side wall 113 and the multiple assembly holes 51 of the cover plate 5 in sequence, and are then bent, fixed and buckled to the cover plate 5, thereby stably assembling the cover plate 5 to the cover body 11.
[0120] See Figures 1 to 4The side cover 6 is also a metal plate and can be detachably assembled to the outer side of the other of the two side walls 113 of the housing 11 of the guide shield 1. In the embodiment, the side cover 6 is assembled to the left side wall 113 and covers the two spring openings 113e and some existing openings on the corresponding left side wall 113 to enhance the electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression effect. The side cover 6 has a plurality of assembly holes 61 corresponding to some of the plurality of assembly holes 113a of the side wall 113. The plurality of assembly tabs 126 on the adjacent sides of the partition frame 12 are sequentially passed through the plurality of assembly holes 113a of the corresponding side wall 113 and the plurality of assembly holes 61 of the side cover 6, and then bent, fixed, and buckled to the side cover 6, thereby stably assembling the side cover 6 to the housing 11.
[0121] See Figure 2 、 Figure 3 , the base 7 is located on the outside of the side cover 6 (i.e., on the side away from the guide shield 1) and extends along the front-to-back direction D1. The base 7 includes a plurality of light guide tube accommodating holes 71 (two examples are given here) formed on its top surface and extending downward to the bottom surface for the light guide 8 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the base 7 is made of a soft material containing rubber, which is conducive to the assembly of the base 7 and the light guide 8 and is also easier to disassemble. Preferably, the base 7 is not light-transmitting and has a light-shielding effect.
[0122] See Figures 4 to 7 The light guide 8 is detachably assembled to the outer side of the side cover 6 (the inner side of the side cover 6 is the side facing the guide shield 1, and the outer side of the side cover 6 is the other side opposite to the guide shield 1) through the first assembly structure 9a, and is detachably assembled to the base 7 through the second assembly structure 9b. The light guide 8 has a plurality of light guide tubes 81 (two are used as examples here). Each light guide tube 81 has a forward extension section 811 located in the front and extending forward, a downward extension section 812 located in the rear and extending downward, a curved section 813 located between the forward extension section 811 and the downward extension section 812, a light input end 814 located at the end of the downward extension section 812, and a light output end 815 located at the end of the forward extension section 811. The two forward extension sections 811 are spaced apart in the vertical direction D2, and the two downward extension sections 812 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction D1. The light-incoming ends 814 of the plurality of light guides 81 are respectively received in the plurality of light guide receiving holes 71 of the base 7. The space between the bottom of each light guide receiving hole 71 and the light-incoming end 814 of the corresponding light guide 81 is used to accommodate the light-emitting elements (not shown) on the circuit board.
[0123] In this embodiment, the light guide 8 further includes a support portion 80 integrally connected to the light guide tubes 81. The support portion 80 includes a support rod 83 positioned between two adjacent light guide tubes 81 and a plurality of connecting rods 82 connected to the light guide tubes 81. The support rod 83 extends from a side adjacent to the light output end 815 rearward (toward the curved section 813) and downward (toward the light input end 814) along the extension direction of the light guide tube 81, forming a slightly L-shaped curve.
[0124] See Figures 4 to 6 , the first assembly structure 9a is arranged between the light guide 8 and the side cover plate 6, and is used to assemble the light guide 8 on the side cover plate 6. The first assembly structure 9a includes an interference fit structure 93 and an elastic buckle structure 94. The interference fit structure 93 has a plurality of retaining holes 931 (three examples are given here) formed in the light guide 8, and a plurality of retaining pieces 932 (three examples are given here) provided on the side cover plate 6. Specifically, the plurality of retaining holes 931 pass through the inner and outer sides of the support rod 83 (the inner side of the support rod 83 is the side facing the side cover plate 6, and the outer side of the support rod 83 is the other side opposite to the side cover plate 6), and are respectively located at the front section and the rear section of the support rod 83. The retaining piece 932 is in the form of a thin sheet and extends from the side edge of the side cover 6 along the left-right direction D3 in a direction away from the guide shield 1 or in a direction toward the light guide 8. The positions of the plurality of retaining pieces 932 correspond to the plurality of retaining holes 931. The retaining piece 932 may be formed by integrally cutting the edge of the side cover 6 and then bending it outward, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0125] See Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 During assembly, the light guide 8 can be assembled to the side cover plate 6 in a manner that faces the assembly direction of the side cover plate 6 (i.e., in a direction close to the side cover plate 6 in the left-right direction D3), and the plurality of retaining holes 931 thereof are respectively aligned with the plurality of retaining pieces 932. Figure 9 As shown, in the assembly direction of the light guide 8 facing the side cover 6 , the retaining piece 932 is fixed to the retaining hole 931 by interference fit to increase the retaining force of the light guide 8 on the side cover 6 .
[0126] During insertion of the retaining piece 932 into the retaining hole 931, the end of the retaining piece 932 adjacent to the opening of the retaining hole 931 is the front, and the other end of the retaining piece 932 adjacent to the side cover 6 is the rear. The upper side of each retaining piece 932 has a front convex portion 934, a recessed portion 935 located behind the front convex portion 934, and a rear convex portion 936 located behind the recessed portion 935. Specifically, the front convex portion 934 and the rear convex portion 936 of each retaining piece 932 are arranged in a front-to-back arrangement along the insertion direction of the retaining piece 932 into the retaining hole 931, with the recessed portion 935 located between the front convex portion 934 and the rear convex portion 936. Furthermore, the height of the rear convex portion 936 projecting upward in the vertical direction D2 is greater than the height of the front convex portion 934 projecting upward in the vertical direction D2. Each retaining hole 931 has an inner protrusion 933 that protrudes downward from the top of the inner wall of the retaining hole 931 and fits into the recess 935 on the side of the retaining piece 932.
[0127] During the assembly of the light guide 8 to the side cover 6, the plurality of retaining holes 931 are first aligned with the plurality of retaining tabs 932. Next, the plurality of retaining tabs 932 are inserted into the plurality of retaining holes 931 in a direction toward the retaining holes 931 (parallel to the extending direction of the retaining holes 931 and the retaining tabs 932). During the insertion process, the front protrusion 934 first interferes with and scrapes against the inner protrusion 933. Although the inner protrusion 933 is partially scraped, it generally passes over the front protrusion 934 in a convex shape and enters the concave portion 935, where it is then restrained by the front protrusion 934 and the rear protrusion 936. Similarly, when the retaining tab 932 exits the retaining hole 931, the inner protrusion 933 again scrapes against the front protrusion 934 and passes over the front protrusion 934 in a convex shape, thus facilitating the reassembly of the retaining hole 931. In addition, in addition to interfering with the inner convex portion 933 in the retaining hole 931 during insertion, the front convex portion 934 of the retaining piece 932 can also be configured to interfere with the inner wall of the retaining hole 931, thereby further increasing the retention force of the light guide 8 on the side cover 6. Furthermore, the rear convex portion 936 can also be configured to interfere with the inner wall of the retaining hole 931. In the embodiment, the front convex portion 934, the concave portion 935 and the rear convex portion 936 are located on the same side (upper side) of the retaining piece 932, but can also be respectively provided on both sides (upper and lower sides) of the retaining piece 932, and the top and bottom of the inner wall of the retaining hole 931 can also be respectively provided with the inner convex portion 933 protruding into the hole.
[0128] See Figures 4 to 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 , the elastic buckle structure 94 has a locking block 941 provided on the light guide 8, and an elastic locking piece 942 provided on the side cover 6. Specifically, the locking block 941 protrudes upward from the top surface of the support rod 83. The locking piece 942 extends from the side cover 6 toward the light guide 8, and has a locking hole 944 passing through its upper and lower surfaces. The locking hole 944 is for the locking block 941 to pass through from bottom to top, so as to buckle the locking block 941. Figure 10 As shown, preferably, the locking block 941 has a guide surface 943 that faces the locking piece 942 during assembly. That is, the guide surface 943 extends obliquely toward the locking piece 942 and downward. The locking piece 942 also has a guide edge 945 on one side that faces the locking block 941 during assembly and cooperates with the guide surface 943. The bottom surface of the guide edge 945 extends obliquely toward the locking block 941 and upward.
[0129] See Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 During the assembly process, the light guide 8 faces the assembly direction of the side cover 6 (i.e., the direction approaching the side cover 6 in the left-right direction D3), and moves toward the side cover 6 in a manner that the locking block 941 is aligned with the locking piece 942. At this time, the guide edge 945 of the locking piece 942 will first slide upward along the guide surface 943 of the locking block 941, causing the locking piece 942 to elastically deform; then, the light guide 8 is continuously moved so that the locking hole 944 of the locking piece 942 is aligned with the locking block 941, and the locking block 941 is inserted into the locking hole 944, and the locking piece 942 buckles the locking block 941.
[0130] See Figures 4 to 7, the second assembly structure 9b is arranged between the light guide 8 and the base 7. The second assembly structure 9b includes a plurality of snap-in blocks 841 respectively arranged at the light input ends 814 of the plurality of light guide tubes 81, and a plurality of snap-in grooves 731 respectively formed on the inner walls of the plurality of light guide tube accommodating holes 71 of the base 7. The plurality of snap-in blocks 841 snap-in the plurality of snap-in grooves 731 respectively. Specifically, each of the snap-in blocks 841 protrudes laterally from the corresponding light input end 814 to form a snap hook 841a. A snap-in fitting portion 731a that fits with the snap hook 841a is provided on the top side of the inner wall of each of the snap-in grooves 731. The plurality of snap-in fitting portions 731a respectively restrict the plurality of snap hooks 841a, so that the snap-in blocks 841 cannot be separated from the snap-in groove 731 without external force, so as to increase the holding force of the light guide 8 on the base 7.
[0131] In summary, by assembling the light guide 8 onto the side cover 6, the side wall 113 of the guide shield 1 eliminates the need for structures and openings for assembling the light pipe 81. Furthermore, by assembling the side cover 6 onto the side wall 113 of the guide shield 1, some openings or holes on the side wall 113 can be shielded. The side cover 6 thus serves the dual purpose of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and assembling the light guide 8. Furthermore, by providing the first assembly structure 9a that cooperates between the light guide 8 and the side cover 6, and the second assembly structure 9b that cooperates between the light guide 8 and the base 7, the light guide 8 and the base 7 can be stably and securely secured to the side cover 6. Furthermore, by providing the interference fit structure 93 and the elastic snap-fit structure 94 between the light guide 8 and the side cover 6, the light guide 8 can be more securely fixed and can be removed. Furthermore, the recessed portion 935 of the retaining piece 932 cooperates with the inner protrusion 933 in the retaining hole 931, making it easy and stable to assemble the light guide 8. Furthermore, during the insertion of the retaining piece 932 into the retaining hole 931, the front protrusion 934 first interferes with and scrapes against the inner protrusion 933. Although the inner protrusion 933 is partially scraped, it still generally passes over the front protrusion 934 in a convex shape before entering the recessed portion 935, where it is then restrained by the front protrusion 934 and the rear protrusion 936. Conversely, when the retaining piece 932 exits the retaining hole 931, the inner protrusion 933 again scrapes against the front protrusion 934 and still passes over the front protrusion 934 in a convex shape. This facilitates the reassembly and reuse of the retaining hole 931, thereby effectively achieving the purpose of the present invention.
[0132] However, the above is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. All simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present invention are still within the scope of the patent of the present invention.
Claims
1. A connector assembly comprising: a guide shield, including side walls; a side cover plate, assembled on the side wall of the guide shield; The light guide comprises a plurality of light guide tubes, each light guide tube having a light input end and a light output end; and The first assembly structure is arranged between the light guide and the side cover and is used to assemble the light guide on the side cover. The first assembly structure includes an interference fit structure and an elastic buckle structure.
2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein The interference fit structure includes a holding hole formed in the light guide and a holding piece provided on the side cover. In an assembly direction in which the light guide faces the side cover, the holding piece is fixed in the holding hole by interference fit.
3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The side of the retaining piece has a front convex portion and a concave portion located behind the front convex portion, and the retaining hole has an inner convex portion that fits into the concave portion on the side of the retaining piece. The front convex portion interferes with the inner convex portion in the retaining hole during the insertion process.
4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The side edge of the retaining piece further has a rear convex portion located behind the concave portion, and the concave portion is located between the front convex portion and the rear convex portion.
5. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The elastic buckling structure comprises a locking block provided on the light guide, and an elastic locking piece provided on the side cover. In the assembly direction of the light guide facing the side cover, the locking piece buckles the locking block.
6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The light guide member further includes a support portion integrally connected to the light guide tube, and the support portion of the light guide member is formed with the holding hole and the locking block.
7. The connector assembly of claim 6, wherein: The supporting portion includes a supporting rod and a plurality of connecting rods connected to the light guide tube. The supporting rod of the light guide member is formed with the retaining hole, and the locking block is provided thereon.
8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein: The locking piece has a locking hole for locking the locking block.
9. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein: A guide surface is provided on one side of the locking block facing the locking piece, and a guide edge matching the guide surface is provided on one side of the locking piece facing the locking block.
10. The connector assembly as described in claim 1 further includes a base and a second assembly structure, the base includes a plurality of light guide tube accommodating holes, and the light guide tube accommodating holes are respectively used to accommodate the light input ends of the light guide tubes; the second assembly structure is arranged between the light guide member and the base.
11. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein: The second assembly structure includes a plurality of buckling blocks respectively arranged at the light incident end of the light guide tube, and a plurality of buckling grooves respectively formed on the inner wall of the light guide tube accommodating hole of the base, and the buckling blocks are buckled with the buckling grooves respectively.
12. The connector assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The base is made of a soft material containing rubber.
13. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein: The guide shielding cover further comprises an assembly piece protruding from the side wall, the side cover plate comprises an assembly hole, the assembly piece passes through the assembly hole of the side cover plate and is buckled with the side cover plate.
14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein: The guide shield cover also includes a compartment frame, the compartment frame has the assembly piece, the side wall has an assembly hole, the assembly hole of the side cover plate corresponds to the assembly hole of the side wall, the assembly piece passes through the assembly hole of the side wall and the assembly hole of the side cover plate in sequence outward, and is buckled with the side cover plate.
15. A connector assembly comprising: Guide shield; A light guide member is assembled on the guide shield and includes a light guide tube having a light input end and a light output end; and The first assembly structure is arranged between the light guide and the guide shield cover, and is used to position the light guide on the guide shield cover. The first assembly structure includes an interference fit structure. The interference fit structure has a retaining hole and a retaining plate. The retaining plate is fixed to the retaining hole by interference fit. The side of the retaining plate has a front convex portion and a concave portion located behind the front convex portion. The retaining hole has an inner convex portion that fits into the concave portion on the side of the retaining plate. The front convex portion interferes with the inner convex portion in the retaining hole during the insertion process.
16. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein: The side edge of the retaining piece further has a rear convex portion located behind the concave portion, and the concave portion is located between the front convex portion and the rear convex portion.
17. The connector assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The first assembly structure further includes an elastic buckling structure having a locking block and an elastic locking piece, wherein the locking piece buckles the locking block.
18. The connector assembly as described in claim 17 further includes a side cover plate, which is assembled on the guide shielding cover and provides the retaining plate and the locking plate for setting; the light guide is assembled on the side cover plate, the light guide is formed with the retaining hole, and provides the locking block for setting it thereon; the retaining hole is assembled and fixed to the retaining plate in the assembly direction of the light guide facing the side cover plate, and the locking block is assembled and fixed to the locking plate in the assembly direction of the light guide facing the side cover plate.
19. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein: The light guide member further includes a support portion integrally connected to the light guide tube, and the support portion of the light guide member is formed with the holding hole and the locking block.
20. The connector assembly of claim 19, wherein: The supporting portion includes a supporting rod and a plurality of connecting rods connected to the light guide tube. The supporting rod of the light guide member is formed with the retaining hole, and the locking block is provided thereon.
21. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein: The locking piece has a locking hole for locking the locking block.
22. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein: The locking block has a guide surface facing the locking piece during assembly, and one side of the locking piece also has a guide edge facing the locking block and matching the guide surface.
23. The connector assembly as described in claim 15 further comprises a base and a second assembly structure, the base comprising a light guide tube accommodating hole, the light guide tube accommodating hole being used to accommodate the light input end of the light guide tube; the second assembly structure is arranged between the light guide member and the base.
24. The connector assembly of claim 23, wherein: The second assembly structure includes a buckle block disposed at the light incident end of the light guide tube accommodated in the light guide tube accommodating hole, and a buckle groove formed on the base and used for buckling with the buckle block.
25. The connector assembly of claim 23 or 24, wherein: The base is made of a soft material containing rubber.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
connector
CN110364871B
Connector
US10950983B2