Electronic device, cable module and casing module

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic device cable module and a casing module. The electronic device comprises a machine shell, a circuit board assembly, a cable assembly and a guide mechanism, the circuit board assembly is arranged on the machine shell and comprises a circuit board and a first electric connector, the first electric connector is arranged on the circuit board, the cable assembly comprises a shell, a second electric connector and a cable, the second electric connector and the cable are arranged in the shell, and the guide mechanism is arranged on the shell. The cable is connected with the second electric connector, and the guiding mechanism guides the second electric connector to be electrically connected with the first electric connector.

Description

Electronic devices, cable modules and housing modules Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device, a cable module, and a housing module. Background Technology

[0002] In current electronic devices, the optical connectors for electrical connections to fiber optic cables are located internally. Furthermore, the assembly channels corresponding to these connectors are often too deep and too shallow, making it difficult for users to hold the fiber optic cable and guide it into the assembly channel to make the connection. Consequently, users can only perform blind electrical connections by holding the cable outside the assembly channel, making it difficult to connect the cable to the connector.

[0003] While clamping mechanisms are currently used in the industry to assist in the electrical connection of optical cables to optical connectors, slight differences in the shape and size of optical cables designed by different manufacturers mean that clamping mechanisms cannot be applied to all types of optical cables. Therefore, researchers in this field are currently working to solve the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic device, a cable module, and a housing module that allows the cable assembly to be easily electrically connected to an electrical connector inside the electronic device.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an electronic device including a housing, a circuit board assembly, a cable assembly, and a guiding mechanism. The circuit board assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a circuit board and a first electrical connector, the first electrical connector being disposed on the circuit board. The cable assembly includes a housing, a second electrical connector, and a cable, the second electrical connector and the cable being disposed within the housing, the cable being connected to the second electrical connector. The guiding mechanism guides the second electrical connector to electrically connect to the first electrical connector.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a cable module including a cable assembly and a guide mechanism. The cable assembly includes a housing, an electrical connector, and a cable. The electrical connector and the cable are partially disposed within the housing and connected to each other. The guide mechanism is movably disposed within the housing and supports and guides the portion of the electrical connector located outside the housing.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a housing module for carrying a circuit board and guiding a cable assembly to electrically connect to an electrical connector on the circuit board. The housing module includes a housing and a guiding mechanism. The housing carries the circuit board. The guiding mechanism is disposed in the housing and corresponds to the electrical connector on the circuit board. The guiding mechanism guides the cable assembly to electrically connect to the electrical connector on the circuit board.

[0008] According to the electronic device, cable module, and housing module disclosed in the above embodiments, for example, when the assembly channel corresponding to the first electrical connector is a narrow and elongated channel, and the cable module can only be electrically connected by blind mating with the first electrical connector in a roughly aligned manner, the configuration of the second electrical connector of the cable assembly being provided in the housing or the guide mechanism being movably provided in the housing of the cable assembly, and the guide mechanism guiding the second electrical connector of the cable assembly to be electrically connected to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly, can still help the second electrical connector of the cable assembly to be accurately electrically connected to the first electrical connector.

[0009] The above description of the invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention, and to provide a further explanation of the claims of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the support frame, circuit board assembly and cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 is a side view of the cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the process by which the second electrical connector of the cable assembly electrically connects to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a cable module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 is a partial side view of the cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the support frame, guide mechanism, circuit board assembly and cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 12 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the process of the second electrical connector of the cable assembly electrically connecting to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 16 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 17 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 19 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 20 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 21 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 22 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the support frame, guide mechanism and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 24 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the guide mechanism after it has been overturned according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0033] 1,1c: Electronic devices

[0034] 11,11c: Chassis

[0035] 111, 111c: Outer shell

[0036] 112, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f: Support frame

[0037] 113: Stop component

[0038] 1131: Through hole

[0039] 10c: Housing Module

[0040] 20, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f: Circuit board assembly

[0041] 21, 21c, 21f: Circuit board

[0042] 22, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f: First electrical connector

[0043] 23,23c,23d,23e,23f: Cover

[0044] 30, 30a: Cable module

[0045] 31, 31a, 31c: Cable assemblies

[0046] 311, 311a, 311c: Shell

[0047] 3111: Base

[0048] 3112: Top Cover

[0049] 312, 312a, 312c: Second electrical connector

[0050] 3121: Alignment Groove

[0051] 313, 313c: Cables

[0052] 314: Fasteners

[0053] 315: Elastic components

[0054] 3151: Reverse fold

[0055] 316: Film Analysis

[0056] 40, 40c: Fan module

[0057] 50, 50a, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f: Guiding mechanism

[0058] 57: Positioning hole

[0059] 501a: Assembly Department

[0060] 502a: Frame section

[0061] 5021a: Guided perforation

[0062] 51c, 51d, 51e, 51f: Base

[0063] 511c, 511d, 511e, 511f: Through holes

[0064] 512c, 512d, 512e, 512f: Bottom

[0065] 513c, 513d, 513e, 513f: Top

[0066] 514e: Side

[0067] 52c, 52d, 52e, 52f: First guiding element

[0068] 521c: First fixing part

[0069] 521d: First groove

[0070] 521f: Fixing part

[0071] 522c: First Activities Department

[0072] 522f: Activities Department

[0073] 53c, 53d, 53e, 53f: Second guiding element

[0074] 531c: Second fixing part

[0075] 531f: Assembly hole

[0076] 532c: Second Activities Department

[0077] 532f: Guide ramp

[0078] 533c: Folded Ear Section

[0079] 531d: Second groove

[0080] 54d: First elastic element

[0081] 55d: Second elastic element

[0082] 54e: Third guide component

[0083] 55e: Fourth Guiding Component

[0084] 54f: Elastic component

[0085] C, Cc: Assembly channels

[0086] P: Positioning bump

[0087] D1, D2: Direction

[0088] Gc, Gd, Ge, Gf: Guide ports

[0089] E1e: Ring-shaped elastic part

[0090] E2e: Shrapnel section

[0091] Se: Active slot

[0092] Hf: Hook and latch structure Detailed Implementation

[0093] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the carrier frame, circuit board assembly, and cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] In this embodiment, the electronic device 1 is, for example, a server. The electronic device 1 includes a housing 11, a circuit board assembly 20, and a cable module 30.

[0095] The housing 11 includes an outer shell 111, a support frame 112, and a stop 113. The support frame 112 is disposed within the outer shell 111, and the stop 113 is disposed on the support frame 112 and adjacent to the edge of the support frame 112. The stop 113 has a through hole 1131. The circuit board assembly 20 includes a circuit board 21, a first electrical connector 22, and a cover 23. The circuit board 21, for example, houses a graphics processor (not shown), and is disposed on the support frame 112, further away from the edge of the support frame 112 than the stop 113. The first electrical connector 22 is, for example, a female optical connector. The first electrical connector 22 is disposed on the circuit board 21. The cover 23 is fixed to the circuit board 21, and covers the first electrical connector 22 and extends to the through hole 1131 of the stop 113, so that the first electrical connector 22 corresponds to the through hole 1131 of the stop 113.

[0096] In this embodiment, the electronic device 1 may further include a fan module 40. The fan module 40 is located inside the housing 111 and on one side of the support frame 112. The bottom of the fan module 40 is adjacent to the bottom of the housing 111, and its shape together with the housing 111 forms a narrow assembly channel C. This assembly channel C corresponds to the first electrical connector 22 of the circuit board assembly 20, and the cable module 30 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 22 in sequence through the assembly channel C, the stop member 113, and the cover 23.

[0097] Next, please refer to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a side view of the cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The cable module 30 includes a cable assembly 31 and a guide mechanism 50. The cable assembly 31 includes a housing 311, a second electrical connector 312, and a cable 313. In addition, the cable assembly 31 may also include a fastener 314, an elastic member 315, and a pull tab 316.

[0099] The housing 311 includes, for example, a base 3111 and a top cover 3112, the top cover 3112 being slidably assembled to the base 3111 in a separable manner. For example, the base 3111 is a U-shaped shell, and the top cover 3112 is, for example, a U-shaped shell. The opposite sidewalls of the base 3111 and the opposite sidewalls of the top cover 3112 are connected, for example, by sliding blocks and grooves. The fastener 314 is, for example, a snap-fit ​​spring, one end of the fastener 314 being fixed to the top cover 3112, and the other end of the fastener 314 being movable relative to the top cover 3112 to fix the top cover 3112 to the base 3111 or to release the fixed relationship between the top cover 3112 and the base 3111.

[0100] It should be noted that the top cover 3112 is not limited to being slidably assembled to the base 3111. In other embodiments, the top cover may be slidably and / or rotatably assembled to the base.

[0101] It should be noted that the top cover 3112 is not limited to being fixed to the base 3111 by fastener 314. In other embodiments, the top cover can be fixed to the base by other means, such as by screws or clips. In this way, the fastener can be omitted, and the structure of the base and the top cover can be adjusted or omitted accordingly.

[0102] The second electrical connector 312 is, for example, a male optical connector. The second electrical connector 312 and the cable 313 are both partially disposed within the housing 311 and connected to each other, with the second electrical connector 312 and the cable 313 protruding from opposite ends of the housing 311 and partially located outside the housing 311. That is, the housing 311 surrounds and encloses the second electrical connector 312 and the cable 313. The second electrical connector 312 passes through the through-hole 1131 of the stop member 113 into the cover 23, thereby electrically connecting the second electrical connector 312 of the cable assembly 31 to the first electrical connector 22 of the circuit board assembly 20.

[0103] The second electrical connector 312 has a matching groove 3121 located inside the housing 311. The elastic member 315 is fixed to the upper cover 3112 and located inside the housing 311, and the end of the elastic member 315 away from the upper cover 3112 has a folded portion 3151, which is engaged with the matching groove 3121.

[0104] By engaging the elastic element 315 with the alignment groove 3121 of the second electrical connector 312, the elastic element 315 can absorb the thickness differences of the second electrical connectors 312, thus securing the second electrical connectors 312 of different thicknesses. Furthermore, the engagement of the folded portion 3151 of the elastic element 315 with the alignment groove 3121 of the second electrical connector 312 serves as a foolproof method during the assembly of the second electrical connector 312 with the housing 311, preventing incorrect assembly of the second electrical connector 312. In other words, if the second electrical connector 312 is installed backwards on the housing 311, preventing the alignment groove 3121 from engaging with the folded portion 3151 of the elastic element 315, the second electrical connector 312 cannot be successfully assembled into the housing 311.

[0105] It should be noted that the elastic element 315 and the alignment groove 3121 of the second electrical connector 312 are optional elements and structures, and may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0106] Pull tab 316 is partially located inside housing 311 and fixed to base 3111 of housing 311, and pull tab 316 and cable 313 both extend from inside housing 311 to outside housing 311 in the same direction. Pull tab 316 is used for the user to apply force to separate the second electrical connector 312 of cable assembly 31 from the first electrical connector 22 of circuit board assembly 20.

[0107] The guide mechanism 50 is, for example, a frame. It is slidably fitted onto the housing 311 and the second electrical connector 312, allowing adjustment of the length of the second electrical connector 312 protruding from the guide mechanism 50. The guide mechanism 50 has a positioning hole 57, and the base 3111 of the housing 311 has a positioning protrusion P. The positioning protrusion P engages with the positioning hole 57 to position the guide mechanism 50. For example, when the positioning protrusion P of the housing 311 engages with the positioning hole 57 of the guide mechanism 50, the guide mechanism 50 is positioned in a guiding position, at which point the length of the second electrical connector 312 protruding from the guide mechanism 50 is at its shortest. That is, the guide mechanism 50 is relatively close to the electrical connection end of the second electrical connector 312.

[0108] Next, the process of the second electrical connector 312 of the cable assembly 31 electrically connecting to the first electrical connector 22 of the circuit board assembly 20 will be described below. Please refer to Figures 4 to 6. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the process of the second electrical connector of the cable assembly electrically connecting to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] First, it should be noted that since the assembly channel C corresponding to the first electrical connector 22 of the circuit board assembly 20 is a long and narrow channel, it is difficult for the user's hand to go deep into the assembly channel C along with the cable module 30 while holding the cable module 30. Therefore, the user can only hold the housing 311 of the cable assembly 31 of the cable module 30 outside the assembly channel C and insert the cable module 30 into the assembly channel C in a blind insertion manner that roughly aligns with the first electrical connector 22 to make an electrical connection with the first electrical connector 22.

[0110] In this embodiment, by configuring the cable 313 surrounding the housing 311, the user can change from only being able to hold the less rigid cable 313 to being able to hold the more rigid housing 311 to put the cable module 30 into the assembly channel C, thus improving the stability of putting the cable module 30 into the assembly channel C.

[0111] As shown in Figure 4, before the cable module 30 is placed into the assembly channel C, the guide mechanism 50 is positioned in the guide position to support and guide the second electrical connector 312, preventing the second electrical connector 312 from swaying relative to the housing 311. Next, as shown in Figure 5, the cable module 30 is placed into the assembly channel C along direction D1, so that the second electrical connector 312 of the cable assembly 31 passes through the through hole 1131 of the stop member 113 and enters the housing 23, with the guide mechanism 50 abutting against the stop member 113. Then, as shown in Figure 6, continued force is applied to the cable module 30 along direction D1, causing the cable assembly 31 to slide relative to the guide mechanism 50 toward the first electrical connector 22, thus electrically connecting the second electrical connector 312 to the first electrical connector 22. This completes the electrical connection between the second electrical connector 312 of the cable assembly 31 and the first electrical connector 22 of the circuit board assembly 20.

[0112] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a cable module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a partial side view of a cable module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] The cable module 30a in this embodiment is similar to the cable module 30 in the above embodiment. The main difference between the two is the shape of the guide mechanism. Therefore, the following mainly describes the guide mechanism 50a of the cable module 30a in this embodiment. The parts of the cable module 30a in this embodiment that are the same as the cable module 30 in the above embodiment will not be described again.

[0114] In this embodiment, the guide mechanism 50a of the cable module 30a includes an assembly portion 501a and a frame portion 502a connected together. The assembly portion 501a of the guide mechanism 50a is slidably disposed on the housing 311a of the cable assembly 31a of the cable module 30a. The frame portion 502a of the guide mechanism 50a has a guide hole 5021a, and the second electrical connector 312a of the cable assembly 31a of the cable module 30a passes through the guide hole 5021a. The assembly portion 501a of the guide mechanism 50a can slide relative to the housing 311a, so that the frame portion 502a is relatively closer to the housing 311a in direction D2 or farther away from the housing 311a in direction D1. The guide mechanism 50a enables the second electrical connector 312a to be precisely electrically connected to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly.

[0115] Please refer to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is an exploded view of the support frame, guide mechanism, circuit board assembly, and cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In this embodiment, the electronic device 1c is, for example, a server. The electronic device 1c includes a chassis module 10c, a circuit board assembly 20c, and a cable assembly 31c. The chassis module 10c includes a housing 11c and a guide mechanism 50c. The housing 11c includes an outer shell 111c and a support frame 112c. The support frame 112c is disposed within the outer shell 111c, and the guide mechanism 50c is disposed on the support frame 112c.

[0117] Next, please refer to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] The guiding mechanism 50c includes a base 51c, a first guide member 52c, and a second guide member 53c. The base 51c is fixed to the support frame 112c, for example, by screws, and is adjacent to the edge of the support frame 112c. The base 51c has a through hole 511c. The first guide member 52c includes a first fixed portion 521c and a first movable portion 522c connected together. The first fixed portion 521c is fixed to the bottom 512c of the base 51c, and the first movable portion 522c extends toward the top 513c of the base 51c and is movable relative to the first fixed portion 521c. The second guide member 53c includes a second fixed portion 531c, a second movable portion 532c, and a double-folded lug portion 533c. The second fixed part 531c is fixed to the top 513c of the base 51c. The second movable part 532c is movably connected to the second fixed part 531c and extends toward the bottom 512c of the base 51c. The two folding ears 533c are respectively connected to the opposite sides of the second movable part 532c. The first movable part 522c, the second movable part 532c, and the two folding ears 533c together form a guide opening Gc. The guide opening Gc is closer to the edge of the support frame 112c than the through hole 511c, and the size of the guide opening Gc is smaller than the size of the through hole 511c.

[0119] The circuit board assembly 20c includes a circuit board 21c, a first electrical connector 22c, and a housing 23c. The circuit board 21c, for example, houses a graphics processor (not shown), and is disposed on a support frame 112c, located away from the edge of the support frame 112c from the seat 51c of the guide mechanism 50c. The first electrical connector 22c is, for example, a female optical connector. The first electrical connector 22c is disposed on the circuit board 21c. The housing 23c is fixed to the circuit board 21c and covers the first electrical connector 22c, extending to the through-hole 511c of the seat 51c of the guide mechanism 50c, such that the first electrical connector 22c corresponds to the through-hole 511c and the guide port Gc of the seat 51c of the guide mechanism 50c.

[0120] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cable assembly 31c includes a housing 311c, a second electrical connector 312c, and a cable 313c. The second electrical connector 312c is, for example, a male optical connector. The second electrical connector 312c and the cable 313c are both partially disposed within the housing 311c and connected to each other, and the second electrical connector 312c and the cable 313c protrude from opposite ends of the housing 311c and are partially located outside the housing 311c. That is, the housing 311c surrounds and covers the portion of the second electrical connector 312c and the cable 313c.

[0121] As shown in Figure 9, the electronic device 1c may further include a fan module 40c. The fan module 40c is located inside the housing 111c and on one side of the support frame 112c. The bottom of the fan module 40c is adjacent to the bottom of the housing 111c, and its shape together with the housing 111c forms a narrow assembly channel Cc. This assembly channel Cc corresponds to the first electrical connector 22c of the circuit board assembly 20c, and the cable assembly 31c is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 22c through the assembly channel Cc, the guide mechanism 50c, and the cover 23c.

[0122] Next, the process of the second electrical connector 312c of the cable assembly 31c electrically connecting to the first electrical connector 22c of the circuit board assembly 20c will be described below. Please refer to Figures 14 and 15, which illustrate the process of the second electrical connector of the cable assembly electrically connecting to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] First, it should be noted that since the assembly channel Cc corresponding to the first electrical connector 22c of the circuit board assembly 20c is a long and narrow channel, it is difficult for the user's hand to penetrate the assembly channel Cc along with the cable assembly 31c while holding the cable assembly 31c. Therefore, the user can only hold the housing 311c of the cable assembly 31c outside the assembly channel Cc and insert the cable assembly 31c into the assembly channel Cc in a blind insertion manner that roughly aligns with the first electrical connector 22c to perform the action of electrically connecting to the first electrical connector 22c.

[0124] In this embodiment, by configuring the cable 313c surrounding the housing 311c, the user can change from only being able to hold the less rigid cable 313c to being able to hold the more rigid housing 311c to put the cable assembly 31c into the assembly channel C, thus improving the stability of putting the cable assembly 31c into the assembly channel Cc.

[0125] As shown in Figure 14, after the cable assembly 31c is placed into the assembly channel Cc along direction D1, the second electrical connector 312c of the cable assembly 31c abuts against the first movable portion 522c of the first guide member 52c and the second movable portion 532c and the double-folded ear portion 533c of the second guide member 53c of the guide mechanism 50c. Next, as shown in Figure 15, continuing to apply force to the cable assembly 31c along direction D1 causes the cable assembly 31c to be guided by the first guide member 52c and the second guide member 53c, sequentially passing through the guide port Gc and the through hole 511c of the base body 51c, entering the cover body 23c, and electrically connecting to the first electrical connector 22c of the circuit board assembly 20c. Thus, the electrical connection between the second electrical connector 312c of the cable assembly 31c and the first electrical connector 22c of the circuit board assembly 20c is completed.

[0126] Next, please refer to Figures 16 to 18. Figure 16 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The support frame 112d, guide mechanism 50d, and circuit board assembly 20d in this embodiment are similar to the support frame 112c, guide mechanism 50c, and circuit board assembly 20c described in the previous embodiment. The main difference lies in the structural shape of the guide mechanism. Therefore, the following mainly describes the guide mechanism 50d in this embodiment, while other parts can be referred to in the above paragraphs and will not be repeated.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first guide member 52d and the second guide member 53d of the guiding mechanism 50d are pivotally disposed on the bottom 512d and top 513d of the base 51d, respectively, and located in the through hole 511d of the base 51d. The first guide member 52d has a first groove 521d, and the second guide member 53d has a second groove 531d. The first groove 521d and the second groove 531d together form the guide opening Gd. In addition, the guiding mechanism 50d also includes a first elastic member 54d and a second elastic member 55d. The first elastic member 54d and the second elastic member 55d are, for example, torsion springs. The two opposite ends of the first elastic member 54d abut against the first guide member 52d and the base 51d, respectively, and the two opposite ends of the second elastic member 55d abut against the second guide member 53d and the base 51d, respectively. The first elastic element 54d and the second elastic element 55d are respectively used to apply the force to the first guide element 52d and the second guide element 53d after they are pivoted by external force and move towards their initial positions.

[0129] In this embodiment, the first guide 52d and the second guide 53d are used to guide the second electrical connector 312c of the cable assembly 31c shown in FIG10 through the guide port Gd, so that the second electrical connector 312c enters the cover 23d of the circuit board assembly 20d and is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 22d of the circuit board assembly 20d.

[0130] Next, please refer to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] The support frame 112e, guide mechanism 50e, and circuit board assembly 20e of this embodiment are similar to the support frame 112c, guide mechanism 50c, and circuit board assembly 20c described in the previous embodiment. The main difference lies in the structural shape of the guide mechanism. Therefore, the following mainly describes the guide mechanism 50e of this embodiment, while other parts can be referred to in the above paragraphs and will not be repeated.

[0132] In this embodiment, the guiding mechanism 50e includes not only a first guiding member 52e and a second guiding member 53e, but also a third guiding member 54e and a fourth guiding member 55e. The first guiding member 52e, the second guiding member 53e, the third guiding member 54e, and the fourth guiding member 55e are all spring contacts. The first guiding member 52e and the second guiding member 53e are respectively fixed to the bottom 512e and the top 513e of the base 51e of the guiding mechanism 50e, while the third guiding member 54e and the fourth guiding member 55e are respectively fixed to the two sides 514e of the base 51e of the guiding mechanism 50e.

[0133] The first guide member 52e, the second guide member 53e, the third guide member 54e, and the fourth guide member 55e each include, for example, an annular elastic portion E1e and a spring portion E2e. Taking one of the guide members as an example, the annular elastic portion E1e is fixed to the base 51e and forms a movable groove Se. One end of the spring portion E2e is connected to the annular elastic portion E1e, and the other end of the spring portion E2e can swing relative to the annular spring portion E2e in the movable groove Se. The spring portions E2e of the first guide member 52e, the second guide member 53e, the third guide member 54e, and the fourth guide member 55e together form a guide opening Ge, and the guide opening Ge is farther from the edge of the support frame 112e than the through hole 511e of the base 51e.

[0134] In this embodiment, the first guide 52e, the second guide 53e, the third guide 54e and the fourth guide 55e are used to guide the second electrical connector 312c of the cable assembly 31c shown in FIG10 through the guide port Ge, so that the second electrical connector 312c enters the cover 23e of the circuit board assembly 20e and is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 22e.

[0135] Please refer to Figures 21 to 23. Figure 21 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 is a front view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the support frame, guide mechanism, and circuit board assembly of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] The support frame 112f, guide mechanism 50f, and circuit board assembly 20f of this embodiment are similar to the support frame 112c, guide mechanism 50c, and circuit board assembly 20c described in the previous embodiment. The main difference lies in the structural shape of the guide mechanism. Therefore, the following mainly describes the guide mechanism 50f of this embodiment, while other parts can be referred to in the above paragraphs and will not be repeated.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first guide member 52f of the guiding mechanism 50f is a spring, and the second guide member 53f is a slider. Further, the first guide member 52f includes a fixed portion 521f and a movable portion 522f connected together. The fixed portion 521f is fixed to the bottom 512f of the base 51f, and the movable portion 522f extends toward the top 513f of the base 51f and is movable relative to the fixed portion 521f. In addition, the top 513f of the base 51f is provided with multiple hook structures Hf extending toward the bottom 512f, and the second guide member 53f has multiple assembly holes 531f. These hook structures Hf of the top 513f of the base 51f are respectively assembled into these assembly holes 531f of the second guide member 53f, so that the second guide member 53f is slidably disposed on the top 513f of the base 51f through these hook structures Hf. These hook structures Hf prevent the second guide member 53f from separating from the top 513f of the base 51f. The second guide member 53f also has a guide ramp 532f, and the movable part 522f of the first guide member 52f and the guide ramp 532f of the second guide member 53f together form the guide opening Gf. The guide opening Gf is farther away from the edge of the support frame 112f than the through hole 511f of the base 51f.

[0138] In this embodiment, the movable part 522f of the first guide member 52f and the guide slope 532f of the second guide member 53f are used to guide the second electrical connector 312c of the cable assembly 31c shown in FIG10 through the guide port Gf, so that the second electrical connector 312c enters the cover 23f of the circuit board assembly 20f and is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 22f.

[0139] In this embodiment, the guide mechanism 50f further includes a plurality of elastic elements 54f. These elastic elements 54f are compression springs, and the opposite ends of each elastic element 54f abut against the top 513f of the seat 51f and the second guide member 53f, respectively. These elastic elements 54f are used to apply a force to the second guide member 53f to move toward the bottom 512f of the seat 51f.

[0140] Next, please refer to Figure 24, which is a partially enlarged perspective view of the guide mechanism after it has been overturned according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] In this embodiment, the base 51f is pivotally mounted on the support frame 112f. After removing the screws used to fix the base 51f to the support frame 112f, the base 51f can be flipped over to make more space, thus preventing the guide mechanism 50f from affecting the assembly of electronic components (such as graphics processors) on the circuit board 21f.

[0142] According to the electronic device, cable module, and housing module disclosed in the above embodiments, for example, when the assembly channel corresponding to the first electrical connector is a narrow and elongated channel, and the cable module can only be electrically connected by a blind-mating method with approximate alignment with the first electrical connector, the guide mechanism, which is disposed in the housing or movably disposed in the housing of the cable assembly, and guides the second electrical connector of the cable assembly to be electrically connected to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly, can still help the second electrical connector of the cable assembly to be accurately electrically connected to the first electrical connector. Thus, regardless of the type of cable assembly, the guide mechanism can assist in the smooth electrical connection of the second electrical connector of the cable assembly to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly.

[0143] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the preferred embodiments described above, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims appended to this specification.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: A casing; A circuit board assembly is disposed on the housing, including a circuit board and a first electrical connector, the first electrical connector being disposed on the circuit board; A cable assembly includes a housing, a second electrical connector, and a cable, wherein the second electrical connector and the cable are disposed in the housing and the cable is connected to the second electrical connector. And a guide mechanism for guiding the second electrical connector to electrically connect to the first electrical connector.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the guiding mechanism is movably disposed within the housing of the cable assembly.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the guiding mechanism is slidably fitted onto the housing and supports the second electrical connector.

4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the guiding mechanism includes an assembly portion and a frame portion connected to each other, the assembly portion being slidably disposed on the housing, the frame portion including a guiding through hole, and the second electrical connector passing through the guiding through hole.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the cable assembly further comprises an elastic element, the second electrical connector having a matching groove, the elastic element being disposed within the housing and engaged in the matching groove.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the cable assembly further includes a fastener, the housing includes a base and a top cover, the fastener is disposed between the base and the top cover, and the top cover is detachably connected to the base via the fastener.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a fan module disposed within the housing and separated from the bottom of the housing to form an assembly channel, the assembly channel corresponding to the first electrical connector of the circuit board assembly, the guide mechanism guiding the second electrical connector through the assembly channel to electrically connect to the first electrical connector.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the guiding mechanism is disposed in the housing.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the guiding mechanism comprises a base, a first guide member and a second guide member, the base being disposed on the housing and having a through hole corresponding to the first electrical connector, the first guide member and the second guide member being respectively disposed at the bottom and top of the base, the first guide member and the second guide member together forming a guide opening, the size of the guide opening being smaller than the size of the through hole, the guide opening corresponding to the first electrical connector, the guide opening allowing the second electrical connector of the cable assembly to pass through and be electrically connected to the first electrical connector.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first guide and the second guide are springs.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the first guide member includes a first fixed portion and a first movable portion connected together, the first fixed portion being fixed to the bottom of the base, the first movable portion extending toward the top of the base and movable relative to the first fixed portion, the second guide member including a second fixed portion, a second movable portion and a double-folded ear portion, the second fixed portion being fixed to the top of the base, the second movable portion being movably connected to the second fixed portion and extending toward the bottom of the base, the double-folded ear portions being respectively connected to opposite sides of the second movable portion, the first movable portion, the second movable portion and the double-folded ear portion together forming the guide opening.

12. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the guiding mechanism further includes a third guiding member and a fourth guiding member, respectively disposed on two sides of the base, and the first guiding member, the second guiding member, the third guiding member and the fourth guiding member together form the guiding port.

13. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first guide and the second guide are pivotally disposed at the bottom and top of the base, respectively, the first guide having a first groove and the second guide having a second groove, the first groove and the second groove together forming the guide opening.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the guiding mechanism further comprises a first elastic member and a second elastic member, respectively disposed on the first guide member and the second guide member, the first elastic member and the second elastic member being used to provide an elastic restoring force to the first guide member and the second guide member.

15. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first guide is a spring and the second guide is a slider.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the first guide member includes a fixed portion and a movable portion connected together, the fixed portion being fixed to the bottom of the base, the movable portion extending toward the top of the base and movable relative to the fixed portion, and the second guide member having a guide ramp, the movable portion and the guide ramp together forming the guide opening.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the guiding mechanism further comprises an elastic member disposed on the second guide member and used to apply a force to the second guide member toward the bottom of the base.

18. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the base is pivotally mounted on the housing.

19. A cable module, comprising: A cable assembly includes a housing, an electrical connector, and a cable, wherein the electrical connector and the cable are partially disposed within the housing and connected to each other; And a guide mechanism, movably disposed in the housing and supporting and guiding the portion of the electrical connector located outside the housing.

20. A housing module for carrying a circuit board and guiding a cable assembly electrically connected to an electrical connector on the circuit board, the housing module comprising: A housing that supports the circuit board; And a guide mechanism disposed in the housing and corresponding to the electrical connector on the circuit board, the guide mechanism being used to guide the cable assembly to electrically connect to the electrical connector on the circuit board.

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