Fixing device for connector, connector assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a fixing device for a connector, a connector assembly and electronic equipment, and can be applied to the technical field of computers. The device comprises a flexible cable, the first end of the flexible cable is provided with an interface suitable for being electrically connected with electronic equipment, and the second end of the flexible cable is electrically connected with a connector; the cover plate is crimped at the joint of the flexible cable and the connector; the shell is arranged on the connector and the cover plate in a sleeving mode, the rear end of the shell is connected with the cover plate, and the front end of the shell and the connector form a matching end suitable for being connected with external equipment in a pluggable mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of computer technology, and more specifically to a fixing device for a connector, a connector assembly, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices (such as laptops) have different connector centering requirements depending on their different shapes and designs.

[0003] Considering that connector pins are usually soldered onto circuit boards inside electronic devices, in related technologies, even for the same model of connector, products with different center heights are still required to meet different connector centering requirements, making it difficult to meet different connector centering requirements with the same product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a fixing device for connectors, connector assemblies and electronic devices, avoiding the problems of limited adjustment of connector installation position and difficulty in meeting the centering requirements of connectors in different electronic devices.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a fixing device for a connector is provided, comprising: a flexible cable, a first end of which is provided with an interface suitable for electrical connection with an electronic device, and a second end of which is electrically connected to a connector; a cover plate, which is pressed onto the connection between the flexible cable and the connector; and a housing, which is sleeved on the connector and the cover plate, the rear end of the housing being connected to the cover plate, and the front end of the housing being configured to form a mating end with the connector suitable for pluggable connection with an external device.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, a mounting assembly is provided on the outer surface of the housing, and the housing is configured to be centrally disposed within the transmission interface of the electronic device via the mounting assembly.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, the housing includes: an annular body portion formed by bending a single sheet of metal; and a mounting assembly including: two flaps integrally extending from and bent from opposite sidewalls of the body portion, each flap being configured to connect to an electronic device.

[0008] According to an embodiment of this application, each winglet has a mounting hole formed on it.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this application, the cover plate has a first end face facing the connector and a second end face away from the connector, the first end face being pressed against the connection between the flexible cable and the connector; the housing also includes a fixing component, which is bent from the rear end of the body and configured to abut against the second end face.

[0010] According to an embodiment of this application, the fixing component includes: a first fixing plate, formed by bending from the rear end of the upper or lower wall of the main body toward a second end face; and at least one second fixing plate, formed by bending from the rear end of at least one side wall of the main body toward a second end face.

[0011] According to an embodiment of this application, a fixing protrusion groove and at least one first fixing groove are formed on the second end face. The fixing protrusion groove is configured to engage with a through hole formed on the first fixing plate, and the first fixing groove is configured to engage with the second fixing plate.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this application, at least one second fixing groove is formed at the rear end of at least one sidewall of the main body, and at least one protrusion is formed on the first end face, the protrusion being configured to engage with the second fixing groove.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a connector assembly is provided, including: a connector and the above-described fixing device for the connector.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, which includes the above-described fixing device for a connector.

[0015] According to the embodiments of this application, the fixing device, connector assembly, and electronic device for connectors are provided. The connection between the connector and the electronic device is realized by using a flexible cable, breaking the structural limitation of the connector being soldered to the circuit board. At the same time, with the cooperation of the flexible cable, connector, cover plate, and housing, while ensuring a stable connection between the flexible cable and the connector, the installation position of the housing can be flexibly adjusted according to the centering requirements of the electronic device under different appearance shapes, thereby adapting to the centering requirements of all connectors of the same model. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above-mentioned contents, other objects, features and advantages of this application will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown;

[0018] Figure 2 An exploded view schematically illustrates a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic top view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows a top view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of the present application in a fixed state;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic left view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram schematically shows a right view of the housing according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Reference numerals: 110, flexible cable; 120, cover plate; 121, first end face; 122, second end face; 1221, fixing protrusion groove; 1222, first fixing groove; 1223, protrusion; 130, housing; 131, main body; 1311, first housing wall; 1312, second housing wall; 1313, third housing wall; 1314, fourth housing wall; 132, fixing assembly; 1321, first fixing plate; 1322, second fixing plate; 1323, second fixing groove; 140, connector; 150, mounting assembly; 151, first wing; 152, second wing; 153, first mounting hole; 154, second mounting hole; 160, mating end.

[0024] It should be noted that, for clarity, the dimensions of the whole, part of the structure, or the whole or part of the region in the drawings used to describe the embodiments of this application may be enlarged or reduced, that is, these drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this application.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0027] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0028] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B and C", they should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having A and B, a system having A and C, a system having B and C, and / or a system having A, B and C, etc.).

[0029] It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "one side", "the other side", "one end", "the other end", "side", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structure referred to has a specific orientation, or is constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "direct connection," "indirect connection," "fixed connection," "installation," and "assembly" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. The terms "installation," "connection," and "fixed connection" can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Different shapes and designs of electronic devices (such as laptops) present different requirements for connector centering.

[0032] In actual production, connector pins are soldered to the internal circuit board of electronic devices, and the connector's mounting position is fixed. Related technologies balance the circuit board height and connector center height by maintaining a constant connector center height, adjusting the circuit board height, or maintaining a constant circuit board height and selecting a connector with a center height that matches the connector's centering requirements, thereby satisfying the connector's centering needs. Here, the connector center height refers to the vertical distance from the connector's socket center to the circuit board mounting surface; that is, the height of the connector's interface opening's centerline relative to the circuit board after the connector pins are soldered onto the circuit board.

[0033] However, the former restricts the installation position of the circuit board and poses a risk of affecting the layout of other components in the electronic device; the latter makes it difficult to meet different connector centering requirements with the same product. For the same type of connector, multiple products with different center heights are still required to adapt to different connector centering requirements, resulting in high upgrade and replacement costs.

[0034] In view of the problems existing in the related technologies, the embodiments of this application provide a fixing device for connectors that can meet the centering requirements of all connectors in the same type of connector assembly.

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown. Figure 2 An exploded view schematically illustrates a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 A schematic top view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows a top view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of the present application in a fixed state.

[0036] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the fixing device for the connector includes a flexible cable 110, a cover plate 120, and a housing 130; the first end of the flexible cable 110 is provided with an interface suitable for electrical connection with an electronic device, and the second end of the flexible cable 110 is electrically connected to the connector 140; the cover plate 120 is pressed into the connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140; the housing 130 is sleeved on the connector 140 and the cover plate 120, the rear end of the housing 130 is connected to the cover plate 120, and the front end of the housing 130 is configured to form a mating end 160 with the connector 140 suitable for pluggable connection with an external device.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, the first end of the flexible cable 110 is configured for electrical connection with the circuit board of an electronic device. The flexible cable 110 overcomes the structural limitations imposed by the fixed connection between the connector 140 and the circuit board, facilitating flexible adjustment of the housing 130's mounting position and thus meeting different connector centering requirements. Simultaneously, the cover plate 120 pressed against the connection point and the housing 130 sleeved on the connector 140 and the cover plate 120 ensure a stable connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140. Furthermore, it overcomes the spatial limitations imposed on circuit board design by connector centering requirements, greatly enhancing the design freedom of the circuit board.

[0038] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 ,by Figure 1 , Figure 2 The X direction is the first direction. For example, the cover plate 120 is pressed against the connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140 along the first direction, and the housing 130 is sleeved on the connector 140 and the cover plate 120 along the first direction.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, a mounting assembly 150 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 130, and the housing 130 is configured to be centrally disposed within the transmission interface of the electronic device via the mounting assembly 150.

[0040] According to an embodiment of this application, the housing 130 can be installed inside an electronic device by means of the mounting component 150, such that the front end of the housing 130 is configured to be centrally located within the data interface of the electronic device by means of the mounting component 150, so as to facilitate pluggable connection with external devices.

[0041] Based on this, by simply adjusting the installation position of the mounting component 150, the housing 130 can be centered within the transmission interface of the electronic device, thus meeting the connector centering requirement. For example, if the connector 140 is a USB connector 140 and the electronic device is a laptop, the housing 130 can be centered within the USB interface of the electronic device using the mounting component 150.

[0042] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in an embodiment of this application, the housing 130 includes an annular body portion 131, which is formed by bending a single sheet of metal. The mounting assembly 150 includes two flaps that extend integrally from and are bent from opposite sidewalls of the body portion 131, each flap being configured to connect to an electronic device.

[0043] According to an embodiment of this application, the main body 131 may include a first shell wall 1311, a second shell wall 1312, a third shell wall 1313 and a fourth shell wall 1314 connected in sequence, and the first shell wall 1311, the second shell wall 1312, the third shell wall 1313 and the fourth shell wall 1314 are an integral structure.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, for ease of distinction, the wing located on the second shell wall 1312 is named the first wing 151, and the wing located on the fourth shell wall 1314 is named the second wing 152. The first wing 151 extends integrally from the second shell wall 1312 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, facing away from the main body 131 and is formed by bending. The second wing 152 extends from the fourth shell wall 1314 facing away from the first wing 151 and is formed by bending. Here, the second direction is... Figure 2 in the Y direction.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, on the one hand, the main body 131 and the mounting assembly 150 are designed as a single unit to ensure the structural stability of the housing 130; on the other hand, the first wing 151 and the second wing 152 are formed by bending, and in practical applications, the bending height of the wing can be flexibly adjusted according to the required installation position, which facilitates the position adjustment of the housing 130.

[0046] In the embodiments of this application, each winglet has a mounting hole formed on it.

[0047] The mounting hole on the first wing 151 is named the first mounting hole 153, and the mounting hole on the second wing 152 is named the second mounting hole 154. The first mounting hole 153 and the second mounting hole 154 are configured to engage with a connector to secure the housing 130 to the electronic device. The dimensions and shapes of the first wing 151, the second wing 152, the first mounting hole 153, and the second mounting hole 154 can be flexibly set according to the dimensions and shape of the connector and installation requirements. For example, the first mounting hole 153 and the second mounting hole 154 can be circular, and the diameter of the first mounting hole 153 can be smaller than the diameter of the second mounting hole 154. The first wing 151 and the second wing 152 are made of the same metal sheet as the annular portion. The connector can be a bolt, screw, stud, etc.

[0048] In the actual installation of the fixing device for the connector, the bolt can be passed through the first mounting hole 153 and then connected to the base plate of the electronic device to limit the range of motion of the fixing device during the installation process; then the screw is passed through the second mounting hole 154 and threaded to the base plate to fix the connector 140.

[0049] In an embodiment of this application, the cover plate has a first end face 121 facing the connector 140 and a second end face 122 away from the connector 140. The first end face 121 is pressed against the connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140. The housing 130 also includes a fixing component 132, which is bent from the rear end of the main body 131 and configured to abut against the second end face 122.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, exemplarily, the cover plate 120 is disposed along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, wherein the third direction is... Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the Z direction; the fixed component 132 is fitted into the second end face 122, and the flexible cable 110 can be a soft flat cable.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments, on the one hand, the bending height of the fixing component 132 formed by bending from the rear end of the main body 131 can be flexibly set according to the actual assembly requirements of the fixing device for the connector; on the other hand, the cover plate 120 is further fixed by the abutment between the fixing component 132 and the second end face 122 to prevent it from shifting, thereby ensuring a tight connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140.

[0052] Figure 5 The schematic diagram shows a left view of a fixing device for a connector according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 A schematic right view of the housing 130 according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0053] like Figures 1-6 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the fixing component includes a first fixing plate 1321 and at least one second fixing plate 1322; the first fixing plate 1321 is formed by bending from the rear end of the upper or lower wall of the main body 131 toward the second end face 122; at least one second fixing plate 1322 is formed by bending from the rear end of at least one side wall of the main body 131 toward the second end face 122.

[0054] For example, the fixing assembly 132 includes a first fixing plate 1321 and two second fixing plates 1322; the first fixing plate 1321 is formed by bending from the rear end of the first shell wall 1311 toward the second end face 122, one second fixing plate 1322 is formed by bending from the rear end of the fourth shell wall 1314 toward the second end face 122, and the other second fixing plate 1322 is formed by bending from the rear end of the second shell wall 1312 toward the second end face 122.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the cover plate 120 is fixed by the first fixing plate 1321 and the second fixing plate 1322, which improves the stability of the connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140; at the same time, the first fixing plate 1321 and the second fixing plate 1322 are formed by bending, realizing the integrated design of the housing 130 structure and improving the stability of the housing 130 structure.

[0056] In embodiments of this application, a fixing protrusion groove 1221 and at least one first fixing groove 1222 are formed on the second end face 122. The fixing protrusion groove 1221 is configured to engage with a through hole formed on the first fixing plate 1321, and the at least one first fixing groove 1222 is configured to engage with at least one second fixing plate 1322.

[0057] The fixing protrusion groove 1221 faces the first fixing plate 1321. The bottom surface of the fixing protrusion groove 1221 has fixing protrusions that match the through holes on the first fixing plate 1321. The sidewalls of the fixing protrusions are connected to the through holes, so that the first fixing plate 1321 is fitted into the fixing protrusion groove 1221. The number of fixing protrusions is equal to the number of through holes, and there can be two through holes. The number of first fixing grooves 1222 matches the number of second fixing plates 1322, and the second fixing plates 1322 are fitted into the first fixing grooves 1222.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the abutment between the housing 130 and the cover plate 120 can be achieved by using the cooperation between the fixed protrusion groove 1221 and the first fixed plate 1321, as well as the cooperation between the first fixed groove 1222 and the second fixed plate 1322, which facilitates the assembly of the fixing device while ensuring structural stability.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one second fixing groove 1323 is formed at the rear end of at least one sidewall of the main body 131, and at least one protrusion 1223 is formed on the first end face 121, the protrusion 1223 being configured to engage with the second fixing groove 1323.

[0060] For example, the rear end of the second shell wall 1312 is recessed to form a second fixing groove 1323, and one end of the first end face 121 extends toward the second fixing groove 1323 on the second shell wall 1312 to form a protrusion 1223, which engages with the second fixing groove 1323 on the second shell wall 1312. The rear end of the fourth shell wall 1314 is recessed to form a second fixing groove 1323, and the other end of the first end face 121 forms another protrusion 1223 toward the second fixing groove 1323 on the fourth shell wall 1314, which engages with the second fixing groove 1323 on the fourth shell wall 1314.

[0061] In the embodiments of this application, the stability of the connection between the cover plate 120 and the housing 130 can be further improved by the provision of the second fixing groove 1323 and the protrusion 1223.

[0062] Based on the above-described fixing device for connectors, embodiments of this application also provide a connector assembly, including: a connector 140 and the above-described fixing device for connectors.

[0063] Connector 140 includes a base and a connection terminal disposed on the base. A first end of the connection terminal is provided with a port for electrical connection to an external device, and a second end of the connection terminal is electrically connected to a second end of the flexible cable 110. A cover plate 120 is crimped onto the connection point between the flexible cable 110 and the connection terminal.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, housing 130 is fitted onto connector 140 and cover 120. The front end of housing 130 is configured to form a mating end 160 with the front end of base and the first end of connection terminal for pluggable connection with external device.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, the first end of the flexible cable 110 is configured for electrical connection with the circuit board of an electronic device. The flexible cable 110 overcomes the structural limitations imposed by the fixed connection between the connector 140 and the circuit board, facilitating flexible adjustment of the housing 130's mounting position and thus meeting different connector centering requirements. Simultaneously, the cover plate 120 pressed against the connection point and the housing 130 sleeved on the connector 140 and the cover plate 120 ensure a stable connection between the flexible cable 110 and the connector 140. Furthermore, it overcomes the spatial limitations imposed on circuit board design by connector centering requirements, greatly enhancing the design freedom of the circuit board.

[0066] To verify the effectiveness of the connector assembly described in the embodiments of this application, a high-frequency test was performed on the connector assembly, and the test results are shown in Tables 1 to 4 below. As can be seen from Tables 1 to 4, the connector assembly described in the embodiments of this application can meet the application requirements of electronic devices.

[0067] Table 1 Differential near-end crosstalk between the transmitter and receiver

[0068]

[0069] Table 2 Differential far-end crosstalk (between the transmitter and receiver)

[0070]

[0071] Table 3 Differential Impedance of Mating Connectors

[0072]

[0073] Table 4 Differential Impedance of Mating Connectors

[0074]

[0075] Based on the above-described fixing device for connectors, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, which includes the above-described fixing device for connectors and connector 140.

[0076] The electronic device in this application embodiment can be a tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), or other electronic device that requires a transmission interface. The transmission interface can be a data transmission interface or a charging interface.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments of this application can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this application. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments of this application can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this application. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fixing device for a connector, characterized in that, include: A flexible cable (110) has a first end provided with an interface suitable for electrical connection with an electronic device, and a second end of the flexible cable (110) is electrically connected to the connector (140). A cover plate (120) is pressed onto the connection between the flexible cable (110) and the connector (140); A housing (130) is fitted onto the connector (140) and the cover plate (120), the rear end of the housing (130) is connected to the cover plate (120), and the front end of the housing (130) is configured to form a mating end (160) with the connector (140) for pluggable connection with an external device.

2. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the housing (130) is provided with a mounting assembly (150), and the housing (130) is configured to be centrally disposed within the transmission interface of the electronic device via the mounting assembly (150).

3. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing (130) includes: The annular main body (131) is formed by bending a single metal sheet; The mounting component (150) includes: Two flaps are integrally extended and bent from opposite sidewalls of the main body (131), each flap being configured to connect to the electronic device.

4. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the blades has a mounting hole formed on it.

5. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate (120) has a first end face (121) facing the connector (140) and a second end face (122) facing away from the connector (140), the first end face (121) being pressed against the connection between the flexible cable (110) and the connector (140); The housing (130) also includes: The fixing component (132), which is bent from the rear end of the main body (131), is configured to abut against the second end face (122).

6. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing component (132) includes: The first fixing plate (1321) is formed by bending from the rear end of the upper or lower wall of the main body (131) toward the second end face (122); At least one second fixing plate (1322) is formed by bending from the rear end of at least one side wall of the main body (131) toward the second end face (122).

7. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, A fixing protrusion groove (1221) and at least one first fixing groove (1222) are formed on the second end face (122). The fixing protrusion groove (1221) is configured to engage with a through hole formed on the first fixing plate (1321), and the first fixing groove (1222) is configured to engage with the second fixing plate (1322).

8. The fixing device for a connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one second fixing groove (1323) is formed at the rear end of at least one side wall of the main body (131), and at least one protrusion (1223) is formed on the first end face (121), the protrusion (1223) being configured to engage with the second fixing groove (1323).

9. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: Connector (140) The fixing device for a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the fixing device for the connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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