Stackable, connectable connector module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stackable connector module for connecting a circuit board. The stackable connector module comprises a housing and a connector. The housing clamps the circuit board and comprises a first housing body and a second housing body. The first housing body further has a first opening, and the second housing body further has a second opening corresponding to the first opening. The connector is disposed in the housing and connected to the circuit board, and comprises a connector body, a plurality of first contact pieces and a plurality of second contact pieces. The first housing body and the second housing body jointly define a first accommodating space, and when the connector is disposed in the first accommodating space, opposite ends of the connector body are accommodated in the first opening and the second opening respectively, one end of the first contact pieces is exposed from the first opening, and one end of the second contact pieces is exposed from the second opening. The stackable connector module of the present invention can meet the requirements of high performance and ease of use for the current multi-module connector structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stackable connector module, and more particularly to a stackable connector module in which multiple modules can be freely stacked for connecting and energizing multiple connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Stackable modular connectors are connector solutions designed for high-performance and flexible applications. Their modular structure and high scalability make them particularly suitable for the high-precision connection needs of printers, copiers, and other automated equipment. Especially in industrial printers, stackable modular connectors enable efficient connections between multiple printhead modules, sensors, and control modules, meeting the demands of high-requirement applications such as large-format printing, precision label printing, and printed electronics. Internally, they can flexibly integrate various functional modules, including printhead drive modules, environmental sensing modules, data processing modules, power distribution modules, and high-speed data interfaces, supporting stable data and power transmission and ensuring efficient system operation. The modular design provides excellent configurability and maintainability, reducing operating costs by simplifying assembly and replacement processes. Furthermore, their compact structure and excellent anti-interference performance provide stable and reliable connections in harsh environments with limited space and high precision requirements, making them an indispensable key technology component in modern industrial equipment.

[0003] Traditional stackable connector modules typically use a pair of corresponding male and female connectors for mating, and multiple modules are connected in series via board-to-board connections. Specifically, each module requires soldering a male connector and a female connector onto two printed circuit boards on its top and bottom sides, and then these connectors are connected in series via board-to-board connections. However, this design presents many challenges and limitations in multi-module applications, including complex connector structures requiring precision manufacturing and assembly, and increased module thickness and size. Multiple board-to-board connections increase the risk of signal attenuation and poor contact, reducing connection reliability. Furthermore, installation and maintenance are cumbersome, replacement is difficult when damaged, and the increased requirements for materials and processes lead to relatively high costs. With an increased number of modules, circuit design easily becomes overly complex, limiting system scalability. Therefore, this technology struggles to effectively meet the current requirements for high performance and ease of use in multi-module connector structures.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a stackable connector module to solve the problems of complex structure, difficult installation and maintenance, and insufficient connection reliability in traditional technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a stackable connector module. This stackable connector module includes a housing and a connector assembly, with a circuit board connected to the connector and housed within the housing. The connector includes a first contact and a second contact arranged vertically and staggered, with solder points located on the same side of the circuit board. A portion of the first contact and a portion of the second contact are exposed through openings in the housing. Furthermore, a portion of the contact structure is designed as a beveled structure; the mutual guidance between the bevels reduces the impact generated during connector module engagement. The stackable connector module of this invention, through the combination of track grooves and guide blocks, as well as recesses and protrusions, significantly increases the smoothness of connector module assembly and prevents lateral wobbling. Additionally, the height design of the exposed second contact, protrusions, and guide blocks effectively protects the contacts and connector from impact damage during connection. Therefore, the stackable connector module of this invention can flexibly connect and stack other stackable connector modules, achieving a freely selectable and expandable multi-module structure, suitable for flexible configuration of various components such as nozzles and sensors, meeting different application requirements.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a stackable connector module for connecting a circuit board. The stackable connector module includes a housing and a connector. The housing clamps the circuit board and includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is partially connected to the second housing. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the circuit board. The first housing also has a first opening, and the second housing also has a second opening communicating with the first opening. The connector is disposed within the housing and connects to the circuit board, and includes a connector body, a plurality of first contacts, and a plurality of second contacts. The first contacts and the second contacts are respectively arranged adjacently and alternately along a first direction and extend to one side of the connector body. The first housing and the second housing together define a first accommodating space. When the connector is disposed in the first accommodating space, the opposite ends of the connector body are respectively accommodated in the first opening and the second opening. At the same time, one end of the first contact is exposed in the first opening, and one end of the second contact is exposed in the second opening, so that other stackable connector modules can make contact and conduct with each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first housing further includes a recess adjacent to the first opening, and the second housing further includes a protrusion adjacent to the second opening. When another stackable connector module is engaged, the protrusion of the other stackable connector module engages and is limited to the recess. The second contact of the other stackable connector module partially extends to the recess and does not interfere with the first housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first housing also has two first track grooves and two first guide blocks on both sides, and the second housing also has two second track grooves and two second guide blocks on both sides. The first track grooves can be used for corresponding insertion of the second guide blocks, and the second track grooves can be used for corresponding insertion of the first guide blocks.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bump has a first width, and the second guide block has a second width, the first width being smaller than the second width.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connector body further includes a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots, wherein the first slots are correspondingly provided with the first contact and the second slots are correspondingly provided with the second contact, and the first slots and the second slots are arranged in an alternating vertical arrangement.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the first contacts further includes a first fixing segment, a first extension segment, and a first contact segment connected together, and each of the second contacts further includes a second fixing segment, a second extension segment, and a second contact segment connected together. The first fixing segment and the second fixing segment are fixed on the same side of the circuit board. The first extension segment and the first contact segment are accommodated in the first recess, and the second extension segment and the second contact segment are accommodated in the second recess. The first contact segment and the second contact segment are respectively exposed in the first opening and the second opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first fixing segment is welded and fixed to the circuit board at a position relatively far from the connector body, and the second fixing segment is welded and fixed to the circuit board at a position relatively close to the connector body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first contact segment has a beveled portion and a flat portion, and the second contact segment has a curved portion and a limiting portion. When different stackable connector modules are connected, the second contact segment abuts against the flat portion via the curved portion and the beveled portion to guide the first contact segment and the second contact segment to interfere with each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the limiting portion has a T-shaped structure so that the second contact member is correspondingly limited in the second groove.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connector body further includes a first eave and a second eave, respectively formed at opposite ends of the connector body, the first eave and the second eave abutting and limiting the first opening and the second opening.

[0016] Other objects of the invention, as well as the means and embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon referring to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a connector and circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first contact and the second contact according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which two are stacked.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention, with two modules stacked together from another perspective.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a stackable connector module connecting to another stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a side view of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 A side sectional view of a stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing two modules stacked together; and

[0029] Figure 13 This is a side sectional view of a stackable connector module connected to another stackable connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1000 stackable connector modules

[0032] 2000 circuit board

[0033] 1. Outer shell

[0034] 11 First Shell

[0035] 111 First opening

[0036] 112 Depression

[0037] 113 First Track Slot

[0038] 114 First guide block

[0039] 12 Second shell

[0040] 121 Second opening

[0041] 122 bumps

[0042] 123 Second track slot

[0043] 124 Second guide block

[0044] 2 connectors

[0045] 21 Connector body

[0046] 211 First groove

[0047] 212 Second slot

[0048] 213 First Eaves

[0049] 214 Second Eaves

[0050] 22 First Contact

[0051] 221 First Fixed Section

[0052] 222 First Extension

[0053] 223 First contact segment

[0054] 2231 Bevel face

[0055] 2232 Planar Section

[0056] 23 Second Contact

[0057] 231 Second Fixed Section

[0058] 232 Second Extension

[0059] 233 Second contact segment

[0060] 2331 Bending section

[0061] 2332 Limiting Part

[0062] D1 First Direction

[0063] S1 First Accommodation Space

[0064] W1 First Width

[0065] W2 is the second width. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The following embodiments will explain the content of this invention. These embodiments are not intended to limit the implementation of this invention to any specific environment, application, or special method as described in the embodiments. Therefore, the descriptions of the embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. It should be noted that in the following embodiments and drawings, some elements not directly related to this invention have been omitted and are not shown, and the dimensional relationships between the elements in the drawings are for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the actual scale.

[0067] Please see Figures 1 to 3 . Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a stackable connector module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a stackable connector module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stackable connector module 1000 of the present invention is used to connect a circuit board 2000. The stackable connector module 1000 includes a housing 1 and a connector 2. Specifically, the connector 2 is connected to the circuit board 2000, and the housing 1 clamps the circuit board 2000, with the connector 2 and the circuit board 2000 disposed therein. Furthermore, other stackable connector modules 1000 of the present invention can be stacked and connected to the upper and lower sides of the housing 1, respectively.

[0068] Next, let's explain the outer casing 1. Please refer to it as well. Figure 5The outer casing 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the circuit board 2000, and the first housing 11 is partially connected to the second housing 12; in other words, the unconnected portion is used to clamp the circuit board 2000. Furthermore, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 together define a first accommodating space S1 for accommodating the connector 2. Specifically, the first housing 11 also has a first opening 111, a recess 112, two first track grooves 113, and two first guide blocks 114. The first opening 111 and the recess 112 are formed on the same side of the first housing 11, and the recess 112 is adjacent to the first opening 111. Each of the first track grooves 113 and each of the first guide blocks 114 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the first housing 11, and the first track grooves 113 are adjacent to the first guide blocks 114. On the other hand, the second housing 12 also has a second opening 121, a protrusion 122, two second track grooves 123, and two second guide blocks 124. The second opening 121 and the protrusion 122 are formed on the same side of the second housing 12, and the protrusion 122 is disposed adjacent to the second opening 121. Each of the second track grooves 123 and each of the second guide blocks 124 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the second housing 12, and the second track grooves 123 are formed adjacent to the second guide blocks 124. The first opening 111 and the second opening 121 are interconnected and are used to accommodate and abut against a portion of the connector 2. In this embodiment, as... Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the stackable connector module 1000 can be connected to another stackable connector module 1000. It can be connected via a first housing 11 to a second housing 12 of another stackable connector module 1000, or via a second housing 12 to a first housing 11 of another stackable connector module 1000. When the stackable connector module 1000 is stacked with another stackable connector module 1000, the recess 112 of the first housing 11 of the stackable connector module 1000 can be used to engage and limit the protrusion 122 of the other stackable connector module 1000. On the other hand, the first track groove 113 corresponds to the second guide block 124, and the second track groove 123 corresponds to the first guide block 114. The connection can be achieved by inserting the first guide block 114 into the second track groove 123 and the second guide block 124 into the first track groove 113. In this embodiment, the configuration of the track groove and guide block, as well as the setting of the protrusion and recess, can increase the smoothness of stacking different stackable connector modules 1000 when they are stacked, and at the same time avoid left and right swaying during connection, thus improving the stability of the multi-module connector structure.

[0069] In this embodiment, one side of the stackable connector module 1000 can be connected to another stackable connector module 1000 to form a combination structure of two stackable connector modules 1000, or both sides of the stackable connector module 1000 can be connected to two other stackable connector modules 1000 to form a combination structure of three stackable connector modules 1000. It should be noted that the multiple combination structures of the stackable connector modules 1000 of the present invention are exemplified by the combination of two stackable connector modules 1000, and the number can be adjusted to a maximum of eight structures according to actual connection requirements, which is not limited here.

[0070] Next, please refer to the detailed description of connector 2. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The connector 2 includes a connector body 21, a plurality of first contacts 22, and a plurality of second contacts 23. The first contacts 22 and the second contacts 23 are arranged adjacently and alternately along a first direction D1 and extend to the same side of the connector body 21. Specifically, the connector body 21 also includes a plurality of first slots 211, a plurality of second slots 212, a first protrusion 213, and a second protrusion 214. The first slots 211 and the second slots 212 are also formed along the first direction D1 on the same side of the connector body 21, and the first slots 211 and the second slots 212 are arranged in an alternating vertical arrangement. In other words, the upper row is all provided with first slots 211, and the lower row is all provided with second slots 212. The first slots 211 and the second slots 212 are staggered to respectively provide the first contacts 22 and the second contacts 23. Furthermore, the first eaves 213 and the second eaves 214 are respectively formed at opposite ends of the connector body 21. The first eaves 213 are formed at the end of the connector body 21 near the first housing 11, and the second eaves 214 are formed at the end of the connector body 21 near the second housing 12. The first eaves 213 and the second eaves 214 can respectively tightly engage with corresponding holes on the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. In this embodiment, when the connector 2 is disposed in the first accommodating space S1, the opposite ends of the connector body 21 are respectively accommodated in the first opening 111 of the first housing 11 and the second opening 121 of the second housing 12. At the same time, the first eaves 213 and the second eaves 214 of the connector body 21 abut against the first opening 111 and the second opening 121, respectively, which has the effect of limiting and fixing the connector 2 to the housing 1. At this time, one end of the first contact 22 is exposed in the first opening 111, and similarly, one end of the second contact 23 is exposed in the second opening 121. The exposed first contact 22 and the exposed second contact 23 correspond to the second contact 23 and the first contact 22 of other stackable connector modules 1000, respectively, and are interconnected and connected in series. It should be noted that both the first contact and the second contact are terminal pieces with elastic force, used for transmitting signals and electricity.

[0071] Following on, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, each of the first contact members 22 further includes a first fixing segment 221, a first extension segment 222, and a first contact segment 223 connected to each other. Each of the second contact members 23 further includes a second fixing segment 231, a second extension segment 232, and a second contact segment 233 connected to each other. The first extension segment 222 is connected between the first fixing segment 221 and the first contact segment 223. The second extension segment 232 is connected between the second fixing segment 231 and the second contact segment 233. The first fixing segment 221 and the second fixing segment 231 are fixed to the same side of the circuit board 2000 by soldering, wherein the first fixing segment 221 is soldered to a position of the circuit board 2000 relatively away from the connector body 21, and the second fixing segment 231 is soldered to a position of the circuit board 2000 relatively close to the connector body 21. On the other hand, the first extension segment 222 and the first contact segment 223 are correspondingly accommodated in the first recess 211, and the second extension segment 232 and the second contact segment 233 are correspondingly accommodated in the second recess 212. The first contact segment 223 is exposed in the first opening 111, and the second contact segment 233 is exposed in the second opening 121, allowing the first contact 22 to be electrically connected to the second contact 23 of another stackable connector module 1000. Similarly, the second contact 23 can be electrically connected to the first contact 22 of another stackable connector module 1000. Specifically, the first contact segment 223 has a connected beveled portion 2231 and a flat portion 2232, and the second contact segment 233 has a connected curved portion 2331 and a limiting portion 2332. When different stackable connector modules 1000 are connected, firstly, a portion of the second contact segment 233 enters the recess 112 of the other stackable connector module 1000, and the protruding curved portion 2331 first contacts the beveled portion 2231 of the first contact segment 223, and finally abuts against the flat portion 2232, as shown. Figure 13 As shown. The bend 2331 of the second contact segment 233 and the bend 2231 of the first contact segment 223 are designed to guide the first contact segment 223 and the second contact segment 233 to interfere with each other, which can reduce the impact and increase the smoothness when the connector module is docked, and is less likely to be damaged.

[0072] In this embodiment, the limiting portion 2332 of the second contact segment 233 presents a T-shaped structure, which is used to limit the second contact 23 to be correspondingly positioned in the second groove 212, thereby preventing the contact from loosening and falling off when the connector module is connected laterally.

[0073] It should be noted that the protrusion 122 of the second housing 12 has a first width W1, and the second guide block 124 of each of the second housings 12 has a second width W2. In this embodiment, the first width W1 is smaller than the second width W2, such as... Figure 11As shown. In other words, when different connector modules are assembled, the protrusion 122 does not extend beyond the second guide block 124, thus avoiding frictional damage caused by the assembly of the track groove and guide block. Additionally, the exposed second contact 23 does not extend beyond the protrusion 122, and the recess 112 can protect the protrusion 122 and the second contact 23 from collision damage during assembly. When one stackable connector module 1000 is assembled with another stackable connector module 1000, the second contact 23 of the other stackable connector module 1000 partially extends into the recess 112 of the first housing 11 and does not interfere with the first housing 11 of the stackable connector module 1000. As different stackable connector modules 1000 are engaged, the protrusion 122 of the second housing 12 engages in the recess 112 of the first housing 11 of the other stackable connector module 1000.

[0074] In summary, the stackable connector module of the present invention includes a housing and a connector structure, characterized in that a circuit board is connected in the middle of the connector and is covered by the housing, with the circuit board sandwiched inside. The connector includes first and second contacts arranged in an alternating manner, with some contacts exposed at the openings in the housing and designed with a beveled structure. This beveled design can guide each other during module assembly, reducing the degree of impact and improving durability. In addition, the stackable connector module of the present invention significantly enhances the smoothness of connector module assembly through the cooperation of track grooves and guide blocks, as well as the combination of recesses and protrusions. At the same time, the exposed height of the second contact does not exceed the height of the protrusion on the same side, and the height of the protrusion does not exceed the height of the first guide block. This dual design can effectively protect the contacts and connector, avoiding damage due to impact during connection. Accordingly, the stackable connector module of the present invention has the function of flexibly stacking and connecting other stackable connector modules on its upper and lower sides, further enhancing its application flexibility and practicality.

[0075] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of implementation schemes of the present invention and to explain the technical features of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any changes or equivalent arrangements that can be easily made by those skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A stackable connector module for connecting a circuit board, the stackable connector module comprising: An outer casing for housing the circuit board, the outer casing comprising a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being partially connected to the second housing, the first housing and the second housing being respectively disposed on opposite sides of the circuit board, the first housing further having a first opening, and the second housing further having a second opening communicating with the first opening; and A connector, disposed in the housing and connected to the circuit board, includes a connector body, a plurality of first contacts and a plurality of second contacts, wherein the first contacts and the second contacts are respectively arranged adjacently and alternately along a first direction and extend to one side of the connector body. in, The first housing and the second housing together define a first accommodating space. When the connector is disposed in the first accommodating space, the opposite ends of the connector body are respectively accommodated in the first opening and the second opening. At the same time, one end of the first contact is exposed in the first opening, and one end of the second contact is exposed in the second opening, so that other stackable connector modules can make contact and conduct with each other.

2. The stackable connector module as described in claim 1, wherein, The first housing also includes a recessed portion adjacent to the first opening, and the second housing also includes a protrusion adjacent to the second opening. When another stackable connector module is engaged, the protrusion of the other stackable connector module engages and is limited to the recessed portion. The second contact of the other stackable connector module partially extends to the recessed portion and does not interfere with the first housing.

3. The stackable connector module as described in claim 2, wherein, The first housing also has two first track grooves and two first guide blocks on both sides, and the second housing also has two second track grooves and two second guide blocks on both sides. The first track grooves can be used for the corresponding insertion of the second guide blocks, and the second track grooves can be used for the corresponding insertion of the first guide blocks.

4. The stackable connector module as described in claim 3, wherein, The bump has a first width, and the second guide block has a second width, the first width being smaller than the second width.

5. The stackable connector module as described in claim 1, wherein, The connector body also includes a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots. The first slots are correspondingly provided with the first contact, and the second slots are correspondingly provided with the second contact. The first slots and the second slots are arranged in an alternating vertical arrangement.

6. The stackable connector module as described in claim 5, wherein, Each of the first contacts further includes a first fixed section, a first extended section, and a first contact section connected together. Each of the second contacts further includes a second fixed section, a second extended section, and a second contact section connected together. The first fixed section and the second fixed section are fixed on the same side of the circuit board. The first extended section and the first contact section are accommodated in the first recess. The second extended section and the second contact section are accommodated in the second recess. The first contact section and the second contact section are respectively exposed in the first opening and the second opening.

7. The stackable connector module as described in claim 6, wherein, The first fixing section is welded and fixed to the circuit board at a position relatively far from the connector body, and the second fixing section is welded and fixed to the circuit board at a position relatively close to the connector body.

8. The stackable connector module as described in claim 6, wherein, The first contact segment has a beveled portion and a flat portion, and the second contact segment has a curved portion and a limiting portion. When different stackable connector modules are connected, the second contact segment abuts against the flat portion through the curved portion and the beveled portion to guide the first contact segment and the second contact segment to interfere with each other.

9. The stackable connector module as described in claim 8, wherein, The limiting part has a T-shaped structure so that the second contact member is correspondingly limited in the second groove.

10. The stackable connector module as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connector body also includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, which are respectively formed at opposite ends of the connector body. The first protrusion and the second protrusion abut against the first opening and the second opening.

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