Controller and light guide structure
By using a connection method where the light guide column is snapped onto the edge of the control board, the problem of cumbersome installation of the light guide structure is solved, achieving fast and reliable assembly and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423320789.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-31
AI Technical Summary
The light guide structure on the existing controller is cumbersome to install and the installation process is complicated, resulting in slow assembly speed and high cost.
The light guide post is connected to the edge of the control board by snapping. Through the snapping cooperation of the limiting groove and the rib, the light guide structure and the control board can be quickly and reliably assembled, avoiding the hot melt welding process.
This improved the assembly efficiency of the light guide structure and control board, reduced assembly costs, and ensured the reliability and stability of the connection.
Smart Images
Figure CN223622768U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of control equipment technology, and more specifically, to a controller and a light guide structure. Background Technology
[0002] Drivers and servers typically have numerous external ports, requiring multiple indicator lights to illuminate and indicate their operational status. To the inventor's knowledge, the light emitted by LED indicator lights mounted on the control board within the controller is usually guided to a position easily visible to the user using a light guide structure. This light guide structure typically requires a bracket to mount it to the device housing or control board, or it may be connected to the control board using a thermoforming welding process. Therefore, the structure is cumbersome, the installation process is complex, the installation speed is slow, and the assembly cost is high. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a controller and a light guide structure that can improve the connection method between the light guide structure and the control board, so that the light guide structure and the control board can be connected quickly and reliably, which is beneficial to improving assembly efficiency and reducing assembly costs.
[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a controller, including a control board and a light guide structure; the light guide structure includes a light guide post and a connecting part that snaps onto the edge of the control board.
[0005] The control panel has light-emitting components;
[0006] The light guide column has a light-incident surface at least at the end near the light-emitting element and a light-exit surface at least at the end away from the light-emitting element; the projection of the light-incident surface onto the control panel at least partially covers the light-emitting element.
[0007] The second aspect of this application provides a light guide structure, which includes a light guide post and a connecting part; the connecting part is connected to the light guide post and can be used to snap onto a PCB board with a light-emitting element; the light guide post has a light-incident surface at at least one end and a light-emitting surface at at least the other end; the light-incident surface can be used to cover the PCB board, and the projection of the light-incident surface can be used to at least partially cover the light-emitting element.
[0008] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include:
[0009] The controller provided in this application includes a control board and a light guide structure. The light guide structure includes a light guide post and a connecting part that snaps into the edge of the control board. The light guide post in this application has a light-incident surface at least at the end near the light-emitting element and a light-exit surface at least at the end away from the light-emitting element. The projection of the light-incident surface onto the control board at least partially covers the light-emitting element. This application directly snaps the connecting part of the light guide structure into the edge of the control board, achieving a snap-fit fixation between the control board and the light guide structure, which facilitates rapid and reliable assembly of the light guide structure and the control board. In production, this not only effectively improves assembly efficiency but also effectively reduces assembly costs.
[0010] The second aspect of this application provides a light guide structure, which includes a light guide post and a connecting portion. The connecting portion in this embodiment can be snapped onto a PCB board with a light-emitting element. The light guide post has at least one light-incident surface at one end and at least one light-outcident surface at the other end. The light-incident surface can be used to cover the PCB board, and the projection of the light-incident surface can at least partially cover the light-emitting element. This embodiment uses the light guide post to guide the light generated by the light-emitting element, and the extension of the light guide post allows for status indication even at a distance from the PCB board. The light guide structure in this embodiment snaps onto the edge of the PCB board, which improves assembly efficiency and reduces assembly costs. Attached Figure Description
[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0012] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the light guide structure in the embodiments of this application;
[0013] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the light guide structure according to an embodiment of this application;
[0014] Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the control board in an embodiment of this application;
[0015] Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the control board structure according to an embodiment of this application;
[0016] Figure 5 This is the third schematic diagram of the light guide structure in the embodiments of this application;
[0017] Figure 6 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the light guide structure in the embodiments of this application;
[0018] Figure 7 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the light guide structure in the embodiments of this application;
[0019] Figure 8 This is the sixth schematic diagram of the light guide structure in the embodiments of this application;
[0020] Figure 9 This is the seventh schematic diagram of the light guide structure in the embodiments of this application.
[0021] icon:
[0022] 100-Light guide structure; 101-Control board; 102-Light guide post; 103-Connecting part; 104-Limiting groove; 105-Hanging hole; 106-Rib; 107-Snap-fit part; 108-Light incident surface; 109-Light emitting surface; 110-Light emitting element; 111-First rib; 112-Second rib; 113-Side plate; 114-Light guide post connector; 115-Side opening; 116-Plug-in part. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other technical solutions obtained by those skilled in the art based on the technical solutions in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0025] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0026] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0027] To address the problems existing in the background technology, this application provides a controller and a light guide structure.
[0028] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, this application embodiment provides a controller, including a control board 101 and a light guide structure 100; the light guide structure 100 includes a light guide post 102 and a connecting part 103 that snaps into the edge of the control board 101; the control board 101 has a light-emitting element 110;
[0029] The light guide post 102 has a light-incident surface 108 at least at the end near the light-emitting element and a light-exiting surface 109 at least at the end away from the light-emitting element 110; the projection of the light-incident surface 108 onto the control panel 101 at least partially covers the light-emitting element 110.
[0030] It should be noted that the edge of the control panel 101 is the circumferential edge area of the control panel 101, that is, not the central area of the control panel 101, but the part of the control panel 101 near the edge constitutes the edge of the control panel 101.
[0031] It should be noted that the limiting groove 104 can be configured as a U-shaped limiting groove, a trapezoidal groove, or a limiting groove of other shapes. Additionally, it should be noted that the light-incident surface 108 here can be only a portion of the light guide post near the light-emitting element, or it can be a complete surface, or it can be a surface of the light guide post 102 that is not at the end, but at least part of it must be the light-incident surface 108 near the light-emitting element 110. Similarly, the light-emitting surface 109 located on the light guide post 102 at the end away from the light-emitting element 110 can be only a portion, or it can be a complete surface, or it can be a surface of the light guide post 102 that is not at the end, but at least part of it must be the light-emitting surface 109 at the end away from the light-emitting element 110.
[0032] As an embodiment of this application, the light guide structure 100 includes a light guide post 102 and a connecting portion 103; a limiting groove 104 and a mounting hole 105 are provided on the control plate 101, the limiting groove 104 extending inward from the edge of the control plate 101; the connecting portion 103 includes a rib 106 and a snap-fit portion 107. When the snap-fit portion 107 is snapped into the mounting hole 105, the rib 106 abuts against the bottom of the limiting groove 104.
[0033] The number and specific structure of the light guide pillars 102 can be set by those skilled in the art as needed, and no special limitation is made therein. For example, two or three light guide pillars 102 can be set.
[0034] The rib 106 can be inserted into the limiting groove 104 and abut against the bottom of the limiting groove 104. The two sides of the limiting groove 104 can clamp the rib 106 to achieve a snap-fit engagement.
[0035] It should be noted that the rib 106 in this embodiment is located on one side of the light guide post 102 and can be inserted from the side of the control board 101.
[0036] Specifically, the rib 106 can approach the limiting groove 104 from the edge of the control plate 101. In this embodiment, the rib 106 is inserted from the opening of the limiting groove 104 until the rib 106 abuts against the bottom of the limiting groove 104, and the snap-fit part 107 engages with the hanging hole 105.
[0037] In this embodiment, the light guide post 102 has a light-incident surface 108 parallel to the control board 101 at the end near the snap-fit part 107, and a light-exiting surface 109 at the end away from the snap-fit part 107. The control board 101 in this embodiment has a light-emitting element 110 at a position corresponding to the light-incident surface 108. The light generated by the light-emitting element 110 enters the light-incident surface 108 and exits through the light-exiting surface 109, thus guiding the light of the light-emitting element 110. Compared to the prior art, this embodiment directly uses a limiting groove 104 and a rib 106 for snap-fit, and uses the snap-fit part 107 to cooperate with the hanging hole 105 to achieve snap-fit fixing of the light guide structure 100. This eliminates the need for hot-melt welding and avoids a cumbersome structure, facilitating rapid and reliable assembly of the light guide structure and the control board 101. In production, this not only effectively improves assembly efficiency but also effectively reduces assembly costs.
[0038] It should be noted that the controller provided in this application embodiment can be used to control various electrical devices, such as an air conditioner controller or a router controller. Those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate controller based on their needs.
[0039] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the snap-fit part 107 can be configured as an inverted triangular structure. The inclined surface of the inverted triangular structure can snap into the hanging hole 105, generating a force that prevents the rib 106 from disengaging from the limiting groove 104. Of course, the snap-fit part 107 can also be a protruding buckle, which is not limited here.
[0040] It should be noted that the light guide structure 100 is able to effectively guide and distribute the light emitted by the light-emitting element 110 to various parts of the indicator light to achieve a uniform, bright and beautiful lighting effect.
[0041] The color of the light guide or light-emitting element 110 can be set by those skilled in the art as needed. For example, it can be set to any one of the colors such as red, green or yellow.
[0042] Furthermore, the material of the light guide structure 100 can be PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), etc., with materials having high transparency and good mechanical properties being preferred. The surface of the light guide structure 100 can be polished, frosted, or grooved to improve the distribution and uniformity of light. Additionally, it is preferable to use a suitable mold to injection mold the light guide material to ensure the shape and dimensional accuracy of the light guide structure 100.
[0043] As an optional implementation, there are multiple limiting grooves 104 and they are arranged at intervals along the edge of the control plate 101; there are multiple ribs 106 and they are inserted into the multiple limiting grooves 104 one by one.
[0044] The above settings can further enhance the connection reliability between the light guide structure 100 connecting part 103 and the control board 101, which helps to prevent the light guide structure 100 from loosening and ensures a stable connection between the light guide structure 100 and the control board 101.
[0045] For example, there can be three limiting grooves 104 and three ribs 106, with the three ribs 106 being inserted into the three limiting grooves 104 one by one.
[0046] Alternatively, the depth or width of the limiting groove 104 can be set to be inconsistent to prevent the light guide structure 100 and the control board 101 from being inserted backwards, ensuring that the light guide structure 100 and the control board 101 can achieve a precise connection. Of course, the depth of the limiting groove 104 can also be set to be different, and the groove width can also be inconsistent.
[0047] For example, there are two limiting grooves 104, and the width of the first limiting groove 104 is greater than the width of the second limiting groove 104.
[0048] For example, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, there are two limiting grooves 104. The depth of the first limiting groove 104 extending inward from the edge of the control plate is greater than the depth of the second limiting groove 104. The rib 106 includes a first rib 111 and a second rib 112 that are respectively inserted into the two limiting grooves 104.
[0049] It should be noted that, as needed, those skilled in the art can set the depth and width of the two limiting grooves 104 to be different. This setting can effectively prevent the light guide structure 100 from being installed incorrectly or in reverse. If it is manually installed backwards or in the wrong position, the rib 106 cannot be inserted into the limiting groove 104, which can protect the control board 101 and prevent the surface of the control board 101 from being scratched by the snap-fit part 107.
[0050] As an optional implementation method, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the snap-fit part 107 is located in the space between the first rib 111 and the second rib 112.
[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the snap-fit part 107 is disposed between the first rib 111 and the second rib 112. When the first rib 111 and the second rib 112 are respectively inserted into the two limiting grooves 104, the snap-fit part 107 can be hooked into the hook-fitting hole 105 in the middle of the two limiting grooves 104.
[0052] Preferably, the mounting hole 105 is located away from the edge of the control board 101, so that the two limiting grooves 104 and the mounting hole 105 form a triangular arrangement on the plane of the control board 101. The triangular arrangement can form a stable connection structure, so that the connecting part 103 of the light guide structure 100 is stably connected to the control board 101.
[0053] It should be noted that the mounting hole 105 can also be located below the first rib 111 or the second rib 112, and the snap-fit part 107 can be snapped in below the first rib 111 or the second rib 112.
[0054] In this embodiment of the application, there can be multiple mounting holes 105 and multiple snap-fit parts 107, with each snap-fit part 107 corresponding to and connected to a mounting hole 105.
[0055] For example, two mounting holes 105 can be provided as needed, one mounting hole 105 is located below the first rib 111, and the other mounting hole 105 is located below the second rib 112. The two snap-fit parts 107 are respectively attached to the mounting holes 105 below the first rib 111 and the second rib 112.
[0056] It should be noted that, preferably, the mounting hole 105 is a through hole formed on the control board 101, and no electrical components are provided on the path of the snap-fit part 107 inserted into the mounting hole 105, so as to avoid the snap-fit part 107 from scratching the devices on the surface of the control board 101.
[0057] As an optional implementation, the connecting part 103 is a U-shaped connecting part, and the opening direction of the U-shaped connecting part is approximately the same as the plane direction of the control plate 101; the control plate 101 can be inserted into the U-shaped connecting part, and the light guide post 102 is located on one side of the plane of the control plate 101; the U-shaped connecting part forms a light incident surface 108 on its inner sidewall near the light guide post 102. It should be noted here that "approximately the same direction" means that the directions are basically consistent, with only minor errors that may be caused by manufacturing processes, but not enough to affect the snap-fit between the U-shaped connecting part and the control plate.
[0058] The connecting part 103 in this embodiment is a U-shaped connecting part. The U-shaped connecting part can be inserted into the control board 101. In this embodiment, the light-incident surface 108 is disposed on the inner side wall of the U-shaped connecting part near the light-emitting element 110, so that the light generated by the light-emitting element 110 can be directly incident on the light-incident surface 108.
[0059] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the connecting part 103 is a U-shaped connecting part, and the opening direction of the U-shaped connecting part is the same as the plane direction of the control plate 101; the control plate 101 can be inserted into the U-shaped connecting part, and the light guide post 102 is located on one side of the plane of the control plate 101; the U-shaped connecting part forms a light incident surface 108 on the inner sidewall near the light guide post 102.
[0060] As an optional implementation, the snap-fit portion 107 is arranged on the side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion near the light-emitting element 110, and the side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion away from the light-emitting element 110 has a side plate 113, which abuts against the side of the control plate 101.
[0061] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the snap-fit portion 107 is arranged on one side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion, while the side plate 113 is arranged on the other side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion. The side plate 113 and the snap-fit portion 107 can clamp the control plate 101 and generate a limiting force in the direction perpendicular to the control plate 101, thereby achieving vertical positioning and fixing of the control plate 101.
[0062] Additionally, it should be noted that the snap-fit portion 107 can generate a limiting force parallel to the plane where the control plate 101 is located. The extending direction of this limiting force is consistent with the extending direction of the limiting groove 104, which can prevent the ribs 106 of the connecting portion 103 from coming out of the limiting groove 104.
[0063] As an optional implementation, the snap-fit portion 107 is arranged on the side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion away from the light-emitting element 110, and the snap-fit portion 107 has a contact surface that fits against the side of the control plate 101.
[0064] It should be noted that the snap-fit part 107 in this embodiment includes a connecting plate and a buckle disposed on the connecting plate. The buckle is a triangular protrusion structure, or it can be configured as other structures as needed, with the purpose of achieving snap-fit with the hanging hole 105.
[0065] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, as an optional implementation, there are at least a plurality of light guide pillars 102, and the plurality of light guide pillars 102 are arranged at intervals along the edge of the control plate 101.
[0066] It should be noted that multiple light guide pillars 102 are arranged at intervals along the edge of the control board 101, with a spacing between adjacent light guide pillars 102. The size of the spacing between adjacent light guide pillars 102 can be set by those skilled in the art as needed, and is not specifically limited thereto.
[0067] It should be noted that there can be two or three light guide pillars 102. Those skilled in the art can set the number of light guide pillars 102 as needed.
[0068] Reference Figure 8 As shown, as an optional implementation, a light guide column connector 114 is provided between adjacent light guide columns 102.
[0069] It should be noted that the light guide post connector 114 can be integrally formed with the light guide post 102 through injection molding or other processes, or it can be set as a separate structural component and connected to the light guide post 102 by adhesive or other connection methods. The purpose is to achieve lateral connection and support for adjacent light guide posts 102 and enhance the strength of the entire light guide structure.
[0070] The embodiment of this application enables the series connection of adjacent light guide columns 102 through the setting of the light guide column connector 114, which is beneficial to enhance the overall structural strength of the light guide column 102.
[0071] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the connecting part 103 is provided with a side opening 115; the control plate 101 is provided with a plug-in part 116 for inserting into the side opening 115.
[0072] In this embodiment, the insertion of the side opening 115 and the insertion part 116 further enhances the reliability of the snap-fit between the light guide structure 100 and the control board 101, thereby achieving a fast and stable connection between the light guide structure 100 and the control board 101.
[0073] In addition, the present application also provides a light guide structure, the light guide structure 100 including a light guide post 102 and a connecting part 103; the connecting part 103 is connected to the light guide post 102, and the connecting part 103 can be used to snap onto a PCB board with a light-emitting element; the light guide post 102 has a light-incident surface 108 at at least one end and a light-emitting surface 109 at at least the other end; the light-incident surface 108 can be used to cover the PCB board, and the projection of the light-incident surface 108 can be used to at least partially cover the light-emitting element 110.
[0074] It should be noted that the light generated by the light-emitting element 110 can enter the light-emitting surface 108 and be transmitted out of the light-emitting surface 109.
[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the light generated by the light-emitting element 110 is directed out through the light guide column 102, and the extension of the light guide column 102 enables the indication of the working status to be achieved even at a distance from the PCB board.
[0076] In addition, the light guide structure 100 of this application embodiment is snapped onto the edge of the PCB board, which helps to improve assembly efficiency and reduce assembly costs.
[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A controller, characterized in that, It includes a control board (101) and a light guide structure (100); the light guide structure (100) includes a light guide post (102) and a connecting part (103) that engages with the edge of the control board (101); The control panel (101) has a light-emitting element (110); The light guide post (102) has a light-incident surface (108) at least at the end near the light-emitting element and a light-exit surface (109) at least at the end away from the light-emitting element; the projection of the light-incident surface (108) on the control panel (101) at least partially covers the light-emitting element (110).
2. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control plate (101) has a limiting groove (104) and a hook hole (105). The limiting groove (104) extends inward from the edge of the control plate (101). The connecting part (103) includes a rib (106) and a snap-fit part (107). When the snap-fit part (107) is snapped into the hook hole (105), the rib (106) abuts against the bottom of the limiting groove (104).
3. The controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are at least two limiting grooves (104), and the width of the first limiting groove (104) is greater than the width of the second limiting groove (104).
4. The controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are at least two limiting grooves (104), and the depth of the first limiting groove (104) extending inward from the edge is greater than the depth of the second limiting groove (104).
5. The controller according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The rib (106) includes a first rib (111) and a second rib (112) that are respectively engaged with the two limiting grooves (104), and the engaging part (107) is disposed between the first rib (111) and the second rib (112).
6. The controller according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The connecting part (103) is a U-shaped connecting part, and the opening direction of the U-shaped connecting part is the same as the plane direction of the control board (101); the control board (101) can be inserted into the U-shaped connecting part, and the light guide post (102) is located on one side of the plane of the control board (101); the U-shaped connecting part forms the light incident surface (108) on the inner sidewall near the light guide post (102).
7. The controller according to claim 6, characterized in that, The snap-fit portion (107) is arranged on the side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion near the light-emitting element (110), and the side of the U-shaped structure connecting portion away from the light-emitting element (110) has a side plate (113), which abuts against the side of the control plate (101).
8. The controller according to claim 6, characterized in that, The snap-fit part (107) is arranged on the side of the U-shaped structure connecting part away from the light-emitting element (110), and the snap-fit part (107) has a contact surface that fits against the side of the control board (101).
9. The controller according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, There are at least two light guide pillars (102), and at least two light guide pillars (102) are arranged at intervals along the edge of the control plate (101).
10. The controller according to claim 9, characterized in that, A light guide column connector (114) is provided between adjacent light guide columns (102).
11. The controller according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The connecting part (103) is provided with a side opening (115); the control plate (101) is provided with a plug-in part (116) for inserting into the side opening (115).
12. A light guiding structure, characterized in that, The light guide structure (100) includes a light guide post (102) and a connecting part (103); the connecting part (103) is connected to the light guide post (102) and can be used to snap onto a PCB board with a light-emitting element; the light guide post (102) has a light-incident surface (108) at at least one end and a light-emitting surface (109) at at least the other end; the light-incident surface (108) can be used to cover the PCB board, and the projection of the light-incident surface (108) can be used to at least partially cover the light-emitting element (110).