Connecting piece, connecting structure and electronic equipment
By using flexible component connectors with mutually perpendicular centerlines in laptops, the problem of limited use of external screws has been solved, resulting in space savings, cost reduction, and improved production efficiency, thus promoting product miniaturization and weight reduction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LCFC HEFEI ELECTRONICS TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Current laptop designs suffer from problems such as large space occupation, high production costs, long assembly time, and low efficiency due to limitations in the use of external screws.
The connector includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part with their center lines perpendicular to each other. The connection is achieved through the elastic deformation of the first hook and the second hook, replacing the traditional screw structure.
It saves structural space, reduces production and labor costs, improves production efficiency, and enables the miniaturization and lightweight design of products.
Smart Images
Figure CN224176934U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a connector, a connection structure, and an electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] In the design of electronic devices, especially laptops, the increasingly stringent requirements for aesthetics in industrial design have limited the use of external screws. The D-shell in a laptop refers to the lower casing that contacts the desktop. Traditionally, screws were used to secure the D-shell, ensuring its stability and the airtightness of the cooling system. However, with the evolution of industrial design, the use of external screws has decreased, and in some cases, space constraints prevent their use. Existing solutions involve using screws in the center of the D-shell to help the flexible cooling foam make tight contact with the casing, creating a sealed space to guide airflow and improve heat dissipation efficiency.
[0003] However, this screw-pillar structure occupies a large space, limiting the compactness of the design; each piece of equipment requires screws and washers, resulting in higher production costs; the assembly time on the production line is long, increasing labor costs and reducing production efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0004] This disclosure provides a connector, a connection structure, and an electronic device to at least solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a connector is provided, including...
[0006] Support section;
[0007] A first elastic portion extends from the end face of the support portion. The first elastic portion is provided with a first hook, which is configured to cause the first elastic portion to elastically deform, thereby allowing the first elastic portion to switch between a normal state and a compressed state.
[0008] The second elastic part extends from the side of the support part. The second elastic part is provided with a second hook. The second hook is configured to drive the second elastic part to elastically deform so that the second elastic part can switch between an initial state and a deformed state.
[0009] The centerline of the first elastic part and the centerline of the second elastic part are perpendicular to each other.
[0010] In one embodiment, the first elastic portion includes two first elastic arms disposed opposite each other, each first elastic arm having a first hook, and the first hook being located on the side of the first elastic arm away from the other first elastic arm.
[0011] In one possible implementation, a first gap is provided between the two first spring arms.
[0012] In one embodiment, when the first elastic part is in a normal state, the first gap is 0.85mm to 0.95mm.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the engagement amount of the first hook is 0.15mm to 0.25mm.
[0014] In one possible embodiment, the length of the first elastic arm is 4.01 mm to 4.11 mm.
[0015] In one embodiment, the second elastic portion includes two opposing second elastic arms, and the second hook is formed on the second elastic arms.
[0016] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a connection structure is provided, including a first body and a second body, wherein the first body and the second body are connected by a connector as described in any of the above embodiments.
[0017] In one embodiment, the first body has a through hole for the first elastic part to pass through, and a chamfer is provided in the through hole, and the first hook engages with the chamfer; the second body has a holding part, and the second hook engages with the holding part.
[0018] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including a connector or connection structure as described in the above-described embodiments.
[0019] In this disclosure, since the connector includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part with mutually perpendicular center lines, it can connect two components together. Compared with the traditional screw structure, the structural space is effectively saved, providing more possibilities for the layout of other components inside the electronic device and helping to achieve miniaturization and lightweight design of the product. Since the connector does not require the use of screws and washers for connection, the production cost is greatly reduced. In addition, during the assembly process on the production line, there is no need to perform screw fastening operations, which can save labor costs, reduce assembly steps, and improve production efficiency.
[0020] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which:
[0022] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.
[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;
[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a connection structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;
[0025] Figure 3 An overall structural cross-sectional view of a connection structure according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown;
[0026] Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of a connection structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0027] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Support part; 2. First elastic part; 3. Second elastic part; 4. First body; 5. Second body; 21. First hook; 22. First spring arm; 31. Second hook; 32. Second spring arm; 41. Through hole; 42. Chamfer; 51. Holding part. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0029] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] Reference Figure 1As shown, a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure includes a support portion 1, a first elastic portion 2, and a second elastic portion 3. The first elastic portion 2 extends from the end face of the support portion 1 and is provided with a first hook 21. The first hook 21 is configured to cause the first elastic portion 2 to elastically deform, thereby switching the first elastic portion 2 between a normal state and a compressed state. The second elastic portion 3 extends from the side of the support portion 1 and is provided with a second hook 31. The second hook 31 is configured to cause the second elastic portion 3 to deform, thereby switching the second elastic portion 3 between an initial state and a deformed state. The centerline of the first elastic portion 2 and the centerline of the second elastic portion 3 are perpendicular.
[0031] In this embodiment, the support portion 1 serves as the basic structure of the connector, supporting and connecting the first elastic portion 2 and the second elastic portion 3. The first elastic portion 2 extends from the end face of the support portion 1, which is the upper surface of the support portion 1. When the first hook 21 interacts with the component it mates with, under external force, the first elastic portion 2 can undergo elastic deformation and enter a compressed state, thereby allowing the first hook 21 to engage with the component it mates with. After the first hook 21 is engaged, it springs back to its normal state. The second elastic portion 3 extends from the side of the support portion 1, which is the side arc surface of the support portion 1. Similar to the first elastic portion 2, when the second hook 31 interacts with the component it mates with, under external force, the second elastic portion 3 can undergo elastic deformation and enter a deformed state, thereby allowing the second hook 31 to engage with the component it mates with. After the second hook 31 is engaged, it springs back to its initial state. Because the centerline of the first elastic part 2 and the centerline of the second elastic part 3 are perpendicular, the connector has elastic connection capabilities in different directions, enabling better space utilization, adaptability to the connection environment, and improved connection stability and reliability. For example, two parallel components can be connected together through the first elastic part 2 and the second elastic part 3 of the connector. Compared to the traditional screw connection method, this method effectively saves structural space, provides more possibilities for the layout of other components inside the product, and helps to achieve miniaturization and lightweight design of the product. When manufacturing the connector, processes such as injection molding can be used. Materials with good elasticity and strength are selected, and the material is injected into the mold cavity according to the designed mold. After cooling and demolding processes, connectors that meet dimensional and precision requirements are manufactured.
[0032] In summary, the connector of this disclosure, by including a first elastic part 2 and a second elastic part 3 with mutually perpendicular centerlines, can connect two components together. Compared with the traditional screw structure, structural space is effectively saved, providing more possibilities for the layout of other components inside the product, and helping to achieve miniaturization and lightweight design of the product. Since the connector does not require the use of screws and washers for connection, each connector can save $0.01 in screw cost and $0.006 in washer cost, totaling approximately $0.016. If mass production is carried out, for example, producing 320,000 connectors, approximately $5,120 can be saved, greatly reducing production costs. In addition, during the assembly process on the production line, there is no need for screw fastening operations, which can save approximately $0.005 in labor costs per product. Taking 320,000 products as an example, approximately $1,600 in labor costs can be saved, while reducing assembly steps and improving production efficiency.
[0033] In one embodiment, the first elastic part 2 includes two first elastic arms 22 disposed opposite to each other, each first elastic arm 22 having a first hook 21, and the first hook 21 being located on the side of the first elastic arm 22 away from the other first elastic arm 22.
[0034] In one embodiment, a first gap is provided between the two first spring arms 22.
[0035] In this embodiment, the first hook 21 is located on the side of the first spring arm 22 away from the other first spring arm 22, that is, the first hook 21 is located on the outer side of the first spring arm 22. It should be noted that "outer side" here refers to the side of the first spring arm 22 closer to the side of the support portion 1, to ensure that the first hook 21 can be engaged with the component it mates with. When the first hook 21 interacts with the component it mates with, the two opposing first spring arms 22 can elastically deform together. Under external force, they deform simultaneously in a direction closer to each other, thereby allowing the two first hooks 21 to engage with the component they mate with. After the first hook 21 is engaged, it springs back to its normal state. This structure with two first spring arms 22 provides a more uniform distribution of elastic force. The two first spring arms 22 can share the stress, reducing the stress burden on a single spring arm, while enhancing the stability and durability of the connection between the first hook 21 and the component. The first gap helps to adapt to different stress conditions and tolerance ranges during connection, improving the reliability of the connection. When subjected to vibration or impact, the two first elastic arms 22 can coordinate their deformation through the first gap to keep the first hook 21 engaged with the mating parts, which greatly improves the stability and reliability of the connection and reduces the risk of the first hook 21 coming off.
[0036] In one embodiment, when the first elastic part 2 is in a normal state, the first gap is 0.85mm to 0.95mm.
[0037] In one embodiment, the engagement amount of the first hook 21 is 0.15mm to 0.25mm.
[0038] In one embodiment, the length of the first spring arm 22 is 4.01 mm to 4.11 mm.
[0039] In this embodiment, the preferred first gap is 0.9mm, the engagement amount of the first hook 21 is 0.2mm, and the length of the first spring arm 22 is 4.06mm. It should be understood that 0.9mm, 0.2mm, and 4.06mm are not absolute values and can deviate slightly within tolerance limits. These preferred dimensions were determined through computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation and actual testing. The 0.2mm engagement amount ensures reliable connection between the first hook 21 and the mating component, preventing easy loosening under various conditions such as vibration and impact. Furthermore, this engagement amount prevents excessively deep engagement from causing disassembly difficulties or damage to the components. Taking into account factors such as material elasticity, required connection strength, and space constraints, the 4.06mm length of the first elastic arm 22 ensures sufficient elastic deformation capacity while providing stable support for the first latch 21, ensuring that the first latch 21 maintains good performance when fastened and subjected to external forces. Compared with traditional screw connection structures, it can save approximately 1.79mm × 1.07mm of space, providing greater flexibility for the layout of other components inside the product.
[0040] The specific process of determining the dimensions using CAE simulation is as follows:
[0041] The first step is to adjust the first gap and the amount of engagement of the connector. After the adjustment is completed, the results of the CAE simulation table are obtained and the corner drop test is carried out in combination with the physical model. In this step, the data with insufficient engagement is first eliminated because the first hook 21 will pop open. According to the judgment criteria, the test result is a failure and cannot meet the actual use requirements.
[0042] The second step is to define the initial connector as the original design. Through CAE simulation, it is observed that under the original design, the two first spring arms 22 will contact each other. Moreover, during the simulation of the connector's engagement and disengagement, the first spring arms 22 contact each other. This situation will affect the normal use of the connector. Therefore, the test result based on the two first spring arms 22 contacting each other is also judged as a failure.
[0043] The third step involves selecting data that meets the requirements of both the first and second steps, and then increasing the length of the first spring arm 22 to perform another simulation. The simulation results show that when the length of the first spring arm 22 is increased, the optimization level reaches 35.86% compared to the original design. Furthermore, the optimized connector meets the requirements in all tests. Based on this ideal simulation result, the final mold design is created according to the results of this CAE simulation to ensure that the produced product meets the expected performance standards.
[0044] In one embodiment, the second elastic part 3 includes two second elastic arms 32 disposed opposite to each other, a second hook 31 is formed on the second elastic arms 32, and a second gap is formed between the two second elastic arms 32.
[0045] In this embodiment, when the second hook 31 interacts with its mating component, the two opposing second elastic arms 32 can elastically deform in tandem. Under external force, they deform simultaneously in a direction closer to each other, causing the two second hooks 31 to engage with their mating components. After engaging, the second hooks 31 spring back to their initial state. This structure with two second elastic arms 32 provides a more uniform distribution of elastic force. The two second elastic arms 32 can share the stress, reducing the stress burden on a single arm and enhancing the stability and durability of the connection between the second hook 31 and the mating component. The second gap helps adapt to different stress conditions and tolerance ranges during connection, improving the reliability of the connection. When subjected to vibration or impact, the two second elastic arms 32 can coordinate their deformation through the second gap, maintaining the engagement of the second hook 31 with the mating component, greatly improving the stability and reliability of the connection and reducing the risk of the second hook 31 disengaging. The dimensional design of the second elastic arms 32 can also be determined through CAE simulation and actual testing, and will not be elaborated further here.
[0046] Reference Figures 2-4 As shown, this disclosure also provides a connection structure, including a first body 4 and a second body 5, wherein the first body 4 and the second body 5 are connected by a connector in any of the above-described embodiments.
[0047] In this embodiment, taking a laptop computer as an example, the D-shell of the laptop computer refers to the lower shell of the laptop computer that contacts the desktop, and the first body 4 can be the D-shell of the laptop computer. The first elastic part 2 of the connector cooperates with the corresponding structure on the first body 4, and the second elastic part 3 cooperates with the corresponding structure on the second body 5. For example, the first hook 21 of the first elastic part 2 engages with the corresponding slot or structure on the first body 4. During the engagement process, the first spring arm 22 undergoes elastic deformation, causing the first hook 21 to engage with the corresponding slot or structure on the first body 4; the second hook 31 of the second elastic part 3 engages with the corresponding slot or structure on the second body 5. During the engagement process, the second spring arm 32 undergoes elastic deformation, causing the second hook 31 to engage with the corresponding slot or structure on the second body 5.
[0048] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first body 4 has a through hole 41 for the first elastic part 2 to pass through, and a chamfer 42 is provided inside the through hole 41. The first hook 21 is engaged with the chamfer 42. The second body 5 has a holding part 51, and the second hook 31 is engaged with the holding part 51.
[0049] This disclosure also provides an electronic device including a connector or connection structure as described in the above embodiments.
[0050] In this embodiment, by setting connectors or connecting structures, the electronic device effectively saves structural space, providing more possibilities for the layout of other components inside the electronic device, and helping to achieve miniaturization and lightweight design of the product; since the connectors do not require the use of screws and washers for connection, production costs are greatly reduced; in addition, during the assembly process on the production line, there is no need to perform screw fastening operations, which can save labor costs, reduce assembly steps, and improve production efficiency.
[0051] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.
[0052] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figures but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.
[0053] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0054] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.
[0055] This disclosure has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this disclosure, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A connector, characterized in that, include Support (1); The first elastic part (2) extends from the end face of the support part (1). The first elastic part (2) is provided with a first hook (21). The first hook (21) is configured to drive the first elastic part (2) to elastically deform so that the first elastic part (2) can switch between a normal state and a compressed state. as well as The second elastic part (3) extends from the side of the support part (1). The second elastic part (3) is provided with a second hook (31). The second hook (31) is configured to drive the second elastic part (3) to elastically deform so that the second elastic part (3) can switch between the initial state and the deformed state. The centerline of the first elastic part (2) is perpendicular to the centerline of the second elastic part (3).
2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic part (2) includes two first elastic arms (22) arranged opposite to each other, each first elastic arm (22) having a first hook (21) and the first hook (21) being located on the side of the first elastic arm (22) away from the other first elastic arm (22).
3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, There is a first gap between the two first spring arms (22).
4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first elastic part (2) is in a normal state, the first gap is 0.85mm to 0.95mm.
5. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engagement amount of the first hook (21) is 0.15mm to 0.25mm.
6. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the first spring arm (22) is 4.01mm to 4.11mm.
7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second elastic part (3) includes two second elastic arms (32) disposed opposite to each other, and the second hook (31) is formed on the second elastic arm (32).
8. A connection structure comprising a first body (4) and a second body (5), characterized in that, The first body (4) and the second body (5) are connected by a connector as described in any one of claims 1-7.
9. The connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first body (4) has a through hole (41) through which the first elastic part (2) passes. A chamfer (42) is provided in the through hole (41), and the first hook (21) is engaged with the chamfer (42). The second body (5) has a holding part (51), and the second hook (31) is engaged with the holding part (51).
10. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes the connector as described in any one of claims 1-7 or the connection structure as described in any one of claims 8-9.