In-mold assembly structure of EMI spring and spacer for SFP network connector

By adopting an in-mold assembly structure of slots and latches in SFP network connectors, the problems of low assembly efficiency and poor stability of EMI springs and spacers are solved, achieving an efficient and stable assembly process.

CN224328947UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-05GUANGDONG HUAZHAN ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG HUAZHAN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-23
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing SFP network connectors have low EMI spring and spacer assembly efficiency, are labor-intensive, and have an unstable structure.

Method used

The first connecting section has through slots on both surfaces, and the slots and buckles are formed by punching in the mold. The buckles are fastened to the slots, thus achieving in-mold assembly of the EMI spring and the spacer.

Benefits of technology

It improved assembly efficiency, reduced manpower consumption, enhanced the stability of the assembly structure, and ensured product quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of in-mold assembly structure of EMI spring and spacer of SFP network connector, including spacer and EMI spring;The two side surfaces of the spacer are formed with fixed through slot;The EMI spring includes covering section, first spring section, second spring section, first connecting section and second connecting section, the front end of the spacer is covered by the covering section, the first spring section and the second spring section are respectively integrated to extend backward at the two ends of covering section, the first spring section and the second spring section are respectively located at the two sides of spacer, the first connecting section and the second connecting section are respectively extended backward at the rear end of first spring section and the rear end of second spring section, the first connecting section and the second connecting section are overlapped together and located in fixed through slot;Two surfaces of the first connecting section are provided with buckle slot, correspondingly, the second connecting section is formed with notch and buckle part in mould by punching, the buckle part is integrally connected with the edge of notch, and the buckle part is buckled and fixed with buckle slot.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of SFP network connectors, and in particular to an in-mold assembly structure of EMI springs and spacers for an SFP network connector. Background Technology

[0002] SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) network connectors are compact, hot-pluggable fiber optic modules widely used in network equipment such as switches and routers. They are designed to provide high-speed, high-density network connectivity and support various transmission rates and distances. The small size of SFP network connectors facilitates use in compact network devices, while also allowing devices to support more ports. Users can safely insert or remove SFP modules without powering off the device, greatly improving flexibility and maintainability. SFP network connectors support various transmission rates, including 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, 4Gbps, 8Gbps, and 10Gbps, meeting the needs of different network applications.

[0003] EMI springs and spacers are two important components of SFP network connectors. During the production and assembly process of SFP network connectors, EMI springs and spacers need to be assembled. Currently, the spacer has a fixed through-slot formed on both sides. The EMI spring includes a covering section, a first spring segment, a second spring segment, a first connecting section, and a second connecting section. The covering section covers the front end of the spacer. The first and second spring segments extend backward integrally from both ends of the covering section, respectively, and are located on both sides of the spacer. The first and second connecting sections extend backward from the rear ends of the first and second spring segments, respectively. The first and second connecting sections are stacked together and located in the fixed through-slot, and are fixed by laser welding. However, the aforementioned structure is primarily assembled manually. The final product requires two sets of stamping dies (including one EMI spring die and one partition die), considerable manual labor, and a laser welding fixture. This results in low assembly efficiency, high manpower consumption, and the fact that the first and second connecting sections are only fixed by welding, leading to an unstable assembly structure and compromised product quality. Therefore, it is necessary to research a solution to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention addresses the deficiencies of the existing technology and its main objective is to provide an in-mold assembly structure for the EMI spring and spacer of an SFP network connector, which can effectively solve the problems of low assembly efficiency, high manpower consumption and insufficient structural stability of the existing EMI spring and spacer assembly structure of SFP network connectors.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An in-mold assembly structure of an EMI spring and spacer for an SFP network connector includes a spacer and an EMI spring. A fixing groove is formed through both sides of the spacer. The EMI spring includes a covering section, a first spring segment, a second spring segment, a first connecting section, and a second connecting section. The covering section covers the front end of the spacer. The first and second spring segments extend backward integrally from both ends of the covering section, respectively, and are located on both sides of the spacer. The first and second connecting sections extend backward from the rear ends of the first and second spring segments, respectively. The first and second connecting sections are stacked together and located in the fixing groove. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed through both surfaces of the first connecting section. Correspondingly, the second connecting section is formed in a mold by punching a slot and a snap-fit ​​part. The snap-fit ​​part is integrally formed and connected to the edge of the slot, and the snap-fit ​​part is engaged and fixed with the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, one surface of the first connecting segment is fitted with the second connecting segment. The fastening part includes two fastening pieces, which are symmetrical to each other and are integrally formed and connected to the two ends of the groove. The two fastening pieces are bent backward and pressed against the other surface of the first connecting segment, resulting in a stable connection structure.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the buckle is a connecting piece, the two ends of which are integrally formed and connected to the two ends of the groove. The connecting piece is adapted to the buckle groove, and buckle points are protruding on both sides of the buckle groove. Each buckle point is snapped into the two sides of the connecting piece, resulting in a simple structure and a stable connection.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the fastening points and connecting pieces are fixed in the mold by laser welding, which further makes the connection structure more robust.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, as can be seen from the above technical solution:

[0011] By creating slots through both surfaces of the first connecting section and punching out slots and fasteners in the mold for the second connecting section, the product can be assembled within a single mold by engaging the fasteners with the slots. This saves on a stamping mold and a laser welding fixture, reduces labor costs, greatly improves production and assembly efficiency, makes the assembled structure more stable, effectively guarantees product quality, and brings convenience to production operations.

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of this utility model, the following detailed description of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an assembled three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first preferred embodiment of this utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the present utility model;

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded view from another angle of the first preferred embodiment of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 This is an assembled three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 7 This is an exploded view from another angle of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 9 This is another cross-sectional view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0023] 10. Spacer plate; 11. Fixed through groove

[0024] 12. Limiting protrusion 20. EMI spring

[0025] 21. Covering Section 22. First Episode Fragment

[0026] 23. Second segment 24. First connecting segment

[0027] 25. Second connecting section 201, snap groove

[0028] 202, Groove; 203, Clip-on piece

[0029] 204. Connecting piece; 205. Fastening point. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, it illustrates the specific structure of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a spacer 10 and an EMI spring 20.

[0031] The partition 10 has a through-hole 11 formed on both sides; in this embodiment, the partition 10 is formed by stamping a metal sheet, and the through-hole 11 is shaped like an isosceles trapezoid. Additionally, the front ends of the partition 10 are provided with limiting protrusions 12 protruding forward on both sides.

[0032] The EMI spring 20 includes a covering section 21, a first spring segment 22, a second spring segment 23, a first connecting section 24, and a second connecting section 25. The covering section 21 covers the front end of the spacer 10. The first spring segment 22 and the second spring segment 23 extend backward integrally from both ends of the covering section 21. The first spring segment 22 and the second spring segment 23 are located on both sides of the spacer 10. The first connecting section 24 and the second connecting section 25 extend backward from the rear end of the first spring segment 22 and the rear end of the second spring segment 23, respectively. The first connecting section 24 and the second connecting section 25 are stacked together and located in the fixing groove 11. Furthermore, the two surfaces of the first connecting section 24 are provided with a through groove 201. Correspondingly, the second connecting section 25 is formed in the mold by punching to form a slot 202 and a fastening part. The fastening part is integrally formed and connected to the edge of the slot 202. The fastening part is fastened and fixed to the fastening groove 201. Specifically, in this embodiment, the covering section 21 is located between the two limiting protrusions 12 so that the covering section 21 is positioned; one surface of the first connecting section 24 is attached to the second connecting section 25; the fastening part includes two fastening pieces 203, which are symmetrical to each other and are integrally formed and connected to the two ends of the groove 202 respectively; the two fastening pieces 203 are bent and pressed against the other surface of the first connecting section 24.

[0033] The assembly process of this embodiment is described in detail below:

[0034] The molding and assembly of this product are completed in one mold. First, the spacer 10 is stamped out using the mold. Then, the first connecting section 24 is punched in the mold to form the snap groove 201. Next, the EMI spring 20 is bent out to form the EMI spring 20, which covers the front end of the spacer 10. The second connecting section 25 is stacked on the first connecting section 24. Then, the second connecting section 25 is punched out in the mold to form two snap pieces 203. The two snap pieces 203 pass through the snap groove 201, bend backwards, and abut against the outer surface of the first connecting section 24, thereby assembling and fixing the EMI spring 20 and the spacer 10 together, achieving manual assembly and laser welding.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 5 to 9 As shown, it illustrates the specific structure of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The specific structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the aforementioned first preferred embodiment, except that:

[0036] In this embodiment, the fastener is a connecting piece 204. Both ends of the connecting piece 204 are integrally formed and connected to the two end edges of the slot 202. The connecting piece 204 is adapted to the fastening slot 201, and both sides of the fastening slot 201 have protruding fastening points 205. Each fastening point 205 snaps into the sides of the connecting piece 204, resulting in a simple structure and a stable connection. Furthermore, each fastening point 205 and the connecting piece 204 are fixed within the mold by laser welding, further enhancing the robustness of the connection structure.

[0037] The assembly process of this embodiment is described in detail below:

[0038] The molding and assembly of this product are completed in the mold. First, the partition 10 is stamped out using the mold. Then, the first connecting section 24 is punched in the mold to form the snap groove 201. At the same time, snap points 205 are formed on both sides of the snap groove 201. Next, the EMI spring sheet 20 is bent out to cover the front end of the partition 10, and the second connecting section 25 is stacked on the first connecting section 24. Then, the second connecting section 25 is punched out in the mold to form the connecting piece 204, so that the connecting piece 204 is embedded in the snap groove 201. After being embedded in place, each snap point 205 is snapped with the two sides of the connecting piece 204. In order to make the connection more stable, laser spot welding can be performed in the mold to weld and fix each snap point 205 to the connecting piece 204.

[0039] The key design feature of this invention is that by creating slots through both surfaces of the first connecting section, and by punching a groove and a fastener in the mold for the second connecting section, the product can be assembled within a single mold. This saves on a stamping mold and a laser welding fixture, reduces labor costs, greatly improves production and assembly efficiency, and makes the assembled structure more stable, effectively ensuring product quality and bringing convenience to production operations.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An in-mold assembly structure of an EMI spring and spacer for an SFP network connector, comprising a spacer and an EMI spring; a fixing slot is formed through both sides of the spacer; the EMI spring includes a covering section, a first spring segment, a second spring segment, a first connecting section, and a second connecting section, the covering section covering the front end of the spacer, the first spring segment and the second spring segment extending rearward integrally from both ends of the covering section, the first spring segment and the second spring segment being located on both sides of the spacer, the first connecting section and the second connecting section extending rearward from the rear ends of the first spring segment and the second spring segment, respectively, the first connecting section and the second connecting section overlapping each other and located in the fixing slot; characterized in that: The first connecting segment has a through groove on both surfaces. Correspondingly, the second connecting segment has a slot and a buckle formed by punching in the mold. The buckle is integrally formed and connected to the edge of the slot, and the buckle is fastened and fixed to the slot.

2. The in-mold assembly structure of the EMI spring and spacer of the SFP network connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: One surface of the first connecting segment is attached to the second connecting segment. The fastener includes two fastener pieces, which are symmetrical to each other and are integrally formed and connected to the two ends of the groove. The two fastener pieces are bent backward and abut against the other surface of the first connecting segment.

3. The in-mold assembly structure of the EMI spring and spacer of the SFP network connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buckle is a connecting piece, the two ends of which are integrally formed and connected to the two ends of the groove. The connecting piece is adapted to the buckle groove, and buckle points are protruding on both sides of the buckle groove. Each buckle point is snapped into the two sides of the connecting piece.

4. The in-mold assembly structure of the EMI spring and spacer of the SFP network connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fastening points and connecting pieces are fixed in the mold by laser welding.