A kind of USB-A interface firm device

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for securing a USB-A interface, comprising: a socket tongue integrally formed of insulating material, with a plurality of contact terminal blocks arranged inside along the insertion direction; a metal shielding shell covering the outer periphery of the socket tongue, the sidewalls and top wall of which form a semi-enclosed shielding cavity; a snap-fit ​​spring disposed on the top of the metal shielding shell, which is connected to a first fixing hole and a second fixing hole on the top of the metal shielding shell through its own first and second hooks; the top of the metal shielding shell is also provided with a third hook, which is connected to the third fixing hole of the snap-fit ​​spring, and the bending direction of the first and second hooks is opposite to the bending direction of the third hook; the snap-fit ​​spring also includes a check valve bent upward at a certain angle to the top of the metal shielding shell; and a clamping spring symmetrically disposed in the openings of the side wall of the metal shielding shell. After the plug is inserted, the clamping spring presses the plug housing inward and generates a lateral clamping force. This invention is more stable and has better fatigue resistance than the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic connector technology, and more specifically, to a USB-A interface stabilizing device for all-in-one machines and similar devices, belonging to the technical field of Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector structure reinforcement and installation strengthening. Background Technology

[0002] USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaces are widely used in desktop computers, all-in-one PCs, industrial control terminals, embedded motherboards, and various peripherals due to their high versatility, low cost, and plug-and-play functionality. Among them, the USB-A type socket has a simple structure and mature standard, and is one of the most widely shipped universal interface types on the market.

[0003] Traditional USB-A sockets typically consist of an insulated socket body, several pin-type contact terminals, and an outer metal shielding shell. The mating of the plug and socket relies primarily on:

[0004] a) Insertion force and friction between metal shells;

[0005] b) The weak locking effect of the plug positioning hole and the simple spring at the top of the socket;

[0006] c) Soldering and fixing of the solder feet on the bottom or side wall of the metal shielding shell to the printed circuit board (PCB).

[0007] In everyday office scenarios, the above structure is sufficient to meet general usage needs. However, in vibration or shock environments such as all-in-one PCs, public display terminals, vehicle information equipment, and industrial field controllers, existing USB-A interfaces reveal the following shortcomings:

[0008] d) The plug and socket lack an active mechanical locking mechanism and rely solely on friction to maintain the connection, making them prone to loosening under external pulling or prolonged vibration;

[0009] e) The metal shell of the socket lacks an elastic clamping structure on its side wall, and there is a gap between the plug and the socket. When this gap is caused, the contact resistance will increase instantaneously, affecting data integrity.

[0010] f) Even when the plug is fully inserted, the plug can still have a slight axial displacement due to the stop formed by the end face contact. Long-term cyclic insertion and removal will aggravate terminal wear.

[0011] f) Conventional USB-A sockets are fixed to the PCB with 2 to 4 solder feet or surface mount feet. External pulling force and torque are mostly concentrated at a single solder point, which is very easy to cause poor soldering or desoldering under thermal shock or high vibration conditions.

[0012] g) Adding metal hoops or external threaded protective covers to enhance stability will significantly increase the overall space and assembly process, which is not conducive to integrated and miniaturized design.

[0013] Although existing literature has proposed improvements such as adding reinforcing springs to the top of the USB-A socket, punching limiting holes in the side wall, or extending the welding legs at the rear of the metal shell, these solutions often only reinforce in one direction and lack a systematic and coordinated design of top clamping, lateral clamping, axial limiting, and overall panel locking. At the same time, the material strength and molding precision are limited, making it difficult to cope with the harsh working conditions of high-frequency plugging and unplugging or high G-value impacts in industrial applications.

[0014] Therefore, how to provide a solution that is compact, easy to install, and can simultaneously improve the multi-dimensional stability of the top, sides, and axis of the USB-A socket without significantly increasing the interface size and manufacturing cost has become a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This invention aims to solve the technical problems of existing USB-A sockets under high vibration, frequent plugging and unplugging and tensile load conditions, such as insufficient locking force, lateral swaying, axial displacement, solder joint fatigue and incomplete EMI protection. It provides a compact, easy-to-install and multi-dimensionally stable USB-A interface stabilizing device for all-in-one machines, thereby significantly improving the mechanical reliability and electrical connection stability of the interface.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0017] A USB-A port securing device for an all-in-one computer, comprising:

[0018] The socket tongue is integrally molded from insulating material, and has several contact terminal blocks inside along the mating direction;

[0019] A metal shielding shell covers the outer periphery of the socket tongue, and its sidewalls and top wall form a semi-enclosed shielding cavity.

[0020] A snap-fit ​​spring is disposed on the top of the metal shielding shell, and it is connected to the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole on the top of the metal shielding shell through its own first hook and second hook.

[0021] When the snap-on spring plug is inserted, it is pressed down and, after resetting, engages with the plug positioning hole to form a vertical lock.

[0022] The top of the metal shielding shell is also provided with a third hook claw, which is connected to the third fixing hole of the snap-on spring piece, and the bending direction of the first hook claw and the second hook claw is opposite to the bending direction of the third hook claw.

[0023] The snap-fit ​​spring also includes a check valve that bends upwards at a certain angle to the top of the metal shielding shell.

[0024] Clamping springs are symmetrically arranged in the openings on the side wall of the metal shielding shell. After the plug is inserted, the clamping springs press the plug shell inward and generate a lateral clamping force.

[0025] The anti-pull-out limiting boss formed on the inner wall of the shielding shell makes face-to-face contact with its outer shell after the plug is fully inserted, thus limiting axial displacement.

[0026] The soldering pins extend from the bottom of the shielding shell and insert into the PCB, including at least two sets: through-hole straight pins and S-shaped grippers, and are fixed by multi-point soldering.

[0027] The S-shaped gripper, which is bent integrally with the top of the shielding shell, is equipped with screw holes and is secured to the main panel of the machine by screws.

[0028] The combination of snap-fit ​​springs, clamping spring arms, anti-pull-out limiting bosses, and S-shaped grippers creates a four-fold stabilization mechanism: top-end clamping, lateral clamping, axial limiting, and overall machine locking.

[0029] To further enhance the stabilization effect or simplify the overall integration, the stabilization device can be implemented in the following preferred manner:

[0030] Preferably, the lower surface of the snap-fit ​​spring is a beveled structure, which allows for smooth insertion and requires overcoming the rebound force when pulled out to prevent accidental detachment;

[0031] Preferably, the free end of the clamping spring arm is provided with a scratch-resistant rounded corner to accommodate wide tolerance plugs and maintain uniform clamping;

[0032] Preferably, the contact angle between the anti-pull-out limiting boss and the plug housing is 85°–95°, which balances limiting rigidity and insertion force;

[0033] Preferably, the S-shaped gripper has a rounded corner to reduce stress concentration;

[0034] Preferably, the metal shielding shell is made of stainless steel or nickel-plated phosphor bronze with a thickness of 0.25–0.35 mm, stamped and heat-treated as a whole.

[0035] Preferably, the S-shaped gripper in the welding foot makes multiple contacts with the PCB pads, thereby improving the fatigue life of the solder joint;

[0036] Preferably, the front end of the socket body is provided with a self-positioning guide groove to reduce damage from mis-insertion;

[0037] Preferably, the outer surface of the shielding shell is entirely covered with a conductive elastic gasket for EMI sealing and vibration damping;

[0038] Preferably, the clamping spring arm and the shielding shell are integrally formed by laser welding to improve the overall rigidity of the side wall.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages:

[0040] 1. The top snap-fit ​​spring, side clamping spring arm, and axial limiting boss work together to actively or passively stabilize the plug in all three dimensions, significantly improving vibration resistance and preventing loosening. 2. Through-hole straight pins + S-shaped grippers create a multi-point force path, distributing external torque to the PCB and housing, improving solder joint fatigue life. 3. All stabilizing components are within the standard USB-A size range, requiring no additional assembly space and ensuring full compatibility with existing USB-A plugs. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall assembly of the USB-A interface securing device.

[0042] Figure 2 USB-A is an exploded view of the interface stabilization device.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a single metal shielding shell.

[0044] Figure 4 Perspective view of the integrated snap-fit ​​spring and panel. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the USB-A interface securing device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following directional terms (such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back") are based on the plug insertion direction, and the example dimensions and angles are only preferred and not the only limitations.

[0046] like Figure 1 The USB-A interface stabilizing device 100 of the present invention is used in devices such as all-in-one machines, industrial control terminals, embedded motherboards, and vehicle information systems that need to ensure a stable connection of the USB-A plug / socket under vibration, impact, or frequent plugging and unplugging environments. Through multiple collaborative structures such as top snap-on spring, lateral clamping, limiting, and panel locking, it effectively improves the mechanical strength and electrical connection reliability of the interface.

[0047] Furthermore, the metal shielding shell 101 is formed by stamping stainless steel or nickel-plated phosphor bronze sheet with a thickness of 0.25-0.35mm and undergoes overall heat treatment.

[0048] The USB-A interface stabilizing device 100 includes a socket tongue 102, which is integrally formed of insulating material. Inside, along the insertion direction, there are several contact terminal blocks 103. The contact terminal blocks 103 are used to form electrical contact with the power terminal, data signal differential terminal and ground terminal corresponding to the USB-A plug, thereby completing the functions of power supply, data signal transmission and shielding grounding.

[0049] Furthermore, the socket tongue 102 is provided with a self-positioning guide surface 104. When the end of the plug enters the socket tongue 102, the guide surface 104 guides the plug to align with the contact terminal block 103.

[0050] A metal shielding shell 101 covers the outer periphery of the socket tongue 102, and its side wall 105 and top wall 106 form a semi-closed shielding cavity. The metal shielding shell 101 is also used for electromagnetic shielding and grounding. It is reliably connected to the motherboard ground layer through the overall conductive structure, effectively suppressing USB high-speed signal radiation and external EMI interference.

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a snap-fit ​​spring 107 is disposed on the top of the metal shielding shell 101. It is connected to the first fixing hole 110 and the second fixing hole 111 on the top of the metal shielding shell 101 through its own first hook 108 and second hook 109. The top of the metal shielding shell 101 is also provided with a third hook 112, which is connected to the third fixing hole 113 of the snap-fit ​​spring 107. The bending direction of the first hook 108 and the second hook 109 is opposite to the bending direction of the third hook 112. The snap-fit ​​spring 107 also includes a check portion 114 that bends upward at a certain angle with the top of the metal shielding shell 101.

[0052] Furthermore, the buckle spring 107 is provided with raised ribs 115 on both sides to keep the spring thin and flexible, while locally increasing the equivalent moment of inertia of the plate thickness, so that the spring does not twist laterally during the pressing and rebounding process.

[0053] Furthermore, the rear of the snap-fit ​​spring 107 is provided with two round holes as pre-drilled through holes 116 for M2 screws, which, together with nuts or housing press-fit studs, achieve a rigid connection between the USB connector and the main panel.

[0054] Furthermore, both the first hook 108 and the second hook 109 are bent at approximately 180° along the direction of the plug insertion force and are inserted into the first fixing hole 110 and the second fixing hole 111, respectively.

[0055] Furthermore, the third hook 112 is located on the opposite side of the spring piece, and is bent about 180° in the opposite direction to the first two hooks, and inserted into the third fixing hole 113.

[0056] Furthermore, the three hooks form “∧ / ∨” opposing latches on both sides of the top wall 106. When the latching spring 107 is subjected to a pull-out torque, the first and second hooks 108 / 109 tend to clamp the edge of the hole more tightly, while the third hook 112 starts to limit the movement in the opposite direction, forming a self-locking anti-loosening structure.

[0057] Furthermore, the check valve 114 is folded upward from the outer surface of the top wall 106, and the angle α between the center line and the plane of the top wall 106 is set to 88° (selectable range is 85°~95°), to ensure that the plug insertion force is stable and that it overcomes ≥2N resistance when pulled out.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the clamping springs 117 are symmetrically arranged in the side window 118 of the metal shielding shell 101. After the plug is inserted, the clamping springs 117 press the plug shell inward and generate a lateral clamping force.

[0059] Furthermore, a positioning tongue 120 is punched at each end of the spring base 119, which is engaged with the upper edge of the metal shielding shell side window 118; a positioning hole 121 is punched at the tail end of the spring.

[0060] The bottom of the metal shielding shell 101 includes a limiting spring 124, which is formed on the inner wall of the metal shielding shell 101. When the plug is fully inserted, it forms a face-hole contact with the plug shell to limit the relative displacement of the plug along the insertion and removal direction.

[0061] The USB-A interface stabilizing device also includes a soldering pin 125, which extends from the bottom of the metal shielding shell 101 and is inserted into the printed circuit board. The soldering pin is electrically connected to the metal shielding shell 101 and forms a mechanical fixation.

[0062] Furthermore, the soldering pin 125 includes two sets: one set is a through-hole straight pin 126, and the other set is an S-shaped gripper pin 127; the S-shaped gripper pin 127 can form multi-point contact with the solder pad during soldering to further enhance the mechanical bonding force with the PCB.

[0063] The USB-A interface stabilizing device also includes an S-shaped gripper 127, which is integrally bent and extended with the top of the metal shielding shell 101.

[0064] The S-shaped gripper 127 is formed by stamping the top of the metal shielding shell 101 and bending it twice. The lower end has an "S"-shaped hanging foot 131 that can be inserted into the PCB limiting groove. During assembly, it is rigidly locked to the panel with screws and vertically supported by the hanging foot 131, so that the insertion and removal load and vibration load are diverted from the check part 114-hook through the shielding shell to the PCB, which significantly reduces the stress of the solder feet on the PCB.

[0065] The snap-fit ​​spring 107, clamping spring 117, limiting spring 124, and S-shaped gripper 127 work together to maintain circumferential stability of the USB-A plug under vibration and impact conditions. The snap-fit ​​spring 107, clamping spring 117, limiting spring 124, and S-shaped gripper 127 form a "three-dimensional four-point" coordinated stabilization system. First, the anti-return portion 114 of the snap-fit ​​spring 107 engages with the plug positioning hole, providing active locking in the vertical direction (Z-axis). Second, the symmetrical clamping springs 117 continuously clamp the plug metal housing inward with Ω-shaped spring arms, applying constant lateral (±X-axis) preload to absorb vibration micro-displacement and suppress shaking. Third, the hole edge of the bottom limiting spring 124 achieves surface-hole fitting with the step of the plug bottom shell, eliminating axial (±Y-axis) movement and sharing the front and rear insertion and removal loads. Fourth, the S-shaped gripper 127 provides additional support to the metal shielding shell 101 through rigid connection with the housing, quickly transferring and dispersing external impact energy to the entire frame.

[0066] The above four components establish locking, clamping, limiting and supporting paths in the XYZ three-axis directions, forming a closed force loop. This ensures that the USB-A plug maintains a stable fit in the circumferential direction (i.e., any direction) under high-frequency vibration, drop impact or high-intensity plugging and unplugging conditions, preventing loosening of contact terminals, signal interruption and fatigue failure of solder joints.

[0067] In summary, the USB-A interface stabilizing device provided in this application, through its integrated design of "three-hook self-locking snap spring 107, clamping spring 117, faceted limiting spring 124, screw-locking panel fixing ear + double-set welding feet 125", establishes a closed force loop of vertical locking, lateral clamping, axial anti-reverse and whole-machine support without increasing the overall size. This completely solves the problems pointed out in the background technology, such as "lack of active mechanical locking, no elastic clamping on the side wall, axial movement of the plug, easy fatigue of single-point stress on the solder joint, incomplete EMI grounding and cumbersome assembly". After verification with 5g vibration, 50g impact and ≥5000 insertion and removal cycles, the plug always maintains circumferential stability and there is no signal interruption. The reliability of the solder joint is improved by more than 20%, and it can directly replace the existing USB-A socket. It has the advantages of high mechanical strength, electromagnetic integrity, fast assembly and low cost, and fully meets the high reliability application requirements of all-in-one machines, industrial terminals and other applications.

Claims

1. A USB-A interface secure device, comprising: include: The socket tongue is integrally molded from insulating material, and has several contact terminal blocks inside along the mating direction; A metal shielding shell covers the outer periphery of the socket tongue, and its sidewalls and top wall form a semi-enclosed shielding cavity. A snap-fit ​​spring is disposed on the top of the metal shielding shell, and is connected to the first and second fixing holes on the top of the metal shielding shell through its own first and second hooks; the top of the metal shielding shell is also provided with a third hook, which is connected to the third fixing hole of the snap-fit ​​spring, and the bending direction of the first and second hooks is opposite to the bending direction of the third hook; the snap-fit ​​spring also includes a check valve portion that bends upward at a certain angle with the top of the metal shielding shell; Clamping springs are symmetrically arranged in the openings on the side wall of the metal shielding shell. After the plug is inserted, the clamping springs press the plug shell inward and generate a lateral clamping force.

2. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the metal shielding shell includes a limiting spring, which is formed on the inner wall of the metal shielding shell. When the plug is fully inserted, the limiting spring forms a face-hole contact with the plug shell to limit the relative displacement of the plug along the insertion and removal direction.

3. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes solder feet that extend from the bottom of the metal shielding shell and are inserted into the printed circuit board, and are electrically connected to the metal shielding shell by soldering to form a mechanical fixation.

4. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes S-shaped grippers, which are integrally bent and extended from the top of the metal shielding shell and have screw holes for screwing to the whole machine panel.

5. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​spring, clamping spring, limiting spring, and S-shaped gripper work together to keep the USB-A plug circumferentially stable under vibration and impact conditions.

6. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The angle between the check valve and the top of the metal shielding shell is 85° to 95°.

7. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The metal shielding shell is formed by stamping stainless steel or nickel-plated phosphor bronze sheet with a thickness of 0.25-0.35mm and undergoes overall heat treatment.

8. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The soldering leads include two sets: one set of through-hole straight leads and the other set of S-shaped grippers; the S-shaped grippers can form multi-point contact with the solder pads during soldering to further enhance the mechanical bonding force with the PCB.

9. The USB-A interface stabilizing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The socket tongue is provided with a self-positioning guide surface. When the end of the plug enters the socket tongue, the guide surface guides the plug to align with the contact terminal block.

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