Connector structure and network interface connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of connector structure and network cable interface connector, network cable interface connector includes connector structure, connector structure includes shell, with first opening and second opening;Connector assembly, be in shell, connector assembly includes first connector and second connector, first connector and second connector are arranged along shell length direction arrangement;Wherein, first connector has first plug space, first opening corresponds with first plug space, for inserting first network cable plug;Second connector has second plug space, second opening corresponds with second plug space, for inserting second network cable plug;The plug direction of first plug space is set along first direction, the plug direction of second plug space is set along second direction, first direction and second direction are reversely set.The utility model scheme aims at improving compact structure, assembly efficiency and better use space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of network connector technology, and in particular to a connector structure and a network cable interface connector. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional network cable interface connectors typically only have unidirectional plugging and unplugging capabilities, meaning that a network cable plug can only be inserted into one direction from a single port. Most traditional products use multiple independent interface modules to achieve multi-way connections, and the lack of a unified structural support between modules easily leads to complex assembly and poor stability. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a connector structure that improves structural compactness, assembly efficiency, and space utilization.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a connector structure, comprising:

[0005] The outer casing has a first opening and a second opening;

[0006] A connector assembly is disposed on the housing, the connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector, both the first connector and the second connector being arranged along the length direction of the housing; wherein...

[0007] The first connector has a first insertion space, and the first opening corresponds to the first insertion space for inserting a first network cable plug;

[0008] The second connector has a second insertion space, and the second opening corresponds to the second insertion space for inserting a second network cable plug;

[0009] The insertion direction of the first insertion space is set along the first direction, and the insertion direction of the second insertion space is set along the second direction, with the first direction and the second direction being opposite.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the housing is recessed in the circumferential direction to form a mounting groove, and both the first connector and the second connector are disposed in the mounting groove. The mounting groove communicates with the first opening and the second opening at both ends of the housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connector structure further includes a separator, which divides the mounting slot into a first mounting slot and a second mounting slot. The separator is arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the housing. The first connector is disposed in the first mounting slot, and the second connector is disposed in the second mounting slot.

[0012] In one embodiment, the end of the housing is further provided with a connecting portion, the connecting portion having a through hole communicating with the mounting groove, for the network connector to be inserted into the connector assembly through the through hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, a limiting step is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the housing, and the limiting step is disposed adjacent to the connecting portion so that the connector assembly abuts against the limiting step.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connection portion has a cross-sectional area that gradually increases as it approaches the connector assembly.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first connector has a first guide portion and a second guide portion protruding from both sides, and the first guide portion and the second guide portion are arranged opposite to each other to form a first guide channel for guiding the insertion direction of the first network cable plug.

[0016] The second connector has a third guide portion and a fourth guide portion protruding on both sides. The third guide portion and the fourth guide portion are arranged opposite to each other to form a second guide channel for guiding the insertion direction of the second network cable plug.

[0017] In one embodiment, the top wall of the first connector is provided with a first clearance groove, which is used to avoid the locking structure of the first network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space.

[0018] The top wall of the second connector is provided with a second clearance groove, which is used to avoid the locking structure of the second network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first connector is provided with a first limiting part, which is located on the inner sidewall of the first insertion space and is used to abut against the first network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space.

[0020] The second connector is provided with a second limiting part, which is located on the inner side wall of the second insertion space and is used to abut against the second network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space.

[0021] The present invention provides a network cable interface connector, including the connector structure described above;

[0022] The first network cable plug is inserted along the first direction and adapted to the first plugging space;

[0023] The first network cable plug, and the second network cable plug are inserted along the second direction to fit the second plugging space;

[0024] The sealing assembly includes a first seal and a second seal, wherein the first seal and the second seal are sequentially disposed between the first network cable plug and the first insertion space and between the second network cable plug and the second insertion space.

[0025] This utility model discloses a connector structure, which is a compact and functionally integrated structure designed to achieve bidirectional plugging and two-way communication. The overall structure includes a housing with a first opening and a second opening. Inside the housing, a first connector and a second connector are sequentially arranged along the length direction. Each connector has a first insertion space and a second insertion space for inserting a network cable plug, and the insertion and removal directions of these two spaces are opposite, allowing users to connect different network cable plugs from both ends of the housing, enabling simultaneous data transmission from both sides. This bidirectional plugging design overcomes the limitations of traditional unidirectional interfaces in terms of wiring flexibility and space utilization. By integrating two connectors into the same module, it improves the compactness of the product structure and assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the connector structure provided by this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view;

[0030] Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the outer casing provided by this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the diagram;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the connector structure provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the connector structure provided by this utility model.

[0034] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0035] 10. Outer shell; 11. First opening; 12. Second opening; 13. Mounting slot; 131. First mounting slot; 132. Second mounting slot; 14. Connecting part; 15. Through hole; 16. Limiting step; 20. Connector assembly; 21. First connector; 211. First insertion space; 212. First guide part; 213. Second guide part; 214. First clearance groove; 215. First limiting part; 22. Second connector; 221. Second insertion space; 222. Third guide part; 223. Fourth guide part; 224. Second clearance groove; 225. Second limiting part; 30. Separator.

[0036] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0038] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0039] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0040] This utility model proposes a connector structure and a network cable interface connector.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, a connector structure includes:

[0042] The outer casing 10 has a first opening 11 and a second opening 12;

[0043] A connector assembly 20 is disposed on the housing 10. The connector assembly 20 includes a first connector 21 and a second connector 22, both of which are arranged along the length direction of the housing 10.

[0044] The first connector 21 has a first insertion space 211, and the first opening 11 corresponds to the first insertion space 211 for inserting a first network cable plug.

[0045] The second connector 22 has a second insertion space 221, and the second opening 12 corresponds to the second insertion space 221 for inserting a second network cable plug;

[0046] The insertion direction of the first insertion space 211 is set along the first direction, and the insertion direction of the second insertion space 221 is set along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0047] This utility model discloses a connector structure with two network connectors (a first connector 21 and a second connector 22), which are arranged along the length of the same housing 10, but their insertion directions are opposite. It is understood that the first connector 21 has a socket facing one direction (e.g., left), while the second connector 22 has a socket facing the opposite direction (e.g., right). This design allows the same device to connect to network cables from two different directions. In this application, the housing 10 serves as the external protective structure for the entire connector, providing fixation, support, and dust and water protection. It has two openings, a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. These two openings correspond to two different connector insertion ports, allowing the user to insert network cable plugs from both ends. The connector assembly 20 is installed inside or on the surface of the housing 10 and is the core part for realizing network signal transmission. The first connector 21 has a first insertion space 211 for inserting a first network cable plug (e.g., an RJ45 plug). The insertion direction is the first direction (e.g., left). The second connector 22 has a second insertion space 221 for inserting a second network cable plug. The insertion direction is the second direction (e.g., to the right), opposite to the first direction. These two connectors are arranged along the length of the housing, meaning they are arranged front-to-back, not stacked vertically or in any other configuration. This arrangement makes cabling easier in limited spaces, especially advantageous in confined or directionally restricted areas. Because of the opposite insertion directions, the network cable can be inserted from either the left or right side depending on the cabling environment, avoiding installation difficulties caused by directional limitations. The two interfaces share a single housing, forming a straight-through connection, eliminating intermediate steps and reducing the risk of communication instability due to poor connections or high contact resistance, while also reducing space requirements. Furthermore, if one side is damaged, the other side can still be used temporarily.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the outer shell 10 is recessed in the circumferential direction to form an installation groove 13. The first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are both disposed in the installation groove 13. The installation groove 13 is connected to the first opening 11 and the second opening 12 opened at both ends of the outer shell 10.

[0049] A mounting groove 13 is formed by a circumferential recess in the inner wall of the housing. This mounting groove 13 is specifically designed to accommodate the connector assembly 20, and has a certain depth and shape adaptability. The mounting groove 13 is usually located in the middle or central area of ​​the housing, facilitating the extension of the insertion interface in the front-to-back direction. This centralized arrangement helps reduce space waste and improves overall integration. It also facilitates subsequent signal line connections, such as allowing wiring to be completed more centrally. The mounting groove 13 has a first opening 11 and a second opening 12 at its two ends, respectively, leading to the two ends of the housing 10. The first opening 11 corresponds to the insertion space 221 of the first connector 21, and the second opening 12 corresponds to the insertion space 221 of the second connector 22. In this way, the insertion spaces of the two connectors can be exposed to the outside of the housing through their respective openings, allowing users to insert network cable plugs. The connector assembly (including two connectors) can be assembled as a whole module in the mounting groove 13, facilitating automated production and subsequent maintenance. Compared to setting up multiple cavities separately, a centralized mounting groove is easier to form through injection molding, reducing mold costs. The circumferentially recessed mounting groove 13 makes full use of the space inside the housing 10. By setting a special mounting groove 13, the connector assembly 20 is more easily and accurately positioned during assembly, avoiding poor contact caused by loosening or misalignment in the traditional method. At the same time, it also enhances the bonding strength between the connector assembly 20 and the housing 10.

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, the connector structure further includes a separator 30. The mounting groove 13 is divided into a first mounting groove 131 and a second mounting groove 132 by the separator 30. The separator 30 is arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the outer shell 10. The first connector 21 is disposed in the first mounting groove 131 and the second connector 22 is disposed in the second mounting groove 132.

[0051] The separator 30, circumferentially positioned along the inner wall of the housing 10, divides the original continuous mounting slot 13 into two independent spaces. The first mounting slot 131 is used to mount the first connector 21, and the second mounting slot 132 is used to mount the second connector 22. The original mounting slot is "divided in two," but communication with the openings at both ends of the housing is still maintained. The two connectors no longer share the same space but each has its own independent mounting area, maintaining their arrangement along the length of the housing. The relative positions of the connector assemblies 20 do not fundamentally change, but their physical isolation is strengthened. Due to the presence of the separator 30, a clear physical barrier is formed between the two connectors, avoiding mutual interference caused by insertion / removal operations or vibration, and also reducing the possibility of electromagnetic interference (especially in high-frequency communication environments). Each connector has its own dedicated mounting slot, making positioning and alignment easier during assembly, reducing contact problems caused by misalignment or loosening, and improving the overall reliability of the product.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, the end of the outer shell 10 is further provided with a connecting portion 14, the connecting portion 14 having a through hole 15, the through hole 15 communicating with the mounting groove 13, so as to allow the network connector to be inserted into the connector assembly 20 through the through hole 15.

[0053] The connecting portion 14 is located at one end of the housing 10. It can be understood as an additional structural component extending outward from the original structure of the housing 10, serving as part of the plug insertion path or an auxiliary interface structure. The connecting portion 14 can be located at one end of the housing 10 or at both ends. A through hole 15 penetrates the connecting portion 14, indicating that it is a channel allowing the network cable plug to pass through and enter the interior space of the housing 10. The through hole 15 communicates with the mounting groove 13, which is a space for accommodating the connector assembly 20. The communication between the through hole 15 and the mounting groove 13 means that the network cable plug can pass through the through hole 15 from one side of the connecting portion 14, then continue into the mounting groove 13, and finally connect with the connector assembly 20. The connection portion 14 and the housing 10 form a more complete external structure, helping to strengthen the overall strength of the housing 10 and reduce deformation or damage caused by external forces.

[0054] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, a limiting step 16 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the outer shell 10. The limiting step 16 is disposed adjacent to the connecting part 14 so that the connector assembly 20 abuts against the limiting step 16.

[0055] A limiting step 16 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the housing 10. The limiting step 16 is a structure that protrudes outward from the inner wall or is partially recessed. Its function is to act as a mechanical stop structure to limit the movement of the connector assembly 20. During installation, the connector assembly 20 is pushed into the mounting groove 13 and guided into the insertion path of the network cable plug by the connecting part 14. When it reaches the predetermined position, it will contact the limiting step 16 and form abutment. This abutment prevents the connector assembly 20 from continuing to move forward. This is actually an axial limiting mechanism to ensure that the connector assembly 20 will not shift due to external force or vibration, and to ensure that it is always in the correct insertion position.

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion 14 has a cross-sectional area that gradually increases along the proximity to the connector assembly 20.

[0057] As the connecting portion 14 extends outward from one end near the connector assembly 20, its outer diameter or cross-sectional area gradually increases. Its shape resembles a wedge or cone. This design creates a self-locking effect during connector insertion. During insertion, the connector needs to overcome certain frictional forces and elastic deformation. Once inserted, due to the increased cross-sectional area, the connector becomes locked and not easily pulled out.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, the first connector 21 is provided with a first guide portion 212 and a second guide portion 213 on both sides. The first guide portion 212 and the second guide portion 213 are arranged opposite to each other to form a first guide channel for guiding the insertion direction of the first network cable plug.

[0059] The second connector 22 has a third guide portion 222 and a fourth guide portion 223 protruding on both sides. The third guide portion 222 and the fourth guide portion 223 are arranged opposite to each other to form a second guide channel for guiding the insertion direction of the second network cable plug.

[0060] When the user inserts the first network plug, it is held in place by the first guide channel and gradually guided to the correct insertion position. The second guide channel similarly holds the second network plug and gradually guides it to the correct insertion position. This effectively guides and positions the network plug insertion direction, reduces friction between the plug and the connector housing, avoids scratches caused by plug tilting, and makes the entire insertion process smoother and easier.

[0061] Reference Figures 1 to 7In this embodiment of the present invention, the top wall of the first connector 21 is provided with a first clearance groove 214, which is used to avoid the locking structure of the first network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space 211.

[0062] The top wall of the second connector 22 is provided with a second clearance groove 224, which is used to avoid the locking structure of the second network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space 221.

[0063] First clearance grooves 214 and second clearance grooves 225 are respectively provided on the top walls of the first connector 21 and the second connector 22. Their function is to provide clearance space for the locking structure of the network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space 211 and the locking structure of the network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space 221. This prevents the locking mechanism from being pressed by the outer shell or other structures after the plug is inserted, thus achieving effective clearance and protection for the locking structure of the network cable plug inserted therein.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment of the present invention, the first connector 21 is provided with a first limiting part 215, which is located on the inner side wall of the first insertion space 211 and is used to abut against the first network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space 211.

[0065] The second connector 22 is provided with a second limiting part 225, which is located on the inner side wall of the second insertion space 221 and is used to abut against the second network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space 221.

[0066] The first connector 21 has a first limiting part 215, which is located on the inner wall of the first insertion space 211. The first limiting part 215 is a structure that protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion space towards the center. When the plug is inserted, it comes into contact with the limiting part and generates an abutting force, which limits the space in which the plug can continue to penetrate, thus acting as a stop and limit. Similarly, the second connector 22 has a second limiting part 225, which is located on the inner wall of the second insertion space 221. The function of the second limiting part 225 is exactly the same as that of the first limiting part 215. When the second network plug is inserted into place, it abuts against the second limiting part 225 to prevent it from pushing further in. These two limiting parts together constitute a limit on the insertion depth of the plug in the two insertion spaces. It can be understood that the first limiting part 215 and the second limiting part 225 can be a limiting step or a boss-type limiting structure. In this embodiment, the outer shell 10 includes a first shell 17 and a second shell 18, which are detachably connected.

[0067] The present invention provides a network cable interface connector, including the connector structure described above;

[0068] The first network cable plug is inserted along the first direction and adapted to the first plug-in space 211;

[0069] The first network cable plug and the second network cable plug are inserted along the second direction and adapted to the second plug-in space 221;

[0070] The sealing assembly includes a first seal and a second seal, which are sequentially disposed between the first network cable plug and the first insertion space 211 and between the second network cable plug and the second insertion space 221.

[0071] The network cable interface connector includes a connector structure comprising a housing 10 and a connector assembly 20 disposed therein. The connector assembly 20 includes two connector units (a first connector 21 and a second connector 22). The first connector 21 has a first insertion space 211 for inserting a first network cable plug, and the second connector 22 has a second insertion space 221 for inserting a second network cable plug. The insertion directions of the first and second insertion spaces are opposite; one can be inserted from left to right and the other from right to left (or vertically opposite, etc.). This design allows the connector to connect two network cables simultaneously and allows them to be connected to the device from opposite directions, saving cabling space. The function of the first and second seals is to form a sealing ring structure around the contact area between the plug and the connector after the plug is inserted into place, preventing external contaminants from entering the connector. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the first seal is an annular elastic sealing ring disposed at one end of the first opening 11. When the first network cable plug is fully inserted, the first seal fits tightly against the outer wall of the first network cable plug, forming a dustproof and waterproof sealing structure. Similarly, the first sealing element is also located at one end of the second opening 12, cooperating with the second network cable plug to achieve a sealed connection. The second sealing element is an annular elastic sealing ring, located at the connection between the network cable plug and the first insertion space 211 and the second insertion space 221, forming a dustproof and waterproof sealing structure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tail of the first network cable plug has an outer contour in the circumferential direction that is greater than or equal to the size of the first opening 11, so that the plug can form a limiting fit with the outer shell after insertion, preventing it from being over-inserted or accidentally falling out.

[0072] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connector structure, characterized in that, include: The outer casing has a first opening and a second opening; A connector assembly is disposed on the housing, the connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector, both the first connector and the second connector being arranged along the length direction of the housing; wherein... The first connector has a first insertion space, and the first opening corresponds to the first insertion space for inserting a first network cable plug; The second connector has a second insertion space, and the second opening corresponds to the second insertion space for inserting a second network cable plug; The insertion direction of the first insertion space is set along the first direction, and the insertion direction of the second insertion space is set along the second direction, with the first direction and the second direction being opposite.

2. The connector structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing is recessed in the circumferential direction to form a mounting groove. The first connector and the second connector are both disposed in the mounting groove. The mounting groove communicates with the first opening and the second opening at both ends of the housing.

3. The connector structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector structure further includes a separator, which divides the mounting slot into a first mounting slot and a second mounting slot. The separator is arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the housing. The first connector is located in the first mounting slot, and the second connector is located in the second mounting slot.

4. The connector structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the housing is also provided with a connecting part, the connecting part having a through hole that communicates with the mounting groove, so as to allow the network connector to be inserted into the connector assembly through the through hole.

5. The connector structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner peripheral wall of the housing is provided with a limiting step, which is disposed adjacent to the connecting part so that the connector assembly abuts against the limiting step.

6. The connector structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting portion has a cross-sectional area that gradually increases as it approaches the connector assembly.

7. The connector structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector has a first guide portion and a second guide portion protruding on both sides. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are arranged opposite to each other to form a first guide channel for guiding the insertion direction of the first network cable plug. The second connector has a third guide portion and a fourth guide portion protruding on both sides. The third guide portion and the fourth guide portion are arranged opposite to each other to form a second guide channel for guiding the insertion direction of the second network cable plug.

8. The connector structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top wall of the first connector is provided with a first clearance groove, which is used to avoid the locking structure of the first network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space. The top wall of the second connector is provided with a second clearance groove, which is used to avoid the locking structure of the second network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space.

9. The connector structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector is provided with a first limiting part, which is located on the inner sidewall of the first insertion space and is used to abut against the first network cable plug inserted into the first insertion space. The second connector is provided with a second limiting part, which is located on the inner side wall of the second insertion space and is used to abut against the second network cable plug inserted into the second insertion space.

10. A network cable interface connector, characterized in that, include: The connector structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The first network cable plug is inserted along the first direction and adapted to the first plugging space; The first network cable plug, and the second network cable plug are inserted along the second direction to fit the second plugging space; The sealing assembly includes a first seal and a second seal, wherein the first seal and the second seal are sequentially disposed between the first network cable plug and the first insertion space and between the second network cable plug and the second insertion space.

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