Connector protection structure and electronic device

Abstract

A connector protection structure and an electronic device are disclosed, the connector protection structure being disposed on a rear housing. The connector protection structure includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, and at least one first rib sequentially disposed on the rear housing. The first side plate, second side plate, and third side plate together form an accommodating space. The first rib is located within the accommodating space. Each of the first side plate, second side plate, and third side plate includes at least one protrusion. The protrusions extend toward the accommodating space. Based on this configuration, stronger support for the connector can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector protection structure and an electronic device, and more particularly to a connector protection structure for supporting a connector in an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Today, connectors are widely used in consumer electronics and electronic devices such as computers and network equipment. As the demand for electronic devices in daily life increases, considerations such as the stability and safety of electronic devices during charging are becoming increasingly important. Taking a conventional electronic device as an example, it mainly involves adding a metal reinforcement around the connector in the charging port to enhance the connector's protective strength.

[0003] However, while conventional metal reinforcements can enhance the protective effect of connectors, they also affect the product thickness, impacting the miniaturization of electronic devices. Furthermore, conventional metal reinforcements necessitate the creation of additional molds, leading to increased production costs.

[0004] Therefore, how to propose a connector protection structure and electronic device that can effectively solve the above problems is one of the issues that the industry is currently eager to invest research and development resources to address. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a connector protection structure and electronic device that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a connector protection structure is disposed on a rear housing. The connector protection structure includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, and at least one first rib sequentially disposed on the rear housing. The first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate together form an accommodating space. The first rib is located within the accommodating space. Each of the first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate includes at least one protrusion. The protrusion extends toward the accommodating space.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate form a U-shaped structure. The first rib is substantially parallel to the first side plate and the third side plate.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device includes a rear housing, a connector protection structure, a reinforcing base, and a connector. The reinforcing base is disposed on the rear housing. The reinforcing base has a socket. The socket is opposite to a second side plate. The connector is disposed within an accommodating space. The connector has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side, second side, third side, and fourth side face the first side plate, the second side plate, the third side plate, and the reinforcing base, respectively. A protrusion of the first side plate is located on the first side of the connector. A protrusion of the second side plate is located on the second side of the connector. A protrusion of the third side plate is located on the third side of the connector. The reinforcing base is located on the fourth side of the connector.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the connector further has opposing fifth and sixth sides. A first, second, third, and fourth side are sequentially arranged around the outer edges of the fifth and sixth sides. A first rib is located on the fifth side of the connector.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the electronic device further includes a front frame mounted on the rear housing. The front frame includes at least one second rib. The second rib is located on the sixth side of the connector.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the electronic device further includes a circuit board and a locking device. The circuit board is disposed between the connector protection structure and the front frame. The locking device simultaneously connects the rear housing and the circuit board.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the connector is soldered to a circuit board.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the fastener includes a stud and a screw. A circuit board is located on the stud. The screw extends through the circuit board and is secured to the stud.

[0014] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the rear housing has a bottom surface. The height of the top surface of the stud relative to the bottom surface is greater than the height of the top surface of the connector protective structure relative to the bottom surface.

[0015] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the size of the socket of the reinforcing base corresponds to the size of the opening of the connector.

[0016] In summary, in the connector protection structure and electronic device disclosed herein, the U-shaped structure of the side plate confines the connector within the accommodating space and corresponds to the socket on the reinforcing base. The design of the protrusions, reinforcing base, and ribs provides support on each side of the connector, reducing damage to the connector from external pressure and thus preventing solder cracking. The design of the connector protection structure being integrally molded onto the back cover reduces component manufacturing costs and effectively reduces product thickness.

[0017] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation method and related drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating the connecting wires of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 A partial 3D view of the electronic device after its front frame and rear shell have been separated.

[0021] Figure 3 For illustration Figure 2 An exploded view of the electronic device after the front frame has been removed.

[0022] [Symbol Explanation]

[0023] 10: Electronic devices

[0024] 20: Connector protection structure

[0025] 20a, 141a: Top surface

[0026] 30: Conductor

[0027] 110: Front frame

[0028] 111: Second Rib

[0029] 120: Back cover

[0030] 121: Bottom surface

[0031] 130: Reinforced base

[0032] 131: Socket

[0033] 140: Locking firmware

[0034] 141: Stud

[0035] 142: Screw

[0036] 150: Connector

[0037] 150a: First side

[0038] 150b: Second side

[0039] 150c: Third side

[0040] 150d: Fourth side

[0041] 150e: Fifth side

[0042] 150f: Sixth side

[0043] 151: Foot Connection

[0044] 152: Opening

[0045] 160: Circuit board

[0046] 161: Gap

[0047] 162: Keyhole

[0048] 210: First side plate

[0049] 211, 221, 231: Protrusions

[0050] 220: Second side panel

[0051] 230: Third side panel

[0052] 240: First Rib

[0053] 250: Storage space

[0054] h1, h2: Height

[0055] X: First direction

[0056] Y: Second direction

[0057] Z: Third-party direction Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates several embodiments of this disclosure. For clarity, many practical details will be described in detail in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in the drawings in a simplified schematic manner.

[0059] To help readers better understand the interrelationships and orientations of the various components, the accompanying diagram indicates the coordinate axes X as the first direction, Y as the second direction, and Z as the third direction. Furthermore, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the connecting wires 30 of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the electronic device 10 is a tablet-type electronic product, but this disclosure is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 can also be any electronic product capable of connecting to the wire 30, such as a mobile communication and smart device, computing and productivity device, audio and video device, smart home appliance and peripheral, photography and imaging device, etc. The electronic device 10 can complete the input and output of power or signal data through the connection wire 30.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 . Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the electronic device 10 after its front frame 110 and rear shell 120 have been separated. Figure 3 For illustration Figure 2 An exploded view of the electronic device 10 after the front frame 110 has been removed. (See attached image.) Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 includes a front frame 110, a rear shell 120, a reinforcing base 130, a locking fastener 140, a connector 150, a circuit board 160, and a connector protection structure 20. The front frame 110 is detachably mounted on the rear shell 120. The connector protection structure 20 is disposed on the rear shell 120 and includes a first side plate 210, a second side plate 220, and a third side plate 230 sequentially disposed on the rear shell 120. The second side plate 220 is located between the first side plate 210 and the third side plate 230, and the U-shaped structure formed by the first side plate 210, the second side plate 220, and the third side plate 230 together define an accommodating space 250 for placing the connector 150.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, connector 150 is a Type-C connector among USB type connectors, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, connector 150 may also be a Type-A connector, a Micro-B connector, or other connector types used for audio input and output (e.g., 3.5mm TRS, 2.5mm TRS, or Lightning), video output (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, or MHL), or other connector types used for power supply, card slot expansion, and other special interfaces.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the first side plate 210 and the third side plate 230 are respectively adjacent to the reinforcing base 130. Specifically, the reinforcing base 130 is located at the opening of the U-shaped structure (i.e., the position relative to the second side plate 220), so that the connector 150 can be fixed in the receiving space 250 by the first side plate 210, the second side plate 220, the third side plate 230 and the reinforcing base 130, thereby supporting the connector 150 in the insertion / removal wire 30 (see reference). Figure 1 The external pressure borne by the connector 150 in the first direction X and its opposite direction and the third direction Z and its opposite direction is increased to enhance the reinforcement and protection effect of the connector 150 and avoid solder cracking or other destructive damage to the connector 150.

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector 150 has a first side 150a facing the first side plate 210, a second side 150b facing the second side plate 220, a third side 150c facing the third side plate 230, a fourth side 150d facing the reinforcing base 130, a fifth side 150e facing the rear shell 120, and a sixth side 150f facing the front frame 110. The fifth side 150e is opposite to the sixth side 150f, and the first side 150a, second side 150b, third side 150c, and fourth side 150d are arranged sequentially around the outer edges of the fifth side 150e and the sixth side 150f. In this embodiment, the opening 152 of the connector 150 is provided on the fourth side 150d, and the reinforcing base 130 has a socket 131, the size of which can correspond to the size of the opening 152 of the connector 150. Therefore, when the electronic device 10 connects the wire 30 (see reference...), Figure 1 When the power supply is activated, the pins of the wire 30 (not shown in the figure) can be inserted into the socket 131 and enter the connector 150 through the opening 152 to supply power or transmit signals.

[0065] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first side plate 210 includes a protrusion 211 located on the first side 150a of the connector 150, the second side plate 220 includes a protrusion 221 located on the second side 150b of the connector 150, and the third side plate 230 includes a protrusion 231 located on the third side 150c of the connector 150. The protrusions 211, 221, and 231 extend toward the accommodating space 250, allowing the first side plate 210, the second side plate 220, and the third side plate 230 to contact the connector 150 via the protrusions 211, 221, and 231, respectively. In this embodiment, the first side plate 210 and the third side plate 230 each have one protrusion 211 and 231, while the second side plate 220 has two protrusions 221. Since the wire 30 (see reference...) Figure 1The insertion and removal are performed along the first direction X and in the opposite direction. By increasing the number of protrusions 221 on the second side plate 220, the position of the connector 150 most susceptible to external pressure can be strengthened, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the number of protrusions 211 and 231 may be greater than two, and the number of protrusions 211 and 231 may also be unequal. In addition, the number of protrusions 221 may be one or more than two.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, by contacting the connector 150 with the protrusions 211, 221, and 231, the contact area between the first side plate 210, the second side plate 220, and the third side plate 230 and the connector 150 can be reduced. This avoids scratching the surface of the connector 150 due to excessive friction during assembly and increases the convenience of loading or removing the connector 150 from the receiving space 250. Furthermore, the design of the protrusions 211, 221, and 231 helps to compensate for dimensional tolerances in the design of the connector protection structure 20, resulting in better fit of the connector 150 when installed in the receiving space 250 and improved positioning accuracy. On the other hand, the design of the protrusions 211, 221, and 231 also reduces the overall weight of the connector protection structure 20, saving processing time and materials.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector protection structure 20 further includes a first rib 240, which is disposed on the rear shell 120 and located within the accommodating space 250. Specifically, the first rib 240 is a structure similar to a convex rib. When the connector 150 is placed within the accommodating space 250, the connector protection structure 20 can contact the fifth side 150e of the connector 150 through the first rib 240, thereby strengthening the support force of the fifth side 150e of the connector 150. In this embodiment, there are two first ribs 240, and the first ribs 240 are substantially parallel to the first side plate 210 and the third side plate 230. By disposing the first ribs 240 parallel to the first side plate 210 and the third side plate 230 near the center of the accommodating space 250, it can conform to the wire 30 (see reference). Figure 1 The direction of insertion and removal of the pins (not shown in the figure) increases the feel when inserting and removing the wire 30 and enhances the support force of the connector 150 at the center position of the fifth side 150e, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first rib 240 may be one or more than two, and the first rib 240 may not be parallel to the first side plate 210 and the third side plate 230.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the front frame 110 includes a second rib 111. When the connector 150 is disposed in the receiving space 250 and the front frame 110 is mounted on the rear housing 120, the front frame 110 can contact the sixth side 150f of the connector 150 through the second rib 111. In other words, the first rib 240 and the second rib 111 are located on opposite sides of the connector 150, thereby supporting the connector 150 on the insertion / removal wire 30 (see reference). Figure 1 When subjected to external pressure in the second direction Y and its opposite direction, the connector 150 is strengthened and protected, avoiding solder cracks or other destructive damage to the connector 150.

[0069] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the locking device 140 includes a stud 141 and a screw 142. The circuit board 160 is disposed between the connector protective structure 20 and the front frame 110 and has a locking hole 162. Specifically, the stud 141 is disposed on the rear housing 120, and the screw 142 can pass through the locking hole 162 on the circuit board 160 and be locked in the stud 141 to complete the fixation of the circuit board 160. In other words, the locking device 140 connects the rear housing 120 and the circuit board 160 simultaneously. In this embodiment, the connector 150 includes a plurality of pins 151, which can be bonded to the circuit board 160 by soldering (SMT, Surface Mount Technology). When the connector 150 is combined with the circuit board 160, the sixth side 150f of the connector 150 will have a gap 161 exposed on the circuit board 160, so that the second rib 111 of the front frame 110 can be located on the sixth side 150f of the connector 150 after the front frame 110 is installed on the rear shell 120, providing complete support for the connector 150.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the rear housing 120 has a bottom surface 121 facing the front frame 110. The height h1 of the top surface 141a of the stud 141 relative to the bottom surface 121 is greater than the height h2 of the top surface 20a of the connector protection structure 20 (i.e., the highest surface of the side of the connector protection structure 20 facing the circuit board 160) relative to the bottom surface 121. In other words, when the circuit board 160 is locked to the rear housing 120 by the fastener 140, the circuit board 160 will be supported by the stud 141, avoiding excessive contact with the top surface 20a of the connector protection structure 20. This design ensures a safe gap between the circuit board 160 and the rear housing 120 to prevent short circuits in the circuit board 160, and improves the heat dissipation of the circuit board 160 or the overall electronic device 10 by maintaining the gap. By supporting the smaller area of ​​the circuit board 160 with studs 141, the circuit board 160 can have greater freedom of expansion when heated, avoiding the circuit board 160 from expanding and breaking due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion between its material composition and the connector protection structure 20. In this embodiment, the connector protection structure 20 can be integrally formed onto the back cover 120, so the connector protection structure 20 can have a similar material composition to the back cover 120, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the connector protection structure 20 and the back cover 120 can also be two independent components, and the material composition of the connector protection structure 20 can also be different from that of the back cover 120 (e.g., having stronger mechanical strength).

[0071] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it is clear that in the connector protection structure and electronic device disclosed herein, the U-shaped structure of the side plate confines the connector within the accommodating space and corresponds to the socket on the reinforcing base. The design of the protrusion, reinforcing base, and ribs provides support on each side of the connector, reducing damage to the connector from external pressure and thus preventing solder cracking. The design of the connector protection structure being integrally molded onto the back cover reduces component manufacturing costs and effectively reduces product thickness.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector protection structure, characterized in that, The connector protection structure, disposed on a rear housing, includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, and at least one first rib sequentially disposed on the rear housing. The first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate together form an accommodating space. The at least one first rib is located within the accommodating space. Each of the first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate includes at least one protrusion extending toward the accommodating space.

2. The connector protection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate form a U-shaped structure, and the at least one first rib is parallel to the first side plate and the third side plate.

3. An electronic device, characterized in that, Include: One rear shell; A connector protection structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 2; A reinforcing base is disposed on the rear shell, the reinforcing base having an insertion hole opposite to the second side plate; and A connector is disposed within the accommodating space. The connector has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, with the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side facing the first side plate, the second side plate, the third side plate, and the reinforcing base, respectively. Wherein, at least one protrusion of the first side plate is located on the first side of the connector, at least one protrusion of the second side plate is located on the second side of the connector, at least one protrusion of the third side plate is located on the third side of the connector, and the reinforcing base is located on the fourth side of the connector.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The connector further has a fifth side and a sixth side opposite to each other, the first side, the second side, the third side and the fourth side are arranged in sequence around the outer edges of the fifth side and the sixth side, and the at least one first rib is located on the fifth side of the connector.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a front frame mounted on the rear housing, wherein the front frame includes at least one second rib located on the sixth side of the connector.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, It further includes a circuit board and a locking device, the circuit board being disposed between the connector protection structure and the front frame, and the locking device simultaneously connecting the rear shell and the circuit board.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The connector is soldered to the circuit board.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The fastener includes a stud and a screw, the circuit board is located on the stud, and the screw extends through the circuit board and is locked to the stud.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The rear housing has a bottom surface, and the height of a top surface of the stud relative to the bottom surface is greater than the height of a top surface of the connector protective structure relative to the bottom surface.

10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The size of the socket of the reinforcing base corresponds to the size of an opening of the connector.

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