PLUG HOLDER FRAME ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

Connector retaining frame assembly, comprising: a rail base (10, 10A) with a base plate (11) which is oblong; and a connecting hole (14, 14A) formed by the base plate (11); and Multiple connector positioning holders (20, 20B) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the rail base (10, 10A) and slidably and rotatably connected to the rail base (10, 10A), each of the multiple connector positioning holders (20, 20B) comprising a holder body (21, 21B) which is rotatably, slidably and detachably connected to the rail base (10, 10A) and arranged above the base plate (11); an inserted part (23, 23B) made of metal, which is inserted into a base of the holder body (21, 21B) and is combined with the holder body (21, 21B) as a complete unit by injection molding, and which has the inserted part (23, 23B). a threaded hole (232) that is connected to the connecting hole (14, 14A) of the rail base (10, 10A); and a screw (25) which is inserted through the connecting hole (14, 14A) of the rail base (10, 10A) from an underside of the base plate (11) and connected to the threaded hole (232) of the inserted part (23, 23B) to securely fasten the holder body (21, 21B) to the rail base (10, 10A), and which comprises a rod (253) which is inserted through the connecting hole (14, 14A) of the rail base (10, 10A) from the underside of the base plate (11) and is connected to the threaded hole (232) of the inserted part (23, 23B) via a threaded engagement; and a head (251) formed at one end of the rod (253) and arranged below the base plate (11), wherein the holder body (21, 21B) of each of the plug positioning holders (20, 20B) has a holder base (211) and an insertion section (213, 213B) formed on the bottom of the holder body (21, 21B); the inserted part (23, 23B) of each of the connector positioning holders (20, 20B) is inserted into the insertion section (213, 213B) of the holder body (21, 21B) of the connector positioning holder (20, 20B) and combined with it; and a lower surface of the insertion section (213, 213B) of each of the multiple plug positioning holders (20, 20B) is arranged higher than a lower surface of the holder base (211) of the holder body (21, 21B) of the plug positioning holder (20, 20B).

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector holding frame arrangement, in particular a connector holding frame arrangement with connector positioning holders that are adjustable in position and orientation and extend their service life. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A conventional connector mounting frame assembly has a rail base and several connector positioning holders for mounting connectors. Each connector positioning holder is secured to the rail base with a self-tapping screw to prevent the connector positioning holder from rotating or shifting relative to the rail base.

[0003] The aforementioned connector positioning holder is made of plastic and has a pre-drilled hole on its underside. As the self-tapping screw is driven into and screwed into the pre-drilled hole, a thread is formed around the circumference of the hole by the screw. This creates a threaded engagement between the self-tapping screw and the connector positioning holder. The connector positioning holder is then secured to the rail base by tightening the self-tapping screw.

[0004] The self-tapping screw is frequently loosened or tightened to adjust the position or orientation of the connector positioning holder. The thread formed around the periphery of the pilot hole wears down easily and deforms accordingly. After prolonged use and operation of the conventional connector holding frame assembly, the gap between the thread around the pilot hole and the self-tapping screw widens. This easily strips and loosens the self-tapping screw. The connector positioning holder can then no longer be securely and stably attached to the rail base.

[0005] If the self-tapping screw is overtightened, the pre-drilled hole in the connector positioning holder can break and become damaged. Therefore, the connector positioning holder can no longer be connected with the self-tapping screw.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a connector holding frame arrangement to overcome these shortcomings, thereby mitigating or avoiding the aforementioned problems.

[0007] The main objective of the invention is to provide a connector holding frame arrangement comprising connector positioning holders configured to slide along a rail base and rotate relative to it, and which is firmly and stably attached to the rail base via a screw for convenient use.

[0008] The connector mounting frame assembly comprises a rail base and multiple connector positioning holders. The rail base has an elongated base plate and a connecting hole formed by the base plate. The connector positioning holders are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the rail base and are slidably and rotatably connected to the rail base. Each of the multiple connector positioning holders comprises a holder body, an insert, and a screw. The holder is rotatably, slidably, and detachably connected to the rail base and is located above the base plate. The insert is made of metal, is inserted into and connected to a base of the holder body, and has a threaded hole that aligns with the connecting hole of the rail base.The bolt is inserted from the underside of the base plate through the connecting hole of the rail base and engages with the threaded hole of the inserted part to securely fasten the holder body to the rail base. The bolt comprises a rod that extends from the underside of the base plate through the connecting hole of the rail base and engages with the threaded hole of the inserted part via a threaded connection, as well as a head formed at one end of the rod and positioned below the base plate.

[0009] Further items, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector holding frame arrangement according to the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view in partial section of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an end view in partial section of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the connector retaining frame arrangement along line 5-5 in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a side view in partial section of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of an inserted part in Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective operating view of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective operating view of the plug holder frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. 11 an enlarged perspective operating view of the plug holder frame arrangement in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a plug retaining frame arrangement according to the present invention; Fig. 13 is a side view in partial section of the connector retaining frame arrangement in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an end view in partial section of a third embodiment of a connector retaining frame arrangement according to the present invention; and Fig. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view from above of the connector retaining frame arrangement along line 15-15 in Fig. 14.

[0010] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 comprises a connector holding frame arrangement according to the present invention, a rail base 10 and multiple connector positioning holders 20.

[0011] As from the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, the rail base 10 is elongated and made of metal. The rail base 10 has an elongated base plate 11 and a connecting hole 14. The connecting hole 14 is elongated, extends along a longitudinal direction of the base plate 11, and passes through the base plate 11. Two ends of the connecting hole 14 are closed ends and are spaced apart from two ends of the base plate 11. In some embodiments, the connecting holes 14 can be replaced by multiple elongated holes arranged in a line along the base plate 11 and spaced apart from each other.

[0012] The rail base 10 can be an elongated track with an H-shaped cross-section and comprises two side plates 13, each connected to two sides of the base plate 11. The two side plates 13 extend upwards from the base plate 11 to form an upper channel 12 between a top surface of the base plate 11 and the two side plates 13. The two side plates 13 extend downwards from the base plate 11 to form a lower channel 16 between a bottom surface of the base plate 11 and the two side plates 13. The lower channel 16 communicates with the upper channel 12 via the connecting hole 14. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, two tabs can be formed on the undersides of each of the two side plates 13, extending towards each other. A lower opening is formed on one underside of the rail base 10, arranged between the two tabs, and is accordingly connected to the lower channel 16.

[0013] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the multiple connector positioning holders 20 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the rail base 10 and are slidably and rotatably connected to the rail base 10. Each connector positioning holder 20 comprises a holder body 21, an inserted part 23, and a screw 25. The holder body 21 is made of a plastic material, is rotatably, slidably, and detachably connected to the rail base 10, and is located above the base plate 11. The holder body 21 comprises a holder base 211 and a retaining section 215. The holder base 211 may have a circular rim and is slidably and rotatably arranged in the upper channel 12 of the rail base 10. The retaining section 215 is formed on a top surface of the holder base 211 and projects from it; it is designed to engage and connect with a connector 50.Accordingly, the plugs 50 can be placed on the rail base 10 via the plug positioning holders 20.

[0014] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the inserted part 23 is made of metal, is inserted into and connected to a base of the holder body 21, and has a threaded hole 232 that corresponds to and is connected to the connecting hole 14 of the rail base 10. The screw 25 is inserted through the connecting hole 14 from the lower channel 16 and the underside of the base plate 11, and is connected via a threaded engagement to the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 in order to firmly fasten the holder body 21 to the rail base 10.

[0015] The holder body 21 includes an insertion section 213 formed on a lower surface of the holder body 21. The inserted part 23 is inserted into the insertion section 213 of the holder body 21 and connected to it. A lower surface of the insertion section 213 and a lower surface of the inserted part 23 are raised above a lower surface of the holder base 211. When the lower surface of the holder base 211 contacts the upper surface of the base plate 11, a gap is formed between the upper surface of the base plate 11 and the lower surface of the insertion section 213, thus preventing the lower surface of the inserted part 23 from directly contacting the upper surface of the base plate 11. The inserted part 23 can be combined with the holder body 21 as a single unit by injection molding.The inserted part 23 can be inserted into the insertion section 213 of the holder body 21 and connected to it by insertion using ultrasound or by hot bonding.

[0016] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the threaded hole 232 extends through the inserted part 23. The inserted part 23 comprises a plurality of engagement recesses 234 arranged around its outer circumference and engaging with the holder body 21. These multiple engagement recesses 234 are arranged obliquely or parallel to an axis of the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23. The insertion section 213 of the holder body 21 engages in the plurality of engagement recesses 234 arranged around the inserted part 23 to reinforce the engagement between the inserted part 23 and the holder body 21.

[0017] Preferably, the inserted part 23 comprises a first toothed section 235, a second toothed section 237 located above the first toothed section 235, and an annular groove 236 formed between the first toothed section 235 and the second toothed section 237. The annular groove 236 engages with the holder body 21. A plurality of engagement recesses 234, arranged around the first toothed section 235, and a plurality of engagement recesses 234, arranged around the second toothed section 237, engage with the holder body 21. The plurality of engagement recesses 234, arranged around the first toothed section 235, and the plurality of engagement recesses 234, arranged around the second toothed section 237, are each inclined in opposite directions relative to the axis of the threaded hole 232.This means that the multiple engagement recesses 234 arranged around the first toothed section 235 of the inserted part 23 of each of the multiple plug positioning holders 20, and the multiple engagement recesses 234 arranged around the second toothed section 237 of the inserted part 23, are each tilted clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively. The arrangement of the annular groove 236 and the respective engagement recesses 234, which are arranged around the first toothed section 235 and the second toothed section 237 and tilt in opposite directions, further increases the engagement between the inserted part 23 and the holder body 21. As a result, the inserted part 23 and the holder body 21 are hardly separated when the inserted part 23 is pulled downwards.

[0018] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 6, the screw 25 comprises a rod 253 and a head 251 formed at one end of the rod 253. The rod 253 is inserted from the underside of the base plate 11 through the connecting hole 14 of the rail base 10 and is connected to the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 via the threaded engagement between the screw 25 and the holder body 21. The head 251 is located below the base plate 11. Preferably, each connector positioning holder 20 includes a washer 27 made of a plastic material, which is arranged between the head 251 of the screw 25 and the base plate 11.

[0019] According to the Fig. 2, 8 to 10, the holder bodies 21 of the connector positioning holders 20 are inserted into the upper channel 12 of the rail base 10 from above or from one end of the rail base 10. The connectors 50 are each placed onto the holding sections 215 of the holder bodies 21. Each connector 50 can be rotated so that the dimension markings on the connectors 50 point in the same direction. The holder bodies 21 are then fastened onto the rail base 10. The screws 25 are inserted from the underside of the base plate 11 through the connecting hole 14 of the base plate 11 and screwed into the threaded holes 232 of the inserted parts 23 combined with the holder bodies 21. Accordingly, the connector positioning holders 20 with the connectors 50 can be securely held in the desired positions and orientations. This allows a user to clearly identify the dimensions of the connectors 50 and conveniently select the connectors 50 for use.

[0020] Each connector positioning holder 20 is securely attached to the rail base 10 to fix the position and orientation of the holder body 21 relative to the rail base 10 via the threaded engagement between the screw 25 and the inserted part 23, which is integrated into the base of the holder body 21. The position and orientation of each connector positioning holder 20 with a corresponding connector 50 will not change unintentionally, even if an external force is applied to the connector holding frame assembly of the present invention. Therefore, the connector holding frame assembly of the present invention is stable and convenient to use. To change the position or orientation of each connector positioning holder 20 and the connector 50 located thereon, the screw 25 of the connector positioning holder 20 is slightly loosened, and the holder body 21 of the connector positioning holder 20 can be moved or rotated relative to the rail base 10.After the holder body 21 has been moved into a desired position or orientation, the screw 25 is tightened again. Consequently, the position and orientation of the individual connector positioning holders 20 can be conveniently adjusted. Since the connecting hole 14 is elongated, the connector positioning holders 20 can be moved along the connecting hole 14 to adjust the spacing between them after slightly loosening the screw 25. The screws 25 of the connector positioning holders 20 are then tightened again.

[0021] With regard to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 11. After the screw 25 is connected to the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 combined in the base of the holder body 21, the user can hold the holder body 21 to rotate the holder body 21 with the inserted part 23 relative to the screw 25 in order to loosen or tighten the plug positioning holder 20.

[0022] Each connector positioning holder 20 consists of a metal insert 23, which is connected to the base of the holder body 21, and a screw 25, which engages the threaded hole 232 of the insert 23. Therefore, the thread of the threaded hole 232 of the insert 23 experiences minimal wear and is unlikely to deform easily, even with repeated loosening and tightening of the screw 25. Consequently, the service life of each connector positioning holder 20 is extended, and the connector positioning holder 20 can be securely attached to the rail base 10. Even after prolonged use, the connector positioning holder 20 remains stable and firmly attached to the rail base 10. Even if the screw 25 is overtightened, the insert 23 is unlikely to break easily.

[0023] With reference to the Fig. 12 and Fig. In a second embodiment, the rail base 10A comprises several connecting holes 14A arranged in a line along the rail base 10A. Each connecting hole 14A is a circular through-hole formed in the base plate 11. Accordingly, the screw 25 can be inserted through the connecting hole 14A and screwed into the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 to fix the holder body 21 in its position when the holder body 21 is moved to align the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 with one of the connecting holes 14A. When the screw 25 is loosened from the holder body 21 of the connector positioning holder 20, the position and orientation of the holder body 21 can also be adjusted.

[0024] As in the Fig. 14 and Fig.As shown in Figure 15, in a third embodiment, the inserted part 23B of each connector positioning holder 20B has a polygonal edge. The inserted part 23B is inserted into and surrounded by the insertion section 213B of the holder body 21B. The insertion section 213B comprises a lower insertion flange 2131, which is located below and covers the lower surface of the inserted part 23B.

[0025] With such arrangements, each connector positioning holder 20 can be rotated relative to the rail base 10 to adjust its orientation, and it can be moved relative to the rail base 10 to adjust its position. The connector positioning holder 20 can be firmly and stably attached to the rail base 10 to fix its position and orientation via the threaded engagement between the screw 25 and the inserted part 23, which is integrated into the base of the holder body 21. Since the inserted part 23 is made of metal, the thread formed in the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 is hardly subject to wear and is not easily deformed; the distance between the threaded hole 232 and the screw 25 can be maintained, and the screw 25 and the threaded hole 232 of the inserted part 23 can be held in a secure connection.Even if screw 25 is overtightened, the inserted part 23 is not susceptible to breakage or damage. After prolonged use, the plug positioning holder 20 can still be firmly and stably attached to the rail base 10.

Claims

[1] Connector retaining frame assembly comprising: a rail base (10, 10A) with a base plate (11) which is oblong; and a connecting hole (14, 14A) formed by the base plate (11); and Multiple connector positioning holders (20, 20B) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the rail base (10, 10A) and slidably and rotatably connected to the rail base (10, 10A), each of the multiple connector positioning holders (20, 20B) comprising a holder body (21, 21B) which is rotatably, slidably and detachably connected to the rail base (10, 10A) and arranged above the base plate (11); an inserted part (23, 23B) made of metal, which is inserted into a base of the holder body (21, 21B) and is combined with the holder body (21, 21B) as a complete unit by injection molding, and which has the inserted part (23, 23B). a threaded hole (232) that is connected to the connecting hole (14, 14A) of the rail base (10, 10A); and a screw (25) which is inserted through the connecting hole (14, 14A) of the rail base (10, 10A) from an underside of the base plate (11) and connected to the threaded hole (232) of the inserted part (23, 23B) to securely fasten the holder body (21, 21B) to the rail base (10, 10A), and which comprises a rod (253) which is inserted through the connecting hole (14, 14A) of the rail base (10, 10A) from the underside of the base plate (11) and is connected to the threaded hole (232) of the inserted part (23, 23B) via a threaded engagement; and a head (251) formed at one end of the rod (253) and arranged below the base plate (11), wherein the holder body (21, 21B) of each of the plug positioning holders (20, 20B) has a holder base (211) and an insertion section (213, 213B) formed on the bottom of the holder body (21, 21B); the inserted part (23, 23B) of each of the connector positioning holders (20, 20B) is inserted into the insertion section (213, 213B) of the holder body (21, 21B) of the connector positioning holder (20, 20B) and combined with it; and a lower surface of the insertion section (213, 213B) of each of the multiple plug positioning holders (20, 20B) is arranged higher than a lower surface of the holder base (211) of the holder body (21, 21B) of the plug positioning holder (20, 20B). [2] Connector retaining frame arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inserted part (23) of each of the connector positioning holders (20) has a plurality of engagement recesses (234) arranged around an outer circumference of the inserted part (23) and engaging with the holder body (21) of the connector positioning holder (20). [3] Connector retaining frame arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inserted part (23) of each of the multiple plug positioning holders (20) comprises a first toothed section (235); a second toothed section (237) arranged above the first toothed section (235); and an annular groove (236) formed between the first toothed section (235) and the second toothed section (237) and engaging with the holder body (21, 21B) of the plug positioning holder (20); a plurality of engagement recesses (234) arranged around the first toothed section (235) and engaging with the holder body (21) of the plug positioning holder (20); and a multitude of engagement recesses (234) arranged around the second toothed section (237) and engaging in the holder body (21) of the plug positioning holder (20). [4] Connector retaining frame arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of engagement recesses (234) arranged around the first toothed section (235) and the plurality of engagement recesses (234) arranged around the second toothed section (237) are inclined clockwise or counterclockwise. [5] Connector retaining frame arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inserted part (23B) of each of the multiple connector positioning holders (20B) has a polygonal edge. [6] Connector holding frame arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the connector positioning holders (20, 20B) comprises a washer (27) arranged between the head (251) of the screw (25) of the connector positioning holder (20, 20B) and the base plate (11) of the rail base (10, 10A). [7] Connector retaining frame arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the connecting hole (14) of the rail base (10) is elongated, extends along the longitudinal direction of the base plate (11), and has two closed ends.

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