Connector and computer case using the connector

Abstract

Plug connector to create an electrical connection - with a connector, - the connector includes a contact carrier, - the contact carrier holds contact elements, - the contact carrier has at least one locking element, and with a plug-in tray, - the plug tray forms a plug connector receiving space, - the connector receiving area is surrounded by a ring wall, - the ring wall forms a plug-in opening, - the ring wall surrounds mating contacts on the side facing away from the plug opening, - the ring wall carries counter-locking elements, wherein the connector is designed to be inserted in the plug-in direction into the connector receiving space of the plug tray, wherein the contact elements make an electrical connection with the mating contacts and the interaction of the locking elements and the counter-locking elements secures the connector in the plug tray, wherein the connector forms a guide section and / or the plug tray a counter-guide section, each comprising at least one inclined surface and allowing the connector to slide off the ring wall if the connector and plug tray are not fully aligned.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug connection for creating an electrical connection - with a connector, - the connector comprises a contact carrier, - the contact carrier holds contact elements, - the contact carrier carries at least one locking element, and with a plug-in socket, - the plug-in tray forms a connector receiving space, - the connector housing is surrounded by a ring wall, - the ring wall forms a plug-in opening, - the ring wall surrounds mating contacts on the side facing away from the plug-in opening, - the annular wall carries counter-locking elements, wherein the connector is designed to be inserted in the plug-in direction into the connector receiving space of the plug-in socket, wherein the contact elements form an electrical connection with the counter-contacts and the interaction of the locking elements and counter-locking elements secures the connector in the plug-in socket.

[0002] Plug connectors of this type are well known from the state of the art, which cannot be documented in printed documents. They are used to easily establish an electrically conductive connection between two components without having to hard-wire them together. The advantage of such plug connectors is generally that they simplify component assembly and allow each component to be pre-assembled separately before being connected to a corresponding component.

[0003] The increased demand for automated assembly processes means that even generic connectors must be manufactured fully automatically. One example of this is the subsequently published patent application DE 10 2023 103 788. This patent application presents a PC case that can be assembled fully automatically through a clever arrangement of the housing components.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to create a plug connection which is suitable for fully automated production by means of production machines.

[0005] The object is achieved by a plug connection having the features of claim 1, in particular with its characterizing features, according to which the plug connector forms a guide section and / or the plug-in trough forms a counter-guide section, each of which comprises at least one inclined surface and allows the plug connector to slide off the annular wall if the plug connector and plug-in trough are not completely aligned.

[0006] The invention recognizes that the precise alignment of the connector and the socket is a problem in the fully automated production of plug connections. Such a precise alignment is generally not possible. Therefore, the invention provides the aforementioned guide sections or counter-guide sections. These compensate for unavoidable positional tolerances between the socket and the connector and, by sliding along inclined surfaces, enable the connector to be aligned with the socket during the mating process.

[0007] In an extraordinarily preferred embodiment, it is provided that the guide section is formed between the front wall of the plug-in connector located at the front in the plugging direction and the contact carrier side walls, wherein in particular the guide section completely surrounds the front wall of the contact carrier and is formed as a chamfer arranged between the front wall and the side walls.

[0008] On the connector side, the guide section can be designed particularly simply, since an inclined surface at the transition from the end wall to the side wall can be produced particularly easily and without difficulty, for example, using injection molding. If the guide section is designed as a circumferential chamfer, a tolerance in the position of the plug-in socket and connector relative to each other can be compensated along two degrees of freedom.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, it is alternatively provided that the annular wall of the plug-in trough has a collar surrounding the plug-in opening, which forms at least the counter-guide section which cooperates with the guide section of the plug-in connector.

[0010] The formation of a funnel-shaped collar on the ring wall of the plug-in socket, which surrounds the plug-in opening, is also a sufficient possibility to compensate for positional tolerances between the plug-in socket and the plug-in connector during automated production of the plug-in connection.

[0011] However, an embodiment is particularly preferred in which a guide section, in particular in the form of a circumferential bevel between the contact carrier end wall and the contact carrier side walls, is provided on the plug-in connector side and at the same time a counter-guide section is provided on the plug-in socket side, in particular formed by a circumferential, funnel-shaped collar.

[0012] The interaction of the guide section and the counter-guide section optimizes the position and alignment of the plug-in tray and connector during the automated production of the plug-in connection.

[0013] Specifically, it is provided that the collar is flared out in a circumferentially widening manner relative to the annular wall and the inner circumferential wall of the collar is formed in a funnel-like manner, in particular if the inner circumferential wall forms the counter-guide section in a funnel-like manner.

[0014] Plug-in connections are typically held by a form-locking connection. The invention provides for a locking connection for this purpose. Specifically, the invention provides that the annular wall carries the counter-locking means on a first annular wall section, and that this annular wall section is defined by two notches parallel to the plugging direction that accommodate the counter-locking means between them.

[0015] In particular, it is provided that the first ring wall section can be deflected in a resilient manner.

[0016] If the ring wall, in particular the collar surrounding the plug-in opening, carries a handling element in the area of ​​this ring wall section, by means of which the ring wall section can be resiliently opened, the snap-in connection can also be released.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the collar of the annular wall section carries a spreading wing which serves as a handling element and enables both manual release of the locking connection and automated release of the locking connection.

[0018] Specifically, it is intended that the locking means on the contact carrier side is a locking projection and the counter-locking means on the plug-in socket side is a locking window.

[0019] The object of the invention is also achieved by a computer housing which has the features of the independent claim 9.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the lower shell and the upper shell are placed on top of each other in only one mounting direction for the housing assembly, - the module holding part and the circuit board holding part are also only inserted into the housing in their holding position along the mounting direction, - the module holding part and the circuit board holding part are fixed in their operative position by the upper shell sitting on the lower shell.

[0021] Further advantages of the invention and a better understanding thereof will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1: An exploded view of a computer using a computer case according to the invention. Fig. 2: A representation of the bottom shell of the computer case according to Fig. 1 in top view. Fig. 3: Representation of a first frame part of a circuit board holding part of the computer housing according to Fig. 1 in top view. Fig. 4: The frame part according to Fig. 3 in perspective view. Fig. 5: A representation of the computer after Fig. 1 in top view with the upper shell hidden. Fig. 6: A sectional view along section line VI-VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7: A sectional view along section line VII-VII in Fig. 5. Fig. 8: A sectional view along section line VIII-VIII in Fig. 5. Fig. 9: A top view of the PCB holder with the module holders attached. Fig. 10: The representation according to Fig. 9 including connection modules. Fig. 11: The computer after Fig. 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 12: A representation of the computer after Fig. 11 in view from above according to view arrow XII. Fig. 13: A representation of the computer after Fig. 11 according to view arrow XIII. Fig. 14: A second perspective view of the computer after Fig. 1 on its underside. Fig. 15: A detail enlargement according to the cutout circle in Fig. 5. Fig. 16: A first alternative embodiment for fixing the module holding part in the lower shell. Fig. 17: A second alternative embodiment for fixing the module holding part in the lower shell. Fig. 18: A representation of the plug-in socket and the plug-in connector of the plug-in connection according to the invention, unconnected. Fig. 19: The connector of the connector according to the invention according to Fig. 18. Fig. 20: The plug-in socket of the plug connection according to Fig. 18. Fig. 21: A view of the plug connection according to the invention according to Fig. 18 in pre-assembly position. Fig. 22: A sectional view of the connector in pre-assembly position according to section line AA in Fig. 21. Fig. 23: The plug connection according to the invention with plug-in tray and plug connector in connected state. Fig. 24: A sectional view of the plug connection according to the invention according to section line BB in Fig. 23.

[0022] In the figures, a computer housing - possibly also as part of a computer - is provided with the reference number 10.

[0023] The computer case 10 is in Fig. 1 as part of a computer 11 in an exploded view. The following description of the invention makes no major distinction between the computer housing 10 and the computer 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the computer 11 is defined as a computer housing 10 containing a motherboard 12. The motherboard 12 (also called mainboard) has the usual electronic components that make up a modern computer, in particular the main processor.

[0024] The Fig. The computer 11 shown in Figure 1 with its housing designated overall by reference number 10 comprises, in addition to the main board 12, the following computer housing parts: First, the computer housing 10 has a lower shell 13 formed by a base plate 14 with upstanding side walls 15. The side walls 15 are arranged opposite one another and spaced apart by a side-wall-free plug-in space 16. Each side wall 15 also has a window-like recess 17, the passage cross-section of which is narrowed by a lower frame web 18 near the base plate and an upper frame web 18 remote from the base plate. The frame web 18 can alternatively follow the contour of the window-like recess 17 all the way around.

[0025] The Fig. 1 The underside of the base shell 13, not shown, has anti-slip feet 19 for secure placement of the computer case 10 on a surface.

[0026] As a counterpart to the lower shell 13, the computer housing 10 has an upper shell 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper shell 20 is formed by a cover plate 21 with side walls 22 arranged opposite one another and pointing in the direction of the lower shell 13, wherein the side walls 22 are designed as ventilation grilles 23 in the exemplary embodiment.

[0027] The ventilation grilles 23 of the upper shell 20 are aligned with the plug-in spaces 16 of the lower shell 13. When the lower shell 13 and upper shell 20 are assembled, the ventilation grilles 23 fill the respective plug-in spaces 16, so that the computer housing 10 comprises a circumferential side wall not described in more detail here.

[0028] The computer housing 10 then includes a series of components which securely hold electrical / electronic components in the computer housing 10.

[0029] Firstly, the circuit board holding part 24 should be mentioned, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by a two-part frame 25 with a first frame part 26 and a second frame part 27.

[0030] The housing also includes connection modules 28, which combine various connectors 29 into a single component. The connectors 29 serve to connect the computer 11 to peripheral devices. These include the usual connectors used in computer technology, such as USB connectors, slots for data cards, jack / RCA connectors for audio connections, etc.

[0031] In order to anchor the connection modules 28 in the computer housing 10, so-called module holding parts 30 are provided.

[0032] In order to ensure sufficient cooling, especially in the case of powerful processors on the motherboard 12, fans 31 can be part of the computer housing 10.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the upper shell 20 carries an auxiliary circuit board 32, which is provided with a switching element 33 in the form of a button. The computer 11 can be switched on using the button.

[0034] The assembly direction X, along which the essential components of the computer 11 are plugged together, is orthogonal to the base plate 14. Depending on the design, the connection modules 28 are mounted in the assembly direction X or transversely to the assembly direction X.

[0035] For the sake of simplicity, various components of the computer 11 or the computer case 10 have been omitted here. These include, for example, the connection between the connection modules 28 and the motherboard 12. A power supply unit for the voltage supply has also been omitted. The invention is free to choose from various possible solutions. In particular, the power supply unit can be part of the computer case 10, but the voltage supply unit can also be part of the motherboard 12. It is equally possible to use an external power supply unit located outside the computer case 10.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows the lower shell 13 in a top view. This view first shows that the base plate 14 has a grid-like perforated structure 34 in a partial area. This allows air to circulate between the interior of the housing and the outside environment, thus promoting the cooling of electronic components located in the computer housing 10, in particular electronic components on the motherboard 12.

[0037] This can be seen from Fig. 2 and taking into account the subshell representation in Fig. 1, the side walls 15 are stepped in their free edge area facing the upper shell 20. The inner wall edge areas, designated by reference number 35, are recessed or countersunk toward the base plate 14. The extent of the recess corresponds approximately to the thickness of the cover plate 21, so that the latter sits flush with the step at the top.

[0038] Attention should also be paid to the side wall sections adjacent to the respective plug-in space 16. These each have a plug-in slot 36 that is open toward the plug-in space 16 and accessible from above. This plug-in slot 36 serves to accommodate the wall edge areas of the upper shell-side ventilation grilles 23.

[0039] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the first frame part 26, where Fig. 3 the first frame part 26 in view from above and Fig. 4 the first frame part 26 in perspective view analogous to Fig. 1. The first frame part 26 belongs to the frame 25, which in this case forms the circuit board holding part 24 for the main board 12. Based on Fig. 3 and taking into account Fig. 2, it is initially apparent that the first frame part 26, at least in its corner regions, has an outer contour corresponding to the inner peripheral contour of the lower shell 13 and thus, when inserted into the lower shell 13, rests against the inner surfaces of the side walls 15 of the lower shell 13 only while maintaining a required fit clearance. This ensures that the frame 25, with its first frame part 26 and also with its second frame part 27, which is constructed analogously in this respect, lies immovably in the lower shell 13, parallel to the base plate.

[0040] The first frame part 26 then has a first recess 37, which here specifically forms a complete opening through the frame 25. Due to material projections 38 that protrude into the first recess 37, the first recess 37 is undersized compared to the dimensions of the main board 12. In the area of ​​the material projections 38, at least the first frame part 26 has material recesses 39 in the form of a stepped shoulder. These material recesses 39 form the receptacles 40 for the main board 12, facing the cover plate 21.

[0041] As the exploded view after Fig. As already suggested in Figure 1, the stepped material recess 39 corresponds approximately to the thickness of the printed circuit board of the main circuit board 12, which sits with its edge regions in the material recesses 39. In the design of the frame 25 selected in the exemplary embodiment, the upper side of the main circuit board 12 facing the cover plate 21 is flush with the surface of the first frame part 26 facing the cover plate 21 and is covered by the second frame part 27 sitting on it in the region of the material projections 38. In this way, the main circuit board 12 is securely mounted in the frame 25.

[0042] Fig. 4 further shows that the first frame part 26 is provided with molded-on spacers 41 in the corner areas on its underside facing the base plate 14. These spacers 41 serve to space the lower frame part 26 from the base plate 14. This promotes air circulation between the main board 12 and the base plate 14 via the grid-like hole structure 34. Furthermore, a space is created between the frame structure holding the main board 12 and the base plate 14, which space enables a resilient and vibration-damping movement to protect the main board 12 in the event of vibrations of the housing 10.

[0043] Already the Fig. 1 shows that the module holding parts designated by reference number 30 have a securing element in the form of a projecting spring 42 on their end face facing the respective associated connection module 28. Likewise, Fig. 1 that the connection modules 28 have securing parts in the form of grooves 43 parallel to the mounting direction on their side cheeks facing the respective module holding parts 30.

[0044] Fig. Figure 9 now shows a top view of the frame 25, more precisely the second frame part 27, with the module holding parts 30 mounted in the frame corner areas. For clarity, the lower shell 13, into which the frame 25 and the module holding parts 30 are inserted, is omitted from this illustration.

[0045] It is clear that the springs 42 project into a module recess 44 formed by the frame 25. Fig. 10 shows the representation according to Fig. 9, supplemented by the connection modules 28. These occupy the space provided for them in the form of the module recesses 44 in the frame 25. Fig. 10 shows that the springs 42 engage in the respective opposite grooves 43 and thus fix the connection module 28.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the computer 11, with the upper shell 20 of the computer housing 10 removed. It can be seen that the frame 25, consisting of the first frame part 26 and the second frame part 27, is located in the lower shell 13, with the mainboard 12 held between the two frame parts 26 / 27. A module holding part 30 sits on the frame 25 in each of the housing corner areas, with two opposing module holding parts 30 each holding a connection module 28 between them. It can also be seen that the frame 25 supports the fans 31.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along the section line VI-VI in Fig. 5. This sectional view is particularly suitable for identifying the fixing of the main board 12 in the frame 25. Fig. 6, firstly, that the frame 25 is composed of the first, lower frame part 26 and the second, upper frame part 27. The lower frame part 26 has—as already described above—spacers 41 pointing toward the base plate 14 of the housing 10 and is thus spaced from the base plate 14. The illustration shows the resulting movement space 45 between the first frame part 26 and the base plate 14, which allows a shock-absorbing, resilient deflection of the frame 25.

[0048] It can also be seen how the material projections 38 protrude into the first recess 37 and that the main board 12 lies in the material recesses 39 of the material projections 38. The stepped design of the material recess 39 is also shown in the sectional view according to Fig. 6 can be easily removed. The previously described fact can also be seen, according to which the top side of the main board 12 facing upwards towards the upper shell 20 - material tolerances not taken into account - is approximately flush with the top side of the first frame part 26 facing the upper shell 20. In this respect, Fig. 6 in conjunction with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 clearly shows that the main board 12 is secured against movements parallel to the floor, i.e. movements transverse to the mounting direction X, in the material recesses 39 of the first frame part 26.

[0049] By placing the second frame part 27 onto the first frame part 26 and thus joining the frame parts 26 and 27 to form the frame 25, the main board 12 is secured in the frame opposite to the assembly direction X. For this purpose, the second frame part 27 initially has a second recess 46, which is also manufactured to be undersized compared to the dimensions of the main board 12. The aforementioned design of the first part is used here. The second frame part 27 also has second material projections 47, which, viewed in the assembly direction X, are aligned with the first material projections 38 and thus cover the top of the main board 12.

[0050] In this way, the main board 12 is securely mounted between the frame parts 26 and 27, whereby this mounting and fixing is carried out without screws by simply inserting the frame parts 26 and 27 and the main board 12 in the mounting direction X.

[0051] The Fig. 6 further shows that the module holding parts 30 - as also mentioned above - rest on the frame 25. However, the sectional view shows that the longitudinal extent of the module holding parts 30 in the assembly direction X is dimensioned such that their surface facing the upper shell 20 is flush with the recessed wall edge regions 35, so that a seated cover plate 21 of the upper shell 20 (not shown here) secures the module holding parts 30 parallel to the assembly direction.

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 shows a sectional view through the computer 11 according to Fig. 5 according to section line VII - VII. This section line VII - VII runs through the engagement area of ​​the module holding part 30 and the connection module 28 and serves primarily to illustrate the fixing of the connection modules 28 parallel to the mounting direction. It can be seen how the tongues 42, which are aligned parallel to the mounting direction, engage in the grooves 43, which are also aligned parallel to the mounting direction. Fig. 7 clearly shows that for this purpose the module holding parts 30 are inserted into the lower shell 13 in the assembly direction X, i.e. from above towards the base plate 14. The springs 42 slide into the grooves 43 and fix the respective connection module 28. In particular, if this - in an optional embodiment - is also inserted into the housing 10 in the assembly direction X, the module holding parts 30 not only secure it against movements transverse to the assembly direction X, but also secure it against movements counter to the assembly direction X.

[0053] However, as will be described later, in the exemplary embodiment shown here the connection modules 28 are inserted transversely to the mounting direction X into the window-like recesses 17 already described above, so that in the present case the module holding parts 30 secure the connection modules 28 in particular counter to their insertion direction into the window-like recess 17.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a sectional view along section line VIII-VIII in Fig. 5 and serves in particular to illustrate the definition of the not absolutely necessary, but optional useful fans 31 for generating a cooling air flow in the computer housing 10.

[0055] The second frame part 27 of the frame 25 initially has bores 48, which in the present embodiment completely penetrate the second frame part 27, but are not present in the first frame part 26. This creates blind holes in the frame 25. The fans 31 are provided with fixing pins 49 on their underside facing the base plate 14. These fixing pins 49 sit in the bores 48 and secure the fans 31 to the frame 25. The fixing between the fixing pin 49 and the bore 48 can be achieved by frictional engagement. However, it is also conceivable to use a positive fit, for example by latching, to secure the fans 31. The height of the fans 31 can be such that the upper shell 20 sits on the respective upper side of the fan. For this purpose, the upper shell 20 can also have corresponding recesses facing the fans 31.However, it is quite conceivable that the fastening between the fixing pins 49 and the holes 48 is sufficient to arrange the fans 31 securely on the frame 25.

[0056] Also from Fig. 8 it can be seen that the fans 31 only have to be inserted into the computer housing 10 in the mounting direction X in order to position and fix them there.

[0057] The Fig. 11 to 14 show the computer housing 10 and the computer 11 in various external views, with the computer housing 10 being fully assembled here. Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the computer case 10. The upper shell 20 is mounted on the lower shell 13, with the ventilation grilles 23 positioned in the plug-in spaces 16 of the lower shell 13 as described above. Similar to the base plate 14, the cover plate 21 of the upper shell 20 is provided with a perforated structure (not shown in more detail) that facilitates air exchange between the interior of the case and the outside environment for heat dissipation. The perforated structure of the cover plate 21 surrounds an open space in which the switching element 33 is arranged, accessible to a user. For design reasons, the switching element 33, in the form of a touch-sensitive button, has a double-arrow-like contour.

[0058] The connection modules 28 are arranged in corresponding window-like recesses 17 of the side walls 15 of the lower shell 13.

[0059] Fig. 12 shows a plan view of the computer housing 10 or the computer 11 according to Fig. 11. This illustration shows first of all that the cover plate 21 - as already described - is embedded in the stepped recessed wall areas of the lower shell 13. Furthermore, one can see in Fig. 12, the computer housing 10 has an approximately square cross-section when viewed parallel to the floor. For design reasons, the corner areas feature partially cylindrical wall sections formed by the side walls 15 of the lower shell 13 and projecting outward relative to the square cross-section. In addition to design aspects, these wall sections also serve a technical function for securing the module holding part 30 transversely to the mounting direction X, which will be discussed later.

[0060] Fig. 13 shows the computer case 10 or the computer 11 in side view. Together with Fig. 14, a perspective view of the base plate 14, once again illustrates the function of the feet 19 of the housing 10. In addition to the anti-slip inserts, the feet 19 space the base plate 14 from any support surface and, via the resulting ventilation gap between the support surface and the base plate 14, enable improved air exchange via the grid-like perforated structure 34 in the base plate 14.

[0061] As already indicated in the previous description and in particular from the exploded view according to Fig. 1, the computer housing 10 is characterized in its design by the fact that almost all components are inserted into the lower shell 13 in the assembly direction X and are secured against movement transverse to the assembly direction X by mutual interaction and interaction with the lower shell 13, without the need for separate fastening means such as screws, plug-in fastening means, locking means, etc. The mere insertion of the components in the assembly direction X in a defined sequence and the interaction of the components with one another results in their securing against movements transverse to the assembly direction X.

[0062] The components are held in place, in particular secured against movement parallel to the assembly direction X, by the interaction of the lower shell 13 and the upper shell 20. The lower shell 13 and the upper shell 20 are also fastened to one another without separate mechanical fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, the parts 13 and 20 are held together magnetically. It is theoretically possible to achieve sufficient holding by means of a frictional connection. Less advantageous, but also conceivable, is an option in which the side walls 22 of the upper shell 20 or the side walls 15 of the lower shell 13 are provided with locking means that overlap the base plate 14 or the cover plate 21. It is also possible to join the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 13 together with an adhesive that can be released under the influence of heat to dismantle the housing 10.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, installation in the mounting direction X only does not apply to the connection modules 28. These are inserted into the lower shell 13 transversely to the mounting direction X, as described below. However, it is entirely conceivable, and this will be discussed below, to also mount the connection modules 28 in the mounting direction X without having to forego any of the aforementioned advantages.

[0064] The assembly of the Fig. 1 to 15 fully or partially shown computer case 10 is as follows:

[0065] The lower shell 13, which is open at the top, forms the first component that can be fitted with the optional anti-slip feet 19 on its underside at any time during the assembly process. The first, lower frame part 26 is first inserted into the lower shell 13, with its material recesses 39, which form the mounting receptacles for the mainboard 12, oriented toward the upper shell 20. The module recesses 44 point toward the window-like sidewall recesses 17 of the sidewalls 15 of the lower shell 13.

[0066] As can be seen from the drawings, the corner regions of the lower frame part 26 are designed to complement the shape of the corresponding side wall sections of the side walls 15 and rest there only with a certain degree of clearance. The lower frame part 26, which is thus embedded in the lower shell 13 only in the assembly direction X, is thus secured against slipping transversely to the assembly direction X.

[0067] The mainboard 12 is then inserted into the corresponding receptacles 40 of the lower frame part 26. Since, in the exemplary embodiment, these receptacles 40 are designed as material recesses 39 that are shaped congruent with the inserted printed circuit board sections of the mainboard 12, the receptacles 40 prevent movement of the mainboard 12 transversely to the mounting direction X. Here, too, the mainboard 12 is inserted into the lower shell 13 only in the mounting direction X.

[0068] Then, the upper frame part 27 is again inserted into the lower shell 13 only in the assembly direction X. The second, upper frame part 27 rests on the first frame part 26 and engages over the circuit board sections of the main board 12 seated in the receptacles 40. In this way, the main board 12 is secured against movement parallel to the assembly direction and is securely held in the frame 25.

[0069] As is clear from the drawings, the second frame part 27 is also secured against slipping transversely to the assembly direction X by a shape-congruent insertion of the frame corner areas on the side walls 15 of the lower shell 13. Of course, the module recesses 44 are also aligned with the window-like recesses 17 of the side walls 15.

[0070] Now, deviating from the mounting direction X, the connection modules 28 are inserted into the window-like recesses 17. For this purpose, the connection modules 28 are inserted from the outside into the window-like recesses 17 perpendicular to the mounting direction X until the outer end panel of the connection module 28 abuts the frame webs 18 of the recess 17, limiting the insertion process. Ideally, the connection modules 28 are pre-fixed in this position.

[0071] The module holding parts 30 are now inserted again only in the corner areas of the side walls 15 in the assembly direction X. The contours of the module holding parts 30 are complementary to the side walls 15 and their corner areas. When inserting the module holding parts 30 in the assembly direction X, the springs 42 of the module holding parts 30 engage the grooves 43 of the connection modules 28. This prevents the connection modules 28 from slipping out of the window-like recesses 17.

[0072] Likewise, only in the mounting direction X, the optional fans 31 are inserted into the frame 25, in particular into the upper frame part 27.

[0073] As already explained in the previous views, the module holding parts 30 and, if necessary, also the optional fans 31 are dimensioned in height such that the upper shell 20, which in turn is only to be placed in the mounting direction X, sits snugly on the module holding parts 30. The module holding parts 30 themselves sit on the frame 25, so that all components inserted in the mounting direction X as well as transversely to the mounting direction X are secured against movement from their respective desired position, whereby the various securing options for the module holding parts 30 will be discussed later.

[0074] In the specific example (see enlarged section Fig. 15), the module holding part 30 is secured against movement from its desired position transversely to the mounting direction X by an interaction between the side wall 15, the lower shell 13, and the tongue and groove connection between the connection module 28 and the module holding part 30. For this purpose, the lower shell 13, or more precisely its side wall 15, has a securing projection 50 directed into the housing interior. The module holding part 30 engages this securing projection 50 with its end facing away from the spring 42. As a result, this end facing away from the spring 42 cannot move toward the housing interior and transversely to the mounting direction X.

[0075] The spring-loaded end of the module holding part 30 sits in the groove 43 of the connection module 28. The connection module 28 is prevented from being pushed into the housing space by the frame webs 18. As a result, the spring-loaded end of the module holding part 30 cannot be moved from its desired position transversely to the mounting direction X. In this way, the module holding part 30 is secured in the housing 10 by a positive fit according to the present embodiment.

[0076] Deviating from the provisions of the Fig. 1 to 15, the module holding part 30 can also be held in the lower shell 13 by differently designed form-fitting connections. For example, Fig. 16 a dovetail connection between the side wall 15 and the module holding part 30, wherein Fig. 16 based on the previous figures merely a schematic representation of a corner area of ​​the housing 10 according to Fig. 15. The circumferential angle α of the adjacent cylindrical surfaces of the housing side wall 15 and the module holding part 30 can be kept <=180 ° with such a solution.

[0077] Alternatively, it is possible for the circumferential angle β of the adjacent lateral surfaces of the module holding part 30 and the side wall 15 to have a value of β > 180°. In this way, the side wall 15 encompasses the module holding part 30 and thus secures it against movement transverse to the mounting direction X.

[0078] In contrast to the previously described method for assembling the computer housing 10 or for assembling the computer 11, the connection module 28 can also be inserted into the lower shell 13 only in the assembly direction X. For this purpose, the connection module 28 can be inserted, similar to the side walls 22 of the upper shell 20, into plug-in slots 36 (not shown in the exemplary embodiment) of the side walls 15 of the lower shell 13. Whether and to what extent module holding parts 30 then additionally secure the connection module 28 depends on the technical conditions of the connection module 28. In particular, if the external screen is merely glued on but not permanently connected to a connection block behind it, additional securing of the connection module 28 using the module holding part 30 is recommended.Although the design of the module holding part 30 shown in the specific embodiment can also be used in this case, it would be more sensible to use a design shown in the . Fig. 16 or Fig. 17 schematically shown, different design.

[0079] Overall, the invention presents a novel, highly advantageous computer housing 10 or a correspondingly advantageous computer 11, in which assembly can be accomplished extremely easily and, above all, fully automatically by predominantly or exclusively using the X assembly direction. The modular design, without additional fastenings for the individual housing components by screws, etc., ensures high recyclability of the individual components as well as easy replacement of defective and / or technically obsolete components. This creates a durable housing with a long service life. Furthermore, disassembly is just as easy as assembly, thus ensuring high recyclability.

[0080] In the Fig. 18 to 24, a connector is designated overall by reference number 110. This connector 110 is particularly suitable for electrically connecting connection modules 28 of the aforementioned computer 11 to the mainboard 12.

[0081] According to Fig. 18 shows that the plug connection 110 is established between a connector 111 and a socket 112. For this purpose, the socket 112 can be arranged on the mainboard 12, and the connector 111 is connected to the free end of a cable of the connection module 28. To establish the plug connection 110, the connector 111 is inserted into the socket 112 in the plugging direction S.

[0082] The plug-in direction S corresponds to the mounting direction X of the components of the computer 11, so that the electrical connections between the connection modules and the main board 12 are also made in the mounting direction X.

[0083] The connector 111 is in Fig. 19. This comprises a contact carrier 113, which forms an end wall 114 located at the front in the plug-in direction S. The end wall 114 supports contact carrier side walls 115. In the exemplary embodiment, these are aligned parallel to the plug-in direction, although this is not absolutely necessary for the invention. Between the end wall 114 of the contact carrier 113 and the contact carrier side walls 115, inclined surfaces 127 in the form of a circumferential chamfer 128 are formed. These form a guide section 129 of the connector 111.

[0084] On the rear side facing away from the end wall 114, the contact carrier side walls have two opposing actuating wings 116. The connector 111 can be grasped by the actuating wings 116 for assembly or disassembly - i.e., for establishing or releasing the plug connection - manually or by a production machine.

[0085] The contact carrier 113 carries contact elements 117, which emerge from the end wall 114 in the plugging direction S. In the present embodiment, these are contact pins 118, which are spring-loaded for the benefit of the invention, but not necessarily, in order to ensure sufficient contact pressure on the mating contacts 119.

[0086] Finally, the contact carrier 113 forms a locking projection 120 on its contact carrier side walls 115 and holds a ribbon cable 121 on its rear side for connecting the connector 111 to an electrical or electronic component, for example for connecting a connection module 28.

[0087] Fig. 20 shows a view of the plug-in tray 112, which is shown in perspective in such a way that a view into the connector receiving space 122 is possible.

[0088] The connector receiving space 122 is surrounded by an annular wall 123, wherein the annular wall 123 forms a plug-in opening 124 facing the connector 111. On the bottom side of the plug-in receptacle 112 facing away from the plug-in opening 124, the annular wall 123 surrounds the mating contacts 119. In the exemplary embodiment, the mating contacts 119 are arranged on a plug-in receptacle base 125. However, it is equally possible for the plug-in receptacle 112 to be designed without a base, and for the annular wall 123 to surround mating contacts 119 that are arranged on a printed circuit board and are therefore not part of the plug-in receptacle 112.

[0089] The annular wall 123 forms a collar 126 surrounding the plug-in opening 124. This collar 126 is wider in circumference than the annular wall 123. The collar 126 has counter-sloped surfaces 130 on its inner side surrounding the plug-in opening 124, which together form an insertion funnel and serve as a counter-guide section 131.

[0090] The plug-in socket 112 has two separately formed annular wall sections 132 that are opposite one another. Each annular wall section 132 is defined by two notches 133 parallel to the plug-in direction and is arranged between them. Each annular wall section 132 has a locking window 134 that can interact with the locking projection 120 of the plug-in connector 111. Each annular wall section 132 is designed to be resiliently deflectable.

[0091] Finally, it should be noted that the collar 126 carries a retaining wing 135 in the area of ​​each annular wall section 132. This retaining wing 135 is suitable for gripping the respective annular wall section 132 manually or with the aid of an automatic production machine.

[0092] The Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 show what happens when the plug connection 110 is made by inserting the plug connector 111 into the plug-in socket 112. Fig. 22 a sectional view through the Fig. 21, corresponding to section line AA. When the connector 111 is inserted into the plug-in socket 112, at least one guide section 129 initially meets a counter-guide section 131 - if the connector 111 is not completely aligned with the plug-in socket 112. The pairing of the respective inclined surface 127 with the associated counter-inclined surface 130 causes the inclined surfaces 127, 130 to slide against one another, so that the connector 111 slides securely into the plug-in socket 112. The guide sections 129 and counter-guide sections 131 thus ensure that fully automated production of the connector 110 is possible even with positional tolerances between the plug-in socket 112 and the connector 111.

[0093] The Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 further show that when the plug connector 111 is inserted into the plug-in socket 112, the locking projections 120 strike the counter-sloping surfaces 130 of the ring wall sections 132 and displace them outwards from their rest position parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0094] In the Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 shows the plug connection 110 with a connector 111 seated in the plug-in socket 112, wherein Fig. 24 a sectional view according to section line BB in Fig. 23. When comparing the Fig. 22 and Fig. 24 it is clear that when a connector 111 is in its end position in the plug-in socket 112, the spring-return elastically deflected annular wall sections 132 are displaced back, whereby the locking projections 120 dip into the respectively associated locking window 134. In this way, the connector 111 is firmly secured in the plug-in socket 112. Also, in particular Fig. 24 shows how the contact elements 117 rest on the mating contacts 119 to establish an electrical connection.

[0095] From the Fig. 21 to 24 it is also clearly visible that in order to release the plug connection 110, it is easily possible to spread the annular wall sections 132 by actuating the retaining wings 135 in conjunction with a movement of the plug connector 111 opposite to the plugging direction S by engaging the actuating wings 116. Also revealed is a

[0096] A. Computer cases (10) - with at least one lower shell (13) and one upper shell (20), - with side walls (15, 22) as part of the lower shell (13) and / or as part of the upper shell (20), - with a base plate (14) as part of the lower shell (13) and a cover plate (21) as part of the upper shell (20), - with a receiving space of the computer housing (10), which is surrounded by the lower shell (13) and the upper shell (20), - with plug-in connections for peripheral devices, which are combined in at least one connection module (28), - with at least one housing recess (17) in which the connection module (28) is seated, - with at least one module holding part (30) which holds the at least one connection module (28) in the housing (10), - with at least one circuit board holding part (24) which holds a main board (12) in the housing (10), characterized in that - the mainboard (12) and the at least one connection module (28) are connected to one another by means of a plug connection according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mainboard (12) carries the plug-in socket and the connection module (28) is provided with the plug-in connector. B. Computer housing according to claim 9, characterized in that - the lower shell (13) and the upper shell (20) are placed on top of each other in only one mounting direction (X) for housing assembly, - the module holding part (30) and the circuit board holding part (24) are also only inserted into their holding operative position in the housing (10) along the mounting direction (X), - the module holding part (30) and the circuit board holding part (24) are fixed in their operative position by the upper shell (20) sitting on the lower shell (13). LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 computer cases 11 computers 12 Mainboard 13 Lower shell 14 Base plate 15 side wall of 13 16 Plug-in space 17 window-like recess 18 frame web 19 feet 20 upper shell 21 Cover plate 22 side wall of 20 23 ventilation grilles 24 PCB holder 25 frames 26 first frame part 27 second frame part 28 connection module 29 plug connection 30 module holding part 31 fans 32 auxiliary board 33 Switching element 34 grid-like hole structure 35 wall edge areas 36 slots 37 first recess 38 Material advantage 39 Material recess 40 recordings for 12 41 spacer 42 spring 43 groove 44 module recess of 25 / 26 / 27 45 Movement space 46 second recess 47 second material advantage 48 bore 49 fixing pins 50 safety projection X Mounting direction 110 plug connection 111 connectors 112 plug-in tub 113 contact carriers 114 front wall 115 Contact carrier side wall 116 operating wings 117 Contact element 118 contact pin 119 Counter contact 120 locking projection 121 ribbon cables 122 Connector receptacle 123 Ring wall 124 plug-in opening 125 plug-in tub base 126 collars 127 Inclined surface 128 chamfer 129 Guide Section 130 Counter-slope surface 131 Counter-guiding section 132 ring wall section 133 incision 134 rest windows 135 retaining wings S Plug direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2023 103 788

[0003]

Claims

[1] Plug connection (110) for creating an electrical connection - with a connector (111), - the connector (111) comprises a contact carrier (113), - the contact carrier (113) holds contact elements (117), - the contact carrier (113) carries at least one locking element (120), and with a plug-in trough (112), - the plug-in trough (112) forms a connector receiving space (122), - the connector receiving space (122) is surrounded by an annular wall (123), - the annular wall (123) forms a plug-in opening (124), - the annular wall (123) surrounds mating contacts (119) on the side facing away from the plug-in opening (124), - the annular wall (123) carries counter-locking elements (134), wherein the plug connector (111) is designed to be inserted in the plug-in direction (S) into the plug connector receiving space (122) of the plug-in socket (112), wherein the contact elements (117) form an electrical connection with the counter-contacts (119) and the interaction of the locking elements (120) and counter-locking elements (134) secures the plug connector (111) in the plug-in socket (112), characterized by that the plug connector (111) forms a guide section (129) and / or the plug-in trough (112) forms a counter-guide section (131), which in each case comprises at least one inclined surface (127 / 130) and allows the plug connector (111) to slide off the annular wall (123) if the plug connector (111) and plug-in trough (112) are not completely aligned. [2] Plug connection (110) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the guide section (129) is formed between the front wall of the plug connector (111) located at the front in the plugging direction (S) and the contact carrier side walls (115), wherein in particular the guide section (129) completely surrounds the front wall (114) of the contact carrier (113) and is formed as a chamfer (128) arranged between the front wall and the side walls. [3] Plug connection (110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the annular wall (123) of the plug-in trough (112) has a collar (126) surrounding the plug-in opening (124), which forms at least the counter-guide section (131) which cooperates with the guide section (129) of the plug-in connector (111). [4] Plug connection (110) according to claim 3, characterized by that the collar (126) is flared out in a circumferentially widening manner relative to the annular wall (123) and the inner circumferential wall of the collar (126) is funnel-shaped. [5] Plug connection (110) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the annular wall (123) with its funnel-shaped inner peripheral wall forms the counter-guide section (131). [6] Plug connection (110) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the annular wall (123) carries the counter-locking means (134) on a first annular wall section (132) and that this annular wall section (132) is defined by two incisions (133) which are parallel to the plugging direction and which accommodate the counter-locking means (134) between them. [7] Plug connection (110) according to claim 6, characterized by that the first annular wall section (132) is resiliently deflectable. [8] Plug connection (110) according to claim 7, characterized by that the locking means on the side of the contact carrier (113) is a locking projection (120) and the counter-locking means on the side of the plug-in socket is a locking window (134).

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