Connector Assembly

Abstract

The connector assembly configured to connect to a metal frame includes a main housing formed of a non-metallic material, a shield case disposed within the main housing, a base plate configured to connect to the main housing, and a shield ring disposed below the main housing and configured to connect to the base plate, the metal frame and the shield case being electrically connected via the shield ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10 - 2021 - 0036746, filed on March 22, 2021, 10 - 2021 - 0037365, filed on March 23, 2021, 10 - 2021 - 0037362, filed on March 23, 2021, 10 - 2021 - 0140222, filed on October 20, 2021, and 10 - 2021 - 0188208, filed on December 27, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a connector assembly.

Background Art

[0003] A connector is one of the electrical components that enables or blocks an electrical connection. A connector used to connect electrical components can include a socket that functions as a conductive signal path and a shield surrounding the socket. The shield can provide a return path and prevent radio frequency (RF) from leaking from the signal path.

[0004] A connector assembly is one of the components that selectively enables or blocks an electrical connection. For example, a vehicle includes various electrical components such as electronic components or sensors, and these electrical components are electrically connected to each other or to a power source via cables and connector assemblies.

[0005] A general connector assembly may include a housing surrounding the connector. Since the housing can be formed of metal, it is difficult to mold and process the connector assembly. Therefore, there is a need for a connector assembly including a connector housing formed of a non - metallic material and configured to prevent external electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0006] The above description is information obtained by the inventors in the process of conceiving this disclosure, or information they already possessed at that time, and is not necessarily publicly known technology prior to the filing of this application. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment provides a connector assembly comprising a connector housing (for example, a main housing described later) that is easily molded and processed.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a connector assembly that can prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, a connector assembly is provided configured to connect to a metal frame, the connector assembly comprising a main housing made of a non-metallic material, a shield case disposed within the main housing, a base plate configured to connect to a metal frame, and a shield ring configured to connect the main housing and the base plate. The metal frame and the shield case can be electrically connected via the shield ring.

[0010] The main housing can be fixed to the metal frame by the mutual fixing force between the base plate and the shield ring.

[0011] The shield ring and the base plate can be connected by welding.

[0012] The connector assembly may further include a cover located beneath the shielding ring and secured to the main housing.

[0013] The cover and the main housing can be connected by welding.

[0014] Screw threads can be provided on both the inner surface of the main housing and the inner surface of the base plate.

[0015] The main housing may include a connecting projection protruding from the lower end of the main housing, to which a shielding ring is connected. The shielding ring can support the lower surface of the base plate.

[0016] The base plate and the metal frame can be formed as a single unit.

[0017] The metal frame may further include frame body projections protruding from the inner surface of the metal frame, to which a shield ring is connected. The shield ring may include a shield ring hole configured to receive the frame body projection.

[0018] The shielding ring may have a space in the center of the shielding ring to receive a shielding case, and may be physically and electrically connected to the shielding case.

[0019] The shield ring may include a shield ring body configured to contact a base plate and a shield case, and a shield ring projection extending from the inner end of the shield ring body, configured to contact the shield case, and having an inclined shape relative to the shield ring body.

[0020] The main housing may include a main housing body positioned in the shield ring, and a main housing projection that protrudes from the main housing body and is configured to penetrate the shield ring.

[0021] The shield ring may include a shield ring opening formed on one side.

[0022] The base plate can include a plate body surrounding the main housing and ribs protruding outward from the plate body, overlapping the metal frame, and connected to the metal frame by welding.

[0023] The connector assembly can further include a seal disposed between the main housing and the base plate.

[0024] The main housing can include a groove recessed from the surface facing the base plate and configured to receive the seal.

[0025] Additional aspects of the exemplary embodiments are described in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the description, or can be understood by practice of the present disclosure.

[0026] According to the exemplary embodiments described herein, the connector assembly can include a connector housing (e.g., the main housing described below) that is easily molded and processed.

[0027] According to the exemplary embodiments described herein, the connector assembly can prevent EMI.

[0028] These and / or other aspects, mechanisms, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and will be more readily understood.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a connector assembly connected to a metal frame according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly connected to a metal frame according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4]This figure shows the electrical connection state of a connector assembly connected to a metal frame according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing, base plate, and shielding ring will be connected. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a connector assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing, base plate, and shielding ring are connected. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the shielding ring of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly to which a cover will be attached, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a connector assembly to which a cover is attached, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly to which a cover is attached, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly based on a second fixing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing and the base plate are connected by a second fixing mechanism. [Figure 13] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in which a base plate and a shielding ring are connected, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly based on a third fixing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing, shield case, base plate, and shield ring are connected by a third fixing mechanism. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of a connector assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing, base plate, and shielding ring are connected. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly based on a fourth fixing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an exploded perspective view showing the frame body, main housing, and shielding ring of the connector assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment, being connected by a fourth fixing mechanism. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the shape of a shield ring connected to the frame body according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing the shape of a frame body projection that is clinched by passing through a shield ring, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The following describes exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to limit itself to any specific exemplary embodiment disclosed. Rather, the exemplary embodiments encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0031] In describing exemplary embodiments, detailed descriptions of well-known related structures or functions are omitted where such descriptions are considered to lead to ambiguous interpretation of the disclosure.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art in which this disclosure pertains, based on their understanding of this disclosure. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and should not be construed in an ideal or overly formal sense unless otherwise specified herein.

[0033] The following describes exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that, regarding the reference numerals attached to the elements in the drawings, the same element will be indicated by the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if it is shown in different drawings.

[0034] The exemplary embodiments and structures shown in the accompanying drawings described herein relate to the most desirable examples of connector assemblies, but do not represent all technical features of a connector assembly. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications and equivalents may be available to replace the exemplary embodiments and structures.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly 1000 can be connected to a metal frame F. The metal frame F may include a frame body 10 and a substrate 20, and the connector assembly 1000 can be connected to or coupled to the frame body 10 and connected to the substrate 20 provided within the metal frame F.

[0037] An opening for connecting the connector assembly 1000 may be formed on the upper surface of the frame body 10 of the metal frame F. The shape of the frame body 10 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 1, except for the opening for providing the connector assembly 1000, and can be changed.

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connector assembly connected to a metal frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, the connector assembly 1000 can be securely fixed to the frame body 10. The mechanism for fixing the connector assembly 1000 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 10.

[0040] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly connected to a metal frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Referring to Figure 3, the connector assembly 1000 may include a main housing 110, a shield case 210 disposed within the main housing 110, a base plate 220 disposed outside the main housing 110 and configured to connect to a metal frame F, a shield ring 230 disposed at the lower ends of the main housing 110 and the base plate 220 and configured to block electromagnetic interference (EMI), and a cover 300 disposed below the shield ring 230 and configured to secure the shield ring 230.

[0042] The main housing 110 of the connector assembly 1000 may be formed from a non-metallic material (e.g., resin). The main housing 110 formed from a non-metallic material can be easily processed and molded, and therefore can be deformed as needed to fit various shapes of various devices to which the connector assembly 1000 will be connected.

[0043] Since the outer surface of the main housing 110 contacts the base plate 220, the inner surface of the main housing 110 contacts the shield case 210, and one surface of the lower end of the main housing 110 contacts the shield ring 230, the main housing 110 can form the structural frame of the connector assembly 1000.

[0044] However, since the main housing 110 is made of a non-metallic material, it is not electrically connected to the base plate 220, the shield case 210, and the shield ring 230.

[0045] The shield case 210 of the connector assembly 1000 can be placed inside the main housing 110, and the outer surface of the shield case 210 can be in contact with the inner surface of the main housing 110. The shield case 210 may be made of a metallic material and may be configured to block EMI together with the base plate 220 and shield ring 230 described later.

[0046] The connector components can be placed inside the shield case 210, and the components placed inside the shield case 210 can be connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board 20 provided within the metal frame F.

[0047] The shield case 210 can be formed in the shape of a tube, with its diameter increasing from the upper end to the lower end. Openings can be formed at the upper and lower ends of the shield case 210. In this case, the opening formed at the upper end can be connected to an external device, and the opening formed at the lower end can be connected to the substrate 20 of the metal frame F.

[0048] The base plate 220 of the connector assembly 1000 can be positioned outside the main housing 110, and the inner end of the base plate 220 can contact the outer end of the main housing 110.

[0049] The base plate 220 may include a plate body surrounding the main housing 110 and ribs 221 that protrude outward from the plate body and overlap the metal frame F.

[0050] The ribs 221 of the base plate 220 and the metal frame F can overlap in the height direction of the connector assembly 1000. The ribs 221 of the base plate 220 that overlap the metal frame F can form a base plate-metal frame contact surface W1, and the lower surface of the ribs 221 and the upper surface of the metal frame F can be connected (or joined) to each other at the contact surface W1 by laser welding. However, the method of connecting the ribs 221 and the metal frame F is not limited to the above.

[0051] In other words, the connection method performed on the contact surface W1 is not limited to laser welding, but other types of welding and various other connection techniques, including, for example, mechanical methods, may be applied.

[0052] Since the base plate 220 and the metal frame F are connected by welding, the connector assembly 1000 and the metal frame F are securely fixed to each other and, at the same time, electrically connected to each other, thereby preventing EMI as described later.

[0053] In addition, one surface of the lower end of the base plate 220 and one surface of the lower end of the main housing 110 can be placed on the same plane, for example, the first plane P1.

[0054] The base plate 220 may be made of a metallic material and can therefore block EMI together with the shield case 210 and the shield ring 230 described later.

[0055] The shield ring 230 of the connector assembly 1000 can be positioned below the main housing 110 and the base plate 220. The upper surface of the shield ring 230 can be positioned on a first plane P1, on which one surface of the lower end of the base plate 220 and one surface of the lower end of the main housing 110 are positioned.

[0056] The aforementioned shield case 210 may be positioned by passing through a hole formed in the center of the shield ring 230, and the shield ring 230 extends inward while in contact with the base plate 220 and the main housing 110 in the first plane P1, so that it can contact the outer wall of the shield case 210.

[0057] The shielding ring 230 may be made of a metallic material and is therefore electrically connected to the base plate 220 and shielding case 210, which are electrically connected to the metal frame F, in order to block or reduce EMI.

[0058] The detailed shape of the shield ring 230 will be described later, referring to Figure 5.

[0059] The cover 300 of the connector assembly 1000 can be positioned beneath the shield ring 230. The upper surface of the cover 300 contacts the lower surface of the shield ring 230, ensuring that the shield ring 230 is securely fixed to the main housing 110 and the base plate 220. The cover 300 may be made of a non-metallic material and may be welded to the main housing 110 to fix the shield ring 230 to the lower surface of the main housing 110. A detailed mechanism for fixing the shield ring 230 with the cover 300 will be described later with reference to Figure 6.

[0060] The connector assembly 1000 may further include a seal 150 positioned between the main housing 110 and the base plate 220.

[0061] The seal 150 may be formed to prevent foreign matter (e.g., water) from flowing in from the outside. In this case, the seal 150 may be an elastic member that can be compressed between the main housing 110 and the base plate 220, such as an O-ring.

[0062] The main housing 110 may include a groove 115 for receiving the seal 150. The groove 115 may be formed by recessing from the outer wall of the main housing 110, which is in contact with the base plate 220, by a predetermined height and width.

[0063] The seal 150, while housed in the groove 115 of the main housing 110, is compressed between the base plate 220 and the main housing 110, eliminating the gap between the base plate 220 and the main housing 110 and ensuring a secure seal between the base plate 220 and the main housing 110.

[0064] Figure 4 shows the electrical connection state of a connector assembly connected to a metal frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] As mentioned above, the main housing 110 may be made of a non-metallic material, while the base plate 220, shield case 210, and shield ring 230 may be made of a metallic material.

[0066] The base plate 220, shield case 210, and shield ring 230, all made of metal, may be electrically connected in contact with each other, thereby electromagnetically shielding the inside of the shield case 210, which is connected to the metal frame F, from the outside.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4, the upper surface of the frame body 10 of the metal frame F can overlap with the ribs (e.g., rib 221) of the base plate 220, allowing the metal frame F and the base plate 220 to be electrically connected. One surface of the lower end of the base plate 220 may contact the shield ring 230 and be electrically connected to the shield ring 230, and the inner end of the shield ring 230 may contact the outer wall of the shield case 210 and be electrically connected to the outer wall of the shield case 210.

[0068] In this case, the shield ring 230 and the shield case 210 can be electrically connected while in physical contact with each other. Therefore, it may be necessary to maintain a stable contact state between the inner end of the shield ring 230 and the shield case 210. Accordingly, the inner end of the shield ring 230 can be formed in a shape that is inclined upward with respect to the outer wall of the shield case 210. The detailed shape of the inner end of the shield ring 230 will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0069] Therefore, an electrical connection line L1 can be formed extending from the frame body 10 of the metal frame F to the internal shield case 210, and the boundary line defined by the connection line L1 and the side wall of the shield case 210 can electromagnetically shield the inside from the outside.

[0070] In other words, for example, the inside of the connector assembly 1000 can be protected from EMI, which is a condition in which noise generated in one electronic device interferes with another electronic device.

[0071] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing, base plate, and shielding ring will be connected.

[0072] Referring to Figure 5, the base plate 220 can be connected to the lower side of the main housing 110, and then the shield ring 230 can be connected to the lower surface of the base plate 220.

[0073] In this case, the upper surface of the shield ring 230 can come into contact with the lower surface of the base plate 220. In addition, the upper surface of the shield ring 230 and the lower surface of the base plate 220, which are in contact with each other, can be fixed together by spot welding at a welding point W2 formed on a part of the lower surface of the base plate 220. Spot welding may be a general term referring to all welding methods of attachment by plastic deformation of the base material or base metal.

[0074] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connector assembly in which the main housing, base plate, and shielding ring are connected, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0075] Referring to Figure 6, the main housing 110 may include a main housing body 111 positioned on the upper surface of the shield ring 230, and a main housing projection 112 provided in the form of an elastic cantilever that protrudes from the main housing body 111 by penetrating the shield ring 230. The main housing projection 112 may be fixed in contact with the cover 300 (described later).

[0076] When the main housing 110 is connected to the base plate 220 and the shield ring 230, the shield case 210, which is located within the main housing 110 and the main housing projection 112, may be positioned by passing through the shield ring 230.

[0077] In this case, the base plate 220 and the shield ring 230 can be fixed to each other by spot welding. In addition, since the main housing projection 112 is elastically connected to the inside of the shield ring 230, the main housing 110 can be fixed, and the stepped portion formed at the end of the main housing projection 112 can be mechanically fixed to the outer surface of the shield ring 230.

[0078] To further increase this connection force, the cover 300 can be fixed to the main housing 110. A detailed mechanism for fixing the main housing 110 will be described later with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0079] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the shielding ring of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Referring to Figure 7, the shield ring 230 may include a shield ring body 231 configured to contact the base plate 220 and the shield case 210, and a shield ring projection 232 extending from the inner end of the shield ring body 231 and configured to contact the shield case 210.

[0081] The inner end of the shield ring projection 232 can be formed in a shape that is inclined upward relative to the shield ring body 231. The inner end of the shield ring projection 232 formed in such an inclined shape can improve the stability of contact with the shield case 210. The direction in which the shield ring projection 232 is inclined may be the same as the direction in which the shield case 210 is inserted into the main housing 110.

[0082] A hole 233 can be formed in the center of the shield ring 230, and as described above, the shield case 210 and the main housing projection 232 may be positioned by passing through the hole 233.

[0083] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly to which a cover will be attached, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figure 8, the cover 300 can be positioned below the shield ring 230, and the upper surface of the cover 300 may contact and connect to the lower surface of the shield ring 230. In this case, the main housing projection 112 protruding from the lower surface of the main housing 110 can contact the upper surface of the cover 300.

[0085] The main housing projection 112 and the upper surface of the cover 300 can be connected by welding at the contact point, and the cover 300 connected to and fixed to the main housing 110 can further increase the mutual fixing force between the shield ring 230 positioned on the cover 300 and the main housing 110.

[0086] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a connector assembly to which a cover is attached, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Referring to Figure 9, in the connected state, the shield case 210 may be positioned by passing through a hole formed in the center of the shield ring 230, and then through a cover hole formed in the center of the cover 300. That is, the base plate 220, the shield ring 230, and the cover 300 may be positioned sequentially from top to bottom, and the shield case 210 can protrude downward while passing through the aforementioned components in sequence.

[0088] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly to which a cover is attached, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0089] Referring to Figure 10, the main housing projection 112 can penetrate a hole formed in the center of the shield ring 230 and contact the upper surface of the cover 300. In this case, the contact portion W3 between the upper surface of the cover 300 and the main housing projection 112 can be fixed by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding refers to a welding method in which two target materials to be welded are brought into contact with a vibrating rod that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency under high pressure, thereby generating shear stress.

[0090] The main housing projection 112 and the cover 300 can be fixed by welding using ultrasonic welding, and the main housing 110, base plate 220, and shield ring 230 can be securely engaged and fixed so as not to move.

[0091] The connector assembly to which the first fixing mechanism described above is applied will be explained below.

[0092] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 11 to 20, a connector assembly to which the second, third, or fourth fixing mechanism is applied will be described.

[0093] The technical features of the main housing 110, base plate 220, and shield ring 230 described below may be the same as those described above with respect to the connector assembly in exemplary embodiments, except for the fixing mechanism, but are not limited to those described above.

[0094] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly based on a second fixing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0095] Referring to Figure 11, the connector assembly 1000 may include threads 130 formed on the outer surface of the main housing 110 and on the inner surface of the base plate 220 facing the outer surface of the main housing 110.

[0096] The main housing 110 and the base plate 220 can be securely engaged and fixed to each other by the screw threads 130. In this case, as described above, the lower surface of the rib 221 of the base plate 220 may contact the upper surface of the metal frame F and be welded by laser welding at the contact surface W1.

[0097] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing and base plate are connected by a second fixing mechanism.

[0098] Referring to Figure 12, the base plate 220 can be connected to the main housing 110 by threads 130 formed on the inner surface of the base plate 220. The main housing 110 may include a seal 131 that overlaps the threads on the outer surface of the main housing 110, with the outer surface of the main housing 110 facing the inner surface of the base plate 220. The seal 131 can prevent external foreign matter (e.g., water) from entering the connector assembly 1000 and may be an elastically deformable elastic member (e.g., silicone (Si)).

[0099] Therefore, when the threads of the main housing 110 and the threads 130 of the base plate 220 engage, the seal 131 is compressed between them to eliminate the gap, thereby ensuring a secure seal between the main housing 110 and the base plate 220.

[0100] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in which a base plate and a shielding ring are connected, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0101] Referring to Figure 13, the upper surface of the shield ring 230 contacts the lower surface of the base plate 220 and connects to the lower surface of the base plate 220. As mentioned above, the upper surface of the shield ring 230 and the lower surface of the base plate 220 can be fixed together by spot welding at a welding point W2 formed on a part of the lower surface of the base plate 220.

[0102] Therefore, since the main housing 110 and the base plate 220 engage with each other by screw threads, the main housing 110 can be connected to the base plate 220, and the base plate 220 can be connected to the shield ring 230 by spot welding. Thus, the main housing 110, the base plate 220, and the shield ring 230 can be securely fixed to each other.

[0103] The electrical connection between the shield case 210 and the frame body 10 is as described above.

[0104] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly based on a third fixing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0105] Referring to Figure 14, the main housing 110 of the connector assembly 1000 may include a connecting projection 113 formed on the underside of the main housing 110. Since the shield ring 230 is connected to the connecting projection 113, the shield ring 230 can be connected and fixed to the main housing 110. In this case, as previously mentioned, the lower surface of the rib 221 of the base plate 220 may contact the upper surface of the metal frame F and be welded by laser welding at the contact surface W1.

[0106] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the main housing, shield case, base plate, and shield ring are connected by a third fixing mechanism.

[0107] Referring to Figure 15, the connecting projection 113 formed on the lower side of the main housing 110 can protrude downward by penetrating the base plate 220. Here, a shield ring 230, formed in a predetermined shape suitable for connection, can be connected and fixed so as to slide within the space formed in the connecting projection 113. The connecting projection 113 may be provided in a guide shape to guide the shield ring 230.

[0108] To allow the shield ring 230 to slide and connect to the connecting projection 113, the shield ring 230 may include a shield ring opening 235 that opens to one side, a pair of shield ring arms 236, and a shield ring retaining portion 237 formed in the center of the shield ring arms 236. At least a portion of the shield case 210 can be exposed to the outside through the main housing 110 and electrically and physically connected to the shield ring 230.

[0109] The connecting projection 113 of the main housing 110 may slide into and be inserted into the shield ring opening 235. In this case, the shield ring arm 236 can engage with a recessed step on the upper surface of the connecting projection 113 of the main housing 110, and this mechanical shape of the connecting projection 113 and the shield ring 230 prevents the shield ring 230 from coming off downward.

[0110] In addition, when connected, the side surface of the connecting projection 113 that contacts the shield ring arm 236 may include an opening formed to allow the internally positioned shield case 210 to be exposed to the outside. Through the opening of the connecting projection 113, at least a portion of the exposed side of the shield case 210 can slide and connect to the shield ring arm 236 of the shield ring 230, thereby allowing the shield case 210 to be electrically connected to the shield ring 230.

[0111] In this case, the shield ring retaining portion 237 fixes the shield ring arm 236 to the connecting projection 113, preventing the shield ring arm 236 from sliding in the opposite direction and coming off while the shield ring 230 and the connecting projection 113 are connected. Therefore, the shield ring retaining portion 237 can be formed in a shape that can mechanically engage with the stepped portion formed on the upper surface of the connecting projection 113.

[0112] The shape of the shield ring retaining portion 237 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 15, and can include any mechanical shape that prevents lateral sliding by engaging the shield ring retaining portion 237 with the stepped portion of the connecting projection 113 and fixing it to the connecting projection 113. For example, the shield ring retaining portion 237 may include a projection that protrudes downward and is fixed while engaged with a recessed groove on the upper surface of the stepped portion of the connecting projection 113.

[0113] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a connector assembly in which the main housing, base plate, and shielding ring are connected, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0114] Referring to Figure 16, the shield ring 230, which is connected to and fixed to the connecting projection 113 by sliding, can function as a support to prevent the main housing 110 from separating from the base plate 220. That is, the upper surface of the outer end of the shield ring 230, which is formed into a predetermined shape, can support the lower surface of the base plate 220 upward.

[0115] Therefore, the shield ring 230 can be fixed to the main housing 110 by connecting it to the connecting projection 113 below the main housing 110, and the base plate 220 can be fixed to the main housing 110 by the mechanical structure of the shield ring 230 fixed to the main housing 110. Thus, the main housing 110, the base plate 220, and the shield ring 230 can be securely fixed to each other.

[0116] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly based on a fourth fixing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0117] Referring to Figure 17, the frame body 10 of the metal frame F may include a plurality of frame body projections 11 formed to penetrate the shield ring 230. The frame body projections 11 penetrate the shield ring 230 and are clinched, thereby fixing the shield ring 230 and the components placed on the shield ring 230.

[0118] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing, according to an exemplary embodiment, the frame body, main housing, and shielding ring of the connector assembly being connected by a fourth fixing mechanism.

[0119] Referring to Figure 18, the shield ring 230 connected to the lower side of the frame body 10 may include a plurality of shield ring holes 234 formed to pass through the frame body projections 11. The shield ring 230 can be directly connected to the frame body 10 to secure the main housing 110 positioned on the shield ring 230. The shield ring 230 can be fixed to the frame body 10 because the shield ring holes 234 are connected to the frame body projections 11.

[0120] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the shape of a shield ring connected to the frame body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0121] Referring to Figure 19, the frame body projections 11 are each connected to shield ring holes 234 formed in the shield ring 230 connected to the frame body 10, and can pass through the shield ring holes 234. In this case, the shield case 210 may be positioned to pass through the central part of the connected shield ring 230 and protrude from the lower side of the shield ring 230.

[0122] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the shape of a frame body projection that is clinched by passing through a shield ring, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0123] Referring to Figure 20, the frame body projection 11 protruding from the lower side of the shield ring 230 can be clinched and deformed. The clinched and deformed frame body projection 11 can securely fix the shield ring 230 and prevent the shield ring 230 from coming off downwards.

[0124] In this case, the main housing 110, which is positioned on the fixed shield ring 230, may be fixed so as to be constrained between the frame body 10 and the shield ring 230.

[0125] In addition, the shield case 210 and the frame body 10 can be electrically connected by the shield ring 230.

[0126] This disclosure includes specific examples, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The descriptions of features or aspects of each example are expected to apply to similar features or aspects of other examples. Appropriate results can be achieved even when the described technology is performed in a different order, and / or when components of the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or complemented by other components or other equivalent components. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is defined not by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector assembly configured to connect to a metal frame, The connector assembly is A main housing made of a non-metallic material, A shield case disposed within the main housing, A base plate configured to be connected to the aforementioned metal frame, The main housing and the shield ring configured to connect the base plate are provided, The metal frame and the shield case are electrically connected via the shield ring. A connector assembly in which the main housing is fixed to the metal frame by the mutual fixing force between the base plate and the shield ring.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shield ring and the base plate are connected by welding.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a cover positioned below the shielding ring and fixed to the main housing.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cover and the main housing are connected by welding.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein screw threads are provided on the inner surface of the main housing and the inner surface of the base plate, respectively.

6. The main housing includes a connecting projection that protrudes from the lower end of the main housing, and the shield ring is connected to the connecting projection. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shielding ring is configured to support the lower surface of the base plate.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base plate and the metal frame are formed integrally.

8. The metal frame includes a frame body projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the metal frame, The shield ring is connected to the frame body projection. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the shield ring includes a shield ring hole configured to receive the frame body projection.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shield ring has a space in the center of the shield ring for receiving the shield case and is configured to be physically and electrically connected to the shield case.

10. The aforementioned shield ring is A shield ring body configured to contact the base plate and the shield case, The connector assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a shielding ring projection extending from the inner end of the shielding ring body, configured to contact the shielding case, and having a shape inclined with respect to the shielding ring body.

11. The main housing is The main housing body arranged in the shield ring, The connector assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a main housing projection that protrudes from the main housing body and is configured to penetrate the shield ring.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein the shield ring includes a shield ring opening formed on one side.

13. The aforementioned base plate is The plate body surrounding the main housing, The connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a rib that protrudes outward from the plate body, overlaps the metal frame, and is connected to the metal frame by welding.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed between the main housing and the base plate.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein the main housing includes a groove that recedes from the surface facing the base plate and is configured to receive the seal.

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