Panel-Mounted Connector Retention Structure Against Push-In Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for electronic devices, such as image forming apparatuses, face issues where connectors can fall into the casing when orientations or shapes are not compatible, leading to disengagement and reduced workability, especially in user-installed settings.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit with a mounting member featuring a mounting hole, a terminal portion, and hook portions that engage with the edge of the hole, along with regulating portions to prevent disengagement and falling, ensuring secure attachment even with incompatible orientations or shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector is mounted to a panel using a hook portion engaged with a mounting hole edge, then the connector can be attached easily, but the connector may be pushed forcibly and detached when a counterpart connector is pushed in incompatible orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mounting structure is divided into multiple independent retention mechanisms: hook portions for initial attachment and regulating portions for depth control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function, preventing the connector from being pushed forcibly while maintaining ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating portion is designed to preliminarily control the insertion depth of the connector before final engagement. By pre-establishing this depth regulation mechanism, the connector is protected from excessive force when counterpart connectors are pushed in incompatible orientations, preventing detachment.
2Reliability
If a connector retaining member is provided to cover three sides of the connector, then the connector is retained before mounting, but the retaining member itself may be disengaged from the mounting hole when pushed forcibly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member and mounting member are merged into a single integrated structure. The regulating portion is formed as an integral part of the mounting member, eliminating the need for separate retaining components while maintaining retention functionality. This reduces device complexity while preventing disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating portion is designed with an asymmetric structure that provides retention in the insertion direction while allowing easy removal in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design prevents the retaining member from being disengaged when pushed forcibly, while maintaining simple mounting procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector can be pushed forcibly in incompatible orientations, then connectivity testing can be performed, but the connector may fall into the casing and require opening the cover for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and the mounting hole. It controls the insertion depth and prevents the connector from being pushed too far, while still allowing compatibility testing. The connector can be removed by simply pulling it in the opposite direction without opening the cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector unit includes a connector mounting member having a mounting hole, and a connector passed through the mounting hole and attached to the connector mounting member. The connector includes a terminal portion to which another connector is configured to be connected, and a hook portion engaged with an edge portion of the mounting hole. The connector mounting member includes a panel portion on which the mounting hole is formed, an extending portion extending from the panel portion along an inserting direction of the another connector with respect to the connector, and a regulating portion projected from the extending portion at a position abutting against or close to an end portion opposite to the terminal portion of the connector in the inserting direction. A distance between the regulating portion and the panel portion is shorter than a distance between the terminal portion of the connector and the end portion.