TWI462405B - Connector mechanism and related electronic device - Google Patents

Description

Connector mechanism and related electronic device

The present invention provides a connector mechanism and related electronic device, and more particularly to a connector mechanism that can adjust its volume height and its associated thin electronic device.

With the development of information and advances in computer technology, the size of computer systems is shrinking and the use of computers is becoming more diverse. In order to expand the functions of the computer system and adapt to the different needs of each user, a variety of external devices for computer systems have emerged. For example, an external hard disk or a portable storage device can expand the original limited memory capacity of the computer system; the external optical disk drive and the optical disk drive can expand the multimedia resource access function of the computer system, and Provide the ability to back up large-capacity data; or connect to the external network with a network route, and achieve the functions of surfing the Internet and browsing the web. However, today's notebook computers are moving toward a thin and light trend. The design of the space space for thickness is becoming more and more strict. The height of the connection on the side of the notebook computer tends to limit the overall thickness of the notebook computer, resulting in the design of the mechanism. The limit.

For example, an Ethernet connection (such as an RJ45 port) used to connect to a network route to provide wired network functions or an RJ11 port for connecting a telephone line may have a fixed opening due to its connector size. Dimensional specifications, so the design of the notebook computer must be combined with the size of the network port or the data port connection to increase the thickness, or connect the network port or the data machine埠 Designed with a partial convex appearance, but this will affect the aesthetic appearance. Therefore, how to design a connector structure that meets the requirements of today's product specifications and meets the trend of thinness without sacrificing aesthetics is the task of designing the needs of today's electronics industry.

The present invention provides a connector mechanism that can adjust its volume height and its associated thin electronic device to solve the above problems.

The patent application scope of the present invention discloses a connector mechanism for coupling to an external connector, the external connector including a main body and a latch. The connector mechanism includes a base, a cover plate and at least one shaft portion. The base includes a first base, a second base and a third base. The first base is provided with a connection terminal. The second base is coupled to one of the first sides of the first base, and the second base has a pivot hole. The third base is coupled to the second side of the first base opposite the first side. The base has an opening. The opening is located between the first base, the second base and the third base, and the external joint is used to insert the opening to be electrically connected to the connecting terminal. The cover plate is pivotally disposed on the second base and the third base. The cover plate includes a first bottom plate, a second bottom plate and at least one shaft portion. The first bottom plate is rotated relative to the base to a first position to cover the opening, and is further rotated relative to the base to a second position different from the first position to carry the body of the outer joint. The second bottom plate is connected to the first bottom plate. The second bottom plate has a snap structure, and the buckle structure is fastened to the latch of the outer joint when the first bottom plate is rotated to the second position, thereby limiting the outer joint relative to the base One of the seats moves. The shaft portion is disposed at a boundary between the first bottom plate and one of the second bottom plates. The shaft portion passes through the pivot hole of the second base portion to rotate the first bottom plate relative to the base portion by the shaft portion. The elastic member is sleeved on the shaft portion, and two ends of the elastic member abut against the base and the cover plate respectively. The cover covers the opening of the base by an elastic restoring force of the elastic member.

The scope of the patent application of the present invention further discloses that the height of one of the openings is substantially smaller than a height sum of the main body and the plug.

The patent application scope of the present invention further discloses that a distance between the first base and the bottom of the buckle structure is substantially the same as a height sum of the body and the plug.

According to the patent application of the present invention, the first bottom plate has a recessed structure, and the plug is received in the recessed structure when the main body is inserted into the opening.

The scope of the patent application of the present invention further discloses that the recessed structure is connected to the snap structure.

The patent application scope of the present invention further discloses that the first base portion, the second base portion and one of the third base portions are combined into a U-shaped structure, and the inside of the U-shaped structure has an accommodating space.

According to the patent application of the present invention, the second bottom plate is received in the accommodating space when the first bottom plate is rotated to the first position.

According to the patent application of the present invention, the second bottom plate is removed from the accommodating space when the first bottom plate is rotated to the second position, and the buckle structure is directed to the first base.

The scope of the patent application of the present invention further discloses surface formation of the second base The cover plate further includes a guide block disposed on a side of the first bottom plate and passing through the sliding slot, and one end of the elastic member is fastened to the guide block to drive the first bottom plate to be opposite One of the bases rotates.

The patent application scope of the present invention further discloses that an arc length of the chute corresponds to an angle between the first bottom plate and the second position being displaced between the first position and the second position.

The patent application scope of the present invention further discloses an electronic device including a housing and a connector mechanism. The housing is internally provided with at least one electronic component. The connector mechanism is disposed in the housing for coupling to an external connector, and the external connector includes a body and a latch. The connector mechanism includes a base, a cover plate and at least one shaft portion. The base includes a first base, a second base and a third base. The first base is provided with a connection terminal, and the connection terminal is electrically connected to the electronic component. The second base is coupled to one of the first sides of the first base, and the second base has a pivot hole. The third base is coupled to the second side of the first base opposite the first side. The base has an opening. The opening is located between the first base, the second base and the third base, and the external joint is used to insert the opening to be electrically connected to the connecting terminal. The cover plate is pivotally disposed on the second base and the third base. The cover plate includes a first bottom plate, a second bottom plate and at least one shaft portion. The first bottom plate is rotated relative to the base to a first position to cover the opening, and is further rotated relative to the base to a second position different from the first position to carry the body of the outer joint. The second bottom plate is connected to the first bottom plate. The second bottom plate has a snap structure, and the snap structure is attached to the first The latch of the outer joint is snapped when the bottom plate is rotated to the second position, thereby restricting movement of the outer joint relative to one of the bases. The shaft portion is disposed at a boundary between the first bottom plate and one of the second bottom plates. The shaft portion passes through the pivot hole of the second base portion to rotate the first bottom plate relative to the base portion by the shaft portion. The elastic member is sleeved on the shaft portion, and two ends of the elastic member abut against the base and the cover plate respectively. The cover covers the opening of the base by an elastic restoring force of the elastic member.

The connector mechanism of the present invention utilizes a cover that can be flipped relative to the base to vary the size of the insertion slot of the connector mechanism. The elastic member can drive the cover to cover the opening to prevent falling of dust or foreign matter; and after the cover is turned away from the opening, the recessed structure and the buckle structure of the cover can communicate with the opening to expand the size of the insertion hole. . In general, the connector mechanism of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation, and low cost, and can adjust the size of the insertion hole groove according to actual use requirements, and can be widely applied to a thin electronic device, thereby improving the appearance of the product. Sexuality also relatively enhances its market competitiveness.

Please refer to FIG. 1 , which is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100 can be a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or other smart computers. The electronic device 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 is internally provided with a plurality of electronic components 104, such as a hard disk drive, a CD player, a processor, a motherboard, and the like. The electronic device 100 includes a connector mechanism 106 disposed inside the housing 102 and electrically connected to the electronic component 104 (such as a motherboard). The user can insert an external connector 108 into the connector mechanism 106 is coupled to the electronic component 104 to transmit an electronic signal. In general, the outer joint 108 includes a body 110 and a latch 112, and the latch 112 is flexibly disposed on the surface of the body 110. When the body 110 is inserted into the connector mechanism 106, the latch 112 is snapped onto the connector mechanism 106 to prevent the outer connector 108 from falling out of the connector mechanism 106.

Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 for an exploded view of the components of the connector mechanism 106 and an assembly view of the components of the connector mechanism 106 and the external connector 108 at another viewing angle, respectively. The connector mechanism 106 includes a base 114. The base 114 includes a first base portion 116, a second base portion 118, and a third base portion 120. The first base 116 is provided with a connection terminal 122 electrically connected to the electronic component 104. The second base portion 118 and the third base portion 120 are respectively connected to the first side 116A and the second side 116B of the first base portion 116. The first side 116A and the second side 116B are opposite sides of the first base portion 116. The first base 116, the second base 118, and the third base 120 may be combined into a U-shaped structure. The pedestal 114 has an opening 114A that is interposed between one of the adjacent sides of the first base 116, the second base 118, and the third base 120. The accommodating space 114B is a rectangular space surrounded by the plate structure of the first base portion 116, the second base portion 118 and the third base portion 120. In other words, the opening 114A is one side of the polyhedral rectangular space (the accommodating space 114B), and the external joint 108 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 122 through the opening 114A to be rested in the accommodating space 114B.

Please refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 . FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are respectively schematic diagrams of the connector mechanism 106 in different operating states according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector mechanism 106 further includes a cover plate 124 pivotally disposed on the second base portion 118 and the third base portion 120. The cover plate 124 includes a first bottom plate 126, a second bottom plate 128, and two shaft portions 130. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first bottom plate 126 is rotatable relative to the base 114 to switch between a first position P1 and a second position P2. When the first bottom plate 126 is rotated to the first position P1, the opening 114A may be covered to prevent dust or foreign matter from falling into the accommodating space 114B of the connector mechanism 106; when the first bottom plate 126 is rotated to the second position P2, the opening 114A No longer obscured, and the first bottom plate 126 can be used to carry the body 110 of the outer joint 108 that is inserted into the opening 114A.

The second bottom plate 128 is coupled to the first bottom plate 126. The second bottom plate 128 has a snap structure 132. The buckle structure 132 can be used to fasten the latch 112 of the outer joint 108 of the insertion opening 114A as the first bottom plate 126 is rotated to the second position P2, thereby limiting the relative position of the outer joint 108. One of the pedestals 114 moves. The two shaft portions 130 are respectively disposed at both ends of the boundary between the first bottom plate 126 and the second bottom plate 128. The second base portion 118 and the third base portion 120 respectively have a pivot hole 134, and the two shaft portions 130 respectively pass through the corresponding pivot holes 134, so that the cover plate 124 can be combined with one of the pivot portions 134 and the pivot hole 134. The base 114 rotates. Moreover, the first bottom plate 126 can have a recessed structure 136 that selectively communicates with the snap structure 132. The recessed structure 136 can be formed in an intermediate region of the first bottom plate 126 and corresponding to the position of the latch 112 when the outer joint 108 is inserted into the opening 114A. The first bottom plate 126 can further have two bearing surfaces 138, which are arranged On both sides of the recessed structure 136. When the outer joint 108 is inserted into the opening 114A, the main body 110 can abut against the bearing surface 138, and the latch 112 can be accommodated in the recessed structure 136 and fastened to the buckle structure 132 to ensure that the outer joint 108 can be stably It is fixed in the connector mechanism 106.

In addition, the connector mechanism 106 further includes at least one elastic member 140 that is sleeved on one of the shaft portions 130. For example, the resilient member 140 of the present invention can be a torsion spring. Both ends of the elastic member 140 abut against the base 114 and the cover plate 124, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the user pushes the cover plate 124 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the elastic member 140 is pressed to store an elastic restoring force; and when applied to the cover plate 124 After the external force is removed, the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 140 drives the cover plate 124 to be reversed from the second position P2 back to the first position P1 to return to an initial state covering the opening 114A.

In order to guide the flipping of the cover plate 124 relative to the base 114, the second base portion 118 can also be formed with a sliding slot 142 on the surface thereof, and the cover plate 124 can further include a guiding block 144 disposed on the first bottom plate. One side of 126. The guiding block 144 can pass through the sliding slot 142 to protrude from the inner side outwardly. Further, one end of the elastic member 140 can be fastened on the guiding block 144, so that the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 140 can drive the guiding block edge. The chute 142 moves to guide the flipping of the cover plate 124. The arc length of one of the sliding slots 142 corresponds to an angle between the first bottom plate 126 and the second position P2. Generally, the flip angle of the first bottom plate 126 can be substantially equal to ninety. The degree of angle, and the chute 142 may be substantially equivalent to an arc structure of a quarter circumference.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a height H1 of the opening 114A of the pedestal 114 may be substantially smaller than a height sum H2 of the main body 110 of the outer joint 108 and the plug 112, so that when the cover 124 covers the opening 114A ( When rotating to the first position P1), the second bottom plate 128 is received inside the accommodating space 114B, and the thickness of one of the connector mechanisms 106 can be smaller than the thickness of one of the outer joints 108, which helps to reduce the housing 102 of the electronic device 100. Dimensions, the connector mechanism 106 of the present invention can be preferably applied to a thin computer. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a distance D between the first base portion 116 and the bottom of the buckle structure 132 may be substantially the same as the sum H2 of the heights of the main body 110 and the latch 112, so that when the cover 124 is Moving away from the opening 114A (rotating to the second position P2 and shielding one of the outlet ends of the U-shaped structure), the second bottom plate 128 is moved out of the accommodating space 114B, and the buckle structure 132 can face the first base portion 116, that is, the opening 114A, The latching structure 132 and the recessed structure 136 are in communication with each other. At this time, the external joint 108 can be inserted into the accommodating space 114B of the connector mechanism 106 via the opening 114A to perform connection with the connecting terminal 122.

Please refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 to FIG. 8. FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 are respectively cross-sectional views showing the connector mechanism 106 in different operating states according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, when the outer joint 108 is not inserted into the connector mechanism 106, the elastic member 140 drives the cover plate 124 to cover the opening 114A (first position P1), and the cover plate 124 is entirely accommodated in the capacity of the base 114. Within the space 114B, the thickness of the connector mechanism 106 is approximately equal to the height H1 of the opening 114A, thereby minimizing the volume of the connector mechanism 106. As shown in Fig. 7, the outer joint 108 is partially inserted into the opening 114A due to the outer joint The overall size of 108 (about equal to the height sum H2) is greater than the thickness of the connector mechanism 106 (the height H1 of the opening 114A), so that the body 110 pushes the first bottom plate 126 away from the opening 114A, driving the elastic member 140 to overcome its elastic restoring force. The first bottom plate 126 is driven by the combination of the shaft portion 130 and the pivot hole 134 as an axis, and gradually changes from the first position P1 to the second position P2. At this time, the second bottom plate 128 is gradually removed from the accommodating space 114B, so that the pin 112 of the outer joint 108 can slide into the recessed structure 136. As shown in FIG. 8, when the outer joint 108 is fully inserted into the connector mechanism 106 and electrically connected to the connection terminal 122, the first bottom plate 126 is inverted relative to the base 114 to a maximum angle (second position P2) to allow the outer joint 108 The body 110 can abut against the bearing surface 138 and the latch 112 can be snapped to the buckle structure 132. In this way, the outer joint 108 can be stably fixed to the connector mechanism 106.

In contrast to the prior art, the connector mechanism of the present invention utilizes a cover that can be flipped relative to the base to vary the size of the insertion slot of the connector mechanism. The elastic member can drive the cover to cover the opening to prevent falling of dust or foreign matter; and after the cover is turned away from the opening, the recessed structure and the buckle structure of the cover can communicate with the opening to expand the size of the insertion hole. . In general, the connector mechanism of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation, and low cost, and can adjust the size of the insertion hole groove according to actual use requirements, and can be widely applied to a thin electronic device, thereby improving the appearance of the product. Sexuality also relatively enhances its market competitiveness.

The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and all changes and modifications made to the scope of the present invention should be within the scope of the present invention.

100‧‧‧Electronic devices

102‧‧‧ housing

104‧‧‧Electronic components

106‧‧‧Connector mechanism

108‧‧‧External joints

110‧‧‧ Subject

112‧‧‧ latch

114‧‧‧Base

114A‧‧‧ openings

114B‧‧‧ accommodating space

116‧‧‧ first base

116A‧‧‧ first side

116B‧‧‧ second side

118‧‧‧ Second base

120‧‧‧ Third base

122‧‧‧Connecting terminal

124‧‧‧ Cover

126‧‧‧ first bottom plate

128‧‧‧second bottom plate

130‧‧‧Axis

132‧‧‧Snap structure

134‧‧‧ pivot hole

136‧‧‧ recessed structure

138‧‧‧ bearing surface

140‧‧‧Flexible components

142‧‧ ‧ chute

144‧‧‧ Guide block

D‧‧‧ spacing

P1‧‧‧ first position

P2‧‧‧ second position

H1‧‧‧ Height

H2‧‧‧ height sum

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3 are respectively a schematic view of the explosion of the components of the connector mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention and an assembly view of the components of the connector mechanism and the external joint at another viewing angle.

4 and 5 are schematic views respectively showing the connector mechanism in different operating states according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 to 8 are cross-sectional views showing the connector mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention in different operational states, respectively.

106‧‧‧Connector mechanism

108‧‧‧External joints

110‧‧‧ Subject

112‧‧‧ latch

114‧‧‧Base

122‧‧‧Connecting terminal

124‧‧‧ Cover

126‧‧‧ first bottom plate

128‧‧‧second bottom plate

130‧‧‧Axis

140‧‧‧Flexible components

142‧‧ ‧ chute

144‧‧‧ Guide block

Claims (20)

A connector mechanism for connecting to an external connector, the external connector comprising a main body and a latch, the connector mechanism comprising: a base, the base comprising: a first base, the first base a connecting terminal; a second base connected to the first side of the first base, the second base having a pivot hole; and a third base connected to the first base opposite to the first side a second side to form a U-shaped structure, the base having an opening between the first base, the second base and the third base, and the external joint is for inserting the opening for electrical connection And a cover plate pivotally disposed on the second base and the third base, the cover plate includes: a first bottom plate movably located in the base, the first bottom plate Rotating to the first position relative to the base to cover the opening, and rotating relative to the base to a second position different from the first position to carry the body of the external joint; a second bottom plate, bent Folded to the first bottom plate to form an L-shape When the end of the second configuration, the first plate and the second plate is rotated revenue to the first position within the base, the base having a second locking structure, the rotation of the first plate to the second position Extending the base from the base, and the snap structure is fastened to the latch of the outer joint, thereby restricting movement of the outer joint relative to the base; and at least one shaft portion disposed on the first bottom plate and the first a pivoting portion of the second base plate, the shaft portion is configured to pass through the pivot hole of the second base portion, the first bottom plate is rotated relative to the base portion by the shaft portion; and an elastic member is sleeved on the shaft portion, The two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the base and the cover plate, and the cover plate covers the opening of the base by an elastic restoring force of the elastic member. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein one of the openings has a height substantially less than a height sum of the body and the latch. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first base and a bottom of the buckle structure is substantially the same as a height sum of the body and the latch. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first bottom plate has a recessed structure, and the latch is received in the recessed structure when the main body is inserted into the opening. The connector mechanism of claim 4, wherein the recessed structure is in communication with the snap structure. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein the interior of the U-shaped structure has an accommodating space. The connector mechanism of claim 6, wherein the second bottom plate is received in the accommodating space when the first bottom plate is rotated to the first position. The connector mechanism of claim 6, wherein the second bottom plate is moved out of the accommodating space when the first bottom plate is rotated to the second position, and the buckle structure is directed to the first base. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein the surface of the second base is formed with a sliding slot, the cover plate further includes a guiding block disposed on a side of the first bottom plate and passing through the sliding slot. One end of the elastic element is fastened to the guide block to drive the first bottom plate to rotate relative to one of the bases. The connector mechanism of claim 9, wherein an arc length of the chute corresponds to an angle at which the first bottom plate is displaced between the first position and the second position. An electronic device includes: a housing having at least one electronic component disposed therein; and a connector mechanism disposed in the housing for coupling to an external connector, the external connector including a body And a latch, the connector mechanism includes: a base, the base includes: a first base, the first base is provided with a connection terminal, the connection terminal is electrically connected to the electronic component; a second base Connected to a first side of the first base portion, the second base portion has a pivot hole; and a third base portion connected to the first base portion opposite to the second side of the first side to form a U-shaped structure The base has an opening, the opening is located at the first base, the first Between the second base and the third base, and the external joint is used for inserting the opening to be electrically connected to the connecting terminal; a cover plate is pivotally disposed on the second base and the third base, The cover plate includes: a first bottom plate movably located in the base, the first bottom plate is rotated relative to the base to a first position to cover the opening, and the other base is rotated to be different from the base a second position of the first position to support the main body of the outer joint; a second bottom plate bent to be coupled to the first bottom plate to form an L-shaped structure, the second bottom plate being rotated to the first position The bottom plate is received in the base, the second bottom plate has a snap structure, the second bottom plate extends out of the base when the first bottom plate is rotated to the second position, and the buckle structure is fastened to the outer joint The latch, thereby restricting movement of the outer joint relative to one of the bases; and at least one shaft portion disposed at a boundary between the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate, the shaft portion penetrating the second base portion a pivot hole, the first bottom plate is rotated relative to the base by the shaft portion And an elastic member sleeved on the shaft portion, the two ends of the elastic member respectively abut the base and the cover plate, and the cover plate utilizes the elastic One of the elastic elements of the sexual element covers the opening of the base. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein one of the openings has a height substantially less than a height sum of the body and the latch. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein a distance between the first base and the bottom of the buckle structure is substantially the same as a height sum of the body and the latch. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the first bottom plate has a recessed structure, and the latch is received in the recessed structure when the main body is inserted into the opening. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the recessed structure is in communication with the snap structure. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the interior of the U-shaped structure has an accommodating space. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the second bottom plate is received in the accommodating space when the first bottom plate is rotated to the first position. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the second bottom plate is moved out of the accommodating space when the first bottom plate is rotated to the second position, and the buckle structure is directed to the first base. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the surface of the second base is formed with a sliding slot, the cover plate further comprises a guiding block disposed on a side of the first bottom plate and passing through the sliding slot, the elasticity One end of the component is fastened to the guide block to drive the first bottom plate to rotate relative to one of the bases. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein one of the chutes is an arc length Corresponding to an angle between the first bottom plate and the second position being displaced between the first position and the second position.