CN213878600U - Docking system for connecting an electronic module with a mating connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A docking system for connecting an electronic module with a mating connector includes a first rail and a second rail. Each rail has an extended guide for receiving a corresponding guide of the electronic module upon sliding movement of the electronic module towards the counterpart connector. The first elastic device is arranged on the first rail and is provided with a first joint part extending to a first extending guide rail of the first rail. The second elastic device is arranged on the second rail and is provided with a second extending guide rail extending to the second rail from a second joint part. The first and second engagement portions are configured to engage the guide portion of the electronic module and resist movement of the guide portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the sliding movement of the electronic module.

Description

Docking system for connecting an electronic module with a mating connector

[ technical field ] A method for producing a semiconductor device

The present invention relates to a docking system for electronic modules (e.g., printed circuit board modules), and more particularly to a spring within a track that limits the motion of the electronic module to provide more precise alignment between connectors.

[ background of the invention ]

Electronic modules, such as Printed Circuit Board (PCB) modules, are integrated into larger electronic systems through fixed connectors associated with the electronic systems. The electronic module itself has a connector that mechanically and electrically mates with a connector of the system. The electronic module is typically docked in an operative position within the system by a sliding action that causes the connectors to mate. A pair of rails in the system, which help guide the motion of the electronic module, generally help facilitate the sliding motion required for docking.

Connectors contain sensitive electronic components that may weaken or break if not properly aligned when the connectors are mated, and the sliding action required for mating requires precise alignment of the components of the connectors to avoid damage. Also, inaccurate alignment during the sliding action can create problems with mechanical tolerances (tolerance) in the overall assembly.

When the connectors of the electronic module are properly mated with the system, the connectors are damaged by shock or vibration during handling or transportation. Any relative movement between the first and second connectors may also lead to component damage or failure of the entire system.

The present disclosure relates to a guide rail for improving a docking system, which provides easy and more accurate docking, reduces the risk of damage during electronic module installation and during shock/vibration, and helps to avoid tolerance-related problems, among other benefits.

[ Utility model ] content

The following examples and related terms are intended to be broadly construed to represent all the broad aspects of the invention and the claims that follow. It should be understood that the recitation of such terms should not be taken to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims which follow. The scope of the embodiments covered by the present invention is defined by the following claims, rather than by the novel teachings. The present disclosure is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention, and introduces some concepts that are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter alone. It should be understood that the primary matter is intended to be read by reference to the entire specification of the invention, any or all of the drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a docking system for connecting an electronic module and a mating connector includes a first rail and a second rail, the first rail and the second rail are separated from each other and face each other, the first rail has a first extension rail, the second rail has a second extension rail, and the first extension rail and the second extension rail receive a guide portion corresponding to the electronic module when the electronic module slides toward the mating connector. A first elastic device is mounted on the first rail and has a first joint portion extending to the first extension rail of the first rail. A second resilient device is mounted to the second rail, the second resilient device having a second engagement portion extending to the second extension rail of the second rail, wherein the first engagement portion of the first resilient device and the second engagement portion of the second resilient device are configured to engage the guide portion of the electronic module, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being further configured to resist movement of the guide portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the sliding movement of the electronic module.

According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the first extension rail and the second extension rail have an insertion end at a place where the electronic module is to be inserted, the first extension rail and the second extension rail further have a terminal adjacent to the mating connector, and the first elastic device and the second elastic device are installed in an intermediate region between the insertion end and the terminal of the first extension rail and the second extension rail.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the first elastic device and the second elastic device have a curved middle region between two fixed ends, the curved middle regions are elastically movable, and the first engaging portion of the first elastic device and the second engaging portion of the second elastic device are mounted in the curved middle regions.

According to a further configuration of the above embodiment, the first extension rail of the first rail and the second extension rail of the second rail are defined by two opposite walls and a connecting wall between the two opposite walls, the two opposite walls and the connecting wall being U-shaped, the first elastic means extending into an opening of one of the two opposite walls of the first rail, the second elastic means extending into the other opening of one of the two opposite walls of the second rail.

In a further aspect of the above embodiment, the first engagement portion of the first resilient device exerts a force on the guide portion of the electronic module that urges the guide portion toward the other of the two opposing walls of the first rail.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the first resilient means is integrally formed with the material of the first rail and the second resilient means is integrally formed with the material of the second rail.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the first rail and the second rail include a fastening area for fixedly mounting the first rail and the second rail to other structures, the first rail and the second rail being fixedly mounted, such that a distance between the first rail and the second rail is approximately equal to a width of the electronic module.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, a height of the first and second extension rails at an outer area of the first and second elastic devices is greater than a height of the guiding portion of the electronic module, the first and second elastic devices extend into the extension rails, and the extension of the first and second elastic devices reduces the height of the extension rails at the first and second elastic devices to be less than the height of the guiding portion.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the first engagement portion of the first resilient device and the second engagement portion of the second resilient device are configured to engage the guide portion during insertion of the electronic module and during operation of the electronic module.

In a further aspect of the above embodiment, the first and second resilient devices transition from a first shape to a second shape in response to engagement of the first and second engagement portions with the guide portion of the electronic module.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the first resilient device and the second resilient device transition from the second shape to the first shape in response to removal of the electronic module from the first rail and the second rail.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are curved surfaces extending into the first extension rail and the second extension rail.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the electronic module is one of an Open Computer Project (OCP) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) storage module.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the first and second extension rails receive the laterally extending flange of the electronic module, the laterally extending flange being the guide.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of connecting an electronic module to a mating connector. The electronic module includes a first and second guide, the method includes inserting the first guide of the electronic module into a first extended rail associated with a first rail and inserting the second guide into a second extended rail associated with a second rail. The method further includes moving the electronic module toward a mating connector while the first guide of the electronic module is at the first extended guide and the second guide of the electronic module is at the second extended guide. The method also includes limiting movement of the electronic module in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement toward the mating connector by engaging at least one of the first and second guides within resilient means associated with the first and second rails when the electronic module is moved toward the mating connector.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, limiting the motion of the electronic module includes engaging the first and second guides with a first and second resilient structure. The first elastic device is associated with the first track, and the second elastic device is associated with the second track.

According to a further aspect of the above embodiment, the resilient device extends to the first extension rail associated with the first track.

According to a further aspect of the above embodiment, limiting the motion of the electronic module includes pushing the first guide toward a wall defining the first extension rail by using a resilient device.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the resilient means transitions from a first shape to a second shape during the urging.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the method further comprises, after the limiting, forming a mechanical or electrical connection between a module connector and a mating connector on the electronic module.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an example of some aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of the various embodiments with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

[ description of the drawings ]

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a pair of rails forming part of an electronic module docking system.

FIG. 1B is a top view of one of the tracks shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a side view of one of the tracks shown in FIG. 1A.

Fig. 2 illustrates a pair of rails, a system connector between the rails, and an electronic module inserted into the pair of rails as illustrated in fig. 1.

Fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating the electronic module in fig. 2 sliding to a first position in the progressive motion of the pair of tracks.

Fig. 3B illustrates the electronic module of fig. 2 sliding to a second position in the progressive motion of the pair of tracks.

Fig. 3C is a diagram illustrating the electronic module in fig. 2 sliding to a third position in the progressive motion of the pair of tracks.

Fig. 3D is a diagram illustrating the electronic module in fig. 2 sliding to a fourth position in the progressive motion of the pair of tracks.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing the resilient means when engaging a portion of the electronic module.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative pair of rails and a larger electronic module to be inserted into the rails.

[ notation ] to show

10,110 docking system

12a,12b,112a,112b track

14a,14b terminal

16a,16b insertion end

18a,18b,118a,118b extension rail

20a,20b,120a,120b elastic means

22 mounting structure

26,126 System connector

28,128 electronic module

30 modular connector

32,132 guide part

40: joint part

42,44 fixed end point

46: clearance

H is height

L is length

W is width

X, Y, Z coordinate axes

[ detailed description ] embodiments

Various embodiments are depicted in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like or identical elements throughout the several views. The drawings are not to scale and are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to an exemplary application for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The various embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Moreover, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

Elements and limitations disclosed in the summary and detailed description section but not explicitly recited in the claims should not be inferred, by implication, to be incorporated in the claims, either individually or collectively. For the purposes of this detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "including" means "including but not limited to". Also, approximating language such as "about," nearly, "" substantially, "" about, "or the like may be used herein to mean" near, "" in. For example, within 3% to 5% of "within allowable manufacturing tolerances" or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances".

Referring to fig. 1A, a docking system 10 includes a pair of rails 12a,12b that receive electronic modules (e.g., Printed Circuit Board (PCB) modules, Open Computing Project (OCP) cards, memory modules, etc.) within a housing of an electronic system, such as a server or a computer. The first rail 12a includes a terminal end 14a and an insertion end 16a, an extension rail 18a is positioned between the terminal end 14a and the insertion end 16a, the extension rail 18a is bounded by walls of the first rail 12 a. In a preferred embodiment, extension rail 18a is bounded by three generally U-shaped walls within first rail 12a, and similarly, second rail 12b includes a terminal end 14b, an insertion end 16b, and a similar extension rail 18 b.

The first rail 12a and the second rail 12b include corresponding elastic devices 20a and 20b, and the elastic devices 20a and 20b are located in the middle regions of the first rail 12a and the second rail 12 b. The resilient means 20a,20b facilitate proper alignment and sliding action of the electronic module, as will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 1-4. Although a single resilient structure 20a,20b is depicted on each track 12a,12b, the present disclosure contemplates multiple resilient structures for each track 12a,12 b.

Fig. 1B and 1C illustrate respective top and side views of first rail 12 a. in one embodiment, first rail 12a has a length "L" that is typically between about 100 mm and 200 mm. The width "W" of the first rail 12a is typically between about 5 mm and 20 mm. The height "H" of the first rail 12a is typically between about 5 mm and 30 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rail 12a has a length "L" of about 115 mm, a width "W" of about 10 mm, and a height "H" of about 6 mm. In most systems, the second rail is of similar size, although the present invention contemplates that second rail 12b may be different from first rail 12a in some circumstances.

Each rail 12a,12b also includes a plurality of mounting structures 22 along its length as illustrated in fig. 1A-1C, and a corresponding second rail 12b, the mounting structures 22 allowing the rails 12a,12b to be fixedly mounted to other structures within the housing of an electronic system (e.g., within a server or computer). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structure 22 is a platform having an opening for receiving a fastener. In other embodiments of the present invention, the mounting structure 22 may comprise other types of male or female fastening elements, brackets, or latches. The mounting structure 22 allows the rails 12a,12b to maintain a fixed distance from each other corresponding to the width of the mating electronic module.

Fig. 2 illustrates the docking system 10 including a pair of rails 12a,12b, and a system connector 26 positioned between the pair of rails 12a,12 b. An electronic module 28 is inserted into the pair of rails 12a,12 b. A module connector 30 at the end of the electronic module 28 is used to electrically or mechanically mate with the system connector 26 associated with the docking system 10.

To facilitate movement toward the system connector 26, the electronic module 28 includes a pair of guides 32 (only one shown in fig. 2) that slide into the extension rails 18a,18 b. As shown in fig. 2, the guide portion 32 is a flange extending outward from the side of the electronic module 28, and the guide portion 32 may be a structure for only a guide function or may be a part of other components (e.g., a hanging portion of a circuit board) in the electronic module 28.

Fig. 3A-3D illustrate the progressive motion of the electronic module 28 of fig. 2 sliding along a pair of rails 12a,12b (only rail 12b is shown in fig. 3A-3D) toward the system connector 26. As illustrated in fig. 3A, the leading end of the guide portion 32 has entered the extension rail 18 b. In this position, the electronic module 28 may be moved upward and downward (e.g., in the Z-direction as shown in fig. 1A) because the dimension of the guide portion 32 in the Z-direction is smaller than the dimension of the extension rail 18b in the Z-direction.

In fig. 3B, the front end of the guide portion 32 meets the resilient means 20B in the extension rail 18B of the rail 12B, and in this position the front end of the guide portion 32 starts to be clamped between the resilient means 20B and the lower wall surface defining the extension rail 18B. When the leading end of the guide portion 32 slides over the resilient means 20b (fig. 3C), the guide portion 32 of the electronic module 28 is firmly clamped between the resilient means 20b and the lower wall surface defining the extension rail 18b, the resilient means 20b now limiting the movement of the entire electronic module 28 such that it continues to slide in the Z-axis direction towards the module connector (fig. 2) with a minimal (or negligible) amount of movement, as shown in fig. 3D.

Fig. 4 shows a detail of the elastic device 20b in an operable position, the elastic device 20b limits the motion of the electronic module 28 (fig. 2) in the Z-axis direction, the elastic device 20b has a curved joint portion 40 between two fixed end points 42,44, the elastic device 20b extends into the opening of the top wall surface forming the extension rail 18b, the joint portion 40 engages the guiding portion 32 and is bent upward, generating an elastic force urging the guiding portion 32 toward the lower wall surface forming the extension rail 18 b. However, the gap 46 is still maintained at the front and rear ends of the elastic device 20b, and the upward movement of the joint 40 is shown by the dotted line. Thus, when engaging the guide 32 of the electronic module 28, the resilient means 20b changes from the first shape to the second shape in response to being moved to the operable position, the resilient means 20b resiliently returning to the first shape when the electronic module 28 is removed from the docking system 10 by a sliding action in the opposite direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient means 20B has a length dimension of about 25 mm in the middle region of the two fixed ends 42,44, such that the resilient means 20B covers about 20% to 25% of the length "L" of the rail 12B (FIG. 1B), the resilient means 20B has a thickness and width of about 1 mm in the middle region of the two fixed ends 42,44, and the upward movement of the joint 40 in the operable position is about 0.2 mm. The size and material of the resilient means 20b may be varied to vary the amount of resilient force applied to the guide portion 32 of the electronic module 28. in one embodiment, the resilient means 20a,20b provide a resilient force of about or less than 3 kilograms.

The extension rail 18b has a dimension in the Z-axis direction of about 2 mm, and the guide portion 32 has a height in the Z-axis direction of about 1.5 mm. The gap 46 has a dimension of about 0.5 millimeters when the engaging portion 40 is in the operable position forcing the guide portion 32 downward against the lower wall of the extension rail 18 b. Thus, when in the initial position, the resilient means 20b extends into the extension rail 18b to reduce the effective height of the extension rail 18b adjacent the resilient means 20b to less than the height of the guide portion 32.

The rails 12a,12b are preferably made of a polymeric material, and the resilient means 20a,20b may be integral with the first rail 12a and the second rail 12b and may be made of the same material. It is within the scope of the present invention for the resilient means 20a,20b to be of different sizes and shapes, for example, the resilient means 20a,20b may be fixed at only one end, as opposed to at both ends 42, 44. Further, the present invention contemplates that the resilient means 20a,20b may be a separate component attached to the rails 12a,12 b.

The pair of rails 12a,12b with the resilient means 20a,20b provide benefits over the prior art in that they allow the electronic module 28 to be more precisely docked to the system connector 26, thereby reducing the risk of damage when mounting the electronic module 28. Further, because the resilient means 20a,20b provide additional retention to the guide 32 after installation, there is less risk of damage from impact or shock during handling or transportation to a different location. Finally, the design according to the present invention helps to absorb the overall assembly tolerances and dimensional tolerances of the parts. For example, as the resilient means 20a,20b force the guide 32 against the lower wall of the extension rail 18a, b, the cumulative tolerance of the connections allowed in the system may be reduced. In one embodiment, reducing the stack-up tolerance from 0.31 mm to 0.18 mm improves the connection accuracy by 40%.

Fig. 5 shows another docking system 110 including a pair of rails 112a,112b and a system connector 126 for mating with a thicker electronic module 128 (e.g., a 2.5 inch hard disk module). The first track 112a and the second track 112b have substantially larger heights compared to the heights "H" of the first track 12a and the second track 12b in the previous embodiment (see fig. 1C). Thus, the rails 112a,112b define a pair of larger extension rails 118a,118b to accommodate the thicker electronic module 128.

Unlike the embodiment of fig. 1A-4, which has laterally extending guides 32, the electronic module 128 slides within a pair of extending rails 118a,118b with guides 132 configured as part of the overall housing of the electronic module 128. The upper and lower guide surfaces of the electronic module 128 are not shown in fig. 5. As with the previous embodiment, the two resilient means 120a,120b in the extension rails 118a,118b create a force to hold the electronic module 128 in proper alignment when slid forward to mate with the connector 126. The two resilient means 120a,120b also provide a holding force to the electronic module 128 during operation and transport.

The foregoing description of the embodiments and examples has been presented for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a single embodiment or multiple embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," including, "" having, "" containing, "or variants thereof, as used in the detailed description and/or the claims, are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term" comprising.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims (9)

1. A docking system for connecting an electronic module to a mating connector, the docking system comprising:

a first rail and a second rail, the first rail and the second rail being separated from each other and facing each other, the first rail having a first extension rail, the second rail having a second extension rail, the first extension rail and the second extension rail receiving a guide portion corresponding to the electronic module when the electronic module slides toward the mating connector;

a first elastic device is arranged on the first track and is provided with a first joint part which extends to the first extending guide rail of the first guide rail; and

a second elastic device is arranged on the second track and is provided with a second joint part which extends to the second extending guide rail of the second guide rail;

the first engaging portion of the first elastic device and the second engaging portion of the second elastic device are configured to engage with the guiding portion of the electronic module, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are further configured to resist movement of the guiding portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the electronic module.

2. The docking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second extension rails have an insertion end where the electronic module is to be inserted, the first and second extension rails further have a terminal adjacent to the mating connector, and the first and second resilient means are located in an intermediate region between the insertion end and the terminal of the first and second extension rails.

3. The docking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second resilient means have a curved middle region between two fixed ends, the curved middle regions being resiliently movable, the first engaging portion of the first resilient means and the second engaging portion of the second resilient means being mounted to the curved middle regions; and

the first elastic device is integrally formed with the first rail, and the second elastic device is integrally formed with the second rail.

4. A docking system according to claim 3 wherein said first extension rail of said first rail and said second extension rail of said second rail are defined by two opposing walls and a connecting wall between said two opposing walls, said two opposing walls being U-shaped with said connecting wall, said first resilient means extending into a first opening of one of said two opposing walls of said first rail and said second resilient means extending into a second opening of one of said two opposing walls of said second rail.

5. A docking system according to claim 3, wherein the first engaging portion of the first resilient means exerts a force on the guide portion of the electronic module that urges the guide portion toward the other of the two opposing walls of the first rail.

6. The docking system as recited in claim 1, wherein a height of the first and second extension rails at an outer region of the first and second resilient means is greater than a height of the guide portion of the electronic module, the first and second resilient means extending into the extension rails, the extension of the first and second resilient means reducing the height of the extension rails at the first and second resilient means to less than the height of the guide portion.

7. A docking system according to claim 6, wherein the first engaging portion of the first resilient means and the second engaging portion of the second resilient means are configured to engage the guide during insertion of the electronic module and during operation of the electronic module; and

the first elastic device and the second elastic device are changed from a first shape to a second shape in response to the first joint part and the second joint part being jointed with the guide part of the electronic module.

8. The docking system as recited in claim 7, wherein the first and second resilient means transition from the second shape to the first shape in response to removal of the electronic module from the first and second rails; and

the electronic module is a group consisting of an open computing project and a hard disk storage module.

9. The docking system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second engaging portions are curved surfaces extending into the first and second extension rails; and

the first and second extension rails receive the laterally extending flange of the electronic module, the laterally extending flange being the guide.

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