DE102019219699A1 - HOLDING MECHANISM AND CONNECTOR DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A retaining mechanism and a connector device are specified. The holding mechanism includes: a main body in which a receiving passage is formed, the receiving passage configured to receive a part of a connector assembly inserted in an insertion direction; and a protective frame provided on the main body, the protective frame including at least one blocking cantilever arm that extends in the insertion direction and inclines toward the interior of the receiving passage, the blocking cantilever arm configured to block a release of the connector assembly from the receiving passage and to release the blocking of the connector assembly when it is pressed by a release tool inserted from the insertion direction. The connector assembly can be releasably mounted in the retention mechanism to facilitate removal of the connector assembly from the retention mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of invention

At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to a holding mechanism that can accommodate two electrical connectors and a connector device including the holding mechanism.

State of the art

In existing communication systems, an RJ45 plug connector is generally used to implement an electrical connection of data cables and furthermore to implement a connection and communication between an electrical device and a distribution frame module. In particular, two RJ45 socket connectors mounted on a printed circuit board are often used in automation systems to establish the electrical connection for two cables.

For ease of operation and management, two RJ45 jack connectors are mounted in a connector housing to form a connector assembly. Plug connectors connected to the two cables are plugged into the two socket connectors from opposite ends of the connector arrangement in order to thereby realize the electrical connection for the two cables.

Once the female connector has been mounted in the connector housing in an existing connector assembly, the female connector cannot simply be removed from the connector housing. Thus, if the female connector does not function properly and needs to be repaired or replaced, the female connector and the connector housing must both be replaced, thereby increasing costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to solve at least one aspect of the problems and disadvantages of the prior art outlined above.

Embodiments of the invention provide a retaining mechanism and a connector device that allow a detachable mounting of a connector assembly in the retaining mechanism.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a holding mechanism comprising: a main body in which a receiving passage is formed, the receiving passage configured to receive a part of a connector assembly inserted in an insertion direction; and a protective frame provided on the main body, the protective frame including at least one blocking cantilever arm extending in the insertion direction and inclining toward the interior of the receiving space, the blocking cantilever arm configured to block a release of the connector assembly from the receiving passage and to release locking the connector assembly in response to being pushed by a release tool inserted from the direction of insertion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a blocking protrusion is provided in the receiving passage, protrudes from a side wall of the receiving passage to the interior of the receiving passage, and is configured to prevent further insertion of the connector assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main body includes: a base; and two first side walls each provided on two opposite sides of the base, the protective frame including two second side walls each mounted on the first side walls, and the two blocking cantilevers being disposed on the second side walls, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking cantilever comprises: a first part connected to an inner side of a corresponding one of the second side walls and extending over a corresponding one of the first side walls in a direction parallel to the insertion direction; and a second part connected to the first part, extending in the insertion direction and inclined toward the interior of the receiving passage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an inner side of the first part is spaced from the inner side of the corresponding first side wall.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first side walls is provided on its inner side with a guide groove extending in the insertion direction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a top cover is provided between the two second side walls.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the holding mechanism further comprises mounting mechanisms each provided on an outer side of a corresponding one of the second side walls.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the mounting mechanisms comprises: a mounting cantilever arm that extends in the insertion direction on the outer side of the corresponding second side wall and has a free end provided with a protruding part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the mounting mechanisms further comprises: two connecting parts connected to the outer side of the corresponding second side wall; and an operating cantilever extending from the two connecting parts in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The actuating cantilever arm comprises an actuating part and two connecting arms, which each extend from the actuating part to the two connecting parts. The operating cantilever is connected to the operating part at a position between the two connecting arms.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector device comprising: a holding mechanism as described in the embodiments of the invention; and a connector assembly mounted on the retention mechanism. The connector assembly comprises a circuit board and two electrical connectors mounted on the circuit board, two connecting parts of the two electrical connectors being oriented in opposite directions.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two connectors include a first connector and a second connector spaced apart from each other, the first connector being located downstream of the second connector in the insertion direction.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking cantilever arm abuts against a rear side of a housing of the first connector.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connectors comprise an RJ45 socket connector.

In the above exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the connector assembly can be detachably mounted in the holding mechanism so that the connector assembly can be easily detached from the holding mechanism and serviced or replaced, thereby reducing the cost of the connector device.

Other objects or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and may help to fully understand the present invention.

Figure list

• 1 Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a connector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• 2 FIG. 13 is another perspective schematic view of the connector device of FIG 1 .
• 3 FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector device of FIG 1 .
• 4th FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector device of FIG 3 seen from another direction.
• 5 Figure 3 is a perspective schematic view of a retention mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• 6th FIG. 13 is another perspective schematic view of the retaining mechanism of FIG 5 .
• 7th Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• 8th FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG 7th seen from another direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The technical principle of the invention is described in detail below on the basis of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same or similar reference symbols are used throughout to indicate the same or similar components. The following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to clarify the general concept of the invention and in no way limit the invention.

In addition, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to carry out the embodiments of the invention clarify. However, it should be understood that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In addition, well-known structures are shown only schematically in order to simplify the drawings.

According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a holding mechanism comprising: a main body and a protective frame, wherein a receiving passage is formed in the main body and is adapted to receive a part of a connector assembly inserted in an insertion direction. The protective frame is provided on the main body and includes at least one blocking cantilever arm configured to extend in the insertion direction and inclined toward the interior of the receiving passage, the blocking cantilever arm being configured to prevent the electrical connector from disengaging from the receiving passage and for releasing the blocked state of the connector assembly when it is pressed by a release tool inserted in the insertion direction.

According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector device comprising the connector assembly described above and a retention mechanism. The connector assembly includes a circuit board and two electrical connectors mounted on the circuit board, two connecting parts of the two electrical connectors being configured to be oriented in opposite directions.

1 Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a connector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 2 FIG. 13 is another perspective schematic view of the connector device of FIG 1 . 3 FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector device of FIG 1 . 4th FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector device of FIG 3 seen from another direction.

As in 1 to 4th As shown, a connector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector assembly 20th and a holding mechanism 10 used for assembling the connector assembly 20th is trained.

5 Figure 3 is a perspective schematic view of a retention mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6th FIG. 13 is another perspective schematic view of the retaining mechanism of FIG 5 . 7th Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 8th FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG 7th seen from another direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, as in FIG 7th and 8th shown the connector arrangement 20th a circuit board 3 and two electrical connectors 4th . The electrical connectors 4th are on the circuit board 3 assembled, and two connecting parts of the electrical connectors 4th are oriented in opposite directions. In this way, complementary connectors can be plugged into the corresponding electrical connectors in opposite directions. For example, the electrical connector can be a socket connector and the complementary connector can be a plug connector. Any electrical connector 4th includes an insulating housing 45 and a variety of conductive terminals 43 that are in the insulating housing 45 are mounted, with the conductive connections 43 in electrical contact with electrical contacts 31 on the circuit board 3 are. There are also a large number of elastic parts 44 on the insulating housing 45 and each elastic member is configured to be elastically deformed when it is connected to the electrical connector 4th with one in the electrical connector 4th inserted complementary connector is pressed and / or when the connector assembly 20th on the holding mechanism 10 is mounted to thereby realize a close contact of the electrical connector with the complementary connector and / or the holding mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, as in FIG 1-6 shown a retention mechanism 10 a main body 1 and a protective frame 2 that is integral to the main body 1 is provided. The main body 1 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is provided with a receiving passage formed therein 11 provided, the receiving passage 11 is designed to receive a part of a plug connector arrangement inserted in an insertion direction 20th . The protective frame 2 comprises at least one blocking cantilever 21st configured to extend in the insertion direction and incline toward the interior of the receiving passage. The blocking cantilever 21st is designed to prevent or block a detachment of the connector arrangement from the receiving passage and to that for the connector arrangement 20th to release intended blocking when it is pressed by a release tool inserted in the plug-in device, such as a screwdriver, so that the Connector assembly from the receiving passage 11 can be solved.

With the holding mechanism according to the embodiments of the invention, the connector arrangement can be detachably mounted in the holding mechanism. And when the connector assembly needs to be removed from the holding mechanism, the release tool can be inserted from the rear end of the holding mechanism to push the blocking cantilevers for releasing the blocked state of the connector assembly so that the connector assembly can be released from the receiving passage. In this way, the connector assembly can be easily detached from the retaining mechanism and serviced or replaced, and the cost of the connector device can be reduced.

In one embodiment, as in FIG 1-4 , 7th and 8th shown the two connectors 4th a first connector 41 and a second connector 42 , which are spaced from each other, wherein the first connector 41 downstream of the second connector 42 is arranged in the insertion direction. That is, the first connector 41 is arranged at the front end of the second connector in the insertion direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first connector and the second connector can be RJ45 socket connectors. The electrical connector device of the present invention can be used as an adapter in an automation system, the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 can each be connected with plug connectors of two connected cables in order to realize an electrical connection for two cables.

It should be clear to a person skilled in the art that embodiments are described here by way of example using an R45 socket connector as an electrical connector, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector can also include other types of connectors that are suitable for connecting data lines.

In one embodiment, as in 1-4 , 7th and 8th shown free ends of the locking cantilevers 21st into a space between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 inserted and butt against the rear of the housing of the first connector 41 on. A blocking ledge 14th is in the pickup pass 11 provided so that it is from a side wall of the receiving passage 11 to the interior of the receiving passage 11 protrudes and is configured to allow further insertion of the connector assembly 20th to prevent. For example is the locking tab 14th at a front end of the receiving passage 11 opposite a rear end at which the connector assembly 20th is inserted, provided so that the blocking projection 14th normal insertion of the connector assembly 20th not blocked.

In an exemplary embodiment, the main body comprises 1 : One Base 12 and two first side walls 13 each on two opposite sides of the base 12 are provided and extend in the insertion direction. The protective frame 2 includes two second side walls 22nd each on the first side walls 13 of the main body 1 are mounted, and two blocking cantilevers 21st , each on the second side walls 22nd are arranged.

Furthermore, the blocking cantilever arm comprises 21st : a first part 211 and a second part 212 . The first part 211 is with the inner side of the second side wall 22nd connected and configured to extend over the first side wall 22nd extends in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. The second part 212 is with the first part 211 and is configured to extend in the insertion direction and to the interior of the receiving passage 11 leans so that the free end of the second part 212 against the rear of the housing of the first connector 41 bumps. In this way, the blocking cantilever 21st prevent the connector assembly 20th of the admission pass 11 is resolved.

In one embodiment, as in 3-6 shown an inner side of the first part 211 the blocking cantilever 21st from an inner side of the first side wall 13 spaced so that a guide passage between an outer side of the housing of the second connector 42 and the inner side of the first part 211 is designed for guiding the release tool. In this way the release tool can enter the space between the inner side of the first part 211 and the inner side of the first side wall 13 be plugged in to the inclined second part 212 outward and away from the rear of the housing of the first connector 41 biasing to allow the connector assembly 20th from the holding mechanism 10 Will get removed.

In an exemplary embodiment is a guide groove 131 on the inner side of each of the first side walls 13 formed and extending in the insertion direction, with both sides of the circuit board 3 slidable in the guide groove 131 are mounted. In this way, the guide groove 131 a guiding effect for the insertion of the connector assembly 20th into the receiving passage, a solution of the connector arrangement 20th of the admission pass 11 in a height direction of the connector device 100 can be suppressed. There is also a top cover 23 between the two side walls 22nd of the protective frame 2 intended. In this way is part of the connector assembly 20th in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) on the through the base 12 who have favourited the first two side walls 13 of the main body 1 , the second side wall 13 of the protective frame 2 and the top cover 23 defined space.

In one embodiment, as in 1-6 shown the outer side of each of the second side walls 13 of the protective frame 2 with a mounting mechanism 24 Mistake. The assembly mechanism 24 is designed to mount the connector device 100 on a holding frame to the connector device 100 to fix.

In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism comprises a mounting bracket 241 configured to extend in the insertion direction on the outside of the second side wall 13 extends, and is a free end of the mounting bracket 241 with a protruding part 2411 Mistake. The assembly cantilever 241 can through the protruding part 2411 be locked in a complementary locking mechanism of the mounting frame.

In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism further comprises: two connecting parts 242 with the outer sides of the second side walls 13 are connected; and actuating cantilevers 243 each extending from a corresponding one of the two connecting parts 242 extend in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion. The actuation cantilever 243 comprises an operating part 2431 and two link arms 2432 which each differ from the actuating part 2431 extend to the two connecting parts. The assembly cantilever 241 is with the operating part 2431 at a position between the two link arms 2432 connected. In this way, the assembly cantilever 241 for biasing away from the second side wall 13 be pressed by the actuating part 2431 to the second side wall 13 is pressed so that the protrusion part 2411 releases from the complementary locking mechanism on the mounting frame, so that the connector device 100 can be detached from the mounting frame.

It should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and can be modified, wherein the structure described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without any conflicts arising therefrom with regard to the structure or the principle.

The present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the embodiments shown in the drawings are exemplary of the invention and do not restrict the invention.

Various embodiments have been described here to illustrate the general inventive concept, although it should be clear to the person skilled in the art that changes can be made to the embodiments described here without therefore departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims and their equivalents.

It should be noted that formulations with “comprise” can also be present in addition to the elements or steps mentioned in connection therewith, further elements or steps, and that formulations in the singular can in each case also be several of the components mentioned. In addition, the reference signs specified in the claims do not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims (10)

A retention mechanism (10) comprising: a main body (1) in which a receiving passage (11) is formed, the receiving passage (11) being configured to receive a part of a connector assembly (20) inserted in an insertion direction, and a protective frame (2) provided on the main body (1), the protective frame (2) comprising at least one blocking cantilever arm (21) extending in the insertion direction and inclining towards the interior of the receiving space (11), wherein the blocking cantilever (21) is configured to block disengagement of the connector assembly (20) from the receiving passage (11) and for releasing the blocking of the connector assembly (20) in response to being pushed by an inserted from the mating direction release tool. Holding mechanism after Claim 1 wherein a blocking protrusion (14) is provided in the receiving passage (11), protrudes from a side wall of the receiving passage (11) to the interior of the receiving passage (11), and is configured to prevent further insertion of the connector assembly (20). Holding mechanism after Claim 2 the main body (1) comprising: a base (12), and two first side walls (13) each provided on two opposite sides of the base (12), the protective frame (2) comprising two second side walls (22) each mounted on the first side walls (13), and wherein the two blocking cantilever arms (21) are arranged on the second side walls (22), respectively. Holding mechanism after Claim 3 wherein the blocking cantilever (21) comprises: a first portion (211) connected to an inner side of a corresponding one of the second side walls (22) and extending over a corresponding one of the first side walls (13) in a direction parallel to the insertion direction , and a second part (212) connected to the first part (211), extending in the insertion direction and inclined towards the interior of the receiving passage (11), preferably an inner side of the first part (211) from the inner side of the corresponding first side wall (13) is spaced. Holding mechanism after Claim 3 wherein: each of the first side walls (13) is provided on its inner side with a guide groove (131) extending in the insertion direction, and / or an upper cover (23) is provided between the two second side walls (22). Holding mechanism after Claim 3 further comprising mounting mechanisms (24) each provided on an outer side of a corresponding one of the second side walls (22). Holding mechanism after Claim 6 wherein each of the mounting mechanisms (24) comprises: a mounting cantilever arm (241) extending in the insertion direction on the outer side of the corresponding second side wall (22) and having a free end provided with a protruding part (2411), wherein preferably each of the mounting mechanisms (24) further comprises: two connecting parts (242) connected to the outer side of the corresponding second side wall (22), and an actuating cantilever arm (243) extending from the two connecting parts (242) in one the direction opposite to the insertion direction and comprises: an operating part (2431), and two connecting arms (2432) each extending from the operating part (2431) to the two connecting parts (242), and wherein the operating cantilever arm (241) with the operating part ( 2431) is connected at a position between the two connecting arms (242). A connector device (100) comprising: a retaining mechanism (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7th , and a connector assembly (20) mounted on the holding mechanism (10) and comprising: a circuit board (3), and two electrical connectors (4) mounted on the circuit board (3) such that two connecting parts of the two electrical connectors (4) are oriented in opposite directions. Connector device according to Claim 8 wherein: the two connectors (4) include a first connector (41) and a second connector (42) spaced apart from each other, the first connector (41) being disposed downstream of the second connector (42) in the insertion direction , and preferably the electrical connectors (4) comprise an RJ45 socket connector. Connector device according to Claim 9 wherein the blocking cantilever arm (21) abuts against a rear side of a housing (45) of the first connector (41).

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