EP1081806A1 - Connector assembly with a mounting bracket - Google Patents
Connector assembly with a mounting bracket Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1081806A1 EP1081806A1 EP99117035A EP99117035A EP1081806A1 EP 1081806 A1 EP1081806 A1 EP 1081806A1 EP 99117035 A EP99117035 A EP 99117035A EP 99117035 A EP99117035 A EP 99117035A EP 1081806 A1 EP1081806 A1 EP 1081806A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- panel
- connector
- opening
- front plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
- H01R13/74—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
- H01R13/748—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using one or more screws
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding
- H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
- H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
- H01R13/6596—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the conductive member being a metal grounding panel
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the art of electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a bracket for mounting an electrical connector.
- a connector used in a computer generally has an insulative housing which holds a plurality of conductive terminals. At one side of such a connector, the terminals are configured to connect to electrical contacts on a circuit board, and at an another side of the connector, the terminals are configured to mate with a cooperative plug.
- EMI electromagnetic interference
- EMI electromagnetic interference
- the metallic shield of the connector typically has downwardly extending mounting legs which serve to mount the connector to the circuit board.
- the conductive terminal pins and the mounting legs of the metallic shield are inserted through correspondingly-located holes in the main board or the control circuit board (hereinafter referred to as circuit board).
- circuit board From the underside of the circuit board from which the terminal pins and mounting legs protrude, solder is applied to affix and electrically connect these elements to the circuit board. These soldered mounting legs hold the connector in position on the circuit board.
- Computer connectors function to receive the plugs of computer peripheral equipment for communicating signals and providing electrical power.
- the connectors are subjected to frequent insertion and extraction of the plug, as well as to forces acting on the plug during use, such as from tugging on the attached cord.
- Particularly harmful are forces against the connector that are oblique relative to a plug-in direction of the plug.
- Conventionally-mounted connectors are not suited to adequately withstand these forces. It has been found that the mounting legs in conventional connectors tend to work loose from the circuit board and undesirably shift when subjected to these oblique forces.
- seams in the shield tend to pull apart in response to these oblique forces, thereby potentially adversely affecting the relationship between the housing and the shield which may ultimately affect mating with a plug connector.
- the present invention provides a bracket which includes an embracing member that insertably receives and supports at least a portion of a connector, the bracket being supported by an adjacent panel of a computer box.
- a bracket which includes an embracing member that insertably receives and supports at least a portion of a connector, the bracket being supported by an adjacent panel of a computer box.
- the front plate is securable to the wall by screws, adhesive or some other fastener.
- the bracket is integral to the wall, such that the embracing member projects from the panel.
- the connector is mounted to an adjacent circuit board, and is maintained in alignment by the bracket.
- the bracket holds the connector in proper alignment and provides enhanced support to withstand forces on the connector as transmitted from a mated plug for connection to a peripheral device. Mounting the connector with this enhanced support helps the connector to withstand offset plugging forces, thereby avoiding the loosening problems incurred with conventionally-mounted connectors.
- An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a bracket for securely holding a connector in alignment to withstand forces subjected upon the connector from a mated plug.
- Another advantage of the present invention is that it prevents damage to the mounting engagement of the connector to a circuit board, thereby maintaining the integrity of the connection to the circuit board.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional connector in undesirable shifted positions on a circuit board as resulting from forces having an upward or downward component.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conventional connector in undesirable shifted positions on a circuit board as a result of forces having a leftward or rightward component.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a connector assembly including a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 3 shown in an assembled state, the bracket being mounted to a panel of a computer box and the connector being mounted to a circuit board.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a connector assembly including a bracket according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 5 shown in an assembled state, the bracket being mounted to a panel of a computer box and the connector being mounted to a circuit board.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to still another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 7 shown in an assembled condition.
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the connector assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8, as taken generally along line IX-IX of FIG. 8.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a connector assembly including a bracket according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 10 shown in an assembled condition.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11, the bracket being mounted to the panel of a computer box, the connector being mounted to a circuit board, and the panel having a resilient grounding tab in conductive contact with the connector.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a circuit board 20 to which a shielded input/output connector 22 is conventionally mounted.
- the connector 22 is configured to be mounted to a circuit board 20 and to receive a mated plug (not shown) from a front side thereof in a generally known manner.
- the plug typically establishes an input/output connection for conducting a signal and/or power between a computer and a peripheral device.
- the connector 22 includes an outer conductive shield 24, and an insulative housing 26 that holds a plurality of conductive terminals 28 (FIG. 1). Each of the terminals 28 has a tail portion 30 extending out of the housing 26 for termination to conductors on the circuit board 20. Opposite the tail portion 30, each terminal 28 has a contact portion 32 (FIGS. 3-6) residing within the housing 26 for engaging respectively mated terminals of the plug. As illustrated, the connector 22 has a 90-degree configuration such that the tail portions 30 are at right angles to a plug-in direction for the plug contact portions 32.
- the conductive shield 24 substantially encloses the housing 26, having a front profiled portion 34 with a frontal opening for receiving the plug.
- the shield 24 generally wraps around the housing 26, having a seam 36 (FIG. 1) at which two edges of the shield 24 are secured together in a known manner.
- the shield 24 includes a pair of side mounting legs 38 which extend from sides of the shield 24 downwardly through mounting holes in the circuit board 20.
- the illustrated connector 22 further includes a front mounting leg 40 which extends downwardly from an underside of the shield 24 for insertion through a mounting hole in the circuit board 20. Solder is applied to the mounting legs 38, 40 and terminals ends 30 at an underside of the circuit board 20 to establish conductive contact and to secure the connector 22 in its mounted position relative to the circuit board 20.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate the undesirable movement and repositioning of the connector 22 relative to the circuit board 20, which commonly occurs as the connector 22 is subjected to various forces.
- the connector 22 is repeatedly subjected to forces resulting from the insertion, extraction, tugging and/or vibration of the plug.
- the connector 22 When such forces are excessive, or if such forces are applied to the connector 22 at an angle from the intended plug-in direction, the connector 22 may be forced to tilt forwardly or rearwardly, as shown in FIG.1, or to torsionally rotate rightwardly or leftwardly, as shown in FIG. 2. Such movement can cause separation of the seam 36 or loosening or bending of the mounting legs 38, 40 and terminal pins 38, or even worse, cause these elements to shear or break.
- the present invention provides a device which facilitates fixedly mounting a connector with improved integrity, advantageously avoiding the problems described in connection with conventionally-mounted connectors as caused by external plug forces. Generally, this is accomplished by providing a bracket having embracing member supported by an adjacent panel, such as the panel of a computer box, the embracing member being shaped to which insertably receive a portion of the connector to maintain its alignment.
- FIGS. 3-13 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, various connector assemblies are shown, including a connector and a mounting bracket.
- the connector may be of a conventional type, for example, the connector 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.
- connector assemblies 50 (FIG. 3, 4) and 60 (FIGS. 5-6) are illustrated, each including connector 22 and a respective bracket 52, 62 configured for mounting against a panel, such as a panel 45 (FIGS. 4, 6) of a computer box .
- the bracket 52 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes an embracing member 54 defining an open interior shaped to closely receive and surround a perimeter of the front profiled portion 34 of the connector 22.
- the illustrated embracing member 54 includes a pair of parallel, opposed fist and second side walls 55 and a pair of parallel, opposed third and fourth upper and lower walls 56.
- the bracket 52 includes a generally planar front plate 56 having a mating opening 57 aligned with the opening in the shield 24 of the connector 22.
- the planar front plate 56 forms a pair of upper and lower tabs 58 extending away from the mating opening 57, a screw hole 59 being disposed in each of the tabs 58.
- FIG. 4 shows the connector as mounted to a circuit board 20 within a panel 45 of a fixed chassis, such as a computer box.
- the circuit board 20 is fixed by some conventional means (not shown) relative to the panel 45 of the computer box.
- the front plate 56 of the bracket 52 is positioned to abut the panel 45.
- Screws 47 (FIG. 4) are threaded through the screw holes 59 (FIG. 3), thereby fixing the bracket 52 to the panel 45.
- An opening is defined within the panel 45 corresponding in alignment with the mating opening 57 of the bracket 52 so that a plug can be inserted for mated connection with the connector 22 from externally of the panel 45.
- the bracket 62 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 also has an embracing member 63 similar the embracing member 54 described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the embracing member 63 is shaped to closely receive and surround a perimeter of the front profiled portion 34 of the connector 22.
- the bracket 62 includes a generally planar front plate 64 having a mating opening 65 aligned with the opening in the shield 24 of the connector 22.
- the front plate 64 has a pair of side tabs 66 extending away from opposite sides of the mating opening 65, a screw hole 68 being disposed in each of the side tabs 66.
- the brackets 52 Being fixed by screws 47 relative to the panel 45, the brackets 52 (FIGS. 3, 4) and 62 (FIGS. 5, 6) maintain the connector 22 in proper alignment relative to the panel 45 and the circuit board 20.
- the embracing member 54, 63 supports the profiled portion 34 of the connector shield 24 to resist movement in lateral directions. Accordingly, the bracket 54, 63 transmits lateral forces to the panel 45, reducing torsional forces against the connector 22 which could otherwise cause the mounting legs 38, 40 to loosen from the circuit board 20.
- FIGS. 7-9 another connector assembly 70 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment including a bracket which is integral to elements of the computer box.
- the integral bracket includes an embracing member 72 having two opposed sidewalls 74 and an upper wall 76 which project rearwardly from a planar panel 78.
- the panel 78 serves as a front plate of the bracket.
- An opening 80 is defined within the sidewalls 74 and upper wall 76 which is shaped to receive the front profiled portion 34 of the connector 22.
- the panel 78 includes a plurality mounting tabs 82 projecting rearwardly therefrom for mounting the panel 78 to a base 84.
- each of the tabs 82 has a screw hole 86 disposed therein for receiving a threaded screw 88.
- the base 84 has screw holes 90 disposed therein which correspond in alignment to the screw holes 86 in the tabs 82, so that the screws 82 secure the panel 78 to the base 84.
- the screws 88 are illustrated as inserted from a bottom of the base 84, however, embodiments are possible in which the screws 88 are instead inserted from above.
- the base 84 has an upwardly extending flange 92 configured to fit between the opposed side walls 74 of the embracing member 72. As shown in FIG. 8, the flange 92 contacts and supports a lower side of the profiled portion 34 of the connector 22, holding the connector 22 upwardly in the opening 80 of the panel 78. The connector is thereby open to an exterior side of the panel 78 for receiving a plug.
- the walls 74, 76 of the embracing member and the flange 92 support the profiled portion 34 of the connector shield 24 to resist movement in lateral directions. Accordingly, the embracing member 72 of the integral bracket transmits lateral forces to the panel 78, reducing torsional forces against the connector 22 which could otherwise cause the mounting legs 38, 40 to loosen from the circuit board 20.
- a further exemplary embodiment is illustrated of a connector assembly 99 including an input/output connector 122 and a bracket 100.
- the bracket 100 includes a front plate 102 and a pair of opposed U-shaped embracing members 104 which project rearwardly from sides of the front plate 102.
- An opening 106 is generally formed within an interior of the embracing members 104 for receiving a portion of the connector 122 therein.
- the connector 122 does not extend forwardly through the opening in the bracket 100. However, the connector 122 fits snugly between the two U-shaped members 104.
- the connector 122 has a horizontal configuration, as compared to the vertical configuration of the connector 22 shown in FIGS. 1-9.
- the connector 122 has an insulative housing 124 which holds conductive terminals 126.
- Each of the terminals 126 has a tail end that projects downwardly from the housing 124 for insertion through a circuit board 120 for contacting signal or power contacts.
- the connector 122 has a conductive shield 124 that substantially encloses the housing 125 to reduce electromagnetic interference.
- the conductive shield 124 is generally U-shaped, having a top plate 128, and two side plates 130 extending downwardly from the top plate 128, thereby covering three sides of the rectilinear housing 125.
- the shield 124 includes a plurality of mounting legs 132 which extend downwardly from the side plates 130 for mountably engaging the circuit board 120. Additionally, the shield 120 includes a pair of teeth 134, each tooth 134 extending slightly downwardly from a forward location one of the side plates 130. When the connector 122 is inserted into the bracket 100, each tooth 134 fits slidably into a respective groove 136 formed interiorly in the bracket 100. Thereby, the grooves 136 limit the amount of insertion of the teeth 134 to thereby position of the connector 122 in the bracket 100 at a desired position.
- a notch 138 may also be disposed in each of the embracing members 104 for accommodating and supportably engaging an edge of the circuit board 120, as shown in FIG. 12.
- the bracket 100 includes a front plate 100 having an opening therein which corresponds to a plug opening in the connector 122.
- the two U-shaped embracing members define a receptacle for receiving the connector.
- the shield of the connector does not extend through the opening in the bracket. However, the connector fits snugly between the two U-shaped members.
- the shield 124 does not extend across a bottom portion of the housing. Accordingly, when the connector 122 has been conventionally mounted on a circuit board, without the bracket 100, the shield 124 has been known to deflect as a result of plug forces. In particular, the side plates 130 may tend to spread apart, thereby loosening the shield 124 relative to the housing 125, when conventionally mounted. This problem is solved by the bracket 100, however. The bracket 100 constrains the shield 124 in its desired shape and position.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the connector 122 and bracket 100 in an assembled condition in a computer.
- the connector 122 is mounted to the circuit board 120, the mounting legs 132 extending through the circuit board 120.
- the bracket 100 receives a front portion of the mounted connector 122, and the front plate 102 of the bracket 100 abuts against an interior surface of a panel 145 of a computer box.
- the bracket 100 helps transmit undesirable forces from the plug to the panel 145 and/or to the circuit board 120.
- the planar contact between the front plate 102 and the panel 145, and the contact between the notches 138 of the embracing members 104 against the circuit board 120 helps prevent undesirable shifting of the connector 122 on the circuit board 120.
- the connector assembly 122 can additionally include a resilient, conductive tongue 150 which is affixed to the panel of a computer box 145.
- the tongue 150 is deflected to apply a downward bias in contact against a portion of the shield which is exposed rearwardly of the bracket 100. This contact completes a circuit for electrically commoning the computer box 145 and the shield 124 for improved grounding. Additionally, the downward bias of the tongue 150 against the connector 122 helps hold the connector in a desired position.
- the bracket 100 is made of plastic.
- the bracket 100 can be colored a desired color to enhance the appearance of a computer or other device in which the connector assembly is used.
- the bracket 100 can be colored to match or complement the color of the panel 145.
- a ground wire could be connected to the tongue 150.
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Abstract
A bracket is provided for sturdily supporting and maintaining alignment of a
plug-in type connector which is mounted to a circuit board adjacent a panel of a
computer box. The support provided by the bracket helps the connector to withstand
forces from a mated plug by transmitting undesirable forces to the panel. The bracket
includes a front panel having an opening to receive a plug. An embracing member
extends rearwardly from the front plate, having an opening for receiving a portion of
the connector. In an embodiment, the front plate abuts an interior surface of the panel
when the connector is mounted, and the bracket may be secured to the panel by
screws. In an embodiment, the bracket is integral to the panel, wherein the panel
serves as the front plate of the bracket.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to the art of electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a bracket for mounting an electrical connector.
- Conventionally, a connector used in a computer generally has an insulative housing which holds a plurality of conductive terminals. At one side of such a connector, the terminals are configured to connect to electrical contacts on a circuit board, and at an another side of the connector, the terminals are configured to mate with a cooperative plug. For preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI), it is known to substantially enclose the housing with a metallic shield for electrically connecting a circuit board pins and enclosed by metallic shielding for preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI). These shields often have seams at which edges of the formed metal blank come together.
- The metallic shield of the connector typically has downwardly extending mounting legs which serve to mount the connector to the circuit board. In a conventional mounting technique, the conductive terminal pins and the mounting legs of the metallic shield are inserted through correspondingly-located holes in the main board or the control circuit board (hereinafter referred to as circuit board). From the underside of the circuit board from which the terminal pins and mounting legs protrude, solder is applied to affix and electrically connect these elements to the circuit board. These soldered mounting legs hold the connector in position on the circuit board.
- Computer connectors function to receive the plugs of computer peripheral equipment for communicating signals and providing electrical power. In this environment, the connectors are subjected to frequent insertion and extraction of the plug, as well as to forces acting on the plug during use, such as from tugging on the attached cord. Particularly harmful are forces against the connector that are oblique relative to a plug-in direction of the plug. Conventionally-mounted connectors are not suited to adequately withstand these forces. It has been found that the mounting legs in conventional connectors tend to work loose from the circuit board and undesirably shift when subjected to these oblique forces. Moreover, seams in the shield tend to pull apart in response to these oblique forces, thereby potentially adversely affecting the relationship between the housing and the shield which may ultimately affect mating with a plug connector.
- The present invention provides a bracket which includes an embracing member that insertably receives and supports at least a portion of a connector, the bracket being supported by an adjacent panel of a computer box. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed in which the front plate is securable to the wall by screws, adhesive or some other fastener. Also disclosed is an exemplary embodiment in which the bracket is integral to the wall, such that the embracing member projects from the panel. The connector is mounted to an adjacent circuit board, and is maintained in alignment by the bracket.
- Advantageously, the bracket holds the connector in proper alignment and provides enhanced support to withstand forces on the connector as transmitted from a mated plug for connection to a peripheral device. Mounting the connector with this enhanced support helps the connector to withstand offset plugging forces, thereby avoiding the loosening problems incurred with conventionally-mounted connectors.
- An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a bracket for securely holding a connector in alignment to withstand forces subjected upon the connector from a mated plug.
- Another advantage of the present invention is that it prevents damage to the mounting engagement of the connector to a circuit board, thereby maintaining the integrity of the connection to the circuit board.
- Additional features are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the claims, and from the drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional connector in undesirable shifted positions on a circuit board as resulting from forces having an upward or downward component.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conventional connector in undesirable shifted positions on a circuit board as a result of forces having a leftward or rightward component.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a connector assembly including a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 3 shown in an assembled state, the bracket being mounted to a panel of a computer box and the connector being mounted to a circuit board.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a connector assembly including a bracket according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 5 shown in an assembled state, the bracket being mounted to a panel of a computer box and the connector being mounted to a circuit board.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to still another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 7 shown in an assembled condition.
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the connector assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8, as taken generally along line IX-IX of FIG. 8.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a connector assembly including a bracket according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 10 shown in an assembled condition.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11, the bracket being mounted to the panel of a computer box, the connector being mounted to a circuit board, and the panel having a resilient grounding tab in conductive contact with the connector.
- Referring now to the Figures, wherein like numerals designate like components, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a
circuit board 20 to which a shielded input/output connector 22 is conventionally mounted. Theconnector 22 is configured to be mounted to acircuit board 20 and to receive a mated plug (not shown) from a front side thereof in a generally known manner. The plug typically establishes an input/output connection for conducting a signal and/or power between a computer and a peripheral device. - The
connector 22 includes an outerconductive shield 24, and aninsulative housing 26 that holds a plurality of conductive terminals 28 (FIG. 1). Each of theterminals 28 has atail portion 30 extending out of thehousing 26 for termination to conductors on thecircuit board 20. Opposite thetail portion 30, eachterminal 28 has a contact portion 32 (FIGS. 3-6) residing within thehousing 26 for engaging respectively mated terminals of the plug. As illustrated, theconnector 22 has a 90-degree configuration such that thetail portions 30 are at right angles to a plug-in direction for theplug contact portions 32. - The
conductive shield 24 substantially encloses thehousing 26, having a front profiledportion 34 with a frontal opening for receiving the plug. Theshield 24 generally wraps around thehousing 26, having a seam 36 (FIG. 1) at which two edges of theshield 24 are secured together in a known manner. As illustrated in FIG. 1, theshield 24 includes a pair ofside mounting legs 38 which extend from sides of theshield 24 downwardly through mounting holes in thecircuit board 20. The illustratedconnector 22 further includes afront mounting leg 40 which extends downwardly from an underside of theshield 24 for insertion through a mounting hole in thecircuit board 20. Solder is applied to themounting legs circuit board 20 to establish conductive contact and to secure theconnector 22 in its mounted position relative to thecircuit board 20. - It has been found that such a
connector 22, when conventionally mounted as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is susceptible to loosening from thecircuit board 20 and possible failure when subjected to significant forces misaligned from the plug-in direction. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate the undesirable movement and repositioning of theconnector 22 relative to thecircuit board 20, which commonly occurs as theconnector 22 is subjected to various forces. During use, theconnector 22 is repeatedly subjected to forces resulting from the insertion, extraction, tugging and/or vibration of the plug. When such forces are excessive, or if such forces are applied to theconnector 22 at an angle from the intended plug-in direction, theconnector 22 may be forced to tilt forwardly or rearwardly, as shown in FIG.1, or to torsionally rotate rightwardly or leftwardly, as shown in FIG. 2. Such movement can cause separation of theseam 36 or loosening or bending of themounting legs terminal pins 38, or even worse, cause these elements to shear or break. - The present invention provides a device which facilitates fixedly mounting a connector with improved integrity, advantageously avoiding the problems described in connection with conventionally-mounted connectors as caused by external plug forces. Generally, this is accomplished by providing a bracket having embracing member supported by an adjacent panel, such as the panel of a computer box, the embracing member being shaped to which insertably receive a portion of the connector to maintain its alignment.
- Now turning to FIGS. 3-13, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, various connector assemblies are shown, including a connector and a mounting bracket. The connector may be of a conventional type, for example, the connector 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.
- Referring to FIGS. 3-6, connector assemblies 50 (FIG. 3, 4) and 60 (FIGS. 5-6) are illustrated, each including
connector 22 and arespective bracket bracket 52 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, includes anembracing member 54 defining an open interior shaped to closely receive and surround a perimeter of the front profiledportion 34 of theconnector 22. In particular, the illustratedembracing member 54 includes a pair of parallel, opposed fist andsecond side walls 55 and a pair of parallel, opposed third and fourth upper andlower walls 56. - Additionally, the
bracket 52 includes a generally planarfront plate 56 having amating opening 57 aligned with the opening in theshield 24 of theconnector 22. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the planarfront plate 56 forms a pair of upper andlower tabs 58 extending away from themating opening 57, ascrew hole 59 being disposed in each of thetabs 58. - FIG. 4 shows the connector as mounted to a
circuit board 20 within apanel 45 of a fixed chassis, such as a computer box. Thecircuit board 20 is fixed by some conventional means (not shown) relative to thepanel 45 of the computer box. Thefront plate 56 of thebracket 52 is positioned to abut thepanel 45. Screws 47 (FIG. 4) are threaded through the screw holes 59 (FIG. 3), thereby fixing thebracket 52 to thepanel 45. An opening is defined within thepanel 45 corresponding in alignment with themating opening 57 of thebracket 52 so that a plug can be inserted for mated connection with theconnector 22 from externally of thepanel 45. - The
bracket 62 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 also has an embracingmember 63 similar the embracingmember 54 described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the embracingmember 63 is shaped to closely receive and surround a perimeter of the front profiledportion 34 of theconnector 22. Additionally, thebracket 62 includes a generally planarfront plate 64 having amating opening 65 aligned with the opening in theshield 24 of theconnector 22. In this embodiment, thefront plate 64 has a pair ofside tabs 66 extending away from opposite sides of themating opening 65, ascrew hole 68 being disposed in each of theside tabs 66. - Being fixed by
screws 47 relative to thepanel 45, the brackets 52 (FIGS. 3, 4) and 62 (FIGS. 5, 6) maintain theconnector 22 in proper alignment relative to thepanel 45 and thecircuit board 20. The embracingmember portion 34 of theconnector shield 24 to resist movement in lateral directions. Accordingly, thebracket panel 45, reducing torsional forces against theconnector 22 which could otherwise cause the mountinglegs circuit board 20. - Now turning to FIGS. 7-9, another
connector assembly 70 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment including a bracket which is integral to elements of the computer box. In particular, the integral bracket includes an embracingmember 72 having two opposedsidewalls 74 and anupper wall 76 which project rearwardly from aplanar panel 78. Thepanel 78 serves as a front plate of the bracket. Anopening 80 is defined within thesidewalls 74 andupper wall 76 which is shaped to receive the front profiledportion 34 of theconnector 22. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
panel 78 includes aplurality mounting tabs 82 projecting rearwardly therefrom for mounting thepanel 78 to abase 84. Particularly, each of thetabs 82 has ascrew hole 86 disposed therein for receiving a threadedscrew 88. Thebase 84 has screw holes 90 disposed therein which correspond in alignment to the screw holes 86 in thetabs 82, so that thescrews 82 secure thepanel 78 to thebase 84. Thescrews 88 are illustrated as inserted from a bottom of thebase 84, however, embodiments are possible in which thescrews 88 are instead inserted from above. - The
base 84 has an upwardly extendingflange 92 configured to fit between theopposed side walls 74 of the embracingmember 72. As shown in FIG. 8, theflange 92 contacts and supports a lower side of the profiledportion 34 of theconnector 22, holding theconnector 22 upwardly in theopening 80 of thepanel 78. The connector is thereby open to an exterior side of thepanel 78 for receiving a plug. - The
walls flange 92 support the profiledportion 34 of theconnector shield 24 to resist movement in lateral directions. Accordingly, the embracingmember 72 of the integral bracket transmits lateral forces to thepanel 78, reducing torsional forces against theconnector 22 which could otherwise cause the mountinglegs circuit board 20. - Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a further exemplary embodiment is illustrated of a
connector assembly 99 including an input/output connector 122 and abracket 100. Thebracket 100 includes afront plate 102 and a pair of opposed U-shaped embracingmembers 104 which project rearwardly from sides of thefront plate 102. Anopening 106 is generally formed within an interior of the embracingmembers 104 for receiving a portion of theconnector 122 therein. Theconnector 122 does not extend forwardly through the opening in thebracket 100. However, theconnector 122 fits snugly between the twoU-shaped members 104. - In the assembly shown in FIGS. 10-12, the
connector 122 has a horizontal configuration, as compared to the vertical configuration of theconnector 22 shown in FIGS. 1-9. Theconnector 122 has aninsulative housing 124 which holdsconductive terminals 126. Each of theterminals 126 has a tail end that projects downwardly from thehousing 124 for insertion through acircuit board 120 for contacting signal or power contacts. Additionally, theconnector 122 has aconductive shield 124 that substantially encloses thehousing 125 to reduce electromagnetic interference. Theconductive shield 124, as shown, is generally U-shaped, having atop plate 128, and twoside plates 130 extending downwardly from thetop plate 128, thereby covering three sides of therectilinear housing 125. - As illustrated in FIG. 10, the
shield 124 includes a plurality of mountinglegs 132 which extend downwardly from theside plates 130 for mountably engaging thecircuit board 120. Additionally, theshield 120 includes a pair ofteeth 134, eachtooth 134 extending slightly downwardly from a forward location one of theside plates 130. When theconnector 122 is inserted into thebracket 100, eachtooth 134 fits slidably into arespective groove 136 formed interiorly in thebracket 100. Thereby, thegrooves 136 limit the amount of insertion of theteeth 134 to thereby position of theconnector 122 in thebracket 100 at a desired position. Anotch 138 may also be disposed in each of the embracingmembers 104 for accommodating and supportably engaging an edge of thecircuit board 120, as shown in FIG. 12. - The
bracket 100 includes afront plate 100 having an opening therein which corresponds to a plug opening in theconnector 122. The two U-shaped embracing members define a receptacle for receiving the connector. The shield of the connector does not extend through the opening in the bracket. However, the connector fits snugly between the two U-shaped members. - As illustrated in FIG. 11, the
shield 124 does not extend across a bottom portion of the housing. Accordingly, when theconnector 122 has been conventionally mounted on a circuit board, without thebracket 100, theshield 124 has been known to deflect as a result of plug forces. In particular, theside plates 130 may tend to spread apart, thereby loosening theshield 124 relative to thehousing 125, when conventionally mounted. This problem is solved by thebracket 100, however. Thebracket 100 constrains theshield 124 in its desired shape and position. - FIG. 12 illustrates the
connector 122 andbracket 100 in an assembled condition in a computer. Theconnector 122 is mounted to thecircuit board 120, the mountinglegs 132 extending through thecircuit board 120. Thebracket 100 receives a front portion of the mountedconnector 122, and thefront plate 102 of thebracket 100 abuts against an interior surface of apanel 145 of a computer box. Thebracket 100 helps transmit undesirable forces from the plug to thepanel 145 and/or to thecircuit board 120. In particular, the planar contact between thefront plate 102 and thepanel 145, and the contact between thenotches 138 of the embracingmembers 104 against thecircuit board 120, helps prevent undesirable shifting of theconnector 122 on thecircuit board 120. - Also shown in FIG. 12, the
connector assembly 122 can additionally include a resilient,conductive tongue 150 which is affixed to the panel of acomputer box 145. Thetongue 150 is deflected to apply a downward bias in contact against a portion of the shield which is exposed rearwardly of thebracket 100. This contact completes a circuit for electrically commoning thecomputer box 145 and theshield 124 for improved grounding. Additionally, the downward bias of thetongue 150 against theconnector 122 helps hold the connector in a desired position. - In an embodiment, the
bracket 100 is made of plastic. Thebracket 100 can be colored a desired color to enhance the appearance of a computer or other device in which the connector assembly is used. For example, in an embodiment wherein thepanel 145 is constructed of transparent or translucent material, thebracket 100 can be colored to match or complement the color of thepanel 145. Of course, in such an embodiment wherein thepanel 145 is constructed of a non-conductive material, a ground wire could be connected to thetongue 150. - Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features of the described embodiment. Various substitutions and modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (13)
- A bracket (52, 62, 72, 100) for receiving a mating portion of an input/output electrical connector (22, 122), said bracket comprising:a front plate (56, 64, 78, 102) having an opening therein, said front plate having a front surface and a rear surface, and said opening (57, 65, 80, 106) extending between said front and said rear surface, said front surface being generally planar; andan embracing member (54, 63, 72, 104) comprising a first wall and a second wall extending from said rear surface of said front plate (56, 64, 78, 102) at opposite first and second edges of said opening, said first wall and said second wall being parallel to each other and a third wall extending transversely to said first wall and said second wall from a third edge of said opening (57, 65, 80, 106), said first wall, said second wall and said third wall together defining a receptacle about said opening for receiving the mating portion of the electrical connector (22, 122).
- The bracket (52, 62) of claim 1 wherein said front plate (56, 64) of said bracket comprises apertures therein for receiving means for mounting (47) said bracket to a panel (45) of a computer box.
- The bracket (52, 62 ) of claim 2 wherein said front surface of said front plate is mounted against said panel (45) of a computer box.
- The bracket (52, 62) of claim 1 further comprising a fourth wall extending from said rear surface of said front plate (56, 64) at a fourth edge of said opening opposite to said third edge of said opening.
- The bracket (72) of claim 1 wherein said front plate is a panel (78) of a computer box.
- The bracket of claim 1 in combination with said electrical connector (22, 122).
- An electrical connector assembly (50, 60, 70, 99) comprising:a connector (22, 122) including:an insulative housing (26, 125) including a plurality of terminal receiving cavities;a plurality of terminals (28, 126) disposed in said terminal-receiving cavities, each said terminal comprising a contact portion for mating to a terminal of a mating connector and a tail portion for mating with a conductor on a circuit board (20, 120); a conductive shield (24, 124) covering the housing, said shield having an opening for engagement with a mated plug; anda bracket (32, 62, 72, 100) embracing said shield; said bracket including a front plate (56, 64, 78, 102) with a mating opening therein, said front plate having a mating opening aligned with said opening in said shield, said front plate having a front surface and rear surface, said rear surface of said front plate, and interior surfaces of said embracing member abutting against exterior surfaces of said shield.
- The electrical connector assembly of claim 7, wherein said front surface of said bracket (32, 62, 72, 100) is adapted to be mounted against a panel about an opening in the panel.
- The electrical connector assembly (99) of claim 8 in combination with a conductive tongue (150) for electrically commoning the panel (145) to said shield (124).
- The electrical connector assembly (99) of claim 7 wherein said embracing member comprises two U-shaped members (104) that embrace lateral sides of said shield.
- The electrical connector assembly (99) of claim 10, wherein said front plate (102) extends laterally outwardly of each of said embracing members (104).
- The electrical connector assembly (99) of claim 7, wherein said bracket (100) is unitarily formed.
- The electrical connector assembly (99) of claim 12, wherein the bracket (100) is made of plastic.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99117035A EP1081806A1 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-30 | Connector assembly with a mounting bracket |
SG9904225A SG99287A1 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-30 | Connector assembly with a mounting bracket |
JP11285846A JP2000173708A (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-31 | Electrical connector having mounting bracket |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TW87214425 | 1998-09-02 | ||
TW087214424U TW405763U (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1998-09-02 | Connector supporting device |
TW087218699U TW389399U (en) | 1998-11-11 | 1998-11-11 | Connector fixing and holding device |
EP99117035A EP1081806A1 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-30 | Connector assembly with a mounting bracket |
SG9904225A SG99287A1 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-30 | Connector assembly with a mounting bracket |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1081806A1 true EP1081806A1 (en) | 2001-03-07 |
Family
ID=30773698
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99117035A Withdrawn EP1081806A1 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-30 | Connector assembly with a mounting bracket |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1081806A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2000173708A (en) |
SG (1) | SG99287A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2371925A (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2002-08-07 | Yazaki Corp | Circuit board connector with lock arms |
US6547591B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2003-04-15 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector holding structure for securely mounting print-board connector in casing |
CN110943316A (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2020-03-31 | 苹果公司 | IO integration with floating connectors in grid form |
DE102017130193B4 (en) | 2016-12-28 | 2023-11-09 | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. | Link enclosure, method for producing a link enclosure and bidirectional cable coupling system with such a link enclosure |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4346649B2 (en) * | 2005-01-19 | 2009-10-21 | 富士通株式会社 | Reinforcing member and electronic device having the same |
SG128501A1 (en) * | 2005-06-15 | 2007-01-30 | Mea Technologies Pte Ltd | Connector for printed wiring board |
KR101583842B1 (en) * | 2010-08-17 | 2016-01-11 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Device for covering steel bracket of connector |
JP6986380B2 (en) * | 2017-07-06 | 2021-12-22 | 株式会社デンソーテン | Connector mounting structure and connector shield |
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EP0449379A1 (en) * | 1990-03-27 | 1991-10-02 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | A two-part socket unit for a modular jack assembly |
US5254010A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1993-10-19 | Amp Incorporated | Securing a surface mount electrical connector in a metal shielding shell |
EP0637858A1 (en) * | 1993-08-06 | 1995-02-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Printed circuit connector with two mutually perpendicular shielded contact blocks |
WO1997000544A1 (en) * | 1995-06-16 | 1997-01-03 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector with shield |
US5865646A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1999-02-02 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Connector shield with integral latching and ground structure |
US5895289A (en) * | 1997-08-27 | 1999-04-20 | The Whitaker Corporation | Retainer to mount a connector in a panel |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5709569A (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 1998-01-20 | The Whitaker Corporation | Panel mount bracket for electrical connector |
-
1999
- 1999-08-30 SG SG9904225A patent/SG99287A1/en unknown
- 1999-08-30 EP EP99117035A patent/EP1081806A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-08-31 JP JP11285846A patent/JP2000173708A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
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EP0449379A1 (en) * | 1990-03-27 | 1991-10-02 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | A two-part socket unit for a modular jack assembly |
US5254010A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1993-10-19 | Amp Incorporated | Securing a surface mount electrical connector in a metal shielding shell |
EP0637858A1 (en) * | 1993-08-06 | 1995-02-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Printed circuit connector with two mutually perpendicular shielded contact blocks |
WO1997000544A1 (en) * | 1995-06-16 | 1997-01-03 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector with shield |
US5865646A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1999-02-02 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Connector shield with integral latching and ground structure |
US5895289A (en) * | 1997-08-27 | 1999-04-20 | The Whitaker Corporation | Retainer to mount a connector in a panel |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2371925A (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2002-08-07 | Yazaki Corp | Circuit board connector with lock arms |
US6547591B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2003-04-15 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector holding structure for securely mounting print-board connector in casing |
GB2371925B (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2003-08-06 | Yazaki Corp | Connector holding structure |
DE102017130193B4 (en) | 2016-12-28 | 2023-11-09 | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. | Link enclosure, method for producing a link enclosure and bidirectional cable coupling system with such a link enclosure |
CN110943316A (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2020-03-31 | 苹果公司 | IO integration with floating connectors in grid form |
EP3629429A1 (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2020-04-01 | Apple Inc. | Io integration with floating connectors in a mesh |
KR20200035199A (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2020-04-02 | 애플 인크. | Io integration with floating connectors in a mesh |
US10658797B2 (en) | 2018-09-25 | 2020-05-19 | Apple Inc. | IO integration with floating connectors in a mesh |
CN110943316B (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2021-07-06 | 苹果公司 | IO integration with floating connectors in grid form |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SG99287A1 (en) | 2003-10-27 |
JP2000173708A (en) | 2000-06-23 |
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