Dongle

Abstract

A directional connector, connecting an electronic device to a cable and providing protection for the electronic device, includes: a first connector having a first orientation and configured to detachably connect to the electronic device; a second connector having a second orientation and configured to detachably connect to the cable, the second orientation being at a fixed angle to the first orientation, the second connector being electrically connected to the first connector via a plurality of electrical paths; and a detection device located between the first and second connectors and electrically connected to the plurality of electrical paths, the detection device being configured to detect the operating status of all electrical paths of the plurality of electrical paths, and, when the operating status is abnormal, disconnecting a specific electrical path among the plurality of electrical paths to stop the electronic device from operating. Therefore, the directional connector of the present invention can be used in computer systems and solves the problem that current directional connectors lack the function of protecting electronic devices based on their operating status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering connector, and more particularly to a steering connector with a function of protecting electronic devices. Prior Technology

[0002] With the increasing processing power of computer systems, the power consumption of electronic devices in current computer systems (such as processors and graphics cards) is also getting higher and higher. For example, the power consumption of a graphics card can reach 450W to 600W, or even higher. The aforementioned graphics cards usually require an external power supply, and the power supply provides the operating power to the graphics card through a cable.

[0003] Generally, a motherboard and a power supply are located inside the computer case. A graphics card is installed on the motherboard, and the power supply is located below the graphics card. To supply power from the power supply to the motherboard or graphics card, the power supply and motherboard are electrically connected via a cable, or vice versa. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in recent experience using graphics cards, there have been instances where the graphics card connector and the power supply connector both melted simultaneously. The melting may be caused by excessive bending of the cable between the power supply and the graphics card, causing current to concentrate on certain lines, raising the cable temperature and leading to melting. In severe cases, this can even cause the graphics card to burn out.

[0005] Although current connector designs employ directional connectors to mitigate excessive cable bending, practical experience with directional connectors has shown a decrease in the likelihood of melting between the graphics card connector and the power supply connector. However, directional connector burnout still occurs. Therefore, current directional connectors lack the ability to protect electronic devices based on their operating conditions.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a directional connector for connecting an electronic device and a cable, providing protection for the electronic device. The connector comprises: a first connector having a first orientation and configured to detachably connect to the electronic device; a second connector having a second orientation and configured to detachably connect to the cable, the second orientation being at a specific angle to the first orientation, the second connector being electrically connected to the first connector via a plurality of electrical paths; and a detection device located between the first and second connectors, the detection device being configured to detect the operating status of all electrical paths in the plurality of electrical paths, and, when the operating status is abnormal, disconnecting a specific electrical path in the plurality of electrical paths to stop the electronic device from operating.

[0007] In some embodiments, the directional connector is positioned close to the electronic device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the specific angle is 90 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first connector is a 12VHPWR male connector, the second connector is a 12VHPWR female connector, and the specific electrical path refers to the path where the pin electrically connected between the 12VHPWR male connector and the 12VHPWR female connector is defined as S0.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first connector is a 12VHPWR male connector, the second connector is a 12VHPWR female connector, and the specific electrical path refers to the path where the pins electrically connected between the 12VHPWR male connector and the 12VHPWR female connector are defined as S1.

[0011] In some embodiments, the detection device is further provided with a temperature detection circuit, which is configured to detect the operating temperature of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths, and when the operating temperature of at least one electrical path is greater than a preset temperature value, the operating state is confirmed to be abnormal, and the specific electrical path is disconnected.

[0012] In some embodiments, the detection device is further provided with a current detection circuit, which is configured to detect the operating current of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths. When the operating current of at least one electrical path is greater than a preset current value, the operating state is confirmed to be abnormal, and the specific electrical path is disconnected.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detection device is further provided with a voltage detection circuit, which is configured to detect the operating voltage of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths, and when the operating voltage of at least one electrical path is less than a preset voltage value, the operating state is confirmed to be abnormal, and the specific electrical path is disconnected.

[0014] In some embodiments, the detection device is disposed in a protective housing, the protective housing including: an upper cover configured to partially cover the second connector; and a lower cover configured to accommodate and protect the detection device after being combined with the upper cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the detection device further includes a printed circuit board disposed between the first connector and the second connector.

[0016] In summary, the steering connector of the present invention can determine whether abnormal conditions may occur in the plurality of electrical paths by detecting the operating status (e.g., operating temperature, operating current, and / or operating voltage) of the plurality of electrical paths between the first connector and the second connector. Upon confirming an abnormal operating status, it disconnects a specific electrical path among the plurality of electrical paths between the first and second connectors, thereby stopping the electronic device from operating and achieving the function of immediate protection of the electronic device. Furthermore, although the electronic device stops operating due to the protection function, the power supply providing power to the electronic device can still operate normally. Therefore, the computer system does not shut down automatically after the electronic device stops operating, and some operational functions of the computer system can still be maintained, thereby improving the reliability of the computer system. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a directional connector disposed between an electronic device and a cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the steering connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded structural diagram of a steering connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0018] The specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention described in this specification are provided as examples only, for illustrating embodiments based on the concept of the present invention. Embodiments based on the concept of the present invention can be practiced in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a directional connector 19 disposed between an electronic device 20 and a cable 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 20 and the power supply 30 can be electrically connected to each other via the cable 100.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1, the redirecting connector 19 can be used to connect the electronic device 20 to the cable 100. The redirecting connector 19 has the function of protecting the electronic device 20. The electronic device 20 can be a graphics card, or other electronic devices, such as a motherboard, optical drive, solid-state drive, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) device, etc. In the following description of the present invention, the electronic device 20 is a graphics card. In addition, the cable 100 may include: a plurality of cables 12, a third connector 17, and a fourth connector 18.

[0021] The steering connector 19 may include a first connector 14, a second connector 16, and a detection device 191.

[0022] A plurality of electrical paths 194 are provided between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16. The second connector 16 is electrically connected to the first connector 14 through the plurality of electrical paths 194. In this embodiment, the number of the plurality of electrical paths 194 is 16, but it is not limited to this; the number of the plurality of electrical paths 194 may be more than 16 or less than 16.

[0023] The first connector 14 is configured to detachably connect to the electronic device 20. The first connector 14 may be, for example, a 12VHPWR male connector. The first connector 14 in the reversing connector 19 has a first setting orientation D1.

[0024] The second connector 16 is configured for detachable connection to the power supply 30. The second connector 16 may be, for example, a 12VHPWR female connector. In other embodiments, the second connector 16 may also be, for example, two dual 8-pin female connectors. The second connector 16 in the reversing connector 19 has a second orientation D2. The second orientation D2 is angled θ away from the first orientation D1.

[0025] In addition, the cable 100 in this embodiment of the invention can be a non-modular cable or a modular cable. Through the structure of the third connector 17 and the fourth connector 18, it can be quickly electrically connected or electrically disconnected from the electronic device 20 and the switching connector 19.

[0026] The detection device 191 may have a printed circuit board 193. The detection device 191 may be located between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, and electrically connected to a plurality of electrical paths 194. The detection device 191 may be configured to detect the operating status of all electrical paths in the plurality of electrical paths 194, and, when the operating status is abnormal, disconnect a specific electrical path in the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, so that the electronic device 20 stops working.

[0027] For example, current PCI-E 5.0 standard graphics cards require a 16-pin power connector (i.e., a 12VHPWR connector) to provide a maximum power output of 600W.

[0028] The pin assignment of the above 12VHPWR connector is shown in Table 1 below: Table 1: Pin Assignment for 12VHPWR Connector foot position signal color 1 +12V3 / V4 yellow 2 +12V3 / V4 yellow 3 +12V3 / V4 yellow 4 +12V3 / V4 yellow 5 +12V3 / V4 yellow 6 +12V3 / V4 yellow S1 CARD_PWR_STABLE blue S2 CARD_CBL_PRES# blue 7 COM black 8 COM black 9 COM black 10 COM black 11 COM black 12 COM black S3 SENSE0 (hereinafter referred to as pin S0) blue S4 SENSE1 (hereinafter referred to as pin S1) blue

[0029] When pins S0 and S1 of the 12VHPWR connector are grounded, the power supply 30 can provide a maximum power wattage of 600W to the electronic device 20 through the cable 100 and the redirector connector 19. In other embodiments, the power supply 30 can also provide a power wattage greater than 600W to the electronic device 20 through the cable 100 and the redirector connector 19.

[0030] In this embodiment, the electronic device 20 is stopped from operating by disconnecting two specific electrical paths among the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16. For example, when the detection device 191 detects an abnormal operating state of the plurality of electrical paths 194, it can disconnect the path defined as S0, or the path defined as S1, or the paths defined as both S0 and S1, among the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, thereby stopping the electronic device 20 and achieving the function of protecting the electronic device 20. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the electronic device 20 can be stopped by disconnecting three or more specific electrical paths among the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16.

[0031] The operating principle of the above-mentioned protective electronic device 20 is based on the PCI-E 5.0 standard. When the pins in the 12VHPWR connector are defined as S0 or S1 as open circuits, the electronic device 20 will stop working and display a black screen. This means that the power supply 30 still supplies power, but the electronic device 20 does not work and does not consume power. This avoids the problem of multiple electrical paths 194 potentially burning out due to excessive operating current or insufficient operating voltage, thereby achieving the function of protecting the electronic device 20.

[0032] It should be noted that when the detection device 191 detects that the operation of multiple electrical paths 194 is abnormal, although the electronic device 20 will stop working, the power supply 30 can still work normally and provide power to other devices. In this way, the computer system will not shut down automatically when the electronic device 20 stops working, and some of the computer system's functions can still be maintained, thus improving the reliability of the computer system.

[0033] The following examples illustrate the detection method and operation of the detection device 191.

[0034] In some embodiments, the detection device 191 may include a printed circuit board 193 (as shown in FIG. 3). The printed circuit board 193 in the detection device 191 may be provided with a temperature detection circuit. The temperature detection circuit may be composed, for example, of circuit elements such as a plurality of thermistors and a microcontroller. Each thermistor may sense the temperature of each cable respectively. The temperature detection circuit may be configured to detect the operating temperature of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths 194. When the operating temperature of at least one electrical path is greater than a preset temperature value, the microcontroller confirms that the operating state of the plurality of electrical paths 194 is abnormal and disconnects a specific electrical path (e.g., pin S0 or pin S1) of the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, so that the electronic device 20 stops working. The preset temperature value may be determined experimentally to determine at what temperature the plurality of electrical paths 194 may burn out due to high temperature.

[0035] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 193 in the detection device 191 may be provided with a current detection circuit. The current detection circuit may consist, for example, of circuit elements such as a plurality of resistors, a plurality of comparators, and a microcontroller. The current detection circuit may be configured to detect the operating current of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths 194. When the operating current of at least one electrical path exceeds a preset current value, the microcontroller confirms that the operating state of the plurality of electrical paths 194 is abnormal and disconnects a specific electrical path (e.g., pin S0 or pin S1) between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, causing the electronic device 20 to stop operating. The preset current value may be determined experimentally based on how much current value would cause the plurality of electrical paths 194 to burn out due to high temperature.

[0036] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 193 in the detection device 191 may be provided with a voltage detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit may, for example, consist of a plurality of resistors and a microcontroller. The voltage detection circuit may be configured to detect the operating voltage of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths 194. When the operating voltage of at least one electrical path is less than a preset voltage value, the microcontroller confirms that the operating state of the plurality of electrical paths 194 is abnormal and disconnects a specific electrical path (e.g., pin S0 or pin S1) among the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, causing the electronic device 20 to stop operating. The preset voltage value may be determined experimentally to determine at what voltage value the plurality of electrical paths 194 may burn out due to high temperature.

[0037] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 193 in the detection device 191 may be provided with a temperature and current detection circuit. The temperature and current detection circuit may be composed, for example, of circuit elements such as a plurality of thermistors, a plurality of resistors, a plurality of comparators, and a microcontroller. The temperature and current detection circuit may be configured to detect the operating temperature and / or the operating current of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths 194. When the operating temperature of at least one electrical path exceeds a preset temperature value, or when the operating current of at least one electrical path exceeds a preset current value, the microcontroller confirms that the operating state of the plurality of electrical paths 194 is abnormal and disconnects a specific electrical path (e.g., pin S0 or pin S1) among the plurality of electrical paths 194 between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, causing the electronic device 20 to stop operating. The preset temperature value or the preset current value may be determined experimentally to determine at what temperature or current value the plurality of electrical paths 194 may burn out due to high temperature.

[0038] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 193 in the detection device 191 may be provided with a temperature and voltage detection circuit. The temperature and voltage detection circuit may be composed, for example, of circuit elements such as a plurality of thermistors, a plurality of resistors, and a microcontroller. The temperature and voltage detection circuit may be configured to detect the operating temperature and / or the operating voltage of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths 194. When the operating temperature of at least one electrical path is greater than a preset temperature value, or when the operating voltage of at least one electrical path is less than a preset voltage value, the microcontroller confirms that the operating state of the plurality of electrical paths 194 is abnormal and disconnects a specific electrical path (e.g., pin S0 or pin S1) between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16, causing the electronic device 20 to stop operating. The preset temperature value or the preset voltage value may be determined experimentally to determine at what temperature or voltage value the plurality of electrical paths 194 may burn out due to high temperature.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the steering connector 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2, the detection device 191 can be housed within a protective housing 192. The protective housing 192 includes an upper cover 192a and a lower cover 192b. The upper cover 192a is configured to partially cover the second connector 16. The lower cover 192b is configured to accommodate and protect the detection device 191 after being combined with the upper cover 192a. The first connector 14 in the steering connector 19 has a first orientation D1. The second connector 16 in the steering connector 19 has a second orientation D2. The second orientation D2 and the first orientation D1 are within a specific angle θ. The specific angle θ can be between 80 degrees and 110 degrees, preferably 90 degrees.

[0041] The redirecting connector 19 is configured to change the installation orientation between the third connector 17 of the cable 100 and the connector (not shown) of the electronic device 20. For example, if the connector of the electronic device 20 and the third connector 17 of the cable 100 are originally on the same horizontal line (i.e., 180 degrees), the redirecting connector 19 can change the aforementioned 180 degrees to 90 degrees. This significantly improves the situation where excessive bending of the cable 100 between the power supply 30 and the electronic device 20 causes current concentration on certain lines, leading to overheating and melting of the cable 100. Furthermore, the redirecting connector 19 can be made of materials such as plastic, rubber, or silicone. The redirecting connector 19 can be positioned between the electronic device 20 and the third connector 17, and close to the electronic device 20. Because the redirecting connector 19 is positioned close to the electronic device 20, a location where connector melting is commonly observed in the prior art, the redirecting connector 19 can provide better detection. Furthermore, based on the structural design of the redirecting connector 19, when the second connector 16 and the third connector 17 are combined, the cable can extend smoothly and almost without bending near the third connector 17. Therefore, the redirecting connector 19 can significantly reduce the possibility of excessive bending of the cable 100, which could lead to overheating and melting. In other embodiments, the redirecting connector 19 can also be positioned between the power supply 30 and the fourth connector 18.

[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the steering connector 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, the steering connector 19 includes a first connector 14, a second connector 16, and a detection device 191. The upper cover 192a and the lower cover 192b can form a protective shell 192. The upper cover 192a and the lower cover 192b can be fastened together, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the upper cover 192a and the lower cover 192b can be glued together or screwed together. The upper cover 192a is configured to partially cover the second connector 16. The lower cover 192b is configured to accommodate and protect the detection device 191 after being engaged with the upper cover 192a.

[0044] The printed circuit board 193 of the detection device 191 is disposed between the first connector 14 and the second connector 16. A plurality of electrical paths 194 may be disposed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 193. In other embodiments, the plurality of electrical paths 194 may be disposed on the lower surface of the printed circuit board 193. In other embodiments, the plurality of electrical paths 194 may be disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the printed circuit board 193.

[0045] In summary, the steering connector of the present invention can determine whether abnormal conditions may occur in the plurality of electrical paths by detecting the operating status (e.g., operating temperature, operating current, and / or operating voltage) of the plurality of electrical paths between the first connector and the second connector. Upon confirming an abnormal operating status, it disconnects a specific electrical path among the plurality of electrical paths between the first and second connectors, thereby stopping the electronic device from operating and achieving the function of immediate protection of the electronic device. Furthermore, although the electronic device stops operating due to the protection function, the power supply providing power to the electronic device can still operate normally. Therefore, the computer system does not shut down automatically after the electronic device stops operating, and some operational functions of the computer system can still be maintained, thereby improving the reliability of the computer system.

[0046] 12: Multiple cables 14: First Connector 16: Second connector 17: Third Connector 18: Fourth Connector 19: Steering connector 20: Electronic devices 30: Power Supply 100: Cable 191: Detection device 192: Protective Case 192a: Upper cover 192b: Lower cover 193: Printed Circuit Board 194: Multiple electrical paths D1: First Setting Direction D2: Second Setting Direction θ: a specific angle

Claims

1. A directional connector, connecting an electronic device to a cable, having the function of protecting the electronic device, comprising: A first connector, having a first orientation, is configured to detachably connect the electronic device; A second connector, having a second orientation, is configured to detachably connect to the cable. The second orientation is at a specific angle to the first orientation. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector via a plurality of electrical paths. The first connector is a 12VHPWR male, and the second connector is a 12VHPWR female. A detection device is located between the first connector and the second connector and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical paths. The detection device is configured to detect the operating state of all electrical paths in the plurality of electrical paths between the first connector and the second connector. If the operating state is abnormal, the device disconnects a specific electrical path in the plurality of electrical paths connected to pin S0 or pin S1 of the 12VHPWR male and 12VHPWR female connectors to stop the electronic device from operating. Pin S0 or pin S1 is a detection pin for power wattage.

2. The steering connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering connector is positioned close to the electronic device.

3. The steering connector as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific angle is 90 degrees.

4. The steering connector as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device is further provided with a temperature detection circuit configured to detect the operating temperature of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths, and when the operating temperature of the at least one electrical path is greater than a preset temperature value, confirm that the operating state is abnormal and disconnect the specific electrical path.

5. The steering connector as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device is further provided with a current detection circuit configured to detect the operating current of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths, and when the operating current of the at least one electrical path is greater than a preset current value, confirm that the operating state is abnormal and disconnect the specific electrical path.

6. The steering connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device is further provided with a voltage detection circuit configured to detect the operating voltage of at least one of the plurality of electrical paths, and when the operating voltage of the at least one electrical path is less than a preset voltage value, confirm that the operating state is abnormal and disconnect the specific electrical path.

7. The steering connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device is housed in a protective housing, the protective housing comprising: A cover is configured to partially cover the second connector; The lower cover is configured to accommodate and protect the detection device after being combined with the upper cover.

8. The steering connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device further includes a printed circuit board disposed between the first connector and the second connector.

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