Electric connector

By designing a retractable electrical connector and utilizing a magnetic attraction component and a stepped screw structure, the problem of the spring probe being prone to dirt and water accumulation is solved, thereby achieving protection of the spring probe and ensuring the aesthetics and reliability of the electronic device.

CN223390814UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-26ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422768416.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-13
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The spring probes of existing electrical connectors are prone to short circuits due to accumulation of dirt or water in the grooves, and are not aesthetically pleasing.

Method used

An electrical connector is designed so that a spring probe can be stored in the connector. The spring probe can be extended and retracted by utilizing a combined structure of a magnetic attraction piece and a stepped screw, thus avoiding the need for a groove.

Benefits of technology

Protect spring probes from dust and moisture, keeping electronic devices looking beautiful and functional.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN223390814U_ABST
    Figure CN223390814U_ABST
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Abstract

The utility model provides an electric connector which is suitable for being arranged on a first electronic device and is used for being connected with a connector of a second electronic device. The electric connector comprises a bottom plate, an upper cover, a probe module, two second magnetic attraction pieces and two stepped screws. The upper cover is provided with an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of sleeves. The probe module is arranged in the middle of the bottom plate and provided with a plurality of spring probes, and the spring probes are arranged in the sleeves respectively and do not exceed the upper surface. The two second magnetic attraction pieces are arranged on the bottom plate. The two stepped screws are arranged on the two opposite sides of the bottom plate and connected with the upper cover. When the connector is close to the electric connector, the connector enables the two second magnetic parts to move towards the direction of the upper cover and drives the bottom plate to slide towards the direction of the upper cover, so that the spring probes protrude out of the upper surface.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector capable of accommodating a probe. Background Art

[0002] Currently, electronic devices have multiple electrical connectors for connecting other accessories or devices. Common electrical connectors use spring probes (POGO PINs) to electrically connect to other accessories. In use, in order to allow the spring probes to connect to accessories or devices, part of the spring probes will protrude from the electrical connector. In addition, in order to prevent the spring probes from being touched when not in use, which would cause the spring probes to become skewed or damaged, a groove is provided on the electronic device and the spring probes are placed at the bottom of the groove, so that the spring probes are lower than the surface of the electronic device so that they are not easily touched by the user. However, the provision of the grooves can easily cause dirt to accumulate or water to accumulate, resulting in a short circuit in the spring probes and making the electronic device unsightly. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention provides an electrical connector, which can accommodate a spring probe of the electrical connector inside the electrical connector.

[0004] The electrical connector of the present case is suitable for being arranged on a first electronic device and for connecting a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device has a connector and two first magnetic members. The electrical connector includes a base plate, an upper cover, a probe module, two second magnetic members and two stepped screws. The base plate has a setting area. The upper cover has an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of sleeves, wherein these sleeves extend from the upper surface to the lower surface, and the lower surface faces the base plate. The probe module is arranged in the setting area and has a plurality of spring probes, each of these spring probes has a connecting portion, and these connecting portions are respectively arranged in these sleeves and do not exceed the upper surface. The two second magnetic members are arranged on the base plate and are located on opposite sides of the probe module. The two stepped screws are arranged on opposite sides of the base plate, wherein the base plate is connected to the upper cover by the two stepped screws. When the connector is close to the electrical connector, the two first magnetic members move the two second magnetic members toward the upper cover and drive the base plate to slide toward the upper cover, thereby causing the connecting portions of these spring probes to protrude from the upper surface.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the probe module further includes a circuit board, which is located in the setting area and connected to the plurality of spring probes.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a gap between the two second magnetic elements and the upper cover.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the two stepped screws further includes: a head; an extension portion connected to the head; and a locking portion connected to the extension portion, wherein the extension portion is disposed between the head and the locking portion.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the extension portion is smaller than the diameter of the head portion.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover further has two locking holes disposed on opposite sides of the upper cover, and the diameter of the locking holes is larger than the diameter of the extension portion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the base plate further has two connecting holes, which are arranged on opposite sides of the base plate. The diameter of the connecting holes is larger than the diameter of the extension portion and smaller than the diameter of the head portion, and the extension portion of each of the two stepped screws passes through one of the two connecting holes so that the base plate can slide along the extension portion.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the probe module further comprises a probe base, a plurality of spring probes are disposed on the probe base, and the plurality of spring probes are extendable relative to the probe base.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connector further has a plurality of terminals, which are disposed between the two first magnetic elements. When the connector is close to the electrical connector so that the plurality of spring probes are exposed on the surface, the plurality of terminals are electrically connected to the plurality of spring probes.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first electronic device is a notebook computer.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second electronic device is an external keyboard.

[0015] Based on the above, the electrical connector provided in this application can expose the connection portion of the spring probe to the surface of the electronic device through the corresponding second magnetic member within the connector, allowing the spring probe to electrically connect to the connector terminal. When the electrical connector is not in use, the spring probe can be stored within the electrical connector to protect the spring probe, eliminating the need for a groove on the surface of the electronic device. This can prevent dust or water accumulation in the groove, which could damage the electronic device or the electrical connector.

[0016] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings for detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an electrical connector according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Exploded diagram;

[0019] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an electrical connector disposed in a first electronic device;

[0020] Figure 1D yes Figure 1C A partial cross-sectional enlarged view of

[0021] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an electrical connector disposed in a first electronic device and connected to a connector of a second electronic device;

[0022] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A partial enlarged view of

[0023] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B sectional view of .

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 10: first electronic device;

[0026] 11: Casing surface;

[0027] 20: second electronic device;

[0028] 100: electrical connector;

[0029] 110: bottom plate;

[0030] 110a: connection hole;

[0031] 111: Settings area;

[0032] 120: upper cover;

[0033] 120a: locking hole;

[0034] 121: upper surface;

[0035] 122: lower surface;

[0036] 123: sleeve;

[0037] 130: probe module;

[0038] 131: Spring probe;

[0039] 131a: connecting part;

[0040] 132: circuit board;

[0041] 133: probe base;

[0042] 140: second magnetic element;

[0043] 150: Step screw;

[0044] 151: head;

[0045] 152: extension;

[0046] 153: locking part;

[0047] 200: connector;

[0048] 210: first magnetic element;

[0049] 220: terminal;

[0050] S: gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C , the electrical connector 100 of the present case is suitable for being set on the first electronic device 10. The electrical connector 100 includes a base plate 110, an upper cover 120, a probe module 130, two second magnetic parts 140 and two stepped screws 150. The base plate 110 has a setting area 111. The upper cover 120 has an upper surface 121 and a lower surface 122 and a plurality of sleeves 123, wherein these sleeves 123 extend from the upper surface 121 to the lower surface 122, and the lower surface 122 faces the base plate 110. The probe module 130 is set in the setting area 111 and has a plurality of spring probes 131, each of these spring probes 131 has a connecting portion 131a, and these connecting portions 131a are respectively set in these sleeves 123 and do not exceed the upper surface 121. The two second magnetic parts 140 are set on the base plate 110 and are located on opposite sides of the probe module 130. Two stepped screws 150 are disposed on opposite sides of the bottom plate 110 , wherein the bottom plate 110 is connected to the upper cover 120 via the two stepped screws 150 .

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1B and Figure 1DEach of the two stepped screws 150 further includes a head 151, an extension 152, and a locking portion 153, wherein the extension 152 is connected to the head 151, and the diameter of the extension 152 is smaller than the diameter of the head 151. In addition, the locking portion 153 is connected to the extension 152. In other words, the extension 152 is disposed between the head 151 and the locking portion 153. The base plate 110 further has two connecting holes 110a, which are disposed on opposite sides of the base plate 110. The diameter of the connecting holes 110a is larger than the diameter of the extension 152 and smaller than the diameter of the head 151. The base plate 110 is connected to the extension 152 of the stepped screw 150 through the connecting holes 110a. On the other hand, the upper cover 120 also has two locking holes 120a, which are disposed on opposite sides of the upper cover 120 and correspond to the connecting holes 110a. The diameter of the locking holes 120a is larger than the diameter of the extension 152. When the base plate 110 is connected to the upper cover 120 via two stepped screws 150, the locking portion 153 is locked in the locking hole 120a, and the extension portion 152 passes through the connection hole 110a so that the base plate 110 can slide along the extension portion 152. Since the diameter of the head portion 151 is larger than the diameter of the connection hole 110a, the base plate 110 will not slip out of the stepped screws 150 when sliding along the extension portion 152.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 1C and Figure 1D In this embodiment, the upper surface 121 of the upper cover 120 is flush with the housing surface 11 of the first electronic device 10. That is, when these spring probes 131 are received in the electrical connector 100, the connecting portions 131a of these spring probes 131 will not extend beyond the housing surface 11. In other embodiments, the housing surface 11 may be set as the upper cover 120 of the electrical connector 100 so that the spring probes 131 are directly received in the housing surface 11, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, in this embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is disposed at the edge of the first electronic device 10. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 100 may also be disposed at the center or other positions of the first electronic device 10, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1B 、 Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the electrical connector 100 of this case is used to connect to the connector 200 of the second electronic device 20. When the connector 200 is close to the electrical connector 100, the two first magnetic members 210 move the two second magnetic members 140 toward the upper cover 120 and drive the bottom plate 110 to slide toward the upper cover 120, thereby causing these connecting parts 131a to protrude from the upper surface 121. The probe module 130 also has a circuit board 132, and the circuit board 132 is located in the setting area 111 and is connected to these spring probes 131. The probe module 130 also has a probe base 133, and these spring probes 131 are set on the probe base 133, and these spring probes 131 can be extended and retracted relative to the probe base 133. That is to say, each of these spring probes 131 is elastic, and when these spring probes 131 are squeezed by the corresponding connector 200, they can retract toward the probe base 133. In this embodiment, since the upper surface 121 of the upper cover 120 is flush with the housing surface 11, the spring probes 131 are perpendicular to the housing surface 11, so that the first electronic device 10 and the second electronic device 20 are connected in an overlapping manner. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 100 can also be disposed on the side of the first electronic device 10, so that the upper surface 121 of the upper cover 120 is perpendicular to the housing surface 11, and the spring probes 131 are parallel to the housing surface 11. When the electrical connector 100 is disposed on the side of the first electronic device 10, the connector 200 is similarly disposed on the side of the second electronic device 20, so that the first electronic device 10 and the second electronic device 20 are connected in parallel. In other words, when the electrical connector 100 and the connector 200 are disposed on the sides of the first electronic device 10 and the second electronic device 20, respectively, the first electronic device 10 and the second electronic device 20 are connected in a non-overlapping manner.

[0055] As mentioned above, the connector 200 also has a plurality of terminals 220, wherein these terminals 220 are arranged between the two first magnetic members 210, and these terminals 220 correspond to the connecting portions 131a of these spring probes 131. When the connector 200 and the electrical connector 100 are close to each other, these terminals 220 correspond to these spring probes 131 and are electrically connected to the connecting portions 131a of these spring probes 131. In this embodiment, the first electronic device 10 is, for example, a notebook computer, and the second electronic device 20 is, for example, an external keyboard or an external speaker or other accessories. In other embodiments, the first electronic device 10 can also be other electronic products, and the second electronic device 20 can also be other accessories, and the present case is not limited to this.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1D 、 Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C, a gap S is defined between each of the two second magnetic members 140 and the upper cover 120; that is, the two second magnetic members 140 do not abut against the upper cover 120. In this embodiment, the gap S between the second magnetic members 140 and the upper cover 120 is less than or equal to the length of the extension 152, so that when the two second magnetic members 140 are magnetically attracted by the two first magnetic members 210 and approach the upper cover 120, they can drive the bottom plate 110 to slide toward the upper cover 120. When the bottom plate 110 is driven to slide toward the upper cover 120, the probe module 130 disposed on the bottom plate 110 also moves toward the upper cover 120, causing the connecting portion 131a to protrude from the sleeve 123. When the second electronic device 20 is moved away from the first electronic device 10, the connector 200 follows the second electronic device 20 away from the electrical connector 100, so that the two second magnetic members 140 are no longer magnetically attracted by the two first magnetic members 210. At this time, the base plate 110 slides away from the upper cover 120 and drives the probe module 130 to move away from the upper cover 120, thereby storing the spring probes 131 within the sleeve 123. In this embodiment, the two second magnetic members 140 of the electrical connector 100 and the two first magnetic members 210 of the connector 200 are, for example, identical Halbach magnets. In other embodiments, the two second magnetic members 140 and the two first magnetic members 210 may also be different magnets, as long as the two second magnetic members 140 can be magnetically attracted to the two first magnetic members 210, respectively. The present invention is not limited to this.

[0057] In summary, the electrical connector provided herein can expose the connection portion of the spring probe to the surface of the electronic device via a corresponding second magnetic element within the connector, allowing the spring probe to electrically connect to the connector terminal. When the electrical connector is not in use, the spring probe can be stored within the connector to protect it, eliminating the need for a groove on the surface of the electronic device. This prevents dust or water accumulation in the groove, which could damage the electronic device or the electrical connector.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this case, rather than to limit them. Although this case has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this case.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that: Suitable for being arranged on a first electronic device and used for connecting a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device has a connector and two first magnetic members, and the electrical connector includes: a bottom plate having a setting area; An upper cover having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to each other and a plurality of sleeves, wherein the plurality of sleeves extend from the upper surface to the lower surface, and the lower surface faces the bottom plate; A probe module is disposed in the arrangement area and comprises a plurality of spring probes, each of the plurality of spring probes having a connecting portion, the connecting portions being respectively disposed in the plurality of sleeves and not exceeding the upper surface; Two second magnetic members are disposed on the bottom plate and located on opposite sides of the probe module; and Two stepped screws are provided on opposite sides of the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is connected to the upper cover through the two stepped screws; When the connector is close to the electrical connector, the two first magnetic members move the two second magnetic members toward the upper cover and drive the bottom plate to slide toward the upper cover, thereby causing the connecting portion to protrude from the upper surface.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The probe module further includes a circuit board, which is located in the setting area and connected to the plurality of spring probes.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: There is a gap between the two second magnetic elements and the upper cover.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the two stepped screws further comprises: head; an extension portion connected to the head; and The locking portion is connected to the extending portion, wherein the extending portion is disposed between the head portion and the locking portion.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein: The extension portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the head portion.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein: The upper cover further has two locking holes, which are arranged on opposite sides of the upper cover, and the diameter of the locking holes is larger than the diameter of the extension portion.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein: The base plate also has two connecting holes, which are arranged on opposite sides of the base plate. The diameter of the connecting holes is larger than the diameter of the extension part and smaller than the diameter of the head part, and the extension part of each of the two stepped screws passes through one of the two connecting holes so that the base plate can slide along the extension part.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The probe module further includes a probe base. The plurality of spring probes are disposed on the probe base, and the plurality of spring probes are extendable relative to the probe base.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connector further has a plurality of terminals, which are arranged between the two first magnetic elements. When the connector is close to the electrical connector so that the spring probes are exposed on the surface, the plurality of terminals are electrically connected to the spring probes.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first electronic device is a notebook computer.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The second electronic device is an external keyboard.