Plug assembly and street light controller

Abstract

A plug assembly and a street light controller, the plug assembly includes a base, a power pin, a circuit board, a power spring, a signal pin and a signal spring. The power pin protrudes from one side of the base. The circuit board faces the side of the base and is spaced apart from the base by a predetermined distance, such that the power pin is located between the base and the circuit board. The circuit board has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The power spring clamps the power pin and electrically contacts the first electrical contact. The signal pin protrudes from the side of the base. The signal spring is disposed on the base and electrically contacts the signal pin and the second electrical contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a plug assembly and a street light controller. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing of street light controllers, conventional technology or existing practices commonly use soldering to connect the internal circuit board (power board) to the base or lower housing. Specifically, power and signal pins protruding from the base are passed through through-holes in the circuit board and manually soldered to the corresponding electrical contacts on the upper surface of the circuit board. This soldering method is the common practice in the assembly of power boards for most street light controller products on the market, including commercially available products. In this conventional assembly process, the alignment of the circuit board and the base is achieved through these pins passing through the circuit board.

[0003] However, the aforementioned conventional soldering assembly methods have many technical problems and limitations. First, compared to other assembly methods, soldering takes longer, resulting in lower production efficiency. Second, during soldering, taller components near the solder joints on the circuit board are easily touched by the soldering gun tip, causing burns or damage. Furthermore, if circuit board replacement or repair (RMA) is required, the existing solder joints must be desoldered, a time-consuming and laborious process. Desoldering is not only time-consuming, but improper operation can also damage the solder joints or the circuit board, affecting the reliability and yield of subsequent assembly. In addition, protruding solder joints may also limit the layout space of other components on the circuit board.

[0004] Therefore, how to propose plug assemblies and street light controllers that can solve the problems of the aforementioned existing technologies in terms of production efficiency, component protection and after-sales maintenance has become one of the important research and development topics. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a plug assembly and street light controller that can solve the above problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a plug assembly includes a base, power pins, a circuit board, a power contact spring, a signal pin, and a signal contact spring. The power pins protrude from one side of the base. The circuit board faces this side of the base and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the base, such that the power pins are located between the base and the circuit board. The circuit board has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The power contact spring clamps the power pins and electrically contacts the first electrical contact. The signal pins protrude from this side of the base. The signal contact spring is disposed on the base and electrically contacts the signal pins and the second electrical contact.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the power contact spring includes a contact portion and two clamping portions. The contact portion electrically contacts a first electrical contact. The two clamping portions are respectively bent and connected to opposite ends of the contact portion, and extend toward the base to jointly clamp the power pin.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the power contact spring is U-shaped.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the signal spring includes a fixing portion, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The fixing portion is electrically contacted and fixed to a signal pin. The first extension portion connects to the fixing portion and abuts against that side of the base. The second extension portion is bent and connects to the first extension portion, and is electrically contacted to a second electrical contact.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the base includes a first alignment structure. The circuit board includes a second alignment structure. The first alignment structure and the second alignment structure are aligned and connected to each other.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first alignment structure is an alignment post. The second alignment structure is an alignment hole.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the base includes a first engaging structure. The circuit board includes a second engaging structure. The first engaging structure and the second engaging structure engage with each other.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first engaging structure is a hook. The second engaging structure is a slot located on the outer edge of the circuit board. The hook engages with the slot and is fastened to the side of the circuit board away from the base.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a street light controller includes a housing, power pins, a circuit board, a power contact spring, a signal pin, and a signal contact spring. The housing includes a base and a cover. A receiving space is formed between the base and the cover. The power pin protrudes from one side of the base within the receiving space. The circuit board faces the base within the receiving space and is spaced a predetermined distance from the base, such that the power pin is located between the base and the circuit board. The circuit board has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The power contact spring clamps the power pin and electrically contacts the first electrical contact. The signal pin protrudes from the same side of the base. The signal contact spring is disposed on the base and electrically contacts the signal pin and the second electrical contact.

[0015] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the power contact spring includes a contact portion and two clamping portions. The contact portion electrically contacts a first electrical contact. The two clamping portions are respectively bent and connected to opposite ends of the contact portion, and extend toward the base to jointly clamp the power pin.

[0016] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the power contact spring is U-shaped.

[0017] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the signal spring includes a fixing portion, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The fixing portion is electrically contacted and fixed to a signal pin. The first extension portion connects to the fixing portion and abuts against that side of the base. The second extension portion is bent and connects to the first extension portion, and is electrically contacted to a second electrical contact.

[0018] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the base includes a first alignment structure. The circuit board includes a second alignment structure. The first alignment structure and the second alignment structure are aligned and connected to each other.

[0019] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first alignment structure is an alignment post. The second alignment structure is an alignment hole.

[0020] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the base includes a first engaging structure. The circuit board includes a second engaging structure. The first engaging structure and the second engaging structure engage with each other.

[0021] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first engaging structure is a hook. The second engaging structure is a slot located on the outer edge of the circuit board. The hook engages with the slot and is fastened to the side of the circuit board away from the base.

[0022] In summary, in the plug assembly and street light controller disclosed herein, the power spring contacts the first electrical contact on the circuit board and are connected to the power pins on the base in a clamping manner. This clamping structure is particularly suitable for situations requiring the transmission of large currents, ensuring stable power transmission. In addition, there are signal spring contacts that electrically contact the signal pins on the base and the second electrical contact on the circuit board; this contact design is suitable for signal transmission. Thus, the plug assembly and street light controller disclosed herein can achieve at least the following technical benefits: (1) significantly shorten assembly time and improve production efficiency; (2) increase the space for component placement on the circuit board due to the absence of protruding solder joints; (3) enable direct top-to-bottom assembly of the power board, making circuit board replacement easier and greatly simplifying RMA and maintenance processes; and (4) avoid burns or damage caused by the soldering torch tip touching the components during soldering, improving assembly yield and product reliability.

[0023] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation method and related drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0025] Figure 1A A perspective view of a street light controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0026] Figure 1B For illustration Figure 1A Another perspective view of the street light controller, in which the cover is separated from the base;

[0027] Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1B A perspective view of the plug assembly, in which the base is separated from the circuit board;

[0028] Figure 3 For illustration Figure 1B A partial cross-sectional view of the plug assembly in the image;

[0029] Figure 4 For illustration Figure 3 A 3D view of the power supply spring in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 For illustration Figure 1B Another partial cross-sectional view of the plug assembly;

[0031] Figure 6 For illustration Figure 5 A 3D diagram of the signal shrapnel.

[0032] [Symbol Explanation]

[0033] 100: Street light controller

[0034] 110: Shell

[0035] 111: Base

[0036] 111a: First alignment structure

[0037] 111b: First engagement structure

[0038] 111c: Supporting structure

[0039] 112: Cover

[0040] 120: Power pin

[0041] 130: Circuit board

[0042] 131: First electrical contact

[0043] 132: Second electrical contact

[0044] 133: Fixing hole

[0045] 134: Second Alignment Structure

[0046] 135: Second locking structure

[0047] 140: Power contact spring

[0048] 141:Contact Department

[0049] 142: Clamping part

[0050] 143, 161: Fixing part

[0051] 150: Signal pin

[0052] 160: Signal shrapnel

[0053] 161a: First fixed segment

[0054] 161b: Second fixed segment

[0055] 162: First Extension

[0056] 163: Second Extension

[0057] S: Storage space Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following describes several embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B . Figure 1A A perspective view of a street light controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B For illustration Figure 1A Another perspective view of the street light controller 100, in which the cover 112 is separated from the base 111. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, in this embodiment, the street light controller 100 includes a housing 110 and a circuit board 130. The housing 110 includes a base 111 and a cover 112. A receiving space S is formed between the base 111 and the cover 112. On the other hand, the combination of the components of the street light controller 100 other than the cover 112 can be regarded as a plug assembly. This street light controller 100 is generally presented as a cylinder (e.g., black in color) and is mounted on the top of the street light.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 . Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1BA perspective view of the plug assembly, in which the base 111 is separated from the circuit board 130. Figure 3 For illustration Figure 1B A partial cross-sectional view of the plug assembly. Figure 4 For illustration Figure 3 A 3D view of the power supply spring 140. (See diagram below.) Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the plug assembly of the street light controller 100 further includes a power pin 120 and a power contact spring 140. The power pin 120 protrudes from one side of the base 111 within the accommodating space S. The circuit board 130 faces this side of the base 111 within the accommodating space S and is spaced a predetermined distance from the base 111, such that the power pin 120 is located between the base 111 and the circuit board 130. The circuit board 130 has a first electrical contact 131. The connection between the power pin 120 and the circuit board 130 is achieved using the power contact spring 140. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the number of power pins 120 and power contact springs 140 is three.

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the power spring 140 includes a contact portion 141 and two clamping portions 142. The contact portion 141 electrically contacts the first electrical contact 131 on the circuit board 130. The two clamping portions 142 are respectively bent and connected to opposite ends of the contact portion 141, and extend toward the base 111 to jointly clamp the power pin 120. This clamping structure can be substantially U-shaped and is suitable for situations requiring the transmission of large currents, similar to the structure of a socket, to ensure stable power transmission. Through the clamping method, the power spring 140 is securely electrically connected to the power pin 120.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, the power spring 140 further includes a fixing portion 143. The fixing portion 143 connects to the contact portion 141 and extends in the opposite direction to the clamping portion 142. Correspondingly, the circuit board 130 also has a fixing hole 133. The fixing hole 133 is configured for the fixing portion 143 to be inserted and engaged, thereby helping to securely fix the power spring 140 to the circuit board 130 and make the power spring 140 electrically contact the first electrical contact 131.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 . Figure 5 For illustration Figure 1B Another partial cross-sectional view of the plug assembly. Figure 6 For illustration Figure 5 A 3D diagram of the signal shrapnel 160. (See image below.) Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the plug assembly of the street light controller 100 further includes a signal pin 150 and a signal spring 160. The signal pin 150 also protrudes from the side of the base 111 located within the accommodating space S. The signal pin 150 is connected to the circuit board 130 using the signal spring 160. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, there are four signal pins 150 and four signal springs 160, which are arranged around the power pins 120 and the power springs 140.

[0064] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the circuit board 130 also has a second electrical contact 132. The signal spring 160 includes a fixing portion 161, a first extension portion 162, and a second extension portion 163. The signal spring 160 is disposed on the base 111 and electrically contacts the signal pin 150 and the second electrical contact 132 on the circuit board 130. Specifically, the fixing portion 161 electrically contacts and is fixed to the signal pin 150. The first extension portion 162 connects to the fixing portion 161 and abuts against this side of the base 111. The second extension portion 163 is bent to connect to the first extension portion 162 and electrically contacts the second electrical contact 132 on the circuit board 130. This design is a contact-type design, similar to a battery contact spring, which is easier to separate during assembly or disassembly compared to fixed connections (such as soldering), and is suitable for signal transmission scenarios.

[0065] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing portion 161 of the signal spring 160 includes a first fixing segment 161a and two second fixing segments 161b. The first fixing segment 161a connects to the first extension 162 and is configured for the signal pin 150 to laterally abut against. The two second fixing segments 161b are bent from opposite sides of the first fixing segment 161a in a direction away from the first extension 162, and then bend inward in the opposite direction towards the first fixing segment 161a. In this way, one side of the signal pin 150 can be fixed to the first fixing segment 161a, while the other side of the signal pin 150 can be fixed to the two second fixing segments 161b.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 111 includes a first alignment structure 111a. The circuit board 130 includes a second alignment structure 134. The first alignment structure 111a and the second alignment structure 134 are aligned and connected to each other. Specifically, the first alignment structure 111a may be an alignment post. The second alignment structure 134 may be an alignment hole or other form of alignment structure on the circuit board 130. This alignment structure helps to ensure precise positioning of the circuit board 130 and the base 111 during assembly.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 111 further includes a first engaging structure 111b. The circuit board 130 further includes a second engaging structure 135. The first engaging structure 111b and the second engaging structure 135 engage with each other. Specifically, the first engaging structure 111b may be a hook. The second engaging structure 135 may be a slot located on the outer edge of the circuit board 130. The hook may engage with the slot and fasten to the side of the circuit board 130 away from the base 111. This engaging structure helps to securely fix the circuit board 130 to the base 111.

[0068] By aligning and connecting the first alignment structure 111a on the base 111 with the second alignment structure 134 on the circuit board 130, and by engaging the first engagement structure 111b with the second engagement structure 135, the plug assembly disclosed herein enables rapid and precise positioning and fixing between the circuit board 130 and the base 111. This design significantly simplifies the assembly process, enabling reliable establishment of electrical contacts between the power pin 120, power contact spring 140, signal pin 150, and signal contact spring 160, and supports a straight-up / straight-down assembly method.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 111 further includes a support structure 111c. The height of the support structure 111c is less than the height of the first alignment structure 111a. Therefore, after the first alignment structure 111a passes through and connects to the second alignment structure 134, the support structure 111c can support the circuit board 130, thereby achieving the purpose of distancing the circuit board 130 from the base 111 by the aforementioned predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the support structure 111c is connected to the first alignment structure 111a, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it is clear that in the plug assembly and street light controller disclosed herein, the power spring contacts the first electrical contacts on the circuit board and are connected to the power pins on the base in a clamping manner. This clamping structure is particularly suitable for situations requiring the transmission of large currents, ensuring stable power transmission. In addition, there are signal spring contacts that electrically contact the signal pins on the base and the second electrical contacts on the circuit board. This contact design is suitable for signal transmission. Thus, the plug assembly and street light controller disclosed herein can achieve at least the following technical benefits: (1) significantly shorten assembly time and improve production efficiency; (2) increase the space for component placement on the circuit board due to the absence of protruding solder joints; (3) enable direct top-to-bottom assembly of the power board, making circuit board replacement easier and greatly simplifying RMA and maintenance processes; and (4) avoid burns or damage caused by the soldering gun tip touching the components during soldering, improving assembly yield and product reliability. It should be noted that the above solution is an improvement upon the soldering method commonly used in street light controller power boards in conventional technology. Currently, most street light controller products on the market, including some products from overseas markets, still use soldering to assemble power boards. This disclosure is based on feedback from the production line and takes into account actual production and assembly efficiency.

[0071] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plug assembly, characterized in that, Include: A base; One power connector protrudes from one side of the base; A circuit board, facing the side of the base and at a predetermined distance from the base, such that the power pin is located between the base and the circuit board, and the circuit board has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A power contact spring clamps the power pin and electrically contacts the first electrical contact. A signal pin protrudes from this side of the base; and A signal spring is disposed on the base and makes electrical contact between the signal pin and the second electrical contact.

2. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The power contact spring includes: A contact portion, electrically contacting the first electrical contact; and Two clamping parts are bent and connected to the opposite ends of the contact part, and extend toward the base to clamp the power pin together.

3. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The power contact spring is U-shaped.

4. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal shrapnel contains: A fixing part is electrically connected to and fixed to the signal pin; A first extension portion connects to the fixing portion and abuts against that side of the base; and A second extension is bent to connect to the first extension and makes electrical contact with the second electrical contact.

5. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a first alignment structure, the circuit board includes a second alignment structure, and the first alignment structure and the second alignment structure are aligned and connected to each other.

6. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The first alignment structure is an alignment post, and the second alignment structure is an alignment hole.

7. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a first engaging structure, the circuit board includes a second engaging structure, and the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure engage with each other.

8. The plug assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The first engaging structure is a hook, and the second engaging structure is a slot located on the outer edge of the circuit board. The hook engages with the slot and is fastened to the side of the circuit board away from the base.

9. A street light controller, characterized in that, Include: A housing includes a base and a cover, with an accommodating space formed between the base and the cover; A power connector protrudes from one side of the base within the accommodating space; A circuit board is located on the side of the accommodating space facing the base and at a predetermined distance from the base, such that the power pin is located between the base and the circuit board, and the circuit board has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A power contact spring clamps the power pin and electrically contacts the first electrical contact. A signal pin protrudes from this side of the base; and A signal spring is disposed on the base and makes electrical contact between the signal pin and the second electrical contact.

10. The street light controller as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The power contact spring includes: A contact portion, electrically contacting the first electrical contact; and Two clamping parts are bent and connected to the opposite ends of the contact part, and extend toward the base to clamp the power pin together.

11. The street light controller as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The power contact spring is U-shaped.

12. The street light controller as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The signal shrapnel contains: A fixing part is electrically connected to and fixed to the signal pin; A first extension portion connects to the fixing portion and abuts against that side of the base; and A second extension is bent to connect to the first extension and makes electrical contact with the second electrical contact.

13. The street light controller as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The base includes a first alignment structure, the circuit board includes a second alignment structure, and the first alignment structure and the second alignment structure are aligned and connected to each other.

14. The street light controller as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The first alignment structure is an alignment post, and the second alignment structure is an alignment hole.

15. The street light controller as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The base includes a first engaging structure, the circuit board includes a second engaging structure, and the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure engage with each other.

16. The street light controller as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first engaging structure is a hook, and the second engaging structure is a slot located on the outer edge of the circuit board. The hook engages with the slot and is fastened to the side of the circuit board away from the base.

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