Power supply power transmission lines

Abstract

A power transmission line for a power supply includes multiple sub-wires, two connectors respectively disposed at opposite ends of the sub-wires, and a temperature sensing component. The temperature sensing component includes a thermally conductive clamp and a temperature sensor disposed on the thermally conductive clamp. The thermally conductive clamp includes a clamping portion with the sub-wires as a mounting base, and a platform integrally formed from the clamp, on which the temperature sensor is mounted. The temperature sensor has multiple signal lines. This invention's temperature sensing component can instantly reflect the temperature rise of at least one of the connectors during power transmission via the sub-wires, allowing the user of the temperature sensing component to perform temperature protection based on sensing, preventing the power transmission line from overheating and melting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model provides a power transmission line for a power supply, and more particularly a power transmission line with a temperature sensing component. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the high power supply requirements of high-end graphics cards and ensure safety for consumers, the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) standard for high-current applications has evolved from the initial 12VHPWR(H+) to the current 12V-2X6(H++). The original design of integrating multiple modular power supplies for high-end graphics cards into a single high-current modular cable capable of signal communication between the power supply and the graphics card not only reduces the difficulty of managing internal wiring in the computer case but also improves the efficiency of heat transfer within the case by reducing the number of modular cables.

[0003] Even so, if consumers don't ensure a tight seal between the power cable connector and the graphics card socket when assembling a computer, it's very easy to cause increased contact resistance and uneven current distribution. Many computer power supply manufacturers have invested significant time and resources in research and development to reduce irreparable damage caused by human error, particularly regarding the power cables connecting the power supply and high-end graphics cards. Currently, the most common and direct solution is to use temperature sensors to detect the temperature of the power cable connector on the graphics card (as shown in TWM671169), and transmit this temperature result back to the power supply or high-end graphics card. This allows for effective shutdown protection or direct load reduction in the event of poor contact leading to overheating. However, while using temperature sensors seems simple, it's easy to find that the sensors cannot effectively transmit high-temperature information back to the power supply or high-end graphics card, thus failing to achieve the desired results. Investigations revealed that high thermal resistance areas, often resulting from design, research and development, or even manufacturing defects, can hinder heat conduction between power transmission lines and temperature sensing devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to solve the problem that existing embodiments still have high thermal resistance areas, which prevents the temperature sensing element from effectively reflecting the current connector temperature via the power transmission line.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a power transmission line for a power supply, comprising multiple sub-wires, two connectors respectively disposed at opposite ends of the sub-wires, and a temperature sensing component. The temperature sensing component includes a thermally conductive clamp and a temperature sensor disposed on the thermally conductive clamp. The thermally conductive clamp includes a clamp portion with the sub-wires as a mounting base, and a platform integrally formed from the clamp portion, on which the temperature sensor is disposed. The temperature sensor has multiple signal lines.

[0006] In one embodiment, the signal lines are connected to at least one of the two connectors.

[0007] In one embodiment, the two connectors are of 12VHPWR or 12V-2X6 specification, and each of the two connectors includes multiple signal pins, with each signal line connected to one of the signal pins.

[0008] In one embodiment, the signal lines are connected to a signal connector.

[0009] In one embodiment, the clamping portion includes a base section and two bent wing sections respectively connected to one end of the base section, and the platform portion is connected to the base section.

[0010] In one embodiment, the platform includes a base section and a platform for providing the temperature sensing element, and two positioning plates connecting two opposite sides of the base section.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the two positioning pieces has one or more positioning protrusions.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the two bent wing segments defines a clamping space between itself and the base segment, and the opening directions of the clamping spaces are opposite.

[0013] The present invention, through the aforementioned technical implementation, has the following characteristics compared to the prior art: The power transmission line of this invention uses a heat-conducting clamp to increase contact with the sub-wires, achieving heat conduction through a larger contact area. Furthermore, the contact between the heat-conducting clamp and the temperature sensing element allows the heat on the clamp to be effectively sensed by the temperature sensing element. This effectively solves the problem of high thermal resistance areas in existing structures affecting the sensing results. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature protection relationship in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a partial structural cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a partial structural cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0020] Among them, the attached reference numerals

[0021] 20: Power transmission lines

[0022] 21: Sub-line

[0023] 22: Connector

[0024] 221: Signal pin

[0025] 23: Temperature sensing component

[0026] 231: Thermally conductive clamp

[0027] 232: Temperature sensing component

[0028] 233: Clamping part

[0029] 234: Taiwan

[0030] 235: Signal line

[0031] 236: Basic Section

[0032] 237: Bending Wing Section

[0033] 238: Clamping Space

[0034] 239: Opening

[0035] 240: Set up the station

[0036] 241: Positioning Piece

[0037] 242: Positioning convex part

[0038] 25: Signal Connector

[0039] 30: Power Supply

[0040] 301: Controller

[0041] 31: Graphics Card Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model provides a power transmission line 20, which is an accessory used with a power supply 30. The power transmission line 20 acts as a bridge between the power supply 30 and a load, transmitting power provided by the power supply 30 to the load. In one embodiment, the load may be a display card 31. The power transmission line 20 includes multiple sub-lines 21, two connectors 22 respectively disposed at opposite ends of the sub-lines 21, and a temperature sensing component 23. The temperature sensing component 23 includes a thermally conductive clip 231 and a temperature sensing element 232 disposed on the thermally conductive clip 231. The thermally conductive clip 231 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper. The thermally conductive clamp 231 of this utility model is an integrally molded structure. Further, the thermally conductive clamp 231 includes a clamping portion 233 and a platform portion 234. The clamping portion 233 uses the sub-wires 21 as the mounting base, that is, the clamping portion 233 is fixed to the sub-wires 21 by clamping. The platform portion 234 is integrally extended from the clamping portion 233, and the platform portion 234 provides the temperature sensing element 232 for mounting. Taking the thermally conductive clamp 231 as an example made of copper sheet, the positions for subsequent bending of the copper sheet can be pre-planned before manufacturing. Then, the copper sheet is placed on the sub-wires 21, and its position can be adjusted. Then, the portion to be formed by the clamping portion 233 is bent, creating a covering effect on the sub-wires 21. Finally, the temperature sensing element 232 is placed at the position to be formed by the clamping portion 233 and fixed. The temperature sensing element 232 can be fixed by adhesive or by the copper sheet itself. Furthermore, the heat-conducting clamp 231 of this invention can improve the heat transfer efficiency between the sub-wires 21 and the temperature sensing element 232, making the response of the temperature sensing element 232 more accurate.

[0044] On the other hand, the temperature sensing element 232 has multiple signal lines 235, which can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to a temperature controller. In one embodiment, the aforementioned temperature controller can be a controller 301 in the power supply 30, a temperature protection circuit, or an electronic device capable of interpreting the signals of the temperature sensing element 232. The temperature sensing element 232 can be a thermistor or a device with temperature sensing capabilities.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment, the power transmission line 20 is connected at both ends to the power supply 30 and the display card 31, respectively. The temperature sensing component 23 is located close to the display card 31. The signal lines 235 on the temperature sensing component 23 are electrically connected to the power supply 30. The power supply 30 sends a signal from the temperature sensing component 23 to a signal input terminal of the controller 301 via its own circuit. The controller 301 performs load output protection based on the signal obtained from the signal input terminal. Please refer to the following: Figure 2 Taking the temperature sensor 232 as an example (e.g., a thermistor), when the resistance of the temperature sensor 232 changes due to the temperature rise at the display card terminal, the voltage signal received at the signal input terminal will change accordingly. Please refer to the accompanying documentation. Figure 3 When the temperature sensing element 232 senses the temperature of the load end of the power transmission line 20 and rises to 70-80 degrees Celsius, the voltage signal received at the signal input terminal is approximately 0.5 volts or less. At this time, the controller 301 determines, based on a pre-written calculation program, that the current voltage signal warrants shutdown protection. The controller 301 then executes the relevant shutdown protection program to prevent problems such as high-temperature melting. Furthermore, the protection mechanism of the controller 301 is not limited to shutdown protection alone, but may include load derating protection, etc. However, the definition of protection mechanisms is usually defined by those skilled in the art based on their own needs, and is not the focus of this article, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the clamping portion 233 includes a base segment 236 and two bent wing segments 237 respectively connected to one end of the base segment 236, and the platform portion 234 is connected to the base segment 236. Please refer to [further details omitted]. Figure 4 Furthermore, when the power transmission line 20 is implemented with a single potential (12V or Ground) on one side, the sub-lines 21 are arranged in a single-layer structure, and the two bent flanges 237 on the clamp 233 are reversed relative to the base section 236, and are C-shaped and wrapped around both sides of the sub-lines 21. See also... Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the power transmission line 20 is implemented with two voltage specifications (12V and Ground), the sub-lines 21 are arranged in a double-layer structure. In this embodiment, the base segment 236 of the clamp 233 is located in the middle of the double-layer structure (i.e., between the upper and lower layers). The two bent wing segments 237 are bent in different directions from both ends of the base segment 236 to clamp the sub-lines 21 of one layer. Furthermore, each of the two bent wing segments 237 defines a clamping space 238 between itself and the base segment 236, and the openings 239 of the clamping spaces 238 are oriented in opposite directions.

[0047] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the platform 234 includes a base 240 connecting to the base section 236 and providing a mounting platform for the temperature sensing element 232, and two positioning pieces 241 connecting two opposite sides of the base 240. The base 240 and the two positioning pieces 241 may be integrally formed. The two positioning pieces 241 may be implemented in the form of a wall or a thin sheet structure that can cover the temperature sensing element 232. Further, in one embodiment, each of the two positioning pieces 241 has one or more positioning protrusions 242. The positioning protrusions 242 may be implemented in the form of raised points, and the purpose of the positioning protrusions 242 is to assist in the positioning of the temperature sensing element 232.

[0048] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 In one embodiment, the signal lines 235 of the temperature sensing element 232 of this invention are connected to a signal connector 25, which is pluggable into the power supply 30. The signal connector 25 is not limited to proximity to one of the connectors 22 also pluggable into the power supply 30. The signal connector 25 is connected via a mating connector on the power supply 30 to provide a signal to the controller 301 of the power supply 30. In this embodiment, the power supply 30 has a dedicated connector for inserting the signal connector 25. See also... Figure 6 In addition to the aforementioned embodiments, in one embodiment, the signal lines 235 connect to at least one of the two connectors 22. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connectors 22 that provide the signal lines 235 connectors have multiple signal pins 221. These signal pins 221, as their name suggests, are not primarily for transmitting power, but rather for transmitting signals. These signal pins 221 can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the controller 301. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two connectors 22 can be of 12VHPWR or 12V-2X6 specifications, respectively.

[0049] The present invention has been described in detail above. However, the above description is only one preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power transmission line for a power supply, the power transmission line comprising a plurality of sub-lines and two connectors respectively disposed at opposite ends of the sub-lines, characterized in that: The power transmission line includes a temperature sensing component, which includes a thermally conductive clamp and a temperature sensing element disposed on the thermally conductive clamp. The thermally conductive clamp includes a clamp portion for mounting the sub-lines and a platform portion integrally formed from the clamp portion and on which the temperature sensing element is disposed. The temperature sensing element has multiple signal lines.

2. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 1, characterized in that, These signal lines are connected to at least one of the two connectors.

3. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two connectors are of 12VHPWR or 12V-2X6 specification. Each of the two connectors contains multiple signal pins, and the signal lines are connected to one of the signal pins respectively.

4. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 1, characterized in that, These signal lines are connected to a signal connector.

5. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The clamp includes a base section and two bent wing sections respectively connected to one end of the base section, and the platform is connected to the base section.

6. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The platform includes a platform that connects to the clamp and provides the temperature sensing element, and two positioning plates that connect two opposite sides of the platform.

7. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the two positioning plates has one or more positioning protrusions.

8. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the two bent wing sections defines a clamping space between itself and the base section, and the opening directions of the clamping spaces are opposite.

9. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The platform includes a platform that connects to the clamp and provides the temperature sensing element, and two positioning plates that connect two opposite sides of the platform.

10. The power transmission line of the power supply as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the two positioning plates has one or more positioning protrusions.

Images