Power connector and power adaptor having the same

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a power connector. The power connector is adapted to connect to a circuit board of a power adapter. The power connector includes a base, a conductive pin, and a conductive elastic element. The conductive pin is disposed in the base. The conductive elastic element is electrically connected between the circuit board and the conductive pin. The conductive pin passes through the conductive elastic element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a power connector and a power adapter having the same. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Power adapters generally have an AC power connector to allow the power adapter to be connected to an external power supply. Traditionally, the AC power connector is connected to the power adapter's circuit board via a cable with the power supply's L (live) terminal (or live wire) and a cable with the power supply's N (neutral) terminal (or neutral wire). However, this design has many unavoidable drawbacks, such as the need to leave adequate space for the live and neutral cables, affecting the internal component layout of the power adapter; and electromagnetic interference caused by the live and neutral cables being too close to certain internal components of the power adapter, affecting performance. Another traditional approach is to install conductive springs on the AC power connector and then directly insert it into the circuit board and solder it. However, this method, with its repeated insertion and removal between the external power supply and the AC power connector, can easily cause the solder joints on the circuit board to crack, affecting product reliability.

[0003] In view of the above, how to improve the aforementioned shortcomings is the direction that practitioners in this field are committed to developing. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a power connector is provided. The power connector is adapted to be connected to a circuit board of a power adapter. The power connector includes a base, a conductive pin, and a conductive elastic element. The conductive pin is disposed in the base. The conductive elastic element is electrically connected between the circuit board and the conductive pin. The conductive pin passes through the conductive elastic element.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a power adapter is provided. The power adapter includes a housing, a circuit board, and a power connector. The circuit board is disposed in the housing. The power connector is disposed in the housing. The power connector includes a base, a conductive pin, and a conductive elastic element. The conductive pin is disposed in the base. The conductive elastic element is electrically connected between the circuit board and the conductive pin. The conductive pin passes through the conductive elastic element.

[0006] In order to better understand the above and other aspects of this disclosure, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

Implementation Method

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition to these detailed descriptions, this disclosure can be widely implemented in other embodiments, and any easy substitutions, modifications, or equivalent changes to the described embodiments are included within the scope of this disclosure and are subject to the claims in the following applications. In the description of the specification, many specific details are provided to give the reader a more complete understanding of this disclosure; however, this disclosure may still be implemented even if some or all of these specific details are omitted. Furthermore, well-known common steps or elements are not described in detail to avoid creating unnecessary limitations to this disclosure. The same or similar elements in the drawings will be represented by the same or similar symbols.

[0009] First Embodiment:

[0010] Please refer to Figures 1A to 1F, which show a power connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of the power connector 100, Figures 1C and 1D are exploded views of the power connector 100, Figure 1E shows the power connector 100 and the circuit board 10 to which it is adapted to connect, and Figure 1F is a side view of the conductive elastic element 130 included in the power connector 100.

[0011] The power connector 100 in this embodiment is, for example, an AC power connector, which can serve as an AC input port of a power adapter. The power connector 100 is adapted to be connected to the circuit board 10 of a power adapter. The power connector 100 includes a base 110, conductive pins 120, and conductive elastic elements 130. The conductive pins 120 are disposed on the base 110. In this embodiment, the power connector 100 includes two conductive pins 120, which can respectively correspond to the L pole (live wire) and N pole (neutral wire) of the power supply. The conductive pins 120 are made of, for example, a conductive metal material. The conductive elastic elements 130 are electrically connected between the circuit board 10 and the conductive pins 120. In this embodiment, the power connector 100 includes two conductive elastic elements 130. The two conductive pins 120 can respectively pass through the two conductive elastic elements 130. In detail, the conductive elastic element 130 is provided with a through hole 130H, through which the conductive pin 120 can pass to form an electrical connection with the conductive elastic element 130.

[0012] The base 110 is made of, for example, an insulating plastic material. The base 110 may include a cover portion 111 and a body portion 112, which are fixedly connected to each other. The cover portion 111 and the body portion 112 may be fixedly connected to each other by an ultrasonic welding process. The conductive pin 120 may be exposed from the open area 1121 at the bottom of the body portion 112. The conductive elastic member 130 is disposed between the cover portion 111 and the body portion 112. The conductive elastic member 130 may be configured to protrude from the cover portion 111. There is an accommodating space between the conductive elastic member 130 and the cover portion 111 for the circuit board 10 to be inserted and fixed. In detail, the cover portion 111 has a slide rail structure 1111, and the circuit board 10 can be inserted into the slide rail structure 1111. When the circuit board 10 is inserted into the slide rail structure 1111, the circuit board 10 contacts and presses down on the conductive elastic element 130. The conductive elastic element 130 is compressed and reshaped due to its own elasticity to abut against the circuit board 10, so that there is a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 10 and the conductive elastic element 130.

[0013] Furthermore, the cover portion 111 may have a hook structure 1112, which corresponds to the through-hole structure 101 of the circuit board 10. When the circuit board 10 is inserted into the cover portion 111, the hook structure 1112 can be locked in the through-hole structure 101, making the installation of the circuit board 10 on the base 110 more secure. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the hook structure may also be formed on the body portion 112, that is, as long as the base 110 is provided with a hook structure.

[0014] The conductive elastic element 130 is made of, for example, a conductive metallic material. The conductive elastic element 130 may include a fixing portion 131 and an abutment portion 132, the abutment portion 132 extending from and bending from the fixing portion 131. The conductive elastic element 130 may have a spring-like structure. The aforementioned through hole 130H is formed in the fixing portion 131, that is, the conductive pin 120 passes through the fixing portion 131. The abutment portion 132 abuts against the circuit board 10, that is, the abutment portion 132 provides a pressing point when the circuit board 10 is inserted into the cover portion 111, wherein the pressing contact between the abutment portion 132 and the circuit board 10 may be a line contact or a surface contact. The elastic deformation of the bending structure of the abutment portion 132 enables the circuit board 10 to be in close contact with the conductive elastic element 130 to provide a stable electrical connection.

[0015] In addition, the body portion 112 may have a groove structure 1122. The groove structure 1122 is arranged around the bottom side of the body portion 112. The groove structure 1122 can serve as a fixing structure when the power connector 100 is installed in the power adapter.

[0016] Second embodiment:

[0017] Please refer to Figures 2A to 2C, which show a power connector 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the power connector 200, Figure 2B is an exploded view of the power connector 100, and Figure 2C shows the power connector 200 and the circuit board 20 to which it is adapted to connect.

[0018] The power connector 200 of this embodiment is, for example, an AC power connector, which can serve as the AC input port of a power adapter. The power connector 200 is adapted to be connected to the circuit board 20 of a power adapter. The power connector 200 includes the aforementioned base 110, the aforementioned conductive pin 120, and a conductive elastic element 230. That is, the difference between the power connector 200 of this embodiment and the power connector 100 of the first embodiment lies in the different types of conductive elastic elements. The conductive elastic element 230 is electrically connected between the circuit board 20 and the conductive pin 120. In this embodiment, the power connector 200 includes two conductive pins 120 and two conductive elastic elements 230. The two conductive pins 120 can respectively pass through the two conductive elastic elements 230. In detail, the conductive elastic element 230 is provided with a through hole 230H, through which the conductive pin 120 can pass to form an electrical connection with the conductive elastic element 230.

[0019] The conductive elastic element 230 is made of, for example, a conductive metal material. The conductive elastic element 230 is disposed between the cover portion 111 and the body portion 112. The conductive elastic element 230 may be configured to protrude from the cover portion 111, and its protrusion is greater than that of the aforementioned conductive elastic element 130. The conductive elastic element 230 is made of, for example, a conductive metal material. In detail, the conductive elastic element 230 includes a fixing portion 231 and a clamping portion 232. The fixing portion 231 is accommodated in the accommodating space between the cover portion 111 and the body portion 112. The conductive pin 120 passes through the fixing portion 231, and the aforementioned through hole 230H is formed in the fixing portion 231, that is, the conductive pin 120 passes through the fixing portion 231. The clamping portion 232 extends from the fixing portion 231 and protrudes from the base 110. The clamping part 232 may have a long-tail clip structure, and the circuit board 20 can be clamped in the clamping part 232. Through the clamping action provided by the clamping part 232, the circuit board 20 can be made in close contact with the conductive elastic element 230 to provide a stable electrical connection. In this embodiment, the circuit board 20 is not inserted into the base 110, but can be disposed outside the base 110. Since the circuit board 20 does not need to be inserted into the base 110 for fixation, it is not limited by the distance between the slide rail structures 1111 of the cover part 111. Therefore, the power connector 200 of this embodiment can be applied to larger-sized circuit boards.

[0020] Third embodiment:

[0021] Please refer to Figures 3A to 3B, which show the power connector 300 of the third embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the power connector 300 of the third embodiment and the circuit board 30 to which it is adapted to be connected.

[0022] The power connector 300 of this embodiment is, for example, an AC power connector, which can serve as the AC input port of a power adapter. The power connector 300 is adapted to be connected to the circuit board 30 of a power adapter. The power connector 300 includes the aforementioned base 110, the aforementioned conductive pin 120, and a conductive elastic element 330. That is, the difference between the power connector 300 of this embodiment and the power connector 100 of the first embodiment lies in the different types of conductive elastic elements. The conductive elastic element 330 is electrically connected between the circuit board 20 and the conductive pin 120. In this embodiment, the power connector 300 includes two conductive pins 120 and two conductive elastic elements 330. The two conductive pins 120 can respectively pass through the two conductive elastic elements 330. Specifically, the conductive elastic element 330 is provided with a through hole 330H, through which the conductive pin 120 can pass to form an electrical connection with the conductive elastic element 330.

[0023] The conductive elastic element 330 is made of, for example, a conductive metallic material. The conductive elastic element 330 is disposed between the cover portion 111 and the body portion 112. The conductive elastic element 330 may be configured to protrude from the cover portion 111. In detail, the conductive elastic element 330 includes a fixing portion 331 and a slot portion 332. The fixing portion 331 is accommodated in the accommodating space between the cover portion 111 and the body portion 112. The conductive pin 120 passes through the fixing portion 331, and the aforementioned through hole 330H is formed in the fixing portion 331, that is, the conductive pin 120 passes through the fixing portion 331. The slot portion 332 extends from the fixing portion 331 and is bent, wherein the extension direction of the slot portion 332 after bending is parallel to the axial direction of the conductive pin 120. That is, the fixing portion 331 and the slot portion 332 may be connected perpendicularly to form an L-shaped structure. The slot portion 332 can abut against the cover portion 111 and even cover the slide rail structure 1111 of the cover portion 111. Two protrusions 301 on the edge of the circuit board 30 are respectively inserted into the corresponding slot portions 332. Through the locking effect provided by the slot portion 332, the circuit board 30 can be in close contact with the conductive elastic element 330 to provide a stable electrical connection. In this embodiment, the circuit board 30 is not inserted into the base 110, but can be disposed outside the base 110. Since the circuit board 30 does not need to be inserted into the base 110 for fixation, as long as the distance between the slot portions 332 corresponds to the distance between the protrusions 301, the power connector 300 of this embodiment can be applied to larger-sized circuit boards with protrusions corresponding to the slot portions 332.

[0024] Fourth embodiment:

[0025] Please refer to Figures 4A to 4E, which show a power connector 400 according to a fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of the power connector 400, Figures 4C and 4D are exploded views of the power connector 400, and Figure 4E shows the power connector 400 and the circuit board 40 to which it is adapted to connect.

[0026] The power connector 400 of this embodiment is, for example, an AC power connector, which can serve as the AC input port of a power adapter. The power connector 400 is adapted to be connected to the circuit board 40 of a power adapter. The power connector 400 includes a base 210, the aforementioned conductive pin 120, and the aforementioned conductive elastic member 130. That is, the difference between the power connector 400 of this embodiment and the power connector 100 of the first embodiment lies in the different type of base. The conductive pin 120 is disposed on the base 210. The conductive elastic member 130 is electrically connected between the circuit board 40 and the conductive pin 120. The base 210 is, for example, made of an insulating plastic material. The base 210 may include a cover portion 211 and a body portion 212, which are fixedly connected to each other. The cover portion 211 and the body portion 212 can be fixedly connected to each other by an ultrasonic welding process. The cover portion 211 may have a protruding post structure 2113, and the body portion 212 may have a blind hole structure 2123 and a groove structure 2124 located opposite the protruding post structure 2113. When the cover portion 211 and the body portion 212 are fixedly connected to each other, the two protruding post structures 2113 are inserted into the two aligned blind hole structures 2123, and a single protruding post structure 2113 is engaged with the aligned groove structure 2124.

[0027] The conductive pin 120 can be exposed in the open area 2121 at the bottom of the body portion 212. The conductive elastic member 130 is disposed between the cover portion 211 and the body portion 212. The conductive elastic member 130 can be configured to protrude from the cover portion 211. There is an accommodating space between the conductive elastic member 130 and the cover portion 211 for the circuit board 40 to be inserted and fixed. The cover portion 211 can have a slide rail structure 2111. The slide rail structure 2111 is formed on the two inner wall sides of the cover portion 211 and is composed of inwardly protruding ribs and the top cover of the cover portion 211. The circuit board 40 can be inserted into the slide rail structure 2111. When the circuit board 40 is inserted into the slide rail structure 2111, the circuit board 40 contacts and presses down on the conductive elastic member 130. The conductive elastic member 130 is compressed and deformed due to its own elasticity to abut against the circuit board 40, so that there is a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 40 and the conductive elastic member 130.

[0028] Furthermore, the cover portion 211 may also have a hook structure 2112, which corresponds to the through-hole structure 401 of the circuit board 40. When the circuit board 40 is inserted into the cover portion 211, the hook structure 2112 can be locked in the through-hole structure 401, making the installation of the circuit board 40 on the base 210 more secure. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the hook structure may also be formed on the body portion 212, that is, as long as the base 210 is provided with a hook structure.

[0029] When the circuit board 40 is inserted into the cover portion 211, the abutting portion 132 of the conductive elastic member 130 abuts against the circuit board 10, that is, the abutting portion 132 provides a pressing point when the circuit board 40 is inserted into the cover portion 211. The pressing contact between the abutting portion 132 and the circuit board 40 can be a line contact or a surface contact. The elastic deformation of the bending structure of the abutting portion 132 enables the circuit board 40 to be in close contact with the conductive elastic member 130 to provide a stable electrical connection.

[0030] In addition, the body portion 212 may have a groove structure 2122. The groove structure 2122 is arranged around the bottom side of the body portion 212. The groove structure 2122 can serve as a fixing structure when the power connector 400 is installed in the power adapter.

[0031] Fifth Embodiment:

[0032] Please refer to Figures 5A to 5C, which show a power connector 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A is a perspective view of the power connector 500, Figure 5B is an exploded view of the power connector 500, and Figure 5C shows the power connector 500 and the circuit board 50 to which it is adapted to connect.

[0033] The power connector 500 of this embodiment is, for example, an AC power connector, which can serve as the AC input port of a power adapter. The power connector 500 is adapted to be connected to the circuit board 50 of a power adapter. The power connector 500 includes a base 310, the aforementioned conductive pin 120, and the aforementioned conductive elastic member 130. That is, the difference between the power connector 500 of this embodiment and the power connector 100 of the first embodiment lies in the different type of base. The conductive pin 120 is disposed on the base 310. The conductive elastic member 130 is electrically connected between the circuit board 50 and the conductive pin 120. The base 310 is, for example, made of an insulating plastic material. The base 310 may include a cover portion 311 and a body portion 312, which are fixedly connected to each other. The cover portion 311 and the body portion 312 can be fixedly connected to each other by an ultrasonic welding process. The cover portion 311 may have a protruding post structure 3113, and the body portion 312 may have a blind hole structure 3123 and a groove structure 3124 located opposite the protruding post structure 3113. When the cover portion 311 and the body portion 312 are fixedly connected to each other, a single protruding post structure 3113 is inserted into the corresponding blind hole structure 3123, and the other two protruding post structures 3113 are engaged with the two corresponding groove structures 3124.

[0034] A conductive elastic element 130 is disposed between the cover portion 311 and the body portion 312. The conductive elastic element 130 may be configured to protrude from the cover portion 311. There is an accommodating space between the conductive elastic element 130 and the cover portion 311 for the circuit board 50 to be inserted and fixed. The body portion 312 may have a slide rail structure 3121. That is, the main difference between this and the power connector 400 of the fourth embodiment described above is that the slide rail structure is formed in the body portion of the base, rather than the cover portion. The slide rail structure 3121 is formed at both ends on the top side of the body portion 312, respectively adjacent to the two conductive elastic elements 130. The circuit board 50 can be inserted into the slide rail structure 3121. When the circuit board 50 is inserted into the slide rail structure 3121, the circuit board 50 contacts and presses down on the conductive elastic element 130. The conductive elastic element 130 is compressed and deformed due to its own elasticity to abut against the circuit board 50, so that there is a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 50 and the conductive elastic element 130.

[0035] Furthermore, the cover portion 311 may have a hook structure 3111, which corresponds to the through-hole structure 501 of the circuit board 50. When the circuit board 50 is inserted into the body portion 312, the hook structure 3111 can be secured in the through-hole structure 501, making the installation of the circuit board 50 on the base 310 more secure. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the hook structure may also be formed on the body portion 312, that is, as long as the base 310 is provided with a hook structure.

[0036] When the circuit board 50 is inserted into the body portion 312, the abutting portion 132 of the conductive elastic member 130 abuts against the circuit board 50, that is, the abutting portion 132 provides a pressing point when the circuit board 50 is inserted into the cover portion 311. The pressing contact between the abutting portion 132 and the circuit board 50 can be a line contact or a surface contact. The elastic deformation of the bending structure of the abutting portion 132 can make the circuit board 50 and the conductive elastic member 130 in close contact to provide a stable electrical connection. The body portion 312 may have a groove structure 3122. The groove structure 3122 is arranged around the bottom side of the body portion 312. The groove structure 3122 can serve as a fixing structure when the power connector 500 is installed in the power adapter. In addition, it should be understood that the bottom design of the body portion 312 can be similar to that of the aforementioned body portion 212, that is, the conductive pin 120 can be exposed from the open area at the bottom of the body portion 312 (not shown).

[0037] Sixth embodiment:

[0038] Please refer to Figures 6A to 6C, which show a power adapter according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the housing 11 and power connector 400 of the power adapter 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6C is a top view of the power adapter 1.

[0039] The power adapter 1 in this embodiment is, for example, an AC power adapter. The power adapter 1 may include a housing 11, a circuit board 60, and a power connector. In this embodiment, the power connector is described using the aforementioned power connector 400 as an example. However, this is not a limitation, and other power connectors may be used as needed. The housing 11 is, for example, made of an insulating plastic material. The housing 11 may include an upper housing 11T and a lower housing 11B, which are fixedly connected to each other. The circuit board 60 and the power connector 400 are disposed in the housing 11. In detail, the lower housing 11B has a receiving structure 11B1, and the power connector 100 may be disposed in the receiving structure 11B1. The lower housing 11B has a slider structure 11B2. The groove structure 2122 of the base 210 of the power connector 400 corresponds to the slider structure 11B2. The power connector 400 can slide into the groove structure 2122 via the slider structure 11B2 to be positioned in the receiving structure 11B1.

[0040] The housing 11 may have a limiting structure 11B3. The limiting structure 11B3 is formed protruding from the inner wall of the housing 11. When the circuit board 60 is inserted into the power connector 400 and disposed in the housing 11, the circuit board 60 can abut against the limiting structure 11B3. Specifically, the limiting structure 11B3 is formed on the inner wall of the lower housing 11B. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the limiting structure may also be formed on the upper housing 11T, that is, as long as the housing 11 has a limiting structure. The limiting structure 11B3 can provide support for the circuit board 60 and thus limit its position, preventing the circuit board 60 from shaking in the housing 11 and affecting its electrical connection with the power connector 400. In this embodiment, the circuit board 60 may include a first circuit board portion 61 and a second circuit board portion 62 that are engaged. The first circuit board portion 61 is inserted into the base 210 of the power connector 400, and the second circuit board portion 62 abuts against the lower housing 11B of the housing 11. In detail, the first circuit board portion 61 (parallel to the XY plane) and the second circuit board portion 62 (parallel to the XZ plane) can be joined perpendicularly.

[0041] In addition, the lower housing 11B may have a plug hole 11B4, and the conductive pin 120 of the power connector 400 may be exposed from the plug hole 11B4, so that an external power line can be mated with the conductive pin 120.

[0042] Seventh embodiment:

[0043] Please refer to Figures 7A to 7C, which show the power adapter 2 according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the power adapter 2, Figure 7B is an exploded view of the power adapter 2, and Figure 7C is a partial view of the power adapter 2.

[0044] The power adapter 2 in this embodiment is, for example, an AC power adapter. The power adapter 2 may include a housing 21, a circuit board 70, and a power connector 600. The power connector 600 can serve as the AC input port of the power adapter 2. The circuit board 70 and the power connector 600 are disposed in the housing 21. The power connector 600 is electrically connected to the circuit board 70. The housing 21 is, for example, made of an insulating plastic material. The housing 21 may include an upper housing 21T and a lower housing 21B, which are fixedly connected to each other. More specifically, the upper housing 21T and the lower housing 21B can be fixedly connected to each other by means of screws. The upper housing 21T has a notch structure 21T1, and the lower housing 21B has a notch structure 21B1. When the upper housing 21T and the lower housing 21B are fixedly connected, the notch structure 21T1 and the notch structure 21B1 together form a receiving structure, in which the power connector 600 can be disposed. The circuit board 70 can be disposed around the power connector 600, and its recessed structure 71 avoids the power connector 600.

[0045] The power connector 600 includes a base 410, conductive pins 220, and conductive elastic members 430. The conductive pins 220 are disposed on the base 410. The base 410 is made of, for example, an insulating plastic material. The conductive pins 220 are exposed from an open area 411 of the base 410. In this embodiment, the power connector 600 includes three conductive pins 220, which correspond to the L (live wire), N (neutral wire), and G (ground wire) terminals of the power supply, respectively. The conductive pins 220 are made of, for example, a conductive metal material. The conductive elastic members 430 are electrically connected between the circuit board 70 and the conductive pins 220. In this embodiment, the power connector 600 includes three conductive elastic members 430. The three conductive pins 220 can each pass through one of the three conductive elastic members 430.

[0046] A conductive elastic element 430 is disposed on the base 410. Specifically, the conductive elastic element 430 abuts against the surface 412 of the base 410, which is opposite to the open area 411 exposing the conductive pin 220. The conductive elastic element 430 is made, for example, of a conductive metallic material. The conductive elastic element 430 may include a fixing portion 431 and an abutting portion 432, the abutting portion 432 extending from and bending from the fixing portion 431. The conductive elastic element 430 may have a spring-like structure. The conductive pin 220 passes through the fixing portion 431, while the abutting portion 432 abuts against the circuit board 70. The circuit board 70 is disposed on the abutting portion 432, wherein the pressing contact between the abutting portion 432 and the circuit board 70 may be a line contact or a surface contact. The elastic deformation of the bending structure of the abutting portion 432 allows the circuit board 70 to be in close contact with the conductive elastic element 430, providing a stable electrical connection. When the circuit board 70 is assembled inside the housing 21, the circuit board 70 contacts and presses down on the conductive elastic element 430. The conductive elastic element 430 is compressed and reshaped due to its own elasticity to abut against the circuit board 70, so that there is a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 70 and the conductive elastic element 430.

[0047] Furthermore, the lower housing 21B may have a platform structure 21B2, in which the conductive elastic element 430 abuts against the platform structure 21B2 when the power connector 600 is assembled inside the housing 21. The platform structure 21B2 can provide support for the conductive elastic element 430 and thus limit its position, preventing the power connector 600 from shaking in the housing 11 and affecting the electrical connection between the conductive elastic element 430 and the circuit board 70.

[0048] Eighth Embodiment:

[0049] Please refer to Figures 8A to 8C, which show the power adapter 3 of the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8A is a perspective view of the power adapter 3, Figure 7B is an exploded view of the power adapter 3, and Figure 8C is a perspective view of the power connector 700 of the power adapter 3.

[0050] The power adapter 3 in this embodiment is, for example, an AC power adapter. The power adapter 3 may include a housing 31, a circuit board 80, and a power connector 700. The power connector 700 may serve as the AC input port of the power adapter 3. The circuit board 80 and the power connector 700 are disposed in the housing 31. The housing 31 is, for example, made of an insulating plastic material. The power connector 700 is electrically connected to the circuit board 80. The circuit board 80 may be disposed around the power connector 700, and its recessed structure 81 avoids the power connector 700.

[0051] The power connector 700 includes a base 510, a conductive pin 320, and a conductive elastic element 530. The base 510 is made of, for example, an insulating plastic material and may use the same material as the housing 31. The base 510 and the housing 31 may be fixed to each other, for example, the base 510 may be snapped into the housing 31. The base 510 and the housing 31 form the smooth shape of the power adapter 3. A circuit board 80 is disposed between the base 510 and the housing 31. The base 510 may have a slide rail structure 512, which protrudes from the inner wall of the base 510. The circuit board 80 abuts against the slide rail structure 512. The slide rail structure 512 provides support for the circuit board 80 and limits its position, preventing the circuit board 80 from shaking in the housing 31 and affecting its electrical connection with the power connector 700.

[0052] A conductive pin 320 is disposed on the base 510. Specifically, the conductive pin 320 is disposed on the inwardly protruding middle portion of the base 510. The recessed structure 81 of the circuit board 80 surrounds this middle portion. The conductive pin 320 may be exposed from the open area 511 of the base 510. In this embodiment, the power connector 700 includes three conductive pins 320, which may correspond to the L (live wire), N (neutral wire), and G (ground wire) terminals of the power supply, respectively. The conductive pins 320 are made, for example, of a conductive metal material. In this embodiment, the power connector 700 includes three conductive elastic elements 530. The three conductive pins 320 may pass through the three conductive elastic elements 530, respectively.

[0053] A conductive elastic element 530 is disposed on the base 510. Specifically, a conductive pin 320 is also disposed on the inwardly protruding middle portion of the base 510. The conductive elastic element 530 is electrically connected between the circuit board 80 and the conductive pin 320. The conductive elastic element 530 is made of, for example, a conductive metal material. The conductive elastic element 530 may include a fixing portion 531 and an abutting portion 532, the abutting portion 532 extending from and bending from the fixing portion 531. The conductive elastic element 530 may have a spring-like structure. The conductive pin 320 passes through the fixing portion 531, while the abutting portion 532 abuts against the circuit board 80. The abutting portions 532 of the three conductive elastic elements 530 may face different directions, for example, in a radial arrangement as in this embodiment. The circuit board 80 is disposed on the abutting portion 532, wherein the pressing contact between the abutting portion 532 and the circuit board 80 may be a line contact or a surface contact. The elastic deformation of the bending structure of the contact portion 532 allows the circuit board 80 to make tight contact with the conductive elastic element 530, providing a stable electrical connection. When the circuit board 80 is assembled inside the housing 31, the circuit board 80 contacts and presses down on the conductive elastic element 530. Due to its own elasticity, the conductive elastic element 530 is compressed and deformed to abut against the circuit board 80, thus providing a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 80 and the conductive elastic element 530.

[0054] As can be seen from this disclosure, the power connectors of the above embodiments are electrically connected between the conductive pin and the circuit board of the power adapter using conductive elastic elements, which solves the problem of conventional cables requiring wiring space, reduces cable material costs, solves the problem of electromagnetic interference caused by conventional cables, and solves the problem of conventional solder joints being prone to breakage due to repeated plugging and unplugging.

[0055] In summary, although this disclosure has been presented above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0007] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of a power connector according to a first embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 1C and 1D are exploded views of a power connector according to a first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1E illustrates the power connector of the first embodiment and the circuit board to which it is adapted for connection. Figure 1F is a side view of the conductive elastic element included in the power connector. Figure 2A is a perspective view of a power connector according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2B is an exploded view of a power connector according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2C illustrates the power connector of the second embodiment and the circuit board to which it is adapted for connection. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the power connector of the third embodiment and the circuit board to which it is adapted for connection. Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of a power connector according to a fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 4C and 4D are exploded views of a power connector according to a fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4E illustrates the power connector of the fourth embodiment and the circuit board to which it is adapted for connection. Figure 5A is a perspective view of a power connector according to a fifth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5B is an exploded view of a power connector according to a fifth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5C illustrates the power connector of the fifth embodiment and the circuit board to which it is adapted for connection. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the housing and power connector of the power adapter according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6C is a top view of the power adapter according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the power adapter according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7B is an exploded view of the power adapter according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7C is a partial view of the power adapter according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8A is a perspective view of the power adapter according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8B is an exploded view of the power adapter according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8C is a perspective view of the power connector of the power adapter according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A power connector adapted for connection to a circuit board of a power adapter, the power connector comprising: A base having a latch structure, wherein the latch structure corresponds to a through hole structure of the circuit board; A conductive pin is disposed on the base; A conductive elastic element is electrically connected between the circuit board and the conductive pin, wherein the conductive pin passes through the conductive elastic element; wherein, when the circuit board is inserted into the base, the hook structure is secured in the through hole structure.

2. The power connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conductive elastic member includes a retaining portion and an abutting portion, the abutting portion extending from and bending the retaining portion, the conductive pin passing through the retaining portion, and the abutting portion abutting against the circuit board.

3. The power connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base includes a cover portion and a body portion, the cover portion and the body portion being fixedly connected to each other, and the conductive elastic element being disposed between the cover portion and the body portion.

4. The power connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover portion has a slide rail structure, the circuit board is inserted into the slide rail structure, and the conductive elastic element abuts against the circuit board.

5. The power connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover portion has the latch structure, and when the circuit board is inserted into the cover portion, the latch structure is secured in the through-hole structure.

6. The power connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the body has a slide rail structure, the circuit board is inserted into the slide rail structure, and the conductive elastic element abuts against the circuit board.

7. The power connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover portion has the latch structure, which is secured in the through-hole structure when the circuit board is inserted into the body portion.

8. A power connector adapted for connection to a circuit board of a power adapter, the power connector comprising: A base; A conductive pin is disposed on the base; and a conductive elastic member is electrically connected between the circuit board and the conductive pin, and includes a fixing portion and a slot portion, wherein the conductive pin passes through the fixing portion, the slot portion extends from the fixing portion and is bent, and a protruding section of the edge of the circuit board is inserted into the slot portion.

9. A power adapter, comprising: A casing; A circuit board is housed within the casing; The device includes a power connector disposed within the housing and comprising: a base having a latch structure corresponding to a through-hole structure of the circuit board; a conductive pin disposed on the base; and a conductive elastic element electrically connected between the circuit board and the conductive pin, wherein the conductive pin passes through the conductive elastic element; wherein, when the circuit board is inserted into the base, the latch structure is secured in the through-hole structure.

10. The power adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing fixedly connected to each other, the lower housing having a receiving structure in which the power connector is disposed.

11. The power adapter as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lower housing has a slider structure, the base has a groove structure corresponding to the slider structure, and the power connector slides through the slider structure into the groove structure to be disposed in the receiving structure.

12. The power adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing has a limiting structure that protrudes from the inner wall of the housing and the circuit board abuts against the limiting structure.

13. The power adapter as claimed in claim 12, wherein the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing and the lower housing being fixedly connected to each other, and the limiting structure being formed on the inner wall of the lower housing.

14. The power adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base has a slide rail structure that protrudes from the inner wall of the base, and the circuit board abuts against the slide rail structure.

15. The power adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the circuit board includes a first circuit board portion and a second circuit board portion joined together, the first circuit board portion being inserted into the base and the second circuit board portion abutting against the housing.

16. The power adapter as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first circuit board portion and the second circuit board portion are vertically joined.

17. The power adapter as claimed in claim 15, wherein the housing has a socket from which the conductive pin protrudes.

18. The power adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing and the base are fixedly connected to each other.

19. The power adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the circuit board has a recessed structure that avoids the power connector.

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