Patent ID: 6217339
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: G04C,H01R,H02J

Abstract:
A power source connecting apparatus for connecting an external power source to an electronic device, comprising:a fixing portion formed in a housing of an electronic device at which an external power source may be connected to the electronic device, the fixing portion comprising a substantially flat, non-conductive portion of the housing of the electronic device having an external surface facing outside the electronic device and an internal surface facing internally of the electronic device;an external connection terminal formed of a conductive material at the fixing portion of the housing so as to be exposed externally and internally of the electronic device and flush with the housing, and having a positioning portion at the external surface of the housing for mating with a corresponding positioning portion formed in the external power source, the external connection terminal forming a waterproof integral structure with the housing at the fixing portion;a movable metallic internal terminal disposed in the housing opposed to the external connection terminal and being connected to a first power source disposed in the housing, the internal terminal being mounted to undergo movement between a first position at which the internal terminal is in electrical contact with the external connection terminal and a second position at which the internal terminal is not in electrical contact with the external connection terminal; andan elastic member for supporting the internal terminal and normally biasing the internal terminal in the second position out of electrical contact with the external connection terminal, the elastic member being supported at one end thereof by the substantially flat, non-conductive portion of the housing at the fixing portion so as to surround the external connection terminal;wherein the internal terminal is moved into the first position to make electrical contact with the external connection terminal against the bias force of the elastic member when a magnet for applying a magnetic force between itself and the internal terminal sufficient to overcome the bias force of the elastic member is placed in contact with the fixing portion such that a positioning portion of the magnet is in proper contact with the positioning portion of the external connection terminal.