Sealed electrical connectors

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for sealing electrical connectors are described herein. Some embodiments include: a spring connecting a first PCB to a second PCB, wherein the spring includes a first end portion that contacts the first PCB, a second end portion that contacts the second PCB, and a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; a spacer surrounding the middle portion of the spring; a first seal seated in a first groove of the spacer and in contact with the first PCB; and a second seal seated in a second groove of the spacer and in contact with the second PCB.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for sealing electrical connectors. Background Art

[0002] Electrical components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be connected via electrical connectors. Some environments can be particularly harsh for electrical connectors. For example, electrical connectors exposed to air pollution can be susceptible to contamination, oxidation, and / or corrosion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0004] Figure 1B is an isometric view of a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 1C is an exploded isometric view of a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 is an example of a method of manufacturing a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an example of a portion of an aspirating smoke detector apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an example of a manifold and printed circuit board (PCB) of an aspirating smoke detector device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an example of a manifold, blower, and sensor head of an aspirating smoke detector apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an example of a housing and a PCB of an aspirating smoke detector device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of a housing and manifold of an aspirated smoke detector device with a blower housing cover and a sensor head housing cover according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] This document describes an apparatus and method for sealing an electrical connector. For example, one or more embodiments include: a spring that connects a first PCB to a second PCB, wherein the spring includes a first end portion that contacts the first PCB, a second end portion that contacts the second PCB, and a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; a spacer that surrounds the middle portion of the spring; a first seal that is seated in a first groove of the spacer and contacts the first PCB; and a second seal that is seated in a second groove of the spacer and contacts the second PCB.

[0013] Large facilities (e.g., buildings), such as commercial facilities, office buildings, hospitals, etc., may have alarm systems that can be triggered during an emergency (e.g., a fire) to warn occupants to evacuate. For example, the alarm system may include a control panel (e.g., a fire control panel) and a plurality of aspirating smoke detector devices located throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms of the facility) to detect dangerous events, such as smoke generation (e.g., due to a fire or otherwise). The aspirating smoke detectors may transmit signals to the control panel to notify building managers, occupants of the facility, emergency services, etc., of the dangerous event via an alarm or other mechanism.

[0014] Aspirating smoke detector devices can be used in facilities to detect hazardous events by detecting the presence of smoke. The aspirating smoke detector devices can draw gas (e.g., air, via a blower) from the facility through a network of ducts throughout the facility into a sensor. The sensor can sample the gas to determine whether it contains smoke particles. In response to detecting smoke particles, the aspirating smoke detector device can transmit a signal to a control panel in the facility to signal the detection of smoke particles.

[0015] Sealed electrical connectors according to the present disclosure can be used to connect electrical components of an aspirating smoke detector device, where airborne contamination may cause contamination, oxidation, and / or corrosion in an unsealed (e.g., unprotected) electrical connector. For illustrative purposes, embodiments herein may be discussed in the context of an aspirating smoke detector device. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Sealed electrical connectors according to embodiments herein can be used to connect electrical components of any suitable device.

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, the manner in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced.

[0017] These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that other embodiments can be utilized and process, electrical and / or structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] It should be understood that elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, exchanged, combined, and / or eliminated to provide multiple further embodiments of the present disclosure. The proportions and relative sizes of the elements provided in the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be limiting.

[0019] As used herein, "a" or "several" things may refer to one or more such things, while "plurality" things may refer to more than one such thing. For example, "parts" may refer to one or more parts, while "parts" may refer to more than one part.

[0020] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a sealed electrical connector 100 (sometimes referred to herein simply as “connector 100 ”) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is an isometric view of a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1C is an exploded isometric view of a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C It may be referred to herein cumulatively as "FIG. 1."

[0021] As shown in FIG1 , the connector includes a spring 102 extending between a first spring contact point 140 (sometimes referred to herein as simply “first contact 140”) of a first PCB 136 and a second spring contact point 142 (sometimes referred to herein as simply “second contact 142”) of a second PCB 138. Figure 1A As shown, the spring is at least partially compressed to provide secure contact with the first contact 140 and the second contact 142 .

[0022] As shown in FIG1 , spring 102 can be a biconical spring, but it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited thereto. In the example shown in FIG1 , spring 102 includes a middle portion 108 and two opposing end portions: a first end portion 104 and a second end portion 106. Middle portion 108 includes a plurality of coils having a first diameter 112. As shown in FIG1 , each of first end portion 104 and second end portion 106 can include a plurality of coils having diameters that taper from first diameter 112 to second diameter 110 at their respective ends. In some embodiments, first end portion 104 and second end portion 106 taper to different diameters. The size of second diameter 110 can be selected based on the size of first contact 140 and / or second contact 142. It should be understood that first contact 140 and second contact 142 can be the same size or different sizes. Additionally, it should be noted that while the middle portion 108 is shown as having a substantially continuous diameter 112, embodiments herein are not limited thereto; the diameter 112 of the middle portion 108 can taper or otherwise vary along the length of the middle portion 108. In some embodiments, the spring 102 is made of a tin-plated phosphor bronze material. In some embodiments, the material comprising the spring 102 is selected based on the material comprising the first contact 140 and / or the second contact 142. In some embodiments, the spring 102, the first contact 140, and the second contact 142 are made of the same material. Utilizing the same material (e.g., the same alloy) can reduce galvanic corrosion and can increase electrical conductivity through the connector 100 by reducing capacitance and / or resistance.

[0023] like Figure 1AAs shown, the first PCB 136 and the second PCB 138 may be substantially parallel, but it should be noted that the embodiments herein are not limited in this regard. The first PCB 136 and the second PCB 138 may be at different angles and / or positions relative to each other. As used herein, the term "PCB" refers to a device for mechanically supporting and electrically connecting electrical components via conductive traces. In the example of an aspirating smoke detector device, the first PCB 136 and / or the second PCB 138 may include electrical components used to detect smoke via the aspirating smoke detector device. For example, the aspirating smoke detector device may include a blower housing and a sensor head housing. The first PCB 136 and / or the second PCB 138 may be used to control the blower (e.g., the blower speed), receive signals from the sensor head housing, and the like. The first PCB 136 and / or the second PCB 138 may be used to control the operation of the aspirating smoke detector device, detect smoke particles in gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device, and transmit signals to a control panel in response to detecting smoke particles in the gas. The first PCB 136 and / or the second PCB 138 may include buttons, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and / or other electrical components known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The middle portion 108 of the spring 102 is surrounded by a spacer 114. In the example of an aspirating smoke detector device, the spacer 114 is part of a manifold (e.g., integrated into the manifold 102 discussed below). As used herein, the term "manifold" refers to a device that includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. For example, a manifold can constitute part of an aspirating smoke detector device and can include various components, including a flow path, a blower housing, a first sensor head housing, and a second sensor head housing, as further described herein.

[0025] The spacer 114 can be made of a plastic material. For example, the spacer 114 can be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and other types of plastic materials. The spacer 114 can be manufactured using multi-shot molding technology and other manufacturing techniques.

[0026] The spacer 114 can define a cylindrical opening. For example, the spacer 114 can include an inner surface defining a lumen having a diameter 116. The diameter 116 can exceed the diameter 112 of the middle portion 108 of the spring 102 so that the spring 102 can be inserted into the lumen. The diameter 116 can be selected to exceed the diameter 112 of the middle portion 108 by a relatively small amount (e.g., 1% to 10%) to prevent the spring 102 from inverting and / or moving within the spacer 114, which could result in loss of contact with the first contact 140 and / or the second contact 142.

[0027] As previously described, the middle portion 108 of the spring 102 is surrounded by the spacer 114. In some embodiments, portions of the first end portion 104 and / or the second end portion 106 are also surrounded by the spacer 114. In the example shown in FIG1 , the first end portion 104 is surrounded by the first seal 124, and the second end portion 106 is surrounded by the second seal 126.

[0028] The first seal 124 and the second seal 126 can be made of a thermoplastic rubber material. Some embodiments may include overmolding the first seal 124 and / or the second seal 126 onto the spacer 114. The first seal 124 and the second seal 126 can be seated in a groove. For example, the first seal 124 may include a first seating portion 128 configured to be seated in the first groove 118. The second seal 126 may include a second seating portion 130 configured to be seated in the second groove 120. As the first PCB 136 is brought closer to the second PCB 138, each of the first seal 124 and the second seal 126 can be compressed. Thus, the spring 102 is hermetically sealed from external air, smoke particles, and / or contaminants by the combination of the spacer 114, the first seal 124, the second seal 126, the first PCB 136, and the second PCB 138.

[0029] As shown in FIG1 , the second seal 126 includes a plurality of fins 134. In some embodiments, the first seal 124 also includes a plurality of fins. The fins may be used to provide a redundant and / or more reliable seal with the outside air. It should be noted that some embodiments may not include fins, and other features may be used to enhance the sealing effect, which may depend on the specific materials used for the first seal 124 and / or the second seal 126.

[0030] Embodiments herein may include components configured to retain the spring 102 within the lumen of the spacer 114. For example, such retention may be utilized during manufacturing and / or assembly. As shown in FIG1 , the spacer 114 may include an annular protrusion 122. This annular protrusion 122 may alternatively be referred to as a "protrusion 122." The protrusion 122 may define a retention diameter 123. This retention diameter 123 is smaller than the diameter 112 of the middle portion of the spring 102 and larger than the diameter 110 of the first end portion 104. Thus, the spring 102 may be prevented from being removed from the lumen (e.g., from above) by the protrusion 122. This configuration may be utilized when the first PCB 136 is added (e.g., added last) to an assembly including the second PCB 138, the spacer 114, the first seal 124, and the second seal 126. In some embodiments, retention may be provided by one of the seals. For example, as shown in FIG1 , the second seal 126 may include a retention lip 132. The retention lip 132 may define a lip diameter 133. The lip diameter 133 is smaller than the diameter 112 of the middle portion of the spring 102 and larger than the diameter 110 of the second end portion 104. Thus, the spring 102 can be prevented from being removed from the lumen (e.g., from below) by the retaining lip 132. This configuration can be utilized when the second PCB 138 is added (e.g., added last) to the assembly including the first PCB 136, the spacer 114, the first seal 124, and the second seal 126. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic rubber material of the second seal 126 can allow the spring 102 to be inserted (e.g., pressed) into the lumen of the spacer 114 by temporarily deforming to a diameter large enough to accommodate the diameter of the middle portion 108 (e.g., temporarily larger than the diameter of the lip diameter 133). The retaining lip then returns to its normal shape and / or size, causing the lip diameter 133 to recover and the spring 102 to be retained.

[0031] Figure 2 is an example of a method for manufacturing a sealed electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. At 252, the method includes providing a spring configured to electrically connect a first printed circuit board (PCB) to a second PCB. In some embodiments, the spring includes a first end portion configured to contact the first PCB, a second end portion configured to contact the second PCB, and a middle portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The spring can be similar to the spring 102 previously described in conjunction with FIG. 1 .

[0032] At 254, the method includes inserting the spring into the spacer such that the spacer surrounds a middle portion of the spring. Some embodiments may include inserting the spring into a lumen defined by an inner surface of the spacer. As previously discussed, the spacer may include an annular protrusion defining a convex portion that retains the spring in the lumen. In some embodiments, at least one of the first seal and the second seal includes a retaining lip that retains the spring in the lumen.

[0033] At 256, the method includes seating a first seal in a first groove of the spacer and seating a second seal in a second groove of the spacer. The method may include overmolding the first seal and / or the second seal onto the spacer. In some embodiments, the method includes force-fitting the first seal and / or the second seal into the groove. The seals may be, for example, thermoplastic rubber seals.

[0034] At 258, the method includes contacting the first seal with the first PCB and, at 260, contacting the second seal with the second PCB. The PCBs can be brought into contact with the seal and spring 102 so as to at least partially compress the seal around their entire circumference. In some embodiments, the PCBs are spaced between 10 mm and 12 mm apart. For example, in some embodiments, the PCBs are spaced approximately 11 mm apart. The PCBs can be attached to a larger component (e.g., a manifold, a housing, etc.). In some embodiments, these components are secured together by one or more suitable fasteners.

[0035] Figure 3 3 is an exploded view of an example of a portion of an aspirating smoke detector device 300 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The aspirating smoke detector device 300 may include a manifold 302 and a PCB 312.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, the aspirating smoke detector device 300 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 312. As used herein, the term "PCB" refers to a device for mechanically supporting and electrically connecting electrical components via conductive traces. Therefore, the PCB 312 may include electrical components for detecting smoke via the aspirating smoke detector device 300. For example, although not shown in Figure 1 for clarity and so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, the aspirating smoke detector device 300 may include a blower housing and a sensor head housing. The PCB 312 can be used to control the blower (e.g., the speed of the blower), receive signals from the sensor head housing, etc. The PCB 312 can be used to control the operation of the aspirating smoke detector device 300 accordingly to detect smoke particles in the gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device 300, and transmit signals to the control panel in response to detecting smoke particles in the gas. The PCB 312 may include buttons (e.g., Figure 3 (not shown), light emitting diodes (LEDs), and other electrical components.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown in the exploded view of FIG, the aspirating smoke detector device 300 may further include a manifold 302. As used herein, the term "manifold" refers to a device that includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. For example, the manifold 302 may constitute a portion of the aspirating smoke detector device 300 and may include various components, including a flow path 304, a blower housing 306, a first sensor head housing 308-1, and a second sensor head housing 308-2, as further described herein.

[0038] The manifold 302 can be made of a plastic material. For example, the manifold 302 can be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and other types of plastic materials. Furthermore, the manifold 302 can be made of any other type of material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, etc.). For example, the manifold 302 can be manufactured using multi-shot molding techniques.

[0039] A flow path 304 may be included as part of the manifold 302. The flow path 304 may include a first flow channel 305-1 and a second flow channel 305-2 (collectively referred to herein as flow channels 305). The flow channels 305 may allow gas to flow through the aspirating smoke detector device 300. For example, gas may flow into and out of different portions of the aspirating smoke detector device 300 through the flow channels 305 for smoke detection, as further described herein.

[0040] Manifold 302 may include light pipes 314-1 and 314-2. As used herein, the term "light pipe" refers to a device for transmitting light for illumination purposes. Light pipe 314 may be made of a transparent material to allow transmission of light (e.g., light from an LED on PCB 312). Light pipe 314-1 may be arranged in a 2×2 array, and light pipe 314-2 may be arranged in a 1×1 array.

[0041] The manifold 302 may include a blower housing 306. The blower housing 306 may be configured to receive a blower (e.g., Figure 3 (not shown). The blower can be operated to draw gas into the aspirating smoke detector device 300 and cause the gas to flow through the aspirating smoke detector device. The blower housing 306 can include a blower housing outlet 311. Gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device 300 can exit the aspirating smoke detector device through the blower housing outlet 311.

[0042] The first flow channel 305-1 can connect the blower housing 306 to the first sensor head housing 308-1. The first sensor head housing 308-1 can be configured to receive a sensor head (e.g., Figure 3 305 - 1). The first sensor head housing 308 - 1 may include a first sensor head housing inlet 310 - 1. The blower may be operated to draw gas into the sensor head located in the first sensor head housing 308 - 1 through the first sensor head housing inlet 310 - 1 and out of the first sensor head housing 308 - 1 through the first flow channel 305 - 1 for detecting smoke particles in the gas.

[0043] Similar to the first flow channel 305-1, the second flow channel 305-2 can connect the blower housing 306 to the second sensor head housing 308-2. The second sensor head housing 308-2 can also be configured to receive a sensor head (e.g., Figure 3 (not shown). Second sensor head housing 308-2 may include a second sensor head housing inlet 310-2. The blower may be operated to draw gas into another sensor head located in second sensor head housing 308-2 through second sensor head housing inlet 310-2 and out of second sensor head housing 308-2 through second flow channel 305-2 for use in detecting smoke particles in the gas.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, the manifold 302 may also include a gasket 316. As used herein, the term "gasket" refers to a device that is positioned around an area of another device so that fluid cannot pass through or around the area. For example, the gasket 316 may be located on the "back" side of the manifold 302 that interfaces with (e.g., rests against) the PCB 312. The gasket 316 may fluidly seal the manifold 302 to the PCB 312, such as in conjunction with a gasket. Figure 4 Further described.

[0045] Figure 4 4 is an exploded view of an example of a manifold 402 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 412 of an aspirating smoke detector device 400 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The manifold 402 may include a gasket 416.

[0046] As previously combined Figure 3 As depicted, the manifold 402 may include a gasket 416. The gasket 416 may be used to fluidly seal the manifold 402 to the PCB 412. For example, when the aspirating smoke detector device 400 is assembled, the manifold 402 may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., against) the PCB 412. When the manifold 402 is positioned adjacent to the PCB 412, the gasket 416 may be compressed against the PCB 412, causing the gasket 416 to fluidly seal the manifold 402 to the PCB 412.

[0047] In some examples, gasket 416 can be a thermoplastic rubber gasket. For example, gasket 416 can be formed on manifold 402 using a molding technique. Furthermore, while gasket 416 is described as a thermoplastic rubber gasket, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, gasket 416 can be any other material that can fluidly seal manifold 402 to PCB 412.

[0048] Fluid-sealing manifold 402 to PCB 412 can prevent substances from migrating between gasket 416 and into the space between manifold 402 and PCB 412. Such a fluid-sealed space can prevent moisture from entering the space. Thus, gasket 416 can prevent moisture from interacting with PCB 412, thereby preventing short circuits in electrical components of PCB 412, and thereby preventing corrosion of PCB 412, among other things.

[0049] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an example of a manifold 502 , a blower 507 , and a sensor head 509 of an aspirating smoke detector device 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The aspirating smoke detector device 500 may include a manifold 502 .

[0050] As previously combined Figure 3As depicted, an aspirating smoke detector device 500 may include a manifold 502 including a flow path 504, a blower housing 506, a first sensor head housing 508-1, and a second sensor head housing 508-2. The manifold 502 may cover a PCB 512. The flow path 504 may include a first flow channel 505-1 and a second flow channel 505-2.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the manifold 502 can include a blower housing 506. The blower housing 506 is configured to receive a blower 507. As used herein, the term "blower" refers to a mechanical device for moving gas in a specific direction. For example, the blower 507 can be used to move gas through the aspirating smoke detector device 500. In some cases, the blower 507 can include a duct housing having a fan that, when rotated, causes gas (e.g., such as air) to flow in a specific direction.

[0052] The blower housing 506 is configured to receive the blower 507 when the blower 507 is oriented in a particular configuration. For example, the blower housing 506 can be designed so that the blower 507 can fit into the blower housing 506 in a single orientation. This can prevent the blower 507 from being installed in the blower housing 506 in an incorrect orientation.

[0053] The blower housing 506 can include a blower cover gasket 518. The blower cover gasket 518 can be formed on the blower housing 506 by, for example, molding techniques. In other examples, the blower cover gasket 518 can be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber gasket.

[0054] The manifold 502 may additionally include a first sensor head housing 508-1. The first sensor head housing 508-1 may be connected to the blower housing 506 via the first flow channel 505-1 and may receive a first sensor head 509-1. As used herein, the term "sensor head" refers to a device for detecting events and / or changes in its environment and transmitting the detected events and / or changes for processing and / or analysis. For example, the sensor head 509 may be used to detect smoke particles of gas transitioning through the aspirating smoke detector device 500. In some examples, the first sensor head 509-1 may be a turbidimeter (e.g., an aerosol photometer) to measure the concentration of smoke particles in the gas by utilizing light scattered by the smoke particles. However, the first sensor head 509-1 may be any other type of smoke detection sensor that utilizes gas transitioning through the aspirating smoke detector device 500 to detect smoke.

[0055] The first sensor head housing 508-1 can be configured to receive the first sensor head 509-1. That is, the first sensor head housing 508-1 can be configured to receive the first sensor head 509-1 when the first sensor head 509-1 is oriented in a particular configuration. For example, the first sensor head housing 508-1 can be designed so that the first sensor head 509-1 can be assembled into the first sensor head housing 508-1 in a single orientation. This can prevent the first sensor head 509-1 from being installed in the first sensor head housing 508-1 in an incorrect orientation.

[0056] The first sensor head housing 508-1 may include a first sensor head housing cover gasket 520-1. The first sensor head housing cover gasket 520-1 may be formed on the first sensor head housing 508-1 by, for example, molding techniques. In other examples, the first sensor head housing cover gasket 520-1 may be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber gasket.

[0057] Similar to the first sensor head housing 508-1, the second sensor head housing 508-2 can be connected to the blower housing 506 via the second flow channel 505-2 and can receive a second sensor head 509-2. The second sensor head 509-2 can be a turbidity meter or any other type of smoke detection sensor that utilizes gas passing through the aspirating smoke detector device 500 to detect smoke. Furthermore, the second sensor head housing 508-2 can be configured to receive the second sensor head 509-2. That is, the second sensor head housing 508-2 can be configured to receive the second sensor head 509-2 when the second sensor head 509-2 is oriented in a specific configuration. For example, the second sensor head housing 508-2 can be designed so that the second sensor head 509-2 can be assembled into the second sensor head housing 508-2 in a single orientation. This can prevent the second sensor head 509-2 from being installed in the second sensor head housing 508-2 in an incorrect orientation.

[0058] The second sensor head housing 508-2 may include a second sensor head housing cover gasket 520-2. The second sensor head housing cover gasket 520-2 may be formed on the second sensor head housing 508-2 by, for example, molding techniques. In other examples, the second sensor head housing cover gasket 520-2 may be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber gasket.

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an example of a housing 622 and PCB 612 of an aspirating smoke detector device 600 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing 622 may house the PCB 612, as further described herein.

[0060] like Figure 6As shown, the aspirating smoke detector device 600 may include a housing 622. As used herein, the term "housing" refers to the outer shell of the device. The housing 622 may be the "rear" housing of the aspirating smoke detector device 600 that may house the PCB 612. For example, the housing 622 may hold the PCB 612 after the aspirating smoke detector device 600 is assembled. The PCB 612 may include LEDs 628-1 and LEDs 628-2. The LEDs 628-1 may be arranged in a 2×2 array to be compatible with light pipes (e.g., previously combined). Figure 3 The LEDs 628-2 may be arranged in a 1×1 array to correspond to the 2×2 array configuration of the light pipe 314-1 described above, and the LEDs 628-2 may be arranged in a 1×1 array to correspond to the 2×2 array configuration of the light pipe 314-1 described above. Figure 3 The 1×1 array configuration of the light pipe 314-2) described above corresponds to FIG.

[0061] Although for the sake of clarity and so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 6 Although not shown, the housing 622 may include a fastening mechanism that can hold the PCB 612 in the housing 622. The fastening mechanism can be, for example, a clamp, a clip, a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt, a screw, etc.), or other types of fastening mechanisms.

[0062] Additionally, although for the sake of clarity and so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 6 Although not shown, the housing 622 may include a mounting location. The mounting location may include, for example, a hole through which a fastener may be passed to secure the aspirating smoke detector device 600 to a wall or other object. The fastener may be secured to the wall or other object and slid through the hole in the mounting location so that the housing 622 may rest on the fastener to mount the aspirating smoke detector device 600 to the wall or other object.

[0063] The housing 622 may include a first housing inlet 624-1, a second housing inlet 624-2, and a housing outlet 626. The first housing inlet 624-1, the second housing inlet 624-2, and the housing outlet 626 may be apertures in the structure of the housing 622. The first housing inlet 624-1 may receive a first sensor head housing inlet, the second housing inlet 624-2 may receive a second sensor head housing inlet, and the housing outlet 626 may receive a blower housing outlet, as in combination with Figure 7 Further described.

[0064] like Figure 6As shown, the housing 622 may also include a clip 630. As used herein, the term "clip" refers to a fastening mechanism that includes a protruding flange with engaging teeth. When an object to be secured is inserted adjacent to the clip 630, the clip 630 may deflect and the engaging teeth of each clip may engage with a surface of the object to secure the object, such as in combination with a Figure 7 Further described.

[0065] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of a housing 722 and manifold 702 of an aspirating smoke detector device 700 with a blower housing cover 732 and a sensor head housing cover 734 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The manifold 702 may include a blower housing 706 and a sensor head housing 708.

[0066] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the aspirating smoke detector device 700 can be partially assembled. For example, the manifold 702 can be assembled by clips (e.g., previously assembled). Figure 6 The clip 630 depicted is connected to the housing 722. When the manifold 702 is inserted into the housing 722, the clip can be deflected and the engaging teeth of the clip can engage with the surface of the manifold 702 to connect the manifold 702 to the housing 722.

[0067] When the manifold 702 is connected to the housing 722, the first sensor head housing inlet 710-1 can be coaxially positioned with the first housing inlet 724-1. Additionally, the second sensor head housing inlet 710-2 can be coaxially positioned with the second housing inlet 724-2. Figure 7 Not shown, but the blower housing outlet may be combined with the housing outlet (e.g., previously combined with Figure 6 Thus, gas can flow into the aspirating smoke detector device 700 via the first sensor head housing inlet 710-1 and / or the second sensor head housing inlet 710-2, flow through the flow channel to the sensor head located in the sensor head housing 708, and flow out of the blower housing outlet, during which the sensor head can determine whether the gas includes smoke particles.

[0068] To ensure that the gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device 700 does not mix with gas located outside the aspirating smoke detector device 700, the various housings including the manifold 702 can be fluid-tight. For example, the blower housing 706 can receive a blower housing cover 732. As previously described in connection with Figure 5 As described, the blower housing 706 may include a cover gasket (e.g., Figure 5When the blower housing cover 732 is connected to the blower housing 706, the blower cover gasket can fluidly seal the blower housing 706 to the blower housing cover 732.

[0069] Similar to the blower housing 706, the first sensor head housing 708-1 and the second sensor head housing 708-2 can receive a sensor head housing cover 734 to cover the first sensor head and the second sensor head respectively located therein. Figure 5 As described, the first sensor head housing 708-1 and the second sensor head housing 708-2 may include a cover gasket (eg, as previously described in conjunction with Figure 5 When the sensor head housing cover 734 is connected to the first sensor head housing 708-1 and the second sensor head housing 708-2, the sensor head housing cover gasket can fluidly seal the first sensor head housing 708-1 and the second sensor head housing 708-2 to the sensor head housing cover 734.

[0070] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same technique may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0071] It should be understood that the above description is given in an illustrative and not restrictive manner. Combinations of the above embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description.

[0072] The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure includes any other applications using the above-described structures and methods.The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0073] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments require more features than expressly recited in each claim.

[0074] Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (100), comprising: A spring (102) connecting a first printed circuit board (PCB) to a second PCB, wherein the spring (102) comprises: a first end portion (104) in contact with the first PCB (136); a second end portion (106) in contact with the second PCB (138); and a middle portion (108) extending between the first end portion (104) and the second end portion (106); a spacer (114) surrounding the middle portion (108) of the spring (102) and separated from the middle portion (108); a first seal (124) seated in a first groove (118) of the spacer (114) and in contact with the first PCB (136); and A second seal (126) is seated in the second groove (120) of the spacer (114) and in contact with the second PCB (138).

2. The connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the spring (102) is a double-conical spring (102).

3. The connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion (108) of the spring (102) has a first diameter (112), and wherein the first end portion (104) and the second end portion (106) each taper from the first diameter (112) to a second diameter (110).

4. The connector (100) of claim 3, wherein the spacer (114) includes an annular protrusion (122) defining a retaining diameter (123), and wherein: The first diameter (112) exceeds the retaining diameter (123); and The retaining diameter (123) exceeds the second diameter (110).

5. The connector (100) of claim 3, wherein the second seal (126) includes a retaining lip (132) defining a lip diameter (133), and wherein: The first diameter (112) exceeds the lip diameter (133); and The lip diameter (133) exceeds the second diameter (110).

6. The connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spring (102) is hermetically sealed from the outside air by the spacer (114), the first seal (124), the second seal (126), the first PCB (136) and the second PCB (138).

7. The connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first seal (124) and the second seal (126) are made of a thermoplastic rubber material.

8. The connector (100) of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first PCB (136) and the second PCB (138) is between 10 mm and 12 mm.

9. The connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spring (102) is made of tin-plated phosphor bronze material.

10. The connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the second seal (126) includes a plurality of fins (134), and wherein each fin of the plurality of fins (134) contacts the second PCB (138).

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