Twist lock light control module for luminaire

Abstract

The invention relates to a twist lock light control module for a luminaire. Specifically, a light control module includes a plug connector configured to mate with a receptacle connector mounted to a luminaire. The plug connector has a plug connector housing that holds plug power contacts. The plug connector housing has a base having a top portion configured to support the control circuit board and a bottom portion facing the receptacle connector. A plug power contact is received in the power contact channel and includes a twist lock plug terminal and a plate terminal. The twist lock plug terminal has a mating end having a rotational mating interface configured to be connected to the receptacle power contact in a rotational direction. The plate terminal has a mating end configured to be electrically connected to the control circuit board to electrically connect the twist lock plug terminal to the control circuit board.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 568,640, filed on March 22, 2024, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter herein generally relates to connectors for light fixtures. Background Art

[0004] In outdoor lighting, particularly streetlights and parking lot lights, a sensor assembly and a corresponding mating socket are typically used to turn the light on and off based on ambient light from the sun. The sensor assembly and the mating socket mate at a rotational mating interface using twist-lock power contacts. Some lamps support dimming to variably control the lamp based on ambient light levels, time of day, etc. The lamp includes a socket connector and a plug connector that mate together at a rotational mating interface for the sensor module. The power contacts of the electrical connector are arranged in a center portion of the connector. The power contacts of the plug connector extend through the housing of the plug connector to terminate directly to a printed circuit board of the sensor module. However, the printed circuit board typically has various components that terminate to the printed circuit board, and the space in the center portion of the printed circuit board may be limited for terminating the power contacts to the printed circuit board.

[0005] There remains a need for a reliable method of terminating power contacts to a printed circuit board of a sensor module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a light control module for a lamp is provided, and the light control module includes a plug connector configured to mate with a socket connector mounted to the lamp. The plug connector has a plug connector housing that holds plug power contacts, which are configured to electrically connect to socket power contacts of the socket connector for power control of the lamp. The plug connector housing has a base with a top and a bottom. The bottom is configured to face the socket connector. The top is configured to support a control circuit board. The base has power contact channels. The plug power contacts are received in corresponding power contact channels. The plug power contacts include a twist-lock plug terminal and a plate terminal, which is electrically connected to and extends from the twist-lock plug terminal. The twist-lock plug terminal has a mating end having a rotational mating interface, which is configured to connect to the socket power contact in a rotational direction. The plate terminal has a mating end configured to electrically connect to the control circuit board to electrically connect the twist-lock plug terminal to the control circuit board.

[0007] In another embodiment, a light control module for a lamp is provided. The light control module includes a plug connector configured to mate with a receptacle connector mounted to the lamp. The plug connector has a plug connector housing that holds plug power contacts configured to electrically connect to receptacle power contacts of the receptacle connector for power control of the lamp. The plug connector housing has a base with a top and a bottom. The bottom is configured to face the receptacle connector. The base has power contact channels. The plug power contacts are received in corresponding power contact channels. The plug power contacts include twist-lock plug terminals and plate terminals that are electrically connected to and extend from the twist-lock plug terminals. The twist-lock plug terminals have mating ends with rotational mating interfaces configured to rotationally connect to the receptacle power contacts. The plate terminals have mating ends. The light control module includes a sensor module coupled to the plug connector. The sensor module includes a sensor module housing, a control circuit board held by the sensor module housing, and a sensor element coupled to the control circuit board. The sensor element is held by the sensor module housing for sensing environmental characteristics external to the sensor module. A control circuit board is mounted to the top of the base of the plug connector, with the mating ends of the board terminals terminating to the control circuit board.

[0008] In another embodiment, a light control module for a lamp is provided, and the light control module includes a socket connector configured to be mounted to the lamp. The socket connector includes a socket connector housing that holds socket power contacts configured to be electrically connected to a power line of the lamp. The socket connector housing includes a mating interface at a top portion of the socket connector housing. The socket connector housing includes power contact channels that hold corresponding socket power contacts. The socket power contacts include twist-lock socket terminals having a socket at a mating end, the socket having a rotational mating interface. The light control module includes a plug connector that mates with the socket connector at the mating interface. The plug connector includes a plug connector housing that holds socket power contacts, which are electrically connected to corresponding socket power contacts for power control of the lamp. The plug connector housing includes a base with a top and a bottom portion. The bottom portion faces the top portion of the socket connector. The base includes power contact channels. The plug power contacts are received in the corresponding power contact channels. The plug power contact includes a twist-lock plug terminal and a plate terminal that is electrically connected to the twist-lock plug terminal and extends from the twist-lock plug terminal. The twist-lock plug terminal has a mating end having a rotational mating interface that is configured to connect to a corresponding rotational mating interface of the twist-lock receptacle terminal in a rotational direction. The plate terminal has a mating end. The light control module includes a sensor module connected to the plug connector. The sensor module has a sensor module housing, a control circuit board held by the sensor module housing, and a sensor element connected to the control circuit board. The sensor element is held by the sensor module housing for sensing environmental characteristics external to the sensor module. The control circuit board is mounted to a top of the base of the plug connector, wherein the mating end of the plate terminal is terminated to the control circuit board. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A light control module formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a light control module according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector and a sensor module ready to mate with a receptacle connector.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a light control module according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector and a control circuit board coupled to the plug connector.

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of a portion of a light control module showing a control circuit board coupled to a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of one of the board terminals in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 1 is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector showing board terminals ready to be loaded into a base according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector showing the terminating ends of board terminals according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector showing mating ends of board terminals according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 A light control module 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. The light control module 100 is mounted to a lamp housing 102 of a light fixture 104 (e.g., a road light, a parking lot light, a street light, etc.), or to another structure (e.g., a pole or other structure supporting the light fixture 104), or to another structure unrelated to the light fixture (e.g., a parking meter, a telephone pole, or other structure). The light control module 100 holds a sensor module 106, which can be used for environmental monitoring or controlling the light fixture 104, such as for turning a lighting element 108 of the light fixture 104 on or off based on light levels, for dimming control of the lighting element 108, or for controlling other functions. In various embodiments, the lighting element 108 can be an LED lighting element.

[0022] Sensor module 106 can be used for functions other than controlling light fixture 104, such as remotely monitoring the environment surrounding light fixture housing 102, for example, for parking monitoring, street traffic activity monitoring, or other functions. Sensor module 106 can be a photoelectric cell or light sensor for detecting ambient light from the sun. Other types of sensor components can be included in light control module 100, such as object recognition sensors, motion sensors, timing sensors, or other types of environmental sensors.

[0023] The light control module 100 includes a receptacle connector 110 and a plug connector 112 coupled to the receptacle connector 110. The sensor module 106 is mounted to or is part of the plug connector 112. The plug connector electrically connects the sensor module 106 to the receptacle connector 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the connectors 110, 112 are twist-lock connectors and may be referred to as twist-lock connectors 110, 112 hereinafter. The twist-lock connectors 110, 112 mate at a rotational mating interface. For example, the twist-lock connectors 110, 112 initially mate in a plug mating direction along a mating axis and finally mate in a rotational mating direction by rotating the twist-lock connector 112 and / or the twist-lock connector 110 to lock the connectors 110, 112 together. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 110 is a twist-lock light control receptacle connector and the plug connector 112 is a twist-lock light control plug connector, such as a connector that complies with ANSI C136.x.

[0024] Socket connector 110 forms the bottom of light control module 100. Socket connector 110 can be mounted directly to fixture housing 102 of fixture 104. Sensor module 106 forms the top of light control module 100. Sensor module 106 houses or surrounds a sensor component, for example, to provide environmental protection to the sensor component.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, power and data can be transmitted between the plug connector 112 and the receptacle connector 110 across the mating interface 118. The connectors 110, 112 include power contacts 114, 116 at the mating interface 118 (in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 2 104 ). The power contacts 114 and 116 may be twist-lock power contacts. The power contacts 114 and 116 may be high-voltage power contacts. The signal contacts 115 and 117 may be low-speed data contacts for transmitting low-speed data signals across the mating interface 118. For example, control signals may be transmitted from the plug connector 112 to the receptacle connector 110 via the low-speed signal contacts 115 and 117 to control the operation of the light fixture 104. The control signals may be based on sensor data collected by the sensor module 106.

[0026] Figure 2is an exploded perspective view of the light control module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the plug connector 112 and the sensor module 106 ready to mate with the receptacle connector 110. The connectors 110, 112 hold power contacts 114, 116 and signal contacts 115, 117. Optionally, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the receptacle connector 110 and the plug connector 112 to seal the light control module 100 at the mating interface 118 from environmental contaminants such as water, debris, and the like.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the light control module 100 includes a wiring harness 130 coupled to the receptacle connector 110. The wiring harness 130 includes signal wires 132 and power wires 134. The signal wires 132 are configured to couple with corresponding signal contacts 115, for example, after the receptacle connector 110 is mounted to the fixture housing 102. The signal wires 132 can transmit data to or from the receptacle connector 110 for data communication with the plug connector 112. For example, a control signal for controlling the operation of the fixture 104, such as an on / off or dimming signal, can be transmitted from the plug connector 112 to the receptacle connector 110. The signal wires 132 can be connected to a light driver for the fixture 104. In other embodiments, the signal wires 132 can be electrically connected to another component, such as a camera, to transmit a video signal.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, power wires 134 are terminated to corresponding power contacts 114, for example, after the receptacle connector 110 is installed in the fixture housing 102. The wiring harness 130 can be installed in the field, for example, when installed in the fixture 104. The power wires 134 can be power input wires or power output wires used to transmit power from a power source to the light control module 100 or to transmit power from the power contacts 114 to another component, such as a lighting element 108 or a driver board for a lighting element of the fixture 104. In various embodiments, the power wires 134 can include hot wires, load wires, neutral wires, or other types of wires.

[0029] The receptacle connector 110 includes a receptacle connector housing 170 having a base 172 extending between a top 182 and a bottom 184. The connector housing 170 includes an end wall 171 at the top 182 and side walls 173 extending between the top 182 and the bottom 184. The end wall 171 defines a mating interface with the plug connector 112. The bottom 184 of the base 172 is configured to be securely coupled to the fixture housing 102.

[0030] The connector housing 170 holds the power contacts 114 and the signal contacts 115. The signal contacts 115 are received in the signal contact channels 185 and extend to the top 182 to mate with the plug connector 112. The power contacts 114 are held in power contact channels 186 within the base 172. Optionally, the power contacts 114 can be completely housed within the base 172 and protected from the environment by the base 172. Optionally, the power contact channels 186 include arcuate or curved notches or openings in the base 172 to mate with sensor contact twist locks.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 110 is generally cylindrical, e.g., to allow easy rotation of the plug connector 112 relative to the receptacle connector 110 and / or to allow easy rotation of the receptacle connector 110 relative to the fixture housing 102. However, the receptacle connector 110 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 may be rotatable relative to the receptacle connector 110, e.g., to allow rotational engagement of the plug connector 112 with the receptacle connector 110.

[0032] The sensor module 106 includes a sensor module housing 140 extending between a top portion 150 and a bottom portion 152. The sensor module housing 140 has a mating interface at the bottom portion 152 that is configured to be securely connected to the plug connector 112 and / or the receptacle connector 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor module 106 includes a sensor cover 154 at the top portion 150 of the housing 140 and a base 156 at the bottom portion 152. The sensor cover 154 may include a dome configured to circumferentially surround the base 156 of the sensor module 106. A sensor member 160 is disposed in the sensor cover 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor module 106 is cylindrical, for example, to allow the sensor module 106 to be easily rotated relative to the receptacle connector 110, for example, during mating. However, the sensor module 106 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, sensor module 106 includes a control circuit board 158 (shown in phantom) disposed within base 156 and / or sensor cover 154. Sensor component 160 may be coupled to, e.g., mounted to, control circuit board 158. Other components may be mounted to control circuit board 158. For example, a control module and / or a communication device may be mounted to circuit board 158.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor module 106 includes different types of environmental sensor components 160 for sensing different events. For example, the sensor module 106 includes a phototube 162. The phototube 162 is used to sense ambient light and to control the operation of the lamp 104, such as to turn the lamp 104 on or off depending on the light level, or to provide dimming control for the lamp 104. Optionally, the phototube 162 can be mounted to the circuit board 158 and / or the sensor cover 154. The sensor signal contact 117 and the phototube 162 can be electrically connected via the circuit board 158. The circuit board 158 can include additional components for signal conditioning. For example, the circuit board 158 can have control circuitry for controlling the operation of the lamp 104, such as daylight or nighttime control circuitry, timer circuitry, dimming circuitry, etc. Data from the phototube 162 can be transmitted across the mating interface 118 via the signal contacts.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor module 106 includes one or more other environmental sensors 164 for sensing environmental characteristics of the environment outside the sensor module 106 in addition to the ambient light outside the light control module 100. For example, the sensor 164 may be a motion sensor or an object sensor configured to sense the motion or presence of an object (e.g., a person or vehicle in a particular area). The sensor 164 may be used for parking monitoring, street traffic activity monitoring, pedestrian monitoring, or other functions. The sensor 164 may be mounted to the circuit board 158. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 164 is electrically connected to the sensor signal contact 117 via the control circuit board 158.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the light control module 100 showing the plug connector 112 and the control circuit board 158 coupled to the plug connector 112 . Figure 4 is a top view of a portion of the light control module 100 showing the control circuit board 158 coupled to the plug connector 112. The sensor cover 154 ( Figure 2 158 is shown in the figure. The control circuit board ...

[0037] Plug connector 112 includes a plug connector housing 200 having a base 202 extending between a top 212 and a bottom 214. Control circuit board 158 is mounted to plug connector 112 at top 212. Connector housing 200 includes an end wall 201 at bottom 214 and side walls 203 extending between top 212 and bottom 214. End wall 201 defines a mating interface with receptacle connector 110. Bottom 214 of base 202 is configured to be securely attached to receptacle connector 110. Sensor cover 154 may be coupled to end wall 201 and / or side wall 203.

[0038] The connector housing 200 holds the power contacts 116 and the signal contacts 117. For example, the connector housing 200 holds the power contacts 116 and the signal contacts 117 for mating with the control circuit board 158 and mating with the receptacle connector 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the power contacts 116 and the signal contacts 117 are connected to the control circuit board 158 at locations that do not interfere with or interrupt the positioning of components on the control circuit board 158. For example, the power contacts 116 and / or the signal contacts 117 may terminate near the outer edge 159 of the control circuit board 158 rather than in the center area of ​​the mounting components. In an exemplary embodiment, the power contacts 116 extend downwardly from the base 214 to mate with the receptacle power contacts 114 of the receptacle connector 110.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 is generally cylindrical, e.g., to allow the plug connector 112 to easily rotate relative to the receptacle connector 110. However, the plug connector 112 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 may be rotatable relative to the receptacle connector 110, e.g., to allow the plug connector 112 to rotationally mate with the receptacle connector 110.

[0040] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 1 is a top perspective view of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector 112 includes a plug connector housing 200 that holds the plug power contacts 116 and the plug signal contacts 117. For example, the plug power contacts 116 and the plug signal contacts 117 can be held by a base 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes a seal or gasket 204 at a bottom 214 of the base 202 that can be connected to the receptacle connector 110 ( Figure 2 ). The plug connector 112 may include a seal or gasket 206 around the periphery of the base 202 that is configured to seal to the sensor cover 154 ( Figure 2 (displayed in the middle).

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the base 202 includes an inner hub 220, an outer rim 222, and a platform 224 between the inner hub 220 and the outer rim 222. The inner hub 220 is located in a central region of the base 202, e.g., aligned with a central axis. The outer rim 222 is located at the sidewall 203 and is radially spaced outward from the inner hub 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug power contacts 116 are arranged at the inner hub 220 for connection to the receptacle connector 110 and are arranged near the outer rim 222 for connection to the control circuit board 158. For example, portions of the plug power contacts 116 extend radially outward between the inner hub 220 and the outer rim 222, e.g., along the platform 224, to facilitate termination to the control circuit board 158, e.g., to avoid mounting to various components of the control circuit board 158.

[0042] The plug signal contacts 117 are received in signal contact channels 217 in the plug connector housing 200 and are arranged at the top 212 and bottom 214 for interfacing with the control circuit board 158 and the receptacle connector 110. The plug power contacts 116 are held in power contact channels 216 in the plug connector housing 200. The power contact channels 216 are located at the inner hub 220 and pass between the top 212 and bottom 214 of the plug connector housing 200.

[0043] The header signal contacts 117 (shown in phantom) can be held by the header connector housing 200, for example, by the base 202. The header signal contacts 117 extend from the top 212 to terminate to the circuit board 158. For example, the header signal contacts 117 can include tails or pins at the top that are configured to plug into plated through holes in the circuit board 158. The tails can be soldered to corresponding circuitry on the circuit board 158. The header signal contacts 117 can extend from the bottom 214 to mate with the signal contacts 115 of the receptacle connector 110. Alternatively, the header signal contacts 117 can be spring beam contacts having a spring beam at the mating end of the header signal contacts 117, thereby forming a separable mating interface with the receptacle signal contacts 115. In alternative embodiments, the header signal contacts 117 can be other types of contacts.

[0044] The plug power contacts 116 are held by the plug connector housing 200, for example, by the base 202. The plug power contacts 116 are received in power contact channels 216, extending through the base 202 between the bottom 214 and the top 212. In the exemplary embodiment, the base 202 includes recesses 226 at the top 212 that receive portions of the plug power contacts 116. The recesses 226 are formed in the platform 224 and provide space to receive and support the plug power contacts 116. The recesses 226 extend radially outward from the inner hub 220 to the outer rim 222. The plug power contacts 116 extend within the recesses 226 between the inner hub 220 and the outer rim 222. The plug power contacts 116 extend from the top 212 to terminate at the circuit board 158. The plug power contacts 116 extend from the bottom 214 to mate with the receptacle power contacts 114.

[0045] The plug power contacts 116 may be arranged generally about a central axis. Optionally, the plug power contacts 116 may be twist-lock contacts. For example, the plug power contacts 116 may be curved and fit into curved contact channels 186 in the receptacle connector 110 to mate with corresponding curved power contacts 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 may be twisted or rotated to lock the plug power contacts 116 into the receptacle connector 110, e.g., into electrical contact with the power contacts 114. For example, the plug power contacts 116 may be twist-lock contacts that are initially loaded vertically into the contact channels 186 of the receptacle connector 110, and then the plug connector 112 may be rotated, e.g., approximately 35 degrees, to lock the plug power contacts 116 into the receptacle connector 110. Other types of mating arrangements between the plug power contacts 116 and the receptacle power contacts 114 are possible in alternative embodiments.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug power contact 116 includes a twist-lock plug terminal 230 and a plate terminal 240, which is electrically connected to and extends from the twist-lock plug terminal 230. The twist-lock plug terminal 230 and the plate terminal 240 are separate and discrete from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the twist-lock plug terminal 230 is a stamped and formed contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate terminal 240 is a stamped and formed contact. The plate terminal 240 can be stamped from a different blank or sheet than the twist-lock plug terminal 230. For example, the twist-lock plug terminal 230 and the plate terminal 240 can be stamped from different materials. The twist-lock plug terminal 230 and the plate terminal 240 can be stamped from sheets having different thicknesses. The twist-lock plug terminal 230 and the plate terminal 240 can have different platings.

[0047] Each twist-lock plug terminal 230 extends between a mating end 232 and a terminating end 234. The mating end 232 is located at the bottom 214 and is configured to mate with the receptacle power contact 114. The terminating end 234 is located at the top 212 and is configured to electrically connect to a corresponding board terminal 240. In an exemplary embodiment, the twist-lock plug terminal 230 includes a post at the terminating end 234. The post is configured to be welded or brazed to the board terminal 240. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 232 includes a curved blade. The curved blade is curved along an arcuate path. The curved blade is configured to be plugged into the receptacle connector 110 to mate with the corresponding receptacle power contact 114, such as through a twist-lock mating action. For example, the mating end 232 has a rotational mating interface configured to connect to the receptacle power contact 114 in a rotational direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the twist-lock plug terminal 230 is disposed at the inner hub 220. The twist-lock plug terminal 230 passes through the power contact channel 216. The twist-lock plug terminals 230 are arranged about the central axis, such as equally spaced around the circumference of the inner hub 220 .

[0048] Each plate terminal 240 extends between a mating end 242 and a terminating end 244. The plate terminal 240 includes an intermediate body 246 located between the mating end 242 and the terminating end 244. The intermediate body 246 is received in a corresponding groove 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate body 246 lies flat in the groove 226. The intermediate body 246 extends radially between the mating end 242 and the terminating end 244. The intermediate body 246 may extend along a linear path between the mating end 242 and the terminating end 244. Alternatively, the intermediate body 246 may extend along a non-linear path, for example including one or more bends to route the plate terminal 240 along a designated path. In various embodiments, the plate terminals 240 are identical (e.g., identically stamped and formed) and extend in different directions from each twist-lock plug terminal 230. Optionally, the mating ends 242 may be equally spaced (e.g., spaced 120° apart) around the circumference of the base 202. In alternative embodiments, the board terminals 240 may extend in different directions, for example, to position the mating ends 242 at non-equidistant locations. For example, all of the mating ends 242 may be arranged in the same area for connection to the control circuit board 158. In alternative embodiments, the board terminals 240 may have different shapes, for example, having different lengths and / or different shapes of the intermediate bodies 246.

[0049] The terminating end 244 is configured to electrically connect to the twist-lock plug terminal 230, for example, to the terminating end 234 of the twist-lock plug terminal 230. For example, the terminating end 244 can be soldered or welded to the terminating end 234. The mating end 242 is configured to electrically connect to the control circuit board 158 to electrically connect the twist-lock plug terminal 230 to the control circuit board 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 242 includes a pin or tail configured to plug into a plated through-hole in the control circuit board 158. The tail can be soldered into the plated through-hole. In other embodiments, the pin at the mating end 242 can be a compliant pin configured to be press-fit into the plated through-hole. The mating end 242 is positioned radially outward relative to the terminating end 244. For example, the terminating end 244 can be located at the inner hub 220, and the mating end 242 can be located near the outer rim 222. The mating end 242 is located near the radially outer end of the plug connector housing 200, for example, near the sidewall 203.

[0050] The base 202 includes a locating wall 228 for locating the board terminal 240 along the top 212 of the base 202. The locating wall 228 can define a recess 226. The locating wall 228 can retain or locate the mating end 242 and / or the terminating end 244. The board terminal 240 can include a securing feature (not shown) configured to engage the base 202 to retain the board terminal 240 in the recess 226. For example, the securing feature can be a crush rib, an interference bump, a barb, or another type of securing feature.

[0051] Figure 7 FIG is a top perspective view of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector 112 includes Figure 6 1 and 12. Similar elements of the plug connector 112 are shown in FIG. 1 and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar components. The plug connector 112 includes a plug connector housing 200 that holds the plug power contacts 116 and the plug signal contacts 117. In the illustrated embodiment, the board terminals 240 of the plug power contacts 116 are connected to the board terminals 240 of the plug signal contacts 117. Figure 6 For example, the plate terminal 240 is oriented to stand generally vertically, rather than lying generally horizontally. The plate terminal 240 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 For example, all three board terminals 240 extend to the same quadrant of the base 202 to electrically connect to the control circuit board 158.

[0052] Figure 8 Is from Figure 7is a perspective view of one of the board terminals 240 in the embodiment shown in . The board terminal 240 is a stamped and formed terminal. The board terminal 240 extends between a mating end 242 and a terminating end 244. The board terminal 240 includes an intermediate body 246 located between the mating end 242 and the terminating end 244. The mating end 242 extends vertically upward from the intermediate body 246, for example, for connection to the control circuit board 158. For example, the mating end 242 includes a pin or tail for connection to the control circuit board 158. The terminating end 244 extends vertically upward from the intermediate body 246, for example, for connection to the twist-lock plug terminal 230. For example, the terminating end 244 includes a pad for welding or soldering to the twist-lock plug terminal 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate body 246 includes a plurality of securing features 248, such as interference bumps, for securing the board terminal 240 in the base 202.

[0053] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A top perspective view of a portion of plug connector 112 is shown in FIG. Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 showing the board terminals 240 ready to be loaded into the base 202 . Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 showing the terminating ends 244 of the board terminals 240 . Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 showing the mating ends 242 of the board terminals 240 .

[0054] The base 202 includes an inner hub 220, an outer rim 222, and a platform 224 located between the inner hub 220 and the outer rim 222. The inner hub 220 is located in a central region of the base 202, e.g., aligned with a central axis. The outer rim 222 is located at the sidewall 203 and radially spaced outward from the inner hub 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the twist-lock plug terminal 230 is disposed at the inner hub 220, and the board terminal 240 is configured to extend radially outward from the inner hub 220 to the outer rim 222 for connection to the control circuit board 158 at a location distal from the inner hub 220. For example, the intermediate body 246 is received in a corresponding recess 226 and extends radially outward along the platform 224 between the inner hub 220 and the outer rim 222. The recess 226 is formed in the platform 224 and provides a space for receiving and supporting the plug power contact 116. The securing feature 248 is used to secure the board terminal 240 in the recess 226, e.g., by an interference fit. The groove 226 extends radially outward from the inner hub 220 to the outer rim 222. The locating wall 228 holds or locates the mating end 242 and / or the terminating end 244.

[0055] The terminating end 244 is configured to electrically connect to the twist-lock plug terminal 230, for example, to the terminating end 234 of the twist-lock plug terminal 230. For example, the terminating end 244 can be soldered or welded to the terminating end 234. The mating end 242 is configured to electrically connect to the control circuit board 158 to electrically connect the twist-lock plug terminal 230 to the control circuit board 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 242 includes a pin or tail configured to plug into a plated through-hole in the control circuit board 158. The tail can be soldered into the plated through-hole. In other embodiments, the pin at the mating end 242 can be a compliant pin configured to be press-fit into the plated through-hole. The mating end 242 is positioned radially outward relative to the terminating end 244. For example, the terminating end 244 can be located at the inner hub 220, and the mating end 242 can be located near the outer rim 222. The mating end 242 is located near the radially outer end of the plug connector housing 200, for example, near the sidewall 203.

[0056] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. The dimensions, material types, orientations of various components, and the number and position of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Numerous other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Furthermore, in the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations in the appended claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted under 35 USC §112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means" followed by a statement of function without further structure.

Claims

1. A light control module for a lamp, comprising: a plug connector configured to mate with a receptacle connector mounted to the light fixture, the plug connector having a plug connector housing retaining plug power contacts configured to electrically connect to receptacle power contacts of the receptacle connector for power control of the light fixture; The plug connector housing has a base with a top and a bottom, the bottom being configured to face the receptacle connector, the top being configured to support a control circuit board, the base having power contact channels; The plug power contact is received in the corresponding power contact channel, and the plug power contact includes a twist-lock plug terminal and a plate terminal electrically connected to and extending from the twist-lock plug terminal, the twist-lock plug terminal having a mating end with a rotational mating interface, the rotational mating interface being configured to be connected to the receptacle power contact in a rotational direction, and the plate terminal having a mating end configured to be electrically connected to the control circuit board to electrically connect the twist-lock plug terminal to the control circuit board.

2. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The twist-lock plug terminals and the board terminals are separate and discrete from each other.

3. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The plate terminals extend radially outward from the twist-lock plug terminals.

4. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The mating ends of the board terminals are located near a radially outer end of the plug connector housing.

5. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The twist-lock plug terminal includes a terminating end exposed at the top of the base, and the board terminal includes a terminating end electrically connected to the terminating end of the corresponding twist-lock plug terminal. The light control module according to claim 1 , wherein: The base includes grooves at the top, and the board terminals are received in corresponding grooves.

7. The light control module according to claim 6, wherein: The plate terminal includes a securing feature configured to engage the base to retain the plate terminal in the recess.

8. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes an inner hub and an outer rim spaced radially outward from the inner hub, the twist-lock plug terminal is located at the inner hub, and the plate terminal extends between the inner hub and the outer rim.

9. The light control module of claim 1 , further comprising a sensor module coupled to the plug connector, the sensor module having a sensor module housing, a control circuit board held by the sensor module housing, and a sensor element coupled to the control circuit board, the sensor element held by the sensor module housing for sensing an environmental characteristic external to the sensor module, the control circuit board being mounted to the top of the base of the plug connector, wherein The mating ends of the board terminals are terminated to the control circuit board.

10. The light control module according to claim 9, wherein: The mating ends of the board terminals are terminated to the control circuit board near an outer edge of the control circuit board.

11. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The plate terminal is a stamped terminal.

12. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The plate terminals are identical and extend in different directions from each twist-lock plug terminal.

13. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a positioning wall for positioning the board terminal relative to the base.

14. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein: The mating end of the twist-lock plug terminal is curved along an arcuate path.

15. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein The plate terminal is made of a different material than the twist-lock plug terminal.

16. The light control module according to claim 1, wherein The plug connector housing is cylindrical with a central axis, the mating ends of the twist-lock plug terminals are circumferentially arranged around the central axis, and the mating ends of the plate terminals are circumferentially arranged around the central axis and spaced outwardly relative to the mating ends of the twist-lock plug terminals.

17. A light control module for a lamp, comprising: a plug connector configured to mate with a socket connector mounted to the lamp, the plug connector having a plug connector housing for holding plug power contacts, the plug power contacts configured to be electrically connected to socket power contacts of the socket connector for power control of the lamp, the plug connector housing having a base with a top and a bottom, the bottom configured to face the socket connector, the base having power contact channels, the plug power contacts being received in corresponding power contact channels, the plug power contacts comprising twist-lock plug terminals and plate terminals electrically connected to and extending from the twist-lock plug terminals, the twist-lock plug terminals having mating ends having a rotational mating interface, the rotational mating interface configured to be connected to the socket power contacts in a rotational direction, the plate terminals having mating ends; as well as a sensor module coupled to the plug connector, the sensor module having a sensor module housing, a control circuit board held by the sensor module housing, and a sensor element coupled to the control circuit board, the sensor element being held by the sensor module housing for sensing environmental characteristics external to the sensor module, the control circuit board being mounted to the top of the base of the plug connector, wherein the mating ends of the board terminals are terminated to the control circuit board.

18. The light control module according to claim 17, wherein: The mating ends of the board terminals are terminated to the control circuit board near an outer edge of the control circuit board.

19. The light control module according to claim 17, wherein: The base includes an inner hub and an outer rim spaced radially outward from the inner hub, the twist-lock plug terminal is located at the inner hub, and the plate terminal extends between the inner hub and the outer rim.

20. A light control module for a lamp, comprising: a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to the light fixture, the receptacle connector including a receptacle connector housing that holds receptacle power contacts, the receptacle power contacts configured to be electrically connected to power lines of the light fixture, the receptacle connector housing including a mating interface located at a top portion of the receptacle connector housing, the receptacle connector housing including power contact channels that hold corresponding receptacle power contacts, the receptacle power contacts including twist-lock receptacle terminals, the twist-lock receptacle terminals having a socket at a mating end, the socket having a rotational mating interface; a plug connector that mates with a receptacle connector at the mating interface, the plug connector having a plug connector housing that holds plug power contacts, the plug power contacts being electrically connected to corresponding receptacle power contacts of the receptacle connector for power control of the lamp, the plug connector housing having a base with a top and a bottom, the bottom facing the top of the receptacle connector, the base having power contact channels, the plug power contacts being received in corresponding power contact channels, the plug power contacts comprising a twist-lock plug terminal and a plate terminal electrically connected to and extending from the twist-lock plug terminal, the twist-lock plug terminal having a mating end having a rotational mating interface, the rotational mating interface being configured to be connected to a corresponding rotational mating interface of the twist-lock receptacle terminal in a rotational direction, the plate terminal having a mating end; as well as a sensor module coupled to the plug connector, the sensor module having a sensor module housing, a control circuit board held by the sensor module housing, and a sensor element coupled to the control circuit board, the sensor element being held by the sensor module housing for sensing environmental characteristics external to the sensor module, the control circuit board being mounted to the top of the base of the plug connector, wherein the mating ends of the board terminals are terminated to the control circuit board.

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