Connector adapter

Abstract

The connector adapter includes a housing having an inlet portion configured to receive a first connector from the in-cylinder position sensor and an outlet portion configured to receive a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are urged to connect the connectors. The connector adapter includes an electrical connector interface within a housing. The electrical connector interface may convert an electrical connection of a first pin configuration to an electrical connection of a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration. The connector adapter may be a right angle connector or a straight connector.

Description

[0001] Relevant application data

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 646,214, filed May 15, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Cylinders are used in many different industrial vehicles, such as graders. Sensors are typically used to sense the operating state of the cylinder, such as the position and speed of the cylinder piston. Sensors usually include a connector interface for connecting the sensor to a monitoring system. For example, a connector can be used to make an electrical connection with an in-cylinder position sensor. However, a connector used for one application may not be suitable for another. For example, industrial connectors for cylinder sensors are not designed for operation in mobile off-highway applications. Some connectors may be difficult to connect in a manufacturing environment. For example, connectors may include threaded connections that are difficult to tighten due to restricted access to the connector. For example, an operator wearing gloves and carrying assembly equipment may find it difficult to tighten the connector, and ultimately the connector may not be properly tightened. Connectors may also include internal features such as pins that are difficult to align. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key elements or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] This document describes one or more technologies and systems for connector adapters. A connector adapter may include a housing having an inlet portion configured to receive a first connector from an in-cylinder position sensor and an outlet portion configured to receive a second connector. The first and second connectors may be pressed together to connect (multiple connectors). The connector adapter may include an electrical connector interface within the housing. The electrical connector interface may convert an electrical connection of a first pin configuration to an electrical connection of a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration.

[0006] In another embodiment, the connector adapter may include an electrical connector interface. The electrical connector interface can convert an electrical connection with a first pin configuration to an electrical connection with a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration. The connector adapter may also include a housing for retaining the electrical connector interface. The housing may include an inlet portion configured to receive a first connector from an in-cylinder position sensor and having the first pin configuration. The connector adapter may also include an outlet portion configured to receive a second connector having the second pin configuration. The connector adapter may include a flange with a hole arranged to align with a hole in the hydraulic cylinder and to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0007] In another embodiment, the connector adapter assembly may include a flexible printed circuit board having a first circuit board in communication with a second circuit board. The first circuit board may be adapted to a first pin configuration, and the second circuit board may be adapted to a second pin configuration. The first pin configuration may have a different number of pins than the second pin configuration. The connector adapter assembly may also include a housing for holding the flexible printed circuit board. The housing may include an inlet portion that holds the first circuit board and is configured to receive a first connector in communication with an in-cylinder position sensor in a hydraulic cylinder. The first connector may have a first pin configuration. The inlet portion may include a flange configured to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder. The flange may have a hole arranged to align with a hole in the hydraulic cylinder for receiving a fastener to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder. The housing may also include an outlet portion that holds the second circuit board and is configured to receive a second connector having a second pin configuration. The outlet portion includes a partition configured to hold pins extending from the second circuit board in a consistent position. The connector adapter assembly may also include a washer plate having an open end for receiving the inlet portion and a cutout corresponding to the hole in the flange. The washer plate includes a groove for receiving a rib on the inlet portion. The inlet portion may be at a 90-degree angle relative to the outlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured to be engaged with a first connector via a snap-fit ​​connection, and the outlet portion may be configured to be engaged with a second connector via a push-fit connection.

[0008] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, certain illustrative aspects and embodiments are set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. These merely indicate a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation of a vehicle, in which various examples of connector adapters can be implemented.

[0010] Figure 2 An example of a hydraulic cylinder is illustrated, in which a connector adapter can be implemented.

[0011] Figure 3A This is an exploded view of a right-angle connector adapter, illustrating one embodiment of an electrical connector interface, in which a flexible-rigid printed circuit board is shown connected to an M12 socket carrier.

[0012] Figure 3B This is an exploded view of a right-angle connector adapter, illustrating one embodiment of an electrical connector interface, in which a flexible-rigid printed circuit board is shown separate from the M12 socket carrier.

[0013] Figure 3C This is an exploded view of a right-angle connector adapter, illustrating a second embodiment of the electrical connector interface, in which a flexible-rigid printed circuit board is shown connected to an M12 socket carrier.

[0014] Figure 4A This is a front perspective view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0015] Figure 4B This is a rear perspective view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a front view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0017] Figure 6 This is the right-side view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0018] Figure 7A This is a right-side view of the right-angle connector adapter, showing the cross-section of line AA.

[0019] Figure 7B This is a right-side view of the right-angle connector adapter that connects to the sensor connector, showing a cross-section of line AA.

[0020] Figure 8 This is the rear view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0021] Figure 9 This is the left side view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a top view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of the right-angle connector adapter.

[0024] Figure 12A This is an exploded view of the straight connector adapter, where the electrical connector interface is shown as being connected to the M12 socket carrier.

[0025] Figure 12B This is an exploded view of the direct adapter, where the electrical connector interface is shown as separate from the M12 socket carrier.

[0026] Figure 13A This is a front perspective view of the straight connector adapter.

[0027] Figure 13B This is a rear perspective view of the straight connector adapter.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a front view of the straight connector adapter.

[0029] Figure 15 This is the right view of the straight connector adapter.

[0030] Figure 16A This is a right view of the straight connector adapter, showing the cross-section indicated by line BB.

[0031] Figure 16B This is a right-side view of the straight connector adapter that connects to the sensor connector, showing the cross-section indicated by line BB.

[0032] Figure 17 This is the rear view of the straight connector adapter.

[0033] Figure 18 This is the left side view of the straight connector adapter.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a top view of the straight connector adapter.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a top view of the straight connector adapter.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector interface. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The claimed subject matter will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein throughout the text, the same reference numerals are generally used to refer to the same elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent, however, that the claimed subject matter can be practiced even without these specific details. In other instances, structures and arrangements are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description of the claimed subject matter.

[0038] For example, the methods and systems disclosed herein related to one or more connector adapter devices may be applicable to different applications, such as connector applications in different off-highway applications (e.g., agricultural applications). That is, the examples disclosed herein can be implemented with different connection arrangements to adapt the connector to a connector of a sensor device (e.g., a cylinder sensor). Furthermore, while one or more examples are described in conjunction with a specific connector suitable for electrical connection, the examples described herein are applicable to other connectors.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation of a system that can utilize one or more parts of the aspects and examples described herein. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiments, vehicle 100, such as a tractor, can perform various operations, such as ground work in a field. In some embodiments, vehicle 100 has wheels 104, 106 mounted thereon. In other embodiments, vehicle 100 has a track system (not shown) instead of wheels mounted at the rear or both the front and rear of vehicle 100.

[0040] Vehicle 100 includes a chassis 102 that provides attachment points for vehicle 100. For example, a work tool (e.g., bucket, fork, blade, auger, or hammer) can be attached to the front or rear of chassis 102. In some examples, the work tool is movably attached to chassis 102. In one or more examples, vehicle 100 includes or can operate with an implement using one or more hydraulic cylinders having associated sensors. The sensors can provide various details related to the operation of the hydraulic cylinders, including position, speed, temperature, and pressure. In a particular example, the sensor is an in-cylinder position sensor 200, which has, for example... Figure 2 The sensor connector 202 is shown in the M12 configuration (defined by international standard IEC 61076-2-101). In various embodiments, the adapter 204 (see also...) Figure 3A-11 and Figure 12A-20The adapter 204 is configured to adapt sensor connector 202 to different connection devices (e.g., different electrical pin connector devices). In the example shown, adapter 204 is configured to convert M12 connectors, four-pin connectors, and five-pin connectors (e.g., those sold by in-cylinder sensor manufacturers Temposonics and Hydac) to four-pin connector configurations (e.g., Deutsch DT series connection systems). That is, adapter 204 converts the pin connection configuration from one type to a different type. Typically, adapter 204 allows for easier assembly because it provides a push-to-connect connection and does not change any specifications of the existing sensor. For example, adapter 204 connects to an existing sensor connector 202, and the existing sensor cable does not need to be lengthened, shortened, or otherwise modified.

[0041] In various examples, seal 206 seals the cylinder wiring cavity 210 of cylinder 208 using the same sealing device (e.g., O-ring seal) and cylinder cavity configuration as existing components (e.g., Deere's M12 connector housing / flange component AHC21722). In other words, adapter 204 is configured such that it has substantially the same dimensions within the cylinder wiring cavity 210 as existing connectors when installed. This prevents overfilling of the cylinder wiring cavity 210, which could potentially damage the sensor wires. Figure 8 As can be further seen, a notch 212 for alignment is provided in the base of the adapter 204, which is configured to receive a radially outwardly extending protrusion 203 on the sensor connector 202. That is, the notch 212 ensures proper connection alignment between the adapter 204 and the sensor connector 202 by preventing the sensor connector 202 from fully engaging with the adapter 204, unless the protrusion 203 is accommodated within the notch 212. In another example, the center plane of one or more screw fastening holes 213 in the flange 240 of the base of the adapter 204 is offset from the central axis of the M12 connector and the O-ring to ensure proper unidirectional assembly within the cylinder cavity 210. As shown, the one or more screw fastening holes 213 may be slots with open ends extending to the edge of the base of the adapter 204. Alternatively, the one or more holes 213 may be closed slots or round holes.

[0042] Furthermore, a washer plate 214 (e.g., a steel washer plate) is connected to or engages with an adapter 204 such that the washer plate 214 abuts against the upper surface of the flange 240 at the base of the adapter 204. The washer plate 214 also includes one or more fastening notches 236 that align with one or more holes 209 in the cylinder block when the adapter 204 is properly aligned. The one or more fastening notches 236 in the washer plate are configured to receive mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts. The one or more holes 209 in the cylinder may be threaded holes configured to receive mechanical fasteners. It should be understood that the number of one or more holes 209, one or more holes 213, and one or more notches 236 in the cylinder may be equal. For example, there may be two holes 209 in the cylinder block, two holes in the flange 240, and two notches 236 in the washer plate 214. Holes 209 may be aligned with and symmetrically spaced from cylinder chambers 210 in a first plane, but asymmetrically offset in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. This arrangement ensures that adapter 204 can be oriented to ensure proper wiring. As shown, washer plate 214 has an open end 234 configured to receive adapter 204. Washer plate 214 reduces screw fastener contact stress applied to the base of the plastic molded flange 240 of adapter 204. Alternatively, the need for washer plate 214 may be replaced by metal inserts or bushings, not shown in any figure, which are fitted into at least one hole 213 of flange 240.

[0043] Sensor connector 202 and adapter 204 can be coupled together via a hook and latch or snap-fit ​​connection. A pair of complementary openings 216 on adapter 204 can be configured to engage with features on sensor connector 202 to provide a snap-fit ​​connection. For example, in one example, openings 216 are a pair of molded recesses for engaging a pair of movable hinge latches 218 on sensor connector 202. Movable hinge latches 218 can be deflectable cantilevered arms with hooks that engage with openings 216.

[0044] In the example shown, adapter 204 has a right-angle (90°) connector configuration, suitable for wiring machine cables to the in-cylinder position sensor in various examples. However, other configurations of adapter 204 are conceivable, such as a straight configuration (no angle) or other angular configurations. Figure 4A-11As can be specifically seen, the housing 220 (e.g., an overmolded receptacle housing) includes an inlet connector portion 221 and an end connector portion 222. As shown, the inlet connector portion 221 is oriented at a 90-degree angle relative to the end connector portion 222. It should be understood that the inlet connector portion 221 may be oriented at other angles between 90 and 180 degrees relative to the end connector portion 222. The end connector portion 222 can be configured as a Deutsch DTM04 receptacle to engage a Deutsch DTM06 connector. Figure 4B and Figure 6 As can be seen, the inlet connector portion 221 may also include a rib 230 that extends from the surface of the inlet connector portion 211 and extends the length of the inlet connector portion. A recess 232 in the washer plate 214 is configured to receive the rib 230 and further ensure proper alignment of the adapter 204 during installation. A partition 223 may be disposed within the end connector portion 222. The partition 223 may be configured to hold the pins in the end connector portion 222 in a consistent position to ensure proper alignment when the adapter 204 is connected to a connector (such as a Deutsch DTM06 connector). The partition 223 may be made of epoxy resin or a potting compound. Alternatively, when manufacturing the housing 220, the partition 223 may be injection molded around the pins included in the end connector portion 222.

[0045] To install adapter 204, it is connected to sensor connector 202 by aligning the opening 216 on adapter 204 with the movable hinge latch 218 on sensor connector 202 and pushing them together until the opening 216 and the movable hinge latch 218 engage properly. The bases of sensor connector 202 and adapter 204 can be positioned in cylinder wiring cavity 210 such that one or more holes 213 in flange 240 of adapter 204 are aligned with one or more holes 209 in cylinder 208. Seal 206 at the base of adapter should seal against cylinder wiring cavity 210. The washer plate 214 can be installed by placing it on the base of the adapter 204, such that the inlet connector portion 221 is received within the open end 234 of the washer plate 214, the rib 230 is received in the groove 232 of the washer plate 214, and one or more fastener notches 236 are aligned with one or more holes 213 in the flange 240 of the adapter 204 and one or more holes 209 in the cylinder 208. Mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or screws, can be inserted into the one or more fastener notches 236, the one or more holes 213 in the flange 240 of the adapter 204, and the one or more holes 209 in the cylinder 208, and tightened to secure the adapter 204 in place.

[0046] In various examples, electrical connector interface 224 (see in particular) Figure 7A , 7B 16A and 16B) are positioned within housing 220. The electrical connector interface is configured to provide pin conversion or transformation as described in more detail herein. In one example, the electrical connector interface is a rigid-flex printed circuit board assembly (rigid-flex PCBA) 224 that converts a five-pin connection 226 to a four-pin connection 228. The rigid-flex PCBA 224 allows pins to be soldered to the circuit board, for example, by wave soldering. The rigid-flex PCBA 224 can be bent to a desired angle after soldering. For example, as shown, the rigid-flex PCBA 224 can be bent such that the input circuit board of the rigid-flex PCBA 224 is oriented at a 90-degree angle relative to the output circuit board of the rigid-flex PCBA 224. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the bending angle can range from 20 degrees to 180 degrees, depending on the housing 220 of the adapter 204. The bending angle and the corresponding angle of the housing 220 can be determined by reasonable engineering judgment and based on best practices for cylinder access and wiring in the specific use on vehicle 100. The M12 socket carrier 238 can be disposed within the inlet connector portion 221 of the adapter 204 and soldered to the input circuit board of the rigid-flex PCBA 224. The M12 socket carrier 238 is configured to connect to the sensor connector 202 to provide communication between the sensor connector 202 and the rigid-flex PCBA 224. In one embodiment, as... Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the five pins of the M12 socket carrier 238 can be soldered to the top of the five-pin connection 226 of the rigid-flexible PCBA 224. In this configuration, the four-pin connection 228 bends toward the M12 socket carrier and extends below the five-pin connection 226, minimizing the height of the socket carrier and the rigid-flexible PCBA. In another embodiment, as... Figure 3C As shown, the five pins of the M12 socket carrier 238 can be soldered to the bottom of the five-pin connection 226 of the rigid-flexible PCBA 224. In this configuration, the four-pin connection 228 is bent away from the M12 socket carrier and extends above the five-pin connection 226.

[0047] In another embodiment, the housing 202 of the adapter 204 can also be as follows: Figure 12A-20 The straight housing is shown. In this configuration, the electrical connector interface can be a printed circuit board 229. (As shown...) Figure 12A and 12BAs shown, the printed circuit board 229 can be configured to convert a five-pin connection to a four-pin connection. Pins from the input connections can be soldered to a first side of the printed circuit board 229, while pins from the output connections can be soldered to a second side of the printed circuit board 229. For example, the five pins of an M12 socket carrier can be soldered to the first side of the printed circuit board 229, and the four pins of a Deutsch DTM04 socket can be soldered to the second side of the printed circuit board 229.

[0048] like Figure 21 As can be seen, the wiring for electrical pin interconnections is to ensure proper connection between different inputs and outputs, such as CAN LO (bus LO), CAN HI (bus HI), power, and ground. The circuit names in these diagrams are for Controller Area Network (CAN) sensors. In another implementation, the pins and associated wiring can be configured not to transmit signals, analog voltages, analog currents, digital signals, or any other suitable signals. The rigid-flex PCBA 224 and printed circuit board 229 can be designed to accommodate different pin mapping configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the input board can have pins I1, I2, I3, I4, and I5, and the output board can have pins O1, O2, O3, and O4. The pins can be connected to each other via the rigid-flex PCBA 224 and printed circuit board 229 such that I1 is connected to O1, I2 to O2, I3 to O3, I4 to O4, and I5 is not used. Unused pins can be soldered to the input board to reinforce the connection between the board within housing 220 and the M12 socket carrier. In another implementation, the pins can be connected to each other via a rigid-flexible PCBA, such that I1 is connected to O4, I2 to O3, I3 to O2, I4 to O1, and I5 is not used. It should be understood that the rigid-flexible PCBA 224 and the printed circuit board 229 can be adapted to other pin mappings. For example, as shown, the rigid-flexible PCBA 224 maps five pins of the M12 socket carrier 238 to four pins of the Deutsch DTM04 socket.

[0049] Therefore, various examples provide an improved adapter. The improved adapter is configured to connect to existing sensor connectors in the hydraulic cylinder assembly with minimal changes to the hydraulic cylinder assembly. The improved adapter offers easy installation and a consistent push-to-connect mechanism. The improved adapter can be a right-angle adapter or a straight connector.

[0050] According to one aspect, a connector adapter is provided. The connector adapter includes a housing having an inlet portion configured to receive a first connector from an in-cylinder position sensor and an outlet portion configured to receive a second connector. The first and second connectors can be actuated to connect (multiple connectors). The connector adapter includes an electrical connector interface within the housing. The electrical connector interface converts an electrical connection of a first pin configuration to an electrical connection of a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration.

[0051] In one example, the first pin is configured as an M12 pin device, and the second pin is configured as a DTM04 connection device.

[0052] In another example, the inlet portion of the housing has an M12 pin device, and the outlet portion of the housing has a DTM04 connection device.

[0053] In another example, the connector adapter includes a seal and a flange assembly configured to secure the adapter hermetically within a cavity of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0054] In another example, the flange device includes a hole for aligning the housing with a hole in the hydraulic cylinder and for receiving mechanical fasteners to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0055] In another example, the housing includes an inlet portion having a recess configured to receive a protrusion extending radially outward from the sensor connector.

[0056] In another example, the connector adapter includes a washer plate configured to engage with a flange assembly. The washer plate may have an open end and a cutout, the open end being configured to receive an inlet portion of the housing, and the cutout being configured to receive a mechanical fastener to secure the housing to a hydraulic cylinder.

[0057] In another example, the gasket plate includes a groove configured to receive a rib extending from the inlet portion of the housing.

[0058] In another example, the electrical connector interface is a flexible printed circuit board.

[0059] In another example, the flexible printed circuit board has a first circuit board that communicates with a second circuit board, the first circuit board having a first pin configuration and the second circuit board having a second pin configuration.

[0060] In another example, the inlet portion is at an angle relative to the outlet portion.

[0061] In another example, the inlet is at a 90-degree angle to the outlet.

[0062] In another example, the electrical connector interface is a printed circuit board.

[0063] In another example, the housing is configured to be straight.

[0064] In another example, the housing includes a partition for holding either the first pin configuration or the second pin configuration in a consistent position.

[0065] According to another aspect, the connector adapter includes an electrical connector interface. The electrical connector interface converts an electrical connection of a first pin configuration to an electrical connection of a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration. The connector adapter also includes a housing for retaining the electrical connector interface. The housing includes an inlet portion configured to receive a first connector from an in-cylinder position sensor, a first connector having the first pin configuration, an outlet portion configured to receive a second connector having the second pin configuration, and a flange having a hole arranged to align with a hole in the hydraulic cylinder and to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0066] In another example, the entry portion includes an opening configured to receive a movable hinge latch on the first connector, wherein the entry portion is engaged with the first connector by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0067] In another example, the inlet portion includes a notch configured to receive a protrusion extending radially outward from the first connector to ensure alignment. The notch accommodates the protrusion when the first connector is properly aligned with and engaged with the housing.

[0068] In another example, the holes in the flange are arranged to offset the central axis of the inlet portion and the first connector to ensure proper alignment and installation of the housing.

[0069] According to another aspect, the connector adapter assembly includes a flexible printed circuit board having a first circuit board in communication with a second circuit board. The first circuit board is adapted for a first pin configuration, and the second circuit board is adapted for a second pin configuration. The first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration. The connector adapter assembly also includes a housing for retaining the flexible printed circuit board. The housing includes an inlet portion that retains the first circuit board and is configured to receive a first connector in communication with an in-cylinder position sensor in a hydraulic cylinder. The first connector has a first pin configuration. The inlet portion includes a flange configured to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder. The flange has holes arranged to align with holes in the hydraulic cylinder for receiving fasteners to secure the housing to the hydraulic cylinder. The housing also includes an outlet portion that retains the second circuit board and is configured to receive a second connector having a second pin configuration. The outlet portion includes a partition configured to hold pins extending from the second circuit board in a consistent position. The connector adapter assembly also includes a washer plate having an open end for receiving the inlet portion and a cutout corresponding to the hole in the flange. The washer plate includes grooves for receiving ribs on the inlet portion. The inlet portion is at a 90-degree angle to the outlet portion. The inlet portion is configured to be connected to the first connector via a snap-fit ​​connection, and the outlet portion is configured to be connected to the second connector via a push connection.

[0070] Although various spatial and directional terms, including but not limited to top, bottom, lower, middle, transverse, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., are used to describe this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion becomes a lower portion, and vice versa, a horizontal becomes a vertical, and so on.

[0071] The term “exemplary” as used herein means used as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. The term “or” as used in this application is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise stated or the context clearly indicates, “X uses A or B” is intended to mean any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then in any of the above instances, “X employs A or B” holds true. Furthermore, at least one of A and B and / or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, unless otherwise stated or clearly indicated from the context as a singular form, the terms “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally to be interpreted as “one or more”.

[0072] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0073] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured” to perform tasks or operations are structurally formed, constructed, or adjusted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform tasks or operations are not “configured” to perform the tasks or operations used herein.

[0074] This document provides various operations for each implementation. In one implementation, one or more of the described operations may constitute computer-readable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media that, when executed by a computing device, will cause the computing device to perform the described operations. The order of some or all of the operations described should not be construed as implying that these operations necessarily depend on a specific order. Alternative orderings will be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this specification. Furthermore, it should be understood that not all operations must exist in every implementation provided herein.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that any range or value given herein can be extended or modified without losing the desired effect.

[0076] Furthermore, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more embodiments, others skilled in the art will make equivalent changes and modifications based on a reading and understanding of this specification and drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and changes and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the foregoing components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise stated, the terminology used to describe these components is intended to correspond to any component that performs the specified function of said component (e.g., functionally equivalent), even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs that function in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure shown herein.

[0077] As used in this application, the terms "component," "module," "system," "interface," etc., generally refer to a computer-related entity, which can be hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As an example, an application running on a controller and the controller itself can both be components. One or more components may reside within a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be localized on a single computer and / or distributed across two or more computers.

[0078] Furthermore, the claimed subject matter can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to cover a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0079] Furthermore, while a particular feature of this disclosure may be disclosed only for one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments as needed, which may be advantageous for any given or particular application. Additionally, if the terms “comprising,” “having,” “with,” “and,” or variations thereof are used in the detailed specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0080] The embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and apparatus described above may include changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of these embodiments. It is intended to include all such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector adapter, comprising: A housing (220) having an inlet portion (221) configured to receive a first connector (202) from an in-cylinder position sensor (200) and an outlet portion (222) configured to receive a second connector, the first connector (202) and the second connector being pushed to connect the connectors; and The electrical connector interface (224) within the housing (202) converts an electrical connection of a first pin configuration into an electrical connection of a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration.

2. The connector adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The first pin configuration is an M12 pin device (226), and the second pin configuration is a DTM04 connection device (228).

3. The connector adapter according to claim 2, wherein, The inlet portion (221) of the housing has an M12 pin device (226), and the outlet portion (222) of the housing has a DTM04 connection device (228).

4. The connector adapter according to claim 1 further includes a seal (206) and a flange device (240) configured to hermetically secure the adapter (204) in a cavity (210) of a hydraulic cylinder (208).

5. The connector adapter according to claim 4, wherein, The flange device (240) includes a hole (213) for aligning the housing (220) with a hole (209) in the hydraulic cylinder (208) and for receiving mechanical fasteners to secure the housing (220) to the hydraulic cylinder (208).

6. The connector adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (220) also includes an inlet portion (221) having a recess (212) configured to receive a protrusion extending radially outward from the sensor connector (202).

7. The connector adapter of claim 4 further includes a washer plate (214) configured to engage the flange device (240), the washer plate having an open end (234) configured to receive an inlet portion (221) of the housing (220) and a cutout (236) configured to receive mechanical fasteners to secure the housing (220) to the hydraulic cylinder (208).

8. The connector adapter according to claim 7, wherein, The gasket plate (214) also includes a groove (232) configured to receive a rib (230) extending from the inlet portion (221) of the housing (220).

9. The connector adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector interface (224) is a flexible printed circuit board.

10. The connector adapter according to claim 9, wherein, The flexible printed circuit board (224) has a first circuit board in communication with the second circuit board, the first circuit board (226) having a first pin configuration, and the second circuit board (224) having a second pin configuration.

11. The connector adapter according to claim 10, wherein, The inlet portion (221) is at an angle relative to the outlet portion (222).

12. The connector adapter according to claim 11, wherein, The inlet portion (221) is at a 90-degree angle relative to the outlet portion (222).

13. The connector adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector interface (224) is a printed circuit board (229).

14. The connector adapter according to claim 13, wherein, The shell (220) has a straight construction.

15. The connector adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (220) includes a partition (223) for holding the first pin configuration (226) or the second pin configuration (224) in a consistent position.

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