Self-calibrating side single edge contact sensor connector

Abstract

The application relates to a self-calibration type side single-side contact sensor connector, which comprises a plug shell and a socket shell, a contact disc and a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly comprises a fixedly connected plug pin and a plug post, the plug post is provided with an L-shaped contact groove, the top surface of the L-shaped contact groove is in pressure contact with the top surface of the socket shell, and the side surface of the L-shaped contact groove is in pressure contact with the side surface of the socket shell. The side surface of the L-shaped contact groove of the terminal assembly and the elastic contact sheet of the socket shell constitute the main electric contact interface. When the internal components of the connector are slightly deformed or displaced due to external force, the constraint of the side surface, such as the matching groove on the plug post, and the L-shaped contact groove structure itself can automatically adapt to the change, continuously maintain the compression force of the elastic contact sheet on the side surface of the L-shaped contact groove, and the side clamping type contact mode is more skilled in offsetting the displacement parallel to the contact surface than the axial top pressure, so that the self-calibration without external intervention is realized, and the stability of long-term electric contact is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to a self-calibrating single-sided contact sensor connector. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electrical connectors, especially connectors for sensors, traditional connection structures (such as cylindrical pin / socket axial mating or dual-row pin / socket mating) generally rely on axial crimping to establish conductive paths. However, when connectors are used under long-term vibration, thermal cycling, or frequent mating conditions, the internal conductive components are prone to micron-level cumulative displacement or deformation. For axial crimping structures, this displacement directly leads to a decrease in contact pressure, causing problems such as unstable signal transmission, increased contact resistance, and even momentary disconnection. Existing technologies typically address this by increasing the mating force or adding redundant structures, but this sacrifices the connector's mating experience, miniaturization potential, and long-term reliability.

[0003] Therefore, a self-calibrating side-mounted single-sided contact sensor connector is proposed to address the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-calibrating single-sided contact sensor connector.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a self-calibrating side-mounted single-sided contact sensor connector, comprising: a plug housing and a socket housing, wherein the plug housing is provided with a contact plate inside, and multiple terminal assemblies are provided at the edge of the contact plate, the terminal assembly including pins and plug posts that are connected and fixed to each other, and an L-shaped contact groove is provided on the plug post, the top surface of the L-shaped contact groove abutting against the top surface of the socket housing, and the side surface of the L-shaped contact groove abutting against the side surface of the socket housing.

[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution: A limiting cylinder is inserted between the plug housing and the socket housing. The top outer surface of the limiting cylinder is inserted into the inner wall of the socket housing. A terminal mounting base that is fixed to the contact plate is inserted into the limiting cylinder. The bottom inner wall of the terminal mounting base is inserted into and fixed to the socket housing. The end of the terminal mounting base is provided with multiple circumferentially distributed insertion holes that are engaged with the terminal assembly.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: The terminal mounting base is fixedly connected to a limiting plate on its outer surface, and the limiting cylinder has a plug-in groove that engages with the limiting plate.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: A guide plate is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the terminal mounting base, and a guide groove that slides with the guide plate is opened on the outer surface of the socket housing.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: The insertion hole has a T-shaped structure, and multiple elastic strips are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the insertion post end. The insertion post is pressed and fitted into the insertion hole through the elastic strips.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: An elastic ring is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the pin, and the elastic ring is pressed into the insertion hole.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: An elastic contact piece is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the socket housing. The elastic contact piece abuts against the side of the L-shaped contact groove. The inner wall of the terminal mounting base is provided with a mating groove that communicates with the insertion hole. The bottom of the insertion post is inserted into the mating groove.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: The bottom of the plug has an arc-shaped groove, and the top of the elastic contact piece has an arc-shaped structure.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution: The outer surface of the plug housing is provided with an anti-slip layer, and the inner wall of the plug housing and the outer surface of the socket housing are provided with a threaded structure that matches each other.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution: The plug housing has a shielding plate on its inner wall, and multiple elastic sealing rings are provided inside the plug housing and socket housing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The L-shaped contact groove side of the terminal assembly of the present invention and the elastic contact piece of the socket housing constitute the main electrical contact interface. When the internal components of the connector undergo slight deformation or displacement due to external forces (such as vibration), the elastic compression structure on the side (such as the constraint of the mating groove on the plug post and the L-shaped contact groove structure itself) can automatically adapt to this change and continuously maintain the pressing force of the elastic contact piece on the side of the L-shaped contact groove. The side clamping contact method of this application is better at counteracting displacement parallel to the contact surface than axial pressing, thereby realizing self-calibration without external intervention and ensuring the stability of long-term electrical contact.

[0016] Traditional axial mating requires sufficient axial length to allow for the pin travel and crimping space. This invention uses side extrusion as the main contact method, and the electrical connection is completed within the radial dimension, which significantly reduces the axial space required to achieve a reliable connection. This allows the overall connector height to be made thinner, making it particularly suitable for modern compact devices and sensor modules with strict installation space constraints.

[0017] The L-shaped contact groove and the elastic contact piece form a sliding connection during mating. This radial relative sliding motion effectively scrapes away any slight oxide layer or contaminants that may form on the contact surface, helping to further improve signal transmission quality and the connector's environmental adaptability.

[0018] Furthermore, this side contact method enables the connector to have better resistance to loosening and separation when subjected to lateral stress or torque, thereby improving the mechanical reliability and durability of the entire connector under complex working conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the plug housing of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the plug housing and the socket housing of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the shielding plate and the contact plate of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the terminal assembly, the terminal mounting base, and the limiting section of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the limiting cylinder and the terminal mounting base of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mating structure between the terminal mounting base and the socket housing of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the terminal mounting base and terminal assembly of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mating structure of the terminal mounting base and the terminal assembly of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the terminal mounting base and the socket housing of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of the mating structure of the terminal mounting base and the terminal assembly of the present invention; Figure 12 This is the invention Figure 11 Diagram showing the breakdown of the structure.

[0020] Labeling Explanation: 1. Plug Housing; 2. Socket Housing; 3. Contact Plate; 4. Terminal Assembly; 401. Pin; 402. Plug Post; 403. L-shaped Contact Groove; 5. Limiting Cylinder; 6. Terminal Mounting Base; 7. Plug Hole; 8. Limiting Insert Plate; 9. Plug Slot; 10. Guide Plate; 11. Guide Groove; 12. Elastic Strip; 13. Elastic Ring; 14. Elastic Contact Sheet; 15. Mating Groove; 16. Arc-shaped Slide Groove; 17. Shielding Plate; 18. Elastic Sealing Ring. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: like Figures 1-12 The diagram shows an embodiment of a self-calibrating side-mounted single-sided contact sensor connector provided by the present invention, including: a plug housing 1 and a socket housing 2. The plug housing 1 is provided with a contact plate 3 inside. Multiple terminal assemblies 4 are provided at the edge of the contact plate 3. The terminal assembly 4 includes pins 401 and plug posts 402 that are connected and fixed to each other. An L-shaped contact groove 403 is provided on the plug post 402. The top surface of the L-shaped contact groove 403 is in contact with the top surface of the socket housing 2, and the side surface of the L-shaped contact groove 403 is in contact with the side surface of the socket housing 2.

[0022] The complete current loop of this application can be summarized as follows: The internal circuitry of the plug housing 1 → contact plate 3 → pins 401 of the terminal assembly 4 → plug posts 402 of the terminal assembly 4 → side of the L-shaped contact groove 403 → elastic contact piece 14 → internal circuitry of the socket housing 2.

[0023] The internal circuits of the contact plate 3, terminal assembly 4, elastic contact piece 14, plug housing 1, and socket housing 2 in this application are made of conductive material. The connector employs multiple elastic features and a mating design to ensure the long-term stability of the aforementioned conductive path, achieving self-calibration. A limiting cylinder 5 is inserted between the plug housing 1 and the socket housing 2. The top outer surface of the limiting cylinder 5 is inserted into the inner wall of the socket housing 2. A terminal mounting base 6, which is connected and fixed to the contact plate 3, is inserted into the limiting cylinder 5. The bottom inner wall of the terminal mounting base 6 is inserted and fixed to the socket housing 2. The end of the terminal mounting base 6 has multiple circumferentially distributed insertion holes 7 that mate with the terminal assembly 4. The limiting cylinder 5 and the terminal mounting base 6 together constitute the mounting bracket and guide structure of the terminal assembly 4. The terminal mounting base 6 fixes the terminal assembly 4 (through the insertion holes 7) and the contact plate 3 into an electrical module, and then mechanically connects it with the socket housing 2 and the plug housing 1, realizing the modularization, precise positioning and reliable support of the circuit part.

[0024] A limiting plate 8 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the terminal mounting base 6. A insertion groove 9 is provided on the limiting cylinder 5 to engage with the limiting plate 8. Through the engagement of the limiting plate 8 and the insertion groove 9, the terminal mounting base 6 and the limiting cylinder 5 are fixed circumferentially (in the direction of rotation) to prevent relative rotation due to vibration or other factors during use.

[0025] A guide plate 10 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the terminal mounting base 6. A guide groove 11 that slides with the guide plate 10 is opened on the outer surface of the socket housing 2. The guide groove 11 guides the socket housing 2 and the terminal mounting base 6 (and the internal terminal assembly 4) to be precisely aligned, ensuring that the elastic contact piece 14 can slide smoothly and accurately into and fit tightly against the side of each L-shaped contact groove 403.

[0026] The insertion hole 7 has a T-shaped structure. Multiple elastic strips 12 are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the insertion post 402. The insertion post 402 is pressed and engaged with the insertion hole 7 through the elastic strips 12. The elastic strips 12 at the insertion post 402 are pressed and engaged with the T-shaped insertion hole 7, which fixes the terminal assembly 4 while allowing slight displacement to accommodate the insertion of the elastic contact piece 14.

[0027] An elastic ring 13 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the pin 401. The elastic ring 13 is pressed and fitted with the insertion hole 7. The elastic ring 13 compensates for the tolerance between the pin 401 and the insertion hole 7, ensuring that the contact pressure between the pin 401 and the contact plate 3 is constant.

[0028] An elastic contact piece 14 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the socket housing 2. The elastic contact piece 14 abuts against the side of the L-shaped contact groove 403. The inner wall of the terminal mounting base 6 is provided with a mating groove 15 that communicates with the insertion hole 7. The bottom of the insertion post 402 is inserted into the mating groove 15. The elastic contact piece 14 is the conductive pneumatic contact surface of the socket housing 2, forming the main elastic radial electrical contact point with the side of the L-shaped contact groove 403.

[0029] The bottom of the plug post 402 has an arc-shaped groove 16, and the top of the elastic contact piece 14 has an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped groove 16 facilitates the insertion of the elastic contact piece 14 and the plug post 402. The arc-shaped surface contact design greatly reduces the friction during the insertion process, making the insertion smoother, avoiding damage to the precision elastic contact piece 14 from sharp corner impacts, and facilitating the smooth introduction of the elastic contact piece 14 to ensure reliable contact.

[0030] The outer surface of the plug housing 1 is provided with an anti-slip layer. The inner wall of the plug housing 1 and the outer surface of the socket housing 2 are provided with a threaded structure that matches each other. The threaded structure is used to provide axial locking force to ensure that the two connection ends will not be pulled apart by external force after being plugged in. The anti-slip layer makes it convenient for the operator to perform screwing operations.

[0031] The inner wall of the plug housing 1 is provided with a shielding plate 17, which is usually made of conductive material (such as metal or conductive composite material) to achieve electromagnetic shielding function. The shielding plate 17 is used to prevent electromagnetic interference from entering and exiting, protect signal quality, and provide a certain degree of shielding protection for the signal. Multiple elastic sealing rings 18 are provided inside the plug housing 1 and the socket housing 2.

[0032] In this application, the main structures such as the plug housing 1, socket housing 2, terminal mounting base 6, and limiting cylinder 5 mainly function as mechanical support, fixation, and protection. They are usually made of insulating materials (such as engineering plastics) to achieve electrical isolation and structural protection. The anti-slip layer, elastic sealing ring 18, elastic strip 12, and elastic ring 13 are also usually made of insulating or elastic materials, mainly serving as anti-slip, sealing, buffering, and fixing functions.

[0033] Working principle: First, insert the terminal assembly 4 into the terminal mounting base 6, that is, insert the pin 401 upward along the direction of the insertion hole 7 from the bottom of the terminal mounting base 6, so that the top of the pin 401 is in close contact with the contact plate 3 in the middle of the top surface of the terminal mounting base 6. The arc-shaped side of the insertion post 402 (corresponding to the other side of the L-shaped contact groove 403) is inserted and engaged with the mating groove 15. The elastic ring 13 on the pin 401 is pressed against the inner wall of the insertion hole 7, so that the entire terminal assembly 4 is tightly inserted into the insertion hole 7, ensuring the electrical transmission between the terminal assembly 4 and the contact plate 3 and avoiding poor contact. Then, the top of the limiting cylinder 5 is inserted between the plug housing 1 and the terminal mounting base 6, wherein the insertion groove 9 of the limiting cylinder 5 corresponds to the limiting insert plate 8 on the outer surface of the terminal mounting base 6. Finally, the socket housing 2 is inserted into the plug housing 1. The guide groove 11 on the socket housing 2 corresponds to the guide plate 10 on the inner wall of the terminal mounting base 6, so that the socket housing 2 is inserted into the terminal mounting base 6. At the same time, the elastic contact piece 14 on the outer surface of the socket housing 2 is pressed against the plug post 402 that is inserted and fixed in the terminal mounting base 6. The elastic contact piece 14 is in close contact with the side of the L-shaped contact groove 403 on the plug post 402.

[0034] It is worth noting that, unlike the axial mating of traditional dual-row pins, holes, or cylindrical pins, the contact force direction of this application is mainly lateral compression. This structure may save more axial space, and the overall height of the connector can be made thinner.

[0035] The L-shaped contact groove 403 and the elastic contact piece 14 cooperate to allow the connector to slide during mating, which can scrape off the slight oxide layer on the contact surface and help to obtain a cleaner contact interface with lower resistance.

Claims

1. A self-calibrating single-sided contact sensor connector, comprising: The plug housing (1) and socket housing (2) are characterized in that: the plug housing (1) is provided with a contact plate (3) inside, and a plurality of terminal assemblies (4) are provided at the edge of the contact plate (3). The terminal assembly (4) includes a pin (401) and a plug post (402) that are connected and fixed to each other. An L-shaped contact groove (403) is provided on the plug post (402), and the top surface of the L-shaped contact groove (403) is in contact with the top surface of the socket housing (2). A limiting cylinder (5) is inserted between the plug housing (1) and the socket housing (2). The top outer surface of the limiting cylinder (5) is inserted into the inner wall of the socket housing (2). A terminal mounting seat (6) that is connected and fixed to the contact plate (3) is inserted into the limiting cylinder (5). The bottom inner wall of the terminal mounting seat (6) is inserted and fixed to the socket housing (2). The end of the terminal mounting seat (6) is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed insertion holes (7) that are inserted and matched with the terminal assembly (4). The outer surface of the socket housing (2) is fixedly connected with an elastic contact piece (14). The elastic contact piece (14) is in contact with the side of the L-shaped contact groove (403). The inner wall of the terminal mounting base (6) is provided with a mating groove (15) that communicates with the plug hole (7). The bottom of the plug post (402) is plugged into the mating groove (15). The terminal mounting base (6) is fixedly connected to a limiting plate (8) on its outer surface, and the limiting cylinder (5) is provided with a plug-in groove (9) that is engaged with the limiting plate (8). A guide plate (10) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the terminal mounting base (6), and a guide groove (11) that slides with the guide plate (10) is provided on the outer surface of the socket housing (2).

2. The self-calibrating single-sided contact sensor connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insertion hole (7) has a T-shaped structure. Multiple elastic strips (12) are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the end of the insertion post (402). The insertion post (402) is pressed and engaged with the insertion hole (7) through the elastic strips (12).

3. The self-calibrating single-sided contact sensor connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic ring (13) is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the pin (401), and the elastic ring (13) is pressed into the insertion hole (7).

4. A self-calibrating side-mounted single-sided contact sensor connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the plug post (402) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (16), and the top end of the elastic contact piece (14) has an arc-shaped structure.

5. A self-calibrating side-mounted single-sided contact sensor connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the plug housing (1) is provided with an anti-slip layer, and the inner wall of the plug housing (1) and the outer surface of the socket housing (2) are provided with a threaded structure that cooperates with each other.

6. A self-calibrating single-sided contact sensor connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the plug housing (1) is provided with a shielding plate (17), and multiple elastic sealing rings (18) are provided inside the plug housing (1) and the socket housing (2).

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