Sensor module with connector

Abstract

A connector for a sensor module includes a first connector module including a first housing and a plurality of first contacts held by the first housing; a second connector module including a second housing, a plurality of second contacts held by the second housing, and a cylindrical housing to which the second housing is fitted; and a cover housing formed in an insert injection molding manner to partially cover a combination of the first connector module and the second connector module. With the above-described configuration of the connector, assembly of the sensor module can be easily performed and water or moisture can be prevented from entering the sensor module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors for sensor modules, and more particularly to connectors for sensor modules that facilitate assembly of sensor modules and prevent water or moisture from entering the sensor modules. Background Technology

[0002] In sensors such as photoelectric sensors or image sensors, a circuit board constituting a control unit is housed within the sensor housing. A cable passes through the sensor housing to provide power from outside the sensor housing to the circuit board and to transmit signals from the sensor or signals processed by the circuit board to the outside. US Patent US11744025B2 (Patent Document 1) discloses a light sensor that allows for easy cable mounting to a circuit board.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the cable is pre-soldered to one end of the FPC, and the other end of the FPC is inserted into a connector mounted on a circuit board. The cable is then watertightly engaged with the sensor housing via a screw-in connector integrally formed near its end. In Patent Document 1, the mating of the FPC with the connector and the engagement of the cable with the sensor housing require manual assembly. Therefore, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not conducive to automated production and makes it difficult to increase production speed. Furthermore, the FPC is a high-priced component, resulting in increased cost of the sensor module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a connector for a sensor module that facilitates the assembly of the sensor module.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector for a sensor module that prevents water or moisture from entering the sensor module.

[0006] According to a solution of the present invention, a connector for a sensor module is provided, comprising:

[0007] A first connector module includes a first housing and a plurality of first contacts. The first housing has a first fitting opening for inserting a first connecting object along a first direction and a first engagement portion opposite to the first fitting opening. The plurality of first contacts are held by the first housing. Each first contact has a first contact portion located in the first fitting opening, a second contact portion located in the first engagement portion, and a first holding portion located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The plurality of first contacts are positioned such that the first contact portions of the plurality of first contacts are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] The second connector module includes a second housing, a plurality of second contacts, and a cylindrical outer shell. The second housing has a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion and a mounting portion that is inserted into one end of the cylindrical outer shell. The cylindrical outer shell has a sleeve portion at the other end. The second housing and the sleeve portion define a second fitting opening for insertion of a second connecting object. The plurality of second contacts are held by the second housing. Each second contact has a third contact portion located in the second engagement portion, a fourth contact portion located in the second fitting opening, and a second holding portion located between the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion. The second contact portions of the plurality of first contacts are electrically in contact with the third contact portions of the plurality of second contacts.

[0009] The encapsulated housing is formed by insert injection molding to partially encapsulate the assembly consisting of the first connector module and the second connector module, wherein the first mating opening is exposed from the encapsulated housing, and the sleeve portion of the outer shell extends out of the encapsulated housing.

[0010] According to the connector for sensor modules of the present invention, the first contact portion of each first contact member is composed of a pair of contact arms, the first connection object is a plate-shaped connection object, and the pair of contact arms are configured to clamp the first connection object.

[0011] According to the connector for a sensor module of the present invention, the first housing has a body portion, the body portion of the first housing is covered by the covering housing, and a plurality of dovetail grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion. When the covering housing is formed by insert injection molding, the material forming the covering housing flows into the plurality of dovetail grooves and solidifies.

[0012] According to the connector for a sensor module of the present invention, the first housing has a boss, the first fitting opening is formed on the boss, and the boss protrudes from the housing.

[0013] According to the connector for sensor modules of the present invention, the second contact portion of each first contact is configured as a plate, and the third contact portion of each second contact is composed of a pair of contact arms, wherein the plate-shaped second contact portion is clamped by the third contact portion composed of the pair of contact arms.

[0014] According to the connector for sensor modules of the present invention, the fourth contact portion of each second contact is configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0015] According to the connector for a sensor module of the present invention, one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is formed with a polygonal joint hole, and the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is formed with a cylindrical joint post, which is inserted into the polygonal joint hole in a tight fit manner.

[0016] According to the connector for sensor modules of the present invention, the second engagement portion is formed with a plurality of contact retaining holes, the second retaining portion of each second contact is configured as a cylinder, and the second retaining portions of the plurality of second contacts are respectively inserted into the plurality of polygonal contact retaining holes in a tight fit manner.

[0017] According to the connector for a sensor module of the present invention, the inner wall surface of the first joint is formed with a plurality of ribs extending along the first direction.

[0018] According to the connector for a sensor module of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion of the second housing is formed with a plurality of protruding ribs extending along the first direction.

[0019] The connector for sensor modules according to the present invention enables automated assembly of sensor modules, thereby increasing production speed. Furthermore, the exposed portion of the second connector module can be made into a quick-connect, facilitating the disassembly and replacement of the connector for sensor modules.

[0020] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will be able to best understand the technical features, other objects, and advantages of this invention after referring to the specification and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a connector for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a first connector module for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a first connector module of a connector for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the first connector module of the sensor module connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a second connector module for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is another perspective view of the second connector module of the sensor module connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector module of the connector for the sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the second connector module of the connector for the sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the connector for the sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 1: Connector for sensor module

[0033] 10: First connector module

[0034] 11: First shell

[0035] 110: Ontology part

[0036] 1100: First joint

[0037] 1101: Connecting hole

[0038] 1102: Positioning protrusion

[0039] 1103: Ribs

[0040] 111: convex platform

[0041] 1110: First mating opening

[0042] 112: First dovetail groove

[0043] 113: Second Dovetail Groove

[0044] 114: Trench

[0045] 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d: First contact element

[0046] 12a1, 12b1, 12c1, 12d1: First holding part

[0047] 12a2, 12b2, 12c2, 12d2: First contact part

[0048] 12a3, 12b3, 12c3, 12d3: Second contact part

[0049] 12G: Contact Group

[0050] 30: Second connector module

[0051] 31: Second shell

[0052] 310: Assembly Department

[0053] 3101: Rib

[0054] 311: Second joint

[0055] 3111: Joint Post

[0056] 3112: Positioning hole

[0057] 3113: Contact retaining hole

[0058] 32: Second contact element

[0059] 320: Second Holding Section

[0060] 321: Third Contact Section

[0061] 323: Fourth Contact Section

[0062] 33: Cylindrical outer shell

[0063] 330: Hollow section

[0064] 331: Sleeve section

[0065] 332: Second mating opening

[0066] 50: Encased shell

[0067] D1: First Direction

[0068] D2: Second Direction

[0069] D3: Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The connector for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components or components having the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view of a connector for a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector for the sensor module is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The connector for the sensor module 1 includes: a first connector module 10, a second connector module 30, and a housing 50. The housing 50 partially covers the assembly formed by the first connector module 10 and the second connector module 30, such that a portion of the first connector module 10 and a portion of the second connector module 30 are exposed from the housing 50. The connector for the sensor module 1 is mounted on a sensor module housing (not shown) and is used to establish an electrical connection between a circuit board housed in the sensor module housing as a first connection object and an external cable connector as a second connection object. Through the connector for the sensor module 1, a path for power transmission and / or signal transmission between the sensor module and an external electronic device is established.

[0072] Reference Figures 3 to 5 This describes the structure of the first connector module 10, in which... Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the first connector module 10 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector module 10 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the first connector module 10 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The first connector module 10 includes a first housing 11 and four first contacts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d held by the first housing 11. These four first contacts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d constitute a contact group 12G. In this embodiment, the shapes of the first contacts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are different, wherein the first contact 12a is mirror-symmetrical to the first contact 12d, and the first contact 12b is mirror-symmetrical to the first contact 12c.

[0074] The first housing 11 is made of insulating synthetic resin or polymer material by injection molding. The first housing 11 has a body portion 110 and a boss 111 formed at one end of the body portion 110. The boss 111 has a first mating opening 1110. A circuit board (not shown), serving as the first connection object, can be inserted into the first mating opening 1110 along a first direction D1. The body portion 110 has a first engagement portion 1100 formed at the opposite end of the first mating opening 1110. The first connector module 10 engages with the second connector module 30 through the first engagement portion 1100. The first engagement portion 1100 has an engagement hole 1101 extending in the first direction D1 and a positioning protrusion 1102. The engagement hole 1101 is a polygonal hole. The first engagement portion 1100 has a plurality of ribs 1103 extending along the first direction D1 formed on its inner wall surface. In the accompanying drawings, the first direction D1 is the fitting direction, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction and is the width direction or the spacing direction, and the third direction D3 is the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0075] Each of the first contact members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d has a first contact portion 12a2, 12b2, 12c2, and 12d2 located in the first mating opening 1110, a second contact portion 12a3, 12b3, 12c3, and 12d3 located in the first joint portion 1100, and a first retaining portion 12a1, 12b1, 12c1, and 12d1 located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The first retaining portions 12a1, 12b1, 12c1, and 12d1 of the first contact members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are formed with barbed structures and are inserted into the contact member retaining groove formed in the first housing 11 in a tight fit manner and are retained by the first housing 11. The first contact members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are positioned such that the first contact portions 12a2, 12b2, 12c2, and 12d2 are arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0076] The first contact portions 12a2, 12b2, 12c2, and 12d2 are each composed of a pair of contact arms. The contact arms are configured to clamp the circuit board, which is the first object to be connected, and make electrical contact with the circuit board at two points. Therefore, electrical connection interruptions caused by vibration can be prevented, improving connection stability and reliability. The second contact portions 12a3, 12b3, 12c3, and 12d3 are plate-shaped.

[0077] Reference Figures 6 to 9 This describes the configuration of the second connector module 30, in which... Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the second connector module 30 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is another perspective view of the second connector module 30 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector module 30 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the second connector module 30 of the sensor module connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The second connector module 30 includes a second housing 31, four second contacts 32, and a cylindrical outer shell 33. One end of the second housing 31 has a mounting portion 310, and the other end has a second engagement portion 311. The mounting portion 310 is cylindrical and has multiple ribs 3101 extending along a first direction D1 on its outer peripheral surface. The mounting portion 310 is fitted into the hollow portion 330 of the cylindrical outer shell 33 from one end of the cylindrical outer shell 33 in a tight-fitting manner. The other end of the cylindrical outer shell 33 has a sleeve portion 331. A second mating opening 332 is defined by the sleeve portion 331 and the end face of the mounting portion 310 of the second housing 31. The second engagement portion 311 can engage with the first engagement portion 1100 of the first connector module 10. The second mating opening 332 can engage with a cable connector that is a second connection object.

[0079] In this embodiment, the cylindrical housing 33 is made of a metallic or alloy material. Threads may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve portion 331 of the cylindrical housing 33. The cable connector can be quickly and securely connected to the second connector module 30 using the threads. Furthermore, the sleeve portion 331 of the cylindrical housing 33 may also be configured as a quick connector.

[0080] The second joint 311 has a joint post 3111 extending along the first direction D1. The joint post 3111 is cylindrical and is inserted into the joint hole 1101 formed in the first joint 1100 in a tight fit manner. Because the joint hole 1101 is a polygonal hole, on the one hand, the contact area between the joint hole 1101 and the joint post 3111 is reduced, and on the other hand, the gaps at the corners of the polygonal hole provide space for the joint post 3111 to deform and space to collect shavings generated by scraping. Therefore, the insertion of the joint post 3111 into the joint hole 1101 is facilitated, and the joint post 3111 is firmly held in the joint hole 1101 by the friction between the joint post 3111 and the inner wall surface of the joint hole 1101.

[0081] Furthermore, the second joint 311 has a positioning hole 3112. This is achieved by positioning the protrusion 1102 (see reference). Figure 4 The engagement of the positioning hole 3112 ensures that the second connector module 30 engages with the first connector module 10 at the correct angular position.

[0082] Each second contact 32 has a second holding portion 320, a third contact portion 321 formed at one end of the second holding portion 320, and a fourth contact portion 323 formed at the other end of the second holding portion 320. The third contact portion 321 is composed of a pair of contact arms, and the plate-shaped second contact portions 12a3, 12b3, 12c3, and 12d3 can be clamped by the third contact portion 321 and make electrical contact with the second contact portions 12a3, 12b3, 12c3, and 12d3 in a two-point contact manner. The second holding portion 320 and the fourth contact portion 323 are constructed as coaxial cylinders, and the diameter of the second holding portion 320 is larger than the diameter of the fourth contact portion 323.

[0083] The second joint 311 has a contact retaining hole 3113. The contact retaining hole 3113 is made into a polygonal hole. The reason for making the contact retaining hole 3113 into a polygonal hole is similar to that for the joint hole 1101. The second retaining part 320 of the second contact 32 is inserted into the contact retaining hole 3113 in a tight fit manner, such that the third contact part 321 is located in the second joint 311, and the fourth contact part 323 extends from the mounting part 310 at the other end of the second housing 31 and is located in the second fitting opening 332.

[0084] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the connector 1 for the sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first connector module and the second connector module are assembled such that a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion are engaged with each other. When the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged with each other, the second contact portion of the first contact member of the first connector module will make electrical contact with the third contact portion of the second contact member of the second connector module. Figure 10 As shown, the third contact portion of the second contact 32 clamps the second contact portions of the first contacts 12a and 12d, thus making electrical contact with the second contact portions of the first contacts 12a and 12d in a two-point contact manner. The enclosure shell is made of insulating synthetic resin or polymer material by insert molding. The enclosure shell 50 is formed to partially cover the assembly composed of the first connector module 10 and the second connector module 30, so that the boss 111 of the first housing 11 of the first connector module 10 and the sleeve portion 331 of the cylindrical housing 33 of the second connector module 30 are exposed from the enclosure shell 50, thereby allowing the first connection object and the second connection object to be inserted into the first fitting opening and the second fitting opening, respectively. By using the enclosure shell, on the one hand, the joint between the first connector module and the second connector module can be watertightly sealed, and on the other hand, the first connector module and the second connector module can be fixed, so that the first connector module and the second connector module cannot be separated from each other.

[0085] To facilitate the fixation of the housing 50 to the first housing 11 of the first connector module, a first dovetail groove 112, a plurality of second dovetail grooves 113, and a plurality of grooves 114 are preferably formed on the circumferential surface of the body portion 110 of the first housing 11, such as Figure 3 As shown. The first dovetail groove 112, the plurality of second dovetail grooves 113, and the plurality of grooves 114 are oriented in the first direction D1. When the cover shell 50 is formed by insert injection molding, the material forming the cover shell 50 flows into the first dovetail groove 112, the plurality of second dovetail grooves 113, and the plurality of grooves 114, and then solidifies. In this way, the cover shell can be prevented from detaching from the first shell. The cylindrical outer shell of the second connector may be formed with a flange. By covering the flange formed on the cylindrical outer shell with the cover shell, the cover shell can be prevented from detaching from the second shell.

[0086] According to the embodiment described above, a connecting hole is formed in the first connecting portion 1100 of the first housing 11, while a connecting post is formed in the second connecting portion 311 of the second housing 31. However, the connector for the sensor module according to the present invention is not limited thereto. According to a variation not shown, the connecting hole may be formed in the second connecting portion of the second housing, while the connecting post is formed in the first connecting portion of the first housing.

[0087] While the present invention has been described and demonstrated with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is subject to the wording of the following claims. That is, any equivalent variations and modifications made without departing from the claims should still be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector for a sensor module, comprising: A first connector module includes a first housing and a plurality of first contacts. The first housing has a first fitting opening for inserting a first connecting object along a first direction and a first engagement portion opposite to the first fitting opening. The plurality of first contacts are held by the first housing. Each first contact has a first contact portion located in the first fitting opening, a second contact portion located in the first engagement portion, and a first holding portion located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The plurality of first contacts are positioned such that the first contact portions of the plurality of first contacts are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second connector module includes a second housing, a plurality of second contacts, and a cylindrical outer shell. The second housing has a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion and an assembly portion that is embedded in one end of the cylindrical outer shell. The cylindrical outer shell has a sleeve portion at the other end. The second housing and the sleeve portion define a second fitting opening for insertion of a second connection object. The plurality of second contacts are held by the second housing. Each second contact has a third contact portion located in the second engagement portion, a fourth contact portion located in the second fitting opening, and a second holding portion located between the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion. The second contact portions of the plurality of first contacts are in electrical contact with the third contact portions of the plurality of second contacts, respectively. and The encapsulated housing is formed by insert injection molding to partially encapsulate the assembly consisting of the first connector module and the second connector module, wherein the first mating opening is exposed from the encapsulated housing, and the sleeve portion of the outer shell extends out of the encapsulated housing.

2. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first contact portion of each first contact member is composed of a pair of contact arms, the first connecting object is a plate-shaped connecting object, and the pair of contact arms are configured to clamp the first connecting object.

3. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first housing has a body portion, the body portion of the first housing is covered by the covering housing, and a plurality of dovetail grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion, wherein when the covering housing is formed by insert injection molding, the material forming the covering housing flows into the plurality of dovetail grooves and solidifies.

4. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first housing has a boss, the first mating opening is formed on the boss, and the boss protrudes from the housing.

5. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second contact portion of each first contact is configured as a plate, and the third contact portion of each second contact is formed by a pair of contact arms, wherein the plate-shaped second contact portion is clamped by the third contact portion formed by the pair of contact arms.

6. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fourth contact portion of each second contact is configured in a cylindrical shape.

7. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is formed with a polygonal engagement hole, and the other of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is formed with a cylindrical engagement post, the cylindrical engagement post being inserted into the polygonal engagement hole in a tight fit manner.

8. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second engagement portion forms a plurality of contact retaining holes, the second retaining portion of each second contact is configured as a cylinder, and the second retaining portions of the plurality of second contacts are respectively inserted into the plurality of polygonal contact retaining holes in a tight fit manner.

9. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inner wall surface of the first joint is formed with a plurality of ribs extending along the first direction.

10. The connector for a sensor module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion of the second housing is formed with a plurality of ribs extending along the first direction.

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