Optical connector for vehicle and connector assembly for vehicle

Abstract

This utility model relates to an automotive connector assembly, including an automotive electronic device and an automotive optoelectronic connector for plugging into the automotive electronic device. The automotive optoelectronic connector includes a body, multiple fiber optic modules, and conductive modules. The body includes a mating side and a wiring side, and has multiple through holes and receiving portions. Each through hole and receiving portion is arranged side by side on the body and extends from the mating side through the body to the wiring side. Each fiber optic module is flexibly inserted into each through hole on the mating side, and each fiber optic module includes a pin exposed on the mating side. The conductive module includes a housing and two conductive terminals. One end of the housing is located in the receiving portion, and the other end of the housing is exposed on the mating side. Each conductive terminal is located in a terminal slot of the housing. This provides a vehicle connector assembly that can supply power and transmit optical signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector, and more particularly to an automotive optoelectronic connector and an automotive connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Optical fiber is used for light transmission. A typical optical fiber connection device consists of a female adapter with male fiber optic connectors at both ends for bonding and data transmission. A typical Lucent Connector (LC) type optical adapter is an optical transmission connector that allows LC type optical transmission lines to be connected to transmit optical signals but does not provide other functions. Currently, most wiring in automobiles uses copper cables, which, due to bandwidth limitations, cannot meet the signal transmission requirements of in-vehicle systems.

[0003] In view of this, some embodiments of this application provide an automotive optoelectronic connector including a body, multiple fiber optic modules, and a conductive module. The body has a mating side and a wiring side at both ends. The body has multiple through holes and a receiving portion. Each through hole extends from the mating side through the body to the wiring side. The receiving portion is disposed on the mating side. Each through hole and the receiving portion are arranged side-by-side on the upper and lower sides of the body. Each fiber optic module is elastically displaceable along a first direction and inserted into each through hole on the mating side. Each fiber optic module includes a pin exposed in each through hole. The conductive module is inserted into the receiving portion. The conductive module includes a housing and two conductive terminals. One end of the housing is located in the receiving portion, and the other end of the housing is exposed on the mating side. The housing has multiple terminal slots, and each conductive terminal is located in each terminal slot.

[0004] Preferably, the body of the automotive optoelectronic connector includes an outer shell and a mating shell. The outer shell has a plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions, each of which is located on the inner side of the outer shell. The mating shell has a plurality of first latching portions, each of which is located on the outer side of the mating shell. Each of the first snap-fit ​​portions is adapted to snap onto each of the first latching portions.

[0005] Preferably, the docking housing of the automotive optoelectronic connector has a plurality of second locking portions, each of which is located inside the receiving portion; the conductive module has a plurality of second latching portions, each of which is located outside the conductive module, and each of the second locking portions is adapted to latch onto each of the second latching portions.

[0006] Preferably, each fiber optic module includes a ferrule, a base, a socket, a sleeve, a spring, and a crimping ring. The ferrule is inserted into one end of the base, and each sleeve is exposed on the wiring side. The sleeve has a core tube extending into the body. The other end of the base has a connector, and the core tube is movably inserted into the connector. The socket is fitted over the core tube, and the crimping ring is fitted over the socket.

[0007] Preferably, the socket includes an outer ring portion and an inner ring portion. The outer ring portion has a plurality of concave and convex structures on its outer ring surface. The crimping ring is sleeved on each of the concave and convex structures. The socket is crimped with the crimping ring. The spring is surrounded by the connecting pipe. One end of the spring abuts against the base, and the other end of the spring abuts against the socket.

[0008] Preferably, the automotive optoelectronic connector further includes a sleeve and a rear cover, the sleeve being fitted onto each of the tubes, the rear cover being disposed on the wiring side of the body and covering the tubes and the sleeve, the rear cover having a potting groove, and each of the tubes and the sleeve being located in the potting groove.

[0009] Preferably, the automotive connector assembly includes an automotive optoelectronic connector and an automotive electronic device. The automotive optoelectronic connector includes a body, multiple fiber optic modules, and a conductive module. The body has a mating side and a wiring side at both ends. The body has multiple through holes and a receiving portion. Each through hole extends from the mating side through the body to the wiring side. The receiving portion is disposed on the mating side. Each through hole and the receiving portion are arranged side-by-side on the upper and lower sides of the body. Each fiber optic module is elastically displaceable along a first direction and inserted into each through hole on the mating side. Each fiber optic module includes a pin exposed in each through hole. The conductive module is inserted into the receiving portion. The conductive module includes a housing and two conductive terminals. One end of the housing is located in the receiving portion, and the other end of the housing is exposed on the mating side. The housing has multiple terminal slots, and each conductive terminal is located in each terminal slot. The automotive electronic device includes a main body with a storage slot inside. The outer side of the main body has a docking portion with a protruding structure and a docking groove located on the protruding structure. The docking groove is used for the insertion of the automotive optoelectronic connector. The main body includes a circuit board, a conductive plug, and a chip located in the storage slot. The conductive plug and the chip are disposed on the circuit board. The chip has two fiber optic interfaces. The conductive plug and each fiber optic interface correspond to the docking groove. The conductive plug is used for the insertion of the conductive module. Each fiber optic interface is used for the insertion of the pin of each fiber optic module.

[0010] Preferably, the docking portion of the automotive electronic device has a filler portion located around the opening of the docking groove.

[0011] Preferably, the chip of the automotive electronic device includes a board and a plurality of guide posts protruding outward from the side of the board, each guide post having a socket, and each optical fiber interface corresponding to the respective socket.

[0012] Preferably, each of the guide pillars of the automotive electronic device is perpendicular to the plate, and the plate is parallel to the circuit board.

[0013] Preferably, the automotive electronic device includes an auxiliary bracket, the chip is integrated with the auxiliary bracket, and each of the guide posts is parallel to the plate.

[0014] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: The automotive optoelectronic connector incorporates fiber optic modules and conductive modules, providing the ability to transmit both fiber optic signals and electrical power. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of an automotive optoelectronic connector after it is plugged into an automotive electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 The illustration shows the appearance of an automotive optoelectronic connector before it is plugged into an automotive electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 The illustration shows an exploded top view of an automotive optoelectronic connector according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an exploded view from the bottom of an automotive optoelectronic connector, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 The illustration shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of an automotive optoelectronic connector after it has been plugged into an automotive electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 Draw Figure 1 The cross-sectional view marked AA is a top view of the automotive optoelectronic connector after it has been plugged into the automotive electronic device.

[0021] Figure 7 Draw Figure 1 The cross-sectional view marked BB is a side view of the automotive optoelectronic connector after it is plugged into the automotive electronic device.

[0022] Figure 8 The illustration shows an internal schematic diagram of an automotive electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a chip for an automotive electronic device, based on one embodiment.

[0024] Symbol Explanation Automotive optoelectronic connector 100, body 1, mating housing 11, through hole 111, receiving part 112, first locking part 114, second locking part 115, outer housing 12, receiving chamber 121, first latching part 124, recess 126, fiber optic module 2, sleeve 21, core tube 211, socket 212, crimping ring 22, socket 23, outer ring part 231, inner ring part 232, base 241, pin 242, connector 243, spring 26, conductive module 4, housing 41, conductive terminal 42, terminal slot 4 3. Second snap-fit ​​part 45, rear cover 51, glue potting groove 511, sleeve 52, sealing ring 6, automotive electronic device 200, docking groove 201, protruding structure 202, main body 203, first shell 2031, second shell 2032, storage slot 204, circuit board 205, fiber optic interface 206, chip 207, conductive plug 208, glue filling part 209, plate 2010, guide post 2011, auxiliary bracket 213, automotive connector assembly 300, first axis X, second axis Y, third axis Z. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the purpose, technical features, and advantages of this invention, the technical features and implementation methods of this invention are explained in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and preferred embodiments are further illustrated. However, the following description of the embodiments is not intended to limit this invention, and the drawings used in the following text are merely illustrative of the features of this invention. For clearer explanation, in the schematic diagrams provided in this invention, the first axis X is the X-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system, the second axis Y is the Y-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system, and the third axis Z is the Z-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system. In the following embodiments, the terminology regarding connections, unless specifically stated as electrical connections, can refer to physical connections, or direct or indirect connections between physical components.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 after it is connected to the automotive electronic device 200. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 before it is connected to the automotive electronic device 200. The automotive connector assembly 300 includes the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 and the automotive electronic device 200. The automotive connector assembly 300 is installed in the vehicle, and replacement only requires disconnecting the automotive optoelectronic connector 100; it is not necessary to cut the transmission cable connected to the automotive optoelectronic connector 100. The automotive optoelectronic connector 100 is suitable for use inside the vehicle and is connected to the automotive electronic device 200 to provide fiber optic signal and power transmission. The automotive electronic device 200 is a camera or radar.

[0027] Please see Figure 2The vehicle electronic device 200 includes a main body 203, which is composed of a first outer shell 2031 and a second outer shell 2032. The first outer shell 2031 has a storage groove 204, and the second outer shell 2032 has a recessed corner for locking screws to be fixed to the first outer shell 2031. Figure 1 The outer surface of the main body 203 has a mating portion, which has a protruding structure 202 protruding along the third axis Z direction toward the outer surface of the main body 203 and a mating groove 201 located within the protruding structure 202. The mating groove 201 is used for insertion of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100. The main body 203 includes a circuit board 205, a conductive plug 208, and a chip 207 (such as...) located in the storage slot 204. Figure 7 As shown, the conductive plug 208 and the chip 207 are disposed on the circuit board 205. The chip 207 has two fiber optic interfaces 206. The conductive plug 208 and each fiber optic interface 206 correspond to the mating groove 201. The conductive plug 208 is used for the conductive module 4 to be plugged in. Each fiber optic interface 206 is used for the pins 242 of each fiber optic module 2 to be plugged in.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The docking portion of the automotive electronic device 200 has a filler portion 209, which is located around the opening of the docking groove 201. After the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 is plugged into the automotive electronic device 200, glue can be poured into the filler portion 209 to fill the docking groove 201 and seal the gap between the body 1 and the docking groove 201. In addition, a sealing ring 6 is fitted onto the body 1 to seal the gap between the body 1 and the docking groove 201 and prevent moisture from entering the receiving groove 204 through the gap.

[0029] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 from the top. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the bottom of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100. The automotive optoelectronic connector 100 includes a body 1, multiple fiber optic modules 2, and conductive modules 4. One end of the body 1 is defined as a mating side (i.e., the side of the body 1 facing...). Figure 3 The left side of the body is defined as the side facing the left direction, and the other end is defined as the wiring side (i.e., the body 1 facing the left side). Figure 3 (on the right-side side), the body 1 has a plurality of through holes 111 and a receiving portion 112, each of the through holes 111 as follows: Figure 3The through holes 111 are arranged side by side in the first axis X direction, and each through hole 111 extends from the docking side to the wiring side in the third axis Z direction. The receiving part 112 extends from the docking side to the wiring side in the third axis Z direction. The through holes 111 and the receiving parts 112 are arranged side by side on the upper and lower sides of the body 1 in the second axis Y direction.

[0030] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each fiber optic module 2 can be elastically inserted into each of the through holes 111 on the mating side along the first direction (the third axis Z direction). Each fiber optic module 2 includes multiple pins 242, a base 241, a socket 23, a sleeve 21, a spring 26, and a crimping ring 22. The pins 242 are exposed on the mating side of the body 1. The length of the outer shell 41 of the conductive module 4 protruding outside the body 1 in the third axis Z direction is greater than the length of the pins 242 protruding outside the body 1 in the third axis Z direction. Figure 2 As shown, when the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 is plugged into the automotive electronic device 200, the housing 41 first connects to the conductive plug 208, and then each pin 242 connects to each optical fiber interface 206 respectively.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The automotive optoelectronic connector 100 further includes a sleeve 52 and a rear cover 51. The sleeve 52 is sleeved on each of the sleeves 21. The rear cover 51 is disposed on the wiring side of the body 1 and covers the sleeves 21 and the sleeve 52. The rear cover 51 has a potting groove 511. When the potting groove 511 is filled with glue, each of the sleeves 21 and the sleeve 52 are sealed in the potting groove 511.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main body 1 includes a docking housing 11 and an outer shell 12. The docking housing 11 and the outer shell 12 are generally rectangular frames, with the outer shell 12 covering the outside of the docking housing 11. The outer shell 12 has a recess 126 on its outer side near the docking side, and a sealing ring 6 is disposed in the recess 126. The outer shell 12 has a plurality of first latching portions 124, each of which is located on the inner side of the outer shell 12. The docking housing 11 has a plurality of first locking portions 114, each of which is located on the outer side of the docking housing 11. Each of the first latching portions 214 is adapted to be latched onto the respective first locking portion 114. The first locking portion 114 is a latching groove, and the first locking portion 214 is a protrusion, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first locking portion 114 is a protrusion, and the first locking portion 214 corresponds to a latching groove.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4The docking housing 11 has a plurality of second latching portions 115, each of which is located inside the receiving portion 112; the conductive module 4 has a plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 45, each of which is located outside the conductive module 4, and each of the second latching portions 115 is adapted to snap onto the corresponding second snap-fit ​​portion 45. The second snap-fit ​​portion 45 can be a slot, and the second latching portion 115 can be a protrusion, but these are not limited to these. In some embodiments, the second snap-fit ​​portion 45 is a protrusion, while the second latching portion 115 corresponds to a slot.

[0034] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 after it is connected to the automotive electronic device 200. Figure 6 Draw Figure 1 The cross-sectional view marked AA is a top view of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 after it has been connected to the automotive electronic device 200. Figure 7 Draw Figure 1 The cross-sectional view marked BB is a side view schematic diagram of the automotive optoelectronic connector 100 and the automotive electronic device 200 after they are connected. Each sleeve 21 is exposed on the wiring side of the body 1. Each sleeve 21 has a core tube 211 extending into the body 1. The pin 242 is inserted into one end of the base 241. The other end of the base 241 has a connecting tube 243. The core tube 211 is movably inserted into the connecting tube 243. The socket 23 is sleeved on the outside of the core tube 211. The crimping ring 22 is sleeved on the outside of the socket 23. A spring 26 surrounds the connecting tube 243. One end of the spring 26 abuts against the base 241, and the other end of the spring 26 abuts against the socket 23. The sleeve 23 includes an outer ring portion 231 and an inner ring portion 232. The inner ring portion 232 and the outer ring portion 231 are sleeved on the core tube 211. The outer ring portion 231 has multiple concave and convex structures (knurling, also known as knurling, embossing) on ​​its outer ring surface. The crimping ring 22 is sleeved on each of the concave and convex structures to securely connect them.

[0035] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an automotive electronic device 200. Chip 207 includes a board 2010. Each guide post 2011 has a socket 212 and is perpendicular to the board 2010, which is parallel to the circuit board 205. Chip 207 has multiple contacts (e.g., ...). Figure 8The circular dashed line (symbolizing the connection between the fiber optic connector 206 and the circuit board 205) connects to the respective socket 212. In some embodiments, the distance between the centers of the sockets 212 of the two guide posts 2011 along the first axis X direction is approximately 3.8 mm, which may be, but is not limited to, 3.7 mm or 3.9 mm. The distance from the top of the guide post 2011 located at the fiber optic connector 206 along the third axis Z direction to the bottom of the chip 207 is approximately 7.8 mm, which may be, but is not limited to, 7.7 mm or 7.9 mm.

[0036] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the chip 207 of the automotive electronic device 200. In some embodiments, each guide post 2011 is disposed on an auxiliary bracket 213, which is disposed on the board body 2010 of the chip 207. Each guide post 2011 extends through the auxiliary bracket 213 and is parallel to the board body 2010 of the chip 207. The board body 2010 of the chip 207 is parallel to the circuit board 205. Each fiber optic interface 206 corresponds to a socket 212. The extension direction of each socket 212 is aligned with the circuit board 205 along the third axis Z direction, and each socket 212 and the circuit board 205 are side by side in the same horizontal direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle optoelectronic connector, characterized in that: A body has a docking side and a wiring side at two ends. The body has multiple through holes and a receiving part. Each through hole and the receiving part passes through the body from the docking side to the wiring side. Each through hole and the receiving part are arranged side by side on the upper and lower sides of the body. Multiple fiber optic modules, each of which is elastically displaceable along a first direction and inserted into each of the through holes on the mating side, each fiber optic module including a pin exposed on the mating side; and A conductive module is inserted into the receiving portion. The conductive module includes a housing and two conductive terminals. One end of the housing is located in the receiving portion, and the other end of the housing is exposed on the mating side. The housing has multiple terminal slots, and each conductive terminal is located in its respective terminal slot.

2. The automotive optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that... Each of the aforementioned fiber optic modules includes a ferrule, a base, a connector, a sleeve, a spring, and a crimping ring. The ferrule is inserted into one end of the base, and each sleeve is exposed on the wiring side. Each sleeve has a core tube extending into the interior of the body. The other end of the base has a connecting tube, and the core tube is movably inserted into the connecting tube. The connector is sleeved on the outside of the core tube, and the crimping ring is sleeved on the outside of the connector.

3. The automotive optoelectronic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that... The socket includes an outer ring portion and an inner ring portion. The outer ring portion has multiple concave and convex structures on its outer ring surface. The crimping ring is sleeved on each of the concave and convex structures. The socket is crimped with the crimping ring. The spring is surrounded by the connecting pipe. One end of the spring abuts against the base, and the other end of the spring abuts against the socket.

4. The automotive optoelectronic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that... It further includes a sleeve and a rear cover, the sleeve being fitted onto each of the sleeves, the rear cover being disposed on the wiring side of the body and covering the sleeves and the sleeve, the rear cover having a potting groove, and each of the sleeves and the sleeve being located in the potting groove.

5. The automotive optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that... The main body includes an outer shell and a docking shell. The outer shell has a plurality of first latching parts, each of which is located on the inner side of the outer shell. The docking shell has a plurality of first locking parts, each of which is located on the outer side of the docking shell. Each of the first latching parts is adapted to be locked onto each of the first locking parts.

6. The automotive optoelectronic connector according to claim 5, characterized in that... The docking housing has a plurality of second latching portions, each of which is located inside the receiving portion; the conductive module has a plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions, each of which is located outside the conductive module, and each of the second latching portions is adapted to snap onto each of the second snap-fit ​​portions.

7. A vehicle connector assembly, characterized in that: A vehicle-mounted optoelectronic connector, comprising: A body has a docking side and a wiring side at two ends. The body has multiple through holes and a receiving part. Each through hole extends from the docking side through the body to the wiring side. The receiving part is disposed on the docking side. Each through hole and the receiving part are arranged side by side on the upper and lower sides of the body. Multiple fiber optic modules, each of which is elastically displaceable along a first direction and inserted into each of the through holes on the mating side, each fiber optic module including a pin exposed on the mating side; and A conductive module is inserted into the receiving portion. The conductive module includes a housing and two conductive terminals. One end of the housing is located in the receiving portion, and the other end of the housing is exposed on the mating side. The housing has multiple terminal slots, and each conductive terminal is located in its respective terminal slot. An automotive electronic device includes a main body with a storage slot inside. The main body has a docking portion on its outer surface, and the docking portion has a protruding structure and a docking groove located on the protruding structure. The docking groove is used for insertion of an automotive optoelectronic connector. The main body includes a circuit board located in the storage slot, a conductive plug, and a chip. The conductive plug and the chip are disposed on the circuit board. The chip has two fiber optic interfaces. The conductive plug and each of the fiber optic interfaces correspond to the docking groove. The conductive plug is used for insertion of a conductive module, and each of the fiber optic interfaces is used for insertion of the pins of each fiber optic module.

8. The automotive connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that... The docking portion of the automotive electronic device has a filling portion, which is located around an opening of the docking groove.

9. The automotive connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that... The chip of the automotive electronic device includes a plate and a plurality of guide posts protruding outward from the side of the plate. Each guide post has a socket, and each optical fiber interface corresponds to the respective socket.

10. The automotive connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that... Each of the guide posts is perpendicular to the plate body, and the plate body is parallel to the circuit board.

11. The automotive connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that... The vehicle electronic device further includes an auxiliary bracket, the chip is attached to the auxiliary bracket, and each of the guide posts is parallel to the plate.

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