Automotive photoelectric connectors and automotive connector assemblies

Abstract

We provide automotive photoelectric connectors and automotive connector assemblies. [Solution] The in-vehicle connector assembly comprises an in-vehicle electronic device and an in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 inserted into the in-vehicle electronic device. The in-vehicle photoelectric connector comprises a main body 1, a plurality of optical fiber modules 2, and a conductive module 4. The main body has a mating side and a wiring side, and has a plurality of through holes 111 and housing portions 112 formed therein. Each through hole and housing portion is arranged side by side in the main body and penetrates the main body from the mating side to the wiring side. Each optical fiber module is inserted in each through hole on the mating side in a state in which it can be elastically displaced and has a ferrule 242 that is exposed from the mating side. The conductive module comprises a housing 41 and two conductive terminals 42. One end of the housing is located in the housing portion, the other end of the housing is exposed from the mating side, and each conductive terminal is located in each terminal groove 43 of the housing. The in-vehicle connector assembly realizes power supply and optical signal transmission simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to an in-vehicle optoelectronic connector and an in-vehicle connector assembly.

Background Art

[0002] An optical fiber is a medium for transmitting light. In a general optical fiber connection device, male optical fiber adapters are inserted into both ends of a female adapter (Adapter) and connected oppositely to perform engagement and data transmission. A general Lucent Connector (abbreviation: LC) type optical conversion adapter is a connector for optical transmission, and can connect LC type optical transmission cables to transmit optical signals, but does not have other functions. On the other hand, many of the current wirings inside an automobile use copper wire cables, and since the copper cables have a bandwidth limitation, they cannot sufficiently meet the requirements for in-vehicle signal transmission.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention provide an in-vehicle optoelectronic connector including a main body, a plurality of optical fiber modules, and a conductive module. Fitting sides and wiring sides are respectively provided at both ends of the main body. The main body includes a plurality of through holes and a housing portion. Each of the through holes penetrates the main body from the fitting side to the wiring side. The housing portion is provided on the fitting side. Each of the through holes and the housing portion are arranged side by side on both the upper and lower sides of the main body. Each of the optical fiber modules is inserted into each of the through holes on the fitting side in a state where it can be elastically displaced in a first direction, and includes a ferrule exposed from each of the through holes. The conductive module is inserted into the housing portion and includes a housing and two conductive terminals. One end of the housing is located inside the housing portion, and the other end of the housing is exposed on the fitting side. A plurality of terminal grooves are formed in the housing, and each of the conductive terminals is located in a corresponding one of the terminal grooves.

[0004] In one embodiment, the body of the in-vehicle photoelectric connector comprises a housing and a mating shell, wherein the housing has a plurality of first locking portions, each of which is located inside the housing, and the mating shell has a plurality of first engaging portions, each of which is located outside the mating shell, and each first locking portion is configured to engage with the corresponding first engaging portion.

[0005] In one embodiment, the mating casing of the in-vehicle photoelectric connector comprises a plurality of second engaging portions, each of which is located inside the housing portion, and the conductive module comprises a plurality of second locking portions, each of which is located outside the conductive module, and each second engaging portion is configured to lock into the corresponding second locking portion.

[0006] According to some embodiments, each optical fiber module comprises a ferrule, a base, a fitting member, a sleeve, a spring, and a pressure contact ring, wherein the ferrule is inserted into one end of the base, each sleeve is exposed on the wiring side, the sleeve comprises a core tube extending into the body, a receiving tube is provided at the other end of the base, the core tube is movably inserted into the receiving tube, the fitting member is fitted on the outside of the core tube, and the pressure contact ring is fitted on the outside of the fitting member.

[0007] In one embodiment, the fitting member comprises an outer ring portion and an inner ring portion, a plurality of uneven structures are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring portion, the pressure contact ring is fitted into each of the uneven structures so that the fitting member and the pressure contact ring are pressed together, the spring is wound around the outer circumference of the receiving tube, one end of the spring abuts against the base, and the other end of the spring abuts against the fitting member.

[0008] In one embodiment, the in-vehicle photoelectric connector further comprises an outer cylinder and a rear cover, the outer cylinder being fitted onto each of the sleeves, the rear cover being provided on the wiring side of the main body and covering the sleeves and the outer cylinder, the rear cover having a resin filling groove formed therein, and each of the sleeves and the outer cylinder being located within the resin filling groove.

[0009] According to several embodiments, an in-vehicle connector assembly comprises an in-vehicle photoelectric connector and an in-vehicle electronic device, the in-vehicle photoelectric connector comprises a body, a plurality of optical fiber modules and a conductive module, the body has a mating side and a wiring side at both ends, the body comprises a plurality of through holes and a housing portion, each of the through holes penetrates the body from the mating side to the wiring side, the housing portion is provided on the mating side, each of the through holes and the housing portion is arranged side by side on both the upper and lower sides of the body, each of the optical fiber modules is inserted into each of the through holes on the mating side in a state that allows it to be elastically displaced in a first direction and is provided with a ferrule exposed from each of the through holes, the conductive module is inserted into the housing portion and comprises a housing and two conductive terminals, one end of the housing is located inside the housing portion and the other end of the housing is exposed on the mating side, a plurality of terminal grooves are formed in the housing and each of the conductive terminals is located in the corresponding terminal groove. The in-vehicle electronic device comprises a main body having a storage groove inside, a fitting portion provided on the outer surface of the main body, the fitting portion comprising a protruding structure and a fitting groove located on the protruding structure, the fitting groove being for inserting the in-vehicle photoelectric connector, the main body comprising a circuit board located on the storage groove, a conductive receiving member and a chip, the conductive receiving member and the chip being provided on the circuit board, the chip having two optical coupling ports, the conductive receiving member and each of the optical coupling ports corresponding to the fitting groove, the conductive receiving member being for inserting the conductive module and each of the optical coupling ports being for inserting the ferrule of each of the optical fiber modules.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fitting portion of the in-vehicle electronic device is provided with a resin-filled portion, and the resin-filled portion is located around the opening of the fitting groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, the chip of the in-vehicle electronic device comprises a plate body and a plurality of guide posts protruding outward from the side surface of the plate body, with an insertion hole formed in each guide post, and each optical coupling port corresponding to each insertion hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the guide posts of the in-vehicle electronic device is perpendicular to the plate body, and the plate body is parallel to the circuit board.

[0013] In one embodiment, the in-vehicle electronic device includes an auxiliary holder, the chip is coupled to the auxiliary holder, and each of the guide posts is parallel to the plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In general, according to some embodiments, by providing an optical fiber module and a conductive module within the body of an in-vehicle photoelectric connector, it becomes possible to transmit power in addition to transmitting optical fiber signals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic external view showing a state in which an in-vehicle photoelectric connector and an in-vehicle electronic device are mated together according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic view of an in-vehicle photoelectric connector and an in-vehicle electronic device before they are mated together according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view from above of an in-vehicle photoelectric connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of an in-vehicle photoelectric connector as seen from below, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view showing a state in which an in-vehicle photoelectric connector and an in-vehicle electronic device are mated together according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a top cross-sectional view along line AA, showing the state in which an in-vehicle photoelectric connector and an in-vehicle electronic device are mated together. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along line BB, showing a side cross-section illustrating the state in which an in-vehicle photoelectric connector and an in-vehicle electronic device are mated together. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of an in-vehicle electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9]This is an external view showing another embodiment of a chip for an in-vehicle electronic device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand and implement the purpose, technical features, and advantages of the present invention, the technical features and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and further preferred embodiments will be described in detail. However, the following embodiments are not limiting to the present invention, and the drawings referenced in the following text are schematic diagrams illustrating the features of the present invention. To explain the present invention more clearly, in the drawings relating to the present invention, the first axis X is shown as the X-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system, the second axis Y is shown as the Y-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system, and the third axis Z is shown as the Z-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system. In the following embodiments, the term "connection" refers to a physical connection unless it is specifically stated to be an electrical connection, and includes both direct and indirect connections between components.

[0017] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic external view showing the in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 and the in-vehicle electronic device 200 mated together, and Figure 2 is a schematic external view showing the in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 and the in-vehicle electronic device 200 before mating. The in-vehicle connector assembly 300 comprises the in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 and the in-vehicle electronic device 200 and is mounted in a vehicle. If replacement is necessary, only the in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 needs to be unplugged, and there is no need to cut the transmission lines connected to the in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100. The in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 is used inside the vehicle and is configured to transmit optical fiber signals and power when mated with the in-vehicle electronic device 200. The in-vehicle electronic device 200 is a camera or radar.

[0018] Please refer to FIG. 2. The in-vehicle electronic device 200 includes a main body 203 composed of a first housing 2031 and a second housing 2032. A storage groove 204 is formed in the first housing 2031, and a recess is provided at the end corner of the second housing 2032. In the recess, it is fixed to the first housing 2031 by a screw. As shown in FIG. 1, a fitting portion is provided on the outer surface of the main body 203. The fitting portion includes a protruding structure 202 protruding from the outer surface of the main body 203 along the third axis Z direction, and a fitting concave groove 201 located within the protruding structure 202. The fitting concave groove 201 is for the in-vehicle optical connector 100 to be fitted. The main body 203 includes a circuit board 205 located in the storage groove 204, a conductive receiving member 208, and a chip 207 (see FIG. 7). The conductive receiving member 208 and the chip 207 are provided on the circuit board 205. The chip 207 has two optical coupling ports 206. The conductive receiving member 208 and each of the optical coupling ports 206 correspond to the fitting concave groove 201. The conductive receiving member 208 is for the conductive module 4 to be inserted, and each of the optical coupling ports 206 is for the ferrule 242 of each of the optical fiber modules 2 to be inserted.

[0019] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. A resin filling portion 209 is provided in the fitting portion of the in-vehicle electronic device 200. The resin filling portion 209 is located around the opening of the fitting concave groove 201. After the in-vehicle optical connector 100 and the in-vehicle electronic device 200 are fitted, by filling resin into the resin filling portion 209, the fitting concave groove 201 is filled with resin, and the gap between the main body 1 and the fitting concave groove 201 is sealed. Also, a seal ring 6 is fitted on the outside of the main body 1. The seal ring 6 seals the gap between the main body 1 and the fitting concave groove 201, preventing moisture from entering the storage groove 204 through the gap.

[0020] Please refer to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the in-vehicle optoelectronic connector 100 as seen from above, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the in-vehicle optoelectronic connector 100 as seen from below. The in-vehicle optoelectronic connector 100 includes a main body 1, a plurality of optical fiber modules 2, and a conductive module 4. One end of the main body 1 is defined as the fitting side (the side where the main body 1 faces the left side direction in FIG. 3), and the other end is defined as the wiring side (the side where the main body 1 faces the right side direction in FIG. 3). The main body 1 includes a plurality of through holes 111 and a housing portion 112. Each through hole 111 is arranged in parallel along the first axis X direction as shown in FIG. 3. Each of the through holes 111 penetrates the main body 1 from the fitting side to the wiring side along the third axis Z direction. The housing portion 112 also penetrates the main body 1 from the fitting side to the wiring side along the third axis Z direction. Each of the through holes 111 and the housing portion 112 are arranged in parallel on the upper and lower sides of the main body 1 along the second axis Y direction, respectively.

[0021] Please refer to FIGS. 3 and 4. Each optical fiber module 2 is inserted into each of the through holes 111 on the fitting side in a state that can be elastically displaced along the first direction (the third axis Z direction). Each optical fiber module 2 includes a plurality of ferrules 242, a base 241, a fitting member 23, a sleeve 21, a spring 26, and a pressure contact ring 22. The ferrules 242 are exposed on the fitting side of the main body 1. The conductive module 4 includes a housing 41 and two conductive terminals 42. One end of the housing 41 is located in the housing portion 112, and the other end of the housing 41 is exposed on the fitting side. A plurality of terminal grooves 43 are formed in the housing 41, and each conductive terminal 42 is located in each terminal groove 43. The length by which the housing 41 of the conductive module 4 protrudes outside the main body 1 in the third axis Z direction is greater than the length by which the ferrules 242 protrude outside the main body 1 in the third axis Z direction. As shown in FIG. 2, when the in-vehicle optoelectronic connector 100 is inserted into the in-vehicle electronic device 200, the housing 41 first fits with the conductive receiving member 208, and then each ferrule 242 fits with each optical coupling port 206, respectively.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. The in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 further comprises an outer cylinder 52 and a rear cover 51. The outer cylinder 52 is fitted onto each of the sleeves 21, and the rear cover 51 is provided on the wiring side of the main body 1 and covers the sleeves 21 and the outer cylinder 52. A resin-filled groove 511 is formed inside the rear cover 51, and when resin is filled into the resin-filled groove 511, each of the sleeves 21 and the outer cylinder 52 are sealed within the resin-filled groove 511.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. The main body 1 comprises a fitting shell 11 and a housing 12. The housing 12 has a housing chamber 121 for accommodating the fitting shell 11. The fitting shell 11 and the housing 12 are generally rectangular frame-shaped members, with the housing 12 covering the outside of the fitting shell 11. A recess 126 is formed on the outer surface of the housing 12 near the fitting side, and a seal ring 6 is provided in the recess 126. The housing 12 has a plurality of first locking portions 124, each of which is located inside the housing 12. The fitting shell 11 has a plurality of first engaging portions 114, each of which is located outside the fitting shell 11. Each of the first locking portions 124 is configured to lock into the corresponding first engaging portion 114. The first engaging portion 114 is an engaging groove, and the first locking portion 124 is a projection, but is not limited to these. In some embodiments, the first engaging portion 114 may be a projection, and the first locking portion 124 may be a corresponding engaging groove.

[0024] Refer to Figures 3 and 4. The mating shell 11 comprises a plurality of second engaging portions 115, each second engaging portion 115 located inside the housing portion 112. The conductive module 4 comprises a plurality of second locking portions 45, each second locking portion 45 located outside the conductive module 4. Each of the second engaging portions 115 is configured to lock into the corresponding second locking portion 45. The second locking portion 45 is an engaging groove, and the second engaging portion 115 is a projection, but is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the second locking portion 45 may be a projection, and the second engaging portion 115 may be a corresponding engaging groove.

[0025] Please refer to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figure 5 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view showing the state in which the in-vehicle photoelectric connector 100 and the in-vehicle electronic device 200 are mated together. Figure 6 is a top cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1, showing the state in which the two are mated together. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 1, showing the state in which the two are mated together. Each sleeve 21 is exposed on the wiring side of the main body 1, and a core tube 211 extending into the main body 1 is provided in the sleeve 21. The ferrule 242 is inserted into one end of the base 241, and a receiving tube 243 is provided at the other end of the base 241. The core tube 211 is movably inserted into the receiving tube 243. The fitting member 23 is fitted to the outside of the core tube 211, and the pressure contact ring 22 is fitted to the outside of the fitting member 23. The spring 26 is wound around the outer circumference of the receiving tube 243, with one end of the spring 26 in contact with the base 241 and the other end in contact with the fitting member 23. The fitting member 23 comprises an outer ring portion 231 and an inner ring portion 232, and the inner ring portion 232 and the outer ring portion 231 are fitted onto the core tube 211. The outer surface of the outer ring portion 231 has a knurled (so-called knurling, knurled pattern, or embossed) or other uneven structure, and the pressure contact ring 22 is fitted onto the uneven structure and firmly joined.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the in-vehicle electronic device 200. The chip 207 comprises a plate body 2010. Each guide post 2011 has an insertion hole 212 and is perpendicular to the plate body 2010, the plate body 2010 is parallel to the circuit board 205, and the chip 207 is connected to the circuit board 205 via a number of contacts (shown by the circular dashed lines in Figure 8). Each optical coupling port 206 communicates with the corresponding insertion hole 212. In some embodiments, the distance between the centers of the insertion holes 212 of two guide posts 2011 is approximately 3.8 mm along the first axis X direction, but may be 3.7 mm or 3.9 mm. Also, the height of the guide post 2011 from the top of the optical coupling port 206 to the bottom of the chip 207 (third axis Z direction) is approximately 7.8 mm, but may be 7.7 mm or 7.9 mm.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the chip 207 of the automotive electronic device 200. In some embodiments, each of the guide posts 2011 is provided on an auxiliary holder 213, which is provided on the plate body 2010 of the chip 207. Each of the guide posts 2011 is parallel to the plate body 2010 of the chip 207 via the auxiliary holder 213, and the plate body 2010 of the chip 207 is parallel to the circuit board 205. Each optical coupling port 206 corresponds to the corresponding through hole 212. The extending direction of each through hole 212 is aligned along the third axis Z direction with respect to the circuit board 205, and each through hole 212 is arranged in the same plane as the circuit board 205.

[0028] While preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed as described above, these do not limit the invention. Anyone familiar with the art can make various modifications and embellishments within the spirit and scope of this invention, and such modifications and embellishments should be included within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention is determined by the claims for utility model registration attached to this specification. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] 100 Automotive Optoelectronic Connectors 1 Main unit 11. Mating shell 111 Through hole 112 Storage Unit 114 First engagement part 115 Second engaging part 12 Housing 121 Confinement Chamber 124 First locking part 126 recess 200 Automotive electronic equipment 201 Fitting groove 202 Protruding structure 203 Main body 2031 First Cabinet 2032 Second Casing 204 Storage groove 205 Circuit board 206 Optical coupling ports 207 chips 208 Conductive receiving member 209 Resin-filled section 2010 Plate 2011 Guidepost 2 Fiber Optic Modules 21 sleeves 211 Core tube 212 Through hole 213 Auxiliary holder 22. Pressure-welding ring 23 Fitting member 231 Outer ring 232 Inner ring section 241 Base 242 ferrules 243 Receiving pipe 26 springs 300 Automotive Connector Assembly 4 Conductive Modules 41 cabinets 42 Conductive terminals 43 Terminal groove 45 Second locking section 51 Rear lid 511 Groove for resin filling 52 Outer cylinder 6 Seal rings X 1st axis Y Second Axis Z 3rd axis

Claims

1. At both ends, there are a fitting side and a wiring side, respectively, and it is equipped with multiple through holes and a housing section, each of which the through hole and housing section penetrates the main body from the fitting side to the wiring side, and each of which the through hole and housing section is arranged side by side on both the upper and lower sides of the main body, A plurality of optical fiber modules, each of which is inserted into each of the through holes on the mating side in a state that it can be elastically displaced in a first direction, and which has a ferrule exposed from the mating side, A conductive module comprising a housing inserted into the aforementioned housing section and two conductive terminals, wherein one end of the housing is located within the housing section and the other end of the housing is exposed to the mating side, and the housing has a plurality of terminal grooves formed therein, with each conductive terminal located in the corresponding terminal groove, An automotive photoelectric connector equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The optical fiber module comprises a ferrule, a base, a fitting member, a sleeve, a spring, and a pressure contact ring, wherein the ferrule is inserted into one end of the base, each sleeve is exposed on the wiring side, the sleeve has a core tube extending into the main body, a receiving tube is provided at the other end of the base, the core tube is movably inserted into the receiving tube, the fitting member is fitted on the outside of the core tube, and the pressure contact ring is fitted on the outside of the fitting member, as described in claim 1.

3. The in-vehicle photoelectric connector according to claim 2, wherein the fitting member comprises an outer ring portion and an inner ring portion, a plurality of uneven structures are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring portion, the pressure contact ring is fitted into each of the uneven structures so that the fitting member and the pressure contact ring are pressed together, the spring is wound around the outer circumference of the receiving tube, one end of the spring abuts against the base, and the other end of the spring abuts against the fitting member.

4. The in-vehicle photoelectric connector according to claim 2, further comprising an outer cylinder and a rear cover, wherein the outer cylinder is fitted onto each of the sleeves, the rear cover is provided on the wiring side of the main body and covers the sleeves and the outer cylinder, a resin filling groove is formed in the rear cover, and each of the sleeves and the outer cylinder are located within the resin filling groove.

5. The in-vehicle photoelectric connector according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a housing and a mating shell, the housing having a plurality of first locking portions, each of which is located inside the housing, and the mating shell having a plurality of first engaging portions, each of which is located outside the mating shell, and each of which is configured to lock with the corresponding first engaging portion.

6. The photoelectric connector for automotive use according to claim 5, wherein the mating shell comprises a plurality of second engaging portions, each of which is located inside the housing portion, and the conductive module comprises a plurality of second locking portions, each of which is located outside the conductive module, and each second engaging portion is configured to lock with the corresponding second locking portion.

7. At both ends are provided a mating side and a wiring side, respectively, and it comprises a plurality of through holes and a housing section, each of which penetrates the main body from the mating side to the wiring side, and the housing section is provided on the mating side, and each of which through holes and the housing section are arranged side by side on both the upper and lower sides of the main body, A plurality of optical fiber modules, each of which is inserted into each of the through holes on the mating side in a state that it can be elastically displaced in a first direction, and which has a ferrule exposed from the mating side, A conductive module comprising a housing inserted into the aforementioned housing section and two conductive terminals, wherein one end of the housing is located within the housing section and the other end of the housing is exposed to the mating side, and the housing has a plurality of terminal grooves formed therein, with each conductive terminal located in the corresponding terminal groove, An automotive photoelectric connector equipped with, An in-vehicle electronic device comprising a main body having a storage groove inside, a fitting portion provided on the outer surface of the main body, the fitting portion comprising a protruding structure and a fitting groove located on the protruding structure, the fitting groove being for inserting the in-vehicle photoelectric connector, the main body comprising a circuit board located on the storage groove, a conductive receiving member and a chip, the conductive receiving member and the chip being provided on the circuit board, the chip having two optical coupling ports, the conductive receiving member and each of the optical coupling ports corresponding to the fitting groove, the conductive receiving member being for inserting the conductive module and each of the optical coupling ports being for inserting the ferrule of each of the optical fiber modules, An automotive connector assembly equipped with [specific features / features].

8. The in-vehicle connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the mating portion of the in-vehicle electronic device is provided with a resin-filled portion, and the resin-filled portion is located around the opening of the mating groove.

9. The in-vehicle connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the chip of the in-vehicle electronic device comprises a plate body and a plurality of guide posts protruding outward from the side surface of the plate body, each of the guide posts having an insertion hole, and each of the optical coupling ports corresponds to each of the insertion holes.

10. The automotive connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein 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, further comprising an auxiliary holder, wherein the chip is coupled to the auxiliary holder, and each of the guide posts is parallel to the plate body.

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