Connector and sensor assembly including same

Abstract

A connector and a sensor assembly are disclosed. The connector according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector housing, terminals, and coil springs. The width of the inner terminals is at least twice as large as the width of the outer terminals, and at least portion of the inner terminals are buried and fixed inside the connector housing. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the terminals and the connector housing are stably coupled in the inner terminal portion, manufacturing defects can be prevented when manufacturing the connector, and assembly of the coil springs and contact between the terminals and the coil springs are reliably achieved.

Description

Connector and sensor assembly including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a sensor assembly including the same, and more specifically, to a connector that is easy to manufacture and allows for stable contact between a terminal and a coil spring, and a sensor assembly including the same.

[0002] Pressure sensors are devices that detect external pressure and convert it into an electrical signal for measurement, and they are used in various industrial fields.

[0003] A piezoresistive pressure sensor is configured to measure pressure using a material whose resistance changes when pressure is applied, and a silicon-based strain gauge can be used.

[0004] In a pressure sensor, the diaphragm is a part that receives pressure and deforms according to the pressure, and a strain gauge is coupled to the diaphragm so that the deformation of the diaphragm can be converted into an electrical signal.

[0005] The pressure sensor includes a connector, and the connector includes a connection terminal so that electrical connection can be made with an external connector.

[0006] The connection terminal of the connector is electrically connected to the substrate inside the pressure sensor, and at this time, a means such as a spring is used to connect the connection terminal and the substrate (contact).

[0007] A connector and a pressure sensor are disclosed, which are equipped with a pin capable of guiding the spring to prevent deformation of the spring during assembly of the spring in the connector.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a connector and sensor assembly having a structure in which the shape of the connection terminal is stably maintained and firmly coupled to the connector during the manufacture of the connector, thereby enabling stable electrical connection between the connection terminal, the spring (coil spring), and the substrate.

[0009] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a connector and sensor assembly having a structure in which a means for guiding and supporting a coil spring can be stably formed.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a connector housing including an outer housing having an internal insertion space and an inner housing extending in a first direction from the outer housing and having an internal connection space; a conductive terminal including an outer terminal formed along the first direction in the insertion space and an inner terminal extending from the outer terminal and formed along the first direction, with a portion located in the connection space; a substrate located on the opposite side of the outer housing with respect to the inner housing; and a coil spring that mediates the connection between the inner terminal and the substrate, with both sides elastically supported by the inner terminal and the substrate.

[0011] The width of the inner terminal is made to be at least twice as large as the width of the outer terminal, and at least a portion of the inner terminal can be embedded and fixed inside the connector housing.

[0012] The inner terminal may comprise a seating surface to which the end of the coil spring is in close contact; and a pair of support protrusions protruding in the first direction from both sides in the width direction of the inner terminal and located on both sides of the coil spring.

[0013] The connector housing may be formed integrally with the inner housing and may include a guide projection that protrudes from the inner terminal in the first direction and is inserted into the coil spring.

[0014] The inner terminal may include a coupling groove that is recessed from the center of the seating surface toward the opposite side of the first direction and penetrates the inner terminal in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the connector housing may include a projection base that is filled inside the coupling groove and is integrally formed with the inner housing and the guide projection.

[0015] The connector housing is integrally formed with the inner housing and includes a pair of guide ribs protruding from the inner terminal in the first direction and located on both sides of the coil spring, and the pair of support protrusions and the pair of guide ribs may be arranged to intersect each other.

[0016] From the inner surface of the inner housing, the protrusion length of each of the guide projection and the guide rib may be at least three times the protrusion length of the support projection.

[0017] The above terminal can be fixed to the terminal by insert injection.

[0018] The above terminal may be formed to include an intermediate terminal that extends along a direction intersecting or orthogonal to the first direction and connects the outer terminal and the inner terminal.

[0019] A sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: the connector; a sensor housing coupled to the connector and having an inlet passage through which an external fluid flows; and a pressure chip provided inside the sensor housing and configured to measure the pressure flowing into the inlet passage.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when manufacturing the connector, the shape of the terminal is stably maintained and firmly coupled to the connector, and accordingly, the electrical connection of the terminal, coil spring, and substrate can be stably achieved.

[0021] In addition, a means for guiding and supporting the coil spring in the connector can be stably formed, and a stable electrical connection between the terminal, the coil spring, and the substrate is achieved during the manufacturing and use of the connector and sensor assembly.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the sensor assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the connector of the sensor assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor assembly shown in FIGS. 1, respectively.

[0027] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of a sensor assembly.

[0028] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the connector housing.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a part of the configuration of a sensor assembly so that the connection space is visible.

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, in describing the present invention, descriptions of already known functions or configurations will be omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sensor assembly (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the sensor assembly (1) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the connector (10) of the sensor assembly (1) illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the connector housing (100) is indicated by a dotted line.

[0034] The sensor assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a sensor assembly (1) configured to measure pressure.

[0035] The sensor assembly (1) may comprise a connector (10), a sensor housing (500), and a pressure chip (600). The sensor assembly (1) may comprise an inner frame (700) and a TIO package (800). (See FIG. 5)

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the TIO package (800) can be formed using a conventional TO package (transistor outline package). That is, the TIO package (800) of the present invention can be formed by forming a package through-hole (811) in a commercial TO package.

[0037] The connector (10) forms the part that connects to the external terminal.

[0038] The sensor housing (500) is combined with the connector (10) and together with the connector (10) forms the outer shape of the sensor assembly (1).

[0039] The sensor housing (500) is formed by including a main body (510) and a fastening part (520).

[0040] The connecting portion (520) is provided with an inlet passage (540) through which external fluid flows in along the axial direction. In the sensor housing (500), the inlet passage (540) may be formed on the opposite side of the connector (10). In the sensor housing (500), the inlet passage (540) may be formed parallel to the first direction (X).

[0041] The pressure chip (600) is provided inside the sensor assembly (1) and is configured to measure the pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet passage (540) of the sensor housing (500).

[0042] In the sensor assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure chip (600) is configured to measure the pressure of a fluid. The pressure chip (600) may be composed of a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, an electromagnetic pressure sensor, or a strain gauge pressure sensor.

[0043] The pressure chip (600) may be composed of a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) pressure sensor. The pressure chip (600) may be composed of a piezoresistive type MEMS pressure sensor or a capacitive type MEMS pressure sensor.

[0044] The pressure chip (600) may be formed to include a diaphragm and may include a piezoresist or an electrode. The diaphragm deforms when external pressure is applied, and pressure can be measured by the piezoresist or the electrode formed on the diaphragm.

[0045] The piezoresistive or electrode of the pressure chip (600) is coupled along the plane direction of the diaphragm so as to convert the deformation of the diaphragm into an electrical signal to measure pressure.

[0046] The sensor assembly (1) comprises a substrate (300). The substrate (300) may be a printed circuit board.

[0047] A substrate (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected to a pressure chip (600) to receive a signal from the pressure chip (600). The terminals (350) of the substrate (300) may be connected to the piezoresistors or electrodes of the pressure chip (600) by wire bonding. The substrate (300) may amplify and compensate for the signal from the pressure chip (600) through mounted electrical components.

[0048] The substrate (300) can be formed flat along a direction orthogonal to the first direction (X).

[0049] A substrate (300) may be provided with a substrate through-hole (310). The substrate through-hole (310) penetrates the substrate (300) in a direction parallel to the first direction (X). A pressure chip (600) may be positioned on the substrate through-hole (310).

[0050] The diaphragm of the pressure chip (600) forms a membrane structure that detects external pressure by blocking the inlet passage (540) at the opposite side of the inlet of the sensor housing (500).

[0051] The inner frame (700) is coupled to the inside of the sensor housing (500). In an embodiment of the present invention, the substrate (300) can be seated and coupled to the inner frame (700).

[0052] The outer edge of the inner frame (700) is in close contact with the inner surface of the sensor housing (500), and the space between the inner frame (700) and the sensor housing (500) is sealed.

[0053] A frame penetration hole (750) may be provided along the axial direction in the center of the inner frame (700). The frame penetration hole (750) penetrates the inner frame (700) in a direction parallel to the first direction (X). A Tio package (800) is coupled to the inner frame (700) in close contact on the frame penetration hole (750).

[0054] The central axis (A) of the inner frame (700) may coincide with the central axis (A) of the sensor housing (500). The central axis (A) may be parallel to the first direction (X).

[0055] The inner frame (700) and the Tio head (810) of the Tio package (800) are coupled to the sensor housing (500) in a manner that shields the opposite side of the inlet (541) of the inlet passage (540). The pressure of the fluid introduced into the inlet passage (540) is transmitted toward the Tio head (810) of the Tio package (800), and is transmitted toward the pressure chip (600) through the package penetration hole (811) of the Tio head (810) as described below.

[0056] The Tio package (800) comprises a Tio head (810) and a Tio terminal (820).

[0057] The tiohead (810) forms a predetermined area along a direction orthogonal to the first direction (X). The tiohead (810) may be formed in the shape of a flat circular plate.

[0058] The tiohead (810) may be made of an outer metal and an insulator (glassy) filled inside the outer metal. The outer metal may make up most of the outer surface (side, top, bottom) of the tiohead (810).

[0059] The outer edge of the Tiohead (810) is joined to the inner frame (700) in close contact on the frame penetration hole (750), and the frame penetration hole (750) is sealed by the Tiohead (810). The Tiohead (810) can be joined to the inner frame (700) by welding. The Tiohead (810) can be joined to the inner frame (700) by resistance welding.

[0060] The Tiohead (810) is provided with a package penetration hole (811). The package penetration hole (811) penetrates the Tiohead (810) and communicates with the inflow passage (540). The package penetration hole (811) may be formed parallel to the first direction (X). A pressure chip (600) shields the package penetration hole (811) and is coupled to the Tiohead (810). The pressure chip (600) is coupled to the Tiohead (810) on the opposite side of the inflow passage (540) with the Tiohead (810) at the center. The pressure of the fluid flowing into the inflow passage (540) is transmitted to the pressure chip (600) through the package penetration hole (811).

[0061] A sensor assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a ceramic plate (650).

[0062] The ceramic plate (650) is formed in the shape of a flat, small plate. The ceramic plate (650) is coupled to the Tiohead (810) on the package through hole (811). A ceramic through hole (651) is formed in the ceramic plate (650) that penetrates it, and the ceramic through hole (651) is in communication with the package through hole (811).

[0063] The pressure chip (600) can be bonded to the ceramic plate (650) while shielding the ceramic through-hole (651). That is, the pressure chip (600) can be fixed to the Tio package (800) via the ceramic plate (650). The pressure chip (600) can be bonded to the ceramic plate (650) by epoxy bonding. By bonding the pressure chip (600) to the Tio package (800) via the ceramic plate (650), the epoxy adhesive strength is greater than that of metal, allowing for stable bonding of the pressure chip (600).

[0064] The Tio terminal (820) is made of conductive material and is fixed to the Tio head (810). The Tio terminal (820) is coupled to the Tio head (810) in a manner that penetrates the Tio head (810), is fixed to the insulator of the Tio head (810), and is spaced apart from the outer metal of the Tio head (810). The Tio terminal (820) is formed lengthwise along the first direction (X). A thermistor (850) is coupled to one end (e.g., bottom) of the Tio terminal (820), and the other end (e.g., top) of the Tio terminal (820) is connected to a substrate (300).

[0065] An O-ring (790) may be provided on the outer surface of the inner frame (700). The O-ring (790) seals the space between the inner frame (700) and the sensor housing (500).

[0066] With the inner housing (130) of the connector (10) inserted into the sensor housing (500), the upper part of the sensor housing (500) (the end opposite to the first direction (X)) is curled by a press or lathe and bent inward to be in close contact with the inner housing (130), thereby completing the assembly of the pressure sensor.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor assembly (1) shown in FIGS. 1, respectively. The positions of the cross-sections in FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are different from each other.

[0069] The connector (10) comprises a connector housing (100), a terminal (200), a substrate (300), and a coil spring (400).

[0070] The connector (10) is configured to allow an external terminal to be connected, and the external terminal is inserted into the connector (10) and coupled to the connector (10).

[0071] The connector housing (100) is formed by including an outer housing (110) and an inner housing (130).

[0072] The outer housing (110) is provided with an insertion space (111) inside. An external terminal is inserted into the insertion space (111) of the outer housing (110) and is electrically connected to the terminal (200) of the connector (10).

[0073] The inner housing (130) extends from the outer housing (110) in a first direction (X) and is provided with a connecting space (131) inside.

[0074] The first direction (X) described in the embodiment of the present invention may be a straight direction. The first direction (X) described in the embodiment of the present invention may be the direction in which the inner housing (130) is formed with respect to the outer housing (110). The first direction (X) described in the embodiment of the present invention may be parallel to the central axis (A) of the sensor housing (500). When the outer housing (110) is located relatively higher and the inner housing (130) is located relatively lower, the first direction (X) is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer housing (110) is formed in a shape that is open to one side (e.g., the upper side), and an external terminal is inserted into the interior (insertion space (111)) of the outer housing (110) through this opening. The outer housing (110) may be opened in the opposite direction to the first direction (X).

[0076] The inner housing (130) is formed in a shape that is open to one side (e.g., the lower side), and the opening of the inner housing (130) is covered when the connector housing (100) and the sensor housing (500) are combined. The inner housing (130) can be opened in a first direction (X).

[0077] The connector housing (100) may be formed to include an internal partition (120). The internal partition (120) extends along a direction that intersects or is orthogonal to the first direction (X) and forms a portion where the outer terminal (210) and the inner terminal (230) are connected.

[0078] The internal partition (120) of the connector housing (100) separates the insertion space (111) and the connection space (131).

[0079] The connector housing (100) can be formed as a whole as a single unit. The connector housing (100) can be formed by plastic injection molding.

[0080] In the sensor assembly (1) and connector (10), the terminal (200) may be provided in multiple numbers. As shown in the attached drawing, the terminal (200) in the sensor assembly (1) and connector (10) may be provided in four numbers.

[0081] Multiple terminals (200) may each have the same structure. Some terminals (200) may have a different orientation from other terminals (200).

[0082] The terminal (200) comprises an outer terminal (210) and an inner terminal (230). A single terminal (200) is formed as a whole as a single unit. The terminal (200) is made of electrically conductive material.

[0083] The outer terminal (210) is formed along the first direction (X) in the insertion space (111). The outer terminal (210) is the part where electrical connection is directly made with an external terminal. The outer terminal (210) is formed parallel to the first direction (X).

[0084] The inner terminal (230) extends from the outer terminal (210). The inner terminal (230) is formed along the first direction (X) and at least a portion is located in the connecting space (131).

[0085] The terminal (200) may be formed including an intermediate terminal (220). By forming the terminal (200) including the intermediate terminal (220), the terminal (200) may be formed in a shape that is folded twice overall.

[0086] The intermediate terminal (220) extends along a direction that intersects or is orthogonal to the first direction (X) and connects the outer terminal (210) and the inner terminal (230).

[0087] The intermediate terminal (220) is embedded in the connector housing (100). The intermediate terminal (220) is embedded and connected within the inner partition (120) of the connector housing (100).

[0088] The substrate (300) is located on the opposite side of the outer housing (110) with respect to the inner housing (130).

[0089] The substrate (300) includes a plurality of connection terminals (320) connected to the terminal (200). The connection terminals (320) are formed on the surface of the substrate (300). The plurality of connection terminals (320) may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis (A).

[0090] The position of the substrate (300) is fixed inside the sensor assembly (1). The substrate (300) can be fixed directly to the connector housing (100), or can be fixed to the connector housing (100) via other means. The substrate (300) can be fixed to the inner frame (700).

[0091] The coil spring (400) is made of electrically conductive material. The coil spring (400) is formed so that both ends (the end in the first direction (X) and the end opposite to the first direction (X)) are elastically supported by the inner terminal (230) and the substrate (300). The coil spring (400) mediates the electrical connection between the inner terminal (230) and the substrate (300).

[0092] In an embodiment of the present invention, the width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) may be 2 to 8 times the width (w1) of the outer terminal (210). The width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) may be 3 to 7 times the width (w1) of the outer terminal (210). The width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) may be approximately 5 times the width (w1) of the outer terminal (210).

[0093] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the inner terminal (230) is embedded and fixed inside the connector housing (100).

[0094] The thickness (t) of the terminal (200) can be uniform throughout the entire terminal (200). The thickness (t1) of the outer terminal (210) and the thickness (t2) of the inner terminal (230) can be the same.

[0095] The width (w1) and thickness (t1) of the outer terminal (210) can be standardized.

[0096] The width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) is made larger than its thickness (t2). The width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) is made at least twice as large as the thickness (t2) of the inner terminal (230). The width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) can be made 3 to 7 times the thickness (t2) of the inner terminal (230). The width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) can be made about 5 times the thickness (t2) of the inner terminal (230).

[0097] By making the width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) relatively larger than the width (w1) of the outer terminal (210), when the terminal (200) and the connector housing (100) are assembled and combined, the inner terminal (230) portion can be firmly connected to the connector housing (100).

[0098] In one embodiment, the terminal (200) can be coupled to the connector housing (100) by insert injection molding, and even in this case, the width (w2) of the inner terminal (230) is made sufficiently large so that the contact area between the inner terminal (230) and the connector housing (100) can be increased and the terminal can be coupled firmly and stably to the connector housing (100).

[0099] As described below, a guide rib (160) and / or a guide projection (150) are integrally formed in the connector housing (100), and the guide rib (160) and / or the guide projection (150) guide the coupling of the coil spring (400) when the coil spring (400) and the connector housing (100) are assembled. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner terminal (230) does not interfere with the injection molding of the guide rib (160) and / or the guide projection (150) and maintains stable contact between the coil spring (400) and the terminal (200) after the coil spring (400) and the connector housing (100) are assembled.

[0100] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide rib (160) and the guide projection (150) may be made of the same material and may also be formed simultaneously. Accordingly, the guide rib (160) and the guide projection (150) can be stably formed along directions parallel to each other, can stably maintain a state of parallelism, and can stably maintain a shape along the first direction (X).

[0101] Therefore, the coil spring (400) and the connector housing (100) can be easily combined and the combined state can be maintained stably.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of a sensor assembly (1). In FIG. 7, the connector housing (100) is shown in a cross-sectional shape.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner terminal (230) may be formed to include a seating surface (231) and a support projection (232).

[0104] The seating surface (231) forms a surface to which the end of the coil spring (400) is in contact. The seating surface (231) may be formed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X).

[0105] The support projection (232) protrudes in the first direction (X) from both sides in the width direction of the inner terminal (230). As described above, in an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the inner terminal (230) is sufficiently larger than its thickness, and accordingly, the formation of the support projection (232) from both sides in the width direction of the inner terminal (230) can be easily achieved, and the structure of the inner terminal (230) with the support projection (232) formed thereon can be stably maintained.

[0106] When the coil spring (400) and the terminal (200) are combined, a pair of support protrusions (232) are located on both sides of the end of the coil spring (400), so that the end of the coil spring (400) is stably maintained in contact with the inner terminal (230).

[0107] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the connector housing (100).

[0108] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a part of the configuration of the sensor assembly (1) so that the connection space (131) is visible.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing (100) is formed to include a guide projection (150).

[0110] The guide projection (150) is integrally formed with the inner housing (130). The guide projection (150) protrudes from the inner terminal (230) in a first direction (X). With respect to the first direction (X), the degree of protrusion of the guide projection (150) is greater than the degree of protrusion of the support projection (232).

[0111] In the connector housing (100), guide protrusions (150) may be provided in multiple numbers. Guide protrusions (150) may be formed for each terminal (200).

[0112] The diameter of the guide projection (150) may be equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the coil spring (400).

[0113] The guide projection (150) is inserted into the coil spring (400). In the sensor assembly (1) and connector (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide projection (150) facilitates the assembly of the coil spring (400) and the connector housing (100) and ensures that the coupling state of the coil spring (400) is stable.

[0114] The inner terminal (230) may be formed to include a coupling groove (233), and the connector housing (100) may be formed to include a protruding base (140).

[0115] The coupling groove (233) is formed in a shape that is recessed from the center of the seating surface (231) toward the opposite side of the first direction (X). The coupling groove (233) is formed in a shape that penetrates the inner terminal (230) in the second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X).

[0116] The protrusion base (140) forms a portion that fills the interior of the coupling groove (233) in the connector housing (100) and is formed integrally with the inner housing (130) and the guide protrusion (150).

[0117] When the terminal (200) and the connector housing (100) are joined by insert injection, the molten injection material (molten resin) fills the joining groove (233) to form a protrusion base (140) and connects the inner housing (130) and the guide protrusion (150). The protrusion base (140) ensures that the guide protrusion (150) is formed stably and also ensures that the guide protrusion (150) is firmly formed in the connector housing (100).

[0118] The connector housing (100) is formed including guide ribs (160).

[0119] Guide ribs (160) are provided in pairs in corresponding forms. When guide ribs (160) are formed in the connector housing (100), a pair of guide ribs (160) can be formed for each terminal (200). That is, the number of guide ribs (160) can be twice the number of terminals (200).

[0120] The guide rib (160) is integrally formed with the inner housing (130). A pair of guide ribs (160) protrude from the inner terminal (230) in a first direction (X) and are located on both sides of the coil spring (400). The spacing between the pair of guide ribs (160) may be equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the coil spring (400).

[0121] In an embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from the first direction (X), a pair of support protrusions (232) and a pair of guide ribs (160) may be arranged to intersect each other. When viewed from the first direction (X), a pair of support protrusions (232) and a pair of guide ribs (160) may be arranged in a cross shape.

[0122] In an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion length of the support projection (232) from the inner surface (121) of the inner housing (130) may be smaller than the protrusion length of each of the guide projection (150) and the guide rib (160). In an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion length of each of the guide projection (150) and the guide rib (160) from the inner surface (121) of the inner housing (130) may be at least 3 times and no more than 10 times the protrusion length of the support projection (232). In an embodiment of the present invention, even if the protrusion length of the support projection (232) is formed to be relatively short, the assembly of the coil spring (400) can be easily and stably performed, and the support of the coil spring (400) can be stably performed.

[0123] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide projection (150) and guide rib (160) formed on the connector housing (100) allow the coil spring (400) to be assembled stably, and the support projection (232) ensures that the coil spring (400) assembled (together with the guide projection (150) and guide rib (160)) makes stable contact with the terminal (200) without detaching.

[0124] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when manufacturing the connector (10), the shape of the terminal (200) is stably maintained and is firmly coupled to the connector (10), and accordingly, the electrical connection of the terminal (200), coil spring (400), and substrate (300) can be stably established.

[0125] In addition, a means for guiding and supporting the coil spring (400) in the connector (10) can be stably formed, and the electrical connection between the terminal (200), the coil spring (400), and the substrate (300) is stably formed during the manufacture and use of the connector (10) and the sensor assembly (1).

[0126] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and can be modified and varied in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention, and the modified embodiments should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0127] The connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and the sensor assembly including the same have significant industrial applicability in that the electrical connection between the terminal, the coil spring, and the substrate is stably established.

Claims

1. A connector housing comprising an outer housing having an insertion space inside, and an inner housing extending in a first direction from the outer housing and having a connection space inside; A conductive terminal comprising an outer terminal formed along the first direction in the insertion space, and an inner terminal extending from the outer terminal and formed along the first direction, with a portion located in the connection space; and A substrate located on the opposite side of the outer housing with respect to the inner housing; and A coil spring that mediates the connection between the inner terminal and the substrate, with both sides elastically supported by the inner terminal and the substrate; The width of the inner terminal is made to be at least twice as large as the width of the outer terminal, and At least a portion of the inner terminal is embedded and fixed inside the connector housing. Connector.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above inner terminal is, A seating surface to which the end of the coil spring is in close contact; and A pair of support protrusions protruding in the first direction from both sides in the width direction of the inner terminal and located on both sides of the coil spring; comprising Connector.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above connector housing is, A guide projection formed integrally with the inner housing, protruding from the inner terminal in the first direction and inserted into the coil spring, Connector.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above inner terminal is, It includes a coupling groove that is recessed from the center of the above-mentioned seating surface toward the opposite side of the first direction and penetrates the inner terminal in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and The above connector housing is, A projection base that fills the interior of the coupling groove and is integrally formed with the inner housing and the guide projection, Connector.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above connector housing is, It comprises a pair of guide ribs that are integrally formed with the inner housing and protrude from the inner terminal in the first direction and are located on both sides of the coil spring. The above pair of support protrusions and the above pair of guide ribs are arranged to intersect each other. Connector.

6. In Paragraph 5, From the inner surface of the inner housing, the protrusion length of each of the guide projection and the guide rib is at least three times the protrusion length of the support projection. Connector.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above terminal is fixed to the terminal by insert injection, Connector.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above terminal is, A middle terminal extending along a direction intersecting or orthogonal to the first direction and connecting the outer terminal and the inner terminal, Connector.

9. A connector of any one of paragraphs 1 through 6; A sensor housing coupled to the above connector and having an inlet passage for external fluid to flow in; and A pressure chip comprising a pressure chip configured to measure pressure flowing into the inlet passage and provided inside the sensor housing, Sensor assembly.

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