CONNECTOR WITH SENSOR

• US 20160226197A1
• Filed: 09/10/2014
• Published: 08/04/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Molex LLC (KOCH Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Molex LLC (KOCH Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Spiegel, Marko, Achammer, Daniel G., Blount, Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 9,673,573 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/146 Measuring arrangements for current not covered by other subgroups of G01R15/14, e.g. using current dividers, shunts, or measuring a voltage drop if no voltage isolation is involved G01R1/203 or G01R19/0092
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/202 using Hall-effect devices Hall elements in arrangements for measuring electrical power G01R21/08
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/207 Constructional details independent of the type of device used
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 21/06 by measuring current and voltage G01R21/08 - G01R21/133 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/111 co-operating with pins having a circular transverse section
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/405 Securing in non-demountable manner, e.g. moulding, riveting
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2101/00 One pole

Abstract

A connector includes a housing that supports a core (which can be magnetic) and provides an inner channel. A power terminal is positioned in the inner channel and provides an electrical path between two opposite sides of the housing. The housing further support a sensor that is positioned in a gap in the core. The housing provides electrical isolation between the core and the power terminal. The connector can therefore provide both a power terminal and the ability to sense current in an integrated design.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising:

a housing with an inner channel;

a power terminal positioned in the inner channel;

a core supported by the housing, the core having at least one gap; and

a sensor supported by the housing and positioned in the gap, wherein the sensor is configured to sense delivery of energy through the power terminal.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the core is a magnetic core.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the sensor is a Hall-effect sensor.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the housing include a first frame and a second frame, the first frame including a slot that helps secure the core.

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the second frame supports the sensor and further includes retention tabs configured to support the housing.

6. The connector of claim 5, further comprising a locking block that secures the power terminal in the housing.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the second frame includes an integrated connector.

8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the integrated connector includes an access aperture that extends through the first frame and traces are provided on the housing that extend through the aperture.

9. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a sensor block that supports a cable extending from the connector.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a sensor support that supports the sensor in the gap and the cable is electrically connected to the sensor in the sensor block.