WO2022214948A1

WO2022214948A1 - Electrical connector for iot

Info

Publication number: WO2022214948A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/053141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandro Galli
Original assignee: Techno Group S.R.L.
Priority date: 2021-04-06
Filing date: 2022-04-05
Publication date: 2022-10-13
Also published as: IT202100008537A1; EP4320689A1

Abstract

The electrical connector (1) for IOT comprises: - at least one socket body (2) and at least one plug body (3), made of electrically insulating material, which are provided with at least a first connecting terminal (4) and with at least a second connecting terminal (5) respectively, coupleable to each other in a removable manner in a mating configuration wherein the connecting terminals (4, 5) are electrically connected to each other, at least one of the connecting terminals (4, 5) being electrically connected to at least one electrical apparatus (6); - at least one IOT device (7), electrically connected to at least one of the connecting terminals (4, 5) and configured to detect at least one datum of interest of the electrical apparatus (6) and/or of the electrical connector (1); wherein at least one of either the socket body (2) or the plug body (3) defines at least one housing compartment (8) of the IOT device (7).

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR IOT

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for IOT.

Background Art

Several electrical connectors for IOT are known to be widely used to electrically interconnect one or more electrical apparatuses to an IOT (Internet Of Things) device, i.e. an electronic device configured to give the electrical apparatus some additional functions, such as e.g. monitoring the operation of the apparatus itself and/or of the connector itself.

Generally, such interconnection is by means of an appropriate socket body and of an appropriate plug body which are connected to the electrical apparatus and to the IOT device, respectively.

Specifically, the socket body and the plug body are coupleable in a removable manner to each other to electrically connect/disconnect the electrical apparatus to the IOT device easily, simply and quickly.

This type of connectors is, however, susceptible to improvement.

In particular, a plurality of IOT devices are known, each provided with connecting portions to the socket body and/or to the plug body having different mechanical and electrical interface characteristics, depending on the manufacturer.

Therefore, the manufacturers of connectors for IOT of known type must produce a plurality of connectors, each provided with a connecting portion having adequate characteristics to allow the connection to a corresponding IOT device.

As a result, this drawback increases the development and production costs of the connectors for IOT of known type.

In addition, the IOT devices are arranged outside of the socket body and of the plug body.

Therefore, the IOT device lacks the protection typically provided to components housed inside the connector, putting the integrity of the IOT device at risk, for example in the event of the connector being exposed to environmental conditions that can jeopardize the integrity of the IOT device itself over time.

In addition, this drawback increases the overall dimensions of the connector for IOT, reducing its flexibility of use.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise an electrical connector for IOT which can be connected easily, simply and quickly.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise an electrical connector which allows protecting the IOT device, while ensuring the integrity thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to reduce the overall dimensions compared to the connectors for IOT of known type.

Another object of the present invention is to devise an electrical connector for IOT which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present electrical connector for IOT having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an electrical connector for IOT, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the electrical connector for IOT according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connection system for IOT according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a detailed view of some components of the electrical connector according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a further axonometric view of the electrical connector according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the electrical connector shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the lighting system according to the invention. Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates an electrical connector for IOT.

The electrical connector 1 for IOT comprises: at least one socket body 2 and at least one plug body 3, made of electrically insulating material, which are provided with at least a first connecting terminal 4 and with at least a second connecting terminal 5 respectively, and mutually coupleable/uncoupleable in a removable manner between at least one working configuration, wherein the connecting terminals 4, 5 are electrically connected to each other, and at least one free configuration, wherein the connecting terminals 4, 5 are electrically disconnected from each other, at least one of the connecting terminals 4, 5 being electrically connected to one electrical apparatus 6; at least one IoT device 7, electrically connected to at least one of the connecting terminals 4, 5 and configured to detect at least one datum of interest of the electrical apparatus 6 and/or of the electrical connector 1.

Preferably, the socket body 2 and the plug body 3 are of the type of two connector bodies of known type, which are shaped so as to be mated in a removable manner with each other by interlocking and which accommodate the connecting terminals 4, 5 inside them.

Preferably, in the working configuration, the socket body and the plug body 3 are mated tightly, so as to protect the contents of the electrical connector 1.

The connecting terminals 4, 5 are electrically conductive and, preferably, of the type of connecting terminals of known type, e.g. of the socket/plug type, wherein the connecting terminals 4, 5 are coupleable in a removable manner, preferably by interlocking.

Conveniently, the socket body 2 comprises a plurality of first connecting terminals 4 and the plug body 3 comprises a plurality of second connecting terminals 5, wherein each of the first connecting terminals 4 is coupleable to a corresponding second connecting terminal 5 in a removable manner.

Therefore, everything described in the remainder of the following disclosure with reference to a first connectingterminal 4 or to a second connecting terminal 5 is to be considered valid for all first connectintgerminal s 4 and all second connectingterminal s 5, respectively.

In particular, at least one of either the socket body 2 or the plug body 3 defines at least one housing compartment 8 of the IOT device 7.

Preferably, the IOT device 7 is of the type of a PCB.

Conveniently, the IOT device 7 is made complementary in shape with respect to the housing compartment 8.

Advantageously, the housing compartment 8 is made inside the electrical connector 1.

Conveniently, the electrical connector 1 comprises connecting means 9, 10 provided with at least a first connecting element 9, made on at least one of the connectingterminal s 4, 5, and at least a second connecting element 10, made on the IOT device 7 and electrically coupleable in a removable manner to the first connecting element 9 in order to electrically connect/disconnect at least one of the connectingterminal s 4, 5 to/from the IoT device 7 located inside the housing compartment 8.

Advantageously, the first connecting element 9 is arranged at least partly within the housing compartment 8, so as to contact the second connecting element 10 when the IOT device 7 is arranged inside the housing compartment 8.

Further embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the second connecting element 10 is arranged at least partly outside the housing compartment 8, so as to contact the first connecting element 9 when the IOT device 7 is arranged inside the housing compartment 8.

Preferably, the first connecting element 9 has a substantially elongated conformation.

In addition, the first connecting element 9 is made in one body piece with the first connectingterminal 4.

Advantageously, the electrical connector 1 comprises at least one seat 11, made on the IOT device 7 and adapted to house the first connecting element 9. Furthermore, the first connecting element 9 is arranged, in use, at least partly inside the seat 11 and is electrically coupled to the second connecting element

10.

In particular, the seat 11 is made in the proximity of the second connecting element 10.

In this way, the seat 11 fixes the position of the first connecting element 9 inside it and keeps it in contact with the second connecting element 10, thus ensuring electrical continuity between the two.

Preferably, the seat 11 consists of a through hole.

Conveniently, at least one of either the socket body 2 or the plug body 3 comprises at least a first closure element 12 defining the housing compartment 8 and at least a second closure element 13 coupleable to the first closure element 12 in a removable manner so as to allow/prevent the access to the housing compartment 8.

Preferably, the first closure element 12 and the second closure element 13 are mutually coupleable by interlocking in a removable manner.

According to the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in the figures, only the socket body 2 comprises the first and the second closure elements 12, 13.

Further embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the plug body 3 has the same characteristics as the socket body 2. Advantageously, the IOT device 7 is arranged within the housing compartment 8 in a removable manner.

In particular, as a result of the uncoupling of the first and of the second closure elements 12, 13, the IOT device 7 is removable/insertable from/into the housing compartment 8.

Preferably, the first closure element 12 is of the type of a hollow container body and the second closure element 13 is of the type of a closure body coupleable to the first closure element 12 to seal the access to the contents of the container body.

Advantageously, the IOT device 7 is insertable/extractable from the first closure element 12 along a direction of engagement/disengagement A.

The IOT device 7, which is housed inside the housing compartment 8, abuts against the first and the second closure elements 12, 13 which, in this way, prevent them from sliding along the direction of engagement/disengagement A. Furthermore, in this configuration, the first connecting element 9 is arranged across the seat 11 along a direction of extension substantially parallel to the direction of engagement/disengagement A.

In this way, the first connecting element 9 and the socket body 2 secure the position of the IOT device 7 inside the seat 11.

In particular, according to the embodiment of the electrical connector 1, the socket body 2 substantially extends longitudinally along the direction of engagement/disengagement A.

Usefully, the electrical connector 1 comprises fastening means 14, 15 of the IOT device 7 inside the housing compartment 8, comprising at least a first mating portion 14, made on the IOT device 7, and at least a second mating portion 15, made inside the housing compartment 8 on at least one of either the socket body 2 or the plug body 3 and operating in conjunction with the second mating portion 15 to prevent the IOT device 7 located inside the housing compartment 8 from moving.

Preferably, the second mating portion 15 is made on the socket body 2. Specifically, the second mating portion 15 defines one of either a groove or a protrusion arranged facing inside the housing compartment 8, while the first mating portion 14 defines the other of either the groove or the protrusion.

In addition, the second mating portion 15 extends along a direction of development substantially parallel to the direction of engagement/disengagement A.

In this manner, the first and the second mating portions 14, 15 constrain the orientation of the IOT device 7 inside the housing compartment 8.

In fact, the first and the second mating portions 14, 15 are coupleable to each other in a removable manner and movable by mutual sliding along the direction of engagement/disengagement A, so as to allow/prevent the insertion of the IOT device 7 inside the housing compartment 8.

Preferably, the first mating portion 14 is a groove made on the IOT device 7 and the second mating portion 15 is a protrusion made on the socket body 2, preferably on the first closure element 12.

Specifically, the fastening means 14, 15 comprise a pair of first mating portions 14 and a pair of second mating portions 15, as shown in Figure 3. Advantageously, the datum of interest detected by the IOT device 7 is selected from the list comprising: the voltage applied to at least one of either the first or the second connectingterminal s 4, 5, the current applied to at least one of either the first or the second connectingterminal s 4, 5, the temperature and/or humidity inside and/or outside the electrical connector 1.

In particular, the IOT device 7 is configured to detect the temperature and/or humidity inside and/or outside of the housing compartment 8.

Preferably, the IOT device 7 is configured to detect a plurality of data of interest different to each other.

In particular, the IOT device 7 comprises sensor means 16 configured to detect one or more data of interest.

Conveniently, the IOT device 7 comprises wireless transmission means 17 of the datum of interest to receiving means 18.

The term receiving means 18 means electronic data receiving/processing means of the known type, such as a PC, server, or the like, configured to receive/process one or more data of interest.

Advantageously, the electrical connector 1 comprises a plurality of IOT devices 7 which can be alternatively housed inside the housing compartment 8 in a removable manner.

Preferably, each of the IOT devices 7 is configured to detect at least one datum of interest which is different to the one detected by the others.

According to the invention, the second connectingterminal 5 is electrically wired to the electrical apparatus 6.

In addition, embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot be ruled out wherein the first connectingterminal 4, preferably by means of the first connecting element 9, is wired to a further electrical apparatus, not shown in the figures, to connect the electrical apparatuses to each other. For example, it cannot however be ruled out that the electrical apparatus 6 is of the type of a lighting assembly, such as e.g. a streetlight, a floodlight or the like, and the further electrical apparatus is, e.g., of the type of a control unit for the electrical apparatus 6.

In this way, the electrical connector 1 allows the electrical apparatuses 6 to be electrically connected to each other and, at the same time, allows the IOT device 7, arranged inside the housing compartment 8 and positioned between the electrical apparatuses 6, to be electrically connected to each other. Conveniently, the electrical connector 1 comprises linking means 20, 21, 23, 24 of one of either the socket body 2 or the plug body 3 to at least one IOT apparatus 19.

In particular, the linking means 20, 21, 23, 24 are adapted to connect the socket body 2 to the IOT apparatus 19 in a removable manner.

In addition, the linking means 20, 21, 23, 24 comprise a mechanical linking assembly 20, 21, adapted to mechanically link the socket body 2 to the IOT apparatus 19 in a removable manner.

Preferably, the mechanical linking assembly 20, 21 comprises at least a first linking portion 20, which is made on the socket body 2, and at least a second linking portion 21, which is made on the IOT apparatus 19 and mechanically coupleable to the first linking portion 20 in a removable manner.

According to the embodiment of the electrical connector 1 shown in the figures, the first linking portion 20 is made on the first closure element 12.

Additionally, the electrical connector 1 comprises a protection body 22 which is mechanically coupleable to the socket body 2 in a removable manner as an alternative to the IOT apparatus 19, so as to protect the portion of the socket body 2 connectable to the IOT apparatus 19.

In particular, the mechanical linking assembly 20, 21 comprises an additional second linking portion 21 made on the protection body 22.

In this manner, the protection body 22 is connected to the socket body 2 when the IOT apparatus 19 is disconnected from it.

Advantageously, the linking means 20, 21, 23, 24 comprise an electrical linking assembly 23, 24 adapted to electrically connect, in a removable manner, the first connectingterminal 4 to the IOT apparatus 19.

Preferably, the electrical linking assembly 23, 24 comprises at least one linking terminal 23 associated with the IOT apparatus 19 and electrically connectable, in a removable manner, to the first connectingterminal 4 by means of the first connecting element 9.

In this manner, the electrical connector 1 allows for the electrical connection between the electrical apparatus 6, the IOT apparatus 19 and the IOT device 7 arranged inside the housing compartment 8.

In addition, the electrical linking assembly 23, 24 comprises an access opening 24 made on the socket body 2 and adapted to allow the electrical connection between the linkingterminal 23 and the first connectingterminal 4 through the housing compartment 8.

Preferably, the access opening 24 is made on the second closure element 13.

In particular, when the IOT apparatus 19 is mechanically connected to the socket body 2, the linkingterminal 23 passes through the access opening 24 and is electrically connected to the first connectingterminal 4.

In more detail, the IOT apparatus 19 extends outside of the electrical connector 1, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Preferably, the IOT apparatus 19 is configured to detect the same data of interest detected by the IOT device 7.

According to the embodiment of the electrical connector 1 shown in the figures, only the socket body 2 defines the housing compartment 8.

Further embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the plug body 3 defines a further housing compartment, not shown in the figures, having similar characteristics to the housing compartment 8 defined by the socket body 2.

Therefore, further embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot be ruled out wherein the same comprises an additional IOT device, not shown in the figures, arranged, in use, in the additional housing compartment 8 and having similar characteristics to the IOT device 7. Consequently, further embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot be ruled out wherein the connecting means 9, 10 comprise an additional first connecting element made on the second connectingterminal 5 and having similar characteristics to the first connecting element 9, and an additional second connecting element made on the further IOT device and having similar characteristics to the second connecting element 10.

Furthermore, additional embodiments of the electrical connector 1 cannot be ruled out wherein the fastening means 14, 15 comprise an additional first and second mating portions, which are made on the additional IOT device and on the plug body 3 respectively, and having similar characteristics to the first and to the second mating portions 14, 15 described with reference to the socket body 2.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a linking system for IOT 25 comprising the electrical connector 1 and at least one of either the IOT apparatus 19 or the additional electrical apparatus.

In addition, the linking system for IOT 25 comprises receiving means 18. According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting system 26 comprising the electrical connector 1 and the electrical apparatus 6, wherein the electrical apparatus 6 is of the type of a lighting assembly provided with at least one light source electrically connected to one of the connectingterminal s 4, 5, such as a streetlight or the like.

Advantageously, the lighting system 26 comprises the IOT apparatus 19, the additional electrical apparatus and the receiving means 18.

Furthermore, preferably, the electrical apparatus 6 comprises at least one containment body 27, within which the apparatus itself is contained.

In addition, the containment body 27 is provided with at least one wall 28 with which the electrical connector 1 is associated in a removable manner, as shown in Figure 1.

In particular, the electrical connector 1 comprises mating means 29 adapted to mate the connector itself to the wall 28 in a removable manner, in such a way that one of either the socket body 2 or the plug body 3 is arranged outside the containment body 27 and the other of either the socket body 2 or the plug body 3 is arranged inside the containment body 27.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects. In particular, the fact is emphasized that the housing compartment allows the IOT device to be connected to the electrical connector easily, simply and quickly.

Advantageously, the housing compartment allows the IOT device to be housed inside the connector, ensuring the protection and soundness thereof, while reducing the overall dimensions compared to the IOT connectors of known type.

Claims

1) Electrical connector (1) for IOT, comprising: at least one socket body (2) and at least one plug body (3), made of electrically insulating material, which are provided with at least a first connectingterminal (4) and with at least a second connectintgerminal (5) respectively, coupleable to each other in a removable manner in a mating configuration wherein said connectingterminal s (4, 5) are electrically connected to each other, at least one of said connectingterminal s (4, 5) being electrically connected to at least one electrical apparatus (6); at least one IOT device (7), electrically connected to at least one of said - - connectingterminal s (4, 5) and configured to detect at least one datum of interest of the electrical apparatus (6) and/or of the electrical connector (1); characterized by the fact that at least one of either said socket body (2) or said plug body (3) defines at least one housing compartment (8) of said IOT device (7).

2) Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises connecting means (9, 10) provided with at least a first connecting element (9), made on at least one of said connectingterminal s (4, 5), and at least a second connecting element (10), made on said IOT device (7) and electrically coupleable in a removable manner to said first connecting element (9) to electrically connect/disconnect at least one of said connectingterminal s (4, 5) to said IOT device (7) located inside said housing compartment (8).

3) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one seat (11), made on said IOT device (7) and adapted to house said at least a first connecting element (9), said at least a first connecting element (9) being arranged, in use, at least partly inside said seat (11) and mated to said at least a second connecting element (10).

4) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said socket body (2) or said plug body (3) comprises at least a first closure element (12), defining said housing compartment (8), and at least a second closure element (13), coupleable to said first closure element (12) in a removable manner to allow/prevent the access to said housing compartment (8).

5) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said IOT device (7) is arranged inside said housing compartment (8) in a removable manner.

6) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises fastening means (14, 15) of said IOT device (7) inside said housing compartment (8), comprising at least a first mating portion (14), made on said IOT device (7), and at least a second mating portion (15), made inside said housing compartment (8) on at least one of either said socket body (2) or said plug body (3) and operating in conjunction with said second mating portion (15) to prevent the movement of said IOT device (7) located inside said housing compartment (8).

7) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises linking means (20, 21, 23, 24) to at least one IOT apparatus (19).

8) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said at least one datum of interest is selected from the list comprising: the voltage applied to at least one of either said first or said second connectingterminal (4, 5), the current applied to at least one of either said first or said second connectingterminal (4, 5), the temperature and/or the humidity inside and/or outside the electrical connector (1).

9) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said IOT device (7) comprises wireless transmission means (17) of said at least one datum of interest to receiving means (18).

10) Electrical connector (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of IOT devices (7) which can be alternatively housed inside said housing compartment (8) in a removable manner.