# US 10,502,765 B2 · Sensor module of a modular plug connector

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- Number: US 10,502,765 B2
- Document ID: US10502765B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/561,934
- Filed: 2016-03-23
- Published: 2018-04-26
- Granted: 2019-12-10
- Earliest claimed: 2015-03-30
- Assignees: HARTING Electric GmbH & Co. KG
- Applicants: HARTING Electric GmbH & Co. KG
- Inventors: Lutz Tröger
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10502765B2

## CPC

- G01R 15/181: {using coils without a magnetic core, e.g. Rogowski coils}
- G01R 19/0092: {Measuring current only}
- H01R 13/514: composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
- H01R 13/6683: {with built-in sensor}
- G01R: MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES (indicating correct tuning of resonant circuits H03J3/12)
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS

## Abstract

The disclosure relates to a sensor module for a modular plug connector, wherein the sensor module comprises a core segment and at least two outer segments arranged around the latter, wherein the segments enclose a cavity with one another when assembled. In the cavity, conductor tracks are fitted, preferably with the aid of MID technology, wherein all the conductor tracks in the connected state together form the shape of an annular coil. In a sensor circuit, the annular coil can measure the current flow of a contact element in accordance with the Rogowski principle, which contact element is likewise integrated in the sensor module.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A sensor module for a modular plug connector, wherein:
an annular coil that can be used to measure alternating currents is arranged within the sensor module,
the sensor module comprises a dumbbell-shaped core segment and two or four outer segments that are arranged around the core segment,
the segments in an assembled state enclose a hollow chamber,
the outer segments comprise a concave curvature that is facing the core segment and in each case multiple conductor tracks are applied to surfaces of said outer segments, and
multiple conductor tracks are applied to a peripheral surface of the core segment.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The sensor module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow chamber is annular shaped.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The sensor module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the individual conductor tracks comprise in each case contact sites by way of which it is possible to connect in an electrical manner a conductor track of one segment to at least one conductor track of another segment, and wherein all the conductor tracks in the connected state together form the annular coil.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The sensor module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the contact sites are embodied in a planar manner and comprise a larger surface area than the surface area of the cross-sectional area of the conductor tracks.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The sensor module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the individual conductor tracks comprise in each case two contact sites, and wherein a conductor track of one segment can be connected in an electrical manner to at least two conductor tracks of another segment.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The sensor module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contacting contact sites of the segments are adhered to one another by an electrically conductive adhesive.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The sensor module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conductor tracks are produced with the aid of molded interconnect device (MID) technology.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A system comprising a sensor module as claimed in claim 1 and a modular plug connector.

### Claim 9

A sensor module for a modular plug connector, wherein:
an annular coil that can be used to measure alternating currents is arranged within the sensor module,
the sensor module comprises a dumbbell-shaped core segment and two or four outer segments that are arranged around the core segment,
the segments in an assembled state enclose a hollow chamber,
at least one outer segment comprises at least one feed-through, wherein the feed-through extends from the hollow chamber as far as an exit surface of an outer surface of the outer segment,
the feed-through is coated with an electrically conductive material or comprises an electrically conductive material, and
an electrically conductive connection is provided between a conductor track and the exit surface by way of the feed-through.