Patent Description:
Electrical components, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) may be connected by electrical connectors. Some environments may be particularly harsh on electrical connectors. For instance, electrical connectors exposed to air pollution may be prone to contamination, oxidation, and/or corrosion.

<CIT> discloses an electric contact unit comprising an insulating base board incorporated with resilient coil-shaped electroconductive members.

<CIT> discloses a contact unit used for electrically connecting two connection objects by a connection means stored in an internal space of a holder formed of an insulation material. The connection means comprises: a coil spring energized outward to be brought into press contact with and electrically connected to the two connection objects.

<CIT> discloses a conductive filled polymer contact which is molded at an aperture through a carrier sheet includes an elongated conductive frame introduced prior to the molding process as an insert which is held captive in the molded contact and which extends from at or near the upper contact surface, through the aperture and terminates at the opposite end at or near the lower contact surface to provide a continuous conductive path through the length of the contact, whereby the sequence of particle to particle interfaces within the molded polymer contact is reduced in number to increase reliability.

<CIT> discloses an electrical connector assembly for releasable electrical connection of a high density memory module to a circuit board. The electrical connector assembly includes a base having an array of apertures extending therethrough for registration with both the contact pads of the memory module and of the circuit board. Resilient terminal assemblies are mounted in each of the apertures of the base.

<CIT> discloses a conductive terminal that includes an elastic pillar, and one or more electric conductive filaments buried in the middle of the elastic pillar, and the electric conductive filament includes an elastic portion formed at the middle and two conductive portions on both ends and exposed from both ends of the elastic pillar respectively.

Devices and methods for a sealed electrical connector are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include a spring connecting a first PCB to a second PCB, wherein the spring includes a first end portion in contact with the first PCB, a second end portion in contact with the second PCB, and a middle portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a spacer surrounding the middle portion of the spring, a first seal seated in a first groove of the spacer and in contact with the first PCB, and a second seal seated in a second groove of the spacer and in contact with the second PCB.

Large facilities (e.g., buildings), such as commercial facilities, office buildings, hospitals, and the like, may have an alarm system that can be triggered during an emergency situation (e.g., a fire) to warn occupants to evacuate. For example, an alarm system may include a control panel (e.g., a fire control panel) and a plurality of aspirating smoke detector devices located throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and/or in different rooms of the facility) that detect a hazard event, such as smoke generation (e.g., as the result of a fire or otherwise). The aspirating smoke detector can transmit a signal to the control panel in order to notify a building manager, occupants of the facility, emergency services, and/or others of the hazard event via alarms or other mechanisms.

An aspirating smoke detector device can be utilized in a facility to detect a hazard event by detecting the presence of smoke. The aspirating smoke detector device can draw gas (e.g., air, via a blower) from the facility into a sensor through a network of pipes throughout the facility. The sensor can sample the gas in order to determine whether the gas includes smoke particles. In response to detection of smoke particles, the aspirating smoke detector device can transmit a signal to a control panel in the facility to signal detection of smoke particles.

Sealed electrical connectors in accordance with the present disclosure can be used to connect electrical components of aspirating smoke detector devices, where air pollution would be likely to cause contamination, oxidation, and/or corrosion in unsealed (e.g., unprotected) electrical connectors. For purposes of illustration, embodiments herein may be discussed in the context of aspirating smoke detector devices. However, it is noted that the present disclosure is not so limited. Sealed electrical connectors in accordance with embodiments herein can be used to connect electrical components of any suitable device.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

As used herein, "a", "an", or "a number of" something can refer to one or more such things, while "a plurality of" something can refer to more than one such things. For example, "a number of components" can refer to one or more components, while "a plurality of components" can refer to more than one component.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a sealed electrical connector <NUM> (sometimes referred to herein simply as "connector <NUM>") in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an isometric view of a sealed electrical connector in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded isometric view of a sealed electrical connector in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be cumulatively referred to herein as "<FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector includes a spring <NUM> extending between a first spring contact point <NUM> (sometimes referred to herein simply as "first contact <NUM>") of a first PCB <NUM> and a second spring contact point <NUM> (sometimes referred to herein simply as "second contact <NUM>") of a second PCB <NUM>. The spring is at least partially compressed, as shown in <FIG>, to provide reliable contact with the first contact <NUM> and the second contact <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> can be a double conic spring, as shown in <FIG>, though it is noted that embodiments herein are not so limited. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> includes a middle portion <NUM> and two opposing end portions: a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. The middle portion <NUM> includes a plurality of coils of a first diameter <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> can include a plurality of coils that taper in diameter from the first diameter <NUM> to a second diameter <NUM> at their respective terminal ends. In some embodiments, the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> taper to different diameters. The size of the second diameter <NUM> can be selected based on a size of the first contact <NUM> and/or the second contact <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the first contact <NUM> and the second contact <NUM> can be a same size or different sizes. Additionally, it is noted that while the middle portion <NUM> is shown as having a substantially continuous diameter <NUM>, embodiments herein are not so limited; the diameter <NUM> of the middle portion <NUM> may taper or otherwise vary along a length of the middle portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> is made of a tinned phosphorous bronze material. In some embodiments, a material comprising the spring <NUM> is selected based on a material comprising the first contact <NUM> and/or the second contact <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM>, the first contact <NUM>, and the second contact <NUM> are made of a same material. Utilizing a same material (e.g., a same alloy) can reduce galvanic corrosion and can increase conductivity through the connector <NUM> by reducing capacitance and/or resistance.

The first PCB <NUM> and the second PCB <NUM> can be substantially parallel, as shown in <FIG>, though it is noted that embodiments herein are not so limited. The first PCB <NUM> and the second PCB <NUM> can be at a different angle and/or position with respect to one another. As used herein, the term "PCB" refers to a device to mechanically support and electrically connect electrical components via conductive traces. In the example of an aspirating smoke detector device, the first PCB <NUM> and/or second PCB <NUM> can include electrical components utilized in detection of smoke via the aspirating smoke detector device. For example, an aspirating smoke detector device can include a blower and sensor head housings. The first PCB <NUM> and/or second PCB <NUM> can be utilized to control the blower (e.g., the speed of the blower), receive signals from the sensor head housings, etc. The first PCB <NUM> and/or second PCB <NUM> can, accordingly, be utilized to control operation of the aspirating smoke detector device to detect smoke particles in a gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device and transmit a signal to a control panel in response to detection of smoke particles in the gas. The first PCB <NUM> and/or second PCB <NUM> can include buttons, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or other electrical components known to those of skill in the art.

The middle portion <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is surrounded by a spacer <NUM>. In the example of an aspirating smoke detector device, the spacer <NUM> is a portion of a manifold (e.g., integrated in the manifold <NUM>, discussed below). As used herein, the term "manifold" refers to a device including at least one inlet and at least one outlet. For example, a manifold can make up a portion of the aspirating smoke detector device and can include various parts, including a flow path, a blower housing, a first sensor head housing, and a second sensor head housing, as are further described herein.

The spacer <NUM> can be manufactured of a plastic material. For example, the spacer <NUM> can be manufactured from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plastic, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), among other types of plastic materials. The spacer <NUM> can be manufactured via multi-shot molding techniques, among other manufacturing techniques.

The spacer <NUM> can define a cylindrical opening. For instance, the spacer <NUM> can include an inner surface defining a lumen having a diameter <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> can exceed the diameter <NUM> of the middle portion <NUM> of the spring <NUM> such that the spring <NUM> can be inserted into the lumen. The diameter <NUM> may be selected to exceed the diameter <NUM> of the middle portion <NUM> by a relatively small amount (e.g., <NUM>% to <NUM>%) to prevent the spring <NUM> from overturning and/or moving within the spacer <NUM>, which could cause contact with the first contact <NUM> and/or second contact <NUM> to be lost.

As previously discussed, the middle portion <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is surrounded by the spacer <NUM>. In some embodiments, portions of the first end portion <NUM> and/or second end portion <NUM> are also surrounded by the spacer <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first end portion <NUM> is surrounded by a first seal <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> is surrounded by a second seal <NUM>.

The first seal <NUM> and the second seal <NUM> can be made of a thermoplastic rubber material. Some embodiments can include over-molding the first seal <NUM> and/or the second seal <NUM> to the spacer <NUM>. The first seal <NUM> and the second seal <NUM> can be seated in grooves. For example, the first seal <NUM> can include a first seating portion <NUM> configured to seat in a first groove <NUM>. The second seal <NUM> can include a second seating portion <NUM> configured to seat in a second groove <NUM>. Each of the first seal <NUM> and the second seal <NUM> can be compressed as the first PCB <NUM> is brought nearer to the second PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, the spring <NUM> is hermetically sealed from outside air, smoke particles, and/or pollution by a combination of the spacer <NUM>, the first seal <NUM>, the second seal <NUM>, the first PCB <NUM>, and the second PCB <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second seal <NUM> includes a plurality of fins <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first seal <NUM> also includes a plurality of fins. Fins can be utilized to provide redundant and/or more reliable sealing from outside air. It is noted that some embodiments may not contain fins and that other features may be utilized to enhance sealing efficacy and may be dependent on the particular material used for the first seal <NUM> and/or the second seal <NUM>.

Embodiments herein can include components configured to retain the spring <NUM> within the lumen of the spacer <NUM>. Such retention may be utilized during manufacture and/or assembly, for instance. As shown in <FIG>, the spacer <NUM> can include an annular projection <NUM>. The annular projection <NUM> may be alternatively referred to as "ledge <NUM>. " Ledge <NUM> can define a retaining diameter <NUM>. The retaining diameter <NUM> is smaller than the diameter <NUM> of the middle portion of the spring <NUM> and larger than the diameter <NUM> of the first end portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the spring <NUM> can be prevented from being removed from the lumen (e.g., from above) by the ledge <NUM>. Such a configuration may be utilized in instances where the first PCB <NUM> is added (e.g., added last) to an assembly that includes the second PCB <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, the first seal <NUM>, and the second seal <NUM>. In some embodiments, retention can be provided by one of the seals. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the second seal <NUM> can include a retaining lip <NUM>. The retaining lip <NUM> can define a lip diameter <NUM>. The lip diameter <NUM> is smaller than the diameter <NUM> of the middle portion of the spring <NUM> and larger than the diameter <NUM> of the second end portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the spring <NUM> can be prevented from being removed from the lumen (e.g., from below) by the retaining lip <NUM>. Such a configuration may be utilized in instances where the second PCB <NUM> is added (e.g., added last) to an assembly that includes the first PCB <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, the first seal <NUM>, and the second seal <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic rubber material of the second seal <NUM> may allow the spring <NUM> to be inserted (e.g., pressed) into the lumen of the spacer <NUM> by temporarily deforming to a diameter sufficiently large to accept the middle portion <NUM> (e.g., a diameter temporarily larger than the lip diameter <NUM>. Thereafter, the retaining lip returns to its normal shape and/or dimensions such that the lip diameter <NUM> is restored and the spring <NUM> is retained.

<FIG> is an example of a method of manufacturing a sealed electrical connector in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. At <NUM>, the method includes providing a spring configured to electrically connect a first printed circuit board (PCB) to a second PCB. In some embodiments, the spring includes a first end portion configured to contact the first PCB, a second end portion configured to contact the second PCB, and a middle portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The spring can be analogous to the spring <NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the method includes inserting the spring into a spacer such that the spacer surrounds the middle portion of the spring. Some embodiments can include inserting the spring into a lumen defined by an inner surface of the spacer. As previously discussed, the spacer can include an annular projection defining a ledge that retains the spring in the lumen. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second seals includes a retaining lip that retains the spring in the lumen.

At <NUM>, the method includes seating a first seal in a first groove of the spacer and a second seal in a second groove of the spacer. The method can include over-molding the first and/or second seal to the spacer. In some embodiments, the method includes force-fitting the first and/or second seals in the groove(s). The seals can be, for example, thermoplastic rubber seals.

At <NUM>, the method includes bringing the first seal into contact with the first PCB, and, at <NUM>, bringing the second seal into contact with the second PCB. The PCBs can be brought into contact with the seals and with the spring <NUM> such that the seals are at least partially compressed around their entire circumference. In some embodiments, the PCBs are between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters apart. For example, in some embodiments, the PCBs are approximately <NUM> millimeters apart. The PCBs can be attached to larger components (e.g., manifolds, housings, etc.). In some embodiments, these components are secured together by one or more suitable fasteners.

<FIG> is an exploded view of an example of a portion of an aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can include a manifold <NUM> and a PCB <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can include a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>. As used herein, the term "PCB" refers to a device to mechanically support and electrically connect electrical components via conductive traces. The PCB <NUM> can, therefore, include electrical components utilized in detection of smoke via the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. For example, although not illustrated in <FIG> for clarity and so as not to obscure embodiments of the present disclosure, the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can include a blower and sensor head housings. The PCB <NUM> can be utilized to control the blower (e.g., the speed of the blower), receive signals from the sensor head housings, etc. The PCB <NUM> can, accordingly, be utilized to control operation of the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> to detect smoke particles in a gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> and transmit a signal to a control panel in response to detection of smoke particles in the gas. The PCB <NUM> can include buttons (e.g., not illustrated in <FIG>), light emitting diodes (LEDs), among other electrical components.

As shown in the exploded view of <FIG>, the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can further include a manifold <NUM>. As used herein, the term "manifold" refers to a device including at least one inlet and at least one outlet. For example, the manifold <NUM> can make up a portion of the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> and can include various parts, including a flow path <NUM>, a blower housing <NUM>, a first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>, and a second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>, as are further described herein.

The manifold <NUM> can be manufactured of a plastic material. For example, the manifold <NUM> can be manufactured from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plastic, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), among other types of plastic materials. Further, the manifold <NUM> can be made of any other type of material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, etc.). The manifold <NUM> can be manufactured via multi-shot molding techniques, for instance.

A flow path <NUM> can be included as part of the manifold <NUM>. The flow path <NUM> can include a first flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> and a second flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> (referred to collectively herein as flow channels <NUM>). The flow channels <NUM> can allow for the flow of gas through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. For instance, gas can flow into and out of different portions of the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> through the flow channels <NUM> for smoke detection, as is further described herein.

The manifold <NUM> can include light pipes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. As used herein, the term "light pipe" refers to a device to transmit light for the purpose of illumination. The light pipes <NUM> can be of a transparent material to allow light (e.g., from an LED of the PCB <NUM>) to be transmitted. The light pipes <NUM>-<NUM> can be in a 2x2 array configuration and the light pipes <NUM>-<NUM> can be in a 1x1 array configuration.

The manifold <NUM> can include a blower housing <NUM>. The blower housing <NUM> can be configured to receive a blower (e.g., not illustrated in <FIG>). The blower can operate to draw gas into and cause gas to flow through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. The blower housing <NUM> can include a blower housing outlet <NUM>. The gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can exit the aspirating smoke detector device through the blower housing outlet <NUM>.

The first flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> can connect the blower housing <NUM> to a first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>. The first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be configured to receive a sensor head (e.g., not illustrated in <FIG>). The first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can include a first sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>. The blower can operate to draw gas into a sensor head located in the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> via the first sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> and out of the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> via the first flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> for detection of smoke particles in the gas.

Similar to the first flow channel <NUM>-<NUM>, the second flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> can connect the blower housing <NUM> to a second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>. The second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can also be configured to receive a sensor head (e.g., not illustrated in <FIG>). The second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can include a second sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>. The blower can operate to draw gas into another sensor head located in the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> via the second sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> and out of the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> via the second flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> for detection of smoke particles in the gas.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the manifold <NUM> can further include a gasket <NUM>. As used herein, the term "gasket" refers to a device located around an area of another device to make the area impervious to the transition of fluid through or around the device. For example, the gasket <NUM> can be located on a "back" side of the manifold <NUM> which is to interface (e.g., rest against) the PCB <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> can fluidically seal the manifold <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>, as is further described in connection with <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of an example of a manifold <NUM> and a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> of an aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The manifold <NUM> can include a gasket <NUM>.

As previously described in connection with <FIG>, the manifold <NUM> can include a gasket <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> can be utilized to fluidically seal the manifold <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>. For example, when the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> is assembled, the manifold <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to (e.g., resting against) the PCB <NUM>. When the manifold <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the PCB <NUM>, the gasket <NUM> can be compressed against the PCB <NUM> to cause the gasket <NUM> to fluidically seal the manifold <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>.

In some examples, the gasket <NUM> can be a thermo-plastic rubber gasket. The gasket <NUM> can be created on the manifold <NUM> via molding techniques, for instance. Further, although the gasket <NUM> is described as a thermo-plastic rubber gasket, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example, the gasket <NUM> can be any other material that can fluidically seal the manifold <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>.

Fluidically sealing the manifold <NUM> to the PCB <NUM> can prevent substances from transiting between the gasket <NUM> into a space between the manifold <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. Such a fluidically sealed space can prevent moisture from entering the space. Accordingly, the gasket <NUM> can guard against moisture interacting with the PCB <NUM>, preventing shorting of the electrical components of the PCB <NUM>, preventing corrosion of the PCB <NUM>, etc..

<FIG> is an exploded view of an example of a manifold <NUM>, a blower <NUM>, and sensor heads <NUM> of an aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can include a manifold <NUM>.

As previously described in connection with <FIG>, the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can include a manifold <NUM>, the manifold including a flow path <NUM>, a blower housing <NUM>, a first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>, and a second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>. The manifold <NUM> can cover the PCB <NUM>. The flow path <NUM> can include the first flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> and the second flow channel <NUM>-<NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the manifold <NUM> can include the blower housing <NUM>. The blower housing <NUM> is configured to receive the blower <NUM>. As used herein, the term "blower" refers to a mechanical device for moving gas in a particular direction. For example, the blower <NUM> can be utilized to move gas through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. The blower <NUM> can, in some instances, comprise a ducted housing having a fan that, when spinning, causes gas (e.g., such as air) to flow in a particular direction.

The blower housing <NUM> is configured to receive the blower <NUM> when the blower <NUM> is oriented in a particular configuration. For example, the blower housing <NUM> can be designed such that the blower <NUM> can fit into the blower housing <NUM> in a single orientation. This can prevent the blower <NUM> from being installed in the blower housing <NUM> in an incorrect orientation.

The blower housing <NUM> can include a blower cover gasket <NUM>. The blower cover gasket <NUM> can be formed on the blower housing <NUM> by, for instance, molding techniques. The blower cover gasket <NUM> can be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber gasket, among other examples.

The manifold <NUM> can additionally include the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>. The first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be connected to the blower housing <NUM> via the first flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> and can receive a first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM>. As used herein, the term "sensor head" refers to a device to detect events and/or changes in its environment and transmit the detected events and/or changes for processing and/or analysis. For example, the sensor heads <NUM> can be utilized to detect smoke particles in gas transiting through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. In some examples, the first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> can be a nephelometer (e.g., an aerosol photometer) to measure the concentration of smoke particles in a gas by utilizing light scattered by smoke particles. However, the first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> can be any other type of smoke detection sensor that detects smoke utilizing gas transiting through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>.

The first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be configured to receive a first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to receive the first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> when the first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> is oriented in a particular configuration. For example, the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be designed such that the first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> can fit into the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> in a single orientation. This can prevent the first sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> from being installed in the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> in an incorrect orientation.

The first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can include a first sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM>. The first sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM> can be formed on the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> by, for instance, molding techniques. The first sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM> can be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber gasket, among other examples.

Similar to the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>, the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be connected to the blower housing <NUM> via the second flow channel <NUM>-<NUM> and can receive a second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM>. The second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> can be a nephelometer or any other type of smoke detection sensor that detects smoke utilizing gas transiting through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. Additionally, the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be configured to receive the second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to receive the second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> when the second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> is oriented in a particular configuration. For example, the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can be designed such that the second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> can fit into the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> in a single orientation. This can prevent the second sensor head <NUM>-<NUM> from being installed in the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> in an incorrect orientation.

The second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can include a second sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM>. The second sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM> can be formed on the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> by, for instance, molding techniques. The second sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM> can be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber gasket, among other examples.

<FIG> is perspective view of an example of a housing <NUM> and a PCB <NUM> of an aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing <NUM> can house the PCB <NUM>, as is further described herein.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>. As used herein, the term "housing" refers to an outer shell of a device. The housing <NUM> can be a "rear" housing of the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> which can house the PCB <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> can retain the PCB <NUM> after assembly of the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> can include LEDs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The LEDs <NUM>-<NUM> can be in a 2x2 array configuration to correspond with the 2x2 array configuration of the light pipes (e.g., light pipes <NUM>-<NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>) and the LEDs <NUM>-<NUM> can be in a 1x1 array configuration to correspond with the 1x1 array configuration of the light pipes (e.g., light pipes <NUM>-<NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>).

Although not illustrated in <FIG> for clarity and so as not to obscure embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> can include a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism can retain the PCB <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The fastening mechanism can be, for example, a clamp(s), a snap clip, a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, etc.), among other types of fastening mechanisms.

Additionally, although not illustrated in <FIG> for clarity and so as not to obscure embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> can include mounting locations. The mounting locations can include, for instance, a hole through which a fastener can secure the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> to a wall or other object. The fastener can be secured to the wall or other object and slipped through the hole of the mounting location such that the housing <NUM> can rest on the fastener to mount the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> to the wall or other object.

The housing <NUM> can include a first housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>, a second housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>, and a housing outlet <NUM>. The first housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>, the second housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>, and the housing outlet <NUM> can be apertures in the structure of the housing <NUM>. The first housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> can receive a first sensor head housing inlet, the second housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> can receive a second sensor head housing inlet, and the housing outlet <NUM> can receive a blower housing outlet, as is further described in connection with <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> can further include snap clips <NUM>. As used herein, the term "snap clip" refers to a fastening mechanism including a protruding flange having an engagement tooth. The snap clips <NUM> can be deflected when an object to be secured is inserted adjacent to the snap clips <NUM> and an engagement tooth of each of the snap clips can engage with a surface of the object to secure the object, as is further described in connection with <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example of a housing <NUM> and a manifold <NUM> of an aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> having a blower housing cover <NUM> and sensor head housing cover <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The manifold <NUM> can include a blower housing <NUM> and sensor head housings <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> can be partially assembled. For example, the manifold <NUM> can be connected to the housing <NUM> via a snap clip (e.g., snap clip <NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>). The snap clip can be deflected when the manifold <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM> and an engagement tooth of the snap clip can engage with a surface of the manifold <NUM> to connect the manifold <NUM> to the housing <NUM>.

When the manifold <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM>, the first sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> can be coaxially located with the first housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>. Additionally, the second sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> can be coaxially located with the second housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, although not illustrated in <FIG> for clarity and so as not to obscure embodiments of the present disclosure, a blower housing outlet can be coaxially located with the housing outlet (e.g., housing outlet <NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>). Accordingly, gas can flow into the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> via the first sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM> and/or the second sensor head housing inlet <NUM>-<NUM>, to the sensor heads located in the sensor head housings <NUM>, through the flow channels, and out the blower housing outlet, during which time the sensor heads can determine whether the gas includes smoke particles.

In order to ensure the gas flowing through the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM> is not mixed with gas located outside the aspirating smoke detector device <NUM>, the various housings comprising the manifold <NUM> can be fluidically sealed. For example, the blower housing <NUM> can receive a blower housing cover <NUM>. As previously described in connection with <FIG>, the blower housing <NUM> can include a cover gasket (e.g., blower cover gasket <NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>). When the blower housing cover <NUM> is connected to the blower housing <NUM>, the blower cover gasket can fluidically seal the blower housing <NUM> to the blower housing cover <NUM>.

Similar to the blower housing <NUM>, the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can receive a sensor head housing cover <NUM> to cover the first sensor head and the second sensor head respectively located therein. As previously described in connection with <FIG>, the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> can include a cover gasket (e.g., first sensor head housing cover gasket <NUM>-<NUM>, previously described in connection with <FIG>). When the sensor head housing cover <NUM> is connected to the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM>, the sensor head housing cover gasket can fluidically seal the first sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sensor head housing <NUM>-<NUM> to the sensor head housing cover <NUM>.

This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the independent claims.

Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein and within the scope of the independent claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An assembly comprising an electrical connector (<NUM>), a first printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) and a second PCB (<NUM>), the electrical connector (<NUM>) comprising:
a spring (<NUM>) connecting the first PCB to the second PCB, wherein the spring (<NUM>) includes:
a first end portion (<NUM>) in contact with the first PCB (<NUM>);
a second end portion (<NUM>) in contact with the second PCB (<NUM>); and
a middle portion (<NUM>) extending between the first end portion (<NUM>) and the second end portion (<NUM>);
a spacer (<NUM>) surrounding the middle portion (<NUM>) of the spring (<NUM>);
a first seal (<NUM>) seated in a first groove (<NUM>) of the spacer (<NUM>) and in contact with the first PCB (<NUM>); and
a second seal (<NUM>) seated in a second groove (<NUM>) of the spacer (<NUM>) and in contact with the second PCB (<NUM>).