EP3514893A2

EP3514893A2 - Tool connector

Info

Publication number: EP3514893A2
Application number: EP19151490.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Allen Johnson; Christopher James Joseph; Chi Hong Ho
Original assignee: TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2018-01-18
Filing date: 2019-01-11
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Also published as: CN110061394A; EP3514893A3; CN110061394B

Abstract

A connector plug assembly for use in power tool, comprising a tool connector and a plug connector, wherein the plug connector is arranged to detachably couple with the tool connector for supplying energy. The tool connector comprises at least one male terminal or at least one female receptacle on one end, wherein the tool connector is arranged to connect with a power tool on the other end. The plug connector comprises at least one male terminal or at least one female receptacle on one end, and a plug on the other end, wherein the plug is arranged to be inserted into a wall socket. The waterproof design and the limiting structure of the connector plug assembly protect tools from being damaged due to overloading, and users from significant danger such as electric shock.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector plug assembly and particularly, although not exclusively, to a connector plug assembly for connecting a power tool to a wall socket for energy.

BACKGROUND

Plug and socket are typically used for connecting one device to another. In a usual setting, a plug refers to a male plug with some electrical pin contacts, while a socket refers to a female receptacle with some receiving structures for receiving the electrical pin contacts, and thus enabling electrical connection between one device and another.
The plug usually has more than one pin or prong to be inserted in a female socket, and the pin or prong is designed to have a corresponding shape and length to that of the female receptacle. This is desired for establishing a good electrical connection between the plug and socket upon mating of the pin or prong with the receptacle.
In some situations, each individual female socket is manufactured to connect to different devices, such that a device with the male plug can be mated with different devices with a female socket, depends on user's need. Due to its convenience and versatility, plug and socket are widely used in many electrical devices. However, accidents are common due to mismatching the connectors designed for different power ratings, and most if not all of the plugs and sockets are prone to damage upon contact with water, thereby posing significant danger to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool connector containing at least one male terminal or at least one female receptacle on one end, wherein the tool connector is arranged to connect with a power tool on the other end.
Preferably, or optionally, the tool connector may be further adapted to connect to a power tool through a cable, a power cord or a wire, and may be arranged to couple and electrically connect with a second connector through the at least one male terminal or the at least one female receptacle.
Preferably, or optionally, the tool connector may further include a screw thread on an outer circumferential portion of the tool connector, or a screw thread on the inner circumferential portion of a lock ring, wherein the lock ring is arranged to secure the tool connector with the second connector upon coupling.
More preferably, or optionally, the tool connector may further include a sealing ring to sealingly couple the tool connector with the second connector.
According to one variation of the preferred embodiments, the tool connector may further contain a limiting structure for overcurrent protection. Preferably, or optionally, the limiting structure may include a number of key or groove, corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector. More preferably, or optionally, the number of key or groove may increase with the current rating of the tool connector.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a plug connector comprising at least one male terminal or at least one female receptacle on one end; and a plug on the other end, wherein the plug is arranged to be inserted into a wall socket.
Preferably, or optionally, the plug connector may be further arranged to couple and electrically connect with a second connector through the at least one male terminal or the at least one female receptacle for supplying energy.
Preferably, or optionally, the plug connector may further contain a screw thread on an outer circumferential portion of the plug connector, or a screw thread on the inner circumferential portion of a lock ring, wherein the lock ring is arranged to secure the plug connector with the second connector upon coupling.
More preferably, or optionally, the plug connector may further contain a sealing ring to sealingly couple the plug connector with the second connector.
In one specific implementation, the plug connector may further contain a limiting structure for overcurrent protection. Preferably, or optionally, the limiting structure may include a number of key or groove, corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector. More preferably, or optionally, the number of key or groove may increase with the current rating of the plug connector.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector plug assembly for use in power tool comprising a tool connector of the first aspect and a plug connector of the second aspect of the invention; wherein the plug connector is arranged to detachably couple with the tool connector for supplying energy.
Preferably, or optionally, the plug connector may contain a plug on one end arranged to be inserted into a wall socket for supplying energy to a power tool through the tool connector.
According to one variation of the preferred embodiments, the connector plug assembly may contain a locking mechanism arranged to secure the connection between the tool connector and the plug connector. Preferably, or optionally, the locking mechanism may include a lock ring arranged on the tool connector or the plug connector, and whereby upon coupling between the tool connector and the plug connector, the tool connector and the plug connector are in a locked position when threadedly engaged with each other by rotating the lock ring.
In one specific implementation, the connector plug may further contain a sealing ring between the tool connector and the plug connector. Preferably, or optionally, the sealing ring may be arranged to be compressed in the locked position, such that the connector plug assembly is substantially waterproof.
According to another variation of the preferred embodiments, the connector plug may further contain a limiting structure for overcurrent protection.
Preferably, or optionally, the tool connector may include a number of key, corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector. More preferably, or optionally, the plug connector may include a number of grooves, corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector. Most preferably, or optionally, the number of key and groove may increase with the current rating of the tool connector and the plug connector respectively. Ideally, or optionally, the number of key may be equal or smaller than the number of groove, and each key may be arranged to insert into one said groove.
According to a further variation of the preferred embodiments, the tool connector may include a number of grooves, corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector. Preferably, or optionally, the plug connector may include a number of key, corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector. More preferably, or optionally, the number of grooves and keys may increase with the current rating of the tool connector and the plug connector respectively. Ideally, or optionally, the number of key may be equal or smaller than the number of groove, and each key may be arranged to insert into one said groove.
In one specific implementation, the limiting structure may further limit the relative rotation between the tool connector and the plug connector upon connection.
According to a further variation of the preferred embodiments, the connector plug assembly may further contain a slidable cover sleeve for covering the lock ring in the locked position. Preferably, or optionally, the connector plug assembly may further contain a mating mechanism for securing one end of the cover sleeve to a lip on the tool connector or the plug connector. Ideally, or optionally, the maximum gap between one end of the cover sleeve and the lip may be 0.4mm.
More preferably, or optionally, the mating mechanism may contain a recess on an inner side of the cover sleeve, arranged to mate with a lock on the tool connector or the plug connector.
In one specific implementation, the cover sleeve may further contain a cut for facilitating the removal of the cover sleeve from the tool connector or the plug connector.
It is an object of the present invention to address the above needs, to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages or, more generally, to provide a waterproof connector plug assembly that allows the tool to be connected to virtually any electrical outlet with different voltage outputs. Given that variable plug connectors can be used to connect the tool to different types of wall socket, it allows the tool to be used in a more flexible manner. The invention is applicable but not limited to use with a power tool by a layman. Safety measures include a limiting structure on the connectors to avoid users from mismatching between incompatible connectors, thus protecting the tool and connectors from damage due to overloading. In addition, the connector plug assembly further comprises a cover sleeve with a mating mechanism for hiding the connection between connectors and prevent easy removal between the plug connector and the tool connector.
Any feature or features from one aspect, embodiment or implementation as is described herein may be combined with any other aspect, embodiment or implementation, of feature or features thereof, as is described herein, as appropriate and applicable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tool connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tool connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plug connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plug connector of Figure 3;
Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a connector plug assembly comprising the tool connector of Figure 1 and the plug connector of Figure 3;
Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the connector plug assembly of Figure 5 ain a locked position;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the connector plug assembly of Figure 5b;
Figures 7a-7d are front views of plug connectors with different numbers of grooves in four different embodiments;
Figures 7e-7h are a front view of a tool connector with different numbers of key in four different embodiments;
Figure 8a is a perspective view of a connector plug assembly with a cover sleeve;
Figure 8b is a see-through view of the cover sleeve of the connector plug assembly of Figure 8a;
Figure 8c is a cross-sectional view of the connector plug assembly of Figure 8a; and
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tool connector of Figure 1 in another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a tool connector 100 in one embodiment. The tool connector 100 comprises at least one male terminal 102 on one end and wherein the tool connector 100 is arranged to connect with a power tool (not shown) on the other end. The tool connector 100 is adapted to connect to the power tool through an electrical connection 104 such as a cable, a power cord or a wire. Note that some components of the tool connector 100, such as the electric leads, are not shown in Figure 1 for the sake of simplicity.
The tool connector 100 is arranged to couple and electrically connect with a second connector (not shown) through the at least one male terminal 102. In this embodiment, there are two male terminals 102 for inserting into two respective female receptacles (not shown) of the second connector. The tool connector 100 may be elongated and cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the tool connector 100 is wrapped with an outer layer of insulated material such as plastic and rubber, for minimising the risk and danger to users in case of electric shock. On one end, the tool connector 100 is adapted to connect with a cable 104 for connecting to a power tool or an electrical device.
In this embodiment, the tool connector 100 comprises two male terminals 102 on one end for electrically connecting with two female receptacles of a second connector (not shown). Preferably, the tool connector 100 further comprises a lock ring 106 for securing the tool connector 100 with the second connector upon coupling. There may be a screw thread on the inner circumferential portion of the lock ring 106 for engaging with a screw thread on the outer circumferential portion of the second connector.
The tool connector 100 further comprises a limiting structure 108 for overcurrent protection, wherein the limiting structure 108 includes a number of key or groove, corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector 100. In this embodiment, the tool connector 100 comprises one key 108. Preferably, the number of key 108 or groove increases with the current rating of the tool connector 100. For example, a tool connector with a current rating of 2.5A and another tool connector with a current rating of 5A may have one key and two keys respectively.
Figures 3 and 4 show a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a plug connector 200 in one embodiment. The plug connector 200 comprises at least one female receptacle 202 on one end and a plug 204 on the other end, wherein the plug 204 is arranged to be inserted into a wall socket. The plug 204 may be a two-pin plug or a three-pin plug able to be directly plugged into a wall socket for power supply. The plug connector is an example of the second connector as mentioned above which is suitable for cooperating with the tool connector in Figures 1 and 2.
In this embodiment, the plug connector 200 comprises a body 210 housing the plug 204 on one end and the female receptacles 202 on the other end. The plug connector 200 is arranged to couple and electrically connect with a second connector (not shown) through the two female receptacles 202. Preferably, the body 210 is made of insulated material such as plastic and rubber, for minimising the risk and danger to users in case of electric shock.
Preferably, the plug connector 200 further comprises a screw thread 206 on the outer circumferential portion for engaging the plug connector 200 with the second connector upon coupling. In this embodiment, the screw thread 206 on the outer circumferential portion of the plug connector engages with a screw thread on the inner circumferential portion of the lock ring of the second connector (not shown). Additionally, the plug connector 200 may comprise a sealing ring 212 for sealingly coupling with the second connector. Upon coupling and engaging with a lock ring, the sealing ring is compressed such that the connection is substantially waterproof.
The plug connector 200 further comprises a limiting structure 208 for overcurrent protection, wherein the limiting structure 208 includes a number of key or groove 208, corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector 200. In this example, the plug connector 200 comprises one groove 208. Preferably, the number of key or groove increases with the current rating of the plug connector 200. For example, a plug connector with a current rating of 2.5A and another plug connector with a current rating of 5A may have one groove and two grooves respectively.
Figures 5a, 5b and 6 show a connector plug assembly 300 for use in power tool in an unlocked position and a locked position respectively where the connector plug assembly 300 includes the tool connector 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the plug connector 200 shown in Figures 3 and 4, wherein the plug connector 200 is arranged to detachably couple with the tool connector 100 for supplying energy.
In this embodiment, the tool connector 100 is adapted to a cable 104 for connecting to a power tool, and the plug connector 200 comprises a two-pin plug 204 on one end arranged to be inserted into a wall socket. Upon coupling between the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200 and plugging the plug 204 on the plug connector 200 to the wall socket, the connector plug assembly 300 supplies energy to the power tool through the tool connector 100 and plug connector 200. Preferably, the outer portion of the connector plug assembly 300 is of insulated material such as plastic and rubber, so as to minimise the risk and danger to users in case of electric shock, as well as to prevent the assembly 300 from being in contact or damaged by water.
A locking mechanism 106 is arranged to secure the connection between the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200 such that the connection and energy supply to the power tool is unlikely to be accidently interrupted due to connectors falling apart. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 106 comprises a lock ring 106 arranged on the tool connector 100. A user may couple the tool connector 100 with a compatible plug connector 200 by inserting the two male terminals 102 of the tool connector 100 to the two female receptacles 202 of the plug connector 200. Upon coupling, the user may lock the two connectors together by rotating the lock ring 106 in a clockwise direction, such that the lock ring 106 on the tool connector 100 is threadedly engaged with the plug connector 200. At this locked position, the sealing ring 212 is compressed between the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200, such that the connector plug assembly 300 is substantially waterproof. Similarly, to unlock the connection between the two connectors, the user may rotate the lock ring 106 in an anticlockwise direction, such that the lock ring 106 on the tool connector 100 is threadedly disengaged with the plug connector 200.
The connector plug assembly 300 further comprises a limiting structure for overcurrent protection. In this embodiment, the tool connector 100 may include a number of key corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector 100, and the plug connector 200 may include a number of groove corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector 200. The number of key and groove increase with the current rating of the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200 respectively. For example, a tool connector and a plug connector with a 2.5A current rating may have one key and groove respectively; a tool connector and a plug connector with a 5A current rating may have two keys and grooves respectively. The limiting structure further limits the relative rotation between the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200 upon connection.
Figures 7a to 7d show four embodiments of a front view of a set of plug connector 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d with different numbers of groove 408. Figures 7e to 7h show four embodiments of a front view of a set of tool connector 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d with different numbers of key 508. In this example, there are one, two, three and four grooves 408 in Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d respectively, with a corresponding current rating of 2.5A, 10A, 13A and 16A. Similarly, there are one, two, three and four keys 508 in Figures 7e, 7f, 7g and 7h respectively, with a corresponding current rating of 2.5A, 10A, 13A and 16A.
In order for two connectors to couple, the number of key has to be equal or smaller than the number of groove. In another word, a tool connector is only allowed to connect with a plug connector with an equal or higher current rating, such that the current drawn by the tool will not exceed the maximum limits of the connectors and damage the connectors. To illustrate, the tool connector 500a with one key 508 and a current rating of 2.5A in Figure 7e can connect with the plug connectors 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d in Figure 7a to 7d, with each of them having a current rating equal or greater than 2.5A. On the other hand, the tool connector 500c with three keys 508 and a current rating of 13A in Figure 7g can only connect with the plug connectors 400c and 400d in Figure 7c and 7d, having a current rating of 13A and 16A respectively. This arrangement of limiting structure is particularly advantageous in preventing overcurrent, thus damaging the connectors and tools.
Referring to Figure 8a, there is shown a side view of a connector plug assembly 300 with a cover sleeve. The connector plug assembly 300 may further comprise a slidable cover sleeve 312 for covering the lock ring in the locked position. Optionally, the cover sleeve 312 may be of the same colour as the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200 such that the connection appears seamless. The connector plug assembly 300 further comprises a mating mechanism for securing one end of the cover sleeve 312 to a lip 314 on the tool connector 100 or the plug connector 200.
Figures 8b and 8c respectively show a see-through view and a cross-sectional view of the connector plug assembly 300 with the cover sleeve 312 of Figure 8a. The mating mechanism may include a recess on an inner side of the cover sleeve 312, arranged to mate with a lock 316 on the tool connector 100 or the plug connector 200. Preferably, the maximum gap between one end of the cover sleeve 312 and the lip 314 is 0.4mm. This gap is small to prevent users for removing the cover sleeve 312 easily or accidently. The cover sleeve 312 further comprises a cut 318 for facilitating the removal of the cover sleeve 312 from the tool connector 100 or the plug connector 200 by a qualified personnel.
The connector plug assembly 300 is advantageous in that it includes a plug 204 on one side to supply energy from the wall socket to the power tool. The limiting structure 108, 208 provides overcurrent protection to the connectors and the tool to prevent mismatch of connectors and damage to the tool. Furthermore, it comprises a lock ring 108, a sealing ring 212 and a cover sleeve 312 for securing the connection between the tool connector 100 and the plug connector 200, such that the connector plug assembly is waterproof and safe for general users..
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
For example, although two metal terminals are shown on the tool connector in the above embodiments, skilled persons would realize that there may be three, four or six male terminals arranged to be on the tool connector for inserting into three, four or six female receptacles of the plug connector, according to electric sockets standards in different countries for example.
The above embodiments show that the female receptacles are configured on the plug connector, and the male receptacles are configured on the tool connector. However, it is also possible to make the tool connector including the female receptacles and the plug connector including the male terminals. Similarly, the sealing ring is configured on the plug connector in the above embodiment, but it may also be configured on the tool connector, as shown in Figure 9.
Those skilled in the art could also realize that the numbers of key and groove of the limiting structure are not limited to one to four, as illustrated in Figure 7a-7h, and/or the tool connector may contain the grooves and the plug connector may contain the key instead.
Moreover, different from the embodiments described above, the plug connector may contain the lock ring and arranged to be threadedly engaged with a screw thread on an outer circumferential portion of the tool connector for securing the connection between two connectors. The shape of the connector plug could also be in shapes other than round ones, for example rectangular or square in shape.
Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

A tool connector, comprising:
at least one male terminal or at least one female receptacle on one end; wherein the tool connector is arranged to connect with a power tool on the other end.
The tool connector in accordance with claim 1, is further adapted to connect to a power tool through a cable, a power cord or a wire.
The tool connector in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool connector is arranged to couple and electrically connect with a second connector through the at least one male terminal or the at least one female receptacle;
and, optionally, wherein the tool connector further comprises a screw thread on an outer circumferential portion of the tool connector, or a screw thread on the inner circumferential portion of a lock ring, wherein the lock ring is arranged to secure the tool connector with the second connector upon coupling;
and, optionally, wherein the tool connector further comprises a sealing ring to sealingly couple the tool connector with the second connector.
The tool connector in accordance with any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a limiting structure for overcurrent protection;
and, optionally, wherein the limiting structure includes a number of key or groove, corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector;
and, optionally, wherein the number of key or groove increases with the current rating of the tool connector.
A plug connector, comprising:
at least one male terminal or at least one female receptacle on one end; and a plug on the other end, wherein the plug is arranged to be inserted into a wall socket.
The plug connector in accordance with claim 5, further arranged to couple and electrically connect with a second connector through the at least one male terminal or the at least one female receptacle for supplying energy.
The plug connector in accordance with claim 5 or 6,
the plug connector further comprising a screw thread on an outer circumferential portion of the plug connector, or a screw thread on the inner circumferential portion of a lock ring, wherein the lock ring is arranged to secure the plug connector with the second connector upon coupling;
OR
the plug connector further comprising a sealing ring to sealingly couple the plug connector with the second connector.
The plug connector in accordance with any of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a limiting structure for overcurrent protection;
and, optionally, wherein the limiting structure comprises a number of key or groove, corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector;

and, optionally, wherein the number of key or groove increases with the current rating of the plug connector.
A connector plug assembly for use in a power tool, comprising:
a tool connector of any of claims 1 to 4; and

a plug connector of any of claims 5 to 8;
wherein the plug connector is arranged to detachably couple with the tool connector for supplying energy.
The connector plug assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein the plug connector comprises a plug on one end arranged to be inserted into a wall socket for supplying energy to a power tool through the tool connector.
The connector plug assembly in accordance with claim 9 or 10, wherein a locking mechanism is arranged to secure the connection between the tool connector and the plug connector;
and, optionally, wherein the locking mechanism comprising a lock ring arranged on the tool connector or the plug connector, and whereby upon coupling between the tool connector and the plug connector, the tool connector and the plug connector are in a locked position when threadedly engaged with each other by rotating the lock ring;

and, optionally, wherein the connector plug assembly comprises a sealing ring between the tool connector and the plug connector;

and, optionally, wherein the sealing ring is arranged to be compressed in the locked position, such that the connector plug assembly is substantially waterproof.
The connector plug assembly in accordance with any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a limiting structure for overcurrent protection;
and, optionally, wherein the tool connector comprises a number of key, corresponding to a current rating of the tool connector;
and, optionally, wherein the plug connector comprises a number of groove, corresponding to a current rating of the plug connector;
and, optionally, the number of key and groove increase with the current rating of the tool connector and the plug connector respectively.
The connector plug assembly in accordance with claim 12, wherein the number of key is equal or smaller than the number of groove, and each key is arranged to insert into one said groove.
The connector plug assembly in accordance with any of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a slidable cover sleeve for covering the lock ring in the locked position;
and, optionally, wherein the cover sleeve further comprises a cut for facilitating the removal of the cover sleeve from the tool connector or the plug connector.
The connector plug assembly in accordance with claim 14, further comprising a mating mechanism for securing one end of the cover sleeve to a lip on the tool connector or the plug connector;
and, optionally, wherein the maximum gap between one end of the cover sleeve and the lip is 0.4mm or the mating mechanism comprises a recess on an inner side of the cover sleeve, arranged to mate with a lock on the tool connector or the plug connector.