FR2566195A1 - Connector having contact attraction using electromagnetic force - Google Patents

Abstract

Device enabling the electrical current to flow in a connector via flat contacts fixedly held in pairs by an electromagnet. The invention relates to a device enabling two connectors to be joined together without mechanical wear, without risk of cable pull-out and offering disconnection security for computer applications. It consists of two shells 1. By opposing these two shells, respecting the direction imposed by the polarisers 9a and 9b, the contacts supplied by the cables 10a and 10b bring into operation the electromagnet 11 which adheres to the metal plate 12. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for computer applications, but also to installations requiring frequent disconnection or pull-out risks.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH ATTRACTION OF CONTACTS BY ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FORCE
The present invention relates to a device premitting electrical current to flow by flat contacts held integrally two by two by an electromagnetic force.

Traditionally, the connector contacts exist in the form of male-female pins inserted into each other, or when they are said to be hermaphrodite or flat are held by mechanical forces such as clips, screws,
In any case wear is inevitable and obliges the user to proceed to a frequent renewal of these connectors.

On the other hand in the event of shock or tearing it is generally the cables which are crimped or unsoldered with their pads, or else the pins which deteriorate or twist, hence a tedious job of rewiring, or even risks. short circuits.

The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks.

It in fact comprises two insulating boxes containing one one or more electromagnets, depending on the number of pads required, the other one or more metal plates with a diameter equal to that of the electromagnet facing it during the meeting of the two boxes.

Each box also contains an insulating stud support plate.

the two plates being rigorously symmetrical.

When the two boxes are brought into contact, two of the studs serving to supply the electromagnet, the latter comes into action, bonding the two boxes. There is therefore no mechanical wear. The electromagnets are calculated so that they can be detached from their metal plates at a certain tearing threshold, calculated according to the cables used and so that these do not loosen.

Finally, in addition to the fact that the electromagnet can be interrupted by a push button placed on the body of one of the boxes and cutting the power supply, it should be noted that a sudden drop in voltage or an outright shutdown of the general circuit leads to the immediate split of the two boxes.

This system therefore offers certain security, which is not negligible in IT, in particular, where voltage drops or untimely restarting of consoles, printers, disk cabinets can cause damage or risk of errors in programs.

Alternatively, it is possible to replace the electromagnets with permanent magnets. There is then no split of the two boxes in the event of a power cut and of course they do not need to be polarized. This function is ensured by the polarity of the magnets. In case of inversion there will be repulsion of the connectors.

According to a preferred embodiment, one of the cases constitutes a cassette which fits into the second case. It supports two springs in abutment allowing the cassette to be ejected when the electromagnet stops. This box can then be a base welded to a printed circuit.

Figure t shows in section a magnetic connector according to the variant.

Figures 2 & 3 show from the front one of the boxes of the same connector
Figure 4 shows in section the operation of a pad.

Figure 5 shows in section an electromagnetic connector according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows in perspective a electromagnetic connector according to the preferred embodiment.

The device shown in Figure 5 has two boxes (1) whose dimensions are variable depending on the number of pads used. These two boxes are presented face to face while respecting the direction imposed by the polarizing devices (9a & 9b). When the studs supplied by the cables (iOa & lOb) touch each other the electromagnet (ii) adheres to the metal plate (12). This supply can be interrupted by pressing the push button (10). The studs (6) held in the cylinders (5) by armature strips (6a) are then perfectly held in contact by the springs (8). the cables (4) are crimped or welded to the lugs (7).

In the variant illustrated in FIG. 1, the electromagnets are replaced by permanent magnets (3) and the polarizing devices by simple protection guides (2).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 the boxes are replaced by male cassettes (la) and female (1) fitting one into the other. The cassette is removed in the event of the electromagnets being cut off by the springs (8 & 8a).

The studs are replaced, taking into account the contact precision offered by the absence of games of the nested cassettes, by flexible copper strips (15) bearing on fixed studs (14) spread over a insulating plate (16)
The device according to the invention is particularly intended for low current electrical jobs (IT, telephone, ...), but also in high and medium voltage electrical jobs requiring special precautions (risk of frequent tearing, mounting and frequent dismantling ...)

Claims (4)

CLAIMS t) Device for connecting or connecting electrical cables characterized in that it comprises two boxes (1) carrying one an electromagnet (11), the other a metal plate (12) adhering one against the 'other as soon as the studs (6) come into contact. t) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the electromagnet (11) and the metal plate (12) are replaced by an even number of permanent magnets (3) acting as polarizing by their polarity. 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the ac acable boxes (1) are replaced by nestable cassettes (i & la) ejected during a power outage by springs (8 & 8a). 4) melon device claims 1, 2 & 3 characterized in that the studs (6) mounted on a spring (8) in a cylinder (5) are replaced by flexible copper strips (13) facing fixed studs ( 14). 5) Device according to claims 1 & 3 characterized in that the number of studs (6) or (13 & 14) can vary from 3 per case including 2 for the supply (10a and 10b) of the electromagnet ( 11) ad infinitum depending on the size of the boxes (1) or (1 & la) 6) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the number of studs (6) or (13 & 14) can vary by one per box to infinity depending on the size of the boxes (1) 7) Device according to claims 4.5.6. characterized in that the pads (6) or (13 & 14) can be made of any conductive material. 8) Device according to claims l, i & characterized in that the boxes (1) and the stud support plates (16) can be made of any insulating material and approved according to the uses in high or low tension) Device according to claim 1, 2 & 3 characterized in that the electromagnets and the permanent magnets (11 & 3) can be chosen according to their strength and their energy density by volume to allow the boxes to break and split in the event of impact or tearing