GB2291278A - Two part electrical connector - Google Patents

Two part electrical connector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2291278A
GB2291278A GB9412468A GB9412468A GB2291278A GB 2291278 A GB2291278 A GB 2291278A GB 9412468 A GB9412468 A GB 9412468A GB 9412468 A GB9412468 A GB 9412468A GB 2291278 A GB2291278 A GB 2291278A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
connector
contacts
electrical connector
connector part
electrical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9412468A
Other versions
GB9412468D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Richard Inman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
INPIN Ltd
Original Assignee
INPIN Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by INPIN Ltd filed Critical INPIN Ltd
Priority to GB9412468A priority Critical patent/GB2291278A/en
Publication of GB9412468D0 publication Critical patent/GB9412468D0/en
Publication of GB2291278A publication Critical patent/GB2291278A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/652—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding   with earth pin, blade or socket
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/28—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
    • H01R24/30—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable with additional earth or shield contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R27/00—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

The connector has a first part 2 which is connected to an electrical appliance, and a second part 12 which connects to the electricity power supply. The first part 2 has a flat face 4 on which surface contacts are disposed, and the second part has cooperating contacts, preferably also arranged on a flat face 16 of plate 14. The second part includes a backing plate 24 and side parts 26 forming a cavity into which the first part can be inserted. Different versions of the second part, with electricity supply connections 20 suitable for different countries can be provided. The first part may include an AC/AC or AC/DC adapter. <IMAGE>

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR The present invention relates to electrical connectors, in particular, connectors via which mains electricity is supplied.
There is an on-going standardization of national supply voltages throughout Europe. Specifically, countries in Europe which use a 220 volts supply, and also countries such as the United Kingdom presently operating at 240 volts, will standardize to 230 volts. In consequence, electrical and electronic products will not need to be especially adapted for different national markets in Europe except by fitting an appropriate power supply plug.
Further to this, national legislation in many European states requires electrical and electronic products to be sold with a moulded plug included. The need to apply the correct plug for a particular national market can cause problems, where the product market is European wide.
The present invention provides a two-part electrical connector having a first connector part for connection in use to an electrical appliance, the first connector part including a flat face on which a plurality of contacts are disposed for contact with contacts of a second connector part. The first connector part cooperates with the second connector part for connection in use to the mains electricity supply. The second connector part also comprises a flat face carrying contacts. In particular, the contacts on the second connector part can have the same size, shape and/or layout as those on the first connector part.
The contacts can lie in the plane of a contact-carrying face, for example, the contacts can be flat. Alternatively, contacts could at least partially project from the contact-carrying face.
For example, they could be dome-or band-shaped and project outwards.
The second connector part can comprise a plate carrying contacts on one side, such that the plate can be slid over the flat face of the first connector part so as to make or break an electrical connection.
For safety, the earth contacts are longer than live and neutral contacts, so that when the two parts are slid together, the earth connection is made before the others.
The second connector part, has outwardly projecting pins on its other side configured to fit into a mains socket. The pins could be, for example, two round pins as is conventional in Europe, or three rectangular pins as common in the United Kingdom.
It is preferred that the pins on one side and the contacts on the other side of a second connector part are connected via respective contact elements mounted on the first connector part.
For safety, these contact elements are configured such that an electrical connection between the pins and contacts of the second connector part only occurs once the two connector parts are fitted correctly, for example, when the first connector part covers all the contacts of the second connector part. The pins contacts can themselves be connected via leads (live to live and neutral to neutral) terminating in further contacts on respective edges of the second connector port operative to connect to the contact element on the first connector part.
A first connector part can include lips along opposed edges of the flat surface which project out of the plane of the flat surface so that the plate can be slid between the edges. The contact elements of the first connector part can be disposed along the lips for further enhanced safety.
A second connector part can have a backing plate spaced apart from the contact-carrying plate and side walls. It can then be slid over and surround the first connector part, the second connector part possibly being colour coded or including aids for the disabled, such as braille or improved grips.
The invention obviates the need for contact pins. Furthermore, where pins are required, the present invention provides the advantage that the selection of which pin configuration to be used can be made by the user rather than being preset by the manufacturer. The user can be provided with a number of different pin-carrying plates for use as he moves through different countries.
A first connector part can include an adaptor, transformer, or other mains supply adapting equipment.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is an oblique view of the first part of a connector; Figure 2 is an oblique view of a second part of a connector; Figure 3 is an oblique view of an alternative second part; Figure 4 is an oblique view of an alternative first part; Figure 5 is an oblique view of a further second part for mains distribution: and Figure 6 is an oblique view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 5.
As shown in Figure 1, the first connector part 2 includes a flat surface 4 on which a plurality of contact strips 6 are disposed.
The first connector part 2 can include an AC/AC or AC/DC adaptor 7 (shown in Figure 4). The first connector part 2 includes an electrical cable 8 to an electrical appliance (not shown) and a release button 10 on its top surface 4.
The second connector part 12 includes a plate 14 on the under side 16 of which are disposed contacts (not shown) configured to contact with the contact strips 6 of the first connector part 2 when the two parts are fitted together. The external opposing surface 18 of the plate 14 includes upwardly projecting pins 20.
As shown in the alternative embodiment of Figure 3, the pins 20 can be mounted on a plug-like element 22.
The plate 14 of the second connector part 12 can be fitted to the first connector parts so as to make contact between the contact strips 6 and the contacts on underside 16. As shown in Figure 2, the second connector part 12 can include a backing plate 24 and side walls 26 between which the first connector part can be inserted so as to be encased by the second connector part.
A plate can include aperture 28 through which the release button 10 can be operated.
A further embodiment of the first connector part 2 is shown in Figure 4. This includes a pair of lips 30 upstanding from parallel sides of the surface 4 of the first connector part.
The lips 30 include opposing grooves 32 shaped to accommodate as a slide fit, the edges of the plate 14 of a second connector part, such as that shown in Figure 3. The first connector part includes a further lip 34 which extends laterally between the lips 30 along a third side of the surface 4. The lip 34 effectively acts as an end-stop for the inserted plate 14. The lip 34 can cooperate a releasable catch 36 shown in Figure 5.
A first connector part, such as shown in Figure 1, is connectable to each second connector part, and can be attached to an electrical appliance by a cable. A user accessible fuse can be included.
The pins 20 and flat contacts on opposite sides of a plate 14 are not connected directly together through the plate. Leads run to the edge of the plate terminating in two electrical contacts 43 which make a connection in use with a small electrical shortcircuiting contact bar 42 disposed in a groove 32. In this way, the contacts on the underside 16 of the plate 14 only become live after the plate 14 has been slid relative to the first connector part to a predetermined position where the plate covers the contact strips 6 and the contact pairs 43 are connected by bar 42.
As shown in Figure 5, a series of second connector parts 41 can be joined together as a single unit, each being directly connected to a mains cable 38 obviating the need for pins in this embodiment as a first connector part can be slid on directly.
Each connector part 41 can include a release catch 36.
Each second connector part 41 in this embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 6, a pair of lips 40 including upwardly directed grooves 44 upstanding from parallel sides of the flat surface 46 of the second connector part 41. These outwardly directed grooves 44 oppose and cooperate with corresponding grooves 32 on the first connector part.
Flat contacts 6' on the second connector part 41 have leads terminating in contacts 43 in the grooves 44. These contacts 43 cooperate with a short electrical element 42 in the groove 32 of the first connector part so as to make a connection. In this way, the contacts 6' on the second connector part 41 only become live once the first connector part has been slid on to a predetermined position where the contacts 6' are covered by the first connector part.
The release catch or release button is positioned on the contact strip carrying surface of the first connector part such that it is inaccessible when pins of the second connector part 12 are plugged into the mains.

Claims (30)

1. A two-part electrical connector having a first connector part for connection in use to an electrical appliance, the first connector part including a flat face on which a plurality of contacts are disposed for contact with contacts of a second connector part.
2. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 1, in which the first connector part cooperates with the second connector part for connection in use to the mains electricity supply.
3. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the second connector part also comprises a flat face on which the contacts of the second connector part are disposed.
4. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which the contacts on the second connector part have the same size, shape and/or layout as those on the first connector part.
5. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which upon connection the first connector part covers all the contacts of the second connector part.
6. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which the contacts are surface contacts.
7. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 6, in which he contacts on at least one face are flat.
8. A two-part electrical connector according to any of claims 1 to 7, in which the contacts on at least one face at least partially project therefrom.
9. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 8, in which the at least partially projecting contacts are domeshaped or band-shaped.
10. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which the second connector part carries its contacts on one side which is slidable over the flat face of the first connector part so as to make or break an electrical connection.
11. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 10, in which the first connector part includes lips along opposed edges of the flat face which project out of the plane of the flat face so that a contact-carrying plate of the second connector part can be slid between the lips.
12. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 10, in which the second connector part comprises a contact-carrying plate, a backing plate which is spaced apart therefrom, and side walls, the second connector part being slidable over the first connector part.
13. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 11 or claim 12, in which the connector comprises a releasable catch for locking the connector parts in engagement.
14. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 13, in which the releasable catch comprises a push-button on one connector part and a corresponding recess in the other connector part.
15. A two-part electrical connector according to any of claims 10 to 14 in which the earth contacts are longer than live and neutral contacts, so that when the two parts are slid together, the earth connection is made before the live and neutral connections.
16. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which the second connector part has outwardly projecting pins on its other side configured to fit into a mains socket.
17. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 16, in which the outwardly projecting pins comprise two round pins.
18. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 16, in which the outwardly projecting pins comprise three rectangular pins.
19. A two-part electrical connector according to any of 16 to 18, in which the pins on one side and the contacts on the other side of a second connector part are connected via respective contact elements mounted on the first connector part.
20. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 19, in which said contact elements are configured such that an electrical connection between the pins and contacts of the second connector part only occurs once the two connector parts are fitted correctly.
21. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 19 or claim 20, in which the pins are connected via leads terminating in further contacts on respective edges of the second connector part for connection to the respective contact element on the first connector part.
22. A two-part electrical connector according to claim 20 in which the contact elements of the first connector part are disposed along lips along opposed edges of its flat face, the lips projecting out of the plane of the flat face so that a contact-carrying plate of the second connector part can be slid between the lips.
23. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which the second connector part is colour and/or braille coded.
24. A two-part electrical connector according to any preceding claim, in which the first connector part includes an adaptor, transformer and/or other main transforming equipment.
25. A first electrical connector part for connection in use to an electrical appliance, the first connector part including a flat face on which a plurality of contacts are disposed for contact with contacts of a second electrical connector part.
26. A second electrical connector part for connection in use to the mains electricity supply, the second electrical connector part including a flat face on which a plurality of contacts are disposed for contact with contacts of a first electrical connector part.
27. A second electrical connector part according to claim 26, having outwardly projecting pins on its other side configured to fit into a mains socket.
28. A second electrical connect part according to claim 27, in which the outwardly projecting pins comprise two round pins.
29. A second electrical part according to claim 27, in which the outwardly projecting pins comprise three rectangular pins.
30. A two-part electrical connector as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9412468A 1994-06-22 1994-06-22 Two part electrical connector Withdrawn GB2291278A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9412468A GB2291278A (en) 1994-06-22 1994-06-22 Two part electrical connector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9412468A GB2291278A (en) 1994-06-22 1994-06-22 Two part electrical connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9412468D0 GB9412468D0 (en) 1994-08-10
GB2291278A true GB2291278A (en) 1996-01-17

Family

ID=10757101

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9412468A Withdrawn GB2291278A (en) 1994-06-22 1994-06-22 Two part electrical connector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2291278A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2318695B (en) * 1996-10-23 1999-01-13 Ipr Ind Ltd Portable appliance charging system
GB2331187A (en) * 1997-11-05 1999-05-12 Well Shin Enterprise Co Ltd Charger with a range of plugs
FR2808132A1 (en) * 2000-04-25 2001-10-26 Michel Ferrandez Electrical apparatus/mobile phone plug/socket having socket with electrical contacts and cover with front opening scoop section with plug pressure contacting sockets.
EP1475862A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-10 Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Cradle for receiving an adapter
US7035126B1 (en) 2002-06-10 2006-04-25 Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Programmable power supply capable of receiving AC and DC power input
GB2480867A (en) * 2010-06-04 2011-12-07 Anthony Hines Electrical power lead
US10855087B1 (en) 2004-01-15 2020-12-01 Comarco Wireless Systems Llc Power supply systems

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1489424A (en) * 1975-07-07 1977-10-19 Dorman Smith Britmac Ltd Electrical plug
US4992052A (en) * 1988-02-01 1991-02-12 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Modular connector system with high contact element density
GB2234866A (en) * 1989-08-01 1991-02-13 Lee Chiu Shan Socket outlet for receiving a variety of plugs
EP0498342A2 (en) * 1991-02-08 1992-08-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Connection device under application of an outlet
EP0505256A2 (en) * 1991-03-18 1992-09-23 Legrand Two part adapter for connection of an electrical apparatus by plug and socket
US5197889A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-03-30 Motorola, Inc. Electrical contact for battery package or similar device
US5274917A (en) * 1992-06-08 1994-01-04 The Whitaker Corporation Method of making connector with monolithic multi-contact array

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1489424A (en) * 1975-07-07 1977-10-19 Dorman Smith Britmac Ltd Electrical plug
US4992052A (en) * 1988-02-01 1991-02-12 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Modular connector system with high contact element density
GB2234866A (en) * 1989-08-01 1991-02-13 Lee Chiu Shan Socket outlet for receiving a variety of plugs
EP0498342A2 (en) * 1991-02-08 1992-08-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Connection device under application of an outlet
EP0505256A2 (en) * 1991-03-18 1992-09-23 Legrand Two part adapter for connection of an electrical apparatus by plug and socket
US5197889A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-03-30 Motorola, Inc. Electrical contact for battery package or similar device
US5274917A (en) * 1992-06-08 1994-01-04 The Whitaker Corporation Method of making connector with monolithic multi-contact array

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2318695B (en) * 1996-10-23 1999-01-13 Ipr Ind Ltd Portable appliance charging system
GB2331187A (en) * 1997-11-05 1999-05-12 Well Shin Enterprise Co Ltd Charger with a range of plugs
FR2808132A1 (en) * 2000-04-25 2001-10-26 Michel Ferrandez Electrical apparatus/mobile phone plug/socket having socket with electrical contacts and cover with front opening scoop section with plug pressure contacting sockets.
US7035126B1 (en) 2002-06-10 2006-04-25 Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Programmable power supply capable of receiving AC and DC power input
US7072200B2 (en) 2002-06-10 2006-07-04 Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Cradle for receiving an adapter
US7193873B2 (en) 2002-06-10 2007-03-20 Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Cradle for receiving an adapter
EP1475862A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-10 Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Cradle for receiving an adapter
US10855087B1 (en) 2004-01-15 2020-12-01 Comarco Wireless Systems Llc Power supply systems
US10855086B2 (en) 2004-01-15 2020-12-01 Comarco Wireless Systems Llc Power supply equipment utilizing interchangeable tips to provide power and a data signal to electronic devices
US10951042B2 (en) 2004-01-15 2021-03-16 Comarco Wireless Systems Llc Power supply systems
US11586233B2 (en) 2004-01-15 2023-02-21 Comarco Wireless Systems Llc Power supply systems
GB2480867A (en) * 2010-06-04 2011-12-07 Anthony Hines Electrical power lead

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9412468D0 (en) 1994-08-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6942508B2 (en) Electrical adapter
US4336418A (en) Laminated junction box module and laminated plug-in accessory modules selectively usable therewith
US3996546A (en) Plug for voltage adaptation
US8951074B2 (en) Socket, a plug, and an assembly
US6320353B1 (en) Battery charger having a interchangeable plug device
TWI390803B (en) Connector
GB2291278A (en) Two part electrical connector
RU2467440C2 (en) Modular slot for electric connections
DE58908217D1 (en) Electrical contact plug device.
US6325666B1 (en) Watthour meter socket adapter with safety shield
US5116232A (en) Double plug assembly
US4701134A (en) Electrical connector providing switchable connections between elements
US5971784A (en) Electrical connector having dual directional mating
CA2016132A1 (en) Separable electrical connector
US4702712A (en) Keyed insulator apparatus
US5588876A (en) Fused electrical connectors
US3579175A (en) Electric circuit adapter member
WO2010103272A1 (en) Modular mains power distribution system
GB2384371A (en) A rotary type socket
US3458679A (en) Plug-in receptacle for a circuit selector switch
KR860000539Y1 (en) Voltage selective device of adapter
GB2115625A (en) Mounting electrical terminals in a connector housing
JPH0216537Y2 (en)
GB2203603A (en) Electric plugs
FR2753010A3 (en) Electrical domestic simplex socket entrance with switch

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)