GB2304238A - Encoding electrical connectors - Google Patents

Encoding electrical connectors Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2304238A
GB2304238A GB9516389A GB9516389A GB2304238A GB 2304238 A GB2304238 A GB 2304238A GB 9516389 A GB9516389 A GB 9516389A GB 9516389 A GB9516389 A GB 9516389A GB 2304238 A GB2304238 A GB 2304238A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
coding ring
electrical connector
coding
ring
connector
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Withdrawn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
GB9516389A
Other versions
GB9516389D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Gary Skipp
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.)
Deltron Components Ltd
Original Assignee
Deltron Components 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 Deltron Components Ltd filed Critical Deltron Components Ltd
Priority to GB9516389A priority Critical patent/GB2304238A/en
Publication of GB9516389D0 publication Critical patent/GB9516389D0/en
Publication of GB2304238A publication Critical patent/GB2304238A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
    • G09F3/16—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself by clamps
    • 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
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/465—Identification means, e.g. labels, tags, markings

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

A substantially conventional XLR connector (10) is provided with a narrowed region (12) having a recess (14) in its bottom surface. The region (12) accommodates two individual coding rings (20) arranged side by side. Each coding ring (20) carries a respective numerical digit (22) such that they provide the connector with a two digit identification number. The rings (20) are also coloured. Each ring (20) is substantially circular but has a single gap (24) defined between two adjacent ends (26) which define lugs (28). To distinguish a particular connector two rings (20) are selected for their colour or for the digits they carry and are then engaged on the waisted region (12) of the connector (10) with the lugs (28) engaged within the recess (14).

Description

ENCODING ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS The present invention relates to a method of encoding electrical connectors, to electrical connectors so encoded, and to a coding ring for electrical connectors.
There are many applications, for example, professional audio installations, where a large number of individual units have to be electrically connected either to one another or to a central control. For example, a professional sound mixing console has to be connected to a large number of individual microphones and loud speakers.
In such circumstances it is absolutely essential that connectors carried by electrical cables are plugged into correct sockets. Of course, the greater is the size and complexity of the overall installation, the more difficult this becomes.
Traditionally, sound engineers have affixed coloured tape to selected electrical cables or to connectors thereof as an aid to distinguishing between them. However, this does not represent a total solution as there are often more connectors or cables to deal with than there are easily distinguishable colours, and the affixing of the tape can be time-consuming and fiddly.
The present invention seeks to address the problems discussed above.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a coding ring for engagement on an electrical connector, wherein said coding ring is substantially circular and has a single gap defined between two adjacent ends thereof, wherein said coding ring is made from a material having resilience to enable said coding ring to be engaged on an electrical connector to encircle the connector, and wherein said coding ring forms or carries visual identification means.
One or more of the coding rings of the invention may be engaged with each electrical connector to be employed in an installation to distinguish each connector from others.
The coding rings are small and easily carried and a large variety of visual identification means may be provided.
In an embodiment, for example, each coding ring may be of a preselected colour. The number of colours available for identification can be increased by using more than one coding ring for each connector and/or by providing a number of colours on a coding ring.
Additionally and/or alternatively, each coding ring may carry a visual device as the visual identification means. Thus, coding rings may be provided which carry schematic drawings representing microphones, loud speakers, or other units to which connection may be required.
Additionally and/or alternatively, each coding ring carries a number. It is preferred that each coding ring carries just a single digit. It will be appreciated that, if the decimal digits 0 to 9 are carried on individual coding rings, the use of a single coding ring on each connector means that the connectors can be numbered with any number from the 0 to 9. The numbers available for each connector can be increased to those from the sequence 0 to 99 by the use of two coding rings together. The number of combinations available can similarly be increased further by the use of more coding rings for each connector.
The coding ring is made from a material having resilience to enable its engagement on an electrical connector. Preferably, the resilience is such as to also enable the coding ring to be selectively removed from an electrical connector.
Generally, it is preferred that the coding ring be made of a plastics material, for example, of acetal.
Particularly where the coding ring carries a number or a specific device, it is preferred that the ring be prevented from rotation about the electrical connector on which it is engaged. In this way it can be ensured that, in use of the connector, the number or device is always visible. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, one or each of the two adjacent ends of the circular coding ring carries a lug arranged to engage with a corresponding recess of the connector.
The present invention also extends to an electrical connector provided with visual identification, said electrical connector having a narrowed region along its length, and said electrical connector comprising at least one coding ring engaged thereon to encircle said narrowed region, wherein the or each said coding ring is substantially circular and forms or carries visual identification means.
One or more coding rings may be engaged with said electrical connector. The visual identification means of the or each coding ring enable the electrical connector to be distinguished from the others.
In an embodiment, for example, the or each coding ring may be of a preselected colour. Each coding ring may be of a single colour or one or all of the coding rings may carry more than one colour.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the or each coding ring may carry a visual device as the visual identification means. Thus, the or each coding ring may be provided with a schematic drawing representing a microphone, loud speaker, or other unit.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the or each coding ring carries a number. It is preferred that each coding ring carries just a single digit chosen from the decimal sequence 0 to 9.
Particularly where the or each coding ring carries a number or a specific device, it is preferred that the ring be prevented from rotation with respect to the narrowed region of the electrical connector. In a preferred embodiment, the or each said coding ring is substantially circular and has a single gap defined between two adjacent ends thereof, and one or each of said two adjacent ends carries a lug which is engaged with the connector.
Preferably, a recess or recesses are formed in said narrowed region of the connector in which said lug or lugs engage.
The or each coding ring is preferably made from a material having resilience to enable its engagement on said electrical connector. Preferably, the resilience is such as to also enable the or each coding ring to be selectively removed from said electrical connector.
Generally, it is preferred that the coding ring be made of a plastics material, for example, of acetal.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of encoding electrical connectors, said method comprising the step of: supporting on an electrical connector at least two coding rings such that each coding ring encircles said electrical connector; wherein each said coding ring forms or carries a preselected visual identification.
In an embodiment, for example, each coding ring may be of a preselected colour. The number of different distinguishing arrangements for the electrical connector may be increased by using more than two coding rings and/or by using coding rings having a number of different colours thereon.
Additionally and/or alternatively, each coding ring may carry a visual device as the visual identification means. Thus, the or each coding ring may be provided with a schematic drawing of a microphone, loud speaker, or other unit.
Additionally and/or alternatively, each coding ring carries a number. In a preferred embodiment, each said coding ring carries a single digit number so that by the selection of appropriate rings, the electrical connector can be encoded with a two or more digit number.
Each coding ring is preferably made from a material having resilience to facilitate its engagement on the electrical connector. Preferably, the resilience and structure of each coding ring is such as to also enable the coding ring to be selectively removed from the electrical connector.
Generally, it is preferred that the coding ring be made of a plastics material, for example, of acetal.
Particularly where the coding ring carries a number or a specific device, it is preferred that the ring be prevented from rotation about the electrical connector. In this way it can be ensured that, in use of the connector, the number or device is always visible.
Preferably, the method defined above is carried out using a coding ring and/or an electrical connector as defined above.
Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an electrical connector and two coding rings therefor, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connector of Figure 1 with the coding rings engaged thereon, Figure 3 shows the electrical connector of Figure 1 with two alternative coding rings engaged thereon, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a coding ring of the invention, and Figure 5 shows an end view of the coding ring of Figure 4.
The drawings show one example of an electrical connector, and one embodiment of a coding ring arranged such that two such coding rings may be engaged on the exemplified connector. It will, however, be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any particular form of electrical connector and, in general, all types of electrical connectors may be encoded by the method described herein. Similarly, the use of two coding rings is by way of example only. It is possible to use a single coding ring or to use more than two coding rings for each connector.
The connector shown in Figure 1 is a substantially conventional XLR connector 10 as is used extensively in audio applications. However, the connector 10 is, as is shown in Figure 1, provided with a narrowed or waisted region 12 along its length. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the narrowed portion 12 is provided with a recess 14.
As is indicated in Figure 1, the axial length of the region 12 is arranged to accommodate two individual coding rings 20 when arranged side by side. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 each coding ring 20 carries a respective numerical digit 22 so that when the rings 20 are assembled on the connector 10 as is indicated in Figure 2, the connector carries a two digit number to act as identification means for that connector. The numerical digits 22 may be wax filled to highlight them.
However, and as is indicated in Figure 3, the rings 20 may additionally and/or alternatively be coloured so that the connector 10 carries one or two colours to aid in distinguishing the connector from others. For example, the colours used in conventional resistor coding may be employed to represent the numbers carried on the rings 20.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a single coding ring 20. As can be seen, the ring 20 is substantially circular but has a single gap at 24 which is defined between two adjacent and shaped ends 26 of the ring 20.
Preferably, and as can be seen in Figure 1, where the coding ring 20 is to carry a digit 22 or other visual device, this is positioned on the external surface of the ring 20 substantially diametrically opposite to the gap 24.
Each end 26 of the circular ring 20 is formed to define a lug 28 on the inner surface thereof. Furthermore, the ring 20 is made of a resilient material, for example of a plastics material, so that the ends 26 can be pushed or pulled apart to facilitate engagement of the ring 20 on the electrical connector 10.
It will be appreciated that, in use, an engineer wishing to distinguish a particular connector will choose two rings 20 by way of their colour and/or by way of the digits they carry. Each selected ring 20 is then engaged on the connector 10 by positioning the gap 24 of the ring 20 against the waisted region 12 thereof and pushing the ring 20 towards the connector 10. This pushes or prises the ends 26 of the ring 20 apart such that it becomes engaged on the connector 10. It will be seen that the ends 26 of the ring have chamfered outer surfaces 30 which assist in this engagement. The ring 20 is then rotated relative to the waisted region 12 so that the lugs 28 thereof engage within the recess 14 of the connector.
Thereafter, further rotation of the ring 20 about the connector 10 is prevented.
If required, a coding ring 20 may be removed from a connector 10 by a reversal of the engagement procedure. In this case, a tool, such as a screwdriver blade, can usefully be employed to prise the adjacent ends 26 of the engaged ring 20 apart to facilitate its removal.
It will be appreciated that modifications in and variations to the embodiments as described and illustrated herein can be made within the scope of this application.

Claims (24)

1. A coding ring for engagement on an electrical connector, wherein said coding ring is substantially circular and has a single gap defined between two adjacent ends thereof, wherein said coding ring is made from a material having resilience to enable said coding ring to be engaged on an electrical connector to encircle the connector, and wherein said coding ring forms or carries visual identification means.
2. A coding ring as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said coding ring is of a preselected colour.
3. A coding ring as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said coding ring carries a visual device as the visual identification means.
4. A coding ring as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said coding ring carries a number.
5. A coding ring as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said coding ring is made of a plastics material.
6. A coding ring as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or each of the two adjacent ends of the circular coding ring carries a lug arranged to engage with a corresponding recess of a connector.
7. An electrical connector provided with visual identification, said electrical connector having a narrowed region along its length, and said electrical connector comprising at least one coding ring engaged thereon to encircle said narrowed region, wherein the or each said coding ring is substantially circular and forms or carries visual identification means.
8. An electrical connector as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the or each coding ring is of a preselected colour.
9. An electrical connector as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the or each coding ring carries a visual device as the visual identification means.
10. An electrical connector as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the or each coding ring carries a number.
11. An electrical connector as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the or each coding ring is prevented from rotation with respect to the narrowed region of the electrical connector.
12. An electrical connector as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the or each said coding ring is substantially circular and has a single gap defined between two adjacent ends thereof, and one or each of said two adjacent ends carries a lug which is engaged with the connector.
13. An electrical connector as claimed in Claim 12, wherein a recess or recesses are formed in said narrowed region of the connector in which said lug or lugs engage.
14. An electrical connector as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 13, wherein the or each coding ring is made from a material having resilience to enable its engagement on said electrical connector.
15. An electrical connector as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the resilience of the or each coding ring also enables the or each coding ring to be selectively removed from said electrical connector.
16. An electrical connector as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 15, wherein the or each coding ring is made of a plastics material.
17. A method of encoding electrical connectors, said method comprising the step of: supporting on an electrical connector at least two coding rings such that each coding ring encircles said electrical connector; wherein each said coding ring forms or carries a preselected visual identification.
18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein each coding ring has a preselected colour.
19. A method as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein each coding ring carries a visual device as the visual identification means.
20. A method as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein each coding ring carries a number.
21. A method as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 20, wherein the coding ring is prevented from rotation about the electrical connector.
22. A method as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 21, wherein the method is carried out using a coding ring as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, and/or an electrical connector as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 16.
23. A coding ring for engagement on an electrical connection substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. An electrical connector provided with visual identification substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9516389A 1995-08-10 1995-08-10 Encoding electrical connectors Withdrawn GB2304238A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9516389A GB2304238A (en) 1995-08-10 1995-08-10 Encoding electrical connectors

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9516389A GB2304238A (en) 1995-08-10 1995-08-10 Encoding electrical connectors

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9516389D0 GB9516389D0 (en) 1995-10-11
GB2304238A true GB2304238A (en) 1997-03-12

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9516389A Withdrawn GB2304238A (en) 1995-08-10 1995-08-10 Encoding electrical connectors

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2304238A (en)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1128487A2 (en) * 2000-02-21 2001-08-29 Reichle & De-Massari AG Codable antikink protective device with coding means
US6302726B1 (en) * 1998-04-07 2001-10-16 Societe D'exploitation Des Procedes Marechal (Sepm) Ring for marking working a voltage of electrical connection element
GB2382731A (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-04 Shalin Bipinchandra Vyas Plug with identification label
DE20301780U1 (en) 2003-02-05 2003-07-03 Lin, Jia-Sheng, Tainan Polarity-marked connector for a microphone
DE102006001416B4 (en) * 2006-01-10 2016-05-25 Neutrik Ag cable connector
WO2017191066A1 (en) * 2016-05-04 2017-11-09 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh Overmoulded adapter
WO2017216152A1 (en) * 2016-06-16 2017-12-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Interface unit for a plug system having type coding
EP2394088B1 (en) * 2009-02-04 2018-10-24 Amfomed Ag Connecting device for a guide element and connecting system
WO2021165364A1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-08-26 Ambu A/S Video processing apparatus
US11109741B1 (en) 2020-02-21 2021-09-07 Ambu A/S Video processing apparatus
US11166622B2 (en) 2020-02-21 2021-11-09 Ambu A/S Video processing apparatus
US11266297B2 (en) 2020-02-21 2022-03-08 Ambu A/S Portable medical monitor
US11707181B2 (en) 2020-02-21 2023-07-25 Ambu A/S Video processing device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB609630A (en) * 1946-03-19 1948-10-05 British Thomson Houston Co Ltd Improvements in identification sleeves for electric cables, conduits and the like
GB2027292A (en) * 1978-07-31 1980-02-13 Bunker Ramo Identification means for electrocardiographic monitoring instruments
US5334044A (en) * 1993-05-27 1994-08-02 Aldo Falossi Radio jack strain relief and identification holder
US5529513A (en) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-25 Monster Cable International, Ltd. Cable connector having removable coded rings

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB609630A (en) * 1946-03-19 1948-10-05 British Thomson Houston Co Ltd Improvements in identification sleeves for electric cables, conduits and the like
GB2027292A (en) * 1978-07-31 1980-02-13 Bunker Ramo Identification means for electrocardiographic monitoring instruments
US5334044A (en) * 1993-05-27 1994-08-02 Aldo Falossi Radio jack strain relief and identification holder
US5529513A (en) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-25 Monster Cable International, Ltd. Cable connector having removable coded rings

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Critchley Limited, "Critchley cable marker systems", Catalogue published 1984. *

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6302726B1 (en) * 1998-04-07 2001-10-16 Societe D'exploitation Des Procedes Marechal (Sepm) Ring for marking working a voltage of electrical connection element
EP1128487A3 (en) * 2000-02-21 2002-01-23 Reichle & De-Massari AG Codable antikink protective device with coding means
US6520796B1 (en) 2000-02-21 2003-02-18 Reichle & De-Massari Ag Codable kink protection and coding means
EP1128487A2 (en) * 2000-02-21 2001-08-29 Reichle & De-Massari AG Codable antikink protective device with coding means
GB2382731A (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-04 Shalin Bipinchandra Vyas Plug with identification label
DE20301780U1 (en) 2003-02-05 2003-07-03 Lin, Jia-Sheng, Tainan Polarity-marked connector for a microphone
DE102006001416B4 (en) * 2006-01-10 2016-05-25 Neutrik Ag cable connector
EP2394088B1 (en) * 2009-02-04 2018-10-24 Amfomed Ag Connecting device for a guide element and connecting system
US10553990B2 (en) 2016-05-04 2020-02-04 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh Overmolded adapter
WO2017191066A1 (en) * 2016-05-04 2017-11-09 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh Overmoulded adapter
WO2017216152A1 (en) * 2016-06-16 2017-12-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Interface unit for a plug system having type coding
CN109314339A (en) * 2016-06-16 2019-02-05 宝马股份公司 Interface unit for connector system, with type coding
US11031721B2 (en) 2016-06-16 2021-06-08 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Interface unit for a plug system having type coding
WO2021165364A1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-08-26 Ambu A/S Video processing apparatus
US11109741B1 (en) 2020-02-21 2021-09-07 Ambu A/S Video processing apparatus
US11166622B2 (en) 2020-02-21 2021-11-09 Ambu A/S Video processing apparatus
US11266297B2 (en) 2020-02-21 2022-03-08 Ambu A/S Portable medical monitor
US11707181B2 (en) 2020-02-21 2023-07-25 Ambu A/S Video processing device

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Publication number Publication date
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