GB2615679A - Connector systems for breathing apparatus - Google Patents

Connector systems for breathing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2615679A
GB2615679A GB2306303.5A GB202306303A GB2615679A GB 2615679 A GB2615679 A GB 2615679A GB 202306303 A GB202306303 A GB 202306303A GB 2615679 A GB2615679 A GB 2615679A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
connector
cable
contact
power
connectors
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB2306303.5A
Other versions
GB202306303D0 (en
Inventor
Muir Derek
Elsaadani Amr
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.)
Draeger Safety UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Draeger Safety UK 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 Draeger Safety UK Ltd filed Critical Draeger Safety UK Ltd
Priority to GB2306303.5A priority Critical patent/GB2615679A/en
Priority claimed from GB2012558.9A external-priority patent/GB2597969B/en
Publication of GB202306303D0 publication Critical patent/GB202306303D0/en
Publication of GB2615679A publication Critical patent/GB2615679A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/642—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by position or shape of contact members
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B25/00—Devices for storing or holding or carrying respiratory or breathing apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B9/00—Component parts for respiratory or breathing apparatus
    • A62B9/04—Couplings; Supporting frames
    • 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
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/6205—Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
    • 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
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/645—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by exchangeable elements on case or base
    • 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
    • H01R24/20—Coupling parts carrying sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable

Abstract

A connector system (figure 2, 100) for power and/or data transfer comprises a first connector (figure 3, 102) comprising a contact protrusion (figure 3, 114) having at least first and second electrical contacts 106. The electrical contacts 106 define a contact axis (figure 3, C1) along a straight line extending between the first and second contacts 106. A second connector 104 comprises a complementary recess (figure 4, 124) for receiving the contact protrusion (figure 3, 114) having complementary electrical contacts 108 for contacting the first and second electrical contacts 106 of the first connector (figure 3, 102). At least one of the first and second connectors is attached to a cable 130. At a connection interface 132 between the cable 130 and the connector, a longitudinal axis L of the cable 130 is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis (figure 3, C1).

Description

Connector systems for breathing apparatus The present disclosure relates to data and/or power connectors for breathing apparatus and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a connector apparatus for a wearable support frame for a breathing apparatus.
Background
Breathing apparatus, such as self-contained breathing apparatus, generally comprise a wearable support frame, or backplate, which supports a container of breathing gas, and which is worn on a user's back with shoulder straps and a waist belt. Modern breathing apparatuses may have on-board electronics such as communication devices, telemetry, lights, cameras, sensors, amongst other electronic systems. These electronic systems may be powered by an on-board battery provided, for example, on the backplate, and data transfer to and from the electronics may be required. Therefore, a connector system for data and/or power transfer with the breathing apparatus may be required.
It is important that the charging and data transfer connector system is robustly but easily connectable to the backplate. Further, it is important that the connector system is suitable for use in the hazardous environments in which the breathing apparatus will operate.
Many connectors which are used in non-safety-critical applications, such as consumer electronics, are simply not reliable and robust enough to deal with the hazards and demands which will be placed on an emergency services breathing apparatus.
Therefore, it will be understood that improvements in connector systems for data and power transfer in the specific field of breathing apparatus may be desirable.
Statements of Invention
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector system for a wearable support frame of a breathing apparatus in accordance with the appended independent claim 1. The connector system comprises a first connector provided on a wearable support frame and a second connector for connection to the first connector. The first connector comprises an electrical transfer element and a magnetically attractive element to be attracted by a magnet. The second connector comprises a complementary electrical transfer element for power and/or data transfer with the electrical transfer element of the first connector and further comprises a magnet for attracting the magnetically attractive element so as to magnetically secure the first and second connector to one another for power and/or data transfer between the electrical transfer elements.
The first connector may comprise a plurality of magnetically attractive elements and the second connector may comprise a respective plurality of magnets for attracting the plurality of magnetically attractive elements.
At least two of the magnetically attractive elements may be arranged on opposing sides of the electrical transfer element, and at least two of the magnets may be arranged on opposing sides of the complementary electrical transfer element.
The magnetically attractive element may be covered by a non-conducting material such that the magnetically attractive element is not exposed on the surface of the first connector.
The electrical transfer element and the complementary electrical transfer element may be conductive electrical contacts or may be inductive electrical elements.
The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
The first connector may further comprise a protrusion or a recess having the electrical transfer element, and the second connector may further comprise a complementary recess or protrusion having the complementary electrical transfer element.
The connector system may comprise a plurality of electrical transfer elements and a respective plurality of complimentary electrical transfer elements. At least one pair of an electrical transfer element and a complimentary electrical transfer element may be configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical transfer element and a complimentary electrical transfer element may be configured to transfer data.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a connector system for power and/or data transfer in accordance with the appended independent claim 13. The connector system comprises a first connector comprising a contact protrusion having at least first and second electrical contacts. The electrical contacts define a contact axis along a straight line extending between the first and second contacts. The connector system further comprises a second connector comprising a complementary recess for receiving the contact protrusion having complementary electrical contacts for contacting the first and second electrical contacts of the first connector. At least one of the first and second connectors is attached to a cable and, at a connection interface between the cable and the connector, a longitudinal axis of the cable is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis.
The contact protrusion and the complementary recess may each comprise a peripheral surface which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable. The inclined peripheral surfaces may be configured to overlay one another when the first and second connectors are in a connected configuration.
The inclined peripheral surfaces may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable such that, in the connected configuration, a tensile force applied to the cable will urge the first and second connectors to disconnect as the inclined peripheral surfaces move relative to one another.
The contact protrusion and/or the complimentary recess may have a longest dimension, in particular in plan view, which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable. The longest dimension of the protrusion and/or recess may be substantially coextensive or parallel with the contact axis.
The inclined peripheral surfaces may be arranged on an opposing peripheral side of the contact protrusion and/or complimentary recess to the connection interface between the cable and the connector. A peripheral wall of the protrusion or recess may face the cable, and the inclined peripheral surface may be arranged on the other side of the protrusion or recess, facing away from the cable The first and/or second connector may comprise a connector portion on which the contact protrusion or complimentary is arranged. The connector portion may be substantially planar or flat. The connector may further comprise a stepped portion comprising the connection interface between the cable and the connector such that the longitudinal axis of the cable is spaced apart from the connector portion. In other words, the cable may intersect with the connector such that it is spaced away from the other connector to a greater degree than the connector portion.
The first and second connectors each comprise three or more electrical contacts arranged on the contact axis. All of the electrical contacts of the connectors may be arranged on the respective contact axis.
The contact protrusion and the complementary recess may each further comprise one or more further peripheral inclined surfaces, which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable, such that, in the connected configuration, a lateral force applied to the connector which is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cable will urge the first and second connectors to disconnect as the further inclined peripheral surfaces move relative to one another.
At least one pair of an electrical contact and a complimentary electrical contact may be configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical contact and a complimentary electrical contact may be configured to transfer data.
In a third aspect, there is provided a connector arrangement for a wearable support frame of a breathing apparatus, comprising: a first connector, comprising a contact protrusion having at least one electrical contact; a second connector, comprising a complementary contact recess having a complementary electrical contact; wherein the electrical contact and the complementary electrical contact are connectable to provide power and/or data transfer; wherein one of the first and second connectors comprises: a locating protrusion adjacent the contact recess or contact protrusion, the locating protrusion extending outwardly of the first connector; and the other of the first and second connectors comprises: a complementary locating recess within with the location protrusion can be located in a connected configuration of the first and second connectors; the locating protrusion and the locating recess arranged such that the connection of the electrical contacts is only possible in a single relative orientation of the first and second connectors; wherein the contact protrusion, the complementary contact recess, the locating protrusion and the locating recess each comprise a surface angled such that application of a force in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the protrusions acts to separate each protrusion and the complementary recess, and therefore the first and second connectors.
In the first, second, and third aspects, the connector which is arranged on the wearable support frame may be arranged on a rear surface of the wearable support frame which is configured to face the user's back in use. The connector may be arranged on a front surface of the wearable support frame which faces away from the user's back in use.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a wearable support frame for a breathing apparatus comprising a connector system according to one or more of the first, second, and third aspects.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a breathing apparatus comprising a wearable support frame according to the fourth aspect.
According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a breathing apparatus charging system comprising a breathing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, and a charging apparatus comprising the second connector. The charging apparatus is configured to charge the breathing apparatus via the first and second connectors.
To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.
In particular, one, two, or all three of the first, second, and third aspects may be embodied in the same connector apparatus.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front plan view of a breathing apparatus connector system; Figure 2 is a rear plan view of a breathing apparatus connector system; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connector for a breathing apparatus connector system; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further connector for a breathing apparatus connector system; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connectors of Figures 3 and 4 in a connected configuration; Figure 6 is a plan view of a breathing apparatus connector having a cable-and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connector having a cable.
Detailed Description
FIGURE 1 shows a breathing apparatus connector system and, in particular, a breathing apparatus charging system. Although the system shown is a charging system, it is also capable of transferring data to and from the breathing apparatus. It should be understood that the connector system can be used to transfer power, data, or both. The data to be transferred may comprise usage data, telemetry data, battery health data, or other types of data relevant to breathing apparatus.
The breathing apparatus charging system comprises a breathing apparatus 1 and a charging apparatus 2 (not shown). The breathing apparatus 1 (as shown in Figure 1 which is a plan view of a front face of the breathing apparatus 1), comprises a wearable support frame 12, in particular a backplate 12, which is configured to be supported on a user's back with shoulder straps 14 and a waist belt 16. The backplate 12 is configured to support a breathing gas cylinder (not shown) which is fixed to the backplate using a support strap 18 and a pressure reduction valve 20.
FIGURE 2 shows a plan view of a rear face of the breathing apparatus 1 and the charging apparatus 2. This face of the backplate 12 is arranged against the user's back in use.
The backplate 12 further comprises an electronics module 22 arranged centrally on the backplate 12. The electronics module 22 comprises at least one battery and various controllers for transmitting and receiving data.
In Figure 2, a connector system 100 can be seen. In this example, the connector system is arranged on the user-facing or rear side of the backplate 12, but in other examples it may be arranged on the front side, or some other location on the backplate. By providing part or all of the connector system on the rear of backplate 12, it may be more protected from hazardous operating environments in use.
The connector system 100 is shown in more detail in FIGURES 3, 4, 5, and 6, which should be referred to alongside the following description.
Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of a first connector 102 of the connector system 100. The first connector 102 is arranged on the backplate 12. The connector system 100 further comprises a second connector 104 for connection to the first connector 102, as shown in Figure 4. The first and second connectors 102,104 are configured to be connected to provide power and data transfer between the breathing apparatus, in particular to charge the battery of the electronics module 22 and to send and receive data from the controllers of the electronics module 22.
The first connector 102 comprises at least one electrical transfer element, in this case three electrical contacts 106. In other examples, inductive transfer elements, or other wireless transfer elements may be provided. The second connector comprises at least one electrical transfer element (corresponding to the electrical transfer element or elements), in this case three complimentary electrical contacts 108, which are configured to contact the electrical contacts 106 of the first connector to thereby transfer electrical signals. The contacts on each connector are arranged in a line, with two outer contacts and a central contact. One of the outer pairs of contacts 106a,108a are configured to transfer data to and from the electronics module 22, the other outer pair of contacts 106c,108c are configured to transfer power to charge the battery of the electronics module 22, and the central, third pair of contacts 106b,108b are configured to provide a ground.
The first connector 102 comprises a flat, generally rectangular surface 110, which is bordered by a peripheral rim 112. A protrusion 114 is provided which protrudes from the surface 110. The protrusion 114 has a flat raised surface 116 on which the electrical contacts 106 are arranged. The raised surface 116 is generally rectangular and is bordered by upwardly-extending peripheral walls 136, 140, 142 With reference to Figure 5, the first connector 102 comprises first and second magnetically attractive elements 120a,b, which are capable of being attracted by a magnet. The magnetically attractive elements 120a,b are ferromagnetic elements which themselves do not produce a magnetic field, but which can be attracted to a magnet, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. It is important that the magnetically attractive elements 120a,b are not permanently magnetised, as will be explained below.
In this example, the magnetically attractive elements 120a,b are masses of ferromagnetic material, such as steel. The elements 120a,b are located below the surface 110, with a thin layer of non-conductive material, such as plastic, preventing their exposure on the surface 110.
Turning now to the second connector 104 shown in Figure 4, the second connector 104 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a generally rectangular surface 122 which is complimentarily shaped to the rectangular surface 110 of the first connector 102. The second connector 104 comprises a recess 124 on the surface 122, which is complimentarily shaped and located such that, when the second connector is arranged to overlay the first connector, the protrusion 114 is received in the recess 124, while the second connector 104 is closely bordered by the rim 112 of the first connector. The recess 124 has a recessed flat surface 126 on which the complimentary contacts 108 are arranged so as to contact the contacts 106 when the connectors 102,104 are connected and the protrusion 114 is received in the recess 124. The complimentary contacts 108 are spring-loaded such that, when the protrusion 114 is correctly received in the recess 124, the complimentary contacts 108 are forced to retract slightly into the surface 126 by the contacts 106.
The second connector 104 comprises first and second magnets 128a,b for attracting the magnetically attractive elements 120a,b of the first connector 102. In this case, the magnets 128a,b are permanent magnets, but they could be alternatively electromagnets or the like. The magnets 128a,b, produce their own magnetic field so as to attract the magnetically attractive elements 120a,b respectively when the connectors 102,104 are connected together. The magnetically attractive elements 120 and the magnets 128 are positioned on the respective connectors 102,104 such that they substantially overlay one another when the connectors 102, 104 are connected. Therefore, the magnets 128, by magnetically attracting the elements 120 magnetically secure the first and second connector to one another, with their contacts 106,108 in contact so that power and/or data transfer can occur. The connectors 102,104 are shown in their connected configuration in Figure 5, where it can be seen that the magnets 128 overlay and attract the magnetically attractive elements 120, and the contacts 106,108 are maintained in contact to allow power and data transfer.
In this example, the two magnetically attractive elements 120 are arranged on opposing sides of the contacts 106 (and the protrusion 114, and the two magnets 128are similarly arranged on opposing sides of the complementary contacts 108 (and the recess 124). This may serve to provide a stronger connection between the connectors 102,104 by providing a retaining force on opposing sides of the contacts.
Providing a non-magnetised element on the backplate may be advantageous in the particular field of breathing apparatus. A magnetised element on the backplate (i.e. a magnet which produces its own magnetic field) could attract debris and other items in a hazardous environment to the backplate, which could cause a dangerous snagging hazard for the user. Therefore, by providing the magnetised part of the connector retaining system on the second connector which is not part of the backplate, an increased risk of snagging may be avoided. Further, by covering the magnetically attractive elements with non-conductive material to prevent their exposure on the outer surface of the connector on the backplate, a sparking hazard may be reduced (which is important in hazardous atmosphere including flammable gases), as the metallic material of the elements could provide a sparking location if left exposed.
Another aspect of the connector system 100 is discussed below, again with reference to Figures 3-6.
The electrical contacts 106 of the first connector 102 define a contact axis Cl along a straight line extending between the contacts 106. Likewise, the complimentary contacts 108 of the second connector 104 define a contact axis C2. When the first and second connectors are in a connected configuration, as shown in Figure 5, it will be understood that, as the contacts 106, 108 are in contact, the contact axes Cl,C2, will be substantially coaxial.
In this example, the second connector is attached to a cable 130, the other end of which is connected to the charging apparatus 2. The cable 130 is in communication with the complimentary contacts 108 to provide power and data transfer with the contacts 106 of the first connector 102. The cable 130 connects with the second connector 104 a connection interface 132. At the connection interface 132, the cable is secured to the connector by a cable restraint 134. A longitudinal axis L of the cable 130 is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis C2 of the second connector and, while the connectors 102,104 are connected, also perpendicular to the contact axis Cl of the first connector.
The protrusion 114 of the first connector 102 comprises a peripheral surface 136 which is inclined with respect to the cable axis L when the connectors are connected. The inclined peripheral surface 136 is arranged on an opposing side of the protrusion 114 to the cable 130 in the connected configuration. The incline of the surface 136 is such that the protrusion 114tapers with increasing distance from the surface 110. The recess 124 comprises a complimentary peripheral surface 138 which is configured to overlay the peripheral surface 136 of the protrusion 114 in the connected configuration as shown in Figure 5. The surface 138 is similarly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the cable 130, and is likewise arranged on an opposing side of the recess 124 to the cable 130 (and its connection interface 132 with the connector 104).
The incline of the surfaces 136,138 is such that, in the connected configuration, a tensile force applied to the cable (shown by arrow F on Figure 5) will be translated due to contact between the surfaces 136,138 into an inclined movement of the second connector 104 away from the first connector 102, as indicated my arrow M on Figure 5. This movement of the connectors 102,104 away from one another increases the distance between the magnetically attractive elements 120 and the magnets 128, thereby reducing the magnetic retaining force and enabling the connectors 102,104 to be disconnected with a mere tensile force on the cable 130.
The contacts 106,108 being arranged along axes generally perpendicular to the cable means that, on application of a tensile force to the cable, the contacts pairs 106a, b,c and 108a,b,c may be more likely to be disconnected substantially simultaneously, which may reduce the risk of short circuits and other electrical issues if the pairs of contacts are disconnected at slightly different times.
Turning to Figure 6, the second connector 104 is shown in plan view. As can be observed, the recess 124 has a longest dimension D which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the cable 130, i.e. generally parallel to contact axis C2.
The protrusion 114and the complementary recess 124 in this example further comprise two additional peripheral inclined surfaces 140, which are arranged on the short ends of the protrusion and recess, and which generally extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the cable 130. These inclined surfaces are configured such that, in the connected configuration, a lateral force (see arrows S in Figure 6) applied to the connector (i.e. a force which is not aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cable 130) will urge the first and second connectors 102,104 to disconnect as the further inclined peripheral surfaces 140 move relative to one another.
The fourth and final peripheral wall 142 of the protrusion 114and recess 124 is a substantially perpendicular to the surface 110 and the surface 122, i.e. the surfaces 142 are not inclined. Therefore, the protrusion and recess have only one degree of rotational symmetry (as can be observed in Figure 6) such that the connectors 102,104 can only be connected in one orientation. This may ensure that the contacts 106,108 are always connected in the correct pairs Turning now to FIGURE 7, an alternative example of the second connector 204 is shown. In this example, the connector 204 comprises a connector portion 205 on which the complimentary recess 224 is arranged, in a manner similar to that described for the connector 104 above. The connector portion 205 is substantially flat or planar, taking the form of a flat cuboid. In this example, the connector 204 further comprises a stepped portion 207 comprising the connection interface 232 between the cable 230 and the connector 204. The stepped portion 207 is inclined with respect to the connector portion 205 such that the cable is spaced apart from the connector portion. Therefore, the cable 230 intersects with the connector 204 at a location which is spaced away from the other connector (for example first connector 102) to a greater degree than the connector portion 205.
This configuration may result in a tensile force applied to the cable 230 additionally applying a resolved inclined force on the connector portion 205, which may further assist in lifting the second connector 204 away from the first connector 102.
A further aspect of the connector system 100 will now be described.
It has been described above that the first connector comprises a protrusion 114and the second connector comprises a complimentarily shaped recess 124 for receiving the protrusion, which are rotationally un-symmetric to limit the connection of the connectors 102,104 in a single orientation. In order to further prevent connection of the connectors 102,104 in an incorrect orientation, the first connector 102 comprises further protrusions 144, and the second connector 104 comprises further complimentary recesses 146 for receiving the protrusions 144 in the connected configuration. By providing multiple protrusions 114144 and multiple complimentary recesses 124,146, an incorrect connection of the connectors can be avoided because, in an incorrect orientation, the protrusions 144 will contact the surface 122 of the second connector 104 and prevent the connectors from engaging correctly such that the magnets 128 can secure the connection. It should be understood that, generally, the geometry of the protrusions and the complimentary recesses is such that the contacts 106 and 108 will not touch unless the connectors are connected in the correct orientation.
In this example, the further protrusions 144 and complimentary recesses 146 are substantially frustoconical in shape such that a lateral force in any direction in the plane of the connectors (i.e. a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the protrusions) will result in a lifting force which will urge the connectors apart. It should be understood that the protrusion and recess which comprise contacts are 'contact projection' and 'contact recess' and the other protrusions and recesses may be locating protrusions and recesses which do not comprise contacts.
To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, the above detailed description describes a particular configuration of the connection system in which the protruding elements are provided on the connector which is located on the backplate, while the recesses are provided on the other connector. In other examples, the recesses may be provided on the backplate connector, while the other connector comprises protrusions. In yet further examples, both of the connectors may feature both recesses and protrusions which are complimentary to respective opposing protrusions and recesses on the other connector.
For the avoidance of doubt, the present application extends to the subject matter recited in the following numbered paragraphs or "Paras": 1. A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1), comprising: a first connector (102) provided on a wearable support frame (12), the first connector (102) comprising an electrical transfer element (106) and a magnetically attractive element (120) to be attracted by a magnet (128); a second connector (104) for connection to the first connector (102), comprising a complementary electrical transfer element (106) for power and/or data transfer with the electrical transfer element (106) of the first connector (102) and further comprising a magnet (128) for attracting the magnetically attractive element (120) so as to magnetically secure the first and second connector (104) to one another for power and/or data transfer between the electrical transfer elements (106,108).
2. A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to Para 1, wherein the first connector (102) comprises a plurality of magnetically attractive elements (120) and the second connector (104) comprises a respective plurality of magnets (128) for attracting the plurality of magnetically attractive elements (120).
3. A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to Para 2, wherein at least two of the magnetically attractive elements (120) are arranged on opposing sides of the electrical transfer element (106), and wherein at least two of the magnets (128) are arranged on opposing sides of the complementary electrical transfer element (106).
4. A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding Paras, wherein the magnetically attractive element (120) is covered by a non-conducting material such that the magnetically attractive element (120) is not exposed on the surface of the first connector (102). 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to any preceding Para, wherein the electrical transfer element (106) and the complementary electrical transfer element (106) are conductive electrical contacts (106, 108).
A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to any one of Paras 1 to 4, wherein the electrical transfer element (106) and the complementary electrical transfer element (106) are inductive electrical elements.
A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to any preceding Para, wherein the magnet (128) is a permanent magnet (128) or an electromagnet.
A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to any preceding Para, wherein the first connector (102) comprises a protrusion (114) or a recess (124) having the electrical transfer element (106), and the second connector (104) comprises a complementary recess (124) or protrusion (114) having the complementary electrical transfer element (106).
A connector system (100) for a wearable support frame (12) of a breathing apparatus (1) according to any preceding Para, comprising a plurality of electrical transfer elements and a respective plurality of complimentary electrical transfer elements, wherein at least one pair of an electrical transfer element (106) and a complimentary electrical transfer element (108) are configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical transfer element (106) and a complimentary electrical transfer element (108) are configured to transfer data.
A wearable support frame (12) for a breathing apparatus (1) comprising a connector system (100) according to any preceding Para.
A breathing apparatus (1) comprising a wearable support frame (12) according to Para10.
A breathing apparatus (1) charging system comprising a breathing apparatus (1) according to Para 11, and a charging apparatus (2) comprising the second connector (104), the charging apparatus (2) configured to charge the breathing apparatus (1) via the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204).
13. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer, comprising: a first connector (102) comprising a contact protrusion (114) having at least first and second electrical contacts (106, 108), the electrical contacts (106, 108) defining a contact axis along a straight line extending between the first and second contacts (106, 108); a second connector (104) comprising a complementary recess (124) for receiving the contact protrusion (114) having complementary electrical contacts (106, 108) for contacting the first and second electrical contacts (106, 108) of the first connector (102), wherein at least one of the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) is attached to a cable (130, 230) and, at a connection interface (132, 232) between the cable (130, 230) and the connector (102, 104, 204), a longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis.
14. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to Para 13, wherein the contact protrusion (114) and the complementary recess (124) each comprise a peripheral surface (136) which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230), wherein the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) are configured to overlay one another when the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) are in a connected configuration.
15. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to Para 14, wherein the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) such that, in the connected configuration, a tensile force applied to the cable (130, 230) will urge the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) to disconnect as the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) move relative to one another.
16. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of Paras 13-15, wherein the contact protrusion (114) and/or the complimentary recess (224) have a longest dimension which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230).
17. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any of Paras 13-16, wherein the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) are arranged on an opposing peripheral side of the contact protrusion (114) and/or complimentary recess (224) to the connection interface (132, 232) between the cable (130, 230) and the connector (102, 104,204).
18. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any of Paras 13-17, wherein the first and/or second connector (104) comprises a connector portion (205) on which the contact protrusion (114) or complimentary recess (224) is arranged, the connector portion (205) being substantially planar, and wherein the respective connector (102, 104, 204) further comprises a stepped portion comprising the connection interface (132, 232) between the cable (130, 230) and the connector (102, 104, 204) such that the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) is spaced apart from the connector portion (205).
19. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of Paras 13-18, wherein the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) each comprise three or more electrical contacts (106, 108) arranged on the contact axis.
20. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of Paras 13-19, wherein the contact protrusion (114) and the complementary recess (124) each further comprise a further peripheral inclined surface which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230), such that, in the connected configuration, a lateral force applied to the first or second connector (104) which is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) will urge the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) to disconnect as the further inclined peripheral surfaces move relative to one another.
21. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of Paras 13-20, wherein at least one pair of an electrical contact (106) and a complimentary electrical contact (108) are configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical contact (106) and a complimentary electrical contact (108) are configured to transfer data.
22. A wearable support frame (12) for a breathing apparatus (1) comprising a connector system (100) according to any one of Paras 13-21.
23. A breathing apparatus (1) comprising a wearable support frame (12) according to Para 22.
24. A breathing apparatus (1) charging system comprising a breathing apparatus (1) according to Para 23, and a charging apparatus (2) comprising the second connector (104), the charging apparatus (2) configured to charge the breathing apparatus (1) via the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204).

Claims (12)

  1. CLAIMS1. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer, comprising: a first connector (102) comprising a contact protrusion (114) having at least first and second electrical contacts (106, 108), the electrical contacts (106, 108) defining a contact axis along a straight line extending between the first and second contacts (106, 108); a second connector (104) comprising a complementary recess (124) for receiving the contact protrusion (114) having complementary electrical contacts (106, 108) for contacting the first and second electrical contacts (106, 108) of the first connector (102), wherein at least one of the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) is attached to a cable (130, 230) and, at a connection interface (132, 232) between the cable (130, 230) and the connector (102, 104, 204), a longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis.
  2. 2. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to claim 1 wherein the contact protrusion (114) and the complementary recess (124) each comprise a peripheral surface (136) which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230), wherein the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) are configured to overlay one another when the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) are in a connected configuration.
  3. 3. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to claim 2, wherein the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) such that, in the connected configuration, a tensile force applied to the cable (130, 230) will urge the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) to disconnect as the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) move relative to one another.
  4. 4. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protrusion (114) and/or the complimentary recess (224) have a longest dimension which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230).
  5. 5. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined peripheral surfaces (136) are arranged 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.on an opposing peripheral side of the contact protrusion (114) and/or complimentary recess (224) to the connection interface (132, 232) between the cable (130, 230) and the connector (102, 104, 204).
  6. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second connector (104) comprises a connector portion (205) on which the contact protrusion (114) or complimentary recess (224) is arranged, the connector portion (205) being substantially planar, and wherein the respective connector (102, 104, 204) further comprises a stepped portion comprising the connection interface (132, 232) between the cable (130, 230) and the connector (102, 104, 204) such that the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) is spaced apart from the connector portion (205).
  7. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) each comprise three or more electrical contacts (106, 108) arranged on the contact axis.
  8. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact protrusion (114) and the complementary recess (124) each further comprise a further peripheral inclined surface which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230), such that, in the connected configuration, a lateral force applied to the first or second connector (104) which is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable (130, 230) will urge the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204) to disconnect as the further inclined peripheral surfaces move relative to one another.
  9. A connector system (100) for power and/or data transfer according to any one of the precedinf claims, wherein at least one pair of an electrical contact (106) and a complimentary electrical contact (108) are configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical contact (106) and a complimentary electrical contact (108) are configured to transfer data.
  10. A wearable support frame (12) for a breathing apparatus (1) comprising a connector system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  11. A breathing apparatus (1) comprising a wearable support frame (12) according to claim 10.
  12. 12. A breathing apparatus (1) charging system comprising a breathing apparatus (1) according to claim 11, and a charging apparatus (2) comprising the second connector (104), the charging apparatus (2) configured to charge the breathing apparatus (1) via the first and second connectors (102, 104, 204).
GB2306303.5A 2020-08-12 2020-08-12 Connector systems for breathing apparatus Pending GB2615679A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2306303.5A GB2615679A (en) 2020-08-12 2020-08-12 Connector systems for breathing apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2306303.5A GB2615679A (en) 2020-08-12 2020-08-12 Connector systems for breathing apparatus
GB2012558.9A GB2597969B (en) 2020-08-12 2020-08-12 Connector systems for breathing apparatus

Publications (2)

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GB202306303D0 GB202306303D0 (en) 2023-06-14
GB2615679A true GB2615679A (en) 2023-08-16

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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GB (1) GB2615679A (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120148195A1 (en) * 2010-12-09 2012-06-14 Microsoft Corporation Power and data connector
US20130171840A1 (en) * 2012-01-04 2013-07-04 Harris Corporation Connector systems with magnetic retaining means
US9017092B1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2015-04-28 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Electronic connector
US20180040975A1 (en) * 2015-04-15 2018-02-08 Ab Connectors Ltd Connector assembly
US20190312380A1 (en) * 2015-10-20 2019-10-10 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc Connection interfaces with coupling mechanisms
US10658789B1 (en) * 2019-07-29 2020-05-19 Amphenol East Asia Electronic Technolog (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd. High speed connector with magnetic engagement mechanism

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120148195A1 (en) * 2010-12-09 2012-06-14 Microsoft Corporation Power and data connector
US20130171840A1 (en) * 2012-01-04 2013-07-04 Harris Corporation Connector systems with magnetic retaining means
US9017092B1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2015-04-28 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Electronic connector
US20180040975A1 (en) * 2015-04-15 2018-02-08 Ab Connectors Ltd Connector assembly
US20190312380A1 (en) * 2015-10-20 2019-10-10 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc Connection interfaces with coupling mechanisms
US10658789B1 (en) * 2019-07-29 2020-05-19 Amphenol East Asia Electronic Technolog (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd. High speed connector with magnetic engagement mechanism

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