Electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention may provide a two-part electrical connector having a first part being a tongue portion having a base and a tongue extending longitudinally therefrom; a second part being a socket portion having a base and walls extending therefrom defining a socket for slidably receiving the tongue, the tongue portion and socket portion having locking means to permit releasable mutual engagement, said locking means including a locking member moveable between a first position in which the tongue is held in the socket and a second position in which the tongue is removable from the socket; a primary coupling element located in the tongue; and a secondary coupling element located in at least one of the socket walls, which elements provide a contact-less electromagnetic coupling when the tongue is engaged in the socket.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to connectors, in particular to contactless electrical connectors, ie connectors without direct contact between electrical conductors. Background technique [0002] The use of portable or handheld electrical equipment in harsh outdoor environments is becoming commonplace, especially for military use on the battlefield. It is desirable and sometimes necessary that such devices can be repeatedly connected and disconnected from a power source or other electronic devices for their own functional needs and for portability when not in use. [0003] Connectors commonly used in battlefield environments usually use direct contact plugs, and seals are used to protect the joints. Typical sealed connectors are circular and threaded. Examples are MIL-STD-1760 and MIL-STD-38999. [0004] As opposed to these direct contact plugs, the present invention relates to contactless connectors, particularly inductively coupled connectors, and a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0012] First of all, repeated turning on and off of any direct contact connector will inevitably cause wear and tear on the contact surface, especially if the connector has a high-power current passing through it when it is connected, it will cause arcing on the surface of the connector and oxidation

This can lead to performance degradation over time and can shorten the life of the connector or device and increase maintenance costs

[0013] Secondly, in these environments, when the connector is connected and disconnected, it is inevitable that some dirt, dust or water stains will pollute a certain part of the connector or the entire connector.

In simple direct contact conductive terminals, any dust and dirt on the contact surface will reduce the efficiency of the connector, resulting in abnormal, inefficient or inoperable equipment

Traditional connectors are not well suited to combat environments, especially when submerged in salt water, buried in sand or exposed to chemical warfare

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