Safety adapter for electrical connectors

Abstract

A safety adapter assembly includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, a connector body, and a safety sleeve. The connector body is configured to engage the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The safety sleeve substantially surrounds the connector body and is configured to move relative to the connector body to selectively allow a user to approach the first electrical connector while substantially blocking a user from approaching the second electrical connector, or allow a user to approach the second electrical connector while substantially blocking a user from approaching the first electrical connector.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of provisional application number 62 / 945,018, filed on December 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to test and measurement systems, and more specifically to connectivity interfaces within test and measurement systems. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, applicable safety authorities have increased safety spacing requirements for electrical components. While existing equipment is generally unaffected by these new requirements, new designs for test and measurement instruments must meet them. One component affected by the new safety requirements is the triaxial connector. Triaxial connectors are commonly used in source measurement units (SMUs), semiconductor test systems, and other test and measurement instruments.

[0005] Therefore, newly designed high-voltage equipment using triaxial connectors must use connectors different from those previously used as the industry standard. Of course, there are large mounting bases for equipment using previously standard triaxial connectors, and those instruments are often integrated into the test system with other test fixtures and cables. For example, some systems may include up to 128 triaxial cables. However, the new female connectors will intentionally not mate directly with the older male connectors, as this would invalidate the new safety spacing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is important to understand the difference between functional voltage spacing requirements and safety voltage spacing requirements. While the former is determined by physical and material properties and aims to prevent dielectric breakdown within the connector, the latter is a matter of interpretation and institutional specification. Therefore, today's safe connector may become unsafe tomorrow without any physical changes when safety agencies change their standards.

[0007] The disclosed embodiments of the technology address the shortcomings of the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a safety adapter assembly according to an embodiment, showing a configuration in which a first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is exposed and a second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is concealed within an exemplary safety sleeve of the safety adapter assembly.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A perspective view of a safety adapter assembly, showing a configuration in which the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is exposed and the first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is concealed within a safety sleeve.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1-2 An exploded view of the security adapter components.

[0011] Figure 4 This illustrates the connection at the first electrical connector to an exemplary test and measurement cable. Figure 1-3 A perspective view of the safety adapter assembly, in which the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is concealed within the safety sleeve.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of a safety adapter assembly, wherein a first electrical connector is concealed within an exemplary safety sleeve, while a second electrical connector is exposed for connection to an exemplary test and measurement device.

[0013] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of a safety adapter assembly, wherein a second electrical connector is connected to an exemplary test and measurement device.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1-3 A perspective view of the safety adapter assembly, showing that in an embodiment, if the second electrical connector is connected to the exemplary test and measurement device before the first electrical connector is connected to the exemplary test and measurement cable, the user will not be able to access the first electrical connector to make a connection.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of using a safety adapter assembly for an electrical connector. Detailed Implementation

[0016] As described herein, embodiments relate to novel devices that allow existing cables with low-voltage triaxial connectors to be securely connected to new high-voltage triaxial connectors (up to 1100V) discovered in new product designs. More generally, embodiments provide a secure adapter for connections between different connector types by allowing the user to approach one connector at a time. Embodiments of this disclosure do not rely on special mating interfaces but rather restrict the interconnection sequence to ensure safety.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a safety adapter assembly according to an embodiment. The safety adapter assembly is shown as having a configuration in which a first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is exposed and a second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is concealed within an exemplary safety sleeve of the safety adapter assembly. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a safety adapter assembly, showing a configuration in which the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is exposed and the first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly is concealed within a safety sleeve. Figure 3 yes Figure 1-2 An exploded view of the security adapter components.

[0018] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the safety adapter assembly 100 may include a first electrical connector 101, a second electrical connector 102, a connector body 103, and a safety sleeve 104.

[0019] The connector body 103 is configured to structurally and electrically connect the first electrical connector 101 to the second electrical connector 102. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first electrical connector 101, the connector body 103, and the second electrical connector 102 together have a total connector length 105.

[0020] Each of the first electrical connector 101 and the second electrical connector 102 may be a triaxial connector, although other connector types may be used in embodiments.

[0021] The first electrical connector 101 may include a first connector type, and the second electrical connector 102 may include a second connector type that is physically incompatible with the first connector type. As used in this disclosure, "physically incompatible" means that a male connector of the first connector type cannot be directly mated with a female connector of the second connector type under normal use. Similarly, a female connector of the first connector type cannot be directly mated with a male connector of the second connector type under normal use. For example, the first electrical connector 101 and the second electrical connector 102 may conform to different industry standards for connectors. As another example, the first electrical connector 101 may conform to the second edition of International Standard IEC 61010, while the second electrical connector 102 may conform to the third edition of Standard IEC 61010. These IEC standards are published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

[0022] The safety sleeve 104 is preferably non-conductive and is configured to substantially surround the connector body 103. As used in this disclosure, “substantially surround” means extending to a large extent or substantially around the connector without requiring perfect enclosure. The safety sleeve 104 is also configured to slidably engage the connector body 103 to selectively allow user access to the first electrical connector 101 while substantially blocking user access to the second electrical connector 102. Figure 1An example of this configuration is shown in the figure. As used in this disclosure, "substantially blocking" means that it is largely or substantially obstructive without requiring complete obstruction of all access. The safety sleeve 104 is also configured to selectively allow the user access to the second electrical connector 102 while substantially blocking the user access to the first electrical connector 101. Figure 2 An example of this construction is shown in the figure.

[0023] In an embodiment, the safety sleeve 104 may include a longitudinal slot 106, and the safety adapter assembly 100 may include a pin 107 configured to extend away from the connector body 103 and through the slot 106 of the safety sleeve 104. The pin 107 may be, for example, a screw. The slot 106 and the pin 107 together are configured to restrain sliding movement of the safety sleeve 104 relative to the connector body 103. For example, the slot 106 and the pin 107 together may limit the travel of the safety sleeve 104 in a first direction 108 or a second direction 109, or in both directions. The first direction 108 and the second direction 109 will be as follows: Figure 4 This is described more fully in the discussion. In the embodiment, pin 107 is configured to permanently engage the sleeve to connector body 103. As used in this context, "permanently engaged" means that the safety sleeve 104 and pin 107 cannot be separated or separated from each other without causing permanent damage to either component.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the safety sleeve 104 has a total sleeve length 110. In an embodiment, the total sleeve length 110 is not less than the total connector length 105. In an embodiment, the safety sleeve 104 is generally cylindrical. As used in this disclosure, "generally cylindrical" means mostly or substantially cylindrical where a perfect cylindrical shape is not required.

[0025] like Figure 4-6 As shown, the safety adapter assembly 100 can be configured to function as an adapter between the test and measurement cable 111 and the test and measurement device 112. Therefore, for example, a first electrical connector 101 can be configured to connect the safety adapter assembly 100 to the test and measurement cable 111, and a second electrical connector 102 can be configured to connect the safety adapter assembly 100 to the test and measurement device 112, particularly when the test and measurement cable 111 has a first connector type and the test and measurement device 112 has a second connector type that is physically incompatible with the first connector type.

[0026] from Figure 4 start, Figure 4 This illustrates the connection of the test and measurement cable 111 at the first electrical connector 101 of the safety adapter assembly 100. Figure 1-3A perspective view of the safety adapter assembly 100, wherein the second electrical connector 102 of the safety adapter assembly 100 is concealed within the safety sleeve 104 of the safety adapter assembly 100.

[0027] Before connecting the safety adapter assembly 100 to the connector 113 of the test and measurement cable 111, the user can position the safety sleeve 104 relative to the connector body 103 (see...). Figure 3 The first electrical connector 101 is exposed and the second electrical connector 102 of the safety adapter assembly 100 is concealed within the safety sleeve 104 by sliding along the first direction 108. In this configuration ( Figure 1 (Another example of this is shown in the image), where the safety sleeve 104 essentially blocks the user from approaching the second electrical connector 102, thereby providing a safety feature.

[0028] Then, the user can attach the first electrical connector 101 to the first connector outside the safety adapter assembly 100. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first connector is connector 113 of the test and measurement cable 111.

[0029] The user can then slide the safety sleeve 104 relative to the connector body 103 in the second direction 109 to expose the second electrical connector 102 and hide the first electrical connector 101 inside the safety sleeve 104.

[0030] therefore, Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of the safety adapter assembly 100, wherein a first electrical connector 101 is concealed within an exemplary safety sleeve 104, and a second electrical connector 102 is exposed for connection to the test and measurement apparatus 112. In this configuration ( Figure 2 (Another example of this is shown in the figure), the safety sleeve 104 essentially blocks the user from approaching the first electrical connector 101, thereby providing a safety feature.

[0031] The user can then attach the second electrical connector 102 to a second connector external to the safety adapter assembly 100. Figure 5 In the example shown, the second connector is connector 114 of the test and measurement device 112.

[0032] therefore, Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of the safety adapter assembly 100, wherein the second electrical connector 102 is connected to the exemplary test and measurement device 112.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 1-3A perspective view of the safety adapter assembly 100 shows that, in an embodiment, if the second electrical connector 102 is connected to the exemplary test and measurement device 112 before the first electrical connector 101 is connected to the exemplary test and measurement cable 111, the user will not be able to access the first electrical connector 101 for connection. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the user has connected the second electrical connector 102 to the test and measurement device 112 without first connecting the first electrical connector 101 to the test and measurement cable 111.

[0034] However, as Figure 7 As shown, after the user has connected the second electrical connector 102 to the test and measurement device 112, the user may not be able to connect the first electrical connector 101 to the test and measurement cable 111. This is because the safety sleeve 104 continues to substantially block the user's access to the first electrical connector 101. Furthermore, in some embodiments and implementations, the user cannot slide the safety sleeve 104 to expose the first electrical connector 101 because the sliding movement of the safety sleeve 104 will be limited by the contact between the safety sleeve 104 and the test and measurement device 112 (such as the panel of the test and measurement device 112).

[0035] Therefore, the safety adapter assembly 100 ensures that the connection from the safety adapter assembly 100 to the external connector is performed in the appropriate and safest order.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of using a safety adapter assembly for an electrical connector. Figure 8 As shown, method 800 may include: sliding a non-conductive safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly (801) to expose a first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly and conceal a second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly within the safety sleeve; attaching (803) the first electrical connector to a first connector outside the safety adapter assembly; sliding the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly (804) to expose the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly and conceal the first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly within the safety sleeve; and attaching (806) the second electrical connector to a second connector outside the safety adapter assembly.

[0037] Method 800 may further include, for example, restraining (802) sliding in a first direction by using a pin engaged to the connector body and configured to extend away from the connector body and through a longitudinal groove through the safety sleeve.

[0038] Method 800 may further include, for example, restraining (805) sliding in a second direction by using a pin engaged to the connector body and configured to extend away from the connector body and through a longitudinal groove in the safety sleeve.

[0039] Method 800 may also include: using a pin to permanently attach the safety sleeve to the connector body.

[0040] Example

[0041] Illustrative examples of the disclosed techniques are provided below. Embodiments of the techniques may include one or more of the examples described below, as well as any combination thereof.

[0042] Example 1 includes a safety adapter assembly comprising: a first electrical connector; a second electrical connector; a connector body configured to engage the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector; and a safety sleeve substantially surrounding the connector body and configured to move relative to the connector body to selectively allow user access to the first electrical connector while substantially blocking user access to the second electrical connector, or allow user access to the second electrical connector while substantially blocking user access to the first electrical connector.

[0043] Example 2 includes the safety adapter assembly of Example 1, wherein the safety sleeve is configured to slide relative to the connector body.

[0044] Example 3 includes the safety adapter assembly of Example 2, the safety sleeve also includes a groove, and the safety adapter assembly also includes a pin, which is coupled to the connector body and configured to extend through the groove of the safety sleeve, the groove and the pin together being configured to constrain the sliding of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body.

[0045] Example 4 includes the safety adapter assembly of Example 3, wherein a pin is configured to permanently attach a safety sleeve to the connector body.

[0046] Example 5 includes a safety adapter assembly of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the first electrical connector, the connector body, and the second electrical connector together have a total connector length; and wherein the safety sleeve has a total sleeve length that is not less than the total connector length.

[0047] Example 6 includes a safety adapter component of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the first electrical connector includes a first connector type and the second electrical connector includes a second connector type that is physically incompatible with the first connector type.

[0048] Example 7 includes a safety adapter assembly of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the first electrical connector includes a first three-axis connector, and wherein the second electrical connector includes a second three-axis connector.

[0049] Example 8 includes a safety adapter assembly of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein a first electrical connector is configured to connect the safety adapter assembly to a test and measurement cable, and wherein a second electrical connector is configured to connect the safety adapter assembly to a test and measurement device.

[0050] Example 9 includes a safety adapter component of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the safety sleeve is generally cylindrical.

[0051] Example 10 includes a safety adapter assembly of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the safety sleeve is non-conductive.

[0052] Example 11 includes a safety adapter assembly of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the safety sleeve is also configured to abut against an external device attached to the second electrical connector while substantially preventing the user from approaching the first electrical connector.

[0053] Example 12 includes a method of using a safety adapter assembly for an electrical connector, the method comprising: moving a safety sleeve relative to a connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a first direction to expose a first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly and conceal a second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly within the safety sleeve; attaching the first electrical connector to a first mating connector; sliding the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a second direction to expose the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly and conceal the first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly within the safety sleeve; and attaching the second electrical connector to a second mating connector.

[0054] Example 13 includes the method of Example 12, wherein attaching the first electrical connector to the first mating connector includes attaching the first electrical connector to a test and measurement cable.

[0055] Example 14 includes a method of any one of Examples 12-13, wherein attaching the second electrical connector to the second mating connector includes attaching the second electrical connector to a test and measurement device.

[0056] Example 15 includes a method of any one of Examples 12-14, wherein moving the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a first direction includes: sliding the safety sleeve in the first direction.

[0057] Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, further comprising: using a pin to constrain sliding of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a first direction, the pin being engaged with the connector body and configured to extend through a groove in the safety sleeve.

[0058] Example 17 includes the method of any one of Examples 12-16, wherein moving the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a second direction includes: sliding the safety sleeve in the second direction.

[0059] Example 18 includes the method of Example 17, further comprising: using a pin to constrain sliding of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a second direction, the pin being engaged with the connector body and configured to extend through a groove in the safety sleeve.

[0060] Example 19 includes the method of any one of Examples 12-18, further comprising: permanently attaching the safety sleeve to the connector body using a pin.

[0061] Example 20 includes the method of any one of Examples 12-19, further comprising: after attaching the second electrical connector to the second mating connector, restraining the movement of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body to prevent a user from approaching the first electrical connector.

[0062] The foregoing versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages, which are either described or obvious to those skilled in the art. However, not all of these advantages or features are required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0063] Furthermore, this written description refers to specific features. It should be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of these specific features. For example, where a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects and embodiments.

[0064] Furthermore, when a method having two or more defined steps or operations is mentioned in this application, the defined steps or operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context precludes those possibilities.

[0065] Furthermore, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to indicate the optional presence of other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. For example, an article of writing "comprising" or "containing" components A, B, and C may contain only components A, B, and C, or it may contain components A, B, and C as well as one or more other components.

[0066] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described for illustrative purposes, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the invention should not be limited except by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A security adapter component, comprising: First electrical connector; Second electrical connector; A connector body configured to connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector; as well as A safety sleeve that substantially surrounds the connector body and is configured to move relative to the connector body to selectively allow a user to approach the first electrical connector while substantially blocking a user from approaching the second electrical connector, or allow a user to approach the second electrical connector while substantially blocking a user from approaching the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical connector is configured to connect the safety adapter assembly to a test and measurement cable, and wherein the second electrical connector is configured to connect the safety adapter assembly to a test and measurement device. and The safety sleeve is configured to move in a first direction relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly to expose a first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly so that the first electrical connector can be attached to a first mating connector, and while keeping the first electrical connector attached to the first mating connector, to move in a second direction relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly so that the second electrical connector can be attached to a second mating connector, and after the second electrical connector is attached to the second mating connector, to block access to the first electrical connector.

2. The security adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The safety sleeve is configured to slide relative to the connector body.

3. The safety adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the safety sleeve further includes a groove, and the safety adapter assembly further includes a pin coupled to the connector body and configured to extend through the groove of the safety sleeve, the groove and the pin together constraining the sliding of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body.

4. The security adapter assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The pin is configured to permanently attach the safety sleeve to the connector body.

5. The security adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrical connector, the connector body, and the second electrical connector together have a total connector length; and the safety sleeve has a total sleeve length, which is not less than the total connector length.

6. The safety adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first electrical connector comprises a first connector type, and the second electrical connector comprises a second connector type that is physically incompatible with the first connector type.

7. The security adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrical connector includes a first three-axis connector, and the second electrical connector includes a second three-axis connector.

8. The security adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The safety sleeve is approximately cylindrical.

9. The security adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The safety sleeve is non-conductive.

10. The security adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein, The safety sleeve is also configured to abut against an external device attached to the second electrical connector, while substantially preventing the user from approaching the first electrical connector.

11. A method of using a safety adapter assembly for an electrical connector, the method comprising: The safety sleeve is moved relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a first direction to expose the first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly and conceal the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly within the safety sleeve; Attach the first electrical connector to the first mating connector; While keeping the first electrical connector attached to the first mating connector, the safety sleeve is moved in a second direction relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly to expose the second electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly and conceal the first electrical connector of the safety adapter assembly within the safety sleeve. as well as The second electrical connector is attached to the second mating connector, wherein the safety sleeve blocks access to the first electrical connector after the second electrical connector is attached to the second mating connector.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Attaching the first electrical connector to the first mating connector includes attaching the first electrical connector to a test and measurement cable.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Attaching the second electrical connector to the second mating connector includes attaching the second electrical connector to a test and measurement device.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Moving the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a first direction includes: sliding the safety sleeve in the first direction.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The sliding of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a first direction is constrained by the use of a pin, the pin being engaged with the connector body and configured to extend through a groove in the safety sleeve.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Moving the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a second direction includes: sliding the safety sleeve in the second direction.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The sliding of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body of the safety adapter assembly in a second direction is constrained by the use of a pin, which is engaged with the connector body and configured to extend through a groove in the safety sleeve.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The safety sleeve is permanently attached to the connector body using a pin.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: After the second electrical connector is attached to the second mating connector, the movement of the safety sleeve relative to the connector body is restrained to prevent the user from approaching the first electrical connector.

Images