Improved electrical connector assembly

Abstract

A female connector (100) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector (100) and a male connector (120), the female connector (100) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100), wherein the female connector is improved in that the lock disc (114) is a minimum of 0.3 mm smaller in diameter than an inner diameter of a wall (108) of the protective plate (106), the protective plate (106) comprises one or more shields (134) adjacent a hole (103) of the protective plate (106), and / or the lock disc (114) comprises protrusions (133) extending to(wards) the protective plate (106), one or more slits (131), one or more safety pins (602) having a height exceeding 5 mm, and / or a center hole (118) having a raised edge (132).

Description

[0001] IMPROVED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical outlets ; and more speci fically, to safety electrical outlets comprising tamper-proofing means .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] General problems with electrical connections in general , and in particular to high current connectors are related to the safety and security of the users and to prevent tampering of such connectors .

[0006] One example of electrical connectors that are becoming more and more common are those for charging Electrical Vehicles . Electric Vehicles (EVs ) represent one of the most promising pathways to increased energy security and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants . EVs require charging, and charging stations are being put up in many di f ferent locations , like at home , garages (public or private ) , parking spaces ( such as outside restaurants ) to mention a few examples . The charging is also often provided by the driver or an acquaintance of the driver . The charging means (plug and socket ) are thus often exposed to the general public ( including children) . At the same time , the charging of EVs require relatively high currents to be used in order to provide an ef ficient charging of the battery of the EV .

[0007] Other examples include connectors used in marinas ( or other docking areas for boats of all kinds ) , campsites or other parking areas for connection for example mobile homes or vehicles having refrigerating means , farmhouses , ( temporary) construction sites , industries , parks ( for example for connecting electrical garden tools ) , to mention a few examples where tamper-proof connectors may be used .

[0008] There is thus a need to continue to improve the safety of electrical connectors (plugs and / or sockets ) in, for example to make them more and more tamper proof .

[0009] This applies especially to charging connectors that are often placed or left in areas that may be unmonitored whereby the charging connectors are susceptible to unintended usage . This presents a security flaw for users , especially children . Charging connectors for EVs is one example of such charging connectors .

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved electrical connector, and in particular to provide a manner to prevent or reduce the risk of unauthori zed access to a female connector, i . e . to provide a tamperproof electrical connector .

[0012] Such a connector may be used for charging EVs , but also for other usages , such as in marinas ( or other docking areas for boats of all kinds ) , farmhouses , ( temporary) construction sites , industry, to mention a few examples where (high-current ) connectors may be used .

[0013] The inventors have also reali zed problems associated with dirt coming into the female connector, such as being pushed in by the male connector, and are proposing several solutions for handling such dirt in order to provide a smooth operation of the female connector . According to some aspects , the teachings herein provides a female ( electrical ) connector that , when in use , receives a male ( electrical ) connector to establish electrical connection therebetween .

[0014] The teachings herein provides a female connector configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement comprising the female connector and a male connector, the female connector comprising a protective plate and a lock disc, wherein the lock disc is spring-biased towards the protective plate , and arranged so that when the lock disc is pushed away from the protective plate the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector to pass through the lock disc and thereby connecting the male connector with the female connector .

[0015] As the arrangement of through-holes , and the protrusions ( as will be discussed below) have to align with the pins of the male connector, the male connector works as a key to unlock the protective disc and the lock disc of the female connector, thereby operating as a key for the electrical connector arrangement . Using a male connector that is not designed for the electrical connector arrangement will not be able to unlock the electrical connector arrangement .

[0016] In some embodiments the lock disc has a diameter corresponding to 80% , 85% , 90 or 95% of an ( inner ) diameter of a wall of the protective plate as per the appended claims . The description and the claims give details on further embodiments .

[0017] The teachings herein also provides a female connector according to herein, wherein the female connector is characteri zed in that the lock disc comprises one or more protrusions extending from the lock disc to (wards ) the protective plate , wherein the one or more protrusions are each aligned with a through hole of the protective plate and extends at least partially through the through hole when the protective plate is in the locked position thereby rotationally locking the protective plate to the lock disc, and when all the pins are received through the through holes , the protrusions are pushed out of the through-hole thereby releasing the protective plate as per the appended claims . The description and the claims gives details on further embodiments .

[0018] The teachings herein also provides a female connector according to herein, wherein the female connector is characteri zed in that the lock disc comprises one or more slits each arranged to extend from an outer edge of the lock disc 114 towards a center hole of the lock disc and to partition the lock disc into at least two portions , wherein each lock disc portion comprises a portion of the lock disc that is under a hole of the protective plate , when the protective plate is in the locked position as per the appended claims . The description and the claims gives details on further embodiments .

[0019] The teachings herein also provides a female connector according to herein, wherein the female connector is characteri zed in that the lock disc comprises a center hole having a raised edge arranged on the underside of the lock disc inside which raised edge a spring ( 109 ) is at least partially arranged, wherein the spring ( 109 ) provides the spring-biasing as per the appended claims . The description and the claims gives details on further embodiments . The teachings herein also provides a female connector according to herein, wherein the female connector is characteri zed in that the lock disc comprises one or more safety pins ( 602 ) arranged to extend into holes ( 105B ) of the housing of the female connector thereby rotationally locking the lock disc relative the female connector , wherein at least one of the safety pins is hollow as per the appended claims . The description and the claims gives details on further embodiments .

[0020] The teachings herein also provides a female connector according to herein, wherein the female connector is characteri zed in that the protective plate comprises one or more shields arranged adj acent each a hole of the protective plate , wherein at least one of the shields is arranged on a side of the hole in the direction of rotation of the protective plate from the locked position to the unlocked position as per the appended claims . The description and the claims gives details on further embodiments .

[0021] The teachings herein also provides a female connector configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement comprising the female connector and a male connector, the female connector comprising a protective plate and a lock disc arranged so that when the lock disc is pushed away from the protective plate the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector to pass through thereby connecting the male connector with the female connector , wherein the female connector is improved in that the lock disc 114 is a minimum of 0 . 3 mm smaller in diameter than an inner diameter of a wall of the protective plate , the protective plate comprises one or more shields adj acent a hole of the protective plate , and / or the lock disc comprises protrusions extending to (wards ) the protective plate , one or more slits , one or more safety pins being hollow, and / or a center hole having a raised edge .

[0022] Additional aspects , advantages , features and obj ects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conj unction with the appended claims that follow .

[0023] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as per the detailed description and as defined by the appended claims .

[0024] Throughout the teachings herein relate to safety electrical outlets , such as an electrical socket having secure covering and / or protection means to prevent accidental damage , reduce exposure of the electrical connections to external environment and limit unintended use . Furthermore , herein the electrical socket refers to a female connector that accepts pins of male connectors therein to establish electrical connectivity between the electrical outlet and the electrical plug .

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure , exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings . However, the present disclosure is not limited to speci fic methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein . Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings may not be to scale , and even when to scale , several variations are possible . Wherever possible , like elements have been indicated by identical numbers . Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein :

[0027] Figures 1A and IB each shows an exploded view of a safety electrical outlet having a lock disc ;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a side-view of a protective plate and a lock disc ;

[0029] Figures 3A shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved lock disc in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure ;

[0030] Figures 3B shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved lock disc in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure ;

[0031] Figure 4A shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved lock disc in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure ;

[0032] Figure 4B shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved protective plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure ;

[0033] Figure 4C shows an improved lock disc of figure 4A being connected with an improved protective plate of figure 4B in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure ; and

[0034] Figure 5 shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved protective plate and the female connector in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure .

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1A shows an exploded view of some embodiments of an electrical connector assembly 1 comprising a female connector 100 arranged to receive a male connector 120 . The electrical connector assembly 1 is , in some embodiments , a female connector as disclosed in the international patent application published as WO2021111382A1 . For additional details on the structure of such a safety electrical outlet , for example such as details on materials , reference is made to WO2021111382A1 .

[0037] The male connector 120 comprises a phone plug 122 and two or more (most commonly 3 or 5 ) pins (not shown in figure 1A but shown and referenced 121 in figure IB and also considered to be well-known for a male connector ) .

[0038] The female connector 100 comprises a housing 102 . The housing 102 , in some embodiments , is arranged with a plug lock socket 104 configured to secure the male electrical connector ( through a guide ridge 116 arranged on the male connector 120 ) to the female connector housing 102 , when in use and connected .

[0039] The female connector has a locking arrangement 112 comprising a lock disc 114 with holes 119 in conj unction with a protective plate 106 with through holes 103 . The through holes 103 are arranged to receive the pins of the male connector 120 and are thus arranged in a same pattern as the pins of the male connector 120 . The lock disc 114 is held upwards with the help of a coil spring 109 , arranged at an underside of the lock disc 114 . The spring acts both as a press spring and a rotation spring . In some embodiments the protective plate 106 has a downwardly extending flange 108 .

[0040] Figure IB shows some embodiments of an alternative connector assembly 1 according to the teachings herein . As in figure 1A, the connector assembly 1 comprises a female connector 100 and a male connector 120 . The male connector has two or more connecting pins 121 , most commonly 3 ( as in the example embodiment of figure IB ) or 5 ( as in the example embodiment of figure 1A) . It should be noted that these embodiments are not restricted to 3 and 5 pins 121 respectively, but both example embodiments may have any number of pins 121 .

[0041] In some embodiments , the connecting pins 121 are of the same dimensions ( diameter and length) . In some embodiments , as can be seen in figure IB, some of the connecting pins 121 are of di f ferent dimensions ( diameter and / or length) . This allows for ensuring that the right pin 121 is inserted into the right hole 105A of the female connector 100 . In some embodiments the earth ( or ground) connecting pin 121A is longer than the other connecting pins 121B . This allows for a safer unlocking of the female connector as will be discussed in further detail in the below .

[0042] In some embodiments , as in figure IB, the female connector 100 is arranged with a lid 102A that can be used to close the female connector 100 when not in use to protect from dirt entering the female connector 100 . In some embodiments the lid 102A is arranged with a flange 102B . In such embodiments the male connector 120 is arranged with a recess 123 for receiving at least a portion of the flange 102B . This allows for the male connector 120 to be locked into the female connector 100 when connected by pushing the lid 102A against the male connector 120 inserting ( at least a portion of ) the flange 102B into the recess 123 .

[0043] The female connector 100 has a plurality of holes 105 , of which one hole is a center hole 105C for receiving a central hub of the protective plate 106 (more on this below) . Some of the holes 105B are arranged to receive each a stop pin ( shown and referenced 602 in figures 2A and 2B ) whereby the lock disc will be rotationally locked to the housing but able to move "up and down" or "out and in" of the housing, i . e . towards or from the protective plate 106 . Some of the holes 105A, same number as the connecting pins 121 of the male connector, are arranged to receive each a connecting pin 121 for establishing electrical contact . These holes 105A are also referred to as power outlets herein .

[0044] Figure 2 shows a side-view of a protective plate 106 and a lock disc 114 . The disc 114 , includes the plurality of stop pins 602 arranged at an underside of the lock disc 114 . The stop pins 602 , in cooperation with the holes 105B, act to guide the lock disc 114 as regards the rest of the housing 102 and components of the female connector 100 .

[0045] In some embodiments the stop pins 602 are arranged to allow an engagement of a tail or first end of the spring 109 with the lock disc 114 , which is rotationally locked to the female connector 100 through the stop pins 602 being arranged in the holes 105B .

[0046] The protective plate 106 has a central cylindrical hub 607 for engagement of the other tail or second end of the spring 109 . The cylindrical hub 607 extends through a center hole 118 of the lock disc 114 and in to a recessed opening also referred to as a central hole 105C of the female connector 100 , which center hole 105C is arranged to house the central cylindrical hub 607 and, in some embodiments , ( at least a portion of ) the spring 109 .

[0047] In some embodiments the center hole 105C is arranged with a recess to allow for engagement with the second end of the spring 109 , thereby locking the spring 109 to the housing 102 .

[0048] As the spring 109 is engaged with both the lock disc 114 ( through the pins 602 or through the recess in the center hole 105C ) and the protective plate 106 ( through the cylindrical hub ) , the spring also serves to provide a rotational bias of the protective plate 106 towards the locked ( first ) position .

[0049] The plurality of stop pins 602 provided on the underside of the lock disc 114 are also arranged so that they insert loosely into holes 105B in the female connector 100 , thereby preventing relative rotational movement between the disc and the female connector at all times . Upon receiving all pins from the male connector, the lock disc 114 is pushed downwards and the protective plate 106 can be rotated .

[0050] As mentioned with reference to figure IB, in some embodiments , one ( or more ) pin 121 , such as the ground pin 121A is longer than the other pins 121B . This prevents unintentional rotation of the protective plate 106 , as the longer pin 121A will reach the lock disc 114 before the other pins 121B, and will then push the lock disc 114 unevenly causing the lock disc 114 to tilt thereby locking the stop pins 602 against the inner surface of the holes 105B, thereby preventing the lock disc 114 to be pushed further down which prevents the protective plate 106 from becoming unintentionally unlocked . In such embodiments the male connector 120 has to be inserted into the female connector 100 at an angle so that all pins 121 reach the lock disc 114 at the same time . The insertion thus requires a very deliberate and intentional angling of the male connector 120 relative the female connector 100 . The angle depends on the dimensions of the lock disc 114 , the distance between the pins 121 and the di f ference in length of the pins 121 .

[0051] As the inventors have reali zed, electrical connectors such as those discussed herein, are often used in dirty environments such as on construction sites , where dirt ( for example dust from various processes such as sanding, grinding, drilling or sawing) wil l enter the electrical connector, which poses a problem to the operation of the lock disc and the protective problem . This problem, which is hitherto unknown and now reali zed by the inventors , may cause the lock disc to be unable to move with regards to the protective plate , thereby locking the lock disc and the protective plate 106 .

[0052] In order to overcome this problem, the lock disc 114 is dimensioned so that it will be able to move even when dirt is accumulated between the lock disc 114 and the protective plate 106 , especially between the lock disc 114 and the wall 108 of the protective plate 106 .

[0053] A maximum si ze of the lock disc 114 is therefor proposed allowing for the lock disc 114 to move relative the protective plate ( or rather enable the protective plate to move relative the lock disc ) even when dirt is accumulated .

[0054] The di f ference in si ze is chosen carefully, as i f the lock disc 114 is too small , it will not be able to provide a stable locking function .

[0055] The si ze of the lock disc 114 compared to the protective plate 106 will , of course , depend on the dimensions of the female connector 100, and thus the lock disc 114, and the protective plate 106.

[0056] In some embodiments the lock disc 114 has a diameter corresponding to 80%, 85%, 90 or 95% of the (inner) diameter of the wall 108.

[0057] In some embodiments the lock disc 114 has a diameter being a minimum of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 or 0.6 mm smaller than the (inner) diameter of the wall 108.

[0058] In some embodiments the lock disc 114 has a diameter being smaller than the (inner) diameter of the wall 108 by 50% or 75% of the length of a protrusion 604 of the protective plate, enabling for engagement of the protrusion 604 with a corresponding notch 605 even when the lock disc 114 is shifted in its position.

[0059] As in the embodiment shown in figure 3A below, the stop pins 602 are, in some embodiments, at least partially hollow. This enables the stop pin 602 to move even if the corresponding hole 105 has dirt in it, the hollow portion 602A of the stop pin 602 thus receiving the dirt, instead of the dirt blocking the stop pin 602.

[0060] In some embodiments, the underside (or inside of the wall 108) of the protective plate 106 further includes plurality of protrusions 604 that engage corresponding notches 605 of the lock disc 114 to lock the protective plate 106 in a locked state.

[0061] In some embodiments, the protective plate 106 includes a control pin 608 arranged to travel inside a circumferential slot 606 in the lock disc 114, and thereby limits the rotation of the protective plate 106 between a locked position (where a pin cannot connect ) and an unlocked position (where a pin can connect ) . A rotational allowance of 35 degrees may thereby be provided .

[0062] It should be noted that the protective plate 106 is arranged to be rotated between a locked and an unlocked position even in embodiments without the slot 606 and control pin 608 .

[0063] When the pins 121 of the male connector 100 are inserted into and through the holes 103 of the protective plate 106 , they push the disc 114 , and the notches 605 on the disc 114 thereby move away from the protrusions 604 on the protective plate to release the protective plate 106 . Subsequently, the protective plate 106 is rotated from the locked position, upon rotation of the male connector by the user and / or biased by the spring 109 , to align the holes 103 of the protective plate 106 and the holes 119 of the locking disc with the power outlets 105A of the female connector 100 , the protective plate 106 thereby assuming the unlocked position .

[0064] I f the protective plate is pressed against the female connector on j ust one side of the disc center, for example by insertion of a tampering implement ( or through an improper insertion of a male connector having pins of di f ferent lengths ) , the lock disc 114 will tilt and at least one of the protective plate protrusions 604 will still be locked to its notch 605 , the lock disc thereby locking the protective plate 106 .

[0065] Returning to figure 1A, in some embodiments the protective plate 106 is arranged with radially directed fanning grooves 111 , for receiving dirt . In some embodiments , as shown in figure 1A, the grooves 111 are arranged on the upper surface of the protective plate 106 . In some embodiments , the grooves 111 are arranged on an underside of the protective plate 106 , i . e . on the side facing the lock disc 114 . Any dirt caught on the protective plate 106 is moved radially out from the tight space between the upper side of the protective plate 106 and the outer housing of the female connector 100 or between the protective plate 106 and the lock disc 114 during the rotation of the protective plate 106 , especially when the male connector 120 is disconnected from the female connector 100 and the spring 109 rotates the protective plate 106 back to the first position . The dirt is flung along the radial grooves 111 to the periphery of the protective plate 106 .

[0066] In some embodiments the lock disc 114 is also or alternatively arranged with radial grooves 111 . In some embodiments , the radial grooves 111 of the lock disc 114 are arranged on an upper side of the lock disc 114 , i . e . the side of the lock disc 114 facing the protective plate 106 . In some such embodiments , both the protective plate 106 and the lock disc 114 are thus arranged with radial grooves 111 . In some such embodiments , where the protective plate 106 and the lock disc 114 are arranged with radial grooves 111 , the radial grooves 111 of the lock disc are arranged so as to align with the radial grooves 111 of the protective plate 106 . In some alternative such embodiments , the radial grooves 111 of the lock disc are arranged so as to not align with the radial grooves 111 of the protective plate 106 . In some embodiments the female connector 100 further includes a phone contact socket 110 ( as shown in figure 1A but also applicable to the embodiments of figure IB ) to connect the female connector 100 with the male connector 120 through a phone contact plug 122 arranged on the male connector 120 . This enables for communicably connecting the female connector 100 and the male connector 120 .

[0067] There is thus provided an electrical connector where a female connector is arranged with a protective plate configured to cover the power outlets in the female connector in a first ( locked) position, wherein the protective plate 106 is rotated from the first position to a second (unlocked) position for uncovering the power outlets when released by a lock disc 114 , wherein the protective plate 106 includes a plurality of holes 103 corresponding to power outlets 105A, wherein the plurality of holes 103 aligns with the power outlets 105A when the protective plate 106 is in the second position . The lock disc 114 is configured to maintain the protective plate 106 in the first position when in a locked state , wherein the lock disc 114 releases the protective plate 106 upon receiving the male connector 120 . The lock disc 114 is spring biased towards the protective plate , and the protective plate 106 is spring biased towards the first ( locked) position . Notably, at least two male pins are required to press down the lock disc 114 , to unlock the protective plate 106 .

[0068] In order to provide an improvement , especially as regards tamper proofing the electrical connector, the inventors have reali zed improvements of the lock disc 114 that makes it more di f ficult to inadvertently unlock the lock disc 114, and thus also more difficult to rotate the protective plate 106.

[0069] Figures 3A and 3B each shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved lock disc 114. It should be noted that figures 3A and 3B does not show exactly the same embodiments and some differences are shown, as will be discussed below. The lock disc 114 shares many features with the lock disc 114 of figures 1A, IB or 2, but in some embodiments (and as shown in figures 3A and 3B) , the improved lock disc 114 is also arranged with slits 131. The slits 131 are arranged so that they extend from the outer circumference of the lock disc 114 inwards towards the center hole 118 of the lock disc. In some embodiments at least one of the slits 131 extend in a radial manner. In some embodiments at least one of the slits 131 extend in a non-radial manner as in figure 3A. In some embodiments at least one of the slits 131 extends to within 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3 mm within the center hole or in any range there-inbetween . In some embodiments at least one of the slits 131 extend 80 %, 85 %, 90 % of the diameter of the lock disc 114 or in any range there-inbetween. In some embodiments at least one of the slits 131 extend 80% 85%, 90 %, or 95 % of the distance from the edge of the lock disc to the (edge of) the center hole 118 or in any range there-inbetween .

[0070] As can be seen, the slits 131 are arranged so that the lock disc 114 is divided or partitioned into at least two portions 114A, 114B. The slits 131 are also arranged so that each lock disc portion 114A, 114B comprises a portion of the lock disc 114 (i.e excluding a hole 119 of the lock disc 114) that is under a hole 103 of the protective plate 106, when in the locked position. Each portion 114A, 114B is thus arranged to have a pin of the male connector ) push against the portion 114A, 114B as the male connector 120 is to be received .

[0071] The slits enable the portion 114A, 114B to bend and thus be pushed out of alignment with the rest of the lock disc 114 i f pushed alone , and only when all portions 114A, 114B are pushed simultaneously (by the pins 121 ) will the lock disc 114 be pushed downwards ( against the spring 109 and thereby unlock the protective plate 106 allowing it to rotate (under mechanical application of the pins and biased by the spring 109 ) to the unlocked position, where the pins 121 can be received by the power outlets 105A and the male connector 120 is plugged into the female connector 100 .

[0072] The arrangement of the slits 131 thus prevent or reduce the risk of the lock disc 114 being tilted by an obj ect other than a male connector being pushed in through the holes 103 of the protective plate , and to be pushed away enough even though tilted so that the protective plate can be unlocked or less securely locked, whereby it may be forced out of its locked state by the obj ect being pushed into the holes 103 .

[0073] In some embodiments , one or several of the slits 131 are arranged so that they interfere with one of the ( through) holes 119 , i . e . that the slit 131 intersects the hole 119 , whereby the hole 119 ef fectively becomes part of the slit 131 . This enables for having holes 119 of various si zes and also contributes to the flexibility of the corresponding portion 114A, 114B . Such embodiments are shown in figure 3B, but the embodiments of figure 3A do not have such slits interfering with any hole . Returning to figure 3A, showing the underside of the lock disc 114 , i . e . the side of the lock disc 114 where the spring 109 will be arranged . The inventors have reali zed a further problem in that as there will be some movement of the spring 109 during operation, the spring may snag or otherwise interact with the moving parts , and speci fically the lock disc 114 . In order to improve the operation and to provide a smoother operation of the connector, the inventors have provided a simple solution by, in some embodiments , providing a raised edge 132 around the center hole 118 , but distanced from the actual hole 118 , providing a space 132A to house at least a portion of the spring 109 . This maintains the position of the spring even when the lock disc 114 is tilted thereby ensuring that the spring 109 keeps attached to the protective plate 106 .

[0074] The raised edge 132 also serves to separate the lock disc 114 from the housing 102 of the female connector, allowing a small space for dirt to collect between the female connector and the lock disc 114 . This prevents the lock disc 114 from snagging or getting caught by being pushed by the dirt , and thereby titled, which can lead to the safety pins being caught in the sides of the holes 105 ( through friction with the sides of the holes 105 ) .

[0075] In some embodiments , the female housing 102 also has one or more cavities 113 (possibly including the holes 105 , for example the holes 105B for receiving the stop pins 602 ) where dirt can be collected without af fecting the operation of electrical connector assembly .

[0076] In some embodiments at least one of the cavities 113 is arranged at an outer circumference or outer edge of the housing 102 (but of course inside the housing 102 ) . In embodiments where the protective plate 106 is arranged with grooves 111, the dirt ejected or moved by the grooves 111 will thus be moved to such a cavity 113 and thereby effectively be removed from the operative part of the female connector 100.

[0077] This provides for a smoother operation and also reduces the requirement of a smooth surface of the lock disc 114, especially outside the raised edge 132.

[0078] In some embodiments the height of the raised edge 132 is 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm or in any range there-inbetween. In some embodiments the width of the raised edge 132 is 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1-2 mm or in any range there- inbetween .

[0079] In some embodiments the space to house the spring 109, i.e. the distance from the edge 132 to the edge of the center hole 119, is 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1-2 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

[0080] It should be noted that even though the slits 131 and the raised edge 132 are shown in the same figure, they may be implemented individually (or in combination) in embodiments of the teachings herein.

[0081] Figures 4A shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved lock disc 114. The lock disc 114 shares many features with the lock disc 114 of figures 1, 2, 3A or 3B but in some embodiments (and as shown in figures 3A and 3B) , the improved lock disc 114 is also or alternatively arranged with one or more protrusions 133 extending from the lock disc to (wards ) the protective plate 106 . The protrusions 133 are arranged on an upper side of the lock disc 114 , i . e . the side that will interact with the protective plate 106 . The protrusions 133 ( at least one of ) are also arranged to align with the holes 103 of the protective plate 106 , and optionally protrude partially through the through hole 103 , when the protective plate 106 is in the locked position .

[0082] This enables the protrusion 133 to ( at least partially) extend through or otherwise engage with the corresponding hole 103 , and even when the lock disc 114 is tilted ( such as through improper or unintentional inserting a pin or obj ect through only one hole 103 ) at least one of the protrusions will extend through or otherwise engage with the through hole 103 . The protrusion 133 will thus lock the protective plate rotationally with regards to the lock disc 114 which prevents or reduces the risk for rotating the protective plate 106 unintentionally . The protrusions will thus reduce the risk of or prevent the protective plate to be unintentionally rotated even when the lock disc 114 is pushed and tilted so that some of the protrusions 606 of the protective plate 106 is no longer engaging the notches 608 .

[0083] There is thus provided one or more protrusions 133 that are each aligned with a through hole 103 of the protective plate 106 and extends at least partially through the through hole 103 when the protective plate 106 is in the locked position thereby rotationally locking the protective plate 106 to the lock disc 114 , and when all the pins 121 are received through the through holes 103 , the protrusions 133 are pushed out of the through-hole 103 thereby releasing the protective plate 106 . Also when the lock disc 114 is pushed down by only one obj ect and thereby tilted at least one of the protrusions 133 is still engaged with its corresponding through hole 103 thereby preventing a rotation of the protective plate 106 with regards to the lock disc 114 .

[0084] In some embodiments the protrusions 133 are arranged as solid bodies .

[0085] In some embodiments ( at least one of ) the protrusions 133 are arranged as a ( circular ) ridge or raised edge wherein the inner of the protrusion is hollow or at a same level as the lock disc 114 . In some embodiments , the hollow portion 133A of the protrusion 133 is of a diameter or width that is less than the diameter of a ( corresponding) pin 121 . In such embodiments ( at least one of ) the protrusions 133 are thus arranged to engage with an obj ect unintentionally or improperly inserted through a hole 103 , whereby the hollow protrusion will prevent the obj ect to rotate the protective plate 106 , while a pin will not be engaged in the hollow portion and can glide or slide above the protrusion 133 enabling for a rotation of the protective plate 106 .

[0086] In some embodiments the protrusions 133 are arranged with a round shape , as in figure 4A, however other shapes are also possible . In some embodiments at least one of the protrusions 133 is arranged with a flat top . In some embodiments at least one of the protrusions is arranged with a convex top . In some embodiments at least one of the protrusions is arranged with a concave top .

[0087] In some embodiments at least one of the ridges encompasses the corresponding hole . In some embodiments at least one of the ridges partially encompasses the corresponding hole by 240, 270, or 300 degrees. This allows for example receiving the ground pin (or other pin) at an angle. In some embodiments the ridge that partially encompasses the corresponding hole is for receiving a ground pin (121) .

[0088] In some embodiments the height of at least one of the protrusions 133 is 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or in any range there-inbetween . In some embodiments the width of at least one of the protrusions 133 is 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 or in any range there-inbetween.

[0089] As a skilled person would understand, the height (and also other dimensions) DEPENDS ON THE DIMENSIONS of the protective plate and the lock disc (and also the distance between the two in the locked and unlocked position. The height corresponds to the distance (play) between the lock disc of protective plate, and also between the housing (the holes 105) and the protective plate 106.

[0090] The protrusions 133 may have different shapes and / or different dimensions. At least some of (if not all) the protrusions 133 may be of the same shape (including being solid or hollow) and / or same dimensions.

[0091] The protrusions 133 are of a dimension (size and shape) that allows for the protrusion 133 to extend (at least partially) through a corresponding hole 103 of the protective plate 106.

[0092] Figure 4B shows a sideview of some embodiments of an improved protective plate 106. The protective plate 106 shares many features with the protective plate 106 of figures 1 and 2 but in some embodiments ( and as shown in figures 4B ) , the improved protective plate 106 is arranged to be used with the improved lock disc 114 of figure 4A.

[0093] The improved protective plate 106 is , in some embodiments , further additionally or alternatively arranged with one or more shields 134 that are arranged adj acent a hole 103 . In some embodiments a shield 134 is arranged for each hole 103 .

[0094] In some embodiments at least one of the shields 134 is arranged on a side of the hole 103 in the direction of rotation of the protective plate 106 from the locked position to the unlocked position . The shield 134 thus protects from unintentional rotation of the protective plate 106 by preventing an unintended obj ect to interfere with the lock disc 114 , and speci fically for extending from the hole 103 of the protective plate 106 and in through the hole 119 of the lock disc 114 and thus preventing the unintended obj ect from gaining unintended access to the power outlets of the female connector 100 .

[0095] In some embodiments at least one of the shields 134 is arranged to extend along a section of the corresponding hole 103 , wherein the section is 30 , 35 , 40 , 45 , 50 , 55 or 60 degrees or in any range there-inbetween .

[0096] In some embodiments the height of at least one of the shields 134 is such that it extends through the ( extended) hole 119 (A) of the lock disc 114 , and thus equals or is larger than the distance between the lock disc 114 plus the thickness of the lock disc 114 . In some embodiments the distance is the distance in unlocked mode , i . e when the lock disc 114 is pushed away (partially or fully) from the protective plate . In some embodiments the height of at least one of the shields 134 is 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

[0097] In turn, the improved lock disc 114 is arranged with extended holes 119A, wherein the holes 119 are arranged with extended portions 119A that correspond to the shields 134 . The shape of the extended portions 119A depend on the shape of the shields 134 , and many variations thus exist .

[0098] In some embodiments the shape of the extended portions 119A allows for the shield to protrude ( at least partially) through the lock disc 114 even when the protective plate 106 is being rotated .

[0099] It should be noted that even though the protrusions 133 and the extended holes 119A are shown in the same figure , they may be implemented individually ( or in combination) in embodiments of the teachings herein .

[0100] It should also be noted that even though the slits 131 and the extended holes 119A are shown in the di f ferent figures , they may be implemented individually or in combination in embodiments of the teachings herein, especially when arranging a slit 131 so that it interacts with a hole 119 ( or the extended hole 119A) .

[0101] It should also be noted that even though the slits 131 and the protrusions 133 are shown in the di f ferent figures , they may be implemented individually or in combination in embodiments of the teachings herein .

[0102] Figure 4C shows an improved lock disc 114 as in figure 4A being connected with an improved protective plate 106 of figure 4B . As can be seen, the shields 134 extend through the extended holes 119A.

[0103] As is also shown in figure 4C, and in figures 4A and 3A, in some embodiments the improved lock disc 114 is arranged with safety pins having an increased height as compared to those of figure 2 . This enables for a more stable operation of the lock disc 114 .

[0104] In some embodiments the height of at least one of the safety pins exceeds 5 mm . In some embodiments the height of at least one of the safety pins is 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

[0105] In some embodiments the width ( diameter i f circular or conical ) of at least one of the safety pins is 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, or 8 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

[0106] It should be noted that even though the safety pins having an increased height compared to figures 1 and 2 slits 131 are shown in the same figures as the other improvements , for example the protrusions 133 , the shields 134 and the slits 131 , they may be implemented individually or in combination in embodiments of the teachings herein .

[0107] The combination of some or all improved features discussed herein cooperate to provide an improved operation and speci fically to make the female connector even more tamper proof .

[0108] Returning to figure 4B, the central cylindrical hub 607 is , in some embodiments , arranged with a recess 607A for engagement of one tail or first end of the spring 109 . The cylindrical hub 607 extends through a center hole 118 of the lock disc 114 and in to a recessed opening also referred to as a central hole 105C of the female connector 100 , which center hole 105C is arranged to house the central cylindrical hub 607 and, in such embodiments , ( at least a portion of ) the spring 109 , the spring 109 being looped ( or coiled) around the central hub 607 . As is shown in figure 5 , showing a schematic view of the improved protective plate 106 of figure 4B and part of the female connector as in figures 1A and IB, there is arranged, in such embodiments , a second recess 105D inside the center hole 105C . The center hole 105C is thus arranged with a recess 105D to allow for engagement with the second end of the spring 109 , thereby locking the spring 109 to the housing 102 . The recess may be formed in the wall of the center hole 105C . Or, in some embodiments , as is illustrated schematically in figure 5 , the center hole 1050 leads to a protrusion or spindle 105E having the recess 105D . The spindle 105E is preferably of a narrower dimension than the center hole to allow the spring to be partially housed between the wall of the center hole and the spindle 105E thereby allowing the second end of the spring to engage the recess 105D in the spindle 105E . As a skilled person would understand, the spring 109 in such embodiments would be arranged to have both its tails 109A to extend inwards , towards and through the center of the ending planes of the spring 109 , to allow for engaging the recess 105D of the central hole 105C and the recess 607A of the hub 607 .

[0109] This allows for an arrangement having an increased distance between the spring and the pins of the male connector, compared to the embodiment of figure IB, which prevents or reduces the risk of any flashover from the pins of the male connector and the spring 109 . Modi fications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims . Expressions such as "including" , "comprising" , " incorporating" , "have" , " is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items , components or elements not explicitly described also to be present . Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A female connector ( 100 ) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector ( 100 ) and a male connector (120) , the female connector ( 100 ) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) , wherein the lock disc (114) is spring- biased towards the protective plate (106) , and arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through the lock disc (114) and thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100) , wherein the female connector ( 100) is characterized in that the lock disc (114) comprises one or more protrusions (133) extending from the lock disc (114) to (wards) the protective plate (106) , wherein the one or more protrusions (133) are each aligned with a through hole (103) of the protective plate (106) and extends at least partially through the through hole (103) when the protective plate (106) is in the locked position thereby rotationally locking the protective plate (106) to the lock disc (114) , and when all the pins (121) are received through the through holes (103) , the protrusions (133) are pushed out of the through- hole (103) thereby releasing the protective plate (106) .

2. The female connector (100) according to claim 1, whereby when the lock disc (114) is pushed down by only one object and thereby tilted at least one of the protrusions (133) is still engaged with its corresponding through hole (103) thereby preventing a rotation of the protective plate (106) with regards to the lock disc (114) .

3. The female connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the protrusions (133) is arrangedas a ridge wherein the inner of the protrusion (133) is at a same level as the lock disc (114) .

4. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the ridge encompasses the corresponding hole.

5. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the ridge partially encompasses the corresponding hole by 240, 270, or 300 degrees.

6. The female connector (100) according to claim 5, wherein the ridge that partially encompasses the corresponding hole is for receiving a ground pin (121) .

7. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a height of at least one of the protrusions (133) is 1 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

8. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective plate (106) further comprises one or more grooves (111) arranged on an underside of the protective plate (106) and / or wherein the lock disc (114) further comprises one or more grooves (111) arranged on an upper side of the lock disc (114) .

9. The female connector (100) according to preceding claim, wherein the female connector (100) is characterized in that the lock disc (114) has a diameter corresponding to 80%, 85%, 90 or 95% of an (inner) diameter of a wall (108) of the protective plate (106) .

10. The female connector (100) according to preceding claim, wherein the lock disc (114) has a diameter being aminimum of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 or 0.6 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the wall (108) .

11. The female connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the lock disc (114) has a diameter being smaller than the inner diameter of the wall (108) by 50% or 75% of the length of a protrusion (604) of the protective plate (106) , enabling for engagement of the protrusion (604) with a corresponding notch (605) on the lock disc (114) even when the lock disc (114) is shifted in its position.

12. A female connector ( 100 ) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector ( 100 ) and a male connector (120) , the female connector ( 100 ) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) , wherein the lock disc (114) is spring- biased towards the protective plate (106) , and arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through the lock disc (114) and thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100) , wherein the female connector ( 100) is characterized in that the lock disc (114) comprises one or more slits (131) each arranged to extend from an outer edge of the lock disc 114 towards a center hole (118) of the lock disc (114) and to partition the lock disc (114) into at least two portions (114A, 114B) , wherein each lock disc portion (114A, 114B) comprises a portion of the lock disc (114) that is under a hole (103) of the protective plate (106) , when the protective plate (106) is in the locked position.

13. The female connector (100) according to claim 12, wherein each portion (114A, 114B) is arranged to have a pinof the male connector (120) push against the portion (114A, 114B) as the male connector 120 is to be received by the female connector (100) .

14. The female connector (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the slits (131) are arranged to enable the portion (114A, 114B) to bend and thus be pushed out of alignment with the rest of the lock disc (114) if the portion (114A, 114B) is pushed alone.

15. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one of the slits (131) extend 85 % , 90 %, or 95% of the distance from the edge of the lock disc (114) to the (edge of) the center hole (118) or in any range there-inbetween .

16. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein at least one of the slits (131) extends through or into one of the holes (119) of the lock disc (114) .

17. A female connector ( 100 ) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector ( 100 ) and a male connector (120) , the female connector ( 100 ) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) , wherein the lock disc (114) is spring- biased towards the protective plate (106) , and arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through the lock disc (114) and thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100) , wherein the female connector (100) is characterized in that the lock disc (114) comprises a center hole (118)having a raised edge (132) arranged on the underside of the lock disc (114) inside which raised edge (132) a spring (109) is at least partially arranged, wherein the spring (109) provides the spring-biasing.

18. The female connector (100) according to claim 17, wherein a height of the raised edge (132) is 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm or in any range there- inbetween .

19. The female connector (100) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a width of the raised edge (132) is 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1-2 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

20. A female connector ( 100 ) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector ( 100 ) and a male connector (120) , the female connector ( 100 ) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) , wherein the lock disc (114) is spring- biased towards the protective plate (106) , and arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through the lock disc (114) and thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100) , wherein the female connector (100) is characterized in that the lock disc (114) comprises one or more safety pins (602) arranged to extend into holes (105B) of the housing of the female connector (100) thereby rotationally locking the lock disc (114) relative the female connector (100) , wherein at least one of the safety pins (602) is hollow.

21. The female connector (100) according to claim 20, wherein the at least one of the safety pins (602) being hollow is arranged to receive dirt present in the corresponding hole (105B) allowing the pin (602) to move into the hole (105B) even when dirt is present in the hole (105B) .

22. The female connector (100) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the height of at least one of the safety pins is 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm or in any range there- inbetween .

23. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the width of at least one of the safety pins (602) is 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, or 8 mm or in any range there-inbetween .

24. A female connector ( 100 ) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector ( 100 ) and a male connector (120) , the female connector ( 100 ) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) , wherein the lock disc (114) is spring- biased towards the protective plate (106) , and arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through the lock disc (114) and thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100) , wherein the female connector ( 100) is characterized in that the protective plate (106) comprises one or more shields (134) arranged adjacent each a hole (103) of the protective plate (106) , wherein at least one of the shields (134) is arranged on a side of the hole (103) in the direction ofrotation of the protective plate (106) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

25. The female connector (100) according to claim 24, wherein a height of at least one of the shields (134) is such that it extends through the lock disc (114) when the protective plate (106) is in the locked position and the lock disc (114) is pushed towards the protective plate (106) and wherein the lock disc (114) is arranged with extended holes (119A) that correspond to the shields (134) allowing the protective plate (106) to rotate when the shield extends through the hole (119A) .

26. The female connector (100) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the shape of at least one of the extended holes(119A) allow for the shield (134) to protrude (at least partially) through the lock disc (114) even when the protective plate (106) is being rotated.

27. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein at least one of the shields (134) is arranged to extend along a section of the corresponding hole (103) , wherein the section is 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 or 75 degrees or in any range there-inbetween .

28. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 1 to 8 in combination with any of claims 9 to 11 and / or in combination with any of claims 12 to 16 and / or in combination with any of claims 17 to 19 and / or in combination with any of claims 20 to 23 and / or in combination with any of claims 24 to 27.

29. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12 to 16 in combination with any of claims 1 to 8 and / orin combination with any of claims 9 to 11 and / or in combination with any of claims 17 to 19 and / or in combination with any of claims 20 to 23 and / or in combination with any of claims 24 to 27.

30. The female connector (100) according to any of claims 1 to 17 to 19 in combination with any of claims 1 to 8 and / or in combination with any of claims 9 to 11 and / or in combination with any of claims 12 to 16 and / or in combination with any of claims 20 to 23 and / or in combination with any of claims 24 to 27.

31. A female connector ( 100 ) configured to be used in an electrical connector arrangement (1) comprising the female connector (100) and a male connector (120) , the female connector ( 100 ) comprising a protective plate (106) and a lock disc (114) arranged so that when the lock disc (114) is pushed away from the protective plate (106) the protective plate is unlocked and able to rotate to allow pins from the male connector (120) to pass through thereby connecting the male connector (120) with the female connector (100) , wherein the female connector is improved in that the lock disc (114) is a minimum of 0.3 mm smaller in diameter than an inner diameter of a wall (108) of the protective plate (106) , the protective plate (106) comprises one or more shields (134) adjacent a hole (103) of the protective plate (106) , and / or the lock disc (114) comprises protrusions (133) extending to (wards) the protective plate (106) , one or more slits (131) , one or more safety pins (602) being hollow, and / or a center hole (118) having a raised edge (132) .

Images