Patent Application
20230271034
Breathing apparatus, such as self-contained breathing apparatus, generally comprise a wearable support frame, or backplate, which supports a container of breathing gas, and which is worn on a user's back with shoulder straps and a waist belt. Modern breathing apparatuses may have on-board electronics such as communication devices, telemetry, lights, cameras, sensors, amongst other electronic systems. These electronic systems may be powered by an on-board battery provided, for example, on the backplate, and data transfer to and from the electronics may be required. Therefore, a connector system for data and/or power transfer with the breathing apparatus may be required.
It is important that the charging and data transfer connector system is robustly but easily connectable to the backplate. Further, it is important that the connector system is suitable for use in the hazardous environments in which the breathing apparatus will operate. Many connectors which are used in non-safety-critical applications, such as consumer electronics, are simply not reliable and robust enough to deal with the hazards and demands which will be placed on an emergency services breathing apparatus.
Therefore, it will be understood that improvements in connector systems for data and power transfer in the specific field of breathing apparatus may be desirable.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector system for a wearable support frame of a breathing apparatus in accordance with the appended independent claim 1. The connector system comprises a first connector provided on a wearable support frame and a second connector for connection to the first connector. The first connector comprises an electrical transfer element and a magnetically attractive element to be attracted by a magnet. The second connector comprises a complementary electrical transfer element for power and/or data transfer with the electrical transfer element of the first connector and further comprises a magnet for attracting the magnetically attractive element so as to magnetically secure the first and second connector to one another for power and/or data transfer between the electrical transfer elements.
The first connector may comprise a plurality of magnetically attractive elements and the second connector may comprise a respective plurality of magnets for attracting the plurality of magnetically attractive elements.
At least two of the magnetically attractive elements may be arranged on opposing sides of the electrical transfer element, and at least two of the magnets may be arranged on opposing sides of the complementary electrical transfer element.
The magnetically attractive element may be covered by a non-conducting material such that the magnetically attractive element is not exposed on the surface of the first connector. The non-conducting material may be a potting resin.
The electrical transfer element and the complementary electrical transfer element may be conductive electrical contacts or may be inductive electrical elements.
The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
The first connector may further comprise a protrusion or a recess having the electrical transfer element, and the second connector may further comprise a complementary recess or protrusion having the complementary electrical transfer element.
The connector system may comprise a plurality of electrical transfer elements and a respective plurality of complimentary electrical transfer elements. At least one pair of an electrical transfer element and a complimentary electrical transfer element may be configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical transfer element and a complimentary electrical transfer element may be configured to transfer data.
The second connector may comprise a cover configured to overlay the magnets so as to prevent inadvertent attachment of ferrous metal articles to the second connector when the second connector is not in use. The cover may be movable, such as by a hinge, into and out of a covered position (i.e. between covered and uncovered positions). The cover may be made of an elastomeric material. The cover may comprise ferrous metallic magnetic elements configured to be attracted to the magnets.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a connector system for power and/or data transfer in accordance with the appended independent claim 13. The connector system comprises a first connector comprising a contact protrusion having at least first and second electrical contacts. The electrical contacts define a contact axis along a straight line extending between the first and second contacts. The connector system further comprises a second connector comprising a complementary recess for receiving the contact protrusion having complementary electrical contacts for contacting the first and second electrical contacts of the first connector. At least one of the first and second connectors is attached to a cable and, at a connection interface between the cable and the connector, a longitudinal axis of the cable is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis.
The contact protrusion and the complementary recess may each comprise a peripheral surface which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable. The inclined peripheral surfaces may be configured to overlay one another when the first and second connectors are in a connected configuration.
The inclined peripheral surfaces may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable such that, in the connected configuration, a tensile force applied to the cable will urge the first and second connectors to disconnect as the inclined peripheral surfaces move relative to one another.
The contact protrusion and/or the complimentary recess may have a longest dimension, in particular in plan view, which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable. The longest dimension of the protrusion and/or recess may be substantially coextensive or parallel with the contact axis.
The inclined peripheral surfaces may be arranged on an opposing peripheral side of the contact protrusion and/or complimentary recess to the connection interface between the cable and the connector. A peripheral wall of the protrusion or recess may face the cable, and the inclined peripheral surface may be arranged on the other side of the protrusion or recess, facing away from the cable.
The first and/or second connector may comprise a connector portion on which the contact protrusion or complimentary is arranged. The connector portion may be substantially planar or flat. The connector may further comprise a stepped portion comprising the connection interface between the cable and the connector such that the longitudinal axis of the cable is spaced apart from the connector portion. In other words, the cable may intersect with the connector such that it is spaced away from the other connector to a greater degree than the connector portion.
The first and second connectors each comprise three or more electrical contacts arranged on the contact axis. All of the electrical contacts of the connectors may be arranged on the respective contact axis.
The contact protrusion and the complementary recess may each further comprise one or more further peripheral inclined surfaces, which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable, such that, in the connected configuration, a lateral force applied to the connector which is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cable will urge the first and second connectors to disconnect as the further inclined peripheral surfaces move relative to one another.
At least one pair of an electrical contact and a complimentary electrical contact may be configured to transfer power, and at least one pair of an electrical contact and a complimentary electrical contact may be configured to transfer data.
In a third aspect, there is provided a connector arrangement for a wearable support frame of a breathing apparatus, comprising: a first connector, comprising a contact protrusion having at least one electrical contact; a second connector, comprising a complementary contact recess having a complementary electrical contact; wherein the electrical contact and the complementary electrical contact are connectable to provide power and/or data transfer; wherein one of the first and second connectors comprises: a locating protrusion adjacent the contact recess or contact protrusion, the locating protrusion extending outwardly of the first connector; and the other of the first and second connectors comprises: a complementary locating recess within with the location protrusion can be located in a connected configuration of the first and second connectors; the locating protrusion and the locating recess arranged such that the connection of the electrical contacts is only possible in a single relative orientation of the first and second connectors; wherein the contact protrusion, the complementary contact recess, the locating protrusion and the locating recess each comprise a surface angled such that application of a force in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the protrusions acts to separate each protrusion and the complementary recess, and therefore the first and second connectors.
In the first, second, and third aspects, the connector which is arranged on the wearable support frame may be arranged on a rear surface of the wearable support frame which is configured to face the user's back in use. The connector may be arranged on a front surface of the wearable support frame which faces away from the user's back in use.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a wearable support frame for a breathing apparatus comprising a connector system according to one or more of the first, second, and third aspects.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a breathing apparatus comprising a wearable support frame according to the fourth aspect.
According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a breathing apparatus charging system comprising a breathing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, and a charging apparatus comprising the second connector. The charging apparatus is configured to charge the breathing apparatus via the first and second connectors.
To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.
In particular, one, two, or all three of the first, second, and third aspects may be embodied in the same connector apparatus.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The breathing apparatus charging system comprises a breathing apparatus 1 and a charging apparatus 2 (not shown). The breathing apparatus 1 (as shown in
In
The connector system 100 is shown in more detail in
The first connector 102 comprises at least one electrical transfer element, in this case three electrical contacts 106. In other examples, inductive transfer elements, or other wireless transfer elements may be provided. The second connector comprises at least one electrical transfer element (corresponding to the electrical transfer element or elements), in this case three complimentary electrical contacts 108, which are configured to contact the electrical contacts 106 of the first connector to thereby transfer electrical signals. The contacts on each connector are arranged in a line, with two outer contacts and a central contact. One of the outer pairs of contacts 106a,108a are configured to transfer data to and from the electronics module 22, the other outer pair of contacts 106c,108c are configured to transfer power to charge the battery of the electronics module 22, and the central, third pair of contacts 106b,108b are configured to provide a ground.
The first connector 102 comprises a flat, generally rectangular surface 110, which is bordered by a peripheral rim 112. A protrusion 114 is provided which protrudes from the surface 110. The protrusion 114 has a flat raised surface 116 on which the electrical contacts 106 are arranged. The raised surface 116 is generally rectangular and is bordered by upwardly-extending peripheral walls 136, 140, 142
With reference to
Turning now to the second connector 104 shown in
The second connector 104 comprises first and second magnets 128a,b for attracting the magnetically attractive elements 120a,b of the first connector 102. In this case, the magnets 128a,b are permanent magnets, but they could be alternatively electromagnets or the like. The magnets 128a,b, produce their own magnetic field so as to attract the magnetically attractive elements 120a,b respectively when the connectors 102 ,104 are connected together. The magnetically attractive elements 120 and the magnets 128 are positioned on the respective connectors 102,104 such that they substantially overlay one another when the connectors 102, 104 are connected. Therefore, the magnets 128, by magnetically attracting the elements 120 magnetically secure the first and second connector to one another, with their contacts 106,108 in contact so that power and/or data transfer can occur. The connectors 102,104 are shown in their connected configuration in
In this example, the two magnetically attractive elements 120 are arranged on opposing sides of the contacts 106 (and the protrusion 114, and the two magnets 128 are similarly arranged on opposing sides of the complementary contacts 108 (and the recess 124). This may serve to provide a stronger connection between the connectors 102,104 by providing a retaining force on opposing sides of the contacts.
Providing a non-magnetised element on the backplate may be advantageous in the particular field of breathing apparatus. A magnetised element on the backplate (i.e. a magnet which produces its own magnetic field) could attract debris and other items in a hazardous environment to the backplate, which could cause a dangerous snagging hazard for the user. Therefore, by providing the magnetised part of the connector retaining system on the second connector which is not part of the backplate, an increased risk of snagging may be avoided. Further, by covering the magnetically attractive elements with non-conductive material to prevent their exposure on the outer surface of the connector on the backplate, a sparking hazard may be reduced (which is important in hazardous atmosphere including flammable gases), as the metallic material of the elements could provide a sparking location if left exposed.
In use by a firefighter, a backplate is subject to temperatures in the region of 250° C. Magnets which are heated above their maximum operating temperature may degrade and lose performance over time, even after cooling. By providing the permanent magnet on the second connector, which is not part of the backplate, the magnets will not be exposed to high ambient temperatures and the maximum operating temperature of the magnetic material can be eliminated from the material selection constraints. This may enable the use of a wider range of magnetic materials and reduce/avoid the need for replacement of the magnets during the life of the product.
Another aspect of the connector system 100 is discussed below, again with reference to
The electrical contacts 106 of the first connector 102 define a contact axis C1 along a straight line extending between the contacts 106. Likewise, the complimentary contacts 108 of the second connector 104 define a contact axis C2. When the first and second connectors are in a connected configuration, as shown in
In this example, the second connector is attached to a cable 130, the other end of which is connected to the charging apparatus 2. The cable 130 is in communication with the complimentary contacts 108 to provide power and data transfer with the contacts 106 of the first connector 102. The cable 130 connects with the second connector 104 a connection interface 132. At the connection interface 132, the cable is secured to the connector by a cable restraint 134. A longitudinal axis L of the cable 130 is substantially perpendicular to the contact axis C2 of the second connector and, while the connectors 102,104 are connected, also perpendicular to the contact axis C1 of the first connector.
The protrusion 114 of the first connector 102 comprises a peripheral surface 136 which is inclined with respect to the cable axis L when the connectors are connected. The inclined peripheral surface 136 is arranged on an opposing side of the protrusion 114 to the cable 130 in the connected configuration. The incline of the surface 136 is such that the protrusion 114 tapers with increasing distance from the surface 110. The recess 124 comprises a complimentary peripheral surface 138 which is configured to overlay the peripheral surface 136 of the protrusion 114 in the connected configuration as shown in
The incline of the surfaces 136,138 is such that, in the connected configuration, a tensile force applied to the cable (shown by arrow F on
The contacts 106,108 being arranged along axes generally perpendicular to the cable 130 means that, on application of a tensile force to the cable, the contacts pairs 106a,b,c and 108a,b,c may be more likely to be disconnected substantially simultaneously, which may reduce the risk of short circuits and other electrical issues if the pairs of contacts are disconnected at slightly different times.
Turning to
The protrusion 114 and the complementary recess 124 in this example further comprise two additional peripheral inclined surfaces 140, which are arranged on the short ends of the protrusion and recess, and which generally extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the cable 130. These inclined surfaces are configured such that, in the connected configuration, a lateral force (see arrows S in
The fourth and final peripheral wall 142 of the protrusion 114 and recess 124 is a substantially perpendicular to the surface 110 and the surface 122, i.e. the surfaces 142 are not inclined. Therefore, the protrusion and recess have only one degree of rotational symmetry (as can be observed in
Turning now to
This configuration may result in a tensile force applied to the cable 230 additionally applying a resolved inclined force on the connector portion 205, which may further assist in lifting the second connector 204 away from the first connector 102.
As shown in
The cover 210 is hingedly attached to the second connector 204 at the cable portion 209, so as to pivot about hinge line H. The cover 210 further comprises a pull tab 216. By lifting the pull tab 216, the magnets 228 of the connector portion 205 can be exposed (as shown in
The cover 210 prevents inadvertent attachment between the magnets 228 of the second connector 104 and ferrous metal articles, when the second connector 204 is not in use. It will be understood that a corresponding cover 210 may be used with the second connector 104 described above.
A further aspect of the connector system 100 will now be described.
It has been described above that the first connector comprises a protrusion 114 and the second connector comprises a complimentarily shaped recess 124 for receiving the protrusion, which are rotationally un-symmetric to limit the connection of the connectors 102,104 in a single orientation. In order to further prevent connection of the connectors 102,104 in an incorrect orientation, the first connector 102 comprises further protrusions 144, and the second connector 104 comprises further complimentary recesses 146 for receiving the protrusions 144 in the connected configuration. By providing multiple protrusions 114, 144 and multiple complimentary recesses 124,146, an incorrect connection of the connectors can be avoided because, in an incorrect orientation, the protrusions 144 will contact the surface 122 of the second connector 104 and prevent the connectors from engaging correctly such that the magnets 128 can secure the connection. It should be understood that, generally, the geometry of the protrusions and the complimentary recesses is such that the contacts 106 and 108 will not touch unless the connectors are connected in the correct orientation.
In this example, the further protrusions 144 and complimentary recesses 146 are substantially frustoconical in shape such that a lateral force in any direction in the plane of the connectors (i.e. a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the protrusions) will result in a lifting force which will urge the connectors apart. It should be understood that the protrusion and recess which comprise contacts are ‘contact projection’ and ‘contact recess’ and the other protrusions and recesses may be locating protrusions and recesses which do not comprise contacts.
To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, the above detailed description describes a particular configuration of the connection system in which the protruding elements are provided on the connector which is located on the backplate, while the recesses are provided on the other connector. In other examples, the recesses may be provided on the backplate connector, while the other connector comprises protrusions. In yet further examples, both of the connectors may feature both recesses and protrusions which are complimentary to respective opposing protrusions and recesses on the other connector.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012558.9 | Aug 2020 | GB | national |
This application claims the priority of International PCT Application No. PCT/EP2021/072534, filed on Aug. 12, 2021, which claims priority to GB Application No. GB2012558.9, filed on Aug. 12, 2020, the entire contents of which being fully incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to data and/or power connectors for breathing apparatus and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a connector apparatus for a wearable support frame for a breathing apparatus.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/072534 | 8/12/2021 | WO |
