Patent Grant
11824307
The present invention relates generally to an electrical connector and connector elements thereof for a modular construction element and/or system.
Many different types of electrical connectors exist today.
Certain types of connectors are based on the well-known RJ12 (registered jack) connector having a male plug and a female jack that especially is used for connecting telecommunications or data equipment but also have found use in other equipment.
The plug and jack of a RJ12 connector (and many more RJ connectors) snap or click together using a locking element requiring a press on a fairly small surface before they safely can be separated again. This way of separation is and not very suitable for certain types of users, e.g. (young) children; especially if a small form factor of the connector also is preferred.
If the RJ12 or a similar connector is used to connect to a device, it is fairly easy to break the connector, or rather the locking element of it, e.g. if a person inadvertently trips in or otherwise gets caught by the wire of the connector. This is especially the case if the device is used on the floor, which quite often can be the case for certain devices like toys, etc. Furthermore, the device itself may also get pulled (both if the connector breaks and not) risking breaking or damaging the device as well.
Often standard RJ12 and similar connectors are equipped with fairly rigid wires, which do not make them particular useful for certain connections
Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,161 discloses an electrical connector assembly including a plug connector assembly mateable with a right angle header connector assembly. When an operator wishes to unmate the disclosed connector assemblies, the operator grasp a cover in an indicated direction to unlock the connector assemblies from each other and thereby allow separation.
Patent specification DE 199 61 653 discloses a coupling head for an electrical conducting coupling device for train models where wires is connected to a model vehicle through open cable ducts.
Patent specification EP 2 672 594 discloses a vehicle-mounted cable mounted in a vehicle having a cable port where a first cable can be pulled out through the cable port and a connection device connecting the first cable with a second cable.
Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,298 discloses a latching system for a pair of intermatable electrical connectors and a mechanism for unlatching the same by an application of a maximum predetermined separating force, such as may be the result of an accident.
Patent application US 2006/068636 discloses a cord set for connecting electrical household items in a sleeper cabin of a vehicle, such as a heavy duty truck, with a power outlet and disengaging them again e.g. if the truck accidentally is driven away without un-plugging.
Patent application WO 2009/059269 discloses a telecommunications plug comprising a plug body where a plug latches on the plug body.
Patent application WO 2008/092187 discloses a socket and plug for an electrical connector arrangement that are designed so that the contact blades of the plug are elongate and oriented transverse to the body of the plug and the direction of connection is parallel to the plane of the blades and transverse to the major axis of the contact blades.
Patent application US 2013/196530 discloses a power adapter cord for providing electrical power to an electronic item of merchandise. The connector and the corresponding connector defines a mechanical and electrical connection having a connector extraction force greater than the connector extraction for of a standard connector of the same type. Accordingly, the connector prevents accidental or malicious removal of the connector from the power input port and/or discourages theft of the item of merchandise because the connector cannot be forcibly removed without damaging the corresponding connector and thereby rendering the item of merchandise inoperable.
Publication “Mindstorm EV3 User Guide” discloses modular construction elements and systems having electrical connectors of the above mentioned RJ12 type.
Publication “Mindstorm EV3 Temperature sensor” discloses a modular construction element comprising a temperature sensor having a connector of the above mentioned RJ12 type.
Needing to unlock the connectors before separation is possible is not very intuitive. Especially for certain types of users such as children or young children.
Additionally, many types of existing connectors are not suitable for use and/or integration with one or more modular construction elements and/or a system of such.
There is therefore a need for a connector and connector elements that alleviate one or more of the above mentioned drawback at least to some extent; especially for users such as (young) children.
According to a first aspect, disclosed herein is a first electrical connector element for a modular construction element and/or system, the first electrical connector element comprising
Accordingly, an electrical connector element is provided facilitating simple and reliable connection and disconnection, even by users such as children and even after repeated use (connection/disconnection). A user may simply pull the first and second electrical connector elements apart by applying a resulting force in an un-mating direction (being parallel and opposite to a mating direction) being larger than the predetermined release threshold.
By being subjected to pull forces or one or more pull forces is to be understood as being subjected to a resulting pull force (e.g. comprising a plurality of pull force components) generally in the un-mating direction.
In some embodiments, the number of lock and release elements is/are adapted to release the coupling between the first and the second electrical connector elements when the plurality of electrical conductors, e.g. in the form of a wire, cable, etc., is subjected to one or more pull forces above the predetermined release threshold.
In this way, a user may simply pull the electrical conductors (or wire, cable, etc. comprising the electrical conductors) with a sufficient resulting force in the un-mating direction being larger than the predetermined release threshold.
In some embodiments, the predetermined release threshold is a member selected from the group consisting of: 5 or more Newton, 7.5 or more Newton, 10 or more Newton, or 15 or more Newton. The actual predetermined threshold may vary according to specific embodiment.
In some embodiments, the predetermined release threshold is a value selected from the interval of about 5 to about 15 Newton (e.g. the interval of 5 to 15 Newton).
In some embodiments, the first and/or second electrical connector element is/are adapted to release from each other at least when being subjected to one or more pull forces being 15 or more Newton and adapted to not release when being subjected to one or more pull forces being 5 or less Newton.
In some embodiments, the first electrical connector element is a male plug connector.
In some embodiments, the first electrical connector element comprises two or more lock and release elements and/or wherein the lock and release elements comprises snap fit elements fitting with snap fit elements of the second electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the lock and release elements comprises pegs or resilient legs comprising an engaging portion, e.g. an engaging end portion, adapted to engage with a receiving opening or recess of the second electrical connector element when the first and the second electrical connector elements are mechanically and electrically coupled together.
In some embodiments, a protruding part of the first electrical connector element is received in an opening of the second electrical connector element when the first and the second electrical connector elements are mechanically and electrically coupled together, where the protruding part comprises the electrical contacts, at least a part of the electrical conductors, and the lock and release elements.
In some embodiments, the electrical contacts each are adapted to make electrical contact with an electrical contact of the second electrical connector element and wherein the electrical contacts of the second electrical connector element are located in a number grooves guiding at least a part of the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector element when the first and the second electrical connector elements are mechanically and electrically coupled together.
In some embodiments, the strain relief part is adapted to securely hold the plurality of electrical conductors when being assembled with the first connector part.
In some embodiments, the strain relief part is adapted to bend the plurality of electrical conductors at least once, e.g. twice (e.g. as shown in
In some embodiments, the strain relief part is adapted to bend the plurality of electrical conductors an even number of times.
In some embodiments, a housing of the first electrical connector element comprises a recess where the plurality of electrical conductors exits the housing, the recess allowing the plurality of electrical conductors to bend, outside the housing, away from or across a mating direction (or correspondingly the parallel opposite un-mating direction) without extending further than a length of the housing in the mating direction.
This is especially advantageous when using such a first electrical connector element together with one or more modular construction elements and/or a system of such since the plurality of electrical conductors then easily may bend ‘out of the way’, especially if the plurality of electrical conductors is flexible, so as to no interfere or obstruct with otherwise adjacent modular construction elements (e.g. as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical conductors exits the first electrical connector element in a direction being substantially parallel to an un-mating direction. This facilitates reliable and intuitive un-mating or un-coupling of the first and second electrical connector elements from each other by a user pulling the plurality of electrical conductors (or wire, cable, etc. comprising the electrical conductors).
In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical conductors is formed at least in part as a flexible and/or flat cable.
In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical conductors has a maximum width being at most about 8 millimetres.
The present disclosure relates to different aspects including the first electrical connector elements described above, and in the following corresponding second electrical connector elements, electrical devices, electrical cables, connected electric devices, an electrical system, modular construction elements, and modular construction systems, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the first mentioned aspect, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the first mentioned aspect and/or disclosed in the appended claims.
In particular, according to one aspect, disclosed herein is a second electrical connector element for a modular construction element and/or system, the second electrical connector element comprising
In some embodiments, the number of lock and release elements is/are adapted to release the coupling between the first and the second electrical connector elements when the plurality of electrical conductors is subjected to one or more pull forces above the predetermined release threshold.
In some embodiments, the predetermined release threshold is a member selected from the group consisting of: 5 or more Newton, 7.5 or more Newton, 10 or more Newton, or 15 or more Newton. The actual predetermined threshold may vary according to specific embodiment.
In some embodiments, the second electrical connector element is a female jack connector.
In some embodiments, the second electrical connector element comprises snap fit elements and the lock and release elements of the first electrical connector element are snap fit elements fitting with the snap fit elements of the second electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the lock and release elements of the first electrical connector element comprises pegs or resilient legs, each comprising an engaging portion, e.g. an engaging end portion, and wherein the second electrical connector element further comprises one or more receiving openings or recesses adapted to engage with the engaging portion of one or more pegs or resilient legs when the first and the second electrical connector elements are mechanically and electrically coupled together.
In some embodiments, the opening is adapted to receive a protruding part of the first electrical connector element when the first and the second electrical connector elements are mechanically and electrically coupled together, where the protruding part comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, at least a part of a plurality of electrical conductors, and the lock and release elements of the first electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the electrical contacts each are adapted to make electrical contact with an electrical contact of the first electrical connector element and are located in a number grooves guiding at least a part of the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector element when the first and the second electrical connector elements are mechanically and electrically coupled together.
In some embodiments, the second electrical connector element further comprises at least one securing element for securing or mounting the second electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the second electrical connector element is configured as a simple output port, an advanced output port, an input port, or a combined input/output port.
Furthermore, according to one aspect, disclosed herein is the first electrical connector element and/or the second electrical connector element, wherein the first electrical connector element and/or the second electrical connector element comprises six electrical conductors and wherein
According to one aspect, disclosed herein is the first electrical connector element and/or the second electrical connector element, wherein one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the first and/or second electrical connector element is offset compared to the other electrical contacts so that electrical connection for this electrical contact will be established before electrical connection for the others, during use, and where the offset electrical contact is the electrical contact having, in use, an electrical ground potential signal (GND).
According to yet another aspect, disclosed herein is an electrical device comprising a first electrical connector element and/or a second electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the electrical device comprises one or more of:
In some embodiments, the electrical device is connected to a connected electric device via the first and/or the second electrical connector element.
According to yet a further aspect, disclosed herein is an electrical connector comprising a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector element.
According to yet a further aspect, disclosed herein is an electrical cable comprising a first electrical connector element and/or a second electrical connector element.
According to yet another aspect, disclosed herein is an electrical cable comprising a first electrical connector element at a first end and a further first electrical connector element or a connected electric device at its other end.
According to another aspect, disclosed herein is a connected electric device comprising a first electrical connector element and/or a second electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the connected electric device is adapted to supply a signal identifying an identity and/or type of the connected electric device to another electrical device.
In some embodiments, the connected electric device is a device at least one of the following: a motor, a servo motor, a tacho motor, a lighting element, a sensor, an analog touch-based switch, a digital sensor, a linear actuator, a trigger and/or shooter element, an electro magnet, a relay, a sound generator and/or device, a display, a pneumatic valve, a pump, a light sensor, colour sensor, sound sensor, movement sensor, tilt sensor, distance sensor, acceleration sensor, position sensor, compass, direction sensor, pressure sensor, magnetism sensor, force sensor, near field communication detector, radio frequency communicator, and a remote control device.
According to yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a modular construction element comprising a first electrical connector element and/or a second electrical connector element.
In some embodiments, the modular construction element comprises an electrical device.
In some embodiments, the modular construction element comprises a connected electric device.
According to yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a modular construction system comprising a plurality of modular construction elements, wherein at least one of the plurality of modular construction elements comprises a first electrical connector element and/or a second electrical connector.
According to yet a further aspect, disclosed herein is a modular construction system comprising a plurality of modular construction elements, wherein at least one of the plurality of modular construction elements is a modular construction element.
According to another aspect, disclosed herein is an electrical system comprising a first electrical device and a second electrical device, the first electrical device comprising a first electrical connector element (100), the second electrical device comprising a second electrical connector element (200).
In some embodiments, the first and the second electrical connector element each comprises
In some embodiments, the first electrical device and/or the second electrical device is or are an electrical device as described elsewhere in the description (e.g. designated 700) or a connected electrical device as described elsewhere in the description (e.g. designated 710).
In some embodiments, electrical cables comprising one or more first and/or second electrical connector elements acting as extension cables or ‘series’ elements may have means for preventing unsuitable chaining of such cables (e.g. preventing one series element to be connected to another series element) to ensure reliable operations of electrical devices.
The term modular construction elements and modular construction systems (i.e. systems comprising modular construction elements) are to be construed as comprising modular construction elements/system used as toys, for educational purposes, etc.
Various aspects and embodiments of a first and a second electrical connector element, of electrical devices, of electrical cables, of connected electric devices, of an electrical system, of modular construction elements, and of modular construction systems as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the figures.
If/when relative expressions such as “upper” and “lower”, “right” and “left”, “horizontal” and “vertical”, “clockwise” and “counter clockwise” or similar are used in the following terms, these only refer to the appended figures and not necessarily to an actual situation of use. The shown figures are schematic representations for which reason the configuration of the different structures as well as their relative dimensions are intended to serve illustrative purposes only.
Some of the different components are only disclosed in relation to a single embodiment of the invention, but is meant to be included in the other embodiments without further explanation.
Shown is one embodiment of a first electrical connector element 100 and a second electrical connector element 200 where the first electrical connector element 100 is adapted, during use, to be mechanically, electrically, and releasably connected and coupled with the second electrical connector element 200 thus forming one embodiment of an electrical connector 100; 200. The first electrical connector element 100 is coupled to the second electrical connector element 200 by (relatively) moving the first electrical connector element 100 along a mating direction and they are separated again by (relatively) moving the first electrical connector element 100 along an un-mating direction (being parallel and opposite to the mating direction). It is to be understood, that the first electrical connector element 100 may be held still while moving the second electrical connector element 200 (then in the direction called un-mating direction above; thus the use of relatively moving.
The electrical connector and its first and second connector elements are preferably for use in or with a modular construction element and/or system as will be explained further e.g. in connection with
In the shown and similar embodiments, the first electrical connector element 100 is a male plug connector while the second electrical connector element 200 is a female jack connector. As alternatives for all embodiments throughout the description, the first electrical connector element 100 and the second electrical connector element 200 may be a female jack connector and a male plug connector, or a male jack connector and a female plug connector, or a female plug connector and a male jack connector, respectively.
The first electrical connector element 100 comprises a first or main connector part 101 comprising a plurality of electrical contacts (not shown; see e.g. 106 in
Embodiments of how the electrical contacts and the electrical conductors may be connected and arranged are shown and explained further e.g. in
In some embodiments, the number of connectors and number of conductors are six and/or the conductors form a flexible flat cable. Alternatively, the conductors may be arranged as another type of cable but that will typically not be as flexible.
In addition, the first electrical connector element 100 further comprises a strain relief part 103. The strain relief part 103 is adapted to—when assembled with the first connector part 101 e.g. using ultrasonic welding—hold and bend the electrical conductors 105 securely (please see e.g.
The function of the strain relief part is further explained in the following and also illustrated and explained in connection e.g. with
Instead of being assembled together, the strain relief part 103 and the first connector part 101 e.g. be formed by a single piece or element as an alternative.
Furthermore, the first electrical connector element 100 comprises a number of (in this particular and similar embodiments two) resilient lock and release elements 110 or the like. It is to be understood, that in other embodiments, the lock and release elements does not need to be resilient (e.g. as shown in
The resilient lock and release elements 110 are adapted to engage with the second electrical connector element 200 when the first and the second electrical connector elements 100; 200 are mechanically connected thereby mechanically coupling the first and the second electrical connector elements 100; 200 together and forming an electrical connection between them with their respective electrical contacts 106; 106′ as will be explained further in the following.
In this particular and similar embodiments (e.g. like the ones shown in connection with
This provides a very easy and intuitive way for a given user of separating the first and second electrical connector elements 100; 200 from each other again, in particular by pulling the electrical conductors 105. Especially so, if the user is a child or a relatively young child and the connector elements are used in modular construction elements and/or systems (not shown; see e.g. 300 in
The lock and release function provided by the resilient lock and release elements 110 function especially advantageously together with the strain relief part 103 since the strain relief part 103 secures and bends the electrical conductors 105 thereby strengthening the connection between the electrical conductors 105 and the first electrical connector element 100 significantly enabling it to be able to withstand pull forces from a given user (both children and adults) even after repeated use.
Basically, when the electrical connectors 105 are pulled by a user, whereby a resulting force being larger than a predetermined release threshold of the resilient lock and release elements 110, the resilient lock and release elements 110 will release (the first connector element 100 from the second 200) before the strain relief part 103 releases the electrical connectors 105 from the first connector element 100 by a very large margin, i.e. the release threshold of the resilient lock and release elements 110 are lower (even significantly so) than a release threshold, as mainly provided by the strain relief part 103, between the electrical connectors 105 and the first connector element 100.
When a user is pulling sufficiently, a resulting force in an un-mating direction (where the un-mating direction is generally parallel and opposite to a mating direction) is applied that is larger than the predetermined release threshold of the resilient lock and release elements 110 thereby separating the first and second electrical connector elements 100; 200 from each other.
By being subjected to pull forces or one or more pull forces is to be understood as a resulting pull force (e.g. comprising a plurality of pull force components) being applied generally in the un-mating direction.
In some embodiments, the predetermined release threshold of the resilient lock and release elements is a member selected from the group consisting of: 5 or more Newton, 7.5 or more Newton, 10 or more Newton, and 15 or more Newton. The actual predetermined threshold may vary according to specific embodiment.
In some embodiments, the predetermined release threshold of the resilient lock and release elements is a value selected from the interval of about 5 to about 15 Newton (e.g. the interval of 5 to 15 Newton).
In some embodiments, the release threshold of (mainly) the strain relief part is 100 Newton or more.
This easy, reliable, and intuitive way of separating the first and the second connector elements are especially advantageous for modular construction elements/system as an inherent aspect of these are that the modular construction elements are to be put together and separated again many many times.
In some embodiments, the first and/or second electrical connector element 100; 200 is/are adapted to release from each other when being subjected to one or more pull forces being 15 or more Newton and adapted to not release from each other when being subjected to one or more pull forces being 5 or less Newton.
In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical conductors exits the first electrical connector element in a direction being substantially parallel to an un-mating direction. This facilitates reliable and intuitive un-mating or un-coupling of the first and second electrical connector elements from each other by a user pulling the plurality of electrical conductors (or wire, cable, etc. comprising the electrical conductors) since the resulting pulling force, by pulling the electrical conductors, generally will be coinciding with the un-mating direction.
As mentioned,
The second electrical connector element 200 in the shown exemplary embodiment further comprises at least one securing or mounting element 120 for securing or mounting the second electrical connector element 200 to something else. Examples of this are explained further in connection with
In embodiments, where the first electrical connector element 100 is a male plug connector and the second electrical connector element 200 is a female jack connector, the second electrical connector element 200 also comprises an opening 102 receiving a protruding part of the first electrical connector element 100.
Inside this opening 102, the second electrical connector element 200 comprises a number of recesses, grooves, slits or the like 107′ where each grooves, slit, etc. comprises one electrical contact 106′ (explained further in relation to
Correspondingly, the protruding part of the first electrical connector element 100 comprises a number of recesses, grooves, slits or the like (not shown; see e.g. 107 in
When the first and second electrical connector elements are being coupled together, the protruding part will be inserted into the opening 102 and at least a part of the electrical contacts (not shown; see e.g. 106 in
The opening 102 in this and similar embodiments also has space to receive the resilient lock and release elements 110 of the first electrical connector element 100 when this is inserted into the second electrical connector element 200.
In embodiments like the ones shown in
In the embodiments of
Such resilient lock and release elements 110 may e.g. be snap pegs, springs or other resilient protrusions, etc. Alternatively, other resilient or non-resilient snap locks could be used (e.g. as shown in
Such snap fit connections furthermore provide a tactile connection confirmation upon use to the user.
The length of the resilient lock and release elements 110 may be substantially the same as the length of the rest of the protruding part (comprising the recesses, openings, etc. 107 and contacts 106), the lengths being measured from the strain relief part 103.
There is in these embodiments also a gap between the resilient lock and release elements 110 and the rest of the protruding part to allow for a spring effect of these elements 110.
It is to be noted, that the resilient lock and release element(s) 110 as an alternative could also be located in the second electrical connector element 200 with the receiving opening(s) 112 being located in the first electrical connector element 100, even a mix thereof with some resilient lock and release element(s) 110 and receiving opening(s) in one of the first and second electrical connector elements and a corresponding number of opposite elements and openings in the other of the first and second electrical connector elements.
Please see
Shown is an exploded view of a first electrical connector element 100 corresponding in function and build to the one shown in
The first electrical connector element 100 shown here is shown from a different direction (here from an opposite side) than the one in
In this figure, the strain relief part 103 is illustrated with more details.
Shown is a first electrical connector element 100 corresponding to the ones of
This illustrates how the strain relief part 103 and the first connector part 101 securely hold and bend the electrical conductors 105, here in the form of a wire.
Please note, that the first electrical connector element 100 is shown before full or final assembly in that the electrical contact 106, herein the form of a metal terminal with sharp cutting points or blades. During assembly, these electrical contacts 106 will be pressed into the electrical conductor (like is shown in
Shown is the first electrical connector element 100 of
The shown first electrical connector element 100 corresponds to the ones explained in connection with
Shown in
The first electrical connector element 100 comprises a strain relief part 103 and a first or main connector part 101 (on the hidden side; see e.g.
The first electrical connector element 100 comprises a number of (in this example two) lock and release elements 110 adapted to engage with the second electrical connector element 200 when they are coupled together.
The lock and release elements 110 each comprises an engaging portion 111 for engaging with the second electrical connector element as explained already.
A difference to the first electrical connector elements e.g. shown in
Another difference is the shape of the first electrical connector element 100 at its surface where the plurality of electrical conductors 105 exits the housing of the first electrical connector element. See e.g. the encircled areas 500 in
Additionally, the housing of the first electrical connector element still has a portion 501 that is at least substantially flat.
These features make it advantageous to use the first electrical connector element 100 with modular construction elements and/or systems of such modular construction elements as e.g. may be seen from
This allows for the use of modular construction elements and systems where a presence of electrical connector element(s) 100 will restrict the building possibilities, creativity, etc. the least.
Shown in
Shown is the first electrical connector element 100 of
As can be seen, the first or main connector part 101 and the strain relief part 103 of this embodiment are different from the embodiments e.g. shown in
More specifically, the electrical conductors 105 are bent in a u-shape and effectively bent four times while the electrical conductors 105 in the embodiments of
In some embodiments, the strain relief part 103 is adapted to bend the plurality of electrical conductors 105 an even number of times. This allows that the general length-wise direction of the electrical conductors generally is parallel with the un-mating direction.
Shown in
As can be seen, one of the electrical contacts 130 is offset compared to the other electrical contacts 106 in the direction of insertion into a second electrical connector element. Preferably, the offset electrical contact 130 is the electrical contact having, in use, an electrical ground potential (GND). In this particular embodiment and similar, the offset electrical contact 130 is the third electrical conductor or pin but could of course be a different one with other signal layouts.
The offset electrical contact 130 effectively ensures that this is reliably the first connector to make electrical contact.
Shown in
Shown is the first electrical connector element 100 of
Again, the general bent u-shape of the electrical conductors 105 can be seen.
As also can be seen, the electrical contacts 106 are differently shaped than what is shown in
Shown in
It is to be understood, that even though the embodiment of a first electrical connector element 100 as shown in
Shown are three different embodiments of a second electrical connector element 200 that correspond in function and overall design as the ones shown and described in connection with
The differences are primarily relating to the securing or mounting elements 120 of the second electrical connector element 200 and how the conductors 105′ are arranged.
The second electrical connector element 200 shown in
Other embodiments may be designed for middle or bottom PCB mounting in which cases the securing or mounting elements (and the electrical conductors 105′) would be located pointing back or up (instead of down as shown), respectively.
The second electrical connector element 200 shown in
The second electrical connector element 200 shown in
This embodiment and similar is suitable for side or top plug-in mounting.
Also schematically shown in
A first electrical connector element 100 with its plurality of electrical conductors 105 is also shown as being coupled together with the respective second electrical connector element 200.
Shown in
In
The M0 signal is a first device control signal, e.g. a first actuator, motor, sound generator, and/or light control signal or the like, provided, during use, at a first electrical conductor or pin; the M1 signal is a second device control signal, e.g. a second actuator, motor, sound generator, and/or light control signal or the like, provided, during use, at a second electrical conductor or pin; the GND signal is an electrical ground potential provided, during use, at a third electrical conductor or pin, and the NC signals are so-called ‘Normally Closed’ signals provided, during use, at third to sixth electrical conductors or pins, respectively.
In use, the M0 and/or the M1 signal may be used to provide basic control of a connected relatively low power electrical device, e.g. like a low power actuator like a mini, a small, or a medium sized motor, one or more light elements, one or more sound generators, etc. The M0 signal may e.g. be used to supply power and drive a connected electrical device, i.e. effectively being an on/off signal for that electrical device while supplying the necessary power to activate and run it. More specifically, M0 may be used to provide (e.g. unregulated) power with a relatively high output current to an electrical device e.g. as usable by a motor or other. The provided power may be continuous power or pulse width modulation (PWM) power and may e.g. be supplied in the range from about 5V to about 9V while output current may e.g. be supplied in the range from about 0.5 A to about 1.2 A depending on the connected electrical device.
Only second electrical connector elements located in an electrical device with its own power supply can provide power e.g. via the M0 signal.
In use, the M1 signal may be used to provide another control signal to the connected electrical device. This may e.g. for an actuator or a motor be a rotation or drive direction. The M1 signal may also be used to provide power as explained for the M0 signal as an alternative or an addition to the M0 signal.
The GND signal is for supplying an electrical ground potential while the NC signals are not used for the simple output port.
Thus an output port or unit is provided that readily and simply can control a connected active electrical device (e.g. as shown in
Illustrated in
M0, M1, and GND correspond to the M0, M1, and GND signals as described earlier (and may be provided, during use, at the same respective electrical conductors or pins) while the PWR signal is a power signal, provided, during use, at a fourth electrical conductor or pin, for supplying additional power, which may be needed or be advantageous for connected electrical components or systems requiring (additional) external power and/or power supplied in another form than as supplied by M0 and/or M1.
Furthermore, the DIG0 and DIG1 signals provide digital In/Out and/or digital communication at a given speed, e.g. from about 2.4 to about 115 kbaud e.g. depending on the requirements of the connected electrical device.
The DIG0 and DIG1 signals are provided, during use, at a fifth and sixth electrical conductor or pin, respectively. The DIG0 signal may be a transmission/Out signal and the DIG1 signal may be a reception/In signal. The DIG0/DIG1 signals may both be a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) signal and/or digital I/O signals.
The PWR signal may supply regulated power at about 3.3V being limited to about 35 mA.
This provides—compared to the output port of
The output port of
Illustrated in
NC, GND, PWR, DIG0, and DIG1 correspond to the corresponding signals as described earlier. The (M0) signal correspond to an optional M0 signal in the sense that it may provide power to a connected electrical device, e.g. in the form of a sensor, activation device, etc. (e.g. in addition to a supplied PWR signal). If the connected electrical device has its own power supply or otherwise receives sufficient power from elsewhere, the M0 signal is not needed.
The DIG0 and DIG1 signals may—as for the advanced output port of
Thus an input port or unit is provided that readily and simply can receive input or information from a connected electrical device, which then may be processed and/or communicated to other units.
Illustrated in
M0, M1, GND, PWR, DIG0, and DIG1 correspond to the corresponding signals as described earlier.
In this way, an input/output port or unit is provided that readily and simply provides a combination of the capabilities of the input port and the output ports (both the simple and the advanced).
The port configurations of
Furthermore, when the electrical layout of the electrical conductors/pins for the various types of ports are configured as described, the different ports is supported fully by a second electrical connector element and a corresponding first electrical connector element having only 6 electrical conductors/pins.
Additionally, the signal layout on the respective pins is compatible in the sense that a given pin signal is the same across all the different port configurations (or not used). E.g. first pin is M0 (or not used e.g. as for the input port), second pin is M1 (or not used for e.g. as for the input port), third pin is GND, etc. for all the different explained port configurations.
For these various port configurations it may for certain embodiments and uses be an advantage that the (output, input, input/output) port can identify what specific type of (connected) electrical device is actually connected to the given port. This may be realised in different ways.
According to an aspect, using one, more or all of the above mentioned port configurations, identification of a connected electrical device may be provided using the DIG0 and/or DIG1 signal where an appropriate identifier or the like may be transmitted via digital communication by the connected electrical device to the respective port it is connected to upon connection and/or according to another scheme, e.g. like upon request. This does not provide identification of a connected electrical device for the simple output port.
As an alternative or in addition, identification of a connected electrical device may be provided by supplying a predetermined combination of signals to a given set electrical conductors or pins of the port, preferably at the electrical conductors or pins providing the DIG0 and DIG1 signals, e.g. at the fifth and sixth electrical conductors or pins, respectively. This enables identification of a connected electrical device for the simple output port as well and also another way of identification for the other ports. Such identification also allows for identification of connected electrical devices that does not necessarily comprise a microcontroller or similar.
According to this, receiving a GND signal at the fifth and a PWR signal at the sixth electrical conductors or pins may identify the connected electrical device as being of a first predetermined type, as an example being a low power actuator (such as a mini or small sized motor).
Receiving a PWR signal at the fifth and a PWR signal at the sixth electrical conductor or pin may identify the connected electrical device as being of a second predetermined type, as an example being a medium motor.
Receiving a PWR signal at the fifth and a GND signal at the sixth electrical conductor or pin may identify the connected electrical device as being of a third predetermined type, as an example being a train motor.
Receiving a GND signal at the fifth and a GND signal at the sixth electrical conductor or pin may identify the connected electrical device as being of a fourth predetermined type, as an example being a high power actuator (such as a large motor, extra-large motor, or a polarity switch).
Shorting or short-circuiting the fifth and the sixth electrical conductors or pins and connecting them to GND using an appropriately valued resistor, i.e. an identification resistor, may identify the connected electrical device as being of a fifth predetermined type, as an example being a simple touch sensor, button, activation switch, and/or the like. Using differently valued resistors may identify the connected electrical device as being of another predetermined type according to the value of the resistor.
Other predetermined signal combinations, e.g. the fifth electrical conductor or pin being an inversion of the sixth electrical conductor or pin or vice versa, may identify additional predetermined types.
Other or additional predetermined types may e.g. include a (simple) light element/emitter, a converter, sound generator, etc.
This provides a simple way of identification of a connected electrical device, simply by the connected electrical device applying the appropriate signal combinations at the appropriate pins whereby a connected electrical device then does not necessarily need to comprise a microcontroller or similar.
As mentioned above, this may be supplemented by identification using digital communication, i.e. to enable identification of additional (more than the five listed above) types of connected electrical devices.
Additionally, some connected electrical devices may also supply an identifier using a so-called ID resistor (i.e. a given resistor having a resistor value being unique for that type of electrical device), e.g. for analog sensors or the like.
It is to be understood that other signal types, signal combinations, and/or types of connected electrical devices in principle may be used according to given other embodiments and uses.
It is also to be understood that the ordering of which signals is expected at which electrical conductors or pins may be changed without a different effect, as long as it consistently is adhered to.
Shown in
In this way, an electrical device 700 is provided that may function as a power supply and a simple direct control device for a connected electric device connected by a first electrical connector element (not shown; see e.g. 100 in
Optionally, the electrical device 700 may also detect and identify what specific device is connected to it, preferably as described in connection with
The connected electrical device (and the electrical device 700) may e.g. be an electric modular construction element (not shown; see e.g. 300 in
Shown in
The simple direct control of this electrical device may e.g. not be supplying any power when the dial is in an off position and then gradually supplying more and more power to the connected electric device as the dial is turned further away from its off position.
This may e.g. energise a motor, a light element, etc. comprised by a connected electric device and controls the speed of the motor, how much light the light element emits, etc. by turning the dial appropriately.
Shown in
Such an electrical device 700 may provide hub functionality and may e.g. be a 2 port hub (then comprising 2 input/output ports) also providing wireless communications capabilities (when comprising the wireless communications element 703).
Such an electrical device 700 may e.g. receive input from a sensor (via one input/output port) and transmit the input wirelessly to another electrical device and/or use the received input to control another connected electrical device, being capable of performing one or more actions or functions, connected via the other input/output port. Furthermore, the wireless communications element 703 may also be used to wirelessly receive control signals from a user e.g. from a remote control handset, a smart phone using an appropriate app, etc. and control a connected electrical device accordingly e.g. in real-time.
Shown in
Such an electrical device 700 may provide hub functionality and may e.g. be a 4 port hub (then comprising 4 output ports) also providing wireless communications capabilities (when comprising the wireless communications element 703).
Like mentioned in connection with
Shown in
This electrical device 700 further comprises one or more microprocessors or the like 705 for providing processing functionality in the electrical device.
Such an electrical device 700 may e.g. provide an ‘intelligent’ control unit (e.g. a programmable electric modular construction element) that can receive input from a number of connected electrical devices via the input port(s) and control a number of connected electrical devices via the output port(s) while being able to run executable code and communicate with other devices wirelessly and/or using the standard connectors.
The executable code may be downloaded, e.g. via the wireless communications element 703 and/or the one or more standard connectors 704, and run by the processor(s) 705.
As an example, the electrical device 700 of
For the embodiments of
Furthermore, the electrical device 700 itself may also be an electric modular construction element (not shown; see e.g. 300 in
As an alternatively, the power source 701 may also be an external power source for one or more embodiments of the electrical device(s).
Shown in
In this particular example, the connected electric device 710 is a simple relatively low power motor.
As can be seen, the connected electrical device 710 is configured, during use, to have an M0 signal (at a first electrical conductor or pin), an M1 signal (at a second electrical conductor or pin), three GND signals (at third, fifth, and sixth electrical conductors or pins, respectively), and one NC signal (at a fourth electrical conductor or pin).
M0, M1, GND, and NC correspond to the corresponding signals as described earlier.
The M0 and M1 signals are first and second device control signals and may be used to control connected electrical device 710 as described earlier.
As can be seen, the particular type of connected electric device 710 may be identified by having a GND signal (like it was described above in connection with
If such a connected electrical device 710 is connected to an electrical device with a simple output port (e.g. as shown in
However, if the connected electrical device 710 is connected to an electrical device with an advanced output or input/output port (e.g. as shown in
Shown in
In this particular example, the connected electric device 710 is a relatively simple light element.
As can be seen, the connected electrical device 710 is configured, during use, to have an M0 signal (at a first electrical conductor or pin), an M1 signal (at a second electrical conductor or pin), two GND signals (at third and sixth electrical conductors or pins, respectively), one NC signal (at a fourth electrical conductor or pin), and one PWR signal (at a fifth electrical conductor or pin).
M0, M1, GND, PWR and NC correspond to the corresponding signals as described earlier.
Again, the particular type of connected electric device 710 may be identified by capable output ports, as described earlier, by supplying a PWR and a GND signal to two predetermined electrical conductors or pins, shown here as number 5 and 6.
Shown in
In this particular example, the connected electric device 710 is a relatively advanced motor like an advanced servo motor also receiving additional power via the PWR signal if needed.
As can be seen, the connected electrical device 710 is configured, during use, to have an M0 signal (at a first electrical conductor or pin), an M1 signal (at a second electrical conductor or pin), a GND signal (at third electrical conductor or pin), a PWR signal (at a fourth electrical conductor or pin), and DIG0 and DIG1 signals (at fifth and sixth electrical conductors or pins, respectively).
M0, M1, GND, PWR, DIG0, and DIG1 correspond to the corresponding signals as described earlier.
Once more, the particular type of connected electric device 710 may be identified, as described earlier, by supplying appropriate identification DIG0 and/or DIG1 signals at two predetermined electrical conductors or pins, specifically shown as number 5 and 6, using digital communication. For connected electrical devices, e.g. comprising a micro controller, processor, and/or the like, that is controlled through digital communication it is an advantage to use digital communication for identification of the connected electrical device as well as it is readily available.
Shown in
In this particular example, the connected electric device 710 is a relatively advanced motor like an advanced tacho motor also receiving additional power via a PWR signal if needed.
The elements of
The particular type of connected electric device 710 may be identified, as described earlier.
The (active) connected electric devices 710 of
Active connected electric devices 710, i.e. being capable of performing one or more actions or functions in response to received input, like the ones shown in
Shown in
In this particular example, the connected electric device 710 is a sensor in the form of an analog touch-based switch.
Sensors are generally able to provide at least one sensor input and may preferably be identified (to an electrical device 700) as described earlier.
The particular type of connected electric device 710 may be identified, as described earlier, by supplying an appropriate signal (SW) at electrical conductors or pins 5 and 6.
As mentioned earlier, this may e.g. be done by shorting or short-circuiting the fifth and the sixth electrical conductors or pins and connecting them to GND using an appropriately valued (identification) resistor indicating this particular type of switch.
Shown in
In this particular example, the connected electric device 710 is a sensor in the form of a digital sensor that may provide one or more digital representations of one or more measured or sensed parameters to an electrical device 700.
The particular type of connected electric device 710 may be identified, as described earlier using digital communication.
Connected electric devices 710 being sensors, i.e. being capable of providing input e.g. like the ones shown in
It is to be understood that even if a given connected electric device 710 has been described to connect to a given port it may equally well be connected to another port providing or supporting the same functionality (plus perhaps additional functionality), e.g. instead of being connected to a simple output port it could be connected to an advanced output port or to an input/output port, instead of being connected to an input port it could be connected to an input/output port, etc.
Shown in
The elements are shown in one situation, where the first and second electrical connector elements 100, 200 are disconnected and one situation where they are connected.
Shown in
Again, the elements are shown in a disconnected and a connected state of the first and second electrical connector elements 100, 200.
The difference between the
The first electrical connector element 100 and the second electrical connector element 200 of
As can be seen, a realisable size, as shown, of the first and second electrical connector elements 100, 200 are relatively small, even compared to an RJ12 or similar connector, making them very suitable for integration into certain existing lines of modular construction elements.
Such modular construction element 300 as shown may be used together with other modular construction elements (not necessarily comprising any connector elements although some may indeed do so) to form a modular construction system including electronic functions, etc.
Conductors in the form of a flexible (e.g. flat) cable may be advantageous, especially when used with at least two modular construction elements 300 comprising a second electrical connector element 200 and a flexible (e.g. flat) cable comprising a first electrical connector element 100 in each end, since the cable may connect the two modular construction elements 300 even if they are put on top of each other, next to each other, etc. due to the flexibility of the cable.
All or some of the modular construction elements 300 may comprise the port functionality as described in connection with
By having a modular construction system comprising a number of modular construction elements where at least one element comprises a port and/or an electrical device, a very versatile modular construction system is provided with electric functionality having a modular and a constructional aspect.
In embodiments, as shown e.g. in
Shown is a perspective view of one embodiment of a second electrical connector element 200 adapted to receive a first electrical connector element as shown in
The second electrical connector element 200 comprises a housing or main part 108 comprising an opening 102 receiving a protruding part of a first electrical connector element. The opening 102 comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 106′, e.g. in the form of metal terminals or the like, and a plurality of electrical conductors (not shown; see e.g. 105′ in
The second electrical connector element 200 further comprises a number (e.g. two as shown for this particular embodiment) of receiving openings or the like 112 in the opening 102 for receiving at least the engaging portions of the resilient lock and release elements (not shown; see e.g. 111 and 110 in the other relevant Figures) of a received first electrical connector element.
The second electrical connector element 200 further comprises at least one securing or mounting element 120 for securing or mounting the second electrical connector element 200 to something else. Examples of this are explained further in connection with
The shown embodiment of a second electrical connector element 200 corresponds in function to other embodiments of second electrical connector elements as explained elsewhere (e.g. in connection with
The shown second electrical connector element 200 does not comprise any recesses or the like (e.g. like 107′ in
The first electrical connector element and its electrical contacts are still guided appropriately when inserted; this is now simply done using the shape of the opening 102 and the mating shape of the protruding part of the first electrical connector element.
Another difference is the shape or profile of the electrical contacts 106′ of the second electrical connector element 200. In the shown embodiment, the respective shapes are raised or bent ‘upwards’ at the ends closer to the first electrical connector element when received while in embodiments as shown e.g. in
For embodiments mentioned throughout the present description, the number of conductors/the flexible cable may preferably comprise a first electrical connector element 100 at each end of the conductors/cable (unless one end is directly connected to a connected electrical device, e.g. as shown as 710 in
Alternatively, a second electrical connector element 200 may be located at each end of the conductors/the flexible cables with first electrical connector elements 100 being located in the modular construction elements and/or electrical devices.
A number of conductors/the flexible cable may also comprise a first electrical connector element 100 at one end and a second electrical connector element 200 at the other end.
In various embodiments, the first and/or second connector elements 100, 200 may e.g. be made of a generally transparent material.
Some preferred embodiments have been shown in the foregoing, but it should be stressed that the invention is not limited to these, but may be embodied in other ways within the subject matter defined in the following claims.
In the claims enumerating several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by one and the same element, component or item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA 2015 70264 | May 2015 | DK | national |
This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/571,676, filed on 3 Nov. 2017 and published on 24 May 2018 as U.S. Published Application 2018/0145448, which is a U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2016/060076, filed on 4 May 2016 and published on 10 Nov. 2016, as WO 2016/177823 A1, which claims the benefit of priority to Danish Patent Application No. DK PA201570264, filed on 6 May 2015. The contents of each of the above referenced patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any purpose whatsoever.
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| Child | 17512286 | US |
