Robotically mateable rotary joint electrical connector
US8900000B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3817
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A robotically mateable connector has a flying-lead plug unit and a receptacle unit adapted for releasable mating engagement with the plug unit. The plug unit includes a robotic manipulator grip assembly. A rear end shell which includes a cable attachment fitting holds a plug module having an outer surface carrying a plurality of axially spaced, annular contacts of gradually decreasing diameter towards a forward end of the module, and is rotatable relative to a plug front shell. The receptacle unit contains a receptacle module having a bore containing spaced annular contact seats of gradually increasing diameter designed for engagement with the plug contacts when the plug and receptacle units are fully mated. This provides a robotically actuated electrical connector that requires no rotational keying and relieves cable torque.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.