CONNECTORS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for electrical distribution between connectors.

Background Art

It is well known that in order to distribute an electrical signal between two electrical connectors (e.g., of the type of normal connectors used for connecting electrical cables), distribution devices are used which have a containment body provided with appropriate input and output portions, to which respective input and output connectors can be connected.

The input portion usually houses two or more input poles, that is, the metal contacts intended to make contact with the metal contacts housed in the input connector to establish an electrical connection between the same.

Similarly, two or more output poles are housed in the output portions, intended to make contact with the metal contacts housed in the output connectors.

The input poles and the output poles may have different shapes and sizes: for example, they may comprise a pin (in the case of a male pole) or a socket (in the case of a female pole).

To connect the input poles to the output poles, the distribution devices of known type are provided with interconnection means, housed inside the containment body, placed between the input poles and the output poles and configured to distribute the electrical signal between the same.

Some interconnection means of this type make use of a series of metal bars, where the ends of each metal bar connect two or more poles together depending on how the electrical signal is to be distributed.

Specifically, each bar has its own geometry depending on the number of poles to be connected and on the type of connection between the same.

Alternatively, some interconnection means of known type use a printed circuit board placed in contact with the input poles and the output poles and on which a series of conductive tracks are made which have substantially the same function as the bars.

In this way, the distribution devices of known type are able to distribute the electrical signal between the input poles and the output poles in a smooth and quick manner.

This type of distribution devices is, however, susceptible to some refinements.

In particular, the functions of this type of devices are extremely limited.

In fact, this type of devices merely distribute the signal between the input poles and the output poles, without providing any additional functions, and therefore reduce their desirability and usability in various fields of technology.

In addition, the interconnection means are particularly bulky and prevent additional devices from being housed within the containment body, further limiting the functionality and flexibility of use of the device.

In addition, this drawback is exacerbated by the fact that this type of devices employs containment bodies made in such a way as to minimize the overall dimensions of the device to facilitate the installation thereof where space is reduced.

Added to this, the connecting operations of the poles to the interconnection means require the use of additional components, such as e.g. joining conductors or the like, which must enable the pole to reach the interconnection means and to be firmly attached thereto.

This further reduces the available space within the containment body and greatly complicates the assembly operation of the device, and in this case of the interconnection means, which, by themselves, are particularly difficult to assemble and connect.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a device for electrical distribution between connectors which allows the functionality thereof to be increased with respect to the devices of known type.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a device for electrical distribution between connectors which allows optimizing the space within the containment body of the device itself. An additional object of the present invention is to devise a device for electrical distribution between connectors which allows increasing the fields of application thereof.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a device for electrical distribution between connectors which allows it to be used more flexibly than the devices of known type.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for electrical distribution between connectors which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use, as well as inexpensive solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this device for electrical distribution having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device for electrical distribution between connectors, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of some internal components of a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of some internal components of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded axonometric view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a plurality of devices according to the invention;

Figure 6 is an axonometric detailed view of some components of the device according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a device for electrical distribution between connectors.

The device 1 for electrical distribution between connectors comprises: at least one containment body 12, 13, 14 made of electrically insulating material; at least a first connector 2 for connection to an input connector 4, made of electrically insulating material, associated with the containment body 12, 13, 14 and provided with at least one input pole 6 made of electrically conductive material for electrical connection to the input connector 4; at least a second connector 3 for connection to an output connector 5, made of electrically insulating material, associated with the containment body 12, 13, 14 and provided with at least one output pole 7, made of electrically conductive material for electrical connection to the output connector 5; electrical interconnection means 8, housed inside the containment body 12, 13, 14, positioned between the input pole 6 and the output pole 7, electrically connecting them together, and configured to distribute at least one electrical signal between the poles 6, 7.

In addition, the device 1 comprises: at least one input printed circuit board 9, housed in the containment body 12, 13, 14, positioned between the input pole 6 and the interconnection means 8, electrically connecting them to each other, and configured to operate in conjunction with the interconnection means 8 to distribute the electrical signal between the poles 6, 7; and/or at least one output printed circuit board 10, housed in the containment body 12, 13, 14 and positioned between the output pole 7 and the interconnection means 8, electrically connecting them to each other, and configured to operate in conjunction with the interconnection means 8 to distribute the electrical signal between the poles 6, 7.

In the following disclosure, the term “electrical signal” means any current or voltage signal operating between the input poles 6 and the output poles 7.

Preferably, according to the invention, the interconnection means 8, the input printed circuit board 9 and/or the output printed circuit board 10 are configured to distribute a plurality of electrical signals.

Appropriately, at least one of the circuit boards 9, 10 defines, preferably by means of one or more conductive tracks, one or more connecting paths between the poles 6, 7.

In this way, the electrical signal reaching the device 1 from the input pole 6 is routed and distributed to the output pole 7 by means of the input printed circuit board 9 and/or of the output printed circuit board 10.

Advantageously, the input printed circuit board 9 is arranged to contact, preferably directly, the input pole 6.

Conveniently, the output printed circuit board 10 is arranged to contact, preferably directly, the output pole 7.

Preferably, the first connector 2 comprises a plurality of input poles 6.

Preferably, the input poles 6 are five. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the input poles 6 may be present in different numbers, e.g. fewer or more than five. Preferably, the second connector 3 comprises a plurality of output poles 7.

The output poles 7, preferably, are five. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the output poles 7 may be present in different numbers, e.g. fewer or more than five.

Usefully, the device 1 comprises both the input printed circuit board 9 and the output printed circuit board 10.

In this way, the device 1 transfers a first signal distribution to the first input printed circuit board 9 and a second signal distribution to the output printed circuit board 10.

This expedient makes it possible to simplify the distribution of the signal and to reduce the overall dimensions in the containment body 12, 13, 14.

Usefully, this expedient enables increased functionality of the device 1.

Conveniently, the interconnection means 8 comprise at least one intermediate printed circuit board 11 electrically connected to at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9 or the output printed circuit board 10.

Usefully, the intermediate printed circuit board 11 defines, preferably by means of one or more conductive tracks, one or more connecting paths between the poles 6, 7.

In this way, the intermediate printed circuit board 11 also contributes, together with the input printed circuit board 9 and/or with the output printed circuit board 10, to distribute the electrical signal between the poles 6, 7.

This expedient allows further simplifying the signal distribution and further reducing the overall dimensions inside the containment body 12, 13, 14.

Usefully, this expedient allows further increasing the functionality of the device 1.

Further embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled, wherein the interconnection means 8 comprise a plurality of intermediate printed circuit boards 11 electrically connected, substantially in unison, to at least one of either the input or the output printed circuit boards 9, 10.

It cannot also be ruled out that the interconnection means 8 comprise one more fixed interconnection electrical conductors which cannot be configured.

Conveniently, at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9, the output printed circuit board 10 or the intermediate printed circuit board 11 is configured to vary/reprocess the electrical signal distributed between the poles 6,7.

In other words, at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9, the output printed circuit board 10 or the intermediate printed circuit board 11 modifies the electrical signal, e.g. by reducing or increasing the power thereof or in other known manners, distributed between the poles 6, 7.

Advantageously, at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9, the output printed circuit board 10 or the intermediate printed circuit board 11 is programmable according to a plurality of configurations, each adapted to vary/reprocess and/or distribute the electrical signal between the poles 6, 7 in a manner at least partly different with respect to the other configurations.

The term “programmable”, referring to the configuration of any of the circuits 9, 10, 11, is intended to indicate the setting of one or more parameters which affect the variation/reprocessing and/or distribution of the electrical signal, changing it, e.g., depending on the application for which the device 1 is used. In other words, each configuration allows the relevant circuit 9, 10, 11 to define a specific operation of the same, that is, a manner of varying/reprocessing and/or distributing the specific electrical signal.

The term “to vary/to reprocess” referring to the electrical signal means, preferably, any electrical processing carried out, e.g., by means of a processing circuit, a micro-controller or the like, which allows the characteristics of the signal distributed between the poles 6, 7 to be varied.

Preferably, the term “to vary” or “to modify” referring to the distribution of the electrical signal means any electrical processing carried out, e.g., by means of a processing circuit, a micro-controller or the like, which allows variation in how the signal is distributed between the poles 6, 7.

Appropriately, at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9, the output printed circuit board 10 or the intermediate printed circuit board 11 is programmable in one of the configurations by means of programming means such as, e.g., PC and the like, not shown in the figures.

This expedient allows at least one of the circuits 9, 10, 11 to be programmed, depending on the need and/or the scope of application of the device 1.

Preferably, each circuit 9, 10, 11, is configured to change the variation/reprocessing and/or the distribution of the electrical signal and is programmable according to a plurality of configurations.

This expedient significantly increases the possible programming combinations of the circuits 9, 10, 11, dramatically increasing the applications of the device 1. The electrical signals transmitted between the poles 6, 7 are in turn used for the operation of one or more apparatuses operationally connected to the device 1 by means of one or more input connectors 4 and/or output connectors 5.

In addition, the variation/reprocessing of the electrical signal and/or of its distribution between the poles 6, 7 depends on the scope of application of the device 1, i.e., on the characteristics of the apparatuses connected to the latter.

Therefore, changing the variation/reprocessing and/or the distribution of the signal allows the device 1 to be used in combination with a wide variety of apparatuses. Advantageously, at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9, the output printed circuit board 10 or the intermediate printed circuit board 11 comprises at least the management and control device 21 provided with at least one of: at least one physical and/or environmental parameter sensor device 21a; at least one switch device 21b configured to open/close at least one electrical circuit; at least one signal galvanic isolation device 21c; at least one signal converter device 2 Id; at least one signal amplifier device 21e; at least one signal measuring device 21f; at least one power converter device 21g; at least one shunt device 21h; at least one power circuit 21i configured to power the management and control device 21 by means of a power source and/or to communicate with the latter; at least one activation/deactivation device 211 of the management and control device 21; at least one Surge Protection Device (SPD) 21m; at least one programming device 21n of at least one of the 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h, 21i, 211, 21m, 21n devices.

Preferably, the physical and/or environmental parameter sensor 21a is configured to measure/detect at least one physical and/or environmental parameter, such as e.g. temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration, shock, motion and the like.

Preferably, the activation/deactivation device 211 is of the type of a touch and/or touch-less push button/contact or the like.

Advantageously, the programming device 2 In is configured to communicate in a wired and/or wireless mode with the programming means, not shown in the figures, of the management and control device 21.

Specifically, the programming device 21n is configured to manage/control the operation of one or more of the devices 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h, 21i, 211, 21m, 21n e.g. by means of appropriate instructions/commands/configurations received from the configuration means, preferably depending on the programming of at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9, the output printed circuit board 10 or the intermediate printed circuit board 11.

According to a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the invention, the programming device 2 In is configured to communicate in a wireless mode with the programming means by means of NFC technology or the like.

Advantageously, the intermediate printed circuit board 11 lies on an intermediate lying plane A.

In addition: the input printed circuit board 9 lies on an input lying plane B substantially transverse to the intermediate lying plane A; and/or the output printed circuit board 10 lies on an output lying plane C substantially transverse to the intermediate lying plane A.

Preferably, the intermediate lying plane A is substantially orthogonal to the input and output lying planes B, C.

This composition makes it possible to optimize the space inside the containment body 12, 13, 14.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a plurality of intermediate printed circuit boards 11 having different sizes and/or configurations with each other and electrically connectable in a removable and interchangeable manner to at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9 or the output printed circuit board 10.

In this way, the device 1 allows the intermediate printed circuit board 11 to be replaced with another one depending on the needs and/or on the application from the device 1.

Usefully, the intermediate printed circuit boards 11 are electrically connectable to at least one of either the input printed circuit board 9 or the output printed circuit board 10 in a removable and interchangeable manner. Further embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the intermediate printed circuit boards 11 are electrically connectable to the input pole 6 and/or to the output pole 7 in a removable and interchangeable manner. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises: a plurality of input printed circuit boards 9 having different sizes and/or configurations and electrically connectable in a removable and interchangeable manner between the interconnection means 8 and the input pole 6; and/or a plurality of output printed circuit boards 10 having different sizes and/or configurations and electrically connectable in an interchangeable and removable manner between the interconnection means 8 and the output pole 7.

In this way, the device 1 allows the input printed circuit board 9 and/or the output printed circuit board 10 to be replaced with another one depending on the needs and/or on the application from the device 1.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises both a plurality of input printed circuit boards 9 and a plurality of output printed circuit boards 10.

Advantageously, the containment body 12, 13, 14 comprises at least a first containment body 12 and at least a second containment body 13 coupleable to each other in a removable manner to allow/prevent access to the containment body 12, 13, 14.

Preferably, the first and the second containment bodies 12, 13 have substantially identical conformation.

Advantageously, the first and the second containment bodies 12, 13 comprise at least one coupling opening 15 through which the contents of the respective containment bodies 12, 13 can be accessed.

Specifically, the first and the second containment bodies 12, 13, in use, are coupled to each other in such a way as to arrange their respective openings 15 facing each other, mutually obscuring them, so as to prevent access to the containment body 12, 13, 14.

This arrangement allows both easy access to the contents of the containment body 12, 13, 14, e.g., for maintenance, inspection, replacement operations or the like, and to close/seal safely the contents of the containment body 12, 13, 14.

In particular, this expedient makes it possible to replace one or more of the circuits 9, 10, 11, e.g. due to malfunction and/or breakage of the same, to improve the functionality of the device 1 and/or to vary the scope of application of the device 1 or for similar reasons.

Usefully, the first and the second containment bodies 12, 13 couple/uncouple with each other along a direction of coupling, not shown in the figures, that is substantially orthogonal to the input and output lying planes B, C.

Conveniently, one of either the first or the second connectors 2, 3 is associated with the first containment body 12 and the other of either the first or the second connectors 2, 3 is associated with the second containment body 13.

According to the invention, the first connector 2 is associated with the first containment body 12 and the second connector 3 is associated with the second containment body 13.

Preferably, the first connector 2 extends along a direction of extension substantially orthogonal to the input lying plane B.

The second connector 3, preferably, extends along a direction of extension substantially orthogonal to the output lying plane C.

Usefully, the containment body 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one intermediate containment body 14, made of electrically insulating material, positioned between the first and the second containment body 12, 13 and coupleable in a removable manner to at least one of either the first or the second containment body 12, 13 to allow/prevent access to the containment body 12, 13, 14.

Preferably, the intermediate containment body 14 is coupleable in a removable manner to both the first and the second containment body 12, 13.

Usefully, the intermediate containment body 14 comprises at least one port 16 which can be coupled to one of either the opening 15 of the first containment body 12 or the opening 15 of the second containment body 13.

Specifically, the intermediate containment body 14 comprises at least one pair of ports 16, made opposite each other, where one port 16 is coupleable in a removable manner to the opening 15 of the first containment body 12 and the other port 16 is coupleable in a removable manner to the opening 15 of the second containment body 13.

In more detail, the first and the second containment body 12, 13, in use, are coupled to the intermediate containment body 14 in such a way as to arrange its openings 15 facing respective ports 16, obscuring them, so as to prevent access to the containment body 12, 13, 14.

In this way, the intermediate containment body 14 allows the containment volume of the containment body 12, 13, 14 to be increased.

Usefully, the containment body 12, 13, 14 comprises a plurality of intermediate containment bodies 14, having different dimensions and coupleable in an interchangeable manner between the first and the second containment bodies 12, 13 to reduce/increase the dimensions of the containment body 12, 13, 14.

In this way, the device 1 allows the intermediate containment body 14 to be replaced with one or more different intermediate containment bodies 14 depending on the need and/or application from the device 1, e.g. to house inside the containment body 12, 13, 14 an intermediate printed circuit board 11 having different dimensions.

Appropriately, the device 1 comprises coupling means 17, 18, 19, 20 in a removable manner of the first containment body 12, of the second containment body 13 and of the intermediate containment body 14, comprising: at least a first coupling portion 17 made on the first containment body 12; at least a second coupling portion 18, made on the second containment body 13 and coupleable in a removable manner to the first coupling portion 17; at least a third coupling portion 19 and a fourth coupling portion 20, made opposite each other on the intermediate containment body 14 and coupleable to the first coupling portion 17 and to the second coupling portion 18, respectively.

Preferably, the first coupling portion 17 is made at the profile of the first containment body 12 which defines the opening 15 thereof.

The second coupling portion 18, preferably, is made at the profile of the second containment body 13 which defines the opening 15 thereof.

In addition, the third and the fourth coupling portions 19, 20 are made at the profiles of the intermediate containment body 14 which define the respective ports 16 thereof.

In particular, the fourth coupling portion 20 has the same characteristics as the first coupling portion 17.

In contrast, the third coupling portion 19 has the same characteristics as the second coupling portion 18.

In this way, the intermediate containment body 14 is easily coupleable to the first and to the second containment bodies 13 without additional coupling elements.

Usefully, the first input printed circuit board 9 is housed in the first containment body 12.

The output printed circuit board 10, advantageously, is housed in the second containment body 13.

Appropriately, the intermediate printed circuit board 11 is housed, at least partly, substantially in the intermediate containment body 14.

Usefully, the arrangement of the circuits 9, 10, 11 allows for the optimization of space within the containment body 12, 13, 14.

Conveniently, at least one of either the first connector 2 or the second connector 3 is coupleable to the containment body 12, 13, 14 in a removable manner.

In this way, it is quick and easy to replace the first connector 2 and/or the second connector 3 with another one.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises: a plurality of first connectors 2; and/or a plurality of second connectors 3.

In this way, at least one of the circuits 9, 10, 11 is configured to operate in conjunction with the interconnection means 8 to distribute the electrical signal between the poles 6, 7 of a plurality of first connectors 2 and/or a plurality of second connectors 3.

Advantageously, in the event of the device 1 comprising a plurality of second connectors 3, at least one of them is connected, by means of the respective output poles 7, directly to the input printed circuit board 9 to which at least the first connector 2 is connected.

In this case, the input printed circuit board 9 is configured to also distribute the electrical signal between the poles 6, 7 of the first connectors 2 and of the second connectors 3 connected directly to the same input printed circuit board.

Usefully, in the event of the device 1 comprising a plurality of second connectors 3, at least two second connectors 3 are connected, by means of their respective output poles 7, directly to the same output printed circuit board 11, as shown in Figure 4.

In this case, the output printed circuit board 10 is configured to also distribute the electrical signal between the output poles 7 of the second connectors 3 connected directly to the same output printed circuit board.

According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a single first connector 2 and a plurality of second connectors 3, preferably three, arranged as shown in Figure 4.

Specifically, according to the invention: at least two of the second connectors 3 are associated with the second containment body 13; at least a first connector 2 and at least another of the second connectors 3 are associated with the first containment body 12.

Preferably, the containment body 12, 13, 14, the pair of second connectors 3, the first connector 2 and the additional second connector 3 are arranged in an “H” fashion.

This arrangement greatly facilitates the use of the device 1 and of all its components, thus optimizing space.

Usefully, the device 1 comprises a plurality of first connectors 2 having different characteristics from each other and coupleable to the containment body 12, 13, 14 in an interchangeable manner.

In this way, the device 1 allows one or more first connectors 2 to be replaced with one or more different first connectors 2 depending on the need and/or on the application from the device 1.

The device 1, advantageously, comprises a plurality of second connectors 3 having different characteristics from each other and coupleable to the containment body 12, 13, 14 in an interchangeable manner. In this way, the device 1 allows one or more second connectors 3 to be replaced with one or more different second connectors 3 depending on the need and/or on the application from the device 1.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects. In particular, the fact is emphasized that the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board and/or the intermediate printed circuit board enable the functionality of the device covered by the present invention to be greatly increased compared to the devices of known type.

In addition, the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board and/or the intermediate printed circuit board allow the scope of application thereof to be widened.

Furthermore, the geometric and structural characteristics of the containment body and of the printed circuit boards allow the space within the containment body of the device to be optimized.