The present invention relates to an electrical connector, in particular a moving joint connecting two terminals or other electrical components so as to permit movement of the terminals relative to each other while maintaining an electrical connection.

Electronic devices such as portable MP3 players or smartphones with data and music storage and playback options are popular and commonly used devices. A user listens to the audio from their device via a pair of headphones or ear buds that are connected to the device via a cable, or connect the device to speakers or a computer or laptop, the cable terminating in a jack or other connector that plugs into a socket in the device. The invention is applicable to connectors of this type and many others.

It is common for the cable to be moved in various directions whilst setting up and/or during use. In addition a user may wrap the cable around the device for storage convenience when they are not using the device, to prevent it from trailing and snagging on other items. A user normally leaves the jack still connected into the socket when they wrap the cable, and almost invariably, as the cable is wrapped around the body of the device the cable pulls on the jack body and exerts a force at a sideways angle to the body and the cable connection. Frequently, this causes damage to the plug, socket and/or the cable connection and can render the device unusable. This is inconvenient and expensive.

Additionally, in dynamic and challenging environments such as robotic applications, space applications or military applications it is important to be able to provide a reliable connection which can be maintained across a wide range of orientations. The above- described issues with fixed cables are likewise unsuitable for these operations as they may fail at critical points.

The present invention is a development of the Inventor’s earlier connectors which also aim to transmit electrical signals across a connector.

An electrical connector according to the present invention is provided according to claim 1. The electrical connector comprising: a first part having a first electrical component extending therefrom; and a second part having a second electrical component extending therefrom, wherein: one of the first and second parts forms a ball portion and the other of the first and second parts forms a socket portion; the ball and socket portions are connectable together to allow movement with respect to each other thereby permitting variable angles to be defined between an axis of the first electrical component and an axis of the second electrical component, wherein: the first part comprises one or more grooves distributed on its surface, the groove being lined with or including a conductive strip connected to the first electrical component; and the second part comprises one or more connection unit(s) distributed on its surface, the/each connection unit having an electrical contact, the/each electrical contact arranged to extend into a respective groove and being connected to the second electrical component, and wherein the/each electrical contact is extendable and/or depressible radially with respect to the/each corresponding connection unit.

This provides an electrical connector which allows an electrical connection to be maintained across the connector, while allowing a large range of movement.

Preferably, each of the ball portion and the socket portion comprise a contact surface arranged to contact the contact surface of the other of the ball portion and the socket portion in a connected state, and the grooves and connection unit(s) are distributed on the respective contact surfaces.

Preferably, the/each connection unit is mounted on either: an outer perimeter of the ball portion or an inner perimeter of the socket portion.

Preferably the ball portion defines a spherical co-ordinate system with a zenith direction passing through the centre of the point at which the electrical component meets the ball portion and the centre of the ball portion.

Preferably each connection unit is azimuthally moveable from central position arranged to contact a centre of the corresponding groove, preferably over a range of -10 ^e to 10 ^e , most preferably over a range of -5° to 5°.

The groove can be relatively thin and the contacts track the groove across this range of movement to ensure contact is maintained.

Preferably each connection unit is biased towards the central position. Starting in the centre position allows the ball portion to move easily in any direction.

Preferably each connection unit is biased towards the central position by one or more resiliently deformable members, preferably springs, more preferably leaf springs.

Resiliently deformable members such as springs are readily available and can be integrated into the connection unit.

Preferably each connection unit is generally azimuthally fixed, and each groove has a width at its end portions of at least three times the width of the electrical contact.

The wider end portion ensures that connection is maintained throughout the movement of the ball portion.

Preferably the groove increases in width from its mid-portion to each end portion.

The connection unit can track in the groove from the thinner mid portion to the wider ends for an enhanced connection.

Preferably the/each electrical contact is arranged to contact the corresponding groove at a circumference of the ball portion.

Preferably the/each electrical contact is telescopic.

This is an efficient use of space, and allows conventionally known contacts to be integrated into the system.

Preferably the electrical connector further comprises a plurality of connection units, wherein: a first plurality of the plurality of connection units are azimuthally offset from one another; and a second plurality of the plurality of connection units is offset in the polar direction from the first plurality of connection units.

The plurality of connection units can either be used to increase the reliability of the system, or to send more signals across the connector. Preferably the plurality of connection units are arranged in an array.

A regularly repeating array allows the ball portion to be inserted in multiple configurations, thereby enhancing ease of use.

An electrical connector according to the present invention is provided according to claim 14. The electrical connector comprising: a first part having a first electrical component; and a second part having a second electrical component, wherein: one of the first and second parts forms a ball portion and the other of the first and second parts forms a socket portion; the ball portion and socket portion are connected together to allow movement with respect to each other thereby permitting variable angles to be defined between the first electrical component and the second electrical component,

wherein: the first part comprises one or more grooves spaced around its surface, the groove being lined with or including a conductive strip connected to the first electrical component; and the second part comprises one or more electrical contact(s), the/each electrical contact arranged to extend into a respective groove and being connected to the second electrical component, and wherein the/each electrical contact is constrained to move within the respective groove and is urged against the conductive strip of that groove, so as to establish an electrical connection between the first electrical component and the second electrical component wherein the ball portion and socket portion have

corresponding engagement surfaces that permit variable angles to be defined between the first and second electrical components and prevent rotation of the ball portion within the socket portion about a zenith axis extending through the centre of the ball portion and the centre of the region where the first or second electrical component meets the ball portion.

This allows the major degrees of freedom of the ball portion to be maintained, while preventing relative rotation in a direction which could otherwise potentially act to unseat the connection across the joint.

The ball portion may comprise an engagement surface which is generally an N- sided polygon in cross-sections orthogonal to the zenith direction. N may be greater than or equal to 2, preferably 4, more preferably 8.

An N-sided polygon is a convenient approach to achieve this, as no additional components are required to prevent the rotation of the ball. The particular values of N produce particularly effective ball portions.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the

accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the connector of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an isolated view of the ball portion of the electrical connector of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows an isolated and exploded view of the ball portion and socket portion of the electrical connector of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows an isolated view of the socket portion of the connector of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 shows an isolated view of the ball portion and connection units of Figure 1 ; Figure 7 A shows a cross-section of the connector of Figure 1 in a neutral position; Figure 7B shows a cross-section of the connector of Figure 1 in an offset position; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the connector of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 shows an isolated view of the connection unit of Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 shows an isolated and expanded view of a ball portion and socket portion for a second embodiment of a connector.

Figure 1 1 shows an isolated view of a socket portion of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows an isolated view of the ball portion and connection units of Figure

10;

Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the connector of the second embodiment; Figure 14 shows an isolated view of the connection unit of the connector of the second embodiment;

Figure 15 shows an isolated view of the biasing member of the connection unit of the connector of the second embodiment;

Figure 16 shows an isolated and expanded view of a ball portion and socket portion of a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 shows an isolated view of the socket portion of Figure 16;

Figure 18 shows an isolated view of the ball portion and connection unit of Figure

16;

Figure 19 shows an exploded view of the connector of the third embodiment; Figure 20 shows an isolated view of the connection unit of Figure 16;

Figure 21 shows an isolated and exploded view of the ball portion of a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 22 shows an isolated view of a socket portion of Figure 21 ;

Figure 23A shows a cross-section of the connector of the fourth embodiment in a neutral position;

Figure 23B shows a cross-section of the connector of the fourth embodiment in an offset position;

Figure 24 shows an exploded view of the connector of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 25 shows an isolated view of the connection unit of Figure 21 ;

Figure 26 shows an isolated and expanded view of a ball portion and socket portion of a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 shows an isolated view of a socket portion of Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows an isolated view of the ball portion and connection units of Figure

26;

Figure 29A shows a cross-section of the connector of the fifth embodiment in a neutral position;

Figure 29B shows a cross-section of the connector of the fifth embodiment in an offset position;

Figure 30 shows an exploded view of the electrical connector of Figure 26;

Figure 31 shows a schematic cross-section of the ball portion of a connector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32 shows an isolated and exploded view of a ball portion and socket portion for a connector according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33 shows an isolated view of the socket portion of Figure 32;

Figure 34 shows an isolated view of the ball portion of Figure 32;

Figure 35 shows a further isolated view of the ball portion of Figure 32;

Figure 36A shows a cross-section of the connector of the seventh embodiment in a neutral position;

Figure 36B shows a cross-section of the connector of the seventh embodiment in an offset position;

Figure 37 shows an exploded view of the connector of the seventh embodiment

Figure 38 shows an alternative ball portion for an electrical connector;

Figure 39 shows a further alternative ball portion for an electrical connector; Figure 39A shows an alternative socket portion for use with the alternative ball portion of Figure 39;

Figure 39B shows the ball portion of Figure 39 inserted in the socket portion of Figure 39A

Figure 40 shows a top view of the ball portion of Figure 39;

Figure 40A shows a top view of the socket portion for of Figure 39A;

Figure 40B shows a top view of the ball portion and socket portion of Figure 39B;

Figure 41 shows a side view of the ball portion of Figure 39; and

Figure 42 shows a cross-section of the ball portion of Figure 39.

Figures 1 to 10 show an electrical connector 100 and components thereof according to a first embodiment of the invention. This connector 100 comprises two major parts, a male ball portion 2 and a female socket portion 3. The female socket portion 3 comprises an inner hemispherical surface 32, known as a contact surface, for at least partially encasing the male ball portion 2. In particular, the male ball portion 2 comprises an outer spherical surface, known as a contact surface, for engaging the contact surface of the female socket portion 3 in a connected, made-up, configuration. While“sphericaf’ and “hemisphericar surfaces have been referred to, it is acknowledged that any suitable contact surface shape may be used.

Two electrical components 4, 6 are provided on the electrical connector 100. In the depicted embodiment, the electrical components 4, 6 are electrical contacts (such as plugs or sockets) for engaging further components. The electrical components 4, 6 may comprise a dedicated electronic system such as, for example, a camera. The electrical components 4, 6 may alternatively simply be conductors for carrying signals/electricity to or from the ball and socket portions 2, 3.

The electrical connector 100 further comprises an outer retaining lock 5 for retaining the ball portion 2 within the socket portion 3. Preferably, the retaining lock 5 is provided with a threaded portion 54 for threading into a corresponding threaded portion 34 of the socket portion 3. This retaining lock 5 may comprise an outer knurled surface 52 for greater ease of tightening and loosening. The female socket portion 3 may be generally cylindrical in shape, with the hemispherical surface 32 extending inwardly from an opening in one of the end faces of the cylinder.

In Figures 1 and 2 show the connector 100 in a made-up state, ready for operation. In this state, the ball portion 2 is received within the socket portion 3 with the retaining lock 5 holding the ball portion 2 therein.

Figure 3 shows an isolated view of the ball portion 2 of the electrical connector 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The ball portion 2 may define a spherical co-ordinate system 20 originating at a centre 26 of the ball portion 2. A zenith direction z, 102 is defined, passing through the centre of the ball portion 2 and the point (or centre of the region) at which the electrical component meets the ball portion 2ball portion. An azimuthal direction cp, 104 is defined in the x-y plane, and a polar angle Q is defined between the zenith direction and the x-y plane according to the convention in Physics and ISO standard 80000-2:2009.

A neutral position may be defined, in which the electrical components 4, 6 are generally coaxial. This neutral position is shown in Figure 7A. In this neutral position, the zenith direction 102 generally extends normal to the device 100.

The ball portion 2 is generally spherical, for example in the form of a finned sphere, and has grooves 24 for receiving conductive tracks 8. The grooves 24 are distributed azimuthally around the ball portion 2, in particular about the contact surface of the ball portion. A plurality of conductive tracks 8 are provided, generally within the grooves 24. Each conductive track 8 may be connected to the electrical component 4. The grooves 24 contain these tracks 8, along which electrical contact 72 may contact, as described below.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the ball portion 2 and socket portion 3 of the electrical connector 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The hemispherical surface 32 of the socket portion 3 can be clearly seen. The ball portion 2 is ready for insertion therein such that the ball portion 2 sits concentrically therein. The socket portion 3 may further comprise a shoulder 36, which is used to receive a retaining ring 56. The inner diameter of the retaining ring 56 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the ball portion 3. The retaining lock 5 acts to hold the retaining ring 56 against the shoulder 36 and thereby prevent the ball portion 3 from leaving the hemispherical surface 32 of the socket portion 3.

The inner face of the female socket portion 3 has a plurality of connection units 7 extending through or retained within apertures that are distributed and/or mounted around its inner hemispherical surface 32. These connection units 7 are distributed azimuthally according to the coordinate system 20 defined by the ball portion 2 (when the ball portion 2 is in the neutral position). That is, around an inner perimeter or circumference of the ball portion 2. By inner perimeter of circumference, this means a region defined by a generally azimuthally (when the ball portion is in the neutral position) extending circular path around the inner surface of the socket portion 3. Each connection unit 7 comprises an electrical contact 72. The electrical contacts 72 extend generally radially with respect to the ball portion 2 to contact the conductive track 8 in the groove 24 of the ball portion 2.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10, each connection unit 7 is generally fixed in position, and the grooves 24 of the ball portion 2 are wide enough such that each electrical contact 72 is able to stay in contact across the entire range of movement of the connector 100. That is, the width of each groove 24 is wide enough to accommodate contact with the electrical contact 72 across the entire range of movement of the ball portion 2. To achieve this, the width of each groove 24 is larger than the diameter or width of each electrical contact 72. In particular, up to three times the diameter or width of each electrical contact 72. Figures 1 to 10 depict grooves 24 with a substantially constant width. However, in alternative embodiments the grooves 24 may narrow at a midpoint aligned generally on an equator of the ball portion 2, and get wider at either end. In particular, this may generally be an hourglass or figure-of-eight shaped groove.

Figure 5 shows an isolated view of the socket portion 3 where the connection units 7 can be more clearly viewed.

Each electrical contact 72 of each connection unit 7 is radially extendible and/or depressible with respect to the corresponding connection unit 7. In particular, each electrical contact 72 may be telescopic in that a portion of the electrical contact 72 can extend within a further portion of the electrical contact 72 or the housing 74 of the connection unit 7. In particular embodiments, the electrical contact 72 may be a pogo pin.

Figure 6 shows an isolated view of the ball portion 2 with the connection units 7 engaged therewith. The socket portion 3 has been omitted for clarity.

Each electrical contact 72 contacts a track 8 in the corresponding groove 24 of the ball portion 2. The electrical contacts 72 are able to extend or depress with respect to the connection unit 7 to ensure that pressure is applied and thus electrical contact is maintained between the track 8 and the contact 72 throughout the range of motion of the ball portion 2 irrespective of manufacturing tolerances.

Each electrical contact 72 is connected via a connector 76 to the second electrical component 6.

As shown in this Figure, in this embodiment each electrical contact 72 generally contacts an equator of the ball portion 2, with a polar angle of 90° ( ^p / ₂ radians).

The connection units 7 are generally provided with N-fold rotational symmetry in the x-y plane of the ball portion 2. Where N is the number of connection units 7. This is also the case for the grooves 24 and tracks 8. In the particular embodiment of Figures 1 to 10, eight connection units 7 and corresponding groves 24 and tracks 8 are provided.

Figures 7A and 7B shows cross sections of the electrical connector 100. The male ball portion 2 is held inside the socket 3 by the retaining ring 56 and retaining lock 5.

Each of the first and second electrical components 4, 6 may comprise a plurality of connection pins 42, 62. Each track 8 is in electrical communication with one or more connection pin 42 of the first electrical component 4, and each electrical contact 72 is in electrical communication with one or more connection pin 62 of the second electrical component 6.

In embodiments where a single signal is to be transmitted across the connection 100, each contact 72 may be connected to the same one or more connecting pin 62. As such, each contact 72 will be carrying the same signal. Each track 8 is then likewise connected to the same one or more connecting pin 42 such that each track receives and transmits the same signal out.

However, where multiple signals are to be sent across the connection 100 each contact 72 may be in electrical communication with a single corresponding pin 62. Thus, each contact 72 receives and transmits only the signal on the corresponding pin 62. Each track 8 is then likewise in electrical communication with a single corresponding pin 42 and each track 8 then receives a separate signal and outputs this signal to separate pins 42.

This embodiment of the electrical contact 72 may also been seen in these Figures.

A biasing member 78 (typically a spring) is provided within the housing to outwardly/radially bias the electrical contact 72. The electrical contact 72 can be pushed against the bias into the housing 74 of the connection unit 7 to allow it to be extendible and depressible with respect to this connection unit 7. The biasing member 78 biases the electrical contact 72 towards the track 8 of the ball portion 2 to maintain the electrical connection. Each electrical contact 72 may be moveable into and out of the mounting area of its connection unit 7 with the extension and/or depression.

Figure 7B shows the electrical connector 100 of Figure 7A following a movement of the ball portion 2 of the connector. The ball has rotated to the right, and the electrical contacts 72 are still in contact with the tracks 8 of the ball portion 2.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the connector 100 showing each of the components of the connector 100 described above. The socket portion 3 comprises an inner housing 38 in which the hemispherical surface 32 is formed. The inner housing 38 comprises slots 39 for received the connection units 7 and retaining them in place. The slots 39 include a wider upper section for receiving the housing 74 of the connection units 7. This upper slot is generally the same size as the housing 74 to thereby retain the connection units 7 in a generally fixed position.

Figure 9 shows a close-up of a connection unit 7 and electrical contact 72.

While the first embodiment has been described with the grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 and the connection units 7 on the socket portion 3, it is appreciated that the opposite arrangement is also possible. In this opposite arrangement, the grooves 24 and tracks 8 are provided on the inner surface 32 of the socket portion 3 and the connection units 7 are provided on the ball portion 2. That is, the connection units 7 are provided around an outer perimeter of the ball portion 2.

A second embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the electrical connector 200 shown in Figures 10 to 15.

This electrical connector 200 is generally similar to the first embodiment and any modifications disclosed above generally also apply to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the slots 39 in the inner housing 38 are wider than those in the first embodiment. The connection units 7 are generally the same size and as such can move within the slots 39. This movement may be generally azimuthally around a circumference of the hemispherical surface 32.

Each connection unit 7 is arranged with biasing members 79 provided on one or both sides of the housing 74. The biasing members 79 act on the housing 74 to bias the connection unit 7 circumferentially towards the centre of the slot 39. In this centre position, the electrical contact 72 is also generally in the centre of the slot 39 circumferentially.

In the second embodiment, the biasing members 79 may be springs. In particular, leaf springs may be used in this embodiment.

Each electrical contact 72 may be in the form of a pin which is arranged to contact the groove 8 for the electrical connection. As the ball portion 2 is rotated, the edges of the groove 24 will apple a lateral force on the electrical contact 72 and thereby displace the connection units 7 within their slots 39.

The grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 may be thinner in this

embodiment. For example, the width of the groove 24 and/or track 8 may be approximately the same as the width of the electrical contact 72. The lateral movement of the groove 24 relative to the slot can be accommodated by the connection units 7 moving within the slot 39. As the ball portion 2 moves back towards the neutral position, the biasing members 79 will re-centre the connection unit 7 and electrical contact 72. Figure 15 shows an isolated view of the biasing members 79 of the second embodiment. These example biasing members 79 are provided as a biasing assembly, with a central connecting portion 79A. The connection unit 7 can be received in the central connecting portion 79A, with the biasing members 79 then extending either side therefrom.

The rest of the connector 200 of the second embodiment is as described above with respect to the connector 100 of the first embodiment.

While the second embodiment has been described with the grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 and the connection units 7 on the socket portion 3, it is appreciated that the opposite arrangement is also possible. In this opposite arrangement, the grooves 24 and tracks 8 are provided on the inner surface 32 of the socket portion 3 and the connection units 7 are provided on the ball portion 2.

A third embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the electrical connector 300 shown in Figures 16 to 20.

This electrical connector 300 is generally similar to the first and second

embodiments and any modifications disclosed above generally also apply to this embodiment. This embodiment is generally a modification of the second embodiment.

As shown in Figure 16, the slots 39 in the inner housing 38 are wider than those in the first embodiment. The connection units 7 are generally the same size and as such can move within the slots 39. This movement may be generally azimuthally around a circumference of the hemispherical surface 32. Each connection unit 7 may be azimuthally moveable around this circumference in a range sufficient to accommodate the required lateral movement defined by the angle rotation of the ball portion 2. Of course, this will be defined by the particular geometries employed in a particular design, but for a particular example may be in the region of ±10 ^e from the centre resting position. An alternative example may be in the region of ±5 ^e from the centre resting position.

Each connection unit 7 is arranged with biasing members 79 provided on one or both sides of the housing 74. The biasing members 79 act on the housing 74 to bias the connection unit 7 circumferentially towards the centre of the slot 39. In this centre position, the electrical contact 72 is also generally in the centre of the slot 39 circumferentially. In the third embodiment, the biasing members 79 may be provided as resiliently deformable extrusions. These extrusions will act as described to bias each connection unit 7. Alternatively, the biasing members 79 may be extendible and/or depressible rods generally similar to the electrical contacts 72 described above. These rods can be telescopic.

The grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 may be thinner in this

embodiment. For example, the width of the groove 24 and/or track 8 may be approximately the same as the width of the electrical contact 72. The lateral movement of the groove 24 relative to the slot can be accommodated by the connection units 7 moving within the slot 39. As the ball portion 2 moves back towards the neutral position, the biasing members 79 will re-centre the connection unit 7 and electrical contact 72.

The rest of the connector 300 of the third embodiment is as described above with respect to the connector 200 of the second embodiment and the connector 100 of the first embodiment.

While the third embodiment has been described with the grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 and the connection units 7 on the socket portion 3, it is appreciated that the opposite arrangement is also possible. In this opposite arrangement, the grooves 24 and tracks 8 are provided on the inner surface 32 of the socket portion 3 and the connection units 7 are provided on the ball portion 2.

A fourth embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the electrical connector 400 shown in Figures 21 to 25.

This electrical connector 400 is generally similar to the previous embodiments and any modifications disclosed above generally also apply to this embodiment. The fourth embodiment is generally a further modification of the second embodiment.

As shown in Figure 21 , the connection units 7 are provided as a radially extending spring. In particular, a leaf spring may be used as the electrical contact 72. Each connection unit 7 is arranged with biasing members 79 provided on one or both sides of the electrical contact 72. The biasing members 79 act on the electrical contact 72 to bias the connection unit 7 towards the centre of the slot 39. The biasing members 79 may be leaf springs. Indeed, the connection unit 7 may be formed from a single piece of metal, bent to form an electrical contact 72 and each biasing member 79. In this centre position, the electrical contact 72 is also generally in the centre of the slot 39.

Figures 23A and 23B show the operation of the connector 400 of the fourth embodiment. As the connector 400 is moved from the neutral position of Figure 23A to the offset position of Figure 23B the leaf spring electrical contacts 72 ensure that an electrical connection is maintained across the connector 400.

The rest of the connector 400 of the fourth embodiment is as described above with respect to the connectors of the previous embodiments.

While the fourth embodiment has been described with the grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 and the connection units 7 on the socket portion 3, it is appreciated that the opposite arrangement is also possible. In this opposite arrangement, the grooves 24 and tracks 8 are provided on the inner surface 32 of the socket portion 3 and the connection units 7 are provided on the ball portion 2.

A fifth embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the electrical connector 500 shown in Figures 26 to 30.

This electrical connector 500 is generally similar to the first embodiment and any modifications disclosed above generally also apply to this embodiment. Any of the connection units 7 from the second through fourth embodiments could be used with the arrangement of the fifth embodiment.

In addition to the first plurality of connection units 7 described above with respect to the first through fourth embodiments, the fifth embodiment further comprises a second plurality of connection units 7’.

Each of the second plurality of connection units 7’ may be provided with a polar offset from one of the first plurality of connection units 7. That is, each of the second plurality of connection units 7’ is provided at a point nearer to or further from the electrical component 4 on the ball portion 2. Each of the second plurality of connection units 7’ may further be offset in an azimuthal direction from each of the first plurality of connection units 7. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 26 to 30, each of the second plurality of connection units T may be aligned with one of the first plurality of connection units 7. This forms an array of the connection units 7, T around the ball portion 2.

Each of the second plurality of connection units T is generally the same as the first plurality of connection units 7 described above. In particular, each connection unit T comprises an electrical contact 72’ which is extendible and/or depressible with respect to the corresponding connection unit T.

As shown in Figure 28, one of the first plurality of connection units 7 and one of the second plurality of connection units T may be arranged to contact one of the tracks 8 in the grooves 24 of the ball portion 2.

While the first plurality of connection units 7 are generally provided on an equator of the ball portion 2, the second plurality of connection units T are provided on a plane offset from this equatorial plane.

The second plurality of connection units T help to ensure that an electrical connection is maintained across the connector 500. That is, in certain orientations the first or second connection unit 7, T may struggle to maintain a contact, but the other of the first or second connection unit 7, T can be arranged to have a strong connection in this position. As such, the connection across the connector 500 can be reliably maintained.

In certain alternative embodiments, first and second different signals may be sent by each of the first and second corresponding connection unit 7, T within a groove 23. One of the signals may be a high-frequency signal and the other of the signals may be a low frequency signal. A signal processing unit can be connected to the electrical component 4 of the ball portion and be configured to separate the high frequency and low frequency signal. In this manner, two signals can be sent across a single connection track 8.

While the fifth embodiment has been described with the grooves 24 and tracks 8 on the ball portion 2 and the connection units 7, T on the socket portion 3, it is appreciated that the opposite arrangement is also possible. In this opposite arrangement, the grooves 24 and tracks 8 are provided on the inner surface 32 of the socket portion 3 and the connection units 7, 7’ are provided on the ball portion 2.

A sixth embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the schematic electrical connector 600 shown in Figure 31.

The sixth embodiment is generally a development of the fifth embodiment. The groove 28 is divided into a plurality of N sections 28, 28’, 28” (e.g. two or more sections). Each section spans an angular range Q, 602 with a separator or gap 82 therebetween. The ball portion 2 is then restricted in its movement such that in the polar direction it only rotates by ^q / ₂ · Each section of track 28, 28’, 28” may be connected to a separate output connection and as such, N separate signals may be sent.

These connection units 7, 7’, 7” may be provided all around the ball portion 2 in the form of an array.

While the sixth embodiment has been described with the grooves 24 and tracks 8, 8’, 8” on the ball portion 2 and the connection units 7, 7’, 7” on the socket portion 3, it is appreciated that the opposite arrangement is also possible. In this opposite arrangement, the grooves 24 and tracks 8, 8’, 8” are provided on the inner surface 32 of the socket portion 3 and the connection units 7, 7’, 7” are provided on the ball portion 2.

A seventh embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the electrical connector 700 shown in Figures 32 to 37.

This electrical connector 700 is generally one of the“opposite” arrangements discussed in relation to the previous embodiments. As can be seen in Figures 32 and 33, the female socket portion 3 is provided with a plurality of grooves 24 distributed azimuthally around its inner generally hemispherical surface 32. The grooves 24 are separated by ridges 24A extending into the centre of the hemispherical surface 32. Each of these grooves 24 is lined with a track 8. In order to accommodate the movement of the ball part 2 across its entire locus of movement the grooves 24 and tracks 8 are wider than the width of the electrical contact 72. The tracks 8 may not fill the entirety of the grooves 24 as shown in Figures 32 and 33, provided that the electrical contacts 72 are able to maintain contact with the tracks 8 across the entire locus of movement of the ball part 2.

The male ball portion 2, shown in Figures 34 and 35 is provided with connection units 7 including electrical contacts 72 extending from an outer surface of the ball portion 2. The electrical contacts 72 are distributed azimuthally around the ball portion 2 to correspond to the grooves 24 of the female socket portion 2. While the connection units 7 of the embodiment shown in Figures 32 to 37 are generally contained within the ball portion 2, this is not necessarily the case. Alternatively, these connection units 7 may form a part of the outer surface of the ball portion 2. The electrical contacts 72 of this

embodiment are generally shown away from the equator of the ball portion 2 (i.e. the widest circumference of the ball portion with respect to a zenith axis in the zenith direction, but in alternative designs these contacts 72 may be provided generally on the equator of the ball portion 2

As described in relation to the earlier embodiments, the electrical connectors 72 are radially extendable and/or depressible with respect to their corresponding electrical connection unit 7 to maintain the contact with the tracks 8 in the grooves 24 as the ball portion 2 moves.

In use, this connector 700 operates generally the same as any of the previously disclosed connectors as seen in Figures 36A and 36B. As the ball portion 2 moves in the socket portion 3, the electrical connectors 72 extending from the ball portion 2 slide in the grooves 24 of the socket portion 2. The electrical connectors 72 contact the tracks 8 of the grooves 24 to maintain an electrical contact across the connector 700 across the range of movement of the ball portion 2.

Figure 37 shows how in this embodiment the socket portion 3 comprises a first inner housing part 38A and a second inner housing part 38B. The first inner housing part 38A includes the hemispherical surface 32, with the slots 24 formed therein between ridges 24A. The second inner housing part 38B includes the tracks 8 for maintaining the electrical contact across the connector 700. The second inner housing part 38B is inserted into the first inner housing part 38B. This connector 700 is an example of one of the“opposite” arrangements discussed with respect to the first to sixth embodiments and accordingly there are many variations thereof based at least upon these embodiments.

As discussed, the ball portion 2 is generally spherical. In particular embodiments, as depicted in Figure 38, the bail portion 2 may comprise an engagement surface 22 which extends from at least a section of the ball portion 2. The electrical connector has been omitted from this Figure for ease of reference, but a zenith direction may be defined passing through the centre of the ball portion 2 and the centre of the region where the electrical connector meets the ball portion 2. The electrical connector may also define a zenith axis Z-Z which extends in the zenith direction.

The electrical connector may be a discrete component which attaches to the ball portion 2. Alternatively the electrical connector may be formed integral with the ball portion 2. In either case, a centre may be defined in the region where this electrical connector meets the ball portion 2.

The engagement surface 22 is shaped to co-operate with a corresponding receiving surface on the socket portion 3 in order to prevent the ball portion 2 and the socket portion 3 from rotating relative to one another about the zenith axis.

The engagement surface 22 may be generally polygonal in planes orthogonal to the zenith direction. That is, the engagement surface 22 may comprise a plurality of faces 22A azimuthaliy spaced around the ball portion 2 (i.e. around the zenith axis). Each face 22A defines a non-contiguous (i.e. distinct) surface. In cross-sections orthogonal to the zenith axis the ball portion 2 is non-circular may form an N-sided polygon. Each face 22A may generally have the same radius of curvature (e.g. the same radius of curvature in a plane passing through the zenith axis). Each face 22A may have generally the same radius of curvature as any more strictly spherical parts of the ball portion 2. Alternatively, different faces 22A may be provided with different radii of curvature to restrict movement of the ball portion 2 in the socket portion 3.

The current Figures show regularly repeating generally identical faces 22A.

Fiowever, it is envisaged that the faces 22A may be irregular. In particular, there may be a single face 22A deviating from the strictly spherical shape, while the remainder of the ball portion 2 is generally strictly spherical. Irregular faces 22A In this manner can be used to ensure that the ball portion 2 can only be inserted in a particular orientation into the socket portion 2. This can ensure that the same electrical contacts 7 are received in the same groove 24 every time the bail portion 2 and the socket portion 3 are made-up.

The engagement surface 22 may comprise grooves 24. Each face 22A may have a corresponding groove 24 provided thereon. Alternatively, there may be some faces 22A without a groove 24 thereon. The groove 24 may be generally provided in the centre of the face 22A. The groove 24 may be longer than the face 22A in the polar direction.

There may be any number of faces 22A, but in preferred embodiments there may be eight faces 22A (referred to as an octo-bali). When viewed from above as in Figure 40, the outer perimeter of the octo-bail is generally octagonal. The ball portion 2 preferably has at least eight faces 22A, which can allow the ball portion 2 to have a smooth movement across its entire range of movement while still preventing the relative rotation about the zenith axis.

The engagement surface 22 may extend over a middle part of the ball portion 2 (with respect to the zenith direction). The top 25 and bottom 27of the ball portion 2 may be more strictly spherical. The top section 25 or bottom section 27 may include the attachment point for an electrical connection across the joint, as shown in Figure 39. Figure 39 shows an alternative to the ball 2 of Figure 38. This alternative has a less pronounced

engagement surface 22 compared to Figure 38. Each groove 24 is generally on a more strictly spherical path, with protrusions 22B formed on the bail 2 to form the polygonal shape. This can be best seen on Figure 41 which is a side view of the ball portion 2 of Figure 39 and on Figure 42 which is a cross-sectional view along V-V from Figure 40. For clarity, some of the internal detail of the ball portion 2 has been omitted from the cross- sectional view of Figure 42.

The ball portion 2 may be formed of first and second ball sub-assemblies 2A, 2B. These sub-assemblies 2A, 2B may be generally hemispherical and connect together to form the ball portion 2. For example, the sub-assemblies 2A, 2B may have a snap-fit connection. The receiving surface on the socket portion 3 is correspondingly shaped in order to prevent the bail portion 2 from rotating about the zenith axis. As such, the major degrees of freedom of the bail portion 2 are maintained, while preventing relative rotation in this direction which could otherwise potentially act to unseat the connection across the joint.

Figure 39A shows a socket portion 3 arrange to co-operate with the bail of Figure 39. The socket portion 3 has a plurality of receiving taces 22C which are shaped to correspond to the faces 22A of the ball portion 2. As can be seen in Figure 40A which shows Figure 39A from above, the receiving faces 22C generally form a corresponding polygonal shape (in this case an octagon). The receiving faces 22C increase in width the deeper into the socket portion 3 they extend. This is to ensure that the movement of the extrusions 22B of the ball portion 2 is accommodated across the entire range of movement of the bail portion 2. The increase in width the extrusions 22B of the bail portion 2 can allow a more pronounced (less spherical) shape of the ball portion 2 without the risk of it jamming against the receiving faces 22C and inhibiting other motion of the ball portion 2 than is intended.

Electrical contacts 7 are provide in the socket portion 3 to contact the grooves 24 of the ball portion 2. The electrical contacts 7 are provided in a notch 22D formed in the receiving faces 22C. The electrical contacts 7 are free to flex in this notch 22D to ensure the bail potion 2 can travel across its entire range of movement.

Figures 39B and 40B show the ball portion 2 and socket portion 3 connected together in this connected position the electrical contacts 7 fit in the slots 24 of the ball portion 2. The bail portion 2 and socket portion 3 are able to move relative to each other in conventional ball and socket directions, but are restricted from rotating relative to one another about the zenith axis Z-Z (shown in Figure 39B).

While the Figures all show the grooves 24 on the ball portion 2 and the electrical contacts 7 on the socket portion 3, embodiments are considered in which the opposite is the case.