Self-alignment magnetic connector reduced in size

• US 7,497,692 B2
• Filed: 06/19/2007
• Issued: 03/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
• Original Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
• Inventors: Koguchi, Mitsuo, Akimoto, Hiroshi, Arai, Katsumi, Tai, Tomishige, Hidate, Takahiro
• Primary Examiner(s): NASRI, JAVAID H
• Application Number:
  US11/820,283
• Publication Number:
  US 20070243724A1
• Time in Patent Office: 623 Days
• Field of Search: 439 38- 40
• US Class Current: 439/39
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/30 End pieces held in contact by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/058 Direct connection between two or more FPCs or between flexible parts of rigid PCBs
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/083 Magnetic materials
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/365 by abutting, i.e. without alloying process

Abstract

In a magnetic connector acquiring connection with a mating connector by magnetic force, a base member has a particular surface to be faced to the mating connector upon connection. An electrode terminal is fixed to the base member and adapted to be electrically connected to the mating connector. The base member has a magnetic force generating portion having a plurality of magnetic poles for producing the magnetic force. N and the S poles of the magnetic poles are alternately arranged along the particular surface in a predetermined direction. Thus, the connector is properly positioned relative to the mating connector by the magnetic force.

Claims

1. A magnetic connector apparatus comprising first and second connectors connected to each other in a first direction by magnetic force, wherein the first connector comprises a magnet having both magnetic poles directed in the first direction and an L-shaped stopper which extends from a portion, between the magnetic poles, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and then turns to the first direction, the second connector comprises a magnet with different magnetic poles alternately arranged in the second direction, and the second connector is butted to the L-shaped stopper in the second direction by repulsive force produced between the magnets of the first and the second connectors, thereby positioning the first and the second connectors relative to each other.

2. A magnetic connector acquiring connection with a mating connector by magnetic force, the connector comprising:

a peripheral electrode having a particular surface to be faced to the mating connector upon connection and a groove formed in the particular surface;

an insulating member disposed in the groove, a center electrode fixed to the insulating member; and

a magnet fixed to a rear surface of the peripheral electrode opposite to the particular surface and producing the magnetic force.

3. A magnetic connector according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral electrode has a protruding portion formed on the rear surface at a position corresponding to the groove, the magnet being arranged near the protruding portion.