Active quick connecting/disconnecting connector

Abstract

A connector is provided for the electrical and mechanical connection of components of a system. The connector includes plug and receptacle components. The plug has a central pin surrounded by a plurality of lamellae. An actuator is positioned about the lamellae for controlling the movement thereof. The receptacle has a pin housing corresponding to the central pin of the plug. Additionally, the receptacle includes a plurality of lamellae for mating with the plug lamellae. Like the plug, the receptacle includes an actuator for controlling movement of the receptacle lamellae. The plug lamellae and the receptacle lamellae have corresponding shoulders at the free ends thereof for engagement for interconnecting the plug and the receptacle. The actuators about the plug lamellae and receptacle lamellae control movement thereof and can be engaged to allow for the disconnection of the plug and the receptacle. The central trail pin of the plug and the pin housing of the receptacle can include conductive material for transmitting electrical signals. Similarly, the lamellae can include conductive materials for engagement and transmission of electric signals. In another embodiment, the plug and receptacle are positioned side by side to provide a universal connector.