Hermaphroditic connector systems

摘要

A hermaphroditic connector for the connection of electrical and/or optical systems is described. The system comprises a coupling having a first and a second connector. Each connector (100) comprises an outer sleeve (101) and an insert housing (102). The outer sleeve (101) has an engagement member (103) and the insert housing comprises a substantially cylindrical base portion (104) and a single upstanding portion (105) having a co-operable engagement member (106). The upstanding portion (105) of the insert housing (102) of the first connector is adapted to mate with and form a cylindrical inner sleeve with a corresponding upstanding portion (105) of a second connector. The engagement member (103) is adapted to engage, in use, with the co-operable engagement member (106) of the second connector to which the connector is to be mated. Each connector may also be provided with an insert member, the insert member having a hermaphroditic profiled end portion adapted to mate with corresponding insert member of an opposing connector; the mating providing alignment between the systems that require connection.