Patent Publication Number: US-2023144303-A1

Title: Electromagnetic Electrical Connector System

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The described example embodiments in general relate to a magnetic connector for making electrical connections. More particularly, example embodiments relate to a magnetic connector that selectively uses magnetic attraction to a second electrical connector to reduce the force or effort needed by a user to mate or unmate connectors. 
     Electrical connectors for connecting power, data and/or other electrical signals between a source and devices or equipment are well known and ubiquitous. More particularly, connectors that simultaneously provide multiple electrical connections using coupled male and female components are well known. For example, some connectors employ a plurality of electrical contacts, such as electrically conductive pins or sockets, and a corresponding plurality of mating contacts, such as electrically conductive sockets or receptacles in a second electrical connector. Typically, although not necessarily, an insulated cable or cord carries a plurality of power and/or signal wires, each of which may also be insulated, from a source to the non-connecting or back side of either a male or female connector, where the individual wires are electrically connected to pins or sockets. Similarly, a corresponding plurality of power and/or signal wires are electrically connected to corresponding pins or sockets on the back or non-connecting side of the mating male or female connector, and an insulated cable or cord carries the plurality of power and/or signal wires to the device or equipment to be electrically connected with the source. Multiple electrical connections between a source and a device or piece of equipment can then be made substantially simultaneously by coupling the male and female connectors such that the pins or sockets of the connector make electrical contact with the corresponding sockets or pins of the second electrical connector. 
     In some types of known connectors, the mechanical connection between mating pins and sockets requires force to make the connection between mating connectors. This type of connection can have disadvantages, such as varying amounts of force being needed to mate the connectors, depending on the number of pins and sockets, their sizes, and their overall design, which can affect the force needed to mate and unmate each pin from each socket. 
     In addition, reliance on a friction or mechanical fit between pins and sockets may become less reliable over time, resulting in intermittent electrical connections, particularly in cases where the connectors are subject to vibration, temperature changes, or relative movement between the connectors. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrical connector system that uses an electromagnet to assist in mating and, alternatively, unmating or uncoupling a first electrical connector with a second electrical connector. In some embodiments, the system may include a first electrical connector having a first plurality of contacts, an electromagnet on the first electrical connector adapted to produce a magnetic force, and an input device adapted to receive an input and to provide an output that causes an electrical current to be supplied to the electromagnet. 
     The system may further include a second electrical connector having a second plurality of contacts and a magnetic element on the second electrical connector, wherein the magnetic force of the first connector acts on the magnetic element such that the magnetic force attracts the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are adapted to be coupled together, and wherein the first plurality of contacts conductively engage with the second plurality of contacts when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are coupled together. 
     In some other embodiments, the first electrical connector may further include a proximity detector adapted to detect a proximity of the second electrical connector and to provide an input to a control circuit that causes the control circuit to disable the electrical current until the first electrical connector is in a position relative to the second electrical connector such that the electromagnet applies the magnetic force to the magnetic element in the second electrical connector. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evidence to the contrary from the description, where elements in different FIGS. use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an electrical connector system in use in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is another perspective view of an electrical connector system in use in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is an end view of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a sectional side view of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is another sectional side view of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective, cutaway view of an electrical connector and components in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a functional diagram of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is another functional diagram of an electrical connector system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Overview 
     Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrical connector system that can use an electromagnet  30  to assist in mating and unmating a first electrical connector  10  with a second electrical connector  20 . The electromagnet  30  is on the first electrical connector  10 , and is adapted to produce a magnetic force that acts on a magnetic element  50  of the second electrical connector  20 . The first electrical connector  10  may have an input device  40  that controls, directly or indirectly, current to the electromagnet  30 , so that the electromagnet  30  can be selectively activated or deactivated. This allows for greater magnetic force to be used without causing any difficulty in unmating the connectors. The first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are adapted to be coupled together. 
     The input device  40  may be adapted to receive an input and to provide an output that causes the electrical current to be supplied to the electromagnet  30 . The output may be current that is provided directly to the electromagnet  30 , or it may be provided to a control circuit  60  that in turn provides current to the electromagnet  30 . The control circuit  60  is responsive to the input from the input device  40  to selectively apply and control the electrical current to the electromagnet  30 . In other words, the control circuit  60  may turn the current to the electromagnet on or off, apply the current in different directions (thus reversing the polarity of the electromagnet), and control its magnitude. In some embodiments, the control circuit  60  is adapted to adjust the electrical current such that the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet  30  can be adjusted. 
     The control circuit  60  may be, or include, a relatively simple latching circuit, such that when it receives a single, momentary input, such as a logic “high” voltage, it creates a sustained output current that is provided to the electromagnet  30 . Other inputs can also be used by the control circuit  60 . For example, a proximity detector  80  may also provide an input to the control circuit  60 , and can be used to disable the output current until the first electrical connector  10  is close to the second electrical connector  20 , such that the electromagnet  30  is not attracted to any metal other than a magnetic element  50  in the second electrical connector  20 . 
     The control circuit  60  is adapted to provide the electrical current to the electromagnet  30  in a first direction to create an attractive magnetic force between the electromagnet  30  and the magnetic element  50 . The control circuit  60  can also reverse the current so that it flows in a second direction, thus creating a repulsive magnetic force between the electromagnet  30  and the magnetic element  50 , which can be used to automatically unmate or unplug the connectors 
     In some embodiments, the input device  40  may comprise a switch, such as a push button switch. However, it may comprise other devices, such as a “touch switch” that senses a person&#39;s touch, using various circuitry, or a receiver that receives a wired or wireless signal. Accordingly, the input device  40  may not require mechanical movement or actuation to provide an output. 
     Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a first electrical connector  10  and a second electrical connector  20 , wherein the two connectors  10 ,  20  are adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupled together. The connectors  10 ,  20  may include multiple pins, sockets, or a combination of pins and sockets adapted to be conductively coupled together. Alternatively, the contacts may take other forms, such that electrical contact is made without a pin being inserted into a socket. 
     As an example of the electrical contacts, the first electrical connector  10  may have a first plurality of contacts  14  that are adapted to conductively engage with a corresponding, second plurality of contacts  24  on the second electrical connector  20  when the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are coupled together. As noted, the contacts  14 ,  24  need not be pins or sockets. For example, multiple conductive portions of the first electrical connector  10  may simply make contact with corresponding conductive portions of the second electrical connector  20 , such that multiple electrical connections can be made when the connectors  10 ,  20  are mated, and broken when the connectors  10 ,  20  are unmated. Such conductors may make surface contact with each other. 
     The first electrical connector  10  may have a male coupling component  18 , which is adapted to mate with a female coupling component  28  of the second electrical connector  20 . The male coupling component  18  may extend outwardly from the first electrical connector  10 . Alternatively, the first electrical connector  10  may have a female coupling component  28  that mates with a male coupling component  18  of the second electrical connector  20 . The first electrical connector  10  may include an electromagnet  30  that is recessed or positioned within the male coupling component  18 . The first electrical connector  10  may also have a plurality of electrical contacts  14 , such as pins or sockets, within the male coupling component  18 . 
     The second electrical connector  20  may include a female coupling component  28  having, or surrounding, a plurality of electrical contacts  24  adapted to be conductively coupled with the contacts  14  of the first electrical connector  10 . The second electrical connector  20  can also include a forwardly extending magnetic element  50  adapted to receive the magnetic force created by the electromagnet  30 , to provide a predetermined attractive magnetic force to assist mating the first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20 , and also to maintain the first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20  in a coupled state. The magnetic element  50  may comprise or contain a material that the electromagnet  30  can act on, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, or may comprise a permanent magnet. The magnetic element  50  can also be an electromagnet. The first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20  each have a rear portion  16  and  26 , respectively, adapted to make electrical connections with multiple wires of cables or cords. 
     In some other example embodiments, the first electrical connector  10  further comprises a proximity detector  80  adapted to detect a proximity of the second electrical connector  20  and to provide an input to the control circuit  60  that causes the control circuit  60  to disable the electrical current to the electromagnet  30  until the first electrical connector  10  is in a position relative to the second electrical connector  20  such that the electromagnet  30  applies the magnetic force to the magnetic element  50  in the second electrical connector  20 . 
     B. Connectors 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 11   , the electrical connector system that can use an electromagnet  30  to couple or assist in coupling connectors comprises a first electrical connector  10  and a second electrical connector  20 . The electromagnet  30  is on the first electrical connector  10 , and is adapted to produce a magnetic force that acts on a magnetic element  50  of the second electrical connector  20 . The first electrical connector  10  may have an input device  40  that controls, directly or indirectly, current to the electromagnet  30 , so that the electromagnet  30  can be selectively activated or deactivated. 
     The connectors  10 ,  20  may either be male or female, and are thus adapted to be mated or coupled together both electrically and mechanically. As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the first electrical connector  10  is a “male” type connector that mates with the female type second electrical connector  20 . However, this arrangement is not critical or necessary to the embodiments disclosed herein. The first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  may include rear portions  16  and  26 , respectively that receive electrical cables  29 . The opposite ends (not shown) of the cables  29  may be connected to a source of electrical power and/or signals, a piece of equipment or a device that receives electrical power and/or signals, another connector adapted to be connected to yet another cable, source, or piece of equipment, or to an intermediate device, such as a switch or multiplexer. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  5   , the connectors  10 ,  20  may have a size and shape designed to fit together only in a single orientation, so that they can only be connected together when properly aligned, such that the corresponding pins, sockets, or other electrical contacts are mated with the proper complementary contacts on the mating connector. Notably, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  5 - 7   , the first electrical connector  10  may include a proximity detector  80  designed and configured to detect proximity and also proper alignment between the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20 . The proximity detector  80  may be embodied by any type of suitable device, such as a mechanical, contact-type device, or a non-contacting sensor, such as a hall-effect sensor. The latter may be used to detect the magnetic field of a magnetic element  50 , in embodiments using a permanent magnet as the magnetic element  50 . As discussed herein, the proximity detector  80  can be used to provide an input to the control circuit  60 , which can accordingly enable or disable the electromagnet  30  in the first connector  10 . 
     The proximity detector  80  may or may not involve components on the second electrical connector  20  to assist in providing a signal or indicator of alignment and distance between the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20 , such as magnets, contacts, physical structures such as protrusions or indents, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  5 - 8   , the first electrical connector  10  may have a number of electrical contacts  14 , which are shown in some of the figures as sockets, but which may also be pins, or combinations of pins and sockets, or may also be conductive components in shapes or configurations other than pins or sockets, such as conductive surfaces that contact corresponding elements or urfaces on the second electrical connector  20  when the connectors  10 ,  20  are coupled together. The electrical contacts  14 ,  24  are conductively coupled to wires or cables used in the connection, such as wires  19 . For example, the first electrical connector  10  is adapted to receive a plurality of wires  19 , wherein at least one wire of the plurality of wires  19  provides electrical power to the control circuit  60 , and at least two wires of the plurality of wires  19  are conductively coupled to at least two contacts of the plurality of contacts  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 - 9   , the wires  19  within the first electrical connector  10  may be connected to control circuit  60  as well as to electrical contacts  14 . Some of the wires  19  may also be connected to and used to provide electrical power to the control circuit  60 , without necessarily being connected to electrical contacts  14 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  8   , the connectors  10 ,  20  and magnetic components are designed and configured so that the electromagnet  30  is very close to or touching the magnetic element  50  when the connectors  10 ,  20  are coupled. This helps ensure adequate attractive force between the two components to maintain the coupled condition. As also shown in  FIGS.  7 - 8  and  10 - 11   , the input device  40  is connected to the control circuit  60  so that it can provide an input to it. The input can be used to control and supply current to the electromagnet  30 . 
     The second electrical connector  20  can be a chassis-mount type connector, mountable to a chassis  70 . Again, this is not critical to the embodiments disclosed herein, and the second electrical connector  20  may be unmounted, similar to first electrical connector  10  in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , as an example. 
     The second electrical connector  20  may have a number of electrical contacts  24 , which are shown in some of the figures as pins, but which may also be sockets, or combinations of pins and sockets. The electrical contacts  24  may also be conductive components in shapes or configurations other than pins or sockets, such as conductive surfaces that contact corresponding elements or surfaces on the first electrical connector  10  when the connectors  10 ,  20  are coupled together. The electrical contacts  14 ,  24  are electrically (conductively) coupled to wires or cables used in the connection, such as cable  29 , which contains wires that are coupled to the electrical contacts  24 , as shown in  FIGS.  6 - 8   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the second electrical connector  20  is a “female” type connector that mates with the male type first electrical connector  10 . However, this arrangement is not critical or necessary to the embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the female portion of second electrical connector  20  may be shaped so that the first electrical connector  10  can only be coupled to it when properly oriented. The orientation of the two connectors  10 ,  20  relative to each other, as well as their proximity, can be determined by a proximity detector  80 , which can be located on either connector, and may provide an output signal to a control circuit, such as control circuit  60 . 
     C. Magnetic Components 
     As mentioned above briefly, the connectors  10 ,  20  and magnetic components are designed and configured so that the electromagnet  30  is very close to or touching the magnetic element  50  when the connectors  10 ,  20  are coupled, as best shown in  FIG.  8   . This helps ensure adequate attractive force between the two components to initiate and maintain the coupled condition. As also shown in  FIGS.  7 - 8  and  10 - 11   , the input device  40  is connected to the control circuit  60  so that the input device  40  can provide an input to it. The input can be used to control and supply current to the electromagnet  30 . 
     The mating magnetic elements  30 ,  50  of the example embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 6    may be cylindrical in shape with substantially flat end faces that contact each other, or are in close proximity, when the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are coupled together. The magnetic elements  30 ,  50  are preferably disposed and oriented within the male and female coupling components  18 ,  28  so that when the connectors  10 ,  20  are properly aligned for coupling the flat end faces of electromagnet  30  and magnetic element  50  are oppositely facing. 
     The preferred shape and disposition of the magnetic elements  30 ,  50  thus enable the faces of the magnetic elements  30 ,  50  to make good contact with each other when the first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20  are coupled. They also provide a suitable amount of contact area so that a desired and adequate amount of magnetic force is present between the connectors  10 ,  20  when coupled. The magnetic elements  30 ,  50  may be securely affixed within the first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20  using a suitable adhesive or by other methods known to those skilled in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 - 8  and  10 - 11   , the electromagnet  30  may comprise a core  34  and a coil  32 , such that a current passing through the coil  32  creates a magnetic force that acts on magnetic element  50 . The force may be attractive or repulsive, depending on the direction of the current I, as shown in  FIGS.  10 - 11   . The force is indicated by the arrows, wherein the force shown in  FIG.  10    is attractive, and the force shown in  FIG.  11    is repulsive. The attractive force is used when the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are to be coupled together, and the repulsive force is used when the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are to be unmated. 
     The strength of the electromagnet  30  can advantageously be adjusted as needed for the connectors  10 , 20  to couple or mate, by controlling the level of current I (indicated, for example, in  FIGS.  10 - 11   ) supplied to the coil  32  by control circuit  60 . In addition, the amount of current I supplied in different directions (which may be referred to as a first current and a second current) can be different, such that a different amount of magnetic force can be used for coupling and unmating the connectors  10 ,  20 . 
     The connectors  10 ,  20  can be unmated automatically by operation of the control circuit  60  receiving an input from input device  40  after the first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20  have already been coupled. The current supplied by either the input device  40  or the control circuit  60  for uncoupling the connectors  10 ,  20  can be of relatively short duration, since it does not need to be maintained as with the current used for coupling and maintaining the connectors  10 ,  20  in a coupled state. In contrast, the current used for coupling or mating the connectors  10 ,  20  will typically be maintained while the connectors  10 ,  20  are coupled together, although the mechanical fit between the connectors  10 ,  20  can also be used or assist in maintaining the coupling. 
     In some embodiments, the magnetic element  50  can be metal or contain metal that the electromagnet  30  acts on. Such materials may be or include iron, cobalt, and nickel, for example. If the element  50  is not a magnet, such materials are suitable when the electromagnet  30  is used to apply an attractive force to couple or mate the two connectors  10 ,  20 . However, the magnetic element  50  can also be a permanent magnet, as shown and indicated in  FIGS.  10 - 11   , in which case the electromagnet  30  can also be used to automatically unmate the connectors  10 ,  20 , as best indicated by the force arrow and magnetic polarity illustrated by  FIG.  11   , in which the poles of the electromagnet  30  have been reversed from those shown in  FIG.  10   . Again, this effect is controlled by the direction of current through the coil  32  surrounding the core  34  of the electromagnet  30 , which is controlled by the input device  40  or control circuit  60 . 
     Generally, it is preferred to control the electromagnet  30  and select the magnetic element  50  to provide the minimum magnetic force suitable for the particular intended application of the connector system, since strong magnetic fields in proximity to electrical conductors can result in interference with the electrical signals in the conductors in some situations, as persons skilled in the art are aware. To this end, during coupling, a higher current can be used, and once the connectors  10 ,  20  are coupled, the current can be reduced by the control circuit  60 , since it generally takes less force to maintain attraction at close proximity than it does to initiate the coupling. 
     D. Input Device and Control Circuit 
     As discussed above, the coupling and uncoupling or unmating of the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  can be initiated by an input device  40 . In some example embodiments, the input device  40  can be a push button switch, and can provide current directly to the electromagnet coil  32 . The input device  40 , however, does not necessarily have to be a mechanical switch, and could be or comprise a sensor, such as a touch sensor, or other type of input device  40 . The input device  40  can also provide an input to control circuit  60 , as shown in  FIGS.  10 - 11   , with one possible input type being shown by a user pushing a button, in  FIGS.  3 - 4   , where  FIG.  3    indicates an input to initiate coupling, and  FIG.  4    indicates a second input to initiate unmating. 
     The input device  40  may also be, or include, a receiver or circuitry, which may be incorporated in control circuit  60  or which can be an independent part of the first electrical connector  10  or other part of the system. The receiver may receive a wired or wireless signal from the proximity of, or through, the second electrical connector  20 . For example, if the connector system is used to charge an electric vehicle, with the charge being provided by the first electrical connector  10  to a second electrical connector  20  mounted on the vehicle, the input device  40  may receive a signal from the electric vehicle, directly or via the second electrical connector  20  to activate or deactivate the electromagnet  30 . 
     The signal from the electric vehicle can be initiated based on any criteria, such as the charge state of the vehicle. Specifically, if the vehicle is in a discharged state, it may send a signal to the input device  40  which causes the control circuit to provide current to the electromagnet  30 . In this case, the input device would recognize the signal from the vehicle as a first input, resulting in activating the input device  40  a first time such that the control circuit  60  provides current to the electromagnet  30  in a first direction. As discussed in more detail below, current in the first direction causes the electromagnet  30  to generate an attractive force that acts on magnetic element  50 . Thus, the first electrical connector can automatically generate an attractive force to couple the connectors when an electric vehicle is in a discharged state. This type of input to input device  40  may be used alone or in conjunction with proximity detector  80 , so that the connectors can be attracted together only when the first electrical connector  10  is brought into close proximity to the second electrical connector  20 . 
     Similarly, the electric vehicle can send or provide a signal to the input device  40  when the electric vehicle is charged, such that a second input is provided to the input device  40  that causes the control circuit  60  to provide current to the electromagnet  30  in a second direction (i.e., the reverse of the first direction), which creates a repulsive force between the electromagnet  30  and magnetic element  50 , which in turn causes the two connectors  10 ,  20  to automatically unmate or uncouple. 
     Any input from the input device  40  can be processed by the control circuit  60  to act differently depending on the connection status. Specifically, when the control circuit  60  receives an input while no current is being provided to the electromagnet  30 , the control circuit  60  can provide a first current in the direction shown in  FIG.  10   , such that an attractive force is created between the electromagnet  30  and the magnetic element  50 . Upon receiving a second input from input device  40 , that may occur while there is current being provided, the control circuit  60  can reverse the current, such that a second current is provided, resulting in a repulsive force as indicated in  FIG.  11   , which can automatically unmate the first electrical connector  10  from the second electrical connector  20 . 
     In addition to input device  40 , the control circuit  60  can receive an input from a proximity detector  80 . For example, the proximity detector  80  can provide an input to the control circuit  60 , and the input can be used to disable the output current provided by the control circuit  60  until the first electrical connector  10  is close to the second electrical connector  20 , such that the electromagnet  30  is not attracted to any metal or magnet other than the magnetic element  50  in the second electrical connector  20 . The proximity detector  80  can detect both proximity between the two connectors  10 ,  20  and proper alignment, so that no magnetic force is generated tending to couple the first electrical connector  10  to the second electrical connector  20  until the connectors  10 ,  20  are properly aligned, as shown for example in  FIGS.  1 - 5   . In other words, the proximity detector  80  can disable the electrical current in the first direction until the first electrical connector  10  is in an aligned and proximate position relative to the second electrical connector  20 . 
     The proximity detector  80  may be embodied by any type of suitable device, such as a mechanical, contact-type device, or a non-contacting sensor, such as a hall-effect sensor. The latter may be used to detect the magnetic field of a magnetic element  50 , in embodiments using a permanent magnet as the magnetic element  50 . As discussed herein, the proximity detector  80  can be used to provide an input to the control circuit  60 , which can accordingly enable or disable the electromagnet  30  in the first connector  10 . 
     The control circuit  60  may be powered by one or more wires  19  that bring power to first electrical connector  10 , and may comprise circuitry enabled to perform the functions described herein, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The control circuit  60  can be implemented using components on a printed circuit board within the first electrical connector  10 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 9   . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the circuit board may include a hole through which one end of the core  34  of electromagnet  30  passes and is secured. The control circuit  60  can thus be adapted to provide the current needed to operate the electromagnet  30 , by supplying current to the ends of coil  32 , which may be terminated on the circuit board, as shown schematically in  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
     Electrically, the control circuit  60  may include or comprise a latch that receives inputs from input device  40 . For example, logic latches are known that can receive a momentary input and provide a continuous, “latched” output. The latch may also have processing circuit to receive an input from proximity detector  80 , which may in turn be used to enable the output of current. As discussed previously, the proximity detector input can cause the control circuit  60  to disable current output until the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are aligned and in close proximity. The proximity detector  80  can also be used to provide an indication to the control circuit  60 , such that the circuit will provide an output, in the form of a second current, to unmate the connectors  10 ,  20  upon receiving a second input from input device  40 . The proper action can be logically determined since the proximity detector  80  can indicate that the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  are already mated when the input device  40  is used a second time. The control circuit  60  can also provide the proper current by simply toggling its output each time the input device  40  is used. 
     E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
     In certain medical and other environments, it may be desirable for mating connectors to maintain a secure and reliable electrical connection but to readily separate if a certain amount of force is applied. Thus, for example, if a patient or visitor were to trip over or pull a cable or wire connected to medical monitoring or treatment equipment, it would be more desirable for the male and female components to separate than for a cable or cord to be forcefully ripped from the equipment, which could potentially cause substantial and costly damage to the equipment, or even cause the equipment to fall or be upended and possibly injure a patient or visitor. In such uses, a magnetic coupling can be useful, and can provide advantages not found in other types of connectors. 
     Another possible application where a magnetic coupling and uncoupling may be advantageous is in automotive charging connections. In this and similar applications, an electromagnet can provide a relatively high mating force, reducing or eliminating the need for a user to force connectors together. 
     A typical use of the example embodiments described herein is best shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4  and  10 - 11   . In use of the connector system, a user can activate the input device  40  a first time, as shown specifically in  FIG.  3   . This is typically done with the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  in an aligned and proximate position. In the aligned and proximate position, the proximity detector  80  will not disable the current supplied from the control circuit  60  to the coil  32  of electromagnet  30 . Thus, aligning the first electrical connector  10  and the second electrical connector  20  initiates the process of coupling the connectors. Once aligned, a user will move the first electrical connector  10  into proximity with the second electrical connector  20 , such that the electromagnet  30  of the first electrical connector  10  applies an attractive magnetic force to the magnetic element  50  in the second electrical connector  20 . 
     Note that the user can activate the input device  40  (such as by pressing a push button switch, for example) at any time. Alternatively, as discussed above, the input device  40  can be a circuit or device that receives a signal from an outside source, such as from an electric vehicle, which can be based on the charge state of the vehicle, among other conditions. Due to the latching action of control circuit  60  as described, the input device  40  can be used before or after the first electrical connector  10  is aligned and brought into proximity with the second electrical connector  20 . Once the process is initiated and the connectors  10 ,  20  are in an aligned and proximate position relative to each other, the control circuit  60  can provide a first electrical current to the electromagnet  30 , in a first direction, such that, if magnetic element  50  is a permanent magnet, an attractive force will result. Thus, a magnetic attraction between the electromagnet  30  and magnetic element  50  will draw the two connectors  10 ,  20  together and couple them, which also results in an electrical connection or coupling between electrical contacts  14 ,  24 . The coupling operation and resulting current and magnetic force are generally illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  10   , while the physical relationship of the coupled first electrical connector  10  and second electrical connector  20  is shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     When a user or the system (e.g., a signal from a device or an electric vehicle) activates the input device  40  a second time, or based on another input to the control circuit  60 , the control circuit  60  will receive the input and provide an electrical current to the electromagnet  30  in a second direction (e.g., the reverse of the first direction), which creates a repulsive force between the electromagnet  30  and magnetic element  50 , which in turn causes the two connectors  10 ,  20  to automatically unmate or uncouple. The unmating also results in the electrical connection between the multiple contacts  14 ,  24  to be severed. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described above. All patent applications, patents, and printed publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, except for any definitions, subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosure controls. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the various embodiments in the present disclosure be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.