EP0026556B1 - Connecteur électrique ombilical/détachable par cordon - Google Patents

Connecteur électrique ombilical/détachable par cordon Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0026556B1
EP0026556B1 EP80302263A EP80302263A EP0026556B1 EP 0026556 B1 EP0026556 B1 EP 0026556B1 EP 80302263 A EP80302263 A EP 80302263A EP 80302263 A EP80302263 A EP 80302263A EP 0026556 B1 EP0026556 B1 EP 0026556B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
collet
plug
receptacle
shell
keys
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP80302263A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0026556A1 (fr
Inventor
David Paul Earl Carter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Automation Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Automation Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Automation Industries Inc filed Critical Automation Industries Inc
Publication of EP0026556A1 publication Critical patent/EP0026556A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0026556B1 publication Critical patent/EP0026556B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
    • H01R13/635—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only by mechanical pressure, e.g. spring force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electrical connectors.
  • the invention relates to circular, umbilical electrical connectors having rapid unlocking and unmating characteristics, especially to such connectors capable of lanyard release.
  • a circular electrical connector comprising: a receptacle means including a receptacle shell provided with a receptacle barrel and a set of electrical contacts; said receptacle barrel having positioned, circumferentially, on its exterior surface a plurality of keys, each of said keys being squared at the end farthest from the nose of said barrel, and each of said squared ends being located on a common circumference around said barrel; a plug means including a set of electrical contacts, and a plug shell means; wherein mating and unmating of the sets of electrical contacts is accomplished by an axial and rotational movement of the plug means on an axis common to the plug means and the receptacle means; wherein said plug shell means is capable of mating and unmating said two sets of electrical contacts through an axial movement imparted by cammed rotational movement of the plug shell means, where said mating action includes locking the plug means and the receptacle means through cooperation of said keys and the plug
  • a typical quick release trigger is provided by a wire loop, referred to as a lanyard. It is desirable to provide both locking means (to ensure maintenance of electrical mating) and quick release means (for separation of the plug portion from the receptacle portion).
  • Illustrative of prior art answers to lanyard release connectors are United States of America Patent Nos. A-3,119,645, A-3,156,513, A-3,848,950 and A-4,083,619, some of which utilise flexible fingers released by a camming action.
  • US-A-3,815,079 describes a quick release connector comprising a plug section and a receptacle section wherein bayonet pins extending radially outwards on the surface of one connector section engage in a cam track in the inner surface of a segmented cylindrical coupling member on the other connector section.
  • the segments are enclosed by an outer cylindrical sleeve and are held together at the end distant from the other connector section by a retaining member.
  • a lanyard attached to the outer sleeve pulls the sleeve away from the other connector section and then complementary tapered surfaces between the coupling member segments and the sleeve enable the segments to expand radially outwards under the influence of spring biasing means.
  • the present invention is directed towards connectors with quick release means, whilst maintaining safe and secure locking.
  • devices which utilise e.g. flexible fingers, with or without cam movements, have not been used since a significant degree of force is required to ensure that such cammed movement is completed.
  • spring biasing of the locking means has not been used since such a bias can only work towards either secure locking or towards quick release.
  • the locking means of the present invention is aimed at providing a gradual and progressive unlocking which reduces significantly the wear on the moving surfaces.
  • a circular electrical connector as described above in relation to U.S. 3,848,950 is characterised by said plug shell means including a collet, a detent shell and a coupling ring for imparting rotational movement to the detent shell and collet for normal mating and unmating action; said collet having a flange-lip extending radially inward from a ring member, which ring member terminates in a base, said flange-lip having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of said keys so as to engage the keys in a locked position, said flange-lip having keyways corresponding to said keys, and said collet being divided into a plurality of circumferential lengths, each circumferential length having an inward surface formed to allow it to move in a rocking motion from the locked position to an unlocked position in which the effective flange-lip diameter is enlarged sufficiently to release the keys; said coupling ring having a ring opening portion surrounding the collet and having an inward surface engaging the outer circumferential
  • the connector comprises locking means to ensure maintenance of electrical circuit mating and a quick release means from both the locked and mated conditions, preferably by a lanyard trigger means.
  • the invention applies to circular electrical connectors having mating/unmating capability of the sets of electrical contacts.
  • the receptacle means section of the connector of the present invention includes a receptacle shell provided with a receptacle barrel, having a nose portion and a set of electrical contacts.
  • the barrel is provided with a plurality of keys, positioned circumferentially on the exterior surface of the barrel. Each of the keys is squared at the end farthest from the nose of the barrel; each of the squared ends is located on a common circumference around the barrel.
  • the plug means section of the connector includes a set of electrical contacts, and a plug shell comprising (a) a collet, (b) a coupling ring, and (c) a detent shell.
  • Mating and unmating of the electrical contacts is accomplished by axial and rotational movement of the plug means on an axis common to the receptacle axis.
  • the mating and unmating action is carried out by an axial movement imparted by cammed rotational movement of the plug shell means. Desirably such cammed rotational movement is imparted by a high pitched thread element included in the plug section, such rotational movement involving substantially less than one rotation.
  • the axial movement not only makes the two sets of electrical contacts but also locks the plug section to the receptacle section. This locking takes place through cooperation of the receptacle barrel keys and the collet member of the plug means.
  • the collet has a ring member with a flange-lip extending radially inward (toward the centre of the ring member); the ring member terminates in a base.
  • the flange-lip has an internal diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the keys.
  • the collet is mounted in the plug section so that the flange-lip faces the keys on the receptacle barrel. Keyways are cut into the end of the flange-lip to match the keys on the barrel.
  • the collet is divided (cut) into a plurality of circumferential length these circumferential lengths are completely separate from one another.
  • plural includes two lengths. Desirably at least three circumferential lengths are present.
  • the coupling ring has a ring opening portion large enough in diameter to surround the collet base.
  • the coupling ring includes a resilient means permitting pull back of the coupling ring means under tension.
  • the resilient means is a spring and a rod member support therefor.
  • the detent shell has an element for contacting and restraining the resilient means of the coupling ring means. Also the detent shell has a nose portion, desirably of a substantially conical shape, for cooperating with the coupling ring in decreasing the diameter of the flange-lip opening as the coupling ring is advanced axially over the ring member of the collet during the mating/locking action.
  • the connector of this invention includes a quick release trigger means for activating the unlocking/unmating action by pulling the coupling ring means backward, away from the receptacle.
  • the separate circumferential lengths of the collet are movable in a rocking motion, radially inward or radially outward, under the influence of the coupling ring means and the detent shell nose.
  • rocking or “rocking” motion means a movement (radially inward or radially outward) with respect to the flange-lip portion of the collet in which pivoting takes place over a significant surface length.
  • the quick release means causes an axial movement of the plug section away from the receptacle section.
  • the coupling ring is forcefully separated from its contact with the side of the ring member of the collet; a rocker motion is imparted to the collet circumferential lengths, causing the flange-lip to assume a diameter larger than that of the keys, thereby unlocking the plug section from the receptacle section.
  • Axial movement continues causing the plug section to unmate from the receptacle section.
  • Trigger means other than a lanyard, may be used, for example, a stripper plate.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 show one form of receptacle means (section) 20 which is suitable for mounting on a surface, such as an aircraft skin.
  • receptacle means 20 includes a receptacle shell 22 which receptacle shell 22 is provided with a mounting flange 24; a threaded portion 26 to which a back shell, not shown, can be mounted and admit into receptacle means 20 an electrical cable, not shown, whose wires are joined to retainers within receptacle means 20; a barrel 28 which projects outwardly from mounting flange 24 and terminates in nose 29.
  • Receptacle means 20 and plug means 60 are desirably polarised so that they can mate in only one unique orientation.
  • polarisation is obtained by the circumferential exterior surface of receptacle barrel 28 with a plurality of keys 30, 32, et seq. (Hereinafter the use of the plural indicates that "et seq" is to be understood).
  • Each of keys 30 has the end farthest from the nose 29 of barrel 28 squared and each of the squared ends 36 is located on a common circumference around barrel 28, that is, for each of keys 30 the distance from the squared end 36 to the nose 29 is the same as any other key.
  • each key above the exterior surface of barrel 28 need not be exactly the same; however, it is desirable that all keys 30 have the same height, that is, the upper surface of each key lies at the same radial distance from the long axis of receptacle shell 22.
  • the keys 30 vary in width and are desirably asymmetrically distributed on the exterior surface of barrel 28 to effect the mating of receptacle shell 22 and plug means 60 (Fig. 3) in one unique position.
  • Fig. 1 shows one known manner in which electrical contact pins are placed and secured in receptacle shell 22 (Fig. 2).
  • Front pin insert 40 and rear pin socket insert 42 receive electrical contact pin 44 and contact pin retainer 46 respectively.
  • These inserts 40 and 42 are made, typically, from rigid plastic insulator (dielectric) material, such as thermoset phenolic resin.
  • a grommet seal 48 prevents dirt, dust, water, etc. from entering the interior of the connector by way of the receptacle rear end.
  • Grommet seal 48 is typically made from an elastomer, such as a silicon rubber.
  • a conductive metal insert retaining ring 50 helps hold these members together when assembled.
  • a plastic plug 52 closes and seals channel 54 in grommet 48.
  • An elastomeric interface seal 56 is positioned on the outside face of the pin insert 40; this seal 56 grips the pins very tightly to ensure a seal.
  • the plurality of channels in the aforesaid inserts demonstrate that more than one contact pin is to be used in this connector.
  • Individual electrical wires are brought into receptacle shell 22 from its rear, i.e. distant from the nose, end, and are squeeze fitted into the sockets 42 by a conventional procedure.
  • a detailed presentation of the function and material of construction of each of the aforesaid members shown in Fig. 1 is presented in U.S. Patent No. A-3,848,950.
  • Figs. 3 to 6 show the plug means 60 (plug section) of the electrical connector of the invention.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates three members which are primarily directed to the quick release (unlocking) of the locked/mated electrical connector, namely the collet 64, the coupling ring 110 and the detent shell 134.
  • Collet 64 has a flange-lip 66 extending radially inward.
  • Flange-lip 66 has a number of keyways 70, 72, 74, 76 and 78 respectively. These keyways 70 correspond to keys 30 on receptacle barrel 28 (Fig. 2).
  • Lands 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 are located between aforesaid keyways 70.
  • Flange-lip 66 in its locked condition, has an internal diameter, measured across two opposing lands, slightly smaller than the outside diameter of aforesaid keys 30.
  • the diameter is about the same as the outside diameter of barrel 28 (Fig. 2).
  • Collet 64 contains three slots 90, 90', and 90", intersecting flange-lip 66 and collet ring member 92.
  • Ring member 92 terminates in base 94. Cut into base 94 and up into side 98 of ring member 92 are three notch- slots 96, 96' and 96".
  • Ring member 92 is shaped to move in rocker motion in response to force applied to side 98 and/or base 94.
  • the rocker motion is enhanced by having side 98 shaped roughtly like one-half of an expanded offset U-turn, or a numeral "2" with a roughly flat top.
  • the height of collect 64, measured from base 94 to flange-lip 66, is such that the lands 80 normally overlap the squared ends 36 when the collet 64 is inserted over the barrel 28.
  • Collet 64 is divided (cut) into a plurality of circumferential lengths (arc lengths). At least three lengths 102, 102' and 102" are desirable. Each circumferential length 102 is designed to move in a rocker motion under the influence of force applied to the coupling ring 110 which moves over side 98 of ring member 92. This rocker motion permits the diameter of the flange-lip to become appreciably larger than the outside diameter of keys 30.
  • a pin 147 may optionally be placed in detent shell 134, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9, loosely enclosed by collet slots 90, et seq, to retain collet segments 102 in relation to detent shell 134 when more stability of collet lengths 102 is desired.
  • a coupling ring 110 is provided with a ring opening portion 114 having an inner surface 115 which closely engages side 98 of the collet ring member 92.
  • Collet base 94 fits loosely in annular groove 116 cut in the interior side of coupling ring shell 118.
  • Coupling ring opening 114 affords a truncated conically-shaped inner surface element 115 at the end of the coupling ring facing receptacle means 20 in use.
  • Coupling ring 110 includes a resilient means 120; herein resilient means 120 comprises a helical spring 122, a rod member support and guide therefor 124, which rod member 124 is fixed at one end to annular member 126 projecting radially inward of ring shell 118 and slidably fits into a channel 140 in detent shell 134.
  • a sufficient number of resilient means is provided to have one or more for each collet circumferential (arc) length 102.
  • Coupling ring 110 also comprises an outer substantially conical surface 153 at the receptacle facing end (when in use).
  • a circular detent shell 134 is provided with elements 138, 138', 138" whose purpose is to contact and restrain resilient means 120.
  • the ends of rod members 124 remote, in use, from annular ledge 126 enter into channels 140 where the corresponding ends of helical springs 122 are restrained by the surface of the walls 139 facing coupling ring 110 (when in use) surrounding channels 140.
  • a nut 125 terminates rod 124 at the surface of wall 139 distant from coupling ring 110 (when in use).
  • Detent shell 134 has a nose portion 144 projecting towards coupling ring 110. This nose portion 144 cooperates with ring opening 114 and surface 115 to impart a rocker motion to collet lengths 102 as the coupling ring 110 is advanced against side 98 of collet 64, nose portion 144 contacting the underneath side of flange-lip 66. Nose portion 144 terminates in a substantially conical shape 146. During mating/locking action of the connector, the imparted rocker motion decreases the diameter of the flange-lip 66 as the coupling ring 110 moves toward receptacle shell 22 (Fig. 2), causing flange-lip 66 to lock against squared ends 36 of keys 30 in abutting relation.
  • Detent shell 134 is provided with a plurality of keys 148, 148' et seq on the inside wall thereof, and an annular groove 149.
  • coupling ring 110 is provided with a quick release trigger means 150 comprising support ring 152 located near end 153 of ring shell 118 and a member 154 rotatably positioned in an annular groove 156 cut into the outer surface of coupling ring 110 adjacent the detent shell facing surface of support ring 152.
  • Attached to member 154 is a strong, flexible wire lanyard 158; only two portions of the lanyard cable are shown.
  • a pull of lanyard 1 58 in the direction away from the receptacle section of the locked connector moves coupling ring 110 back from receptacle section, compressing helical springs 122 in an axial direction.
  • the forceful pull of the coupling ring causes the inner surface 115 to gradually withdraw from contact with collet side 98 and with the help of detent nose 144, imparts rocker motion to the collect lengths 102, thereby enlarging the diameter of the flange-lip 66 enough to permit the flange-lip to pass over keys 30, unlocking the receptacle section 20 from plug section 60 and thereafter causing unmating as the axial withdrawal movement continues.
  • FIGs. 4 to 6 show parts of electrical connectors of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a pair of spring detent means 160 is shown, each fo which is of arcuate configuration and has an internal key 162 midway between the ends of the detent spring means 160. Key 162 is loosely engageable and slidable in a keyway 174 on the outer surface 172 of a plug housing 170.
  • Detent spring means 160 in combination with an interior annular groove in the nose portion of the detent shell 134, first and second sets of detent spring recesses being formed in that interior annular groove (not shown to eliminate clutter), emit a distinct snap or click when the electrical connections of the receptacle and the plug are fully mated and the two shells are locked.
  • plug housing 170 has an outer surface 172.
  • One end of the plug housing 170 has a keyway 174 and the other end 176 is threaded to receive a cover shell, not shown, for electrical cable, not shown.
  • Shield 180 is mounted on an inner annular rib 184 of plug housing 170 and includes a plurality of circularly arranged resilient folded fingers 182 adapted to slidably and electrically contact the outer surface of receptacle barrel 28 (Fig. 2).
  • Shield 180 is so constructed and formed that when installed in the interior of plug housing 170 the spaces or windows between adjacent edges of fingers 182 are minimal in width.
  • the shield 180 may be secured as by suitable electrically conductive bonding to annular rib 184.
  • metal plug housing 170 and metal receptacle shell 22 are provided with a substantially continuous 360° electrically conducting path of low resistance.
  • the interior surface 178 of plug housing 170 includes an elastomeric 0-ring 186 positioned in annular groove 188.
  • 0-ring 186 is suitably made of silicone rubber. The 0- ring helps prevent water and the like undesirables from getting into the interior of plug housing 170.
  • Axial movement for mating and unmating and locking said two sets of electrical contacts is imparted by cammed rotational movement of said plug shell, desirably of substantially less than one rotation.
  • a set of threads 190 is positioned on the outer surface 172 of plug housing 170. These threads have a high pitch, that is, the length of axial movement is very large for a small amount of rotation. The pitch of these threads is large enough to move the plug means 60 between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position when the coupling ring 110 (and through this the coupling nut 200) is rotated through substantially less than one rotation. Desirably this rotation is only a small fraction of a turn, such as, one-third of a turn.
  • these threads prefferably be of the square or acme variety. There should be an axial clearance between the thread mating surfaces to allow a limited degree of "float" in the connector, which "float” aids in maintaining the fully compressed state of the various seals in the connector.
  • coupling nut 200 is provided on its interior surface with a set of threads 202, complementary to threads 190.
  • coupling nut 200 is provided with a plurality of keys 204, et seq, which keys are complementary to keys 148, et seq on the interior of detent housing 134 (Fig. 3).
  • One end of each of these keys 204, et seq is flush with the forward end of coupling nut 200.
  • the engaged complementary keys transmit turning forces between coupling nut 200 and detent housing 134, thereby causing relative axial movement between the coupling nut 200 and plug housing 170.
  • Coupling nut 200 terminates in a cross- sectionally T-shaped end 208.
  • FIG. 5 shows the plug means electrical system corresponding to the receptacle means electrical system of Fig. 1.
  • Contact socket 220 with its retainer 222 and hood 224 are one representative of the plurality which are provided for by the inserts.
  • a front socket insert 230 and rear socket insert 236 maintain the sockets securely. These inserts are dielectric materials.
  • Grommet seal 242 seals the rear of this assembly. Seal 242 is typically an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber.
  • Grommet plug 246 (Fig. 6) seals channel 244 in grommet seal 242.
  • Ring 250 (Fig. 6) retains the inserts and grommet in position within plug housing 170 (Fig. 4).
  • Spring means 256, Fig. 6, in this instance, a wave washer, is inserted abutting against T-shaped end member 208 (Fig. 4) in an assembled connector.
  • Figs. 7 to 9 show an embodiment of the electrical connector of the invention which is somewhat different from the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 6.
  • receptacle means 20' includes the electrical sockets 220 and accessories and the plug means 60' includes the electrical pins 44 and accessories. This is the reverse of the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 6.
  • the receptacle barrel 28' is provided with a plurality of keys 30', each of keys 30' having at the end farthest from the barrel nose, a lip 31 having a squared end 36', which squared end 36' performs like squared end 36 of Figs. 1 to 6.
  • Fig. 7 shows a locked/mated connector of the invention.
  • Receptacle 20' has a flange 24 and a barrel 28'. Shown on the upper half of the view, barrel 28' has on its outer surface key 30', provided with lip 31, at the end of the key 30' farthest from the nose of barrel 28'. The end 36' of lip 31 nearest flange 24 is squared. Otherwise barrel 28' is constructed like barrel 28 (Fig. 2). See Fig. 9 for a clearer view of elements 30', 31 and 36'.
  • dielectric inserts Positioned inside barrel 28' are dielectric inserts, such as 230, seals, and electrical contact sockets 220 and accessories. This construction is identical to that shown in Fig. 5 and insert 250 of Fig. 6, as part of plug means 60, and in the description thereof.
  • plug means 60' includes inside of plug housing 170, the dielectric inserts, such as 40, seals, and electrical pin 44 and accessories. Because of its importance, elastomeric interface seal 56, positioned on insert 40, has been numbered. The detail of these electrical elements is shown in and described in connection with Fig. 1. Pin 44 is disposed well into socket 220 in this fully mated position.
  • the threads of coupling nut 200 are fully engaged with the threads of plug housing 170 in the fully advanced position.
  • the detent shell 134 encloses coupling nut 200.
  • Spring means 256, rear cover ring 262, and retaining ring 268 are also shown in the assembled condition.
  • Detent shell nose 146 contacts the inside of collet flange-lip 66. Collet side 98, base 94, notch-slot 96, and slot 90 are shown.
  • Ring coupling 110 on the exterior of a plug means 60' pushes inner surface 115 against collet side 98 while detent shell nose 146 constrains from underneath.
  • Rod member 124 surrounded by helical spring 122, extends beyond detent shell 134 and is held at the desired length by nut 125.
  • the collet circumferential lengths are in the locked condition, i.e. the end of flange-lip 66 is in locking engagement over the squared end 36' of key lip 31.
  • Collet base 94 is as far from the outer surface of detent shell 134 as the groove 116 in the inner surface of coupling ring 110 allows, causing locking contact of collet flange-lip 66 and squared end 36' of key lip 31.
  • detent shell nose 146 is provided with a pin 147 whose protruding end fits loosely in collet slot 90.
  • Figs. 7 to 9 show the connector in various stages of the quick release action; Fig. 7 shows the locked, mated condition, Fig. 8 shows the unlocked but mated condition after the surface 115 of coupling ring 110 has pushed the collet sides in a rocking motion, releasing flange-lip 66 from the key lips 31, so that the shoulder at the end of surface 115 then contacts base 94 to maintain the collet length in the unlocked position to enable further axial movement of the plug means away from the receptacle to continue.
  • Fig. 9 shows the unlocked, and unmated connector parts.
  • the coupling nut threads are in the withdrawn cocked position (not shown). It is readily seen that, during mating and locking turning coupling ring 110 causes the coupling nut 200 (by interengagement of keys 148 of detent shell 134 with keys 204 of coupling nut 200) simultaneously to rotate to move plug housing 170 axially forward.
  • Fig. 8 shows the connector in the unlocked but mated condition. Pin 44 is still inserted the same length into socket 220.
  • a lanyard such as that of Fig. 3, not shown here to avoid clutter, has pulled coupling ring 110 backward, that is, away from receptacle means 20' as shown by the compression of spring 122 and the protrusion of rod 124 and nut 125 beyond the end of detent shell 134.
  • the surface 115 on coupling ring 110 slips over collet side 98 and simultaneously rocks side 98 and then engages base 94 moving it away from the receptacle.
  • Detent shell nose 146 provides a surface on which collet side 98 can rock so that flange-lip 66 is thus moved out of the locked, abutted position relative to key lip 31 and together surface 115 and the nose 146 increase the diameter of flange-lip 66 so that the flange-lip can pass over the key lip 31 thereby unlocking the receptacle means 20' from the plug means 60'.
  • Fig. 9 the connector is shown in the unmated (and uncocked) condition. None has happened to the relationship in space of coupling ring 110, detent shell 134, collet 64, coupling nut 200, and plug housing 170 as set forth in Fig. 8.
  • the axial backward pull of the lanyard sets the coupling ring 110 in backward motion. After the unlocking operation has been completed, the backward motion continues until the pins 44 emerge from the socket 220 and the unmated condition, as shown, is attained.
  • the lanyard activated unlock/unmate action does not place the plug means in a cocked condition, ready for mating/locking, with another receptacle.
  • the advanced threads of coupling nut 200 must be rotated backward manually with respect to threads 190 of plug housing 170 to have the cocked position.
  • the two shells are aligned by the defined keys and keyways, and the pins and sockets partially mated.
  • rotation of the coupling ring 110 advances the pins into mated position. Further rotation completes mating and engages the flange-lip and keylips to reach the locked condition.

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Claims (7)

1. Connecteur électrique circulaire, comprenant : une prise (20) ayant une enveloppe de prise (22) qui a un corps de prise (28) et un jeu de contacts électriques (44),
le corps de prise ayant en position circonférentielle à sa face externe, plusieurs clavettes (30) ayant chacune une forme rectangulaire à l'extrémité (36) la plus éloignée du nez du corps, toutes les extrémités rectangulaires se trouvant sur une circonférence commune autour du corps,
une fiche (60) ayant un jeu de contacts électriques (220) et une enveloppe de fiche (64, 110, 134),
la connexion et la déconnexion des jeux de contacts électriques étant réalisées par un mouvement axial et de rotation de la fiche autour d'un axe commun à la fiche et à la prise, et
l'enveloppe de fiche pouvant connecter et déconnecter les deux jeux de contacts électriques par un déplacement axial assuré par un déplacement en rotation de l'enveloppe de fiche commandée par came, la connexion comprenant le verrouillage de la fiche et de la prise par coopération des clavettes et de l'enveloppe de fiche,
le connecteur ayant un mécanisme de libération rapide,
caractérisé en ce que l'enveloppe de fiche comprend une douille (64), une enveloppe d'encliquetage (134) et une bague d'accouplement (110) destinées à assurer le mouvement de rotation de l'enveloppe d'encliquetage et de la douille afin que la connexion et la déconnexion normales soient assurées,
la douille ayant une lèvre (66) en forme de flasque dépassant radialement vers l'intérieur d'un organe annulaire (92) qui aboutit dans une base (94), cette lèvre ayant un diamètre inférieur au diamètre externe des clavettes (30) afin qu'elle soit au contact des clavettes (30) en position verrouillée, la lèvre en forme de flasque ayant des rainures (70, 72, 74, 78) correspondant aux Clavettes, la douille étant divisée en plusieurs tronçons circonférentiels (102, 102', 102"), chaque tronçon circonférentiel (102, etc.) ayant une surface interne formée de manière qu'elle permette un déplacement par basculement de la position verrouillée à une position déverrouillée dans laquelle le diamètre efficace de la lèvre en forme de flasque augmente suffisamment pour que les clavettes (30) soient libérées,
la bague d'accouplement ayant une partie (114) formant un orifice de bague entourant la douille (94) et ayant une face interne (115) au contact du côté circonférentiel externe (98) de la douille et un épaulement tourné vers l'arrière et destiné à être au contact de la base de la douille pendant la libération rapide,
le mécanisme de libération rapide comprenant un dispositif élastique (122) permettant une traction vers l'arrière de l'organe d'accouplement et étant placé entre une surface (126) de la bague d'accouplement (110) tournée vers l'arrière et une surface d'un élément (138) de l'enveloppe d'encliquetage (134) tournée vers l'avant,
l'enveloppe d'encliquetage (134) comprenant une partie en forme de nez (146) destinée à coopérer avec la bague d'accouplement (110) afin que le basculement des tronçons circonférentiels de douille soit assuré lorsque la bague d'accouplement est retirée sur l'organe annulaire de la douille pendant le mouvement de déverrouillage,
le connecteur comprenant un dispositif (150, 158) de déclenchement de libération rapide destiné à tirer à force la bague d'accouplement vers l'arrière au-dessus du côté (98) de la douille et afin qu'il soit au contact de la base (94), si bien que les tronçons circonférentiels subissent le basculement qui provoque la libération des clavettes (30) par le bord de la lèvre en forme de flasque, la poursuite du déplacement axial déconnectant la fiche de la prise.
2. Connecteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la douille divisée (64) a au moins trois tronçons circonférentiels (102, 102', 102").
3. Connecteur selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que la surface (115) de la partie (114) formant l'orifice de la bague est une surface tronconique tournée vers l'extérieur à l'extrémité de la bague d'accouplement tournée vers la prise.
4. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le nez (146) de l'enveloppe d'encliquetage a une surface d'extrémité avant sensiblement conique.
5. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif élastique (122) de la bague d'accouplement comporte un ressort hélicoidal (122) et une tige (124) de support de celui-ci.
6. Connecteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de déclenchement de libération rapide comporte un cordon (155) ou une plaque de séparation.
7. Connecteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le mouvement de rotation sous l'action d'une came est provoqué par un élément (190) ayant des filets de pas élevé, incorporé à la fiche.
EP80302263A 1979-10-01 1980-07-03 Connecteur électrique ombilical/détachable par cordon Expired EP0026556B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8100979A 1979-10-01 1979-10-01
US81009 1979-10-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0026556A1 EP0026556A1 (fr) 1981-04-08
EP0026556B1 true EP0026556B1 (fr) 1984-02-08

Family

ID=22161329

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP80302263A Expired EP0026556B1 (fr) 1979-10-01 1980-07-03 Connecteur électrique ombilical/détachable par cordon

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0026556B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPS5657270A (fr)
CA (1) CA1130881A (fr)
DE (1) DE3066491D1 (fr)
NO (1) NO801509L (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2160717B (en) * 1984-06-23 1988-05-11 Allied Corp Quickly releaseable connectors
US6267612B1 (en) * 1999-12-08 2001-07-31 Amphenol Corporation Adaptive coupling mechanism

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3083274A (en) * 1959-10-13 1963-03-26 Cole Electric Company Connector assembly
US3156513A (en) * 1962-01-26 1964-11-10 Itt Peripheral tang lock for quick disconnect umbilical connector
BE621282A (fr) * 1962-05-10
US3335391A (en) * 1964-02-03 1967-08-08 Itt Umbilical connector lock mechanism
GB1116194A (en) * 1967-01-31 1968-06-06 Northrop Corp Quick-disconnect electrical connector
GB1189739A (en) * 1968-10-04 1970-04-29 Northrop Corp Quick Disconnect Electrical Plug.
US3815079A (en) * 1972-12-29 1974-06-04 Burndy Corp Electrical connector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5657270A (en) 1981-05-19
CA1130881A (fr) 1982-08-31
NO801509L (no) 1981-04-02
DE3066491D1 (en) 1984-03-15
EP0026556A1 (fr) 1981-04-08

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