EP0875959B1 - Connector system - Google Patents
Connector system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0875959B1 EP0875959B1 EP97107167A EP97107167A EP0875959B1 EP 0875959 B1 EP0875959 B1 EP 0875959B1 EP 97107167 A EP97107167 A EP 97107167A EP 97107167 A EP97107167 A EP 97107167A EP 0875959 B1 EP0875959 B1 EP 0875959B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- tubular body
- central tubular
- latching
- catching
- 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 - Lifetime
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Classifications
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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
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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
- H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
- H01R13/6277—Snap or like fastening comprising annular latching means, e.g. ring snapping in an annular groove
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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
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/28—Contacts for sliding cooperation with identically-shaped contact, e.g. for hermaphroditic coupling devices
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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
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/84—Hermaphroditic coupling devices
Definitions
- This invention relates to a connector system for coupling signal transmission conductor means via mating means controlled by a self-latching mechanism.
- a plurality of peripheral elastic tongues are mounted on the plug body and each of said tongues bears on outwardly projecting latch whereby each said latches may resiliently move radially on the plug body.
- An outer sleeve slidably mounted on the plug body for axial movement therealong comprises an extension surrounding the peripheral elastic tongues and this extension has a plurality of transverse windows respectively placed over the projecting latches, whereby axial movement of the sleeve over the plug body causes the windows of the sleeve extension to act as ramps forcing the projecting latches radially and inwardly with respect to the plug body.
- the socket body comprises an inner circular groove for catching the projecting latches upon insertion of the plug body into the socket body.
- connection of the system is obtained by mere insertion of the plug body into the socket body, whereby the projecting latches radially contract to enter into the socket body and then expand into the catching groove thereof, thus locking the assembly of plug body and socket body.
- Disconnection of the system is obtained by axial pull on the outer sleeve the windows of which radially contract the projecting latches thereby allowing extraction thereof from the catching groove whereby the plug body may be withdrawn from the socket body.
- Another of these connector systems comprises a plurality of peripheral elastic tongues with protruding latches mounted on a release sleeve slidably arranged over the plug body which carries a truncated cone ramp disposed under the latches.
- a release space is provided between the latches and the plug body.
- the socket body comprises an inner circular groove for catching the protruding latches upon insertion of the plug body into the socket body. Connection of the system is obtained by pushing the plug body into the socket body whereby the latches may contract in the release space and enter into the socket body and then expand into the catching groove.
- any pull on the plug body other than on the release sleeve results in the truncated cone ramp of the plug body further urging the latches in the catching groove of the socket body.
- Disconnection of the self-latching assembly is obtained by pulling the release sleeve whereby the latches may contract in the release space to allow withdrawal of the plug body from the socket body.
- a plug body comprises a plurality of peripheral elastic tongues with inwardly projecting latches intended to engage an annular catching groove peripherally arranged on a socket body.
- a release sleeve is mounted for movement over the plug body and comprises at one end a bevelled portion orientated towards the inwardly projecting latches and capable of passing beneath them, and at the other end, a stop arrangement cooperating with a circlip mounted elastically on the plug member.
- the internal surface of the release sleeve is staged so as to block the inwardly projecting latches in the catching groove of the socket body when the stop arrangement is engaged on the circlip and to allow the latches to expand radially out of the catching groove when the stop arrangement is released from the circlip, which allows the bevelled portion of the release sleeve to pass beneath the latches to spread them radially apart and unlock the self-latching connection.
- All these connector systems are definitely fail-proof with operators who know or can recognise that they have in hands a plug body or a socket body that are made to fit to one another whereby the connection can be secured either by inserting the plug body into the socket body or by engaging the socket body over the plug body.
- this is not necessarily the case in high stress or so-called blind conditions such as exist, for example, in military operation.
- a fail-proof connection cannot be assured if the operator may be puzzled by having in hand the plug body or the socket body. And that situation may be particularly acute where connection has to be made on loose cables.
- DE-A-2063258 describes a two halves connector system in which each half comprises an inner tubular body having its rear end connected to a pipe via a clamp.
- the front end of the body is provided with an external circular groove arranged in an enlarged end portion the rear end of which forms an abutment.
- Forwardly axially projecting resilient arms are formed circumferentially at the fore edge of the circular groove and at a same distance from one another.
- Resilient arms terminate into enlargements with inwardly oriented projections which have substantially the same shape as the transverse section of the groove, and the width of these arms and projections is such that by mating two identical connector halves the arms of the two halves interpenetrate.
- control sleeve On the outer side of the tubular body is slidably mounted a control sleeve which is held against the abutment by a spring.
- This control sleeve has an enlarged forwardly projecting portion the axial length of which is equal to the axial length of the enlarged end portion of the body and the inner diameter of which is equal to the diameter of a circle surrounding the external edges of the projection of the resilient arms.
- Control sleeve is externally grooved for manual operation.
- connection of the two halves of the system is obtained by mating the two halves with their respective arms interpenetrating, whereby the arms radially expand on the front ends of the tubular bodies and simultaneously push the fore edges of the control sleeves against the bias of the springs until their projections can fall into the corresponding circular groove whereby the control sleeves may be pushed forwardly by the springs and their enlarged forwardly projecting portions may cover the ends of the enlargements of the resilient arms.
- the system is thus locked and secured against draw on the respective pipes.
- To unlock the system it is necessary to draw the grooved portions of the two control sleeves in opposite directions whereby the resilient arms of both connector halves may have their projections expanded to be extracted from the corresponding grooves.
- the rear portion of the control sleeve is partly covered by a sleeve fixed to the inner body.
- the control sleeve is completely covered by the sleeve fixed to the body and comprises radial studs projecting through longitudinal slots of the covering sleeve.
- a further object of the invention is to achieve a connector system that simplifies logistics in the coupling of signal transmission conductor means. And a still further object of the invention is to propose a connector system that is versatile and easy to manufacture.
- a connector unit comprising resiliently movable latch means circumferentially alternating with latch catching means allows mating of a first connector unit with a second identical connector unit by mere insertion and self-latching of the resiliently movable latch means of the first connector unit into the latch catching means of the second connector unit while the latch catching means of the first connector unit simultaneously house and catch the resiliently movable latch means of the second connector unit.
- the connector unit acts both as a plug body and a socket body
- logistics are simplified either for the types of elements that have to be stored or in the preparation of cable assemblies. Tutoring of operators is drastically reduced, whatever their educational background. And manufacture of the connector system is also simplified by the reduction of the number of different elements.
- the connector unit comprises a plurality of resiliently movable latch means circumferentially arranged at a distance from one another and a plurality of latch catching means circumferentially alternating with said latch means, whereby a still further ease of coupling is achieved.
- the latch means may be movable radially or circumferentially.
- ramp means are provided for urging the latch means against the resiliency thereof, unmating becomes effortless as the latching means are released from the latch catching means.
- control sleeve is mounted for longitudinal movement on the connector unit, with the ramp means connected to the control sleeve, self-latching and release of the connection may be achieved by direct push-pull action on the control sleeve.
- a control sleeve may also be mounted for longitudinal movement on the connector unit, with the latch means connected to the control sleeve.
- Wall means may be provided for urging the latch means in latching condition to strengthen the locking condition of the latch means in the latch catching means.
- spring biased muff means may be mounted in the connector unit to reciprocate over the latch means and latch catching means for tightness purposes and/or to prevent unwanted contact with the signal transmission conductor means in the connector unit and/or to protect the latch means and latch catching means from environmental aggression.
- Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the connector unit of the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2 is a view according to line I-I of Figure 1.
- Figures 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10, are respectively side elevations and top plan views of details of Figure 1.
- Figure 11 is a longitudinal section showing the connector unit of the first embodiment in mating condition with an identical connector unit.
- Figure 12 is a longitudinal section of the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 13 is a longitudinal section showing the connector unit of the second embodiment in mating condition with an identical connector unit.
- the connector unit 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a central tubular body 2 on which is mounted a latching shell 3 (Figs 1, 2, 5, 6) having three peripheral resilient tongues 4 extending at 120° from one another, each bearing at its end an outwardly projecting latch 5 having a forward surface 6 inclined towards the end of the tongue 4 and a rearward abutment surface 7 substantially perpendicular to the tongue 4.
- Latching shell 3 is affixed to the central tubular body 2 between a shoulder 8 thereof and a ring 9 fastened thereto.
- Over latching shell 3 is a slidable sleeve 10 (Figures 1, 2, 7, 8) having at one end three peripheral extension arms 11 arranged at substantially 120° from one another over the tongues 4 of latching shell 3. Each arm 11 is provided with a transverse window 12 located over the corresponding latch 5.
- the sleeve 10 abuts against shoulder 8 of central tubular body 2 and its rear end 13 is fastened , for example glued, to a control sleeve 14 surrounding the connector unit 1.
- a chamber 15 Inside the rear end 13 of sleeve 10 is a chamber 15 in which is located a coil spring 16 of which one end abuts against a wall 17 of chamber 15 and the other end abuts against a ring 18 movable in chamber 15 and the rear end of which bears against an abutment wall 19 of the rear end of control sleeve 14.
- Two O-rings 20 and 21 on ring 18 assure tightness between ring 18, sleeve 10 and central tubular body 2.
- control sleeve 14 slidingly bears on the end of a collet nut 22 meshing on a threaded end portion 23 of central tubular body 2 and bearing against the rear end of ring 18.
- Collet nut 22 holds a signal transmission conductor assembly 24 extending in central tubular body 2 and abutting against a shoulder 37 thereof.
- An O-ring 25 assures tightness between signal transmission conductor assembly 24 and central tubular body 2.
- Signal transmission conductor assembly 24 is secured angularly to central tubular body 2 via a stud 26 positioned in a groove 27 of central tubular body.
- Signal transmission conductor assembly 24 can be of any kind for transmitting electric, photonic or fluid signals, and needs no further description.
- a catching sleeve 28 (Figures 1, 2, 9, 10) affixed to central tubular body 2 by a screw 29.
- Catching sleeve 28 comprises three peripheral arms 30 arranged at substantially 120° from one another and located angularly between resilient tongues 4 of latching shell 3 and windowed arms 11 of sleeve 10, and each peripheral arm 30 is provided with an inner latch catching groove 31 having substantially the same shape as latches 5, however in reversed condition.
- the latches 5 and windows 12 are thus circumferentially alternating with the latch catching grooves 31.
- control sleeve 14 extends somewhat back of the front end of peripheral arms 30 of catching sleeve 28 and between catching sleeve 28 and control sleeve 14 is mounted a sliding muff 32 (Figure 1, 2, 3, 4) the front end of which contains an O-ring 33.
- the rear end of muff 32 is slotted at 34 for longitudinal positioning and angular guiding by screw 29, and a spring 35 located between the rear end of muff 32 and an inner abutment wall 36 of control sleeve 14 urges forwardly muff 32 over the front end of the peripheral arms 30 of catching sleeve and the latches 5 of latching shell 3.
- An O-ring 38 assures tightness between muff 32 and control sleeve 14.
- this connector unit Operation of this connector unit is as follows, reference being made to Figure 11.
- Two identical connector units 1 are positioned in front of one another and pushed against one another and the O-rings 33 of muffs 32 assure tightness at that location.
- the muffs 32 retract within the control sleeves 14, against the bias of springs 35, whereby the peripheral arms 30 of the catching sleeve 28 of each of the connector units 1 may be respectively inserted between the peripheral arms 30 of the catching sleeve 28 of the other connector unit.
- the latches 5 and windows 12 of latching shell 3 and sleeve 10 of each connector unit 1 may thus respectively engage under the peripheral arms 30 of the catching sleeve 28 of the other connector unit 1.
- Disassembly is achieved by mere pull on one or both the control sleeves 14 of the connector units 1 which retract against the bias of springs 16. Retraction of control sleeve 14 against the bias of spring 16 draws sleeve 10 the extension arms 11 of which drive the windows 12 along inclined surfaces 6 of latches 5 thereby urging latches 5 out of the latch catching grooves 31.
- the connector units 1 may thus be separated from one another while muffs 32 are pushed by springs 35 over the latches 5 and peripheral arms 30 of catching sleeves 28 and the end of the signal transmission conductor assemblies 24.
- the second embodiment shown in Figure 12 comprises a connector unit 39 having a central tubular body 40 with three peripheral arms 41 extending at 120° from one another, each terminating in an upwardly inclined wall 42.
- a latching shell 43 Over the central tubular body 40 is slidably mounted a latching shell 43 having three peripheral resilient tongues 44 respectively extending at 120° from one another at some distance over the arms 41.
- Latching shell 43 is limited in its forward motion by a shoulder 50 of central tubular body 40 and it is angularly fixed with respect to central tubular body 40 via a stud and groove arrangement (not shown).
- Resilient tongues 44 terminate each in an outwardly projecting latch 45 having a rearward latching surface 46 and a front inwardly oriented surface 47 bearing on inclined wall 42 of arm 41.
- Rearward portion 48 of latching shell 43 includes a chamber 49 in which is located a coil spring 51 of which one end abuts against the front wall of chamber 49 and the other end abuts against a ring 52 movable in chamber 49 and over central tubular body 40.
- the rear end of ring 52 bears against an abutment wall 53 of the rear end of a control sleeve 54 surrounding the connector unit 39 and affixed, for example glued, at 55 to latching shell 43.
- Two O-rings 56 on ring 52 provide tightness between ring 52, latching shell 43 and central tubular body 40.
- control sleeve 54 slidingly bears on the end of a collet nut 57 meshing on a threaded end portion 58 of central tubular body 40 and bearing against the rear end of ring 52.
- Collet nut 57 holds a signal transmission conductor assembly 59 extending and secured longitudinally and angularly in central tubular body 40 as that of the first embodiment.
- An O-ring 60 provides tightness between signal transmission conductor assembly 59 and central tubular body 40.
- Catching sleeve 61 Over the latching shell 43 and the central tubular body 40 is mounted a catching sleeve 61 affixed to central tubular body 40 via a screw 62.
- Catching sleeve 61 comprises three peripheral arms 63 arranged at substantially 120° from one another and located angularly between resilient tongues 44 of latching shell 43 and peripheral arms 41 of central tubular body 40.
- Each peripheral arm 63 of catching sleeve 61 is provided with an inner latch catching groove 64 having substantially the same shape as latches 45 however in reversed arrangement.
- the latches 45 and arms 41 are thus circumferentially alternating with the latch catching grooves 64.
- control sleeve 54 extends somewhat back of the front end of peripheral arms 63 of catching sleeve 61 and between catching sleeve 61 and control sleeve 54 is mounted a sliding muff 65 the front end of which contains an O-ring 66.
- the rear end of muff 65 is slotted at 67 for longitudinal and angular positioning by screw 62, and a spring 68 positioned between the rear end of muff 65 and an inner abutment wall 69 of control sleeve 54 urges forwardly muff 65 over the front end of peripheral arms 63 of catching sleeve 61 and the latches 45 and arms 41.
- An O-ring 70 assures tightness between muff 65 and control sleeve 54.
- the number of latched tongues and latch catching arms and related elements may be less or more than three, being essential that they provide a circumferential alternation allowing intermating of the connector unit with an identical connector unit.
- the latches may protrude inwardly with the corresponding re-arrangement of the related elements.
- the latches may be resiliently movable circumferentially instead of radially as shown, the latch catching grooves, windowed arms and ramp equipped peripheral arms being correspondingly positioned to operate laterally.
- the substantially triangular latches shown may have other shapes, and they may be replaced by balls.
- the muff system 32, 65 can be suppressed, in particular where tightness or protection is not required for the latches and related elements, the latch catching elements, and the signal transmission conductor assemblies.
- the muff 32, 65 may include a half-moon lid projecting forwardly of the front end thereof for further ease of mating.
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a connector system for coupling signal transmission conductor means via mating means controlled by a self-latching mechanism.
- Connector systems of this type are known and universally used in various areas demanding very good qualities of precision and reliability.
- General configurations of these systems comprise two tubular bodies forming a plug and socket arrangement, each of these plug and socket bodies being intended to be coupled to conductors for the transmission of electric, photonic or fluid signals, and the plug and socket bodies being for engagement into one another. Upon insertion of the plug body into the socket body a self-latching mechanism automatically locks the plug body in the socket body by mere pushing the plug body axially into the socket body. When required, the plug body is disengaged from the socket body by a straight axial pull on an outer release sleeve which initially allows unlocking of the self-latching mechanism and then withdrawal of the plug body out of the socket body. Accordingly, the connection between plug body and socket body cannot be broken by pulling on the cable containing the signal transmission conductors or any other component part of the plug and socket bodies other than the outer release sleeve.
- In a well known of these connector systems, a plurality of peripheral elastic tongues are mounted on the plug body and each of said tongues bears on outwardly projecting latch whereby each said latches may resiliently move radially on the plug body. An outer sleeve slidably mounted on the plug body for axial movement therealong comprises an extension surrounding the peripheral elastic tongues and this extension has a plurality of transverse windows respectively placed over the projecting latches, whereby axial movement of the sleeve over the plug body causes the windows of the sleeve extension to act as ramps forcing the projecting latches radially and inwardly with respect to the plug body. The socket body comprises an inner circular groove for catching the projecting latches upon insertion of the plug body into the socket body. According to the general operation described hereabove, connection of the system is obtained by mere insertion of the plug body into the socket body, whereby the projecting latches radially contract to enter into the socket body and then expand into the catching groove thereof, thus locking the assembly of plug body and socket body. Disconnection of the system is obtained by axial pull on the outer sleeve the windows of which radially contract the projecting latches thereby allowing extraction thereof from the catching groove whereby the plug body may be withdrawn from the socket body.
- Another of these connector systems, described in US-3160457, comprises a plurality of peripheral elastic tongues with protruding latches mounted on a release sleeve slidably arranged over the plug body which carries a truncated cone ramp disposed under the latches. A release space is provided between the latches and the plug body. The socket body comprises an inner circular groove for catching the protruding latches upon insertion of the plug body into the socket body. Connection of the system is obtained by pushing the plug body into the socket body whereby the latches may contract in the release space and enter into the socket body and then expand into the catching groove. In that configuration, any pull on the plug body other than on the release sleeve results in the truncated cone ramp of the plug body further urging the latches in the catching groove of the socket body. Disconnection of the self-latching assembly is obtained by pulling the release sleeve whereby the latches may contract in the release space to allow withdrawal of the plug body from the socket body.
- Still a further of these connector systems is described in FR-A-2159701. A plug body comprises a plurality of peripheral elastic tongues with inwardly projecting latches intended to engage an annular catching groove peripherally arranged on a socket body. A release sleeve is mounted for movement over the plug body and comprises at one end a bevelled portion orientated towards the inwardly projecting latches and capable of passing beneath them, and at the other end, a stop arrangement cooperating with a circlip mounted elastically on the plug member. The internal surface of the release sleeve is staged so as to block the inwardly projecting latches in the catching groove of the socket body when the stop arrangement is engaged on the circlip and to allow the latches to expand radially out of the catching groove when the stop arrangement is released from the circlip, which allows the bevelled portion of the release sleeve to pass beneath the latches to spread them radially apart and unlock the self-latching connection.
- All these connector systems are definitely fail-proof with operators who know or can recognise that they have in hands a plug body or a socket body that are made to fit to one another whereby the connection can be secured either by inserting the plug body into the socket body or by engaging the socket body over the plug body. However, this is not necessarily the case in high stress or so-called blind conditions such as exist, for example, in military operation. A fail-proof connection cannot be assured if the operator may be puzzled by having in hand the plug body or the socket body. And that situation may be particularly acute where connection has to be made on loose cables.
- DE-A-2063258 describes a two halves connector system in which each half comprises an inner tubular body having its rear end connected to a pipe via a clamp. The front end of the body is provided with an external circular groove arranged in an enlarged end portion the rear end of which forms an abutment. Forwardly axially projecting resilient arms are formed circumferentially at the fore edge of the circular groove and at a same distance from one another. Resilient arms terminate into enlargements with inwardly oriented projections which have substantially the same shape as the transverse section of the groove, and the width of these arms and projections is such that by mating two identical connector halves the arms of the two halves interpenetrate. On the outer side of the tubular body is slidably mounted a control sleeve which is held against the abutment by a spring. This control sleeve has an enlarged forwardly projecting portion the axial length of which is equal to the axial length of the enlarged end portion of the body and the inner diameter of which is equal to the diameter of a circle surrounding the external edges of the projection of the resilient arms. Control sleeve is externally grooved for manual operation. Connection of the two halves of the system is obtained by mating the two halves with their respective arms interpenetrating, whereby the arms radially expand on the front ends of the tubular bodies and simultaneously push the fore edges of the control sleeves against the bias of the springs until their projections can fall into the corresponding circular groove whereby the control sleeves may be pushed forwardly by the springs and their enlarged forwardly projecting portions may cover the ends of the enlargements of the resilient arms. The system is thus locked and secured against draw on the respective pipes. To unlock the system, it is necessary to draw the grooved portions of the two control sleeves in opposite directions whereby the resilient arms of both connector halves may have their projections expanded to be extracted from the corresponding grooves. In a variant aimed at avoiding holding the connector halves by the respective clamped pipes for connection purposes, the rear portion of the control sleeve is partly covered by a sleeve fixed to the inner body. In a further variant, the control sleeve is completely covered by the sleeve fixed to the body and comprises radial studs projecting through longitudinal slots of the covering sleeve.
- It is an object of this invention to avoid that failure potential by means of a connector system which avoids any puzzling condition for the operator, even under the worse environmental conditions. A further object of the invention is to achieve a connector system that simplifies logistics in the coupling of signal transmission conductor means. And a still further object of the invention is to propose a connector system that is versatile and easy to manufacture.
- To this effect, the connector system according to the invention complies with the definitions given in the claims.
- Accordingly, a connector unit comprising resiliently movable latch means circumferentially alternating with latch catching means allows mating of a first connector unit with a second identical connector unit by mere insertion and self-latching of the resiliently movable latch means of the first connector unit into the latch catching means of the second connector unit while the latch catching means of the first connector unit simultaneously house and catch the resiliently movable latch means of the second connector unit. There are no hazardous or search manipulations of different elements and no questions about what has to be done with elements which differ visually, tactily or operatively. A simple fail-proof one motion insertion is only required to achieve the coupling of the signal transmission conductor means. As the connector unit acts both as a plug body and a socket body, logistics are simplified either for the types of elements that have to be stored or in the preparation of cable assemblies. Tutoring of operators is drastically reduced, whatever their educational background. And manufacture of the connector system is also simplified by the reduction of the number of different elements.
- In a preferred embodiment, the connector unit comprises a plurality of resiliently movable latch means circumferentially arranged at a distance from one another and a plurality of latch catching means circumferentially alternating with said latch means, whereby a still further ease of coupling is achieved. And the latch means may be movable radially or circumferentially.
- Where ramp means are provided for urging the latch means against the resiliency thereof, unmating becomes effortless as the latching means are released from the latch catching means.
- Where a control sleeve is mounted for longitudinal movement on the connector unit, with the ramp means connected to the control sleeve, self-latching and release of the connection may be achieved by direct push-pull action on the control sleeve. A control sleeve may also be mounted for longitudinal movement on the connector unit, with the latch means connected to the control sleeve.
- Wall means may be provided for urging the latch means in latching condition to strengthen the locking condition of the latch means in the latch catching means.
- And spring biased muff means may be mounted in the connector unit to reciprocate over the latch means and latch catching means for tightness purposes and/or to prevent unwanted contact with the signal transmission conductor means in the connector unit and/or to protect the latch means and latch catching means from environmental aggression.
- These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, diagrammatically and by way of example only, two preferred but still illustrative embodiments of the invention.
- Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the connector unit of the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2 is a view according to line I-I of Figure 1.
- Figures 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10, are respectively side elevations and top plan views of details of Figure 1.
- Figure 11 is a longitudinal section showing the connector unit of the first embodiment in mating condition with an identical connector unit.
- Figure 12 is a longitudinal section of the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 13 is a longitudinal section showing the connector unit of the second embodiment in mating condition with an identical connector unit.
- The
connector unit 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a centraltubular body 2 on which is mounted a latching shell 3 (Figs 1, 2, 5, 6) having three peripheralresilient tongues 4 extending at 120° from one another, each bearing at its end an outwardly projectinglatch 5 having aforward surface 6 inclined towards the end of thetongue 4 and arearward abutment surface 7 substantially perpendicular to thetongue 4.Latching shell 3 is affixed to the centraltubular body 2 between ashoulder 8 thereof and aring 9 fastened thereto. - Over
latching shell 3 is a slidable sleeve 10 (Figures 1, 2, 7, 8) having at one end threeperipheral extension arms 11 arranged at substantially 120° from one another over thetongues 4 oflatching shell 3. Eacharm 11 is provided with atransverse window 12 located over thecorresponding latch 5. Thesleeve 10 abuts againstshoulder 8 of centraltubular body 2 and itsrear end 13 is fastened , for example glued, to acontrol sleeve 14 surrounding theconnector unit 1. Inside therear end 13 ofsleeve 10 is achamber 15 in which is located acoil spring 16 of which one end abuts against awall 17 ofchamber 15 and the other end abuts against aring 18 movable inchamber 15 and the rear end of which bears against anabutment wall 19 of the rear end ofcontrol sleeve 14. Two O-rings ring 18 assure tightness betweenring 18,sleeve 10 and centraltubular body 2. - The rear end of
control sleeve 14 slidingly bears on the end of acollet nut 22 meshing on a threadedend portion 23 of centraltubular body 2 and bearing against the rear end ofring 18.Collet nut 22 holds a signaltransmission conductor assembly 24 extending in centraltubular body 2 and abutting against ashoulder 37 thereof. An O-ring 25 assures tightness between signaltransmission conductor assembly 24 and centraltubular body 2. Signaltransmission conductor assembly 24 is secured angularly to centraltubular body 2 via astud 26 positioned in agroove 27 of central tubular body. Signaltransmission conductor assembly 24 can be of any kind for transmitting electric, photonic or fluid signals, and needs no further description. - Over the
sleeve 10 and centraltubular body 2 is mounted a catching sleeve 28 (Figures 1, 2, 9, 10) affixed to centraltubular body 2 by ascrew 29. Catchingsleeve 28 comprises threeperipheral arms 30 arranged at substantially 120° from one another and located angularly betweenresilient tongues 4 of latchingshell 3 andwindowed arms 11 ofsleeve 10, and eachperipheral arm 30 is provided with an innerlatch catching groove 31 having substantially the same shape aslatches 5, however in reversed condition. Thelatches 5 andwindows 12 are thus circumferentially alternating with thelatch catching grooves 31. - The front end of
control sleeve 14 extends somewhat back of the front end ofperipheral arms 30 of catchingsleeve 28 and between catchingsleeve 28 andcontrol sleeve 14 is mounted a sliding muff 32 (Figure 1, 2, 3, 4) the front end of which contains an O-ring 33. The rear end ofmuff 32 is slotted at 34 for longitudinal positioning and angular guiding byscrew 29, and aspring 35 located between the rear end ofmuff 32 and aninner abutment wall 36 ofcontrol sleeve 14 urgesforwardly muff 32 over the front end of theperipheral arms 30 of catching sleeve and thelatches 5 of latchingshell 3. An O-ring 38 assures tightness betweenmuff 32 andcontrol sleeve 14. - Operation of this connector unit is as follows, reference being made to Figure 11. Two
identical connector units 1 are positioned in front of one another and pushed against one another and the O-rings 33 ofmuffs 32 assure tightness at that location. Themuffs 32 retract within thecontrol sleeves 14, against the bias ofsprings 35, whereby theperipheral arms 30 of the catchingsleeve 28 of each of theconnector units 1 may be respectively inserted between theperipheral arms 30 of the catchingsleeve 28 of the other connector unit. Thelatches 5 andwindows 12 of latchingshell 3 andsleeve 10 of eachconnector unit 1 may thus respectively engage under theperipheral arms 30 of the catchingsleeve 28 of theother connector unit 1. Due to the bias ofresilient tongues 4, thelatches 5 engage the correspondinglatch catching grooves 31 with theirrearward abutment 7 bearing against the corresponding reversed shape of thelatch catching groove 31. The assembly of the twoconnector units 1 is thus secured and tight. Any pull on thecollet nuts 22 or on the cables (not shown) connected to the signaltransmission conductor assemblies 24 is transmitted to thelatches 5 andlatch catching grooves 31 via centraltubular bodies 2, latchingshells 3,resilient tongues 4, and screws 29, and the assembly of theconnector units 1 remains firmly secured. - Disassembly is achieved by mere pull on one or both the
control sleeves 14 of theconnector units 1 which retract against the bias ofsprings 16. Retraction ofcontrol sleeve 14 against the bias ofspring 16 drawssleeve 10 theextension arms 11 of which drive thewindows 12 alonginclined surfaces 6 oflatches 5 thereby urginglatches 5 out of thelatch catching grooves 31. Theconnector units 1 may thus be separated from one another while muffs 32 are pushed bysprings 35 over thelatches 5 andperipheral arms 30 of catchingsleeves 28 and the end of the signaltransmission conductor assemblies 24. - The second embodiment shown in Figure 12 comprises a
connector unit 39 having a centraltubular body 40 with threeperipheral arms 41 extending at 120° from one another, each terminating in an upwardlyinclined wall 42. Over the centraltubular body 40 is slidably mounted a latchingshell 43 having three peripheralresilient tongues 44 respectively extending at 120° from one another at some distance over thearms 41. Latchingshell 43 is limited in its forward motion by ashoulder 50 of centraltubular body 40 and it is angularly fixed with respect to centraltubular body 40 via a stud and groove arrangement (not shown).Resilient tongues 44 terminate each in an outwardly projectinglatch 45 having a rearward latchingsurface 46 and a front inwardly orientedsurface 47 bearing oninclined wall 42 ofarm 41.Rearward portion 48 of latchingshell 43 includes achamber 49 in which is located acoil spring 51 of which one end abuts against the front wall ofchamber 49 and the other end abuts against aring 52 movable inchamber 49 and over centraltubular body 40. The rear end ofring 52 bears against anabutment wall 53 of the rear end of acontrol sleeve 54 surrounding theconnector unit 39 and affixed, for example glued, at 55 to latchingshell 43. Two O-rings 56 onring 52 provide tightness betweenring 52, latchingshell 43 and centraltubular body 40. - The rear end of
control sleeve 54 slidingly bears on the end of acollet nut 57 meshing on a threadedend portion 58 of centraltubular body 40 and bearing against the rear end ofring 52.Collet nut 57 holds a signaltransmission conductor assembly 59 extending and secured longitudinally and angularly in centraltubular body 40 as that of the first embodiment. An O-ring 60 provides tightness between signaltransmission conductor assembly 59 and centraltubular body 40. - Over the latching
shell 43 and the centraltubular body 40 is mounted a catchingsleeve 61 affixed to centraltubular body 40 via ascrew 62. Catchingsleeve 61 comprises threeperipheral arms 63 arranged at substantially 120° from one another and located angularly betweenresilient tongues 44 of latchingshell 43 andperipheral arms 41 of centraltubular body 40. Eachperipheral arm 63 of catchingsleeve 61 is provided with an innerlatch catching groove 64 having substantially the same shape aslatches 45 however in reversed arrangement. Thelatches 45 andarms 41 are thus circumferentially alternating with thelatch catching grooves 64. - The front end of
control sleeve 54 extends somewhat back of the front end ofperipheral arms 63 of catchingsleeve 61 and between catchingsleeve 61 andcontrol sleeve 54 is mounted a slidingmuff 65 the front end of which contains an O-ring 66. The rear end ofmuff 65 is slotted at 67 for longitudinal and angular positioning byscrew 62, and aspring 68 positioned between the rear end ofmuff 65 and aninner abutment wall 69 ofcontrol sleeve 54 urgesforwardly muff 65 over the front end ofperipheral arms 63 of catchingsleeve 61 and thelatches 45 andarms 41. An O-ring 70 assures tightness betweenmuff 65 andcontrol sleeve 54. - Operation of this embodiment is as follows with reference to Figure 13. Two
identical connector units 39 are positioned in front of one another and pushed against one another, whereas the O-rings 66 assure tightness at that level. Themuffs 65 retract withincontrol sleeves 54 against the bias ofsprings 68, whereby theperipheral arms 63 of catchingsleeve 61 of each of theconnector units 39 may be respectively inserted between theperipheral arms 63 of the catchingsleeve 61 of the other connector unit. Thelatches 45 andarms 41 of eachconnector unit 39 may thus respectively engage under theperipheral arms 63 of theother connector unit 39. Due to the bias ofresilient tongues 44, thelatches 45 engage the correspondinglatch catching grooves 64 with theirrearward latching surface 46 bearing against the corresponding surface of thelatch catching groove 64. The assembly of the twoconnector units 39 is thus secured and tight. Any pull on thecollet nuts 57 or on the cables (not shown) connected to the signaltransmission conductor assemblies 59 is transmitted to the centraltubular bodies 40 theperipheral arms 41 andinclined walls 42 of which urge thelatches 45 into thelatch catching grooves 64, and the assembly of theconnector units 39 remains strongly secured. Disassembly is achieved by simple pull on one or both thecontrol sleeves 54 of theconnector units 39. Retraction of thecontrol sleeve 54 against the bias ofspring 51draws latching shell 43 thelatches 45 of which are urged out of thelatch catching grooves 64 by the walls thereof and alonginclined walls 42 orperipheral arms 41. The connector units may thus be separated from one another while muffs 65 are pushed bysprings 68 over thelatches 45 andperipheral arms 63 of catchingsleeves 61 as well as the end of signal transmission conductor assemblies. - Variants are available.
- For example, the number of latched tongues and latch catching arms and related elements may be less or more than three, being essential that they provide a circumferential alternation allowing intermating of the connector unit with an identical connector unit.
- The latches may protrude inwardly with the corresponding re-arrangement of the related elements.
- The latches may be resiliently movable circumferentially instead of radially as shown, the latch catching grooves, windowed arms and ramp equipped peripheral arms being correspondingly positioned to operate laterally.
- The substantially triangular latches shown may have other shapes, and they may be replaced by balls.
- The
muff system - The
muff
Claims (10)
- A connector system for coupling signal transmission conductor means (24) via mating means controlled by a self-latching mechanism, in which a connector unit (1) comprises a central tubular body (2) secured to a latching shell (3) having a plurality of resilient tongues (4) circumferentially arranged at a same distance from one another, each of said tongues (4) having a projecting latch (5), a catching sleeve (28) secured to said central tubular body (2) having latch catching means (31) circumferentially alternating with said latches (5), and a control sleeve (14) mounted for longitudinal movement on said connector unit (1), whereby self-latching and release of the connector unit (1) with a second identical connector unit is achieved by push-pull action, characterized by a sleeve (10) slidably mounted on said latching shell (3) said sleeve having at one end a plurality of peripheral extension arms (11) respectively extending along said tongues (4) and each said extension arms (11) having ramp means (12) for urging a corresponding latch (5) against the resiliency thereof, said catching sleeve (28) comprising a plurality of peripheral arms (30) circumferentially arranged at a same distance from one another and located angularly between said tongues (4) and extension arms (11), said peripheral arms (30) having each a said latch catching means (31), and said control sleeve (14) being fastened to said slidable sleeve (10), whereby said self-latching of the connector unit (1) with a second identical connector unit is achieved by direct push action on the control sleeve (14).
- A connector system according to claim 1, wherein said tongues (4) and projecting latches (5) are movable radially.
- A connector system according to claim 1, wherein said slidable sleeve (10) comprises a chamber (15) in which is located a spring (16) of which one end abuts against a wall (17) of said chamber and the other end abuts against a wall (19) of control sleeve (14) and a part (22) of central tubular body (2).
- A connector system according to claim 3, wherein said other end of the spring (16) abuts against a ring (18) movable in chamber (15) and bearing against said wall (19) and said part (22) of central tubular body (2), and wherein two O-rings (20) and (21) on ring (18) assure tightness between ring (18), sleeve (10) and central tubular body (2).
- A connector system according to claim 4, wherein said control sleeve (14) has a rear end slidingly bearing on part (22) of central tubular body (2).
- A connector system for coupling signal transmission conductor means (59) via mating means controlled by a self-latching mechanism, in which a connector unit (39) comprises a central tubular body (40) angularly secured to a latching shell (43) having a plurality of resilient tongues (44) circumferentially arranged at a same distance from one another each said tongues (44) having a projecting latch (45), a catching sleeve (61) secured to said central tubular body (40) having latch catching means (64) circumferentially alternating with said latches (45), and a control sleeve (54) mounted for longitudinal movement on said connector unit (39), whereby self-latching and release of the connector unit (39) with a second identical connector unit is achieved by push-pull action, characterized by said central tubular body (40) comprising a plurality of peripheral arms (41) respectively extending along said tongues (44) and each having an inclined wall (42) for urging a corresponding latch (45) into said latch catching means (64), said catching sleeve (61) comprising a plurality of peripheral arms (63) circumferentially arranged at a same distance fron one another and located angularly between said tongues (44) and said peripheral arms (41) of the central tubular body (40) and said peripheral arms (63) of the catching sleeve (61) having each a said latch catching means (64), said latching shell (43) being slidably mounted on said central tubular body (40), and said control sleeve (54) being fastened to said latching shell (43), whereby said self-latching of the connector unit (39) with a second identical connector unit is achieved by direct push action on the control sleeve (54).
- A connector system according to claim 6, wherein said tongues(44) and projecting latches (45) are movable radially.
- A connector system according to claim 6, wherein said latching shell (43) comprises a chamber (49) in which is located a spring (51) of which one end abuts against a wall of said chamber (49) and the other end abuts against a wall (53) of control sleeve (54) and a part (57) of central tubular body (40).
- A connector system according to claim 8, wherein said other end of the spring (51) abuts against a ring (52) movable in chamber (49) and bearing against said wall (53) and said part (57) of central tubular body (40), and wherein two O-rings (56) on ring (52) assure tightness between ring (52), latching shell (43) and central tubular body (40).
- A connector system according to claim 9, wherein said control sleeve (54) has a rear end slidingly bearing on part (57) of central tubular body (40).
Priority Applications (15)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT97107167T ATE197519T1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | CONNECTION SYSTEM |
EP97107167A EP0875959B1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Connector system |
DE69703477T DE69703477T2 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Connector system |
ES97107167T ES2153618T3 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | CONNECTOR SYSTEM |
DK97107167T DK0875959T3 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Connector system |
CN98804690A CN1122336C (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1998-04-03 | Connector system |
CA002289015A CA2289015C (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1998-04-03 | Connector system |
PCT/EP1998/001960 WO1998049753A1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1998-04-03 | Connector system |
JP54652698A JP3174583B2 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1998-04-03 | Connector device |
AU75217/98A AU726404B2 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1998-04-03 | Connector system |
IL13238398A IL132383A (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1998-04-03 | Connector system |
US09/421,129 US6227895B1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1999-10-19 | Connector system |
KR1019997010020A KR100315243B1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1999-10-29 | Connector system |
NO19995323A NO316415B1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1999-11-01 | connector system |
HK00105734A HK1026522A1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 2000-09-12 | Connector system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP97107167A EP0875959B1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Connector system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0875959A1 EP0875959A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
EP0875959B1 true EP0875959B1 (en) | 2000-11-08 |
Family
ID=8226751
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP97107167A Expired - Lifetime EP0875959B1 (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Connector system |
Country Status (14)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0875959B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3174583B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100315243B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1122336C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE197519T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU726404B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2289015C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69703477T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0875959T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2153618T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1026522A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL132383A (en) |
NO (1) | NO316415B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1998049753A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DK1085615T3 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2002-12-30 | Interlemo Holding Sa | connector System |
CN100461550C (en) * | 2007-02-06 | 2009-02-11 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | Seal radiofrequency coaxial connector with self locking mechanism |
CN101821905B (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2012-09-05 | G&W电气公司 | Self-locking connector for cable termination and its operation method |
CN101656380B (en) * | 2008-08-22 | 2012-07-25 | 贵州航天电器股份有限公司 | High-power radio frequency connector provided with fast locking and separation mechanism |
AU2009348946B2 (en) | 2009-06-30 | 2015-11-12 | Sca Hygiene Products Ab | Spindle and holder for a spindle |
CN102983446A (en) * | 2012-12-25 | 2013-03-20 | 天津华宁电子有限公司 | Insulation connector and buckled and pressed type cable joint using same |
CN104022411A (en) * | 2014-05-14 | 2014-09-03 | 四川永贵科技有限公司 | Intercoupling type electrical connector |
CN108232829B (en) * | 2017-12-29 | 2020-06-02 | 重庆庆亿商贸有限公司 | Top drive cable joint for well drilling |
DE102019123884B4 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-03-25 | Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland Gmbh | Connector and connector system |
DE202019106151U1 (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2019-11-15 | Sigrun Jørgensen | plug-in device |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE342495B (en) * | 1969-12-23 | 1972-02-07 | Larsson Brdr Ind Ab | |
DK149084A (en) * | 1983-03-08 | 1984-09-09 | Robert Michael Grunberg | Assembly for insertion in a fluid conducting piping system and comprising a hollow metal part and a plastic muff part |
ATE130969T1 (en) * | 1990-04-02 | 1995-12-15 | Amphenol Corp | HERMBRODIUM CONNECTORS. |
CH684956A5 (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1995-02-15 | Interlemo Holding Sa | connection device. |
-
1997
- 1997-04-30 DK DK97107167T patent/DK0875959T3/en active
- 1997-04-30 DE DE69703477T patent/DE69703477T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-30 AT AT97107167T patent/ATE197519T1/en active
- 1997-04-30 ES ES97107167T patent/ES2153618T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-30 EP EP97107167A patent/EP0875959B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1998
- 1998-04-03 JP JP54652698A patent/JP3174583B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-04-03 CN CN98804690A patent/CN1122336C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-04-03 WO PCT/EP1998/001960 patent/WO1998049753A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-04-03 CA CA002289015A patent/CA2289015C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-04-03 IL IL13238398A patent/IL132383A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-04-03 AU AU75217/98A patent/AU726404B2/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-10-29 KR KR1019997010020A patent/KR100315243B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-11-01 NO NO19995323A patent/NO316415B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2000
- 2000-09-12 HK HK00105734A patent/HK1026522A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1254450A (en) | 2000-05-24 |
ATE197519T1 (en) | 2000-11-11 |
CN1122336C (en) | 2003-09-24 |
WO1998049753A1 (en) | 1998-11-05 |
HK1026522A1 (en) | 2000-12-15 |
NO316415B1 (en) | 2004-01-19 |
IL132383A (en) | 2002-09-12 |
AU726404B2 (en) | 2000-11-09 |
JP3174583B2 (en) | 2001-06-11 |
EP0875959A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
KR20010020398A (en) | 2001-03-15 |
ES2153618T3 (en) | 2001-03-01 |
AU7521798A (en) | 1998-11-24 |
IL132383A0 (en) | 2001-03-19 |
CA2289015C (en) | 2002-11-12 |
JP2000510642A (en) | 2000-08-15 |
DE69703477D1 (en) | 2000-12-14 |
DE69703477T2 (en) | 2001-05-23 |
KR100315243B1 (en) | 2001-11-26 |
NO995323D0 (en) | 1999-11-01 |
DK0875959T3 (en) | 2001-02-26 |
CA2289015A1 (en) | 1998-11-05 |
NO995323L (en) | 1999-11-01 |
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