EP2395609B1 - Anti-vibration connector coupling - Google Patents
Anti-vibration connector coupling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2395609B1 EP2395609B1 EP11004631.5A EP11004631A EP2395609B1 EP 2395609 B1 EP2395609 B1 EP 2395609B1 EP 11004631 A EP11004631 A EP 11004631A EP 2395609 B1 EP2395609 B1 EP 2395609B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- collar
- inner collar
- ratchet ring
- locking members
- coupling
- 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.)
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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
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/622—Screw-ring or screw-casing
-
- 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
- H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
-
- 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
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/533—Bases, cases made for use in extreme conditions, e.g. high temperature, radiation, vibration, corrosive environment, pressure
Definitions
- the present invention relates to anti-vibration coupling for an electrical connector. More specifically, the coupling prevents counter-rotation of the electrical connector when engaged with its mating connector and subject to vibration or shock.
- Electrical connector assemblies generally include mating plug and receptacle connectors. Often a threaded nut or collar is used to mate the plug and receptacle connectors. When an electrical connector assembly is subject to vibration or shock, however, the mating connectors of the assembly, often become loose or even decouple. The loosening or decoupling usually occurs because the coupling nut counter rotates, that is it rotates in a direction opposite the mating or locking direction, thereby compromising the integrity of both the mechanical and electrical connection between the plug and receptacle connectors.
- Examples of some prior art couplings for electrical connector assemblies include U.S. Patent No. 6,293,595 to Marc et al ; U.S. Patent No. 6,123,563 ; U.S. Patent No. 6,086,400 to Fowler ; U.S. Patent No. 5,957,716 to Buckley et al. ; U.S. Patent No. 5,435,760 to Miklos ; U.S. Patent No. 5,399,096 to Quillet et al. ; 4,208,082 to Davies et al. ; U.S. Patent No. 3,917,373 to Peterson ; and U.S. Patent No. 2,728,895 to Quackenbush ,
- the present invention relates to a connector coupling that comprises the features defined in claim 1 and in the dependent claims.
- the coupling 100 preferably provides a one-way ratchet engagement such that the connectors of the assembly can only be disengaged manually by moving the coupling 100 between engaged ( FIG. 8 ) and disengaged ( FIG. 9 ) positions.
- the coupling 100 is preferably disposed on a connector body 102 and may include an inner collar 204, an outer collar 206, a ratchet ring 208, and a biasing member 210, as seen in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the coupling 100 coupled to the connector body 102 of the connector assembly.
- the connector body 102 may be the shell of a plug connector, for example.
- the inner collar 204 accepts the connector body 102 and the outer collar 206 receives the inner collar 204.
- Both the ratchet ring 208 and the biasing member 210 are preferably disposed between the connector body 102 and the inner and outer collars 204 and 206.
- the inner collar 204 may include a main body 400 with internal threads 402 for engaging the mating connector (not shown), such as a receptacle, and a first set of teeth 404 for engaging the ratchet ring 208.
- the main body 400 may include first and second opposite ends 406 and 408 that define first and second openings 410 and 412, respectively, through which the connector body 402 extends.
- the projections 420 define the diameter d of the second opening 412 of the collar's main body 400 such that the second opening 412 is smaller than the first opening 410.
- Each projection 420 includes opposite inner and outer surfaces 422 and 424 where the inner surfaces 422 faces the internal threads 402 of the main body 400 and the outer surfaces 424 faces outside of the main body 400. Between each of the projections 420 are slots 430, as best seen in FIG. 5 .
- each tooth of the first set of teeth 404 extend from the inner surfaces 422 of each projection 420.
- Each tooth of the first set of teeth 404 may include a flat surface 902 that is preferably substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 422 of each respective projection 420, and an angled surface 904 that is angled with respect to the flat surface 902.
- the inner collar 204 is coupled to the connector body 102 such that it is rotatable with respect to the connector body 102; however its axial movement relative to the connector body 102 is restrained by a retaining clip 220 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). More specifically, the retaining clip 220 surrounds the connector body 102 and resides in an inner annular groove of the inner collar 204. An outer flange 230 of the connector body 102 creates a stop to prevent the retaining clip 220 and the inner collar 204 from moving axially forward with respect to the connector body 102. Retaining ring 320 restrain axial movement of the inner collar 204 in the opposite or back direction.
- the outer collar 206 surrounds the inner collar 204 to provide a mechanism for manually unlocking the inner collar 204.
- the outer collar 206 is designed to slide axially with respect to the inner collar 204 and the connector body 102.
- the outer collar 206 generally includes a main body 600 opposite first and second ends 602 and 604 that define first and second openings 606 and 608, respectively.
- the first opening 606 is sized to receive the inner collar 204
- the second opening 608 is sized to receive only the connector body 102.
- the main body 600 may include an outer gripping surface 610 to facilitate rotational and axial movement of the outer collar 206.
- a second set of projections 620 which define the diameter d of the second opening 608 of the main body 600.
- the second opening 608 of the outer collar 206 is substantially the same size as the second opening 412 of the inner collar 204.
- Slots 630 are defined between the projections, as best seen in FIG. 7 .
- Each projection 620 of the second set of projections includes opposite inner and outer surfaces 622 and 624.
- Each projection 620 of the second set of projections is shaped to correspond to or match the slots 430 of the inner collar 204.
- each projection 420 of the first set of projections is shaped to correspond to the slots 630 of the outer collar 206.
- the ratchet ring 208 is positioned on the connector body 102 between its outer flange 230 and the outer collar 206.
- the ratchet ring 208 may include opposite first and second surfaces 300 and 302.
- the first surface 300 is generally flat and is adapted to engage the biasing member 210.
- the second surface 302 includes a second set of teeth 304 extending therefrom that are adapted to engage the first set of teeth 404 of the inner collar 204 in a one-way ratchet engagement.
- each tooth of the second set of teeth 304 of the ratchet ring 208 includes a first surface 910 that is generally flat such that it is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 300 of the ratchet ring 208, and a second surface 912 that is angled relative to the flat first surface 910.
- the connector body 102 When assembling the coupling 100 to the connector body 102, the connector body 102 extends through the first and second openings 410, 606 and 412, 608 of the inner and outer collars 204 and 206, respectively, with the outer collar 206 surrounding the inner collar 204.
- a retaining clip 320 may be provided on the connector body 102 outside of the outer collar 206, thereby retaining the inner collar 204, the outer collar 206, the ratchet ring 208 and the biasing member 210 on the connector body 102.
- the retaining clip 220 restricts the axially movement of the inner collar 204 relative to the connector body.
- a grounding band 340 may be provided between the connector body 102 and the inner collar 204.
- the biasing member 210 biases the coupling 100 into the engaged position, as seen in FIG. 8 .
- the inner collar 204 can be rotated in only one direction to couple to the mating connector via its inner threads 402.
- the shaped of the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth 404 and 304 of the inner collar 204 and the ratchet ring 208, respectively, allow for rotation or ratcheting in one direction only, e.g. counter-clockwise when viewed from front end 104, and not in the opposite direction, i.e. a counter rotation. This arrangement generally prevents decoupling of the mating connectors due to vibration.
- the angled surfaces 904 and 912 of the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth 404 and 304 allow the inner collar 204 to rotate or ratchet, for example clockwise with respect to the ratchet ring 208 and the connector body 102. Because the flat or substantially perpendicular surfaces 902 and 910 of the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth 404 and 304 abut one another, the inner collar 204 is prevented from rotating or ratcheting back in the opposite direction.
- the first set of teeth 404 of the inner collar 204 are engaged with the second set of teeth 304 of the ratchet ring 208.
- the projections 420 of the inner collar 204 are received in the slots 630 of the outer collar 206.
- the projections 620 of the outer collar 206 are received in the slots 430 of the inner collar 204.
- the outer surfaces 424 and 624 of the inner collar projections 420 and the outer collar projections 620, respectively, are substantially flush.
- the inner surfaces 622 of the projections 620 of the outer collar 208 abut some of the teeth 304 of the ratchet ring 208, as best seen in FIG. 8 .
- the coupling 100 may be manually unlocked to allow the inner collar 204 to rotate in the opposite direction, e.g. clockwise when viewed from front end 104 of the connector body 102.
- the manual unlocking allows decoupling the inner threads 402 of the inner collar 204 from the mating connector.
- the outer collar 206 is moved axially relative to the inner collar 204 and the connector body 102 in the forward direction, i.e. towards the forward end 104 of the connector body 102.
- the outer collar 206 moves against the biasing of the biasing member 210 to separate the first and second sets of teeth 404 and 304.
- FIG. 9 illustrates the coupling 100 in the disengaged position after the coupling 100 is manually unlocked.
- the inner surfaces 622 of the projections 620 of the outer collar 206 push against the teeth of the ratchet ring 208 and against the bias of the biasing member 210 to separate the teeth 304 from the teeth 404 of the inner collar.
- the outer surfaces 624 and 424 of the outer collar's projections 620 and the inner collar's projections 420, respectively are no longer flush and are instead offset from one another by a distance equal to the distance the outer collar 206 is axially moved forward. Because the teeth 304 of the ratchet ring 208 and the teeth 404 of the inner collar 204 are now spaced from one another, the inner collar 204 may freely rotate in either direction relative to the connector body 102.
- a connector coupling 1000 is similar to the coupling 100 of the previous embodiment not part of invention in that it provides a one-way ratchet that can only be disengaged manually.
- the coupling 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention includes an inner collar 1004 that receives the connector body 1002, an outer collar 1006 that surrounds the inner collar 1004, and a ratchet ring 1008 that is disposed on the body and is spring biased by a biasing member 1010.
- the manual release of the connector coupling 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention differs from the coupling 100 of the previous embodiment not part of invention in that it adds an engagement mechanism between the coupling's collars 1004 and 1006.
- the inner collar 1004 may include a main body 1100 with internal threads 1102 for engaging the mating connector, and a plurality of locking members 1104, which may be teeth, for engaging the ratchet ring 1008.
- the main body 1100 may include first and second opposite ends 1106 and 1108 that define first and second openings 1110 and 1112. respectively, through which the connector body 1002 extends.
- the second end 1108 is adapted to engage the outer collar 1006 via an engagement mechanism that allows the outer collar 1006 to rotate with respect to the inner collar 1004 between a first position, as seen in FIG. 15A , and a second position, as seen in FIG. 16A .
- Part of the engagement mechanism may be, for example, one or more bayonet channels 1040 disposed on the outer surface of the inner collar 1004 at its second end 1108.
- Each bayonet channel 1040 includes an open end 1042 and an opposite closed end 1044, as seen in FIG. 10 .
- the locking members 1104 preferably extend from spaced apart projections 1120 extending inwardly from the second end 1108 of the inner collar 1004, as seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B .
- the locking members 1104 extend axially with respect to the main body 1100 of the collar and toward the interior of the body 1100. Between each of the projections 1120 are slots 1130, as best seen in FIG. 11C .
- the inner collar 1004 rotates relative to the connector body 1002.
- An outer flange 1030 of the connector body 1002 creates a stop to prevent the inner collar 1004 from moving axially forward with respect to the connector body 1002.
- Interference bumps 1150 may be provided on the exterior of the inner collar 1004 that engage the outer collar 1006.
- the outer collar 1006 provides a mechanism for manually unlocking the inner collar 1004 from the ratchet ring 1008.
- the outer collar 1006 receives the inner collar 1004 and is designed to rotate with respect to the inner collar 1004 and the connector body 1002.
- the outer col lar 1006 generally includes a main body 1200 that has opposite first and second ends 1202 and 1204 that define first and second openings 1206 and 1208, respectively.
- the main body 1200 may include an outer gripping surface 1212 to facilitate rotational movement of the outer collar 1006.
- each bayonets pin 1210 Extending radially from the inner surface of the outer collar 1006 are one or more bayonets pins 1210 which are adapted to cooperate with the bayonet channels 1040 of the inner collar 1004. That pins 1210 are preferably integral with the collar 1006, as seen in FIG. 12B . However, the pins 1210 may be separately formed and attached to the collar 1006. Adjacent the pins 1210 is an inner radial groove 1220 that receives an actuating ring 1050. Interference bumps 1250 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer collar which correspond to bumps 1150 on the inner collar 1004.
- the ratchet ring 1008 is positioned on the connector body 1002 between its outer flange 1030 and the outer collar 1006. As seen in FIGS. 10 , 13A and 13B , the ratchet ring 1008 may include opposite first and second surfaces 1300 and 1302.
- the first surface 1300 is generally flat and is adapted to abut the biasing member 1010.
- the second surface 1302 includes a plurality of locking members 1304, such as teeth, extending therefrom that are adapted to engage the locking members 1104 of the inner collar 1004, as seen in FIG. 15B .
- the locking members 1104 of the inner collar 1004 and the locking members 1304 of the ratchet ring 1008 have cooperating angled and flat surfaces to create a one-way ratchet engagement.
- the actuating ring 1050 ( FIG. 10 ) is designed to be received in the radial inner groove 1220 of the outer collar 1006 and is adapted to surround the projections 1120 at the second end 1108 of the inner collar 1004, as seen in FIG. 15B .
- the actuating ring 1050 may include one or more inner radial projections 1400, as seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B .
- the projections 1400 are spaced and sized to be received in the slots 1130 between the projections 1120 of the inner collar, as seen in FIG. 15B .
- Each projection 1400 includes a surface 1410 that is adapted to abut the locking members 1304 of the ratchet ring 1008.
- the coupling 1000 is assembled in a similar manner to that of the coupling 100 of the previous embodiment not part of invention.
- the outer collar 1006 receives the actuating ring 1050 in its inner groove 1220 and receives the inner collar 1004 such that the actuating ring 1050 surrounds the portion of the second end 1108 of the inner collar 1004 that includes the projections 1120 and the outer collar 1006 surrounds both the inner collar 1004 and the actuating ring 1050.
- the connector body 1002 extends through the first and second openings of the inner and outer collars 1004 and 1006.
- a retaining clip 1060 may be provided on the connector body 1002 outside of the outer collar 1006 to retain the inner collar 1004, the outer collar 1006, the ratchet ring 1008 and the biasing member 1010 on the connector body 1002.
- a grounding band 1080 may be provided between the connector body 1002 and the inner collar 1004.
- the assembled coupling 1000 is shown in its engaged position wherein the inner collar 1004, which is threadably coupled to a mating connector (not shown) via its inner threads 1102, is prevented from rotating in the release direction, thereby avoiding decoupling of the two mating connectors.
- the locking members 1104 of the inner collar 1004 and the locking members 1304 of the ratchet ring 1008 are engaged, as seen in FIG. 15B , such that the inner collar 1004 may rotate in a locking direction via a ratcheting action but may not rotate in the opposite or release direction.
- the biasing member 1010 acts to push the ratchet ring 1008 towards the locking members 1104 of the inner collar 1004.
- the projections 1400 of the actuating ring 1050 rest in the slots 1130 between the projections 1120 of the inner collar 1004, as best seen in FIG. 15B .
- the abutment surfaces 1410 of each of the actuating ring projections 1400 may abut or be slightly spaced from the locking members 1304 of the ratchet ring 1008.
- the outer collar 1006 is oriented relative to the inner collar 1004 in its first position, as best in FIG. 15A .
- the pins 1210 extending inwardly from the outer collar 1006 engage the corresponding channels 1040 disposed in the outer surface of the inner collar 1004. More specifically, the pins 1210 rest in the open ends 1042 of the channels 1040.
- Tabs 1032 may be provided extending from the body's flange 1030 which interface with a shoulder on the inside of the inner collar 1004. The tabs 1032 help to prevent the spring 1010 from being over compressed.
- FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate the coupling in its released or disengaged position after actuating the outer collar 1006. More specifically, the outer collar 1006 is rotated in a tightening direction relative to the inner collar 1004 to its second position so that the pins 1210 of the outer collar 1006 move up the ramp of the channels 1040 of the inner collar 1004 until the pins 12 10 are received in the closed ends 1044 of the channels 1040, as best seen in FIG. 16A .
- the preferred engagement mechanism between the inner and outer collars 1004 and 1006 for manually unlocking the coupling 1000 is cooperating bayonets pins 1210 and channels 1040, other known engagement mechanisms may be used, such as a threaded engagement. Also, the pins 1210 and the channels 1040 may be located on either one of the inner and outer collars 1004 and 1006.
- any number of projections 420 on the inner collar 204 and any number of projections 620 on the ratchet ring 208 may be employed.
- the biasing member is not limited to a wave spring and may be any type of biasing mechanism, such as a compression spring.
Description
- The present invention relates to anti-vibration coupling for an electrical connector. More specifically, the coupling prevents counter-rotation of the electrical connector when engaged with its mating connector and subject to vibration or shock.
- Electrical connector assemblies generally include mating plug and receptacle connectors. Often a threaded nut or collar is used to mate the plug and receptacle connectors. When an electrical connector assembly is subject to vibration or shock, however, the mating connectors of the assembly, often become loose or even decouple. The loosening or decoupling usually occurs because the coupling nut counter rotates, that is it rotates in a direction opposite the mating or locking direction, thereby compromising the integrity of both the mechanical and electrical connection between the plug and receptacle connectors.
- Examples of some prior art couplings for electrical connector assemblies include
U.S. Patent No. 6,293,595 to Marc et al ;U.S. Patent No. 6,123,563 ;U.S. Patent No. 6,086,400 to Fowler ;U.S. Patent No. 5,957,716 to Buckley et al. ;U.S. Patent No. 5,435,760 to Miklos ;U.S. Patent No. 5,399,096 to Quillet et al. ;4,208,082 to Davies et al. ;U.S. Patent No. 3,917,373 to Peterson ; andU.S. Patent No. 2,728,895 to Quackenbush , - Accordingly the present invention relates to a connector coupling that comprises the features defined in
claim 1 and in the dependent claims. - Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment not being part of the present invention, showing the coupling disposed on the body of a connector; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling and connector body illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling and the connector body illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an inner collar of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the inner collar illustrated inFIG. 4 ;FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an outer collar of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the outer collar illustrated inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a partial end perspective view of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 1 , showing the coupling in an engaged position; -
FIG. 9 is a partial end perspective view of the coupling similar toFIG. 8 , showing the coupling in a disengaged position; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 11A is an end elevational view of an inner collar of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG.11B is a cross sectional view of the inner collar taken alongline 11B-11B ofFIG. 11A ; -
FIG. 11C is an end elevational view of the inner collar, showing the inner collar from the opposite end ofFIG. 11A ; -
FIG 12A is an end elevational view of an outer collar of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12B is a cross sectional view of the outer collar taken alongline 12B-12B ofFIG. 12A ; -
FIG. 13A is an end elevational view of a ratchet ring of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13B is a cross sectional view of the ratchet ring taken alongline 13B-13B ofFIG. 13A ; -
FIG. 14A is an end elevational view of an actuating ring of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG.14B is a cross sectional view of the actuating ring taken alongline 14B-14B ofFIG. 14A ; -
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 10 , showing the outer collar of the coupling in a first position with a portion of the outer collar cut away; -
FIG. 15B is an enlarged partial perspective view of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 15A , showing the outer collar in the first position and the ratchet ring in the engaged position; -
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 10 , showing the outer collar of the coupling in a second position with a portion of the outer collar cut away; and -
FIG. 16B is an enlarged partial perspective view of the coupling illustrated inFIG. 16A , showing the outer collar in the second position and the ratchet ring in the disengaged position. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-9 , the embodiment not being part of the present invention relates to ananti-vibration coupling 100 for an electrical connector assembly, such as a plug and receptacle. Thecoupling 100 preferably provides a one-way ratchet engagement such that the connectors of the assembly can only be disengaged manually by moving thecoupling 100 between engaged (FIG. 8 ) and disengaged (FIG. 9 ) positions. Thecoupling 100 is preferably disposed on aconnector body 102 and may include aninner collar 204, anouter collar 206, aratchet ring 208, and abiasing member 210, as seen inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate thecoupling 100 coupled to theconnector body 102 of the connector assembly. Theconnector body 102 may be the shell of a plug connector, for example. In the embodiment not being part of the present invention, theinner collar 204 accepts theconnector body 102 and theouter collar 206 receives theinner collar 204. Both theratchet ring 208 and thebiasing member 210 are preferably disposed between theconnector body 102 and the inner andouter collars - As best seen in
FIGS. 2 ,4 and 5 , theinner collar 204 may include amain body 400 withinternal threads 402 for engaging the mating connector (not shown), such as a receptacle, and a first set ofteeth 404 for engaging theratchet ring 208. Themain body 400 may include first and secondopposite ends second openings connector body 402 extends. - Extending from the
second end 408 of themain body 400 is a first set of a plurality ofprojections 420. Theprojections 420 define the diameter d of thesecond opening 412 of the collar'smain body 400 such that thesecond opening 412 is smaller than thefirst opening 410. Eachprojection 420 includes opposite inner andouter surfaces 422 and 424 where the inner surfaces 422 faces theinternal threads 402 of themain body 400 and theouter surfaces 424 faces outside of themain body 400. Between each of theprojections 420 areslots 430, as best seen inFIG. 5 . - As seen in
FIGS. 4 and9 , the first set ofteeth 404 extend from the inner surfaces 422 of eachprojection 420. Each tooth of the first set ofteeth 404 may include aflat surface 902 that is preferably substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 422 of eachrespective projection 420, and anangled surface 904 that is angled with respect to theflat surface 902. - The
inner collar 204 is coupled to theconnector body 102 such that it is rotatable with respect to theconnector body 102; however its axial movement relative to theconnector body 102 is restrained by a retaining clip 220 (FIGS. 2 and3 ). More specifically, the retainingclip 220 surrounds theconnector body 102 and resides in an inner annular groove of theinner collar 204. Anouter flange 230 of theconnector body 102 creates a stop to prevent theretaining clip 220 and theinner collar 204 from moving axially forward with respect to theconnector body 102. Retainingring 320 restrain axial movement of theinner collar 204 in the opposite or back direction. - The
outer collar 206 surrounds theinner collar 204 to provide a mechanism for manually unlocking theinner collar 204. Theouter collar 206 is designed to slide axially with respect to theinner collar 204 and theconnector body 102. As seen inFIGS. 2 ,6 and 7 , theouter collar 206 generally includes amain body 600 opposite first and second ends 602 and 604 that define first andsecond openings first opening 606 is sized to receive theinner collar 204, and thesecond opening 608 is sized to receive only theconnector body 102. Themain body 600 may include an outergripping surface 610 to facilitate rotational and axial movement of theouter collar 206. - Extending from the
second end 604 of themain body 600 is a second set ofprojections 620 which define the diameter d of thesecond opening 608 of themain body 600. Thesecond opening 608 of theouter collar 206 is substantially the same size as thesecond opening 412 of theinner collar 204.Slots 630 are defined between the projections, as best seen inFIG. 7 . Eachprojection 620 of the second set of projections includes opposite inner andouter surfaces projection 620 of the second set of projections is shaped to correspond to or match theslots 430 of theinner collar 204. Likewise, eachprojection 420 of the first set of projections is shaped to correspond to theslots 630 of theouter collar 206. - As seen in
FIGS. 2 and3 , theratchet ring 208 is positioned on theconnector body 102 between itsouter flange 230 and theouter collar 206. Theratchet ring 208 may include opposite first andsecond surfaces first surface 300 is generally flat and is adapted to engage the biasingmember 210. Thesecond surface 302 includes a second set ofteeth 304 extending therefrom that are adapted to engage the first set ofteeth 404 of theinner collar 204 in a one-way ratchet engagement. Similar to the teeth of the first set ofteeth 404 of theinner collar 204, each tooth of the second set ofteeth 304 of theratchet ring 208 includes afirst surface 910 that is generally flat such that it is substantially perpendicular to thefirst surface 300 of theratchet ring 208, and asecond surface 912 that is angled relative to the flatfirst surface 910. - When assembling the
coupling 100 to theconnector body 102, theconnector body 102 extends through the first andsecond openings outer collars outer collar 206 surrounding theinner collar 204. A retainingclip 320 may be provided on theconnector body 102 outside of theouter collar 206, thereby retaining theinner collar 204, theouter collar 206, theratchet ring 208 and the biasingmember 210 on theconnector body 102. The retainingclip 220 restricts the axially movement of theinner collar 204 relative to the connector body. Agrounding band 340 may be provided between theconnector body 102 and theinner collar 204. - The biasing
member 210, which may be a wave spring, for example, biases thecoupling 100 into the engaged position, as seen inFIG. 8 . In the engaged position, theinner collar 204 can be rotated in only one direction to couple to the mating connector via itsinner threads 402. The shaped of the teeth of the first and second sets ofteeth inner collar 204 and theratchet ring 208, respectively, allow for rotation or ratcheting in one direction only, e.g. counter-clockwise when viewed fromfront end 104, and not in the opposite direction, i.e. a counter rotation. This arrangement generally prevents decoupling of the mating connectors due to vibration. More specifically, theangled surfaces teeth inner collar 204 to rotate or ratchet, for example clockwise with respect to theratchet ring 208 and theconnector body 102. Because the flat or substantiallyperpendicular surfaces teeth inner collar 204 is prevented from rotating or ratcheting back in the opposite direction. - In the engaged position, illustrated in
FIG. 8 , the first set ofteeth 404 of theinner collar 204 are engaged with the second set ofteeth 304 of theratchet ring 208. In addition, theprojections 420 of theinner collar 204 are received in theslots 630 of theouter collar 206. Similarly, theprojections 620 of theouter collar 206 are received in theslots 430 of theinner collar 204. Theouter surfaces inner collar projections 420 and theouter collar projections 620, respectively, are substantially flush. Also, theinner surfaces 622 of theprojections 620 of theouter collar 208 abut some of theteeth 304 of theratchet ring 208, as best seen inFIG. 8 . - The
coupling 100 may be manually unlocked to allow theinner collar 204 to rotate in the opposite direction, e.g. clockwise when viewed fromfront end 104 of theconnector body 102. The manual unlocking allows decoupling theinner threads 402 of theinner collar 204 from the mating connector. To unlock thecoupling 100, theouter collar 206 is moved axially relative to theinner collar 204 and theconnector body 102 in the forward direction, i.e. towards theforward end 104 of theconnector body 102. Theouter collar 206 moves against the biasing of the biasingmember 210 to separate the first and second sets ofteeth -
FIG. 9 illustrates thecoupling 100 in the disengaged position after thecoupling 100 is manually unlocked. As theouter collar 206 is moved forward, theinner surfaces 622 of theprojections 620 of theouter collar 206 push against the teeth of theratchet ring 208 and against the bias of the biasingmember 210 to separate theteeth 304 from theteeth 404 of the inner collar. As seen inFIG. 9 , theouter surfaces projections 620 and the inner collar'sprojections 420, respectively, are no longer flush and are instead offset from one another by a distance equal to the distance theouter collar 206 is axially moved forward. Because theteeth 304 of theratchet ring 208 and theteeth 404 of theinner collar 204 are now spaced from one another, theinner collar 204 may freely rotate in either direction relative to theconnector body 102. - Referring to
FIGS. 10-16B , aconnector coupling 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment is similar to thecoupling 100 of the previous embodiment not part of invention in that it provides a one-way ratchet that can only be disengaged manually. Like thecoupling 100, thecoupling 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention includes aninner collar 1004 that receives theconnector body 1002, anouter collar 1006 that surrounds theinner collar 1004, and aratchet ring 1008 that is disposed on the body and is spring biased by a biasingmember 1010. The manual release of theconnector coupling 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention differs from thecoupling 100 of the previous embodiment not part of invention in that it adds an engagement mechanism between the coupling'scollars - As seen in
FIGS. 11A-11C , theinner collar 1004 may include amain body 1100 withinternal threads 1102 for engaging the mating connector, and a plurality of lockingmembers 1104, which may be teeth, for engaging theratchet ring 1008. Themain body 1100 may include first and second opposite ends 1106 and 1108 that define first andsecond openings 1110 and 1112. respectively, through which theconnector body 1002 extends. Thesecond end 1108 is adapted to engage theouter collar 1006 via an engagement mechanism that allows theouter collar 1006 to rotate with respect to theinner collar 1004 between a first position, as seen inFIG. 15A , and a second position, as seen inFIG. 16A . Part of the engagement mechanism, may be, for example, one ormore bayonet channels 1040 disposed on the outer surface of theinner collar 1004 at itssecond end 1108. Eachbayonet channel 1040 includes anopen end 1042 and an oppositeclosed end 1044, as seen inFIG. 10 . - The locking
members 1104 preferably extend from spaced apartprojections 1120 extending inwardly from thesecond end 1108 of theinner collar 1004, as seen inFIGS. 11A and 11B . The lockingmembers 1104 extend axially with respect to themain body 1100 of the collar and toward the interior of thebody 1100. Between each of theprojections 1120 areslots 1130, as best seen inFIG. 11C . - The
inner collar 1004 rotates relative to theconnector body 1002. Anouter flange 1030 of theconnector body 1002 creates a stop to prevent theinner collar 1004 from moving axially forward with respect to theconnector body 1002. Interference bumps 1150 may be provided on the exterior of theinner collar 1004 that engage theouter collar 1006. - Like the previous embodiment which is not part of invention, the
outer collar 1006 provides a mechanism for manually unlocking theinner collar 1004 from theratchet ring 1008. Theouter collar 1006 receives theinner collar 1004 and is designed to rotate with respect to theinner collar 1004 and theconnector body 1002. As seen inFIGS. 12A and 12B , theouter col lar 1006 generally includes amain body 1200 that has opposite first andsecond ends second openings main body 1200 may include an outergripping surface 1212 to facilitate rotational movement of theouter collar 1006. Extending radially from the inner surface of theouter collar 1006 are one or more bayonets pins 1210 which are adapted to cooperate with thebayonet channels 1040 of theinner collar 1004. That pins 1210 are preferably integral with thecollar 1006, as seen inFIG. 12B . However, thepins 1210 may be separately formed and attached to thecollar 1006. Adjacent thepins 1210 is an innerradial groove 1220 that receives anactuating ring 1050. Interference bumps 1250 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer collar which correspond tobumps 1150 on theinner collar 1004. - The
ratchet ring 1008 is positioned on theconnector body 1002 between itsouter flange 1030 and theouter collar 1006. As seen inFIGS. 10 ,13A and 13B , theratchet ring 1008 may include opposite first andsecond surfaces first surface 1300 is generally flat and is adapted to abut the biasingmember 1010. Thesecond surface 1302 includes a plurality of lockingmembers 1304, such as teeth, extending therefrom that are adapted to engage thelocking members 1104 of theinner collar 1004, as seen inFIG. 15B . Like the teeth of the first embodiment, the lockingmembers 1104 of theinner collar 1004 and thelocking members 1304 of theratchet ring 1008 have cooperating angled and flat surfaces to create a one-way ratchet engagement. - The actuating ring 1050 (
FIG. 10 ) is designed to be received in the radialinner groove 1220 of theouter collar 1006 and is adapted to surround theprojections 1120 at thesecond end 1108 of theinner collar 1004, as seen inFIG. 15B . Theactuating ring 1050 may include one or more innerradial projections 1400, as seen inFIGS. 14A and 14B . Theprojections 1400 are spaced and sized to be received in theslots 1130 between theprojections 1120 of the inner collar, as seen inFIG. 15B . Eachprojection 1400 includes asurface 1410 that is adapted to abut thelocking members 1304 of theratchet ring 1008. - The
coupling 1000 is assembled in a similar manner to that of thecoupling 100 of the previous embodiment not part of invention. Theouter collar 1006 receives theactuating ring 1050 in itsinner groove 1220 and receives theinner collar 1004 such that theactuating ring 1050 surrounds the portion of thesecond end 1108 of theinner collar 1004 that includes theprojections 1120 and theouter collar 1006 surrounds both theinner collar 1004 and theactuating ring 1050. Theconnector body 1002 extends through the first and second openings of the inner andouter collars retaining clip 1060 may be provided on theconnector body 1002 outside of theouter collar 1006 to retain theinner collar 1004, theouter collar 1006, theratchet ring 1008 and the biasingmember 1010 on theconnector body 1002. Agrounding band 1080 may be provided between theconnector body 1002 and theinner collar 1004. - Referring to
FIGS. 15A-15B , the assembledcoupling 1000 is shown in its engaged position wherein theinner collar 1004, which is threadably coupled to a mating connector (not shown) via itsinner threads 1102, is prevented from rotating in the release direction, thereby avoiding decoupling of the two mating connectors. In this position, the lockingmembers 1104 of theinner collar 1004 and thelocking members 1304 of theratchet ring 1008 are engaged, as seen inFIG. 15B , such that theinner collar 1004 may rotate in a locking direction via a ratcheting action but may not rotate in the opposite or release direction. The biasingmember 1010 acts to push theratchet ring 1008 towards the lockingmembers 1104 of theinner collar 1004. Theprojections 1400 of theactuating ring 1050 rest in theslots 1130 between theprojections 1120 of theinner collar 1004, as best seen inFIG. 15B . The abutment surfaces 1410 of each of theactuating ring projections 1400 may abut or be slightly spaced from the lockingmembers 1304 of theratchet ring 1008. - In this engaged position, the
outer collar 1006 is oriented relative to theinner collar 1004 in its first position, as best inFIG. 15A . In the first position, thepins 1210 extending inwardly from theouter collar 1006 engage thecorresponding channels 1040 disposed in the outer surface of theinner collar 1004. More specifically, thepins 1210 rest in the open ends 1042 of thechannels 1040.Tabs 1032 may be provided extending from the body'sflange 1030 which interface with a shoulder on the inside of theinner collar 1004. Thetabs 1032 help to prevent thespring 1010 from being over compressed. - Once in its engaged position, the
coupling 1000 may only be released by manually unlocking theinner collar 1004 and theratchet ring 1008 using theouter collar 1006.FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate the coupling in its released or disengaged position after actuating theouter collar 1006. More specifically, theouter collar 1006 is rotated in a tightening direction relative to theinner collar 1004 to its second position so that thepins 1210 of theouter collar 1006 move up the ramp of thechannels 1040 of theinner collar 1004 until the pins 12 10 are received in the closed ends 1044 of thechannels 1040, as best seen inFIG. 16A . This action of rotating and tightening theouter collar 1006 axially advances theouter collar 1006 and theactuating ring 1050 received therein toward theratchet ring 1008 against the bias of the biasingmember 1010. In doing so, theprojections 1400 of theactuating ring 1050 also move toward theratchet ring 1008 such that theprojection abutment surfaces 1410 push thelocking members 1304 and theratchet ring 1008 away from the lockingmembers 1104 of theinner collar 1004, as best seen inFIG. 16B . With thelocking members inner collar 1004 is allowed to rotate in the release direction to decouple the two mating connectors. - Although the preferred engagement mechanism between the inner and
outer collars coupling 1000 is cooperating bayonets pins 1210 andchannels 1040, other known engagement mechanisms may be used, such as a threaded engagement. Also, thepins 1210 and thechannels 1040 may be located on either one of the inner andouter collars - While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, any number of
projections 420 on theinner collar 204 and any number ofprojections 620 on theratchet ring 208 may be employed. Also, the biasing member is not limited to a wave spring and may be any type of biasing mechanism, such as a compression spring.
Claims (10)
- A connector coupling (1000) comprising of:a connector body (1002);an inner collar (1004) coupled to said connector body (1002), said inner collar (1004) having a plurality of locking members (1104);an outer collar (1006) being surrounding said inner collar (1004), said outer collar (1006) being rotatable with respect to said inner collar (1004) between first and second positions;a ratchet ring (1008) supported by said connector body (1002), said ratchet ring (1008) having a plurality of locking members (1304) corresponding to said plurality of locking members (1104) of said inner collar (1004), said ratchet ring (1008) being axially movable with respect to said connector body (1002) between an engaged position and a disengaged position; anda biasing member (1010) supported by said connector body (1002) adjacent said ratchet ring (1008), said biasing member (1010) biasing said ratchet ring (1008) in said engaged position,wherein rotating said outer collar (1006) from said first position to said second position moves said ratchet ring (1008) from said engaged position, in which said plurality of locking members (1304) of said ratchet ring (1008) engage said plurality of said locking members (1104) of said inner collar (1004), to said disengaged position, in which said plurality of locking members (1304) of said ratchet ring (1008) are spaced from said plurality of locking members (1104) of said inner collar (1004), thereby allowing said inner collar (1004) to rotate with respect to said connector body (1002).
- A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 1, wherein
said plurality of locking members (1104) of said inner collar (1004) and said ratchet ring are interengaging teeth. - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 1, wherein
said plurality of locking members (1104) extend inwardly from said inner collar (1004) so that said plurality of locking members (1104) are axially oriented with respect to said connector body (1002). - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 1, wherein
said inner collar (1004) has an end (1108) that engages said outer collar (1006), said end (1108) of said inner collar (1004) including at least one channel (1040) for receiving a corresponding pin (1210) of said outer collar (1006). - A connector (1000) coupling according to claim 4, wherein
said at least one channel (1040) includes opposite open and closed ends (1042, 1044); and
said pin (1210) of said outer collar (1006) engages said open end (1042) when said outer collar (1006) is in said first position, and said pin (1210) engages said closed end (1044) when said outer collar (1006) is rotated to said second position. - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 1, further comprising
an actuating ring (1050) received in said outer collar (1006), said actuating ring (1050) including at least one inward radial projection (1400) for abutting said plurality of locking members (1304) of said ratchet ring (1008) when said ratchet ring (1008) is in said disengaged position. - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 6, wherein
said plurality of locking members (1104) of said inner collar (1004) extend from spaced apart projections (1120) extending inwardly from said inner collar (1004), and
said at least one inward radial projection (1400) of said actuating ring (1050) is received in at least one slot (1130) defined between said spaced apart projections (1120) of said inner collar (1004). - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 1, wherein
said biasing member (1010) is disposed between an annular flange (1030) of said connector body (1002) and said ratchet ring (1008). - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 8, wherein
said biasing member (1010) is a wave spring. - A connector coupling (1000) according to claim 1, wherein
said inner collar (1004) is internally threaded for engaging a mating connector.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/796,252 US7905741B1 (en) | 2009-11-06 | 2010-06-08 | Anti-vibration connector coupling with an axially movable ratchet ring |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2395609A2 EP2395609A2 (en) | 2011-12-14 |
EP2395609A3 EP2395609A3 (en) | 2012-02-29 |
EP2395609B1 true EP2395609B1 (en) | 2013-10-16 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11004631.5A Active EP2395609B1 (en) | 2010-06-08 | 2011-06-07 | Anti-vibration connector coupling |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2395609B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5744632B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI1102654B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2742222C (en) |
ES (1) | ES2434797T3 (en) |
IL (1) | IL213239A (en) |
MY (1) | MY151293A (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102013101120B4 (en) | 2013-02-05 | 2018-10-11 | HARTING Electronics GmbH | cable fixing |
EP2779321B1 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2018-11-07 | Amphenol Corporation | Anti-decoupling member for connector component |
IL231455A0 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-08-31 | Amphenol Corp | Positive locking connector coupling |
US9477049B2 (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2016-10-25 | Senko Advanced Components, Inc. | Lockable connectors and connection assemblies |
US9385470B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2016-07-05 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Connector having coupling mechanism |
US9203180B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2015-12-01 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Connector having coupling mechanism |
US9437965B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2016-09-06 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Connector having coupling mechanism |
US9528646B2 (en) | 2014-05-02 | 2016-12-27 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Llc | Locking and ratcheting connector |
CN108321581B (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2023-12-19 | 泰州超人汽车电子有限公司 | Binding post with snap spring |
DE202018102532U1 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2018-05-22 | Neutrik Ag | connector part |
CN111555080B (en) * | 2019-02-11 | 2021-09-07 | 正凌精密工业(广东)有限公司 | Anti-vibration connector and assembling method thereof |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2728895A (en) | 1954-10-04 | 1955-12-27 | Whitney Blake Co | Self-locking coupling device |
US3917373A (en) | 1974-06-05 | 1975-11-04 | Bunker Ramo | Coupling ring assembly |
GB1581476A (en) | 1977-05-09 | 1980-12-17 | Bunker Ramo | Quick-release electrical connectors |
US4629272A (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1986-12-16 | Matrix Science Corporation | Electrical connector assembly with anti-rotation latch mechanism |
FR2696049B1 (en) | 1992-09-21 | 1994-11-18 | Souriau & Cie | Electrical connector with threaded ring and preponderant locking. |
CA2128172C (en) | 1993-08-27 | 1997-05-13 | Alan R. Miklos | Self-seating connector adapter |
FR2710715B1 (en) | 1993-09-29 | 1996-09-20 | Marc Jean Pierre | Self-locking lock for pipes. |
GB2299460B (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 1998-12-30 | Ultra Electronics Ltd | Locking coupling |
US6086400A (en) | 1997-10-17 | 2000-07-11 | Electro Adapter, Inc. | Self-locking cable connector coupling |
US6123563A (en) * | 1999-09-08 | 2000-09-26 | Amphenol Corporation | Anti-decoupling arrangement for an electrical connector |
US9106012B2 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2015-08-11 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Antirotation coupling for connector |
-
2011
- 2011-05-31 IL IL213239A patent/IL213239A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2011-06-06 CA CA2742222A patent/CA2742222C/en active Active
- 2011-06-07 MY MYPI2011002570 patent/MY151293A/en unknown
- 2011-06-07 EP EP11004631.5A patent/EP2395609B1/en active Active
- 2011-06-07 ES ES11004631T patent/ES2434797T3/en active Active
- 2011-06-07 JP JP2011127105A patent/JP5744632B2/en active Active
- 2011-06-08 BR BRPI1102654-5A patent/BRPI1102654B1/en active IP Right Grant
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BRPI1102654A2 (en) | 2015-06-23 |
CA2742222C (en) | 2018-07-24 |
CA2742222A1 (en) | 2011-12-08 |
JP5744632B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 |
MY151293A (en) | 2014-04-30 |
BRPI1102654B1 (en) | 2020-12-15 |
IL213239A0 (en) | 2011-07-31 |
ES2434797T3 (en) | 2013-12-17 |
IL213239A (en) | 2017-02-28 |
EP2395609A2 (en) | 2011-12-14 |
JP2011258559A (en) | 2011-12-22 |
EP2395609A3 (en) | 2012-02-29 |
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