US3609632A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Releasable electrical connector
Assignee: Globe Motors Inc
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Filing: 1968-08-19
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1988-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A releasable electrical connector is composed of two halves or components, one being of conventional construction and having a shell provided with a plurality of socket contacts and radially directed bayonets that are latched with the other half or component constructed in accordance with the invention. After the bayonets are inserted into slots formed in a pawl carrier sleeve in the second connector half, the carrier sleeve is angularly shifted in a direction to effect latching of the pawls with the bayonets. The pin contacts are mounted in a rubber insert contained in a shell belonging to the second connector half; a grounding ring encircles the last-mentioned shell. Through helical ramp grooves formed on the exterior of the shell and antifriction rollers extending inwardly from an encircling drive sleeve, the rectilinear movement required for shell advancement is derived from rotation of the drive sleeve. The shell advancement first results in the spring tines of the grounding ring moving into the shell of the first connector half, then the entry of the pin contacts into the socket contacts, and finally a slight facial compression of the rubber insert in which the pin contacts are mounted. The tendency for the rubber insert to expand provides a seal and in conjunction with a detent formed at one end of each of the ramp grooves into which the rollers move prevents inadvertent retraction of the second shell and its pin contacts. Tension springs normally bias the shell into a retracted position, but the action of these springs is easily overcome during the coupling process. Relatively rotatable pin and groove means on the carrier and drive sleeves become effective at the end of the coupling procedure to assure that the pawls and bayonets will remain latched until their release is desired. An indicator, capable of being both seen and felt, is forced outwardly to signify that the two halves are fully mated and latched. A lanyard is anchored to the improved connector half and a 360* swiveling can be realized. When a predetermined load is applied to the two halves, they pull apart. A backshell can be securely attached in any angular position to the second connector half.
Inventors
- 👤 Ottomar H Vetter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:24
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/623; H01R4/00; H01R4/28; H01R4/48
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second shells of a size such that an end portion on said second shell fits in an end portion on said first shell, latch means including a first plurality of latch members associated with said first shell and a second plurality of latch members associated with said second shell and angularly shiftable so that portions thereof are moved into a latching engagement with the first latch members for releasably coupling said shells together, first contact means contained in said first shell, second contact means contained in said second shell, means for initially shifting said second latch members so that said portions are moved into latching engagement with said first latch members, said portions being mounted for movement outwardly from said first latch members to cause release of said shells, means normally preventing radial outward movement of said portions, and means for then advancing said second shell with respect to said first shell in a rectilinear direction to effect engagement of said second contact means with said first contact means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second shells of a size such that an end portion on said second shell fits in an end portion on said first shell, latch means including a first plurality of latch members associated with said first shell and a second plurality of latch members associated with said second shell and angularly shiftable so that portions thereof are moved into a latching engagement with the first latch members for releasably coupling said shells together, first contact means contained in said first shell, second contact means contained in said second shell, means for initially shifting said second latch members so that said portions are moved into latching engagement with said first latch members, said portions being mounted for movement outwardly from said first latch members to cause release of said shells, means normally preventing radial outward movement of said portions, and means for then advancing said second shell with respect to said first shell in a rectilinear direction to effect engagement of said second contact means with said first contact means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 1 including at least one longitudinal key on the exterior of said second shell and said first shell having at least one keyway therein complementing said key for constraining said second shell for rectilinear movement with respect to said first shell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
230 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second shells of a size such that an end portion on said second shell fits in an end portion on said first shell, latch means including a first plurality of latch members associated with said first shell and a second plurality of latch members associated with said second shell and angularly shiftable into a latching engagement with the first latch members for releasably coupling said shells together, first contact means contained in said first shell, second contact means contained in said second shell, at least one longitudinal key on the exterior of said second shell and said first shell having at least one keyway there in complementing said key for constraining said second shell for rectilinear movement with respect to said first shell, means for initially shifting said second latch members into latching engagement with said first latch members and then advancing said second shell with respect to said first shell in a direction to effect engagement of said contact means with said first contact means, said second shell being formed with a plurality of helical ramp grooves, said last-mentioned means including a drive sleeve encircling a portion of said second shell and a plurality of bearing members mounted on said drive sleeve and extending into said helical ramp grooves, and means rotatably mounting said drive sleeve with respect to said second shell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
230 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second shells of a size such that an end portion on said second shell fits in an end portion on said first shell, latch means including a first plurality of latch members associated with said first shell and a second plurality of latch members associated with said second shell and angularly shiftable into a latching engagement with the first latch members for releasably coupling said shells together, first contact means contained in said first shell, second contact means contained in said second shell, at least one longitudinal key on the exterior of said second shell and said first shell having at least one keyway there in complementing said key for constraining said second shell for rectilinear movement with respect to said first shell, means for initially shifting said second latch members into latching engagement with said first latch members and then advancing said second shell with respect to said first shell in a direction to effect engagement of said contact means with said first contact means, said second shell being formed with a plurality of helical ramp grooves, said last-mentioned means including a drive sleeve encircling a portion of said second shell and a plurality of bearing members mounted on said drive sleeve and extending into said helical ramp grooves, and means rotatably mounting said drive sleeve with respect to said second shell.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 3 in which said bearing members include a roller for each helical ramp groove and a pin rotatably supporting each roller, each of said pins being fixedly attached to said drive sleeve and extending inwardly therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 4 in which said latch means includes a carrier sleeve, said drive sleeve being rotatably connected to said carrier sleeve, and said first plurality of latch members constitute a plurality of bayonets on said first shell and said second plurality of latch members constitute a plurality of pivotal pawls Carried on said carrier sleeve for engaging said bayonets to effect the latching action.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 5 in which said carrier sleeve is formed with a plurality of generally longitudinal grooves for guiding said bayonets on said first shell rectilinearly into said second shell.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 6 in which said last-mentioned grooves each have an offset end portion into which said bayonets are received when said carrier sleeve is rotated in one direction relative to said first shell to move said pawls into latching engagement with said bayonets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 7 including a coupling ring sleeve, and spring means normally urging said coupling ring sleeve into an obstructive encircling relation with said pawls to prevent outward pivoting of said pawls and thereby maintain said coupling engagement.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 7 in which said coupling ring sleeve has an internal shoulder, said spring means constituting a coil spring having one end bearing against said shoulder, and said drive sleeve having an outwardly projecting shoulder, the other end of said coil spring bearing against said outwardly projecting shoulder.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 9 in which said coupling ring sleeve forms an outer bearing race, an inner bearing race rotatably disposed within said outer race, a plurality of ball bearings located between said races, and a flexible lanyard having its ends anchored in said inner race.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 8 in which said second shell has circumscribed thereabout a grounding ring, said grounding ring being located so as to be received within the end portion of said first shell when said second shell has its end portion advanced thereinto.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 11 in which said second shell has a circumferential groove, an inner portion of said grounding ring being contained in said groove and said grounding ring having an outwardly diverging portion which bears against the end portion of said first shell when said end portion of said second shell is advanced into said first shell.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 12 in which said grounding spring includes a split band disposed in said circumferential groove and the outwardly diverging portion includes a plurality of individual spring tines, the free end of said tines curving inwardly toward said second shell.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
83 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 8 in which said coupling ring sleeve has a radially directed passage, an indicator button disposed within said passage, and a coil spring normally urging said button inwardly, said carrier sleeve having a groove extending part way therearound, said indicator button being forced outwardly at one end of said carrier sleeve groove so as to signify when said contact means have been engaged and the latching of said pawls with said bayonets has been effected.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
65 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 10 in which said second shell is provided with an internally splined section formed in a portion nearer the other end of said shell, and a backshell member having an externally splined section engageable with said internally splined section, thereby allowing said backshell to be selectively oriented in an angular direction with respect to said second shell.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
85 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 4 in which said helical ramp grooves have detent sections at one end for receiving therein said rollers, and said second shell containing therein a compressible insert in which said second contact means are mounted, whereby when said drive sleeve is rotated to advance said second shell toward said first shell to effect mating of said second contact means with said fIrst contact means said insert will be compressed to hold said detent sections against said rollers.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
146 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second components, said first component including first contact means and a plurality of outwardly directed bayonets, said second component including a pawl carrier sleeve having internal slots extending longitudinally from one end, a plurality of pivotal pawls partially occupying the width of said slots so that said bayonets can pass thereby, a drive sleeve, means rotatably connecting said drive sleeve to said carrier sleeve, a plurality of inwardly projecting elements journaled on said drive sleeve, a shell having inclined grooves into which said elements extend, second contact means supported on said shell so as to be movable therewith, means constraining said shell for rectilinear movement so that said second contact means are advanced with said shell into proper engagement with said first contact means, ad means for rotating said drive sleeve to cause said elements to advance said shell.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
146 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second components, said first component including first contact means and a plurality of outwardly directed bayonets, said second component including a pawl carrier sleeve having internal slots extending longitudinally from one end, a plurality of pivotal pawls partially occupying the width of said slots so that said bayonets can pass thereby, a drive sleeve, means rotatably connecting said drive sleeve to said carrier sleeve, a plurality of inwardly projecting elements journaled on said drive sleeve, a shell having inclined grooves into which said elements extend, second contact means supported on said shell so as to be movable therewith, means constraining said shell for rectilinear movement so that said second contact means are advanced with said shell into proper engagement with said first contact means, ad means for rotating said drive sleeve to cause said elements to advance said shell.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
113 words
A releasable connector in accordance with claim 17 in which said inwardly projecting elements include a plurality of rollers journaled on said drive sleeve and said means for rotating said drive sleeve includes a coupling ring sleeve longitudinally keyed to said drive sleeve, a first coil spring having one end attached to said drive sleeve and its other end attached to said shell to retract said shell, a second coil spring having one end attached to said drive sleeve and its other end to said carrier sleeve so as to rotate said carrier sleeve and its pawls into latching engagement with said bayonets when said drive sleeve is rotated by said coupling sleeve.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
70 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 18 including an inwardly directed dowel pin on said carrier sleeve, said drive sleeve having a segmental groove into which said dowel pin extends, whereby rotation of said drive sleeve causes the end of said segmental groove to move into adjacency with said dowel pin when said rollers have fully advanced said shell and reside at one end of said inclined grooves.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 20 in which said one end of each inclined groove is formed with a detent portion for holding said rollers therein to prevent retraction of said shell.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
111 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 17 in which said means for rotating said drive sleeve includes a coupling ring sleeve encircling said carrier and drive sleeves, and a compression spring reactively engaging said drive sleeve and said coupling ring sleeve to position said coupling ring sleeve in an axial location such that said pawls are prevented from pivoting outwardly to unlatch said bayonets until a predetermined load has been applied to overcome the reactive force of said compression spring and thereby allow said coupling ring sleeve to move out of obstructive engagement with said pawls so that said bayonets are released by the outward pivoting of said pawls.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
57 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 17 including a grounding ring on said sleeve, said ring including a band portion and resilient tine elements integral with said band portion, said first component including a shell encircling said first contacts, and said tine elements being flexed toward said first-mentioned shell when inserted into said last-mentioned shell.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
50 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 22 in which said tine elements include relatively straight shank portions diverging outwardly and curved cam portions on said shank portions curving inwardly, said last-mentioned shell first engaging said cam portions and then said shank portions as said first-mentioned shell is advanced.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
53 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 23 in which said shell has a circumferential groove formed therein, said band portion residing in said groove and said cam Portions having top portions integral therewith and extending generally parallel to said band portion, said shell having a lip portion encircling said tip portions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a releasable electrical connector, sleeve means, latch means at one end of said sleeve means, a shell, contact means supported on said shell, means mounting said shell within said sleeve means for relative movement toward said latch means, second sleeve means encircling said first sleeve means, said latch means including a plurality of pivotal pawls, and spring means urging said second sleeve means into an obstructive relation with said pawls to prevent outward pivoting thereof until the action of said spring means is overcome.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a releasable electrical connector, sleeve means, latch means at one end of said sleeve means, a shell, contact means supported on said shell, means mounting said shell within said sleeve means for relative movement toward said latch means, second sleeve means encircling said first sleeve means, said latch means including a plurality of pivotal pawls, and spring means urging said second sleeve means into an obstructive relation with said pawls to prevent outward pivoting thereof until the action of said spring means is overcome.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 25 including a grounding ring disposed on the exterior of said shell so as to be movable with said shell and contact means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
60 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 26 including a rotatable bearing means affixed to said second sleeve means adjacent the end thereof remote from said latch means, and a lanyard having its ends anchored in said bearing means so that said first and second sleeve means together with said shell may be swiveled with respect to said lanyard.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
47 words
A releasable electrical connector in accordance with claim 27 including an internally splined section on said shell, a backshell having an externally splined section engageable with said internally splined section, and means for maintaining said splined sections in a preferred angular relationship to angularly orient said backshell.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
212 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second shells of a size such that an end portion on said second shell fits in an end portion on said first shell, latch means releasably coupling said shells together, first contact means contained in said first shell, second contact means contained in said second shell, means for advancing said second shell with respect to said first shell in a direction to effect engagement of said second contact means with said first contact means, at least one longitudinal key on the exterior of said second shell sad said first shell having at least one keyway therein complementing said key for constraining said second shell for rectilinear movement with respect to said first shell, said second shell being formed with a plurality of helical ramp grooves, a drive sleeve encircling a second portion of said second shell, a plurality of antifriction members mounted on said drive sleeve and extending inwardly into said helical ramp grooves, means rotatably mounting said drive sleeve with respect to said second shell, and at least one coil spring having one end attached to said second shell and the other end thereof to said drive sleeve, whereby said second shell and said second contact means are normally maintained in a retracted position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
212 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second shells of a size such that an end portion on said second shell fits in an end portion on said first shell, latch means releasably coupling said shells together, first contact means contained in said first shell, second contact means contained in said second shell, means for advancing said second shell with respect to said first shell in a direction to effect engagement of said second contact means with said first contact means, at least one longitudinal key on the exterior of said second shell sad said first shell having at least one keyway therein complementing said key for constraining said second shell for rectilinear movement with respect to said first shell, said second shell being formed with a plurality of helical ramp grooves, a drive sleeve encircling a second portion of said second shell, a plurality of antifriction members mounted on said drive sleeve and extending inwardly into said helical ramp grooves, means rotatably mounting said drive sleeve with respect to said second shell, and at least one coil spring having one end attached to said second shell and the other end thereof to said drive sleeve, whereby said second shell and said second contact means are normally maintained in a retracted position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
187 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second components, said first component including a cylindrical shell having a plurality of latch members thereon and contact means contained in said shell, said second component including a cylindrical shell having at least one inclined groove, contact means contained in said second shell engageable with said first-mentioned contact means, a first sleeve rotatively encircling said second shell and having bearing means extending into said groove for longitudinally moving said second shell in the direction of said first shell when said first sleeve is rotated in one direction, a second sleeve having a plurality of latch members thereon cooperable with said first-mentioned latch members, yieldable resilient means interconnecting said first and second sleeves so that when said first sleeve is initially rotated in said one direction said second sleeve will be rotated to angularly shift said second-mentioned latch members into a latched relationship with said first-mentioned latch members, whereby further rotation of said first sleeve moves said second Shell in the direction of said first shell to effect an electrical engagement of said second-mentioned contact means with said first-mentioned contact means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
187 words
A releasable electrical connector comprising first and second components, said first component including a cylindrical shell having a plurality of latch members thereon and contact means contained in said shell, said second component including a cylindrical shell having at least one inclined groove, contact means contained in said second shell engageable with said first-mentioned contact means, a first sleeve rotatively encircling said second shell and having bearing means extending into said groove for longitudinally moving said second shell in the direction of said first shell when said first sleeve is rotated in one direction, a second sleeve having a plurality of latch members thereon cooperable with said first-mentioned latch members, yieldable resilient means interconnecting said first and second sleeves so that when said first sleeve is initially rotated in said one direction said second sleeve will be rotated to angularly shift said second-mentioned latch members into a latched relationship with said first-mentioned latch members, whereby further rotation of said first sleeve moves said second Shell in the direction of said first shell to effect an electrical engagement of said second-mentioned contact means with said first-mentioned contact means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |