CA1134472A - Connector assembly with visual, tactile and audible indication - Google Patents
Connector assembly with visual, tactile and audible indicationInfo
- Publication number
- CA1134472A CA1134472A CA000355486A CA355486A CA1134472A CA 1134472 A CA1134472 A CA 1134472A CA 000355486 A CA000355486 A CA 000355486A CA 355486 A CA355486 A CA 355486A CA 1134472 A CA1134472 A CA 1134472A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- ring
- connector assembly
- indicating
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- FBOUIAKEJMZPQG-AWNIVKPZSA-N (1E)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-ol Chemical compound C1=NC=NN1/C(C(O)C(C)(C)C)=C/C1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1Cl FBOUIAKEJMZPQG-AWNIVKPZSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
Abstract
A CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY WITH VISUAL, TACTILE AND AUDIBLE INDICATOR
ABSTRACT
The present invention relates to the field of connector assemblies for electrical conductors, fiber optics, and the like.
Prior art connectors have attempted to provide visual, aural, or tactile indications of the mating condition of connector assemblies, but have not incorporated all three indications in a single assembly and the visual indicators have provided only limited viewing angle.
The connector assembly of the present invention employs a radially-movable indicator which extends outside of and substantially entirely about the periphery of the connector to provide substan-tially omni-directional visible indication and tactile indication of mating condition. An audible indicating mechanism is also included which provides a self-locking feature for the connector assembly. The indicating means are operatively associated with a coupling member for drawing the connector assembly into mating engagement.
ABSTRACT
The present invention relates to the field of connector assemblies for electrical conductors, fiber optics, and the like.
Prior art connectors have attempted to provide visual, aural, or tactile indications of the mating condition of connector assemblies, but have not incorporated all three indications in a single assembly and the visual indicators have provided only limited viewing angle.
The connector assembly of the present invention employs a radially-movable indicator which extends outside of and substantially entirely about the periphery of the connector to provide substan-tially omni-directional visible indication and tactile indication of mating condition. An audible indicating mechanism is also included which provides a self-locking feature for the connector assembly. The indicating means are operatively associated with a coupling member for drawing the connector assembly into mating engagement.
Description
~3~Z
A CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY WITH VISUAL~
TACTILE AND AUDiBLE INDICATION
TECi~NlCAL FIELD
This inventlon relates to coupilng or connector assemblles, such as electrical connectors, fiber optic connectors, and the like, and Ts equally applicable for in-line connectTon as well as con-nection between a single conductor, fiber, or the like, to a terminal means.
More partlcularly, this invention reiates to a connector IO which has a coupllng member, such as a coupling ring, for matlng a pair ot connector members and providing visual, audlble and tactlle indlcation for determining Ifthe connector assembly is functlonally coupled.
BACKGROUND OF PRIOR ART
'5 Many attempts have been made to provlde vlsual, audlble and/or tactile means for tndlcating the mating condltlon of elec-trtcal connectors, f;ber optlc connectors, or the llke. One of the prlnclpal problems In provldlng such indlcations is In the area of vlsual indication. Audible Indicating means normally have no directional llmitations as to the positloning of the connector in relatlon to a user or operator. The same holds true for some tactlle indlcating means, because a user can, through some sort of manual manipulation, determine the functional condition of the connector when tactile indlcating means are employed. However, vlsual indlcatTng means heretofore provlded In connector assemblles, or the llke, are llmited by the directlonal observatlonal limTtations of an Indivldual.
For instance, prlor Unlted States Patents Nos. 3,552,777 to Heinrlch et al.; 3,786,396 to Kemmer; 3,801,954 to Dorrell;
3,808,580 to Johnson; and 4,059,324 to Snyder et alO all show varlous attempts to provlde visual IndlcatTon in an electrical connector for indicatlng the desired degree of tightness~ for Instance~ between mated connectors.
More particularly, Kemmer 3,786,396 and Helnrlch 3,552,777 show threaded electrical connectors which are provlded with ann~lar slots or windows In the coupling rTng thereof through whlch a palnted brlght color Gn an axially movable inner member is observable.
However, observation of this indicatlon is iimited by an observer havlng to be positioned substantially directly radially outwardly of a ~P~
~34~7Z
slot or wlndew in order to observe the presence or absence of the Inner color-coded vlsual Indication. In both the Johnson 3,0~0,580 and Snyder 4,059,324 patents, r~idges or projectlons are provided for observatTon through notches or slots and, agaln, the visual observation thereof Is 11mited by the same positioning requlrements of an observer as In the Heinrich patent. In Dorreli 3,801,954, an attempt Is made to provide externally vlsible tndlcatlon by means of applying heat to a metalllc member so as to actually deform the member Itself. Such a process Is quite expensive In assembly and certalnly Is not at all appllcable to fleld assembly and usage of the connector 3S is contemplated by the present Inventlon.
The present Inventlon, therefore, is dlrected to provldlng a new and Improved connector assembly of the character descrlbed wlth vlsual, audlble and tactlle Indlcatlng means for determlnlng the positloning of a palr of connector members, conductors, flbers, or the llke.
A prtnc1pal obJect of the Invention Is to provide a new and Improved vlsual and tactlle Indlcating means in a CDnneCtOr or coupllng assembly.
A prlncipal advangage of the inventlon is to provlde such a vlsual and tactile indicating means which is omnl-directlonal for observatlon by an tndTvidual from any direction regardless of the posltionTng of the connector.
BRIEF SUMi~ARY OF INVENTION
In the exemplary embodiment of the inventlon, the indlcating means thereof Is dlsclosed In conJunction wlth an electrical connec-tor assembly having flrst and second mating connector members, each connector member including engageable contact means adapted for axlal connectlon In engagement with the contact means of the other connector member. However, It is contemplated that the Inventlon Is equally appllcable ~or a wlde varlety of connector assemblles, such as fiber optic connectors, or the llke. As dlsclosed hereln, a rotatable coupllng rlng Is carrled by one of the connector members.
The other connector member and the coupltng rTng have complementarily engageable releasable connectlng means, such as screw threads, for ~ovln~ the other connector member axlally Into matlng relatlon wlth the one connector memberO Of course, other engageable releasable connectlng means, such as bayonet and pln connections or "snatch'' connectlons, also are contemplated. YlsuaJ Indicatlng msans Is ~13~472 associated wlth the coupling ring and is movable radially relative thereto from a retracted position to an indicating position proJect-ing outwardly of the coupling ring In response to a predetermined positioning of the other connector member in relation to the co~pling ring and the one mattng connection member. The vlsual indicating means, when in Its retracted position, Is radlally dlsposed at least withln the adJacent perlpheral bounds of the coupllng ring and Is progressively moved outwardly to its Indlcatlng position by the progressive coupllng of the threaded coupllng ring O and the other connector member.
i~ore particularly, the vlsual indlcating means of the present invention includes a band-llke member whlch Is disposed wlthln an outer clrcumferenttal grcove of the coupllng rlng and extends substantially ent7rely about the coupling rlng to provide an omni-directlonal vlsual tndlcatlon of the relative posltloning of the mattng connector members. The band-like indicating member Is In the form of a split rlng which is self-biased radlally Inwardly toward Its retracted posltion. Biasing means in the form of an Inner cam ring is carried by the one connector member and has inclined cam ramps dlsposed thereon at an angle to the axls of the connector assembly. The cam rlng is provlded with llmited axial movement relatlve to the one connector member. A plurallty of ball bearings are dTsposed in radially open-ended bores In the couplln~ ring between the inner cam ring and the outer split indicatlng ring and angageable therewlth for transmlttlng axial movement of the Tnner cam ring, resulting from abutment with the other connector member~ to radlal outward movement of the indlcatlng rtng to its Indicating posltlon. A sprlng wave washer is carrled by the one connector member betw~en an annular flange thereof and the cam rlng to urge the cam ring In an axlally outward non-lndlcating dlrection.
i~etent means Is provided between the cam ring and the one connector merber provldlng an aud1ble as well as tactile Indication of the matlng o~ the connector members, as well as providlng a self 3S locking feature for the connector assembly. More particularly, a plurality of detent recesses are disposed in a radlally extending, Inwardly facing surface of the cam ring. At least one detent pro-trusion ts provided on the spring wave washer prov7ding a ratchetlng action with the detent recesses, as well as a self-locking feature when the spring wave washer is fully compressed.
With the visual indicating band in its radially pro-truding indicating position, not only is an omni-directional indicating means provided for the connector assembly, but the protruding band provides a ready tactile indication of the con-dition of the connector assembly.
The split indicating ring is overlapped substantially at its ends to provide a full 360 circumferential indicating sur-face therefor.
The invention is particularly directed toward a con-nector assembly which includes first and second connector members adapted for mating engagement, comprising: a coupling member for drawing the connector members into mating engagement; and indi-cating means associated with the coupling member and at least one of the connector members for movement between a first non-indi-ca*ing position and a second indicating position in response to a predetermined positional relationship of the connector members.
The indicating means when in one of~`the positions is disposed outside of and substantially entirely about the peripheral bounds of the connector assembly.
The invention is also directed toward an expandable indicating band-like member in a connector assembly which assembly includes mating connector members. The member comprises a split ring which is self-biased radially inwardly, means for moving the split ring between a relaxed condition and an expanded condition in response to a predetermined mating condition of the connector members and the free ends of the expandable split ring being sufficiently overlapped so as to provide a full 360 periphery for the split ring in either the relaxed or the expanded condition.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
1~3~47Z
FIGURE 1 is a partially fragmented and sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention, showing the receptacle connector member in phantom and the protruding position of the indicating band in phantom;
FIGURE 2 is a partial axial sectional view, similar to that of Figure 1, but with the receptacle connector member in fully mated position, and with the indicating means in its fully operative indicating position;
FIGURE 3 is an axial elevational view of the inner face of the cam ring showing the detent recesses thereof;
FIGUR~ 4 is an axial elevational view of the spring wave washer showing the detent protrusions thereof;
FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of the spring wave washer of Figure 4;
FIGURE 6 is an axial elevational view of the split ring visual indicating band-like member of the present invention; and FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the visual indi-cating band of Figure 6.
Referring to the drawings in greater detail, the inven-tion herein is disclosed as embodied in an electrical connector,generally designated 10 in Figure 1. However, it should be under-stood that the invention is contemplated for a wide variety of applications such as in fiber optic connectors, and other connector assemblies.
The electrical connector assembly 10 as shown in Figure 1 includes a first or plug connector member 12 and a second or receptacle -4a-1~344~Z
connector 14 (Fig. 2). The plug connector member 12 has an insert member 16, as is known, in which is disposed one or more electrlcal contacts, such as the pin contacts 18. The other connector member 14, as Is known, also carries an insert member which houses recep-tacle contacts for receiving the pin contacts 18. The insertmember and receptacle contacts for the other connector member 1~
are known and are not shown in the drawlngs so as to factlttate the inventton of the indicating means described hereinafter.
However, the connector members 12 and 14 are adapted for axial connection of the contact means thereof in engagement with the contact means of the other connector member.
More particularly, a coupling rlng 20 Is carried by the connector member 12 and Is held in posltton thereon for rotatlon relatlve thereto by means of a retalning ring 22.
The connector member 14 tFig. 2) and the coupling rlng 20 have complemsntarily engageable releasable connectlng means for movlng the connector member axlally into mating relation to the receptacle connector member 12. More partlcularly, the coupling - ring 20 has internal threads 24 for cooperation with external threads 26 of the connector member 14 to draw the connector member axially into mating relation with the connector member 12. This draws.the respective contact means of the connector members Into matTng engagement, and, as described belowJ effects movement or actuation of the vlsual, tactile and audible indicatlng means of the present invention.
Visual indicating means is provided and is associated wlth the coupling ring 20 and is movable radlally relative thereto from a retracted posttion (Fig. I) shown at least withln the adjacent perlpheral bounds of the coupling ring to a second, indi-catlng position (Flg. 2) projecting outwardly of the coupllny rlngin response to the aforesald positionlng of the connector member 14 withln the coupling rlng.
More partlcularly, the vTsual indicatlng means of the present InventTon includes a band-like member 28 In the form of a sllt ring which is dlsposed within an annular peripheral recess or groove 30 extending entlrely about the outside of the coupling rlng 20. The split indicating rlng 28, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is an interleaved, overlapping construction havlng free ends 32 so as to provtde both a 360 visual indication, as well as to provide for ~34a~z the spllt Indicattng ring to be self-biased radially inwardly toward its retracted position. By means described In detall below, the indicating ring 28 is movable from a retracted, Inwardly self-biased posltTon shown in Figure I to an outer expanded or protrudlng posl-tion shown in Figure 2.
Means is provided for btaslng the indicatlng ring 28 fromits retracted position shown in Figure I to its expanded position shown in Flgure 2, in response to axial mating movement of the connector member 14 toward the connector member 12, by the aforesaid thr~adcd engagement wlth the coupling ring 20. More particularly, the blaslng means includes a cam ring 34 dlsposed on the one con-nector mamber 12 and havlng limlted axial movement relatlve thereto and relatlve to the coupllng ring 20, withln a groove 36 about the exterlor of the connector member 12. A pluralIty of ball bearings 38 are dlsposed wlthln respective ones of a plurallty of radially open-ended bores 40 in the coupling ring 20. The open-ended bores 40 extend between the Tndicating ring 28 and the cam ring 34, and the ball bearings are engageable therewTth for transmittlng axial movement of the inner cam ring 34, due to abutment by the connector member 14, to radial outward movement of the indTcating ring 28 toward Tts expanded position shown In Flgure 2. In order to facilttate transmitting axial movement of the Inner cam ring to radlal outward mevement of the indicating ring, the cam ring 34 is provlded with cam means in the form of an inclined cam ramp 42 for each of the ball bearings 38. The cam ramp 42, as seen In Figures I and 2, extends at an angle to the axis of the connector assembly.
The cam ramp 42 may be provlded by a continuous cam surface ex-tendlng cTrcumferentially about the outside of the cam ring 34, or, of course, other means may be provlded such as tnclined recesses or other means in the outer periphery of the cam ring.
In view of the foregoing, and referring to Figures I and 2, it can be seen that prior to threading the connector member 14 and the contact means thereof into engagement with the coupling rlng 20, the indlcating ring 28 Is self-biased inwardly to a retracted posi-}5 tion radially withln the adJacent peripheral bounds of the couplIngring. The ball bearings 38 also are blased inwardly into the periph-eral groove or recesses which define the cam ramp 42 In the perlphery of the cam ring 34. In operation, as the connector member 14 is drawn axially into mating condltlon with the connector member 12, by ~134~7Z
means of the threads 2~; 26 of the coupling ring 20 and the connector member 14 the Inner face 46 of the connector member 14 abuts against the outer face 48 of the cam ring 34 and urges the cam rTng to the left as viewed in Figures I and 2. As the cam ring 34 moves inwardly or to the left as shown in Figures i and 2 the cam surfaces 42 engage the ball bearings 38 and bias the ball bearings outwardiy into engagement with the inside of the indicating rlng 28. Continued axial movement of the connector member 14 in an inwardiy matTng direction (see arrow A in Figure 2) causes the cam rlng 34 to conttnue to move axially inwardly until the cam ramp surface 42 through the ball bearTngs 38 moves the Indicatlng ring 28 to its full Indicatlng position shown In Figure 2. The indTcating rTng also Is shown in Its full indicating posltlon by the phantom lines In Figure 1.
In the indlcating posltion of the indicating ring 28 shown in FTgure 2 it is readily apparent that a full 360 omni-directtona~
visual Indication of the mating condition of the connector members is afforded.
Regardless of the position of the connector such as tn confined conditions in the aircraft or other industrles the mating condition of the connector is readily observable. In addltion it can be seen that since the Tndicating ring 28 starts from a retracted position substantially within the adjacent peripheral bounds of the coupling ring 20 an unmated condition of the connector assembly also is readlly apparent as well as any condition of the mating connector members therebetween. Furthermore with the indicating ring extendfng entirely about the connector assembly ready tactile Indication Is afforded by a minimal amount of manual manipulatTon or touching of the connector assembly even if the connector assembly is hidden from view.
A further feature of the inventlon is the provision of a self-locking feature for the connector assembly which in addition provides an audible indication of the mating of the assembly. More particularly detent means is provided between the cam ring 34 and the one connector member 12. The detent means includes a plurality of detent recesses 50 formed in the axlally inner face of the cam ring 34. A spring wave washer generally designated 52 (see Figures 4 and 5) Is carried by the coupling ring 20 on the inside thereof for rotation therewith. In particular the spring wave washer 52 has a plurality of radialiy outwardly protruding keying tabs 54 which protrude into slots 56 on the inside of the coupling ring 20.
~134472 The spring wave washer 52 has a plurality of integral detent pro-trusTons 56 which cooperate with the detent recesses 50 of the cam ring 34 to provide a ratcheting action. As the connector member 14 is drawn axlally into the coupling ring 20 as described above, and the connector member abuts against the cam ring 34 to move the cam rtng axially inwardly, the detent protrusions 56 of the sprlng wave washer 52 enter the detent recesses 50 of the cam ring to provide said ratcheting action and an audlble indlcation of the mating of the connector members. The cam ring 34 has a plurality of radially Inwardly protruding keying tabs 58 whlch protrude into slots 60 on the outside of the connector member 12 to rotationally flx the cam ring relative thereto but permit the aforesaid axtal movement rela-tive thereto.
In addTtion, as the spring wave washer 52 is compressed by abutment of the mating end of the connector member 14 wlth the cam rlng 34, the Increased forces created thereby in combination with the seating of the detent protrusions 56 of the spring wave washer within the detent recesses 50 of the cam ring 34, effects a self-locking conditlon for the connector assembly to prevent unintentional uncoupling of the connector members, such as under extreme vibration conditions.
It wTII be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodlments, theref~re, are to be considered in all respects as illustratlve and not restrlctive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein but may be modified wtthin the scope of the appended claTms.
A CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY WITH VISUAL~
TACTILE AND AUDiBLE INDICATION
TECi~NlCAL FIELD
This inventlon relates to coupilng or connector assemblles, such as electrical connectors, fiber optic connectors, and the like, and Ts equally applicable for in-line connectTon as well as con-nection between a single conductor, fiber, or the like, to a terminal means.
More partlcularly, this invention reiates to a connector IO which has a coupllng member, such as a coupling ring, for matlng a pair ot connector members and providing visual, audlble and tactlle indlcation for determining Ifthe connector assembly is functlonally coupled.
BACKGROUND OF PRIOR ART
'5 Many attempts have been made to provlde vlsual, audlble and/or tactile means for tndlcating the mating condltlon of elec-trtcal connectors, f;ber optlc connectors, or the llke. One of the prlnclpal problems In provldlng such indlcations is In the area of vlsual indication. Audible Indicating means normally have no directional llmitations as to the positloning of the connector in relatlon to a user or operator. The same holds true for some tactlle indlcating means, because a user can, through some sort of manual manipulation, determine the functional condition of the connector when tactile indlcating means are employed. However, vlsual indlcatTng means heretofore provlded In connector assemblles, or the llke, are llmited by the directlonal observatlonal limTtations of an Indivldual.
For instance, prlor Unlted States Patents Nos. 3,552,777 to Heinrlch et al.; 3,786,396 to Kemmer; 3,801,954 to Dorrell;
3,808,580 to Johnson; and 4,059,324 to Snyder et alO all show varlous attempts to provlde visual IndlcatTon in an electrical connector for indicatlng the desired degree of tightness~ for Instance~ between mated connectors.
More particularly, Kemmer 3,786,396 and Helnrlch 3,552,777 show threaded electrical connectors which are provlded with ann~lar slots or windows In the coupling rTng thereof through whlch a palnted brlght color Gn an axially movable inner member is observable.
However, observation of this indicatlon is iimited by an observer havlng to be positioned substantially directly radially outwardly of a ~P~
~34~7Z
slot or wlndew in order to observe the presence or absence of the Inner color-coded vlsual Indication. In both the Johnson 3,0~0,580 and Snyder 4,059,324 patents, r~idges or projectlons are provided for observatTon through notches or slots and, agaln, the visual observation thereof Is 11mited by the same positioning requlrements of an observer as In the Heinrich patent. In Dorreli 3,801,954, an attempt Is made to provide externally vlsible tndlcatlon by means of applying heat to a metalllc member so as to actually deform the member Itself. Such a process Is quite expensive In assembly and certalnly Is not at all appllcable to fleld assembly and usage of the connector 3S is contemplated by the present Inventlon.
The present Inventlon, therefore, is dlrected to provldlng a new and Improved connector assembly of the character descrlbed wlth vlsual, audlble and tactlle Indlcatlng means for determlnlng the positloning of a palr of connector members, conductors, flbers, or the llke.
A prtnc1pal obJect of the Invention Is to provide a new and Improved vlsual and tactlle Indlcating means in a CDnneCtOr or coupllng assembly.
A prlncipal advangage of the inventlon is to provlde such a vlsual and tactile indicating means which is omnl-directlonal for observatlon by an tndTvidual from any direction regardless of the posltionTng of the connector.
BRIEF SUMi~ARY OF INVENTION
In the exemplary embodiment of the inventlon, the indlcating means thereof Is dlsclosed In conJunction wlth an electrical connec-tor assembly having flrst and second mating connector members, each connector member including engageable contact means adapted for axlal connectlon In engagement with the contact means of the other connector member. However, It is contemplated that the Inventlon Is equally appllcable ~or a wlde varlety of connector assemblles, such as fiber optic connectors, or the llke. As dlsclosed hereln, a rotatable coupllng rlng Is carrled by one of the connector members.
The other connector member and the coupltng rTng have complementarily engageable releasable connectlng means, such as screw threads, for ~ovln~ the other connector member axlally Into matlng relatlon wlth the one connector memberO Of course, other engageable releasable connectlng means, such as bayonet and pln connections or "snatch'' connectlons, also are contemplated. YlsuaJ Indicatlng msans Is ~13~472 associated wlth the coupling ring and is movable radially relative thereto from a retracted position to an indicating position proJect-ing outwardly of the coupling ring In response to a predetermined positioning of the other connector member in relation to the co~pling ring and the one mattng connection member. The vlsual indicating means, when in Its retracted position, Is radlally dlsposed at least withln the adJacent perlpheral bounds of the coupllng ring and Is progressively moved outwardly to its Indlcatlng position by the progressive coupllng of the threaded coupllng ring O and the other connector member.
i~ore particularly, the vlsual indlcating means of the present invention includes a band-llke member whlch Is disposed wlthln an outer clrcumferenttal grcove of the coupllng rlng and extends substantially ent7rely about the coupling rlng to provide an omni-directlonal vlsual tndlcatlon of the relative posltloning of the mattng connector members. The band-like indicating member Is In the form of a split rlng which is self-biased radlally Inwardly toward Its retracted posltion. Biasing means in the form of an Inner cam ring is carried by the one connector member and has inclined cam ramps dlsposed thereon at an angle to the axls of the connector assembly. The cam rlng is provlded with llmited axial movement relatlve to the one connector member. A plurallty of ball bearings are dTsposed in radially open-ended bores In the couplln~ ring between the inner cam ring and the outer split indicatlng ring and angageable therewlth for transmlttlng axial movement of the Tnner cam ring, resulting from abutment with the other connector member~ to radlal outward movement of the indlcatlng rtng to its Indicating posltlon. A sprlng wave washer is carrled by the one connector member betw~en an annular flange thereof and the cam rlng to urge the cam ring In an axlally outward non-lndlcating dlrection.
i~etent means Is provided between the cam ring and the one connector merber provldlng an aud1ble as well as tactile Indication of the matlng o~ the connector members, as well as providlng a self 3S locking feature for the connector assembly. More particularly, a plurality of detent recesses are disposed in a radlally extending, Inwardly facing surface of the cam ring. At least one detent pro-trusion ts provided on the spring wave washer prov7ding a ratchetlng action with the detent recesses, as well as a self-locking feature when the spring wave washer is fully compressed.
With the visual indicating band in its radially pro-truding indicating position, not only is an omni-directional indicating means provided for the connector assembly, but the protruding band provides a ready tactile indication of the con-dition of the connector assembly.
The split indicating ring is overlapped substantially at its ends to provide a full 360 circumferential indicating sur-face therefor.
The invention is particularly directed toward a con-nector assembly which includes first and second connector members adapted for mating engagement, comprising: a coupling member for drawing the connector members into mating engagement; and indi-cating means associated with the coupling member and at least one of the connector members for movement between a first non-indi-ca*ing position and a second indicating position in response to a predetermined positional relationship of the connector members.
The indicating means when in one of~`the positions is disposed outside of and substantially entirely about the peripheral bounds of the connector assembly.
The invention is also directed toward an expandable indicating band-like member in a connector assembly which assembly includes mating connector members. The member comprises a split ring which is self-biased radially inwardly, means for moving the split ring between a relaxed condition and an expanded condition in response to a predetermined mating condition of the connector members and the free ends of the expandable split ring being sufficiently overlapped so as to provide a full 360 periphery for the split ring in either the relaxed or the expanded condition.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
1~3~47Z
FIGURE 1 is a partially fragmented and sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention, showing the receptacle connector member in phantom and the protruding position of the indicating band in phantom;
FIGURE 2 is a partial axial sectional view, similar to that of Figure 1, but with the receptacle connector member in fully mated position, and with the indicating means in its fully operative indicating position;
FIGURE 3 is an axial elevational view of the inner face of the cam ring showing the detent recesses thereof;
FIGUR~ 4 is an axial elevational view of the spring wave washer showing the detent protrusions thereof;
FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of the spring wave washer of Figure 4;
FIGURE 6 is an axial elevational view of the split ring visual indicating band-like member of the present invention; and FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the visual indi-cating band of Figure 6.
Referring to the drawings in greater detail, the inven-tion herein is disclosed as embodied in an electrical connector,generally designated 10 in Figure 1. However, it should be under-stood that the invention is contemplated for a wide variety of applications such as in fiber optic connectors, and other connector assemblies.
The electrical connector assembly 10 as shown in Figure 1 includes a first or plug connector member 12 and a second or receptacle -4a-1~344~Z
connector 14 (Fig. 2). The plug connector member 12 has an insert member 16, as is known, in which is disposed one or more electrlcal contacts, such as the pin contacts 18. The other connector member 14, as Is known, also carries an insert member which houses recep-tacle contacts for receiving the pin contacts 18. The insertmember and receptacle contacts for the other connector member 1~
are known and are not shown in the drawlngs so as to factlttate the inventton of the indicating means described hereinafter.
However, the connector members 12 and 14 are adapted for axial connection of the contact means thereof in engagement with the contact means of the other connector member.
More particularly, a coupling rlng 20 Is carried by the connector member 12 and Is held in posltton thereon for rotatlon relatlve thereto by means of a retalning ring 22.
The connector member 14 tFig. 2) and the coupling rlng 20 have complemsntarily engageable releasable connectlng means for movlng the connector member axlally into mating relation to the receptacle connector member 12. More partlcularly, the coupling - ring 20 has internal threads 24 for cooperation with external threads 26 of the connector member 14 to draw the connector member axially into mating relation with the connector member 12. This draws.the respective contact means of the connector members Into matTng engagement, and, as described belowJ effects movement or actuation of the vlsual, tactile and audible indicatlng means of the present invention.
Visual indicating means is provided and is associated wlth the coupling ring 20 and is movable radlally relative thereto from a retracted posttion (Fig. I) shown at least withln the adjacent perlpheral bounds of the coupling ring to a second, indi-catlng position (Flg. 2) projecting outwardly of the coupllny rlngin response to the aforesald positionlng of the connector member 14 withln the coupling rlng.
More partlcularly, the vTsual indicatlng means of the present InventTon includes a band-like member 28 In the form of a sllt ring which is dlsposed within an annular peripheral recess or groove 30 extending entlrely about the outside of the coupling rlng 20. The split indicating rlng 28, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is an interleaved, overlapping construction havlng free ends 32 so as to provtde both a 360 visual indication, as well as to provide for ~34a~z the spllt Indicattng ring to be self-biased radially inwardly toward its retracted position. By means described In detall below, the indicating ring 28 is movable from a retracted, Inwardly self-biased posltTon shown in Figure I to an outer expanded or protrudlng posl-tion shown in Figure 2.
Means is provided for btaslng the indicatlng ring 28 fromits retracted position shown in Figure I to its expanded position shown in Flgure 2, in response to axial mating movement of the connector member 14 toward the connector member 12, by the aforesaid thr~adcd engagement wlth the coupling ring 20. More particularly, the blaslng means includes a cam ring 34 dlsposed on the one con-nector mamber 12 and havlng limlted axial movement relatlve thereto and relatlve to the coupllng ring 20, withln a groove 36 about the exterlor of the connector member 12. A pluralIty of ball bearings 38 are dlsposed wlthln respective ones of a plurallty of radially open-ended bores 40 in the coupling ring 20. The open-ended bores 40 extend between the Tndicating ring 28 and the cam ring 34, and the ball bearings are engageable therewTth for transmittlng axial movement of the inner cam ring 34, due to abutment by the connector member 14, to radial outward movement of the indTcating ring 28 toward Tts expanded position shown In Flgure 2. In order to facilttate transmitting axial movement of the Inner cam ring to radlal outward mevement of the indicating ring, the cam ring 34 is provlded with cam means in the form of an inclined cam ramp 42 for each of the ball bearings 38. The cam ramp 42, as seen In Figures I and 2, extends at an angle to the axis of the connector assembly.
The cam ramp 42 may be provlded by a continuous cam surface ex-tendlng cTrcumferentially about the outside of the cam ring 34, or, of course, other means may be provlded such as tnclined recesses or other means in the outer periphery of the cam ring.
In view of the foregoing, and referring to Figures I and 2, it can be seen that prior to threading the connector member 14 and the contact means thereof into engagement with the coupling rlng 20, the indlcating ring 28 Is self-biased inwardly to a retracted posi-}5 tion radially withln the adJacent peripheral bounds of the couplIngring. The ball bearings 38 also are blased inwardly into the periph-eral groove or recesses which define the cam ramp 42 In the perlphery of the cam ring 34. In operation, as the connector member 14 is drawn axially into mating condltlon with the connector member 12, by ~134~7Z
means of the threads 2~; 26 of the coupling ring 20 and the connector member 14 the Inner face 46 of the connector member 14 abuts against the outer face 48 of the cam ring 34 and urges the cam rTng to the left as viewed in Figures I and 2. As the cam ring 34 moves inwardly or to the left as shown in Figures i and 2 the cam surfaces 42 engage the ball bearings 38 and bias the ball bearings outwardiy into engagement with the inside of the indicating rlng 28. Continued axial movement of the connector member 14 in an inwardiy matTng direction (see arrow A in Figure 2) causes the cam rlng 34 to conttnue to move axially inwardly until the cam ramp surface 42 through the ball bearTngs 38 moves the Indicatlng ring 28 to its full Indicatlng position shown In Figure 2. The indTcating rTng also Is shown in Its full indicating posltlon by the phantom lines In Figure 1.
In the indlcating posltion of the indicating ring 28 shown in FTgure 2 it is readily apparent that a full 360 omni-directtona~
visual Indication of the mating condition of the connector members is afforded.
Regardless of the position of the connector such as tn confined conditions in the aircraft or other industrles the mating condition of the connector is readily observable. In addltion it can be seen that since the Tndicating ring 28 starts from a retracted position substantially within the adjacent peripheral bounds of the coupling ring 20 an unmated condition of the connector assembly also is readlly apparent as well as any condition of the mating connector members therebetween. Furthermore with the indicating ring extendfng entirely about the connector assembly ready tactile Indication Is afforded by a minimal amount of manual manipulatTon or touching of the connector assembly even if the connector assembly is hidden from view.
A further feature of the inventlon is the provision of a self-locking feature for the connector assembly which in addition provides an audible indication of the mating of the assembly. More particularly detent means is provided between the cam ring 34 and the one connector member 12. The detent means includes a plurality of detent recesses 50 formed in the axlally inner face of the cam ring 34. A spring wave washer generally designated 52 (see Figures 4 and 5) Is carried by the coupling ring 20 on the inside thereof for rotation therewith. In particular the spring wave washer 52 has a plurality of radialiy outwardly protruding keying tabs 54 which protrude into slots 56 on the inside of the coupling ring 20.
~134472 The spring wave washer 52 has a plurality of integral detent pro-trusTons 56 which cooperate with the detent recesses 50 of the cam ring 34 to provide a ratcheting action. As the connector member 14 is drawn axlally into the coupling ring 20 as described above, and the connector member abuts against the cam ring 34 to move the cam rtng axially inwardly, the detent protrusions 56 of the sprlng wave washer 52 enter the detent recesses 50 of the cam ring to provide said ratcheting action and an audlble indlcation of the mating of the connector members. The cam ring 34 has a plurality of radially Inwardly protruding keying tabs 58 whlch protrude into slots 60 on the outside of the connector member 12 to rotationally flx the cam ring relative thereto but permit the aforesaid axtal movement rela-tive thereto.
In addTtion, as the spring wave washer 52 is compressed by abutment of the mating end of the connector member 14 wlth the cam rlng 34, the Increased forces created thereby in combination with the seating of the detent protrusions 56 of the spring wave washer within the detent recesses 50 of the cam ring 34, effects a self-locking conditlon for the connector assembly to prevent unintentional uncoupling of the connector members, such as under extreme vibration conditions.
It wTII be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodlments, theref~re, are to be considered in all respects as illustratlve and not restrlctive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein but may be modified wtthin the scope of the appended claTms.
Claims (35)
1. A connector assembly which includes first and second connector members adapted for mating engagement, comprising: a coupling member for drawing said connector members into mating engagement; and indicating means associated with said coupling member and at least one of said connector members for movement between a first non-indicating position and a second indicating position in response to a predetermined positional relationship of said connector members, said indicating means when in one of said positions being disposed outside of and substantially entirely about the peripheral bounds of the connector assembly.
2. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said indicating means includes an outer band-like member extending circumferentially about said at least one member and movable between said positions so as to provide an omni-directional indication of the relative positioning of said mating connector members.
3. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 2 including an inner cam member carried by one of said connector members and engageable by the other connector member for biasing said band-like member from said non-indicating position to said indicating position in response to said predetermined positioning of said connector members.
4. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said band-like member extends substantially entirely about said at least one member and including a plurality of ball bearings disposed in radially open-ended bores in said member between said inner cam member and said outer band-like member and engageable therewith for transmitting movement of said inner cam member in a mating direction to transverse movement of said band-like member toward said indica-tion position.
5. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said band-like member comprises a split ring member which is self-biased inwardly toward a retracted position.
6. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 5 including spring means between said cam member and said one connector member.
7. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 3 including detent means between said cam member and said one connector member providing an audible indication of the mating relation of said con-nector members.
8. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said detent means includes a plurality of detent recesses disposed in a radially extending, inwardly facing surface of said cam member, and spring means on said one connector member having at least one detent protrusion providing a ratcheting self-locking action with said detent recesses.
9. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said indicating means when in the other of said positions is disposed at least within the peripheral bounds of the coupling member.
10. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each connector member includes mating means adapted for axial connection in engagement with the mating means of the other connector member and wherein said coupling means comprises: a coupling ring carried by one of said connector members; the other said connector member and said coupling ring having complementarily engageable releasable connecting means for moving the connector members axially into mating relation with each other and wherein said indicating means is associated with said coupling ring and movable radially relative thereto between said first non-indicating posi-tion and said second indicating position in response to a pre-determined positional relationship of said connector members, said indicating means when in one of said positions being disposed outside of and substantially entirely about said coupling ring.
11. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said indicating means when in the other of said positions is disposed at least within the adjacent peripheral bounds of said coupling ring.
12. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said indicating means includes an outer band-like member extending circumferentially about said coupling member and movable between said positions so as to provide an omni-directional visual indication of the relative positioning of said mating connector members.
13. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 12 including means operatively associated between said band-like member and said other connector member for biasing said band-like member to said projecting indicating position in response to said predetermined positioning of said other connector member.
14. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said biasing means includes cam means for biasing said band-like member in a radial direction in response to axial mating movement of said other connector member.
15. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said biasing means comprises an inner cam ring disposed on said one connector member with said cam means disposed thereon, the cam ring having limited axial movement relative to said one connector member.
16. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said band-like member comprises a split ring member extending sub-stantially entirely about said coupling ring, the split ring member being self-biased radially inwardly toward said retracted position.
17. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 15 including at least one ball bearing disposed in a radially open-ended bore in said coupling ring between said inner cam ring and said outer band-like member and engageable therewith for transmitting axial movement of said inner cam ring to radial outward movement of said band-like member toward said indicating position.
18. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said band-like member extends substantially entirely about said coupling ring, and including a plurality of ball bearings cir-cumferentially spaced about said coupling member for engaging said band-like member.
19. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said band-like member comprises a split ring member which is self-biased radially inwardly toward said the other of said positions.
20. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 15 including spring means between said cam ring and said one connector member to urge the cam ring axially outwardly relative to the one connector member.
21. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said cam means on said cam ring comprises a cam ramp extending at an angle to the axis of said connector assembly.
22. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 15, including detent means between said cam ring and said one connector member pro-viding an audible indication of the mating relation of said connector members.
23. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said detent means includes a plurality of detent recesses disposed in a radially extending inwardly facing surface of said cam ring, and spring means on said one connector member having at least one detent protrusion providing a ratcheting action with said detent recesses.
24. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each connector member includes engageable contact means, fibers, or the like, adapted for axial connection in engagement with the contact means, fibers, or the like, of the other connector member, and wherein said coupling means comprises: a coupling ring carried by one of said connector members; said other connector member and said coupling ring having complementarily engageable releasable connecting means for moving the connector members axially into mating relation with each other; and wherein said indicating means is a visual indicating means associated with said coupling ring and movable radially relative thereto from a retracted position to an indicating position projecting outwardly of the coupling ring In response to a predetermined positioning of said other connector member in relation to the coupling ring, said visual indicating means including: an outer band-like member extending substantially entirely about said coupling ring so as to provide an omni-directional visual indication of the relative positioning of said mating connector member, an inner cam ring carried by and having limited axial movement relative to said one connector member and engageable by said other member to effect said axial movement thereof, and a plurality of ball bearings disposed in radially open-ended bores in said coupling ring between said inner cam ring and said outer band-like member and engageable therewith for transmitting movement of said inner cam ring to radial outward movement of said band-like member toward said indicating position.
25. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 24 wherein said band-like indicating member when in said retracted position is radially disposed at least within the adjacent peripheral bounds of said coupling ring.
26. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 24, wherein said band-like indicating member comprises a split ring member which is self-biased radially inwardly toward said retracted position.
27. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 26 including spring means between said cam ring and said one connector member to urge the cam ring axially outwardly relative to the one connector member toward the other connector member.
28. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 24 in-cluding detent means between said cam ring and said one connector member providing an audible indication of the mating relation of said connector members.
29. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 28, where-in said detent means includes a plurality of detent recesses dis-posed in a radially extending, inwardly facing surface of said cam ring, and spring means on said one connector member having at least one detent protrusion providing a ratcheting action with said de-tent recesses.
30. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 24, where-in said coupling ring is carried by said one connector member for rotation relative thereto, and said engageable releasable connecting means between said coupling ring and said other connector member is effective for moving the other connector member axially into mating relation to said one connector member in response to said relative rotation of said coupling ring.
31. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 24, where-in said band-like indicating member comprises an expandable split ring member which is self-biased radially inwardly toward said re-tracted position, the free ends of said expandable split ring being sufficiently overlapped so as to provide a full 360° peripheral in-dicating surface for the split ring when in its expanded indicating condition.
32. In a connector assembly, including mating connector members, an expandable indicating band-like member comprising a split ring which is self-biased radially inwardly, means for moving said split ring between a relaxed condition and an expanded condi-tion in response to a predetermined mating condition of said connec-tor members and the free ends of said expandable split ring being sufficiently overlapped so as to provide a full 360° periphery for the split ring in either said relaxed or said expanded condition.
33. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 32, in-cluding a pair of said connector members and a coupling member for mating said connector members, and wherein said expandable split ring is disposed within a circumferential peripheral groove of the coupling member and movable radially therein.
34. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 33, wherein said split ring when in said relaxed condition is disposed at least within the adjacent peripheral bounds of said coupling ring member.
35. The connector assembly as claimed in Claim 34, wherein said split ring when in said expanded condition is disposed outside the adjacent peripheral bounds of the coupling member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US056,663 | 1979-07-11 | ||
| US06/056,663 US4290662A (en) | 1979-07-11 | 1979-07-11 | Connector assembly with visual, tactile and audible indication |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1134472A true CA1134472A (en) | 1982-10-26 |
Family
ID=22005858
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000355486A Expired CA1134472A (en) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-07-04 | Connector assembly with visual, tactile and audible indication |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4290662A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5632683A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1134472A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3026386A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2461378A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2053590B (en) |
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| US4407529A (en) * | 1980-11-24 | 1983-10-04 | T. J. Electronics, Inc. | Self-locking coupling nut for electrical connectors |
| US4500153A (en) * | 1981-11-09 | 1985-02-19 | Matrix Science Corporation | Self-locking electrical connector |
| US4453793A (en) * | 1982-04-05 | 1984-06-12 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Locking mechanism for rectangular electrical connector |
| US4544224A (en) * | 1982-09-07 | 1985-10-01 | International Telephone & Telegraph Corp. | Self-locking electrical connector |
| US4472013A (en) * | 1982-10-04 | 1984-09-18 | The Bendix Corporation | Electrical connector assembly having an anti-decoupling device |
| US4496213A (en) * | 1982-10-29 | 1985-01-29 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Audible indicator for a connector |
| US4506942A (en) * | 1982-12-02 | 1985-03-26 | Allied Corporation | Anti-decoupling mechanism for electrical connector |
| US4508407A (en) * | 1982-12-02 | 1985-04-02 | International Telephone & Telegraph Corporation | Self-locking connector |
| US4552427A (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1985-11-12 | International Telephone & Telegraph Corp. | Self-locking connector |
| US4648684A (en) * | 1983-12-09 | 1987-03-10 | Raychem Corporation | Secure connector for coaxial cable |
| US4542952A (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1985-09-24 | Allied Corporation | Electrical connector assembly having locking means |
| US4531802A (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1985-07-30 | Allied Corporation | Electrical connector assembly having locking means |
| US4534607A (en) * | 1984-06-04 | 1985-08-13 | Allied Corporation | Connector assembly and coupling ring |
| US4547032A (en) * | 1984-08-03 | 1985-10-15 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Locking means for a plug and receptacle electrical connector |
| US4596431A (en) * | 1985-02-08 | 1986-06-24 | Automation Industries | Tactile coupling indicator for an electrical connector |
| FR2597270B1 (en) * | 1986-04-11 | 1988-11-10 | Drogo Pierre | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR |
| US4883184A (en) * | 1986-05-23 | 1989-11-28 | Albus James S | Cable arrangement and lifting platform for stabilized load lifting |
| GB8715164D0 (en) * | 1987-06-27 | 1987-08-05 | Smiths Industries Plc | Coupling arrangements |
| JPH0332703U (en) * | 1989-08-07 | 1991-03-29 | ||
| US5181860A (en) * | 1990-03-28 | 1993-01-26 | Daiichi Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrical connector with rotatable locking ring |
| US5876238A (en) * | 1997-06-17 | 1999-03-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Device and method for securing integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection |
| US6468100B1 (en) * | 2001-05-24 | 2002-10-22 | Tektronix, Inc. | BMA interconnect adapter |
| US20030129870A1 (en) * | 2002-01-08 | 2003-07-10 | Trompeter Electronics, Inc. | Miniature BNC connector assembly |
| USRE42926E1 (en) | 2001-08-27 | 2011-11-15 | Trompeter Electronics, Inc. | Miniature BNC connector |
| US6561841B2 (en) * | 2001-08-27 | 2003-05-13 | Trompeter Electronics, Inc. | Connector assembly having visual indicator |
| US6921283B2 (en) * | 2001-08-27 | 2005-07-26 | Trompeter Electronics, Inc. | BNC connector having visual indication |
| US6977595B2 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2005-12-20 | Xerox Corporation | Multi-device inter-connection securing apparatus |
| JP3943914B2 (en) * | 2001-11-26 | 2007-07-11 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
| DE10336674A1 (en) * | 2003-08-09 | 2005-03-31 | Hirschmann Electronics Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connection nut with reduced thread length |
| US20080085630A1 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2008-04-10 | Jeremy Amidon | Coaxial Cable Connector |
| US7452228B1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2008-11-18 | Kennedy James P | BNC plug connector with rotational position indication and associated method |
| US7497723B2 (en) * | 2007-06-14 | 2009-03-03 | Nordson Corporation | High-voltage electrical connector with visual indicator |
| DE102008018809A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2009-10-22 | Rohde & Schwarz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Coaxial connector with ball bearing |
| DE102011007940B4 (en) | 2011-01-03 | 2019-02-21 | Wolfgang B. Thörner | Polklemme |
| US11637398B2 (en) | 2021-07-19 | 2023-04-25 | Amphenol Corporation | Electrical connector with full-mate indicator |
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| US1024274A (en) * | 1911-12-04 | 1912-04-23 | Andrew D Miller | Nut-lock. |
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| US3008116A (en) * | 1959-04-27 | 1961-11-07 | Cannon Electric Co | Moisture-proof quick-disconnect device |
| US3191972A (en) * | 1960-05-09 | 1965-06-29 | Lear Siegler Inc | Quick connect tube coupling having locking means with visual indicator |
| US3281757A (en) * | 1963-11-13 | 1966-10-25 | Bonhomme Francois Robert | Electrical connectors |
| US3343852A (en) * | 1964-06-08 | 1967-09-26 | Cannon Electric Great Britain | Locking nuts and electrical connectors incorporating locking nuts |
| US3552777A (en) * | 1968-02-23 | 1971-01-05 | United Air Lines Inc | Self-locking device for couplings |
| US3555490A (en) * | 1968-08-14 | 1971-01-12 | Robert A Williams | Latch type pyrotechnic detonator circuit test probe |
| US3587032A (en) * | 1968-08-19 | 1971-06-22 | Bendix Corp | Separable connector with locking means |
| US3594694A (en) * | 1968-11-08 | 1971-07-20 | G & H Technology | Quick disconnect connector |
| US3594700A (en) * | 1969-08-20 | 1971-07-20 | Pyle National Co | Electrical connector with threaded coupling nut lock |
| US3646495A (en) * | 1970-01-19 | 1972-02-29 | Bunker Ramo | Connector device having detent lock |
| US3669472A (en) * | 1971-02-03 | 1972-06-13 | Wiggins Inc E B | Coupling device with spring locking detent means |
| US3750087A (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1973-07-31 | Trw Inc | Preloaded electrical connector |
| US3786396A (en) * | 1972-04-28 | 1974-01-15 | Bunker Ramo | Electrical connector with locking device |
| US3777523A (en) * | 1972-09-11 | 1973-12-11 | H Holland | Key tag |
| US3971614A (en) * | 1972-11-03 | 1976-07-27 | Akzona Incorporated | Electrical connector with means for maintaining a connected condition |
| US3801954A (en) * | 1972-11-28 | 1974-04-02 | Bunker Ramo | Coupled electrical connector with heat-activated memory locking means |
| US3808580A (en) * | 1972-12-18 | 1974-04-30 | Matrix Science Corp | Self-locking coupling nut for electrical connectors |
| US3805216A (en) * | 1973-02-01 | 1974-04-16 | Int Standard Electric Corp | Electrical connector |
| US3892458A (en) * | 1973-04-04 | 1975-07-01 | Deutsch Co Elec Comp | Coupling for electrical connector or the like |
| US3917373A (en) * | 1974-06-05 | 1975-11-04 | Bunker Ramo | Coupling ring assembly |
| US3960428A (en) * | 1975-04-07 | 1976-06-01 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Electrical connector |
| US4030798A (en) * | 1975-04-11 | 1977-06-21 | Akzona Incorporated | Electrical connector with means for maintaining a connected condition |
| US4076361A (en) * | 1975-12-17 | 1978-02-28 | Gulton Industries, Inc. | Electrical connector assembly for use with remote manipulator |
| US4066315A (en) * | 1976-07-26 | 1978-01-03 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Electrical connector with arcuate detent means |
| US4074927A (en) * | 1976-07-26 | 1978-02-21 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Electrical connector with insert member retaining means |
| US4059324A (en) * | 1976-09-15 | 1977-11-22 | The Bendix Corporation | Electrical connector |
| US4056298A (en) * | 1976-10-07 | 1977-11-01 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Electrical connector with coupling assembly breech retaining means |
-
1979
- 1979-07-11 US US06/056,663 patent/US4290662A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1980
- 1980-06-26 GB GB8020957A patent/GB2053590B/en not_active Expired
- 1980-07-04 CA CA000355486A patent/CA1134472A/en not_active Expired
- 1980-07-09 FR FR8015731A patent/FR2461378A1/en active Granted
- 1980-07-10 JP JP9338880A patent/JPS5632683A/en active Pending
- 1980-07-11 DE DE19803026386 patent/DE3026386A1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3026386A1 (en) | 1981-01-29 |
| FR2461378B1 (en) | 1984-11-23 |
| GB2053590B (en) | 1983-05-18 |
| GB2053590A (en) | 1981-02-04 |
| JPS5632683A (en) | 1981-04-02 |
| US4290662A (en) | 1981-09-22 |
| FR2461378A1 (en) | 1981-01-30 |
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