Anti-decoupling device for an electrical connector
US4502748A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1983 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/622
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention is an anti-decoupling mechanism for an electrical connector assembly of the type having two housings (20, 50) connected together by a coupling ring (30). The invention is characterized by an annular member (10) that has a plurality of slots (11) around the periphery thereof that engages the projection (41) on each spring (40) mounted within a coupling ring (30). The annular member (10) is radially expandable to increase its diameter in response to opposing axial forces applied by the housings (20, 50) as they are drawn together by the coupling ring (30). This anti-decoupling arrangement provides a first lower pressure against the spring (40) during the initial stage of the coupling cycle and a second higher pressure against the spring during the final stage of the coupling cycle thereby reducing the wear on the anti-decoupling mechanism an increasing its effectiveness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.