Self-locking bayonet coupling mechanism
US6226068A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/625
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An automatically locking bayonet coupling mechanism includes, a linear guide structure for preventing relative rotation between the coupler halves, a sleeve rotatably mounted on one of the coupler halves, a spring captured between the sleeve and the coupler half on which it is mounted to generate a torsional force between the sleeve and the coupler half, an L-shaped groove in the other of the coupler halves, and a bayonet pin extending from the sleeve and arranged to engage cam surfaces defined by edges of the groove. As the coupler halves are pushed together linearly, engagement between the bayonet pin and a first of the cam surfaces causes the sleeve to rotate against the force of the spring. Subsequently, the bayonet pin is caused to engage a second of the cam surfaces that forms a locking ramp. As the sleeve is caused to rotate into a locking position in response to the spring force, the angle of the locking ramp causes the spring force on the bayonet pin and locking ramp to also draw the coupler halves together, and to maintain the axial force that draws the coupler halves together after the bayonet pin comes to rest before the end of the locking ramp.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.