Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1(1 798Z7
BACKGROUND
Electrical connectors include plug and receptacle means having pin
and socket contacts for electrical engagement, said pin and socket contacts
being oriented axially for alignment thereof to permit engagement by relative
axial movement of the plug and receptacle means. Axial alignment or polariz-
ation of a plug and a receptacle means is not sufficient to provide fool-
proof reliable proper interconnection of pin and socket contacts of the plug
and receptacle means.
Electrical connectors are constructed in accordance with detailed
specifications to provide interconnection of cables having selected numbers
of wires to provide the desired number of circuits. The plug and receptacle
means at which the wires of the cables are terminated for interconnection
through the pin and socket contacts of the connector may vary in diameter,
for e~ample, one half inch and greater diameters. The number of circuits
in the cables to be interconnected may vary for example from one circuit to
any number of circuits. The same diameter size or construction of an elec-
trical connector may include a varying number of circuits or lines to be
connected so that plug and receptacle shells of the same diameter and of
the same number of circuits may not be necessarily be compatible with respect
to mating because the pin and socket arrangements in the shells may be differ-
ent. It is difficult to visually ascertain plug and receptacle means adapted
for compatible mating when a large number of circuits are being connected.
In addition, visual inspection of the plug and receptacle means may not be
readily made because of the location of one of the connector parts to deter-
mine whether the parts are compatible.
Prior proposed cylindrical electrical connectors have been provided
~; with key and keyway systems for aligning the connectors prior to engagement
to the pin and socket contacts therein. In some prior electrical connectors
' .
'~
~, ~ , ' :
~ ~ : , . , . ,' . - , . .: , . . .
.
1~7~8~7
additional and different key and keyway arrangements were provided so that
mismating of connectors could be prevented if mating was not intended. Such
prior key and keyway systems served to prevent complete mating of incompat-
ible connector parts, but often in such prior systems a partial engagement
or a false mating condition was present. In other words, one or more keys
might partially engage its mating keyway while other keys would not be
engaged with their mating keyways. As a result, as the proper alignment
of the connector parts was sought by the operator, axial misalignment some-
times referred to as "hooking" or dipping action would produce wear on the
key and keyway arrangements and resul~ed in an improper "feel" during the
movement of the connector parts into an attempted mating condition. It
should be understood that often the attempted mating of connector parts
occurs under conditions where the connector may not be completely visible
and often the connecting of the two parts is done entirely by feel; that
is, by the operator's manually sensing the position of the connector parts.
In such prior proposed constructions utilizing the prior key and keyway
systems, if both the plug and receptacle contained pin contacts and had
the same key and keyway arrangement, they could be brought into a coupling
position. In such coupling position, because the contacts were pin to pin,
contact damage would result and there would be malfunctioning of circuits.
Thus, while some prior electrical connectors have been so con-
structed to allow partial false mating of incompatible connector parts,
none of such prior proposed constructions known to us have by positive means
prevented such false mating prior to engagement of the electrical contacts
and in a manner which prevented axial misalignment of the connector parts at
an early stage of the coupling operation.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an electrical connector provided
- - - . - . . .
.
.
.: :
98Z7
with a hold off means constructed and arranged for mating of compatible plug
and receptacle means for preventing mating of noncompatible plug and
receptacle means and for obviating disadvantages of such prior connector
constructions. The invention particularly relates to an improved electrical
connector having means for stopping, early in the coupling operation, further
relative axial movement of a plug and receptacle means towards a fully mated
position and to avoid a false mating condition when the plug and receptacle
means are noncompatible.
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical
connector having a novel construction which assure not only proper mating
of connector parts but also protects the parts against improper mating.
An object of the invention is to provide an electrical connector
in which the connector parts are maintained in substantially coaxial relation
while mating of the key and keyways is being sought to reduce wear on the
key and keyway parts and to prevent a condition of manual sensing which
might cause the operator to believe that the connector parts are mated.
Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical con-
nector wherein the relationship between noncompatible connector parts during
attempted mating is stabilized so that a false mating condition will not
occur.
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical
connector having a novel construction which assures not only proper mating
of connector parts but also protects the parts against improper mating.
An object of the invention is to provide an electrical connector
having means for holding one connector part against further relative axial
movement with respect to the other connector part in the event the connector
parts are not intended for coupling together.
Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical con- -
~ 3
, .
~. .: , ' . . . ' ' '
.. . .
:~ . . .
1~7~3827
nector includin~ stop means for preventing mating of noncompatible plug and
receptacle means before pin and socket contacts of said plug and receptacle
means move into electrical interengagement.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel
construction of an electrical connector wherein set of keys and keyways
provided on plug and receptacle means are arranged to permit coupling inter-
connection of only compatible plug and receptacle means.
The objects and advantages of the present invention further include
a construction of an electrical connector wherein axial tilting or misalign-
ment of connector parts will not result in damage to pins or sockets because
one connector part is held off from another connector part by abutment of
keys with locking lands on the other connector part, said abutment areas
occurring at angularly spaced locations so that further axial misalignment
of the connector parts is restricted and minimized. Further advantages of
the electrical connector of this invention include the employment of locking
lands on one connector shell to serve not only as interlock means for the
plug and receptacle means but also to serve as stop means for preventing
mating of mismatched connector ~hells, and wherein the means for preventing
a ma~ed mismatch of connector parts is provided on a coupling housing.
According to the present invention, there is provided in an elec-
trical connector having a plug means with a plug shell with electrical con-
tacts, a receptacle means with a receptacle shell with electrical contacts,
a coupling nut threaded on said plug shell, and a rotatable coupling housing
having driving engagement with said coupling nut for rotation thereof to
axially move said electrical contacts into mating relation at one stage of
said relative axial movement of said plug and receptacle means, the combin-
ation of: a flange on said coupling housing spaced in an axial direction
from said electrical contacts on said plug means in plug shell retracted
:
.
-
.. . :, . . . .
:. , -
, - , ,
~ 798Z7
position and having spaced key and keyway means, said receptacle shell
having spaced locking lands thereon and spaced key and keyway means; said
key means on said flange and on said receptacle shell having abutment in
triangular spaced relation with axially directed faces on said locking lands
and on said flange for maintaining said plug means in axial alignment with
said receptacle means while said plug means is turned to seek alignment of
said key and keyway means for further relative axial movement of said plug
and receptacle means into fully mated relation.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with refer-
ence to the accompanying drawings.
IN THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 is an exploded viewJ partly in section, of a plug means
and a receptacle means of an electrical connector embodying this invention.
Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken in the planes
indicated by line II - II of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in the plane indic-
ated by line III - III of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the plug
means and receptacle means of the electrical connector shown in Figure 1 in
~; 20 a partially telescoped relation with the pin and socket electrical contacts
I aligned but in axial spaced relation.
I
~ Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view of Figure 4 taken in the
`~ plane indicated by line V - V of Figure 4.
;1 Figure 6 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the elec-
trical connector shown in Figure 1 with the plug means and the receptacle
,;~ means further advanced axially toward each other but with the pin and socket
..~
electrical contacts still out of electrical engagement, and with the coupling
housing fully advanced axially.
-5-
!~ .
lV7~8;27
Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view taken in the plane
indicated by line VII - VII of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a detent spring means of this
invention.
Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in the same plane
as Figure 7 and illustrating position of the detent spring means at an
intermediate rotative position of the coupling ring housing.
Figure 10 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the elec-
trical connector shown in Figure 1 and showing the plug and receptacle means
in full electrical and mechanically locked mating relation.
Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view taken in the plane
indicated by line XI - XI of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing RFI
means between the plug shell and receptacle shell of the electrical connector
shown in Figure 1.
Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the RFI means shown
in Figure 12 out of engagement with the receptacle shell.
Figure 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a metal blank from which
the RFI means shown in Figures 12 and 13 are formed.
Figure 15 is a fragmentary plan view of one step in forming the
RFI means from the blank shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a fragmentary perspective view of the RFI means
showing the relation of the fingers when the RFI means is formed into an
annulus.
Figure 17 is a transverse sectional view taken in the plane
indicated by line XVII - XVII of Figure 10 illustrating a lock means for
retaining the coupling nut and spring means associated therewith in assembly
with the coupling ring housing.
~798Z7
Figure 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in the same plane
as Figure 17 and showing the lock means rotated to an unlocking position.
Figure 19 is an exploded fragmentary sectional view of one of
the shells and an insert retainer ring for securing an insert member within
said shell.
Figure 20 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view of the thread
configuration on the shell and on the retainer ring in juxtaposition.
Figure 21 is a diagrammatic view showing points of interengage-
ment of the threads of the retainer ring with the threads of the shell.
Figure 22 is a fragmentary sectional view showing configuration
of the locking lands on the receptacle shell and the keyways and master
key provided thereon.
Figure 23 is a sectional view taken through the coupling housing
flange on the plug means showing the floating keys and master keyway.
Figure 24 is a sectional view showing the keys and keyways on the
receptacle and on the coupling housing flange in proper mating relation to
permit further relative axial movement of the plug and receptacle means.
Figure 25 is a transverse sectional view through the coupling
housing flange of a plug means which is non-compatible with the receptacle
means shown on the drawings to illustrate the angular relationship of the
k0ys and keyways to prevent false mating.
Figure 26 is a sectional view similar to Figure 25 showing align-
ment of the master key and keyway of non-compatible plug means and receptacle
means to illustrate the contact of the keys on the flange to prevent further
mating of the non-compatible connector parts.
In Figure 1 is shown a receptacle means 30 coaxially aligned with
and separated from a plug means 31, both receptacle and plug means providing
an electrical connector generally indicated at 32 ~Figure 4). The elec-
--7--
.. . . . .
,
:. . ... .
: ., ~ . . : ~
; ' ' ', ' . , ' ': ' '' :
. .
-
10'79827
trical connector 32 serves to couple and electrically connect a plurality of
cables or wires, the ends of which are secured to the receptacle and plug
means at electrical contact elements in known manner. Five cables are shown
for coupling by the connector 32, it ~Deing understood that the bundle of
cables may vary in number and can include as many as 20 cables or more. The
plug means 31 is adapted to be advanced along the axis of receptacle means
30 to move the plug means 31 into desired full electrical and mechanical
mating of the plug and receptacle means.
Receptacle Means
In this embodiment of the invention, receptacle means 30 includes
a receptacle shell 36 comprising a cylindrical wall having a radially out-
wardly directed annular flange 37 which may be placed against the front face
of wall 33 and secured thereto by screw bolts 34. Receptacle shell 36 ex-
tends through an opening 38 in wall 33 and may include a back cylindrical
shell wall 39 which extends beyond the back face of wall 33.
Receptacle shell 36 receives and holds a composit0 insert member
40 of cylindrical form. The external cylindrical surface of insert member
4n may be provided with a plurality of axially spaced radially inwardly
stepped shoulders 41, 42 ~Figure 6) for cooperable seating engagement with
correspondingly axially spaced and radially inwardly formed shoulders 41a
and 42a on the internal cylindrical surface of shell 36. Insert member 40
is restricted against axial movement in one direction by the abutment of
said shoulders. Axial movement of insert member 40 in the opposite direc-
tion, that is backwardly of the back shell 39, is restrained by an insert
sleeve retainer means in a novel manner as later described in connection
with Figures 19-21 inclusive.
The front portion of insert member 40 may be made of a resilient
dielectric material and the back portion made of a relatively hard dielectric
-8-
:: : .
-
10798Z7
:
material. Contact pins 45 project from conical bosses 44 of the resilient
material, the bosses providing circular sealing contact with hard dielectric
material surrounding corresponding socket contacts in the plug means. The
axial position of insert member 40 in receptacle shell 36 is such that con-
tact pins 45 carried thereby have their pin ends spaced a predetermined
distance inwardly from the edge face 46 of receptacle shell 36. Contact
pins 45 are thereby exposed for mating contact with the plug means relative-
ly deeply within the chamber formed by receptacle shell 36 and are protective-
ly enclosed by receptacle shell 36.
Receptacle shell 36 is provided with an external cylindrical sur-
face 47 provided with two sets of circumferentially spaced external radially
outwardly directed shell locking lands 48, 49 to provide respective locking
faces 49a, 48a spaced uniformly from the opposed annular face 51 of flange
37. The overall circumferential dimension of "L" (figure 5) of each set
of lands 48, 49, may remain unchanged for receptacle shells of the same
,!
, diameter. The arcuate length of each land 48, 49 of each set of lands maybe varied to provide a specific different set of lands for receptacles
having selected pin contact arrangements or other differing characteristics
~; to avoid mismatching of receptacle and plug means.
A master key 50 is provided on receptacle shell surface 47 between
;~ the two sets of locking lands and in the same transverse planar zone as
lands 48, 49. Key 50 has a face 50a spaced from flange face 51 the same
.,~ .
distance as land faces 48a, 49a. Key 50 may be varied in width or arcuate
length to be compatible with a selected plug means and serves to angularly
orient the plug and receptacle means.
The interconnection at the insert member between the cables, insert
member 40 and contact pins 45 may be made in suitable well-known manner. It
is understood that insert member 40 firmly holds the contact pins 45 against
~ 187982~
relative axial movement and that electrical continuity is preserved through
insert member 40 without electrical leakage loss.
Plug Means
Plug means 31 comprises a plug shell 60 having a particularly con-
figured cylindrical wall 61 having an internal diameter slightly greater than
the outer diameter of receptacle shell 36 so that shell 36 may be axially
and telescopically received therewithin. The plug shell 60 also includes an
internal annular flange 62 defining an opening 63 and a shoulder 64 serving
to index axially a plug insert member 66 with respect to the plug shell.
Flange 62 includes a keyway 62a which receives a plastic key 62b on insert
member 66 to angularly index member 66 also with respect to the plug shell
60. Annular shoulder 65 spaced from shoulder 64 serves as a seat for one
end of an insert retainer ring member as later described. A cylindrical
plug insert member 66 of suitable hard dielectric material receives ends of
cables which are electrically connected within insert member 66 to electrical
socket contacts 67 spaced and arranged about the axis of the plug insert
member to correspond with the spacing and arrangement of the contact pins 45
on the receptacle insert member 41. The cylindrical portion 68 of plug insert
member 66 has an outer diameter whichis slightly less than the inn~er dia-
meter of receptacle shell 36. The outer cylindrical surface of insert
member portion 68 defines with the internal cylindrical surface of cylin-
drical wall 61 of plug shell 60 an annular space 69 for reception of recep-
tacle shell 36 during mating of the plug and receptacle means.
Plug means 31 also includes means for coupling or connecting the
plug and receptacle means whereby the pin and socket contacts 45 and 67
respectively are properly aligned for electrical mating contact when the
; receptacle and plug shells 36 and 60 respectively are coaxially drawn to-
gether into full electrical mating and mechanical locking engagement. In
--10--
. .
,' ,, : :' , : ': ' . ,: ,, . : ' -, , : ' , ~ :
~07~8;~7
this example, the coupling means generally indicated at 70 includes a
coupling ring housing 71 and a coupling nut 72 within coupling housing 71
and provided with threaded engagement at 73 with external threads provided
on cylindrical wall 61 of plug shell 60. Coupling ring housing 71, Figure 3,
is provided on an intermediate portion of its internal surface with a
plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly directed lands 75
and grooves 76 for cooperation with complementary lands 77 and grooves 78
on coupling nut 72. Certain of the interengaging lands and grooves may be
of different width to angularly orient and position the coupling housing and
nut with respect to each other. Coupling ring housing 71, when turned
about the axis of the connector, will transmit such turning forces to coup-
ling nut 72 through the interleaved lands and grooves of the coupling
housing and nut while permitting relative longitudinal or axial movement
between coupling housing and coupling nut.
Coupling housing 71 is provided with a coupling end portion 80
having a radially inwardly directed breech flange 81 provided with circum- '
ferentially spaced radially inwardly directed breech lugs 82 and 83 and a
keyway 84. The inner diameter of flange 81 with spaced lugs 82 and 83 is
slightly greater than the outer diameter of receptacle shell 36 so that the
shell 36 may be inserted, after proper orientation of receptacle shell lands
and breech lugs, through the breech flange opening for reception between the
plug shell and the plug insert member.
Coupling housing 71 also includes between breech flange 81 and an
interior radially inwardly directed annular rib 88 a part circular, about
270, groove 8~ to receive a spring detent means 87 of about 180 arcuate
shape to audibly and tactilely signal full locked and unlocked condition
of the plug and receptacle means as later described.
Coupling housing 71 also encloses an annular spring means 91 which
.
, : - - ~ .
:
,
1~79827
imparts an axially directed spring force against coupling nut 72. One end
of nut 72 abuts face 89 of rib 88, the other end of nut 72 providing an
annular seating face 90 for one end of spring means 91 which is seated at
its opposite end against an annular retaining member 92 breech interlocked
with coupling housing 71 as more particularly described hereafter.
The threaded engagement at 73 between plug shell 60 and coupling
nut 72 comprises a four lead fast thread adapted to rapidly axially advance
plug shell 60 into full mated relationship with receptacle shell 36 upon
rotation o coupling ring housing 71. An example of a suitable thread is
an Acme stub thread.
Electrical continuity with respect to grounding and radio
frequency interference shielding means 95 may be carried within plug shell
60 for engagement with receptacle shell 36, the shielding means 95 being
particularly described hereafter. In this example, the RFI shield means 95
is positioned and located on an annular rib 96 provided on the interior
surface of plug shell 60 and cooperable with a particular mounting configur-
ation of the shield means to securely position shield means 95. RFI shield
means 95 comprises a plurality of resilient fingers 97 which are adapted to
be compressed by the forward portion of the receptacle shell 36 to provide
electrical contact therewith as hereinafter described in detail.
The construction of receptacle means 30, plug means 31, and
coupling means 70 embody novel features of construction and operation which
will be further described in detail in connection with a coupling and un-
coupling operation of the plug and receptacle means. In this example,
receptacle means 30 is fixedly mounted on a wall 33 and is non-rotatable
and is non-axially movable. It will be understood that the plug and
receptacle means may be moved relative to each other in order to accomplish
the coupling and uncoupling functions and that the present example contem-
-12-
, ~ :
.; ,
, ~
^` 1~7~8~7
plates such an operation.
In Figure 1, receptacle means 30 and plug means 31 are in spaced
relation and positioned along aligned axes of the plug and receptacle means.
Plug shell 60 is in retracted axial relation with respect to coupling means
70. Further, in this retracted position,keyway 84 on coupling ring housing
71 is in alignment with an internal keyway 100 on the plug shell. Plug
means 31 is then angu1arly or rotatably aligned by suitable reference marks
; on the coupling housing and receptacle shell so that the keyway 84 is in
- linear alignment with master key 50 on the receptacle shell.
If keyway 84 and key 50 are compatible, which determines whether
the plug and receptacle means are designed for mating, plug means 31 may
then be advanced along the axis of the connector to permit entry of master
key 50 into keyway 84 of the coupling housing, Figure 4. It will be apparent
that the ends of contact pins 45 are spaced from socket contact 67 of the
plug insert member 66 and that the end portion of receptacle shell 36 has
entered the annular space 69 between insert member 66 and cylindrical wall
61 of the plug shell. In such position (Figure 4) the pin contacts and
socket contacts are in alignment, are not in electrical contact, and the
plug and receptacle shells are interengaged over a sufficient axial distance
to minimize or effectively restrict cocking or axial misalignment of one
~; shell with respect to the other shell. The relative relationship of coupling
means 70 with respect to plug shell 60 is unchanged.
Plug means 31, after having been properly aligned and oriented
with receptacle means 30 as illustrated in Figure 4, may be still further
advanced axially until the front face of the coupling housing breech flange
81 moves against upstanding annular flange 37 on the receptacle means 30.
During this relative axial movement of the plug and receptacle means, the
coupling Ting housing and associated coupling nut and plug shell are turned
; -13-
'
. - . .
.
79827
only to the extent of matching key 50 with keyway 84 and matching the
receptacle shell lands 48 and 49 with the openings provided in the inner
circumference of housing flange 81. At the position shown in Figure 6,
the pin contacts 45 are at the openings of the socket contacts on the plug
insert member but have not entered the openings.
It should be noted that the breech flange 811includes keys 85
spaced about 120 from keyway 84, said keys 85 being alignable with and
passing through keyways 85a formed between locking lands 48 and 49 on
receptacle shell 36. The correct orientation of keys 85 and keyways 85a
permits axial advancment of plug means towards the receptacle means so that
the shells can be properly mated. As later described, keys 85 and keyways
85a serve to prevent mating of plug means and receptacle means which are
not designed or intended to be mated because of different numbers of pin
and socket contacts carried by each of the plug and receptacle means.
Advancement of the plug means into full electrical contact of the
contact pins and contact sockets is accomplished by turning the coupling
ring in one direction through about 90. Turning of coupling ring housing
71 drives the coupling nut 72 which moves plug shell 60 axially without
rotation towards the receptacle means. Plug shell 60 is held against
rotation by interlocking of key 50 on the receptacle shell and the keyway
100 on the plug shell, master key 50 having entered keyway 100 upon the last
axial movement of the plug means and is disengaged with the keyway 84 on
coupling ring housing 71. Thus, in position shown in Figures 6 and 10, the
coupling ring 71 may be turned relative to the shells; however, plug and
receptacle shells are held against relative rotation by the key and keyway
50 and 100. Since the pin and socket contacts have been aligned, the ends
of the pins enter the sockets for electrical engagement. Upon completion
of turning the coupling housing through 90 ~Figure 10) the breech locking
.~
-14-
- . - . ~.
.:
-: . ,: - . ~ . .
,, ' : ~ ~ ' . - . . :.
~V7~8Z7
lugs 82 and 83 on the coupling housing are located axially behind the
locking lands 48 and 49 on the receptacle shell and the annular flange
formed thereon. Relative axial movement of the coupling housing with
respect to the plug shell is thereby prevented.
Spring Detent Means
Means for audibly and tactilely indicating that the plug and
receptacle means are in full mated and locked condition both electrically
and mechanically and to hold them in locked condition is provided by the
spring detent means 87. Detent means 87 is carried in part-circumferential
groove 86 formed in the internal surface of the coupling ring housing 71.
As shown in Figure 8, spring detent means 87 is of arcuate configuration
and has an internal key 110 midway between ends of the detent spring means,
' the key 110 being axially slidably loosely engageablein a keyway 111 pro-
vided on the outer surface of the end portion 61 of the plug shell 60.
Spring detent means 87 is operable within groove 86 in the coupling ring
housing but does not rotate or turn with the coupling housing.
Spring detent means 87 includes arcuate arms 112 with radially
outwardly extending projections 114 having convex surfaces 115. The
arcuate arms 112 are progressively reduced in cross-sectional area towards
end 114. The unrestrained normal configuration of arms 112 provides a
space between end portions 114 greater than the distance between a first
set of detent recesses 116 provided in diametrical relation in the internal
groove 86 provided in coupling housing 71. Detent recesses 116 may be
provided with an arcuate internal surface 117 formed about radii generally
greater than the radii of convex surface 115 at ends of arms 112. A second
set of detent recesses 116a is provided in coupling housing 71 and spaced
approximately 90 from the first set of detent recesses 116. As best seen
in Figure 7 the annular groove 86 subtends approximately 270 and te~minates
-15-
:, . . - ~
: ` ' ' ' : .
. . ' ' , :: ~ : ~.
.
1~79827
in the adjacent recesses 116 and 116a of the two sets of recesses, the
material of coupling housing 71 between recesses providing stops at 118
and 118a to limi~ rotation of the coupling housing by contact of projec-
tions 114 therewith.
When detent spring means 87 is assembled within the coupling
housing, the arcuate arms 112 are forcibly bent inwardly so that a radially
outwardly spring biasing force is exerted against coupling housing 71. When
coupling housing 71 is rotated, detent spring means 87 being non-rotatable
because of keying to the plug shell, sufficient force must be applied to
the coupling housing to cause arcuate arms 112 to radially inwardly com-
press and projections 114 to disengage recesses 116. As the coupling
housing reaches the end of its 90 turn, spring arms 112 snap outwardly
as projections 114 are biased into detent recesses 116a. When this occursJ
a very distinct relatively loud snap or click is heard and felt.
When such an audible and tactile signal is given by rotation of
the coupling housing 71, such signal clearly indicates that coupling
housing 71 has completed breech locking engagement with receptacle shell 36
and that coupling nut 72 has driven axially forwardly plug shell 30 and
insert member therein so that the pin contacts 45 are in full electrical
~ 20 engagement with the contact sockets carried by the plug means.
`~ When the plug and receptacle means are uncoupled, the coupling
housing is rotated in the opposite direction, the spring detent arms 112
are radially inwardly compressed upon leaving recesses 116a. The coupling
.1~
housing 71 drives coupling nut 72 in the opposite direction so that the plug
shell 60 and its insert body member with socket contacts is axially with-
drawn without rotation. The spring detent means 87 again audibly indicates
that plug means 31 has become disengaged electrically from the receptacle
means 30 by the audible and tactile force of the spring detent means snap-
-16-
10798Z7
ping against the coupling housing as the projections 114 enter recesses 116.
The coupling housing is then positioned with the keys and keyways on the
breech locking flange and shell locking lands aligned so that the plug means
can be withdrawn from the receptacle means in an axial direction without
rotation.
It should be noted that the coupling nut 72 is biased axially
forwardly toward the receptacle means by springs 91. Springs 91 not only
facilitate turning of the coupling ring housing 71J which drives coupling
nut 72, into full mated and locked relationship desired between the plug and
receptacle meansJ but also after such full mating engagement, the spring
means 91 may serve to bias and hold the plug and receptacle means in assembled
; relation.
Detent spring means 87 may vary in curvatureJ such curvature is
always sufficient to cause forceful snapping of the projections 114 into
recesses 116, 116a to be heard and felt. Such forceful snapping of detent
projections into the detent recesses is facilitated by the loose clearance
key 110 has with keyway 111, such loose clearance allowing the detent member
to quickly shift posi~ion to help produce the loud snapping sound. The
loose clearance of key 110 and keyway 111 is correlated to the curvature of
the detent projections 114 and recesses 116 so that the detent member does
not bind in its contacts with the coupling housing and plug shell and is
free to quickly respond as the projections 114 move into the recesses 116.
The convex faces 115 and concave recesses 116J 116a and difference in curva-
ture thereof facilitates the snapping effect and also is one of the factors
which tends to maintain assembly because coupling housing 71 cannot be turned
until sufficient torque force is applied thereto to release the projections
~; 114 from recesses 116, 116a. The amount of force required is predetermined
and the arrangement of curved surfaces on projections 114 and recesses 116,
-17-
:. ..... :- . ~ .: , . : : - .
:: . , .. .: ~ .
- . . - ~ ..~ - : . :. , ~ ,
- , - .
- ::
` 1l~79827
116a may be varied to provide a desired release and snap-in. The constIuc-
tion and bending characteristics of arms 112 may also be varied to obtain a
desired force.
RFI-Shielding Mêans
Means for grounding and shielding electrical connector 32 against
frequency interference in the range from 100 MHz to 10 GHz comprises shield
means 95 shown in detail in Figures 12-16 inclusive. Shielding integrity
is provided by a 360 continuous low resistance path from one cable shield
to the other cable shield through the electrical connector. In this example,
the cable shields are electrically connected to the plug and receptacle
shells in well-known manner. The shielding means 95 is in shielding contact
relationship with the forward end portion of receptacle shell 36 as shown
in Figures 6 and 10. As noted in Figure 6, shielding engagement with
receptacle shell 36 occurs prior to electrical contact of contact pins 45
with contact sockets 67.
As previously briefly described, shield means 95 is mounted on an
internal annular rib 96 of plug shell 60 and includes a plurality of circular-
ly arranged resilient folded fingers 97 adapted to slidably and electrically
contact the external cylindrical surface of receptacle shell 36. Shielding
means 95 is so constructed and formed that when installed on the interior
of plug shell 60, the spaces or windows between adjacent edges of fingers 97
are minimized and will be in the order of a few thousandths of an inch, for
example 0.004 inches.
In the method of forming such an RFI shield means 95 a rectangular
blank 120 of suitable metal stock material such as beryllium copper of about
0.00~ inches thick of selected length and width is provided, Figure 14. On
one face of blank 12 is printed or inscribed a preselected pattern of secure-
ment tabs 121 and spring fingers 122 extending from an intermediate longitudi-
~ ` ' .
-18-
' -.
,: : , . . - . :. . . . . , :
. , . . :
79827
nally extending band 123. The configuration of fingers 122 is trapezoidal
and tapers from band 123 to the end distal therefrom. Securement tabs 121
and fingers 122 are connected to band 123 by narrow neck portions 124.
Material of the blank 120 between the inscribed tabs, fingers and band is
then chemically etched away so that a precise dimensional configuration of
tabs and fingers results.
While the etched blank 120 is in flat form, the material is sub-
jected to a forming operation wherein the securement tabs 121 are bent into
generally U-shape as shown in Figure 16 wherein outer leg 121a of the secure-
ment tab is initially formed slightly inclined toward the opposed leg of
the tab. The inclination of leg 121a facilitates tight frictional grasping
of rib 96 when the shielding means is mounted on plug shell 60.
Fingers 122 are formed as by bending each finger about an inter-
mediate portion which forms an arcuate nose 125 joining a base or first
cantilever portion 126 angularly disposed and connected to band 123 and to
a second cantilever portion 127 which terminates in an inwardly bent or
return end portion 128. As shown in Figure 14, in flat form, adjacent edges
of fingers 122 continuously diverge from their base portion adjacent band
123 to the return end portion 128.
The etched and formed blank is still in linear form as shown in
Figure 15. The formed blank may then be turned and shaped about a selected
radius into an annulus in which the radially outwardly directed surface of
band 123 has a diameter approximately corresponding to the inner diameter
of plug shell 60 adjacent to annular rib 96. When the annulus is formed
about such radius, the diver~in~ ed~es of adjacent fingers 122 (Figure 15)
are drawn into close uniform spaced relation (Figure 16) at 129. The
spaces at 129 are each approximately 0.00~ inches. Such extremely close
spacing of a plurality of resilient fingers throughout 360 is achieved
~,
-19-
:~ :
. . ,: . : . :
.. . - - - . : . , .
- : : ~ ,: . : - . :
: : . .
-: : . ~ . . . .
- . . :, . : : . . :
. ~
` 11~798Z7
by the precise correlation of the dimensions of the etched trapezoidal
shaped fingers 122 and their relation to the radius of the resulting
annulus of the shielding means 95.
The shielding means 95 may be secured as by suitable electrically
conductive bonding or soldering to annular rib 96. The annulus may be
formed while the securement tabs 121 are being inserted over rib 96. Tab
and rib contacting surfaces are preferably made electrically conductive and
soldered. Band 123 has an end extension 130 which may overlap the opposite
end of the band and be secured thereto in suitable manner as by electrically
conductive brazing, soldering or bonding.
It will be understood that the resilient fingers 122 may be
plated with a noble metal such as gold, and the surfaces contacted by the
fingers on the receptacle shell 36 and plug shell 60 may also be plated
or coated with a noble metal such as gold or silver. In Figure 12, band 123
may be provided with a contact surface at 131 o noble metal. In fully
I mated position, the plug shell 60 and receptacle shell 36 are provided with
¦ a substantially continuous 360 electrically conductive path of low resist-
ance between the metal shells 60 and 36 through the shielding means 95. The
precise configuration of the resilient fingers 122 provides minimal window
area for transmission of stray frequencies and radio frequency leakage
attenuation is maximized.
It should also be noted that the forward edge of the receptacle
shell 36 may be chamfered or beveled at 133 so that during relative axial
movement of the plug and receptacle means for mating the bevel edge 133 will
first contact the radially inwardly biased cantilever portion 127. Surfaces
of the shell and fingers will be effectively pressure wiped to remove
surface oxidation thereon because of spring biasing forces provided by
bending of cantilever portion 127 about nose 125 and by bending of cantilever
-20-
.~ . - , .
- 1~79~327
portion 126 at band 123. Entry of shell 36 into the opening defined by
portion 127 of the fingers 122 causes the resilient folded fingers to uni-
formly move radially outwardly or expand until finger portions 126 are in
pressure contact with plug shell 60. The fulcruming of each finger portion
126 about its connection to band 123 enh~nces the resilient biasing forces
available for pressure contact with the shells 36, 60 (Figure 6, 10). The
precise shape of the fingers in relation to the formed radius of the shield-
ing member permits radially outward flexing of the fingers with virtually
little change in the si~e of the window openings or spaces between fingers.
Shielding effectiveness is substantially unchanged. The angular and bent
configurations of finger portions 127 and 128 permit relative axial movement
of the two shells 36 and 60 without interference. As noted in Figure 6,
contact of shielding means 95 occurs before the pin contacts 45 enter the
socket contacts 67 in the plug means.
Coupling Assembly Breech Retaining Means
Coupling ring housing 71 with enclosed coupling nut 72 and springs
91 bearing against one end of the coupling nut are retained in assembly by
annular retainer member 92. With particular reference to Figures 1, 17
and 18, annular retainer member 92 has an inner diameter approximately the
same as the inner diameter of coupling nut 72 and provides an inner annular
surface 135 against which one end of springs 91 may seat in assembly. The
outer circumference of member 92 is provided with arcuate circumferential
breech lands or lugs 136 in spaced relation and defining therebetween open-
ings 137. As shown in Figure 18, breech lugs 136 may be aligned with inter-
nal through openings 138 provided in end portion 139 of coupling ring housing
71. End portion 139, internally of the edge face of the coupling housing is
provided with a plurality of circularly spaced recesses 140 having end walls
141, recesses 140 being adapted to receive and to hold therewithin breech
'
-21-
.
' .............. . . .
. ~ . . , .-
.
- .
10~798Z7
- lugs 136. Annular retainer member 92 may be provided with three angularly
spaced detent identations or impressions 143 in the outer annular face of
member 92.
The coupling assembly breech retainer member 92 may be sleeved
over plug shell 60 with breech lugs 136 aligned with the through openings
138 provided in end portion 139 of the coupling housing 71. By using a tool
having three prongs corresponding to the spacing of indentations 143,
annular member 92 may be pressed uniformly axially toward coupling nut 72
and against the spring forces of springs 91. After retainer member 92 has
been axially advanced into contact with the inward shoulder 144 formed by
the annular recess 140, the member 92 may be rotated in either direction so
as to move the locking breech lugs 136 into the back space of the recesses
140. Upon release of installing pressure, retainer member 92 is urged
axially outwardly by springs 91 to position the breech lugs 136 in recesses
140. In such position it will be apparent from Figure 17 that turning or
rotational movement of member 92 is restricted by the engagement of ends of
breech lugs 136 with the end walls 141 of the recesses 1~0.
Disassembly of the retainer member 92 from the coupling ring
housing 71 is accomplished by a reversal of the installation steps described
above. The three-pronged tool is again employed to exert an axial pressure
on the retainer member 92 to force it axially inwardly against the spring
pressure and to then rotate the ring through the necessary angle to align
breech lugs 136 with through openings 138 in the end portion of the coupling
ring housing. Upon release of pressure from the tool, the retainer member
92 is withdrawn from the end portion of a coupling ring housing. Springs 91
, and the coupling ring housing and associated coupling ring nut may then be
removed for diassembly.
-22-
..
.~ , ` .
" 1~798Z7
Insert Retaining Means
Insert members 40 and 66 must be precisely axially positioned and
angularly accurately oriented with respect to their respective shells so
that proper alignment and mating of the pin and socket contacts may be accom-
plished. Insert members have been axially located within a shell by seating
an insert member against a reference shoulder on the shell to restrain move-
ment in one direction and then by bonding or using a threaded ring or lock
washer to restrict movement of the insert member in the opposite direction.
Use of such prior devices introduced unwanted tolerances which detracted
from such precise positioning. Under some operating conditions, a slightest
relative axial movement of the insert member with the shell was objectionable
because of its effect upon multiple pin and socket connections and upon
securement of the contacts in the insert member. The present electrical
connector 32 embodies means for retaining and positively positioning an
insert member against a shoulder or other fixed reference without adjustments
and without bonding to the shell.
- In Figures 4 and 19-21 inclusive, an insert retainer means 158 is
applied to insert member 40 of receptacle means 30. Back shell 39 of
receptacle shell 36 is provided with an outer cylindrical portion 150 of
- 20 relatively thin cross section. Inwardly from portion 150 the back shell is
provided with a relatively thicker cylindrical portion 151 provided on its
inner surface with a particularly shaped buttress type thread 152. In this
example, threads 152 are formed with a single lead, right hand pitch, and
include 50 threads per inch. Cross sectional configuration of threads 152
include a flat crest 153 and a relatively wider flat root 154. Inwardly
directed face 155 of the thread is normal to the flat crest and root 153,
154 respectively. Outwardly directed face 156 of the thread is slightly
inclined from the root 154 to the crest 153. Spacing between crests 153 of
~ ' :
-23-
~-- : . ., ', . ' '' :
-' ' : ,
' ' :, ~ ,. : - . :
. ~
~ 1~798Z7
adjacent threads is indicated at B and in this example may be approximately
0.020 inches. The length of the back shell provided with threads 152 may
be any suitable length depending upon the axial dimensions of the insert
member to be carried by receptacle shell 36. In this example, depth of
threads 152; that is, from flat crest 153 to flat root 154, may be approxi-
mately 0.005 to 0.006 inches. As noted in the above description, insert
member 40 has shoulders 41 seated against reference positioning shoulder 41a
provided in the receptacle shell.
An insert retaining ring 158 may be made of a suitable compressible
10 thermoplastic material, such as Torlon or Nylon. Ring 158 includes a
cylindrical smooth inner surface 159 through which may be received, as by a
clearance fit ~a few thousandths inches), the back end portion of insert
member 40. The outer cylindrical surface of ring 158 is provided with a
thread 160 which has two leads, a left hand pitch and includes 25 turns
per inch. The thread configuration, also of buttress type, includes a
generally triangular cross section having a sharp corner 161 at its crest,
a relatively long inclined face 164 leading to a narrow flat root 162
having a width approximately one-third or one-quarter of the space between
adjacent crests 161 as identified by the letter A, and an outwardly directed
20 face 163 normal to flat root 162. The crest spacing A in this example may
be about 0.020. The outer diameter of the insert retaining ring 158 is
, slightly larger than the inner diameter of the shell, the sharp corners 161
reaching into the root areas 154 of threads 152.
As shown in Figure 21, the unique configuration of the threads 152
and 160; that is, one being a single lead right hand pitch of 50 threads per
inch and the other being a left hand pitch two leads at 25 turns per inch,
together with the specific cross sectional configuration of the two threads
provides a unique thread interengagement in which mating or meshing thereof
-24-
. :. . . . . . . . . . .
"- , , ~ - ,
.
. . , . : :
---` 107~827
will occur at three points spaced approximately 120 apart as indicated in
Figures 21 at 165, 166 and 167. The manner of such interengagement is now
described.
In assembly, after the insert member 40 has been angularly oriented
and axially positioned against reference shoulder 41a within receptacle
shell 36, insert retaining ring 158 is sleeved over the end of the insert
member 40 and moved axially toward back shell 39. When the sleeve member
begins to enter intermediate portion 151 with threads 152, a cylindrical
drive tool is employed to forcibly press the insert ring into the receptacle
back shell 39 and axially along the shell threads 152. Because the threads
; are pitched in an opposite direction and are of non-threading, non-mating
characteristics, the forcing of the threads of the plastic ring along the
threads of the metal back shell 39 places the insert ring under radial com-
pression and causes the threads 160 to successively interengage and forcibly
interfit with the threads 152 at three angularly spaced areas indicated in
Figure 21. &ch radial pressure interfitting of the threads 152 and 160
during relative axial movement is facilitated by inclined faces 156 and 164.
Restraint against opposite relative axial movement is positively restricted
by the interabutment of faces 155 and 163 which are normal to the axis of
the ring and shell. ~uch interengagement of compressible thermoplastic
threads 160 with metal threads 152 successively and angularly progressively
occurs at three angularly spaced places around back shell 39, the thermo-
plastic retainer ring 158 being deformed under radial compression into some-
what triangularly related locked or interfitting abutment areas 165, 166
and 167 provided by the opposed normal faces 155, 163 of the two different
thread configurations.
The tapered configuration of the leading end 169 of ring 158
facilitates entry of the ring end 169 into the shell. The end face of the
-25-
.
. . . , : ' - : .
- , - :
- : . . . :
. '. . ' . ~ . , ~ : .
``` 1~79827
leading end 169 may be driven against a thrust shoulder 170 on the insert
member or against a thrust ring provided on the back portion of an insert
member so that the insert member is immovably locked between positioning
shoulder 41a on the receptacle shell and the insert retainer ring pressed
against shoulder 170 and threadably interlocked with the back shell. The
compressible retainer ring is linearly pressure driven into engagement with
and between the back shell and insert member. The insert retainer ring
locks and meshes with the threaded shell to precisely position the insert
member in the shell against reference shoulder 41a regardless of coarse or
loose tolerances between shoulder 41a and shoulder 170.
While the example describes the insert retaining member in
relation to the receptacle shell, it will be understood that a similar in-
sert retaining ring may be employed at the back portion of plug shell 60 to
retain the plug insert member in fixed axial position relative to the plug
d shell in the same manner as above described.
While a present example of an insert retaining ring has been
~ described with respect to an electrical connector having a cylindrical metal
;~ shell and a cylindrical dielectric insert member received within said shell
and fixedly holding the insert member in immovable position with respect to
the shell, it will be understood that such a compressible insert retaining
ring may be employed to restrict to a minimum axial movement between two
,
concentric members utilized in different environment.
It will be understood that when the terms "thread means", "thread
.~
configuration" and "threaded internegagement" are used herein, that "threads"
- ~ include the usual helical type thread shown as well as non-helical annular
rings pitched at a desired angle to the axis of the shell and retainer ring.
~;~m Either or both cooperable threads may be helical or non-helical. The select-
ed pitch of each thread should provide for crossing of the interengaging
.,
~ -26-
. . . .. . . . : , . . .
1079827
threads at at least three abutment areas with the insert ring under radial
compression.
It will be noted that use of insert retainer ring 158 and such a
cooperable back shell 39 provides quick foolproof assembly of the insert
member within the receptacle shell and no additional adjustments are required
to positively seat and hold insert member 40 against positioning shoulder
41a.
Breech Holdoff Means
In some prior electrical connectors relative axial movement of
plug and receptacle sections were permitted under desirable conditions which
could result in damage to the connector and failure to properly mate elec-
trical contacts. Such undesirable conditions include partial engagement of
one or more key-keyway systems resulting in wear thereof and inaccurate
sensing of the partially mated connector sections, relative axial movement
of the sections with a bent contact pin, attempting to mate connector
sections in which sections include projecting contact pins, jamming or cross-
starting of the coupling means, and permitting relative axial movement under
axial misalignment conditions of connector sections not meant to be mated.
The present electrical connector construction embodies features
which obviate and prevent the occurrence of the undesirable conditions
mentioned above. It should be noted that master keyway 84 on the coupling
flange81 receives master key 50 on the receptacle shell for orienting the
two shells with respect to polarization or axial alignment or mating pin
and socket patterns. Master key 50 and master keyway 84 are preferably
made in two different widths "W", "Wl" (Figures 22, 23) so that a receptacle
shell having a k0y of one width will reject attempted mating of a similarly
sized shell which has pin contacts and a keyway of different width. In
other words, compatible shells, when aligned by the master key and keyway
-27-
1~79827
50 and 84, may be readily oriented as to pin and sockets; however, if both
shells carry pin contacts, the rejection of one of the shells is made by
the different widths of master key and keyway. A color coded visual refer-
ence indicia is provided on the coupling housing and on the receptacle shell
in linear alignment to facilitate such orientation and identification of pin
or socket shells. The master key and keyway will permit relative axial move-
ment of the plug and receptacle shells only if proper pin or socket combin-
ations are present. It will be understood that if both connector sections
were provided with sockets only, no electrical connection would be made and
no pin or connector section damage would occur.
When the master key and keyway of the plug and receptacle means
are compatible, relative rotative movement of the plug and receptacle means
~ .
about the center axis determines whether the arrangement of pin and socket
contacts are of mating capability. Before the plug means can be advanced
axially with respect to the receptacle means, keys 85 must be oriented with
', keyways 85a and master key 50 with master keyway 84. Such orientation of
keyways is shown in ~igure 24.
'~ In the event proper visual orientation of master key 50 and keyway
84 is made and appear to be compatible, but the receptacle shell and plug
shell are not compatible for mating because of a difference in number of pin
contac*s or in the arrangement thereof, the angular position of keys 85 and
keyways 85a on such noncompatible shells will cause keys 85 to bear against
front faces 48b and 49b of locking lands 48, 49 on the noncompatible shell,
as for example as shown in Figure 25, where the section is taken through
( coupling flange 81. .
; ~ The particular arrangement of keys 85 and keyways 85a should be
noted. The keys on the coupling housing flange 81 and the keyways 85a on
the receptacle shell may be angularly varied within the included angle
-28-
:; , .
,- ..
~, ::, ' , ' ' ' ', ,, . .' , ' . `
10798Z7
determined by the overall arcuate length "L" of lands 48, 49. For example,
five or more angular arrangements of such key-keyway systems may be made.
The arrangement of the sets of locking lands with their inclusive keyways
85a, together with the location of the master key and keyway arrangement
is such that one end 49c of one set of lands and other end 48c of the other
set of lands are not diametrically opposite. In this example, angular
spacing of other land end 48c is about 45 from a diameter through key 50,
and angular spacing of said one land end 49c is about 30 from such a dia-
meter. With this arrangement of the sets of lands and their location with
respect to the master key and keyway, it will be apparent that when mis-
matched shells are attempted to be brought together into mating relation-
ship that contact areas of keys 85 with abutment surfaces 48a and 49a of
the locking lands will form a triangle wi*h the master key and keyway system
such that the axis of the connector shells will always lie within a triangle
formed by such areas of contact of keys 85 with the faces of the locking
lands and by contact of master key 50 with a portion of the end face of
flange 81. The geometry of the key-keyway hold off pattern is such that at
least three contact areas are provided in a triangular arrangement in which
one side of the triangle is always beyond the center axis of the connector
shells ~Figure 25). Thus, when an operator blindly rotates, or rotates by
manual dexterity, the plug means against the receptacle means, cocking,
tilting, misalignment of one section with respect to the other section is
prevented by the contacting areas of keys 85 and key 50 respectively with
the faces 48b, 49b at the locking lands and face 81a of flange 81, until the
keys 85 and keyways 85a and master key and keyway become aligned.
When the master key and keyway are compatible and aligned, the
two keys 85 will act as a contact or hold off means bearing against locking
land faces 48b, 49b, if the shells are incompatible. In the example shown
-29-
: , . . - . , . . - .
1079827
in Figure 26, keys 85 and keyways 85a are moved to a different keying
angular position and are spaced 90 from the compatible master key and key-
way. Keys 85 abut land faces 48b, 49b in diametrically opposite relation
and restrict tilting about the vertical diameter of the shells as viewed
in Figure 26. Restriction against tilting about the horizontal diameter as
viewed in Figure 26 is provided by the flat surface area contact of keys 85
with the land faces and by the tolerances between the inner diameter of
flange 81 and the diameter of the outer cylindrical surfaces on shell 36
including lands 48, 49. In such above described relationship of the key
and keyway system, it will be apparent that there are at least two diametric-
ally spaced areas of contact to restrict tilting or axial misalignment of
; the two shells. It should also be noted that before the master key 50 and
master keyway 84 are in compatible alignment that the keys 85 and key 50
provide three contact areas forming a triangle to provide axial stability
between the plug and receptacle means and thereby avoid the disadvantages
of possible cocking or misalignment and false mating as one shell is rotated
; relative to the other while seeking proper mating of the two shells.
The stabilized hold off means provided by the key and keyway
arrangement described above facilitates seeking the mating relationship of
compatible plug and receptacle means because while the plug means is being
rotated relative to the receptacle shell, the coupling flange 81 will turn
in a plane normal to the axis of the connector and thereby prevent false
indication of key-keyway alignment which might occur if one key dipped into
a keyway during such turning. The above described key-keyway arrangement
also serves as a positive deterent to the false mating of noncompatible plug
and receptacle means because even in the condition where the master key and
keyway are compatible, the keys 85 provide widely spaced areas oi contact
,
with the locking land faces whereby the stable relation of the plug means
- ~ -30-
,, ' ' : ' ' - . ,' . ~ - ' :
.~ . . . -
- ~ . . :
. .:
,. .
,: , ~ ~ . . .
: : , . . . . .. . :- :
- ~ .
a798z7
with the receptacle means is substantially maintained.
The electrical connector 32 described above provides many advant-
ages of construction and operation of which some have been particularly
emphasized. In the general concept of the electrical connector, it is
important to note that the coupling housing ring serves as a single com-
ponent part which is constructed to perform a number of important functions.
First, the coupling ring housing has a breech flange 81 which locks the plug
and receptacle means against axial movement by interlocking abutment with
the locking lands 48, 49 on the receptacle shell. Such locking lands provide
a substantial abutment area so that the loading per square inch is reduced.
Second, the coupling ring housing provides in breech flange 81, keys 85 which
perform the holdoff function described above to prevent mating of noncom-
patible plug and receptacle means. Thus, the locking flange 81 provides a
key means in which the keys 85 may be varied in spacing so that positive
means is provided for preventing attempted coupling of noncompatible plug
and receptacle means; and such mating prevention occurs without damage to
pin and socket contact members. Third, the coupling ring housing with its
locking flange 81 provides a visual and a nonchangeable orientation of the
plug means with the receptacle means by the alignment of the keyway 84 with
the key 50 on a receptacle shell. Thus, positive orientation or polarization
of the contact elements of compatible mating plug and receptacle means is
assured. Fourth, the coupling ring housing provides an annular part-circular
internal channel or groove for housing the deten~ spring 87, the detent
spring being positively oriented with the plug shell and coupling housing
through the central key 110 which is movable in an axial direction in the
keyway lll on the plug shell. Fifth, the coupling ring housing provides an
annular shoulder 89 for abutment of one end of the coupling nut 72 and also
provides the full lock breech recess 140 which secures the annular lock ring
-
, :
~ ~31-
.
. .
~, " " . ' , ' ' ' ',. ~. '' ' ' . ' .
1~798Z7
92, which serves as a seat for the spring 91 which bias the coupling nut
against the shoulder 89. It will thus be apparent that the specific con-
struction of the coupling ring housing of the electrical connector 32 com-
bines many features which provide an electrical connector which is reliable
and in which there are safeguards against damage to connector parts in the
event mismatching or attempted coupling of noncompatible connector parts is
attempted.
Various changes and modifications may be made in the above described
electrical connector and all such changes and modifications coming within
the scope of the appended claims are embraced thereby.
~.
~.
:.
, ~
,
.
''
,
, ~ ~
. ' .
: -32-
~,. '
;,',
~ ' "' ' ' ' ' '' ' `
