U.S. patent application number 15/205916 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for connector with anti-decoupling mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cinch Connectors, Inc.. Invention is credited to Hecham Elkhatib, Maurice Sun.
Application Number | 20160322749 15/205916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50721885 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160322749 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sun; Maurice ; et
al. |
November 3, 2016 |
CONNECTOR WITH ANTI-DECOUPLING MECHANISM
Abstract
The connector assembly may include a ratcheting feature which
prevents the coupling nut from turning due to vibration or shock.
The coupling nut may include an engagement surface. The engagement
surface may be a series of peaks and valleys. The connector may
include a spring washer. The spring washer may be located between
the coupling nut and the connector body. The spring washer may
include a protrusion. The protrusion engages the engagement
surface. In a second embodiment, the coupling nut may include a
spring pin. The connector body may include an engagement surface.
The engagement surface may be a series of peaks and valleys. The
spring pin engages the engagement surface. The spring pin may be
made of multiple components, for example, a pin and a spring. In
another embodiment, the spring pin may be a single component.
Inventors: |
Sun; Maurice; (Naperville,
IL) ; Elkhatib; Hecham; (Aurora, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cinch Connectors, Inc. |
Lombard |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50721885 |
Appl. No.: |
15/205916 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13841908 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
9397441 |
|
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15205916 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/623 20130101;
G02B 6/3825 20130101; G02B 6/3894 20130101; F16B 39/24 20130101;
G02B 6/3817 20130101; H01R 13/639 20130101; H01R 13/622
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/639 20060101
H01R013/639; H01R 13/623 20060101 H01R013/623; G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38; H01R 13/622 20060101 H01R013/622 |
Claims
1. A connector comprising a connector body, a coupling nut, and a
spring washer, the coupling nut includes an engagement surface, the
spring washer includes a protrusion, the protrusion engages the
engagement surface, the engagement between the protrusion and the
engagement surface prevents rotation of the coupling nut below a
predetermined rotational force on the coupling nut.
2. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the spring washer includes
an offset portion.
3. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the offset portion engages
the connector body.
4. The connector as in claim 3 wherein the connector body includes
a flange, the offset portion engages the flange.
5. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the spring washer has a
retention feature to prevent rotation of the spring washer.
6. The connector as in claim 5 wherein the retention feature is a
tab on the spring washer.
7. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the connector has a holding
feature to prevent the removal of the coupling nut from the
connector body.
8. The connector as in claim 7 wherein the connector body includes
a groove, the holding feature includes a lock ring, the lock ring
engages the groove.
9. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the connector body includes
a fiber optic component.
10. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the connector body includes
an electrical component.
11. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the engagement surface
includes peaks and valleys.
12. The connector as in claim 1 wherein the coupling nut has
threads to engage a mating connector.
13-20. (canceled)
21. The connector as in claim I wherein the spring washer includes
a second protrusion, the second protrusion engages the engagement
surface.
22. The connector as in claim 6 wherein the tab engages the
connector body
23. The connector as in claim 22 wherein the connector body
includes a notch, the tab engages the notch.
24. The connector as in claim 6 wherein the retention feature
includes a second tab on the spring washer.
25. The connector as in claim 24 wherein the tab engages the
connector body, the second tab engages the connector body.
26. The connector as in claim 25 wherein the connector body
includes a notch and a second notch, the tab engages the notch, the
second tab engages the second notch.
27. The connector as in claim 2 wherein the spring washer includes
a terminal portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Optical cables and electrical wires are connected together
using a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a
plug connector and a receptacle connector. The plug connector may
include a coupling nut. The coupling nut is threaded onto the
receptacle connector so that the connectors may remain connected as
a connector assembly. However, the connector assembly may
experience shock or vibration. The shock or vibration may cause the
coupling nut to unthread from the receptacle connector. If the
coupling nut unthreads a sufficient amount, the connector assembly
will not maintain the connection between the optical cables or
electrical wires. The loss of the connection is undesirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0002] In a first embodiment, a connector assembly may include a
ratcheting feature which prevents the coupling nut from turning due
to vibration or shock. The coupling nut may include an engagement
surface. In one embodiment, the engagement surface may be a series
of peaks and valleys. The connector may include a spring washer.
The spring washer may be located between the coupling nut and the
connector body. The spring washer may include a protrusion. The
protrusion engages the engagement surface. In one embodiment, the
spring washer may include a second protrusion.
[0003] The ratcheting feature operates in the following manner. As
the coupling nut is rotating, the spring washer deflects and the
protrusion moves over the peak on the engagement surface and then
moves down into the valley on the engagement surface. The spring
washer may repeat this process several times as the coupling nut is
rotated.
[0004] After the coupling nut has been rotated to the final
position, the protrusion will be located in a valley. The coupling
nut will not rotate in the forward direction or the reverse
direction unless the rotational force exceeds the force to overcome
the resistance of the spring washer and the engagement surface.
Therefore, the coupling nut will not rotate in the reverse
direction or the forward direction due to vibration or shock.
[0005] When the connector needs to be disassembled, the coupling
nut is rotated in the reverse direction. The spring washer deflects
and the protrusion moves over the peak on the engagement surface
and then moves down into the valley. The spring washer may repeat
this process several times as the coupling nut is rotated.
[0006] In a second embodiment, the coupling nut may include a
spring pin. The connector body may include an engagement surface.
The spring pin engages the engagement surface. In one embodiment,
the engagement surface may be a series of peaks and valleys. For
example, the engagement surface may be a ratchet.
[0007] In one embodiment, the spring pin is located in an opening
in the coupling nut. In another embodiment, the coupling nut may
have three spring pins. The coupling nut may have three openings
for each spring pin.
[0008] In one embodiment, the spring pin may be made of multiple
components. For example, the spring pin may include a pin and a
spring. In another embodiment, the spring pin may be a single
component.
[0009] The ratcheting feature operates in the following manner. As
the coupling nut is rotating, the spring pin deflects over the peak
on the engagement surface and moves down into the valley on the
engagement surface. The spring pin may repeat this process several
times as the coupling nut is rotated.
[0010] After the coupling nut has been rotated to the final
position, the spring pin will be located in a valley. The coupling
nut will not rotate in the forward direction or the reverse
direction unless the rotational force exceeds the force to overcome
the resistance of the spring pin and the engagement surface.
Therefore, the coupling nut will not rotate in the reverse
direction or the forward due to vibration or shock.
[0011] When the connector needs to be disassembled, the coupling
nut is rotated in the reverse direction and the spring pin deflects
over the peak on the engagement surface and moves down into the
valley. The spring pin may repeat this process several times as the
coupling nut is rotated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of a connector assembly where the plug
connector and receptacle connector are not connected.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in
FIG. 1 and the coupling nut has been exploded away from the plug
connector.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but the
plug connector and receptacle connector are connected.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the plug connector.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spring washer.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling nut and the
spring washer.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the plug
connector.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but
showing electrical components inside the plug connector and the
receptacle connector.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of a second embodiment of a connector
assembly where the plug connector and receptacle connector are not
connected.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in
FIG. 9 and the coupling nut has been exploded away from the plug
connector.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but the
plug connector and receptacle connector are connected.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the plug
connector.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of
FIG. 11.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the
coupling nut taken along 13-13 of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the spring pin.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the area labeled 16 in
FIG. 11.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a side view of a second embodiment of a spring
pin.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a side view of a third embodiment of a spring
pin.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a front view of the spring pin in FIG. 18.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but
showing electrical components inside the plug connector and the
receptacle connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a connector assembly 100 may include a
plug connector 102 and a receptacle connector 104. The plug
connector 102 may include a connector body 103 and a coupling nut
106. The connector 102 may include a ratcheting feature which
prevents the coupling nut 106 from turning due to vibration or
shock.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the coupling nut 106 may include
an engagement surface 107. In one embodiment, the engagement
surface 107 may be a series of peaks 108 and valleys 109.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the connector 102 may include a
spring washer 110. The spring washer 110 may be located between the
coupling nut 106 and the connector body 103 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the spring washer 110 may
include a protrusion 114. The protrusion 114 engages the engagement
surface 107. In one embodiment, the spring washer 110 may include a
second protrusion 115 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, the spring washer 110 may include an
offset portion 116. The offset portion 116 may be in a different
plane than the protrusion 114. The offset portion 116 may be used
to maintain the protrusion 114 into contact with the engagement
surface 107. The offset portion 116 may engage the connector body.
In one embodiment, the connector body 103 may include a flange 120
as shown in FIG. 3. The offset portion 116 may engage the flange
120. In one embodiment, the spring washer may have four offset
portions 116, 117, 118, 119 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the spring washer may include a
retention feature to prevent rotation of the spring washer. In one
embodiment, the retention feature 130 may be a tab 132 on the
spring washer 110. In one embodiment, the tab 132 may extend from
the spring washer 110. For example, in one embodiment, the tab 132
may extend in a rearward direction. In addition, the tab 132 may
extend in a direction opposite the protrusion 114. In a second
embodiment, the tab may extend in a forward direction. In a third
embodiment, the tab may extend in a radially outward direction. In
a fourth embodiment, the tab may extend in a radially inward
direction. The tab 132 may engage the connector body 103. In one
embodiment, the tab 132 engages a notch 136 in the connector body
as shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the notch 136 may be on the
flange 120. The engagement between the tab 136 and the connector
body 103 prevents rotation of the spring washer 110 relative to the
connector body 103. In another embodiment, the spring washer 110
may include a second tab 134 and the connector body 103 may include
a second notch 138.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the spring washer 110 may
include a transition portion 140. The transition portion 140 is
located between the protrusion 114 and the offset portion 116. In
one embodiment, the transition portion 140 may be a flat portion.
In another embodiment, the spring washer 110 may include four
transition portions 140, 142, 144, 146. The spring washer 110 may
include a terminal portion 150. The terminal portion 150 is located
between the offset portion 116 and the tab 132. In one embodiment,
the terminal portion 150 may be a flat surface. In another
embodiment, the spring washer 110 may include two terminal portions
150, 152.
[0039] The connector may include a holding feature to prevent the
removal of the coupling nut from the connector body. In one
embodiment, the holding feature 160 includes a lock ring 162 as
shown in FIG. 3. The coupling nut 106 may include a groove 164. The
lock ring 162 engages the groove 164. In one embodiment, the lock
ring may be a spiral lock ring. In another embodiment, the lock
ring may be a C-ring.
[0040] The ratcheting feature operates in the following manner.
When the plug connector 102 is connected to the receptacle
connector 104, the coupling nut 106 is threaded onto the receptacle
connector 104 as shown in FIG. 3. As the coupling nut 106 is
rotating, the spring washer 110 engages the engagement surface 107
as shown in FIG. 7. The spring washer 110 deflects and the
protrusion 114 moves over the peak 108 on the engagement surface
107 and then moves down into the valley 109 on the engagement
surface 107. The spring washer 110 may repeat this process several
times as the coupling nut 106 is rotated. In an embodiment which
includes protrusion 114 and protrusion 115, the protrusion 115 will
operate in a manner similar to protrusion 114.
[0041] After the coupling nut 106 has been rotated to the final
position, the protrusion 114 will be located in a valley 109. The
coupling nut 106 will not rotate in the forward direction or the
reverse direction unless the rotational force exceeds the force to
overcome the resistance of the spring washer and the engagement
surface. The engagement between the protrusion and the engagement
surface prevents rotation of the coupling nut below a predetermined
torque on the coupling nut. Therefore, the coupling nut 106 will
not rotate in the reverse direction or the forward direction due to
vibration or shock. In one example, the torque range for various
connector sizes is listed below. The diameter 166 is shown in FIG.
1. The torque values can be altered through spring washer material
selection, geometry and heat treatment.
TABLE-US-00001 Connector Diameter 166, Torque, Torque, Size inches
mm pound-inches newton-meter #9 .616 15.65 2 to 8 0.2 to 0.9 #11
.741 18.82 2 to 12 0.2 to 1.4 #13 .866 22.00 2 to 16 0.2 to 1.8 #15
.991 25.17 3 to 20 0.3 to 2.3
[0042] When the connector needs to be disassembled, the coupling
nut 106 is rotated in the reverse direction. The spring washer 110
deflects and the protrusion 114 moves over the peak 108 on the
engagement surface 107 and then moves down into the valley 109 as
shown in FIG. 7. The spring washer 110 may repeat this process
several times as the coupling nut 106 is rotated. In an embodiment
which includes protrusion 114 and protrusion 115, the protrusion
115 will operate in a manner similar to protrusion 114.
[0043] The plug connector 102 may include other components. For
example, the plug connector may include one or more optical
components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the plug
connector 102 may include an ESD seal 170, an optical pin connector
172, a grommet 174, an insert lock ring 176, a rear insert 178, an
optical connector lock ring 180, a front insert 182, and an
interfacial seal 184.
[0044] The receptacle connector 104 may include other components.
For example, the receptacle connector may include one or more
optical components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the
receptacle connector 104 may include a connector body 186, a
grommet 188, an insert lock ring 190, an optical socket connector
192, a rear insert 194, a front insert 196, an optical connector
lock ring 198 and an interfacial seal 199.
[0045] In another embodiment, the plug connector may include one or
more electrical components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8,
the plug connector 202 may include an ESD seal 270, an electrical
pin connector 272, a grommet 274, an insert lock ring 276, a rear
insert 278, an electrical connector lock ring 280, a front insert
282, and an interfacial seal 284.
[0046] In another embodiment, the receptacle connector may include
one or more electrical components. In one embodiment, referring to
FIG. 8, the receptacle connector 204 may include a connector body
286, a grommet 288, an insert lock ring 290, an electrical socket
connector 292, a rear insert 294, a front insert 196, an electrical
connector lock ring 298 and an interfacial seal 299.
[0047] In a further embodiment, the plug connector may include one
or more optical components and one or more electrical components.
In addition, the receptacle connector may include one or more
optical components and one or more electrical components.
[0048] Another embodiment of a connector assembly is shown in FIGS.
9-16. Referring to FIG. 9, connector assembly 300 may include a
plug connector 302 and a receptacle connector 304. The plug
connector 302 may include a connector body 303 and a coupling nut
306. The connector 302 may include a ratcheting feature which
prevents the coupling nut 306 from turning due to vibration or
shock.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 12, the coupling nut 306 may include a
spring pin 311. The connector body 303 may include an engagement
surface 313. In one embodiment, the engagement surface 313 may be a
series of peaks 315 and valleys 317. For example, the engagement
surface 313 may be a ratchet.
[0050] The spring pin 311 is located in an opening 319 in the
coupling nut 306. Referring to FIG. 10, the spring pin 311 may be
inserted from the rear end 321 of the opening 319. In one
embodiment, the opening 319 may have a reduction in size in order
to prevent the spring pin from moving beyond a predetermined
distance. For example, the opening 319 may be tapered so that the
opening is smaller at the front end 323 and larger at the rear end
321. The coupling nut 306 may include one, two, three or more
spring pins 311. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the
coupling nut 306 may have three spring pins 311, 325, 327. The
coupling nut 306 may have three openings 319, 329, 331, for each
spring pin.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the coupling nut 306 may
include a backplate 333. The backplate 333 prevents the spring pin
311 from moving out of the rear end 321 of the opening 319. The
backplate 333 may be held into position with a lock ring 335. The
lock ring 335 may engage a groove 337 in the connector body 303.
The lock ring 335 and groove 337 assist in keeping the coupling nut
306 on the connector body 303. In one embodiment, the lock ring may
be a spiral lock ring. In another embodiment, the lock ring may be
a C-ring.
[0052] In one embodiment, the spring pin 311 may be made of
multiple components. For example, referring to FIG. 16, the spring
pin 311 may include a pin 341 and a spring 343. The pin 341 may be
attached to the spring 343 by welding or by a friction fit. In one
embodiment, the pin 341 is inserted into the spring 343 for the
depth of one to three loops of the spring 343. In another
embodiment, the spring pin 345 may be a single component. For
example, referring to FIG. 17, the spring pin 345 may be a pin
which is able to deflect over the peaks of the engagement surface.
In another example, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the spring pin
347 may be a single component with a pin portion 349 and a spring
portion 351.
[0053] The ratcheting feature operates in the following manner.
When the plug connector 302 is connected to the receptacle
connector 304, the coupling nut 306 is threaded onto the receptacle
connector 304 as shown in FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 12, the spring
pin 311 engages the engagement surface 313 as the coupling nut 306
is rotating. In one embodiment, the spring pin 311 deflects over
the peak 315 on the engagement surface 313 and moves down into the
valley 317 on the engagement surface 313. The spring pin 311 may
repeat this process several times as the coupling nut 306 is
rotated. In an embodiment which includes more than one spring pin,
the other spring pins will operate in a manner similar to spring
pin 311.
[0054] After the coupling nut 306 has been rotated to the final
position, the spring pin 311 will be located in a valley 317. The
coupling nut 306 will not rotate in the forward direction or the
reverse direction unless the rotational force exceeds the force to
overcome the resistance of the spring pin and the engagement
surface. The engagement between the spring pin and the engagement
surface prevents rotation of the coupling nut below a predetermined
torque on the coupling nut. Therefore, the coupling nut 306 will
not rotate in the reverse direction or the forward due to vibration
or shock. In one example, the torque range for various connector
sizes is noted above.
[0055] When the connector needs to be disassembled, the coupling
nut 306 is rotated in the reverse direction and the spring pin 311
deflects over the peak 315 on the engagement surface 312 and moves
down into the valley 317 as shown in FIG. 12. The spring pin 311
may repeat this process several times as the coupling nut 306 is
rotated. In an embodiment which includes more than one spring pin,
the other spring pins will operate in a manner similar to spring
pin 311.
[0056] The plug connector 302 may include other components. For
example, the plug connector may include one or more optical
components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, the plug
connector 302 may include an ESD seal 370, an optical pin connector
372, a grommet 374, an insert lock ring 376, a rear insert 378, an
optical connector lock ring 380, a front insert 382, and an
interfacial seal 384.
[0057] The receptacle connector 304 may include other components.
For example, the receptacle connector may include one or more
optical components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, the
receptacle connector 304 may include a connector body 386, a
grommet 388, an insert lock ring 390, an optical socket connector
392, a rear insert 394, a front insert 396, an optical connector
lock ring 398 and an interfacial seal 399.
[0058] In another embodiment, the plug connector may include one or
more electrical components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG.
20, the plug connector 402 may include an ESD seal 470, an
electrical pin connector 472, a grommet 474, an insert lock ring
476, a rear insert 478, an electrical connector lock ring 480, a
front insert 482, and an interfacial seal 484.
[0059] In another embodiment, the receptacle connector may include
one or more electrical components. In one embodiment, referring to
FIG. 20, the receptacle connector 404 may include a connector body
486, a grommet 488, an insert lock ring 490, an electrical socket
connector 492, a rear insert 494, a front insert 496, an electrical
connector lock ring 498 and an interfacial seal 499.
[0060] In a further embodiment, the plug connector may include one
or more optical components and one or more electrical components.
In addition, the receptacle connector may include one or more
optical components and one or more electrical components.
[0061] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0062] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least
one" and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are
to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more
items (for example, "at least one of A and B") is to be construed
to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any
combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to
be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0063] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *