Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6247956
-
Patent Number
6,247,956
-
Date Filed
Monday, September 27, 199924 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, June 19, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Sircus; Brian
- Nasri; Javaid
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 439 350
- 439 352
- 439 357
- 439 281
- 439 282
- 439 283
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A quick connect and quick disconnect connector assembly for connecting with a mating connector comprises a body and an engagement means. A retaining means is provided for securing the engagement means to the body. The engagement means includes an inner gripping member that is telescopically received in an outer actuation member. The inner gripping member has an outer wall surface that is formed with a first ramp portion and the outer actuation member has an inner wall surface that is formed with a second ramp portion, the first ramp portion being complementary to the second ramp portion. The first ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the inner gripping member is configured to interferingly engage and cooperate with the second ramp portion of the inner wall surface of the outer actuator member. The first ramp portion of the inner gripping member is formed with resilient fingers that are movable between a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state. The resilient fingers of the inner gripping member are moved inwardly from the relaxed state to the inwardly urged state for gripping engagement with the complementary connector when the second ramp portion is urged against the first ramp portion. The inner gripping member is moved outwardly from the inwardly urged state for disengagement with the complementary connector when the second ramp portion is moved away from the first ramp portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical connectors and, more particularly, is directed towards a releasable and replaceable quick connect and quick disconnect apparatus for electrical connectors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electrical applications require connector assemblies capable of coupling both wire and cable with minimal detriment to electrical efficiency and signal transmission.
A wide variety of connector assemblies are currently available in the prior art. Several currently available connector assemblies permit the fast and efficient connection and disconnection of sections of wire and cable substrates. Typically, these assemblies utilize threaded, or spring-loaded, mating components. In order to utilize these connector assemblies, mating connectors are brought into alignment and the juxtaposed mating components are then screwed, or latched, together. The process of threading or latching is reversed in order to separate the sections of the wire or cable substrate.
Although effective in most applications, currently available connector assemblies frequently suffer from two primary limitations. First, the threading and latching systems typically utilized by these assemblies can be difficult to manipulate in a confined area. For example, the limited space of a junction box or closely stacked electronic boards can make accurate alignment, and subsequent manipulation of a threaded, or spring-loaded, system extremely difficult. Second, threaded and spring-loaded systems are susceptible to becoming loosened, or even disconnected, due to exposure to external vibration. To counteract these limitations, some connector assemblies include a locking system associated with the threaded or spring-loaded systems. Although effective, this additional locking system can increase even further the problems associated with manipulation of the entire connector assembly.
A need exists for an improved apparatus that does not suffer from the limitations and disadvantages of prior devices. In particular, a need exists for an improved wire or cable connector assembly that can be quickly engaged and released.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly which does not suffer from the foregoing disadvantages and limitations.
It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that can be used with a variety of wire or cable connectors.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for interconnecting wire or cable that is simple in construction and compact in design.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for interconnecting wire or cable that is easily and economically produced, and readily assembled.
Other general and specific objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
The invention is generally characterized by a connector assembly having a body, an engagement element, and a retaining element. The engagement element includes an inner gripping element having a ramp portion on an outer surface thereof and an outer actuation element having a ramp portion on an inner surface thereof. The inner gripping element is telescopically received in the outer actuation element. The ramp portion of the inner gripping element and the ramp portion of the outer actuation element are complementary and in juxtaposition to one another. The retaining element rotatably secures the inner gripping element on the body.
The body is configured to be removably and releasably connected to a complementarily configured mating connector assembly. The body includes a first end configured to rotatably receive the engagement element and a second end affixed to a given wire or cable substrate. The first end of the body typically includes a groove that is sized and shaped to receive the retaining element described in detail below. Both the first end and the second end of the body typically have a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration. Cylindrical cross-section configurations for the ends of the body are desired as they facilitate securing the engagement element, or wire or cable substrate, to the body.
The inner gripping element of the engagement element has a first open end and a second open end joined by a passage. The passage joining the first open end to the second open end is defined by a series of four inner wall surfaces. The passage generally includes a groove which is configured to receive at least a portion of the retaining element. The inner wall surfaces of the passage are all coaxially and concentrically aligned along an axis. An outer wall surface defines the exterior of the inner gripping element. The ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the gripping element is configured so as to be capable of interferingly engaging the ramp portion formed in the inner wall surface of the outer actuation element. The inner gripping element typically includes a series of flexible fingers or tang elements. The inner gripping element is typically manufactured from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.
The outer actuation element of the engagement element is configured to telescopically receive the inner gripping element. The inner gripping element is captively held in the outer actuation element and is constrained for slidable and rotatable movement relative to the outer actuation element. The outer actuation element has a first open end and a second open end joined by a passage. This passage is also defined by a series of inner wall surfaces. In order to facilitate interfering engagement of the outer actuation element with the inner gripping element, the inner wall surfaces of the outer actuation element include at least one ramp portion that is complementary to the ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the inner gripping element. Movement of the ramp portion on the outer actuation element relative to the ramp portion on the inner gripping element forces the flexible tang elements inwardly. The outer actuation element also includes an outer wall surface having a series of ridges and grooves which define a purchase for moving the outer actuation element. The outer actuation element can be manufactured from virtually any high strength metallic, plastic, or composite material exhibiting the desired mechanical strength characteristics.
The retaining element secures the inner gripping element of the engagement element to the body, the outer actuation element being captively held to the inner gripping element. The retaining element has an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion of the retaining element is positioned in the groove formed in the body. The outer portion of the retaining element is received in the groove formed in the inner gripping element of the engagement element. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element has a rectilinear cross-sectional configuration. Depending upon the application in which the connector assembly of the invention is to be utilized, the retaining element can be formed from either a metal substrate or an elastically deformable substrate.
The invention also contemplates a method of attaching, and detaching, the connector assembly of the invention from a mating connector assembly.
To attach the connector assembly of the invention to a mating connector assembly, the outer actuation element is first moved rearwardly over the inner gripping element, the ramp portions of the actuation element and the gripping element being juxtaposed substantially in space registration. The mating connector assembly is then inserted into the passage of the inner gripping element. Next, the outer actuation element is moved forwardly relative to the inner gripping element. As a result of this movement, the ramp portion of the outer actuation element is slidably urged against the ramp portion of the inner gripping element, thereby moving the tang elements inwardly into gripping contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly. Forward movement of the outer actuation element over the inner gripping element is curtailed when the tang elements are in substantially complete surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly.
To release the connector assembly of the invention from the mating connector assembly, the outer actuation element is moved rearwardly relative to the ramp portion of the gripping element. Thus, the ramp portion of the actuation element is moved out of engagement with the ramp portion of the gripping element. The tang elements move upwardly and disengage the mating connector assembly. The mating connector assembly is then removed from the passage of the inner gripping element in order to separate the connector assembly of the invention from the mating connector assembly.
The invention accordingly comprises the steps and apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts adapted to affect such steps, as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, the scope of the invention being indicated in the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective, exploded view of the connector assembly of the invention;
FIG. 2
is a side view of the connector assembly of the invention with a mating connector assembly separated therefrom;
FIG. 3
is a side view of the connector assembly of the invention with a mating connector assembly partially positioned in the passage of the inner gripping element; and,
FIG. 4
is a side view of the connector assembly of the invention with a mating connector assembly fully positioned in the passage of the inner tubular passage and the tang elements of the inner gripping element in contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, particularly
FIGS. 1 through 4
, there is shown a connector assembly
10
embodying the invention. The connector assembly
10
generally includes a body
12
, an engagement element
14
, and a retaining element
16
. The engagement element
14
includes an inner gripping element
18
that is telescopically received in an outer actuation element
20
. The inner gripping element
18
is captively held in the outer actuation element
20
and constrained for slidable movement relative thereto. The body
12
provides a terminus for a wire or cable substrate
22
upon which the connector assembly
10
is positioned. The retaining element
16
rotatably secures the inner gripping element
18
of the engagement element
14
on the body
12
. The outer actuation element
20
is captively held on the inner gripping element
18
. The engagement element
14
provides a means for mechanically coupling the connector assembly
10
to a complementarily configured mating connector assembly
24
.
The body
12
has a first end
30
and a second end
32
. As best shown in
FIG. 1
, the first end
30
is configured to be removably and releasably connected to the complementarily configured mating connector assembly
24
. The second end
32
is affixable to the wire or cable substrate
22
. Typically, the body
12
is manufactured from a metal substrate, however, virtually any material having the desired electrical conductivity properties and mechanical strength may be employed.
The first end
30
provides a connectable and disconnectable terminus to the wire or cable substrate
22
. The first end
30
of the body
12
includes a groove
34
that is sized and shaped to receive the retaining element
16
described in detail below. The first end
30
of the body
12
typically has a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration. This configuration is desired as it facilitates rotatably securing the engagement element
14
in position on the body
12
in the manner described in detail below. Typically, as shown in the several FIGURES, the first end
30
of the body
12
is sized and shaped in the form of a male connector that is configured to be connected to a complementarily configured female mating connector assembly
24
. Those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the first end
30
can be either a male configuration or a female configuration depending upon the requirements of a given application.
As noted above, the second end
32
is affixable to the wire or cable substrate
22
. Typically, the second end
32
has a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration. This configuration for the second end
32
is selected in order to complement the generally cylindrical cross-sectional configuration of the wire and cable substrate
22
upon which the connector assembly
10
is typically positioned. Those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the second end
32
of the body
12
can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration depending upon the wire or cable substrate
22
to which it is attached.
The engagement element
14
is, preferably, rotatably secured on the body
12
by the retaining element
16
described in detail below. The engagement element
14
typically provides an encasement for at least a portion of the first end
30
of the body
12
. As noted above, the engagement element
14
includes the inner gripping element
18
and outer actuation element
20
, the inner gripping element being telescopically received in the outer actuation element. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner gripping element
18
and outer actuation element
20
are tubular elements that have a generally annular configuration and extend longitudinally along an axis
50
.
The inner gripping element
18
has a first open end
52
and a second open end
54
. A passage
56
joins the first open end
52
to the second open end
54
. For the reasons set forth below, those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate that the inner gripping element
18
is preferably manufactured from a deformable, resilient material. Preferably, the inner gripping element
18
is manufactured from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.
As shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4
, the first open end
52
is configured to receive the mating connector assembly
24
upon which the connector assembly
10
is positioned during use. Accordingly, the first open end
52
has an opening
58
that is sized and shaped to receive the mating connector assembly
24
. An edge element
80
defines the opening
58
of the first open end
52
. A groove
88
is formed in the edge element
80
along the exterior circumference thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the several FIGURES, the opening
58
has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration. Those skill-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the opening
58
can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration providing the selected configuration permits interconnection of the connector assembly
10
with the desired mating connector assembly
24
.
The second open end
54
is configured to receive a portion of the body
12
. The second open end
54
is defined by an edge element
82
. More particularly, the second open end
54
has an opening
60
that is sized and shaped to receive the first end
30
of the body
12
. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening
60
has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration. Those skill-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the opening
60
can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration providing the selected configuration permits interconnection of the engagement element
14
with the body
12
.
The passage
56
joining the first open end
52
to the second open end
54
is defined by a series of inner wall surfaces. More particularly, the passage
56
is defined by four inner wall surfaces, i.e., first forward inner wall surface
62
, second forward inner wall surface
64
, flange element
66
, and rear inner wall surface
68
. The inner wall surfaces
62
,
64
, and
68
, and flange element
66
, are all coaxially and concentrically aligned along the axis
50
.
The first forward inner wall surface
62
typically has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the first forward inner wall surface
62
is greater at a position proximate to the opening
58
than at a location distal to the opening
58
. The angle between opposing sides of the first forward inner wall surface
62
is selected so as to provide an enlarged entranceway at the first open end
52
without sacrificing the mechanical strength and durability required of the engagement element
14
. In operation, the first forward inner wall surface
62
serves to receive and align the mating connector assembly
24
with the first end
30
of the body
12
.
The second forward inner wall surface
64
is integral with the first forward inner wall surface
62
. The second forward inner wall surface
64
has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The second inner wall surface
64
is sized and shaped to guide the mating connector assembly
24
into connector assembly
10
. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the cross-sectional dimension of the section formed by the second forward inner wall surface
64
is typically selected so as to be complementary to and slightly larger than the outer dimension of the mating connector assembly
24
.
Integral with the second forward inner wall surface
64
is the flange element
66
. The flange element
66
extends radially into the passage
56
. The flange element
66
typically functions to retain a spring element
69
, for example a spring washer, that biases engagement element
14
and removes any free play between the body
12
and the engagement element
14
.
The final portion of the passage
56
is defined by the rear inner wall surface
68
. The rear inner wall surface
68
is configured to receive at least a portion of the first end
30
of the body
12
. Preferably, the rear inner wall surface
68
includes a groove
70
that is sized and shaped to receive the retaining element
16
described in detail below. Preferably, the groove
70
is positioned such that when the connector assembly
10
is fully assembled as shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4
, the groove
70
and the groove
34
are coaxially and concentrically aligned so that both can cooperatively receive the retaining element
16
.
An outer wall surface
72
defines the exterior of the inner gripping element
18
. The outer wall surface
72
includes a first portion
74
and a second portion
76
. The first portion
74
is proximate to the first open end
52
. The second portion
76
is proximate to the second open end
54
. The length of the first portion
74
is between about one-third and about one-half of the length of the outer wall surface
72
. The first portion
74
and second portion
76
are configured to interferingly receive the outer actuation element
20
. More particularly, the first portion
74
and second portion
76
are configured to interferingly engage the inner wall surface
78
of the outer actuation element
20
in the manner described in detail below.
The first or ramp portion
74
has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the first portion
74
is greater at a position proximate to the opening
58
than at a location distal to the opening
58
. The angle between opposing sides of the first portion
74
forms an inclined surface for the inner wall surface
78
of the outer actuation element
20
to bear against when the outer actuation element
20
is moved on and over the inner gripping element
18
during use.
The second portion
76
is integral with the first portion
74
. The second portion
76
also has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the second portion
76
is greater at a position proximate to the first portion
74
than at a location distal to the first portion
74
. The dimensions and angular displacement of the second portion
76
are distinct from those of the first portion
74
. More particularly, the angle of inclination relative to the axis
50
is greater for the first portion
74
than for the second portion
76
. This configuration creates a more gradual decrease in the cross-sectional dimension of the outer wall surface
72
over the length of the second portion
76
as compared to the decrease in cross-sectional dimension observed in connection with the first portion
74
.
Typically, a series of slot elements
84
extend between the first and second inner wall surfaces
62
and
64
and the outer wall surface
72
. The slot elements
84
function to create a series of fingers or tang elements
86
at the first portion
74
of the inner gripping element
18
. Creation of the tang elements
86
serves to facilitate compression and flexure of the inner gripping element
18
as it is compressed and released by the outer actuation element
20
during use. Generally, the slot elements
84
extend from the edge element
80
to the flange element
66
. Accordingly, the slot elements
84
have a length equivalent to between about one-third and about one-half of the overall length of the inner gripping element
18
. Although a series of slots elements
84
are shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that, in alternate embodiments, there is only one or two or more slot elements, the slot element or slot elements permitting contraction of the inner gripping element
18
into gripping contact with the mating connector assembly
24
.
The outer actuation element
20
has a first open end
90
and a second open end
92
. A passage
94
joins the first open end
90
to the second open end
92
. For the reasons set forth below, those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate that the outer actuation element
20
can be manufactured from virtually any high strength metallic, plastic, or composite material exhibiting the desired mechanical strength characteristics. Preferably, the outer actuation element
20
is manufactured from stainless steel.
As shown in the several FIGURES, the first open end
90
is configured to receive the inner gripping element
18
upon which the outer actuation element
20
is positioned during use. Accordingly, the first open end
90
has an opening
96
that is sized and shaped to receive the inner gripping element
18
. That is, the opening
96
has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the outer wall surface
72
of the inner gripping element
18
. An edge element
98
defines the opening
96
of the first open end
90
. A flange element
100
extends radially inward from the edge element
98
. In operation, the flange element
100
cooperates with the groove
88
of the edge element
80
to restrict rearward movement of the outer actuation element
20
on and over the inner gripping element
18
.
The second open end
92
is also configured to receive the inner gripping portion
18
. The second open end
92
is defined by an edge element
102
. More particularly, the second open end
92
has an opening
104
sized and shaped to receive the second open end
54
of the inner gripping element
18
. In the preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the several FIGURES, the opening
104
has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the opening
104
can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration providing the selected configuration permits placement of the inner gripping element
18
within the outer actuation element
20
.
The passage
94
joining the first open end
90
to the second open end
92
is defined by a two inner wall surfaces. More particularly, the passage
94
is defined by a first inner wall surface
106
and a second inner wall surface
108
. The inner wall surfaces
106
and
108
are coaxially and concentrically aligned along the axis
50
.
The first inner wall surface
106
has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration that defines a ramp portion. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the first inner wall surface
106
is greater at a position proximate to the opening
96
than at a location distal to the opening
96
. The angle between opposing sides of the first inner wall surface
106
is selected so as to be complementary to the configuration of the first portion
74
of the outer wall surface
72
. In operation, the first inner wall surface or ramp portion
106
bears against the first or ramp portion
74
of the outer wall surface
72
of the inner gripping element
18
as the outer actuation element
20
is moved in a forward direction on and over the inner gripping element
18
. This action acts to press the tang elements
86
inwardly into gripping contact with the mating connector assembly
24
positioned in the passage
56
. Rearward movement of the outer actuation element
20
relative to the inner gripping element
18
permits the tang elements
86
to flex upwardly and away from the surface of the mating connector assembly
24
positioned in the passage
56
. This action permits the mating connector assembly
24
to be released from the connector assembly
10
.
The second inner wall surface
108
is integral with the first inner wall surface
106
. The second inner wall surface
108
also has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing second inner wall surface
108
is greater at a position proximate to the first inner wall surface
106
than at a location distal to the first inner wall surface
106
. The dimensions and angular displacement of the second inner wall surface
108
are distinct from those of the first inner wall surface
106
. More particularly, the angle of inclination relative to the axis
50
is greater for the first inner wall surface
106
than for the second inner wall surface
108
. This configuration creates a more gradual decrease in the cross-sectional dimension of the passage
94
over the length of the second inner wall surface
108
as compared to the decrease in cross-sectional dimension observed in connection with the first forward inner wall surface
106
.
In operation, the second inner wall surface
108
interferingly engages the second portion
76
of the outer wall surface
72
of the inner gripping connector
18
. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the cross-sectional dimension of the frusto-conical section formed by the second inner wall surface
108
is selected so as to be complementary to the configuration of the second portion
76
of the outer wall surface
72
.
An outer wall surface
110
defines the exterior of the outer actuation element
20
. The outer wall surface
110
includes a series of ridges
112
and grooves
114
. The ridges
112
and grooves
114
define a purchase for moving the outer actuation element
20
. More particularly, the ridges
112
and grooves
114
provide a textured surface against which users can press, or pull, in order to manipulate the forward, or rearward, movement of the outer actuation element
20
on and over the inner gripping element
18
.
The retaining element
16
rotatably secures the engagement element
14
to the first end
30
of the body
12
. To accomplish this result, when the connector assembly
10
is fully assembled as shown in the several FIGURES, an inner portion
200
of the retaining element
16
is positioned in the groove
34
of the body
12
while an outer portion
202
is positioned in the groove
70
of the rear inner wall surface
68
of the engagement element
14
. In order to facilitate positioning of the retaining element
16
in this way, the inner portion
200
of the retaining element
16
has a size and shape that is complementary to the configuration of the groove
34
. The outer portion
202
of the retaining element
16
has a size and shape that is complementary to the configuration of the groove
70
. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element
16
has a rectilinear cross-sectional configuration.
The retaining element
16
can be formed from, for example, a metal substrate. When this type of substrate material is utilized to form the retaining element
16
, the retaining element
16
typically has a discontinuous loop configuration. A typical configuration is in the shape of a āCā ring as shown in FIG.
1
.
In order to position the retaining element
16
in the groove
34
of the first end
30
of the body
12
, the ends
204
of the retaining element
16
are first brought into contact with the body
12
such that the ends
204
rest in the groove
34
. A force normal to the axis
50
is then applied to the retaining element
16
so as to press the retaining element
16
onto the body
12
. That is, the force presses the ends
204
on and over the surface of the body
12
, separating them as they are moved in and through the groove
34
. Once the retaining element
16
is fully positioned in the groove
34
, i.e., the ends
204
move over the widest part of the body
12
, the retaining element
16
relaxes and the ends
204
move back together.
In order to position and retain the engagement element
14
on the body
12
, the retaining element
16
is first compressed so that the engagement element
14
can be slipped on and over the first end
30
of the body
12
. When the groove
34
and the groove
70
are in alignment, the retaining element
16
is released and permitted to expand into the groove
70
. The retaining element
16
is sized and shaped to be fit in groove
70
. Expansion of the retaining element
16
affixes the engagement element
14
on the body
12
and completes the assembly process. The retaining element
16
is formed from an elastically deformable and resilient substrate, for example, metal or plastic. When these materials are utilized, the retaining element
16
typically is deformed in order to first position it within the confines of the groove
34
. More particularly, the retaining element
16
preferably is expanded from a relaxed state to an expanded state. The retaining element
16
retains, however, a memory of its relaxed state and, thus, returns toward that state when captured in the groove
34
. When these materials are employed, the retaining element
16
is sized and shaped such that when it is in its relaxed state it can be interferingly received on the first end
30
of the body
12
.
In order to complete assembly, the engagement element
14
is pressed over the first end
30
of the body
12
until the retaining element
16
is positioned in the groove
70
. Typically, the press fitting of the engagement element
14
onto the first end
30
of the body
12
is done concurrent with a circumferential compression of the retaining element
16
into the groove
34
. Expansion of the retaining element
16
, when the groove
34
and the groove
70
are in concentric and coaxial alignment, facilitates interconnection of the engagement element
14
and the body
12
.
The invention also contemplates a method of attaching, and detaching, the connector assembly
10
from a mating connector assembly
24
. The method of the invention is depicted in
FIGS. 2 through 4
.
As shown in
FIG. 2
, to attach the connector assembly of the invention
10
to a mating connector assembly
24
, the outer actuation element
20
is first moved rearwardly over the inner gripping element until such time as the flange element
100
is in contact with the groove
88
. As shown in
FIG. 3
, the mating connector assembly
24
is then moved into position in the passage
56
. The mating connector assembly
24
is fully positioned in the passage
56
when an end
205
of the mating connector assembly
24
comes into proper mechanical and electrical conductivity contact with an end
207
of the connector assembly
10
. Next, the outer actuation element
20
is moved forwardly on and over the inner gripping element
18
. As shown in
FIG. 4
, this forward movement causes the tang elements
86
to come into interfering contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly
24
. Forward movement of the outer actuation element
20
over the inner gripping element
18
is curtailed when the second forward inner wall surface
64
are in substantially complete surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly
24
. Preferably, the ramp portion
74
of the inner gripping element
18
and the ramp portion
106
of the actuation element
20
have a shallow taper and are in full surface-to-surface contact as the actuation element is moved forwardly. The shallow taper and full surface-to-surface contact result in a uniform and full compressive force being applied to mating connector assembly
24
by the tang elements
86
.
To release the connector assembly
10
from a mating connector assembly
24
, the outer actuation element
20
is moved rearwardly on and over the inner gripping element
18
. This action permits the tang elements
86
to move upwardly and away from the outer surface of the mating connector assembly
24
. Rearward movement of the outer actuation element
20
relative to the inner gripping element
18
continues until the flange element
100
is positioned in the groove
88
. The mating connector assembly
24
is then removed from the passage
56
of the inner gripping element
18
in order to separate the connector assembly
10
from the mating connector assembly
24
.
It will be understood that changes may be made in the above construction and in the foregoing sequences of operation without departing from the scope of the invention. It is accordingly intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention as described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.
Claims
- 1. A connector assembly, said connector assembly comprising:a) a body; b) an engagement means, said engagement means including an inner gripping member telescopically received in an outer actuator member, said inner gripping member having an outer wall surface that is formed with a first ramp portion, said outer actuator member having an inner wall surface that is formed with a second ramp portion, said first ramp portion complementary to said second ramp portion, said first ramp portion of said outer wall surface of said inner gripping member configured to interferingly engaging and cooperate with said second ramp portion of said inner wall surface of said outer actuator member, said inner gripping member having a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state, said inner gripping member being moved inwardly from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state when one of said outer actuator member and said inner gripping member is moved in a first direction relative to the other of said outer actuator and said inner gripping member, said relative movement in said first direction causing said second ramp portion to be urged against and force said first ramp portion inwardly, said inner gripping member being moved outwardly from said inwardly urged state to said relaxed state when said outer actuator member is moved in a second direction relative to said inner gripping member said relative movement in said second direction permitting said second ramp portion to move outwardly, said second direction opposite said first direction; and c) a retaining means, said retaining means rotatably affixing said inner gripping member of said engagement means to said body.
- 2. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said first ramp portion is formed with at least two fingers that are movable from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state when said second ramp portion is urged against said first ramp portion.
- 3. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said inner gripping member of said engagement means comprises an inner wall surface, said inner wall surface having a groove means configured to receive said retaining means.
- 4. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said inner gripping member further comprises a first end, a second end, and a passage, said passage extending between said first end and said second end.
- 5. The connector assembly of claim 4 wherein said passage in said inner gripping member is defined by a wall surface, said wall surface comprising a first wall surface and a second wall surface, said first wall surface being integral with said second wall surface, said first wall surface having a frusto-conical configuration defining an enlarged entranceway.
- 6. The connector assembly of claim 5 wherein said wall surface of said passage further comprises a flange means, said flange means being integral with said second wall surface.
- 7. The connector assembly of claim 6 wherein said wall surface of said passage further comprises a rear wall surface, said rear wall surface being integral with said flange means.
- 8. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said body is formed with groove means that is configured to receive said retaining means.
- 9. A connector assembly, said connector assembly comprising:a) a body, said body having a groove means; b) an engagement means, said engagement means including an inner gripping member telescopically received in an outer actuator member, said inner gripping member and said outer actuator member being slidably movable relative to each other, said inner gripping member having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, said outer actuator member having an inner wall surface that is complementary to said outer wall surface of said inner gripping member, said outer wall surface of said inner gripping member having a first ramp portion, said inner wall surface of said actuator member having a second ramp portion, said first ramp portion and said second ramp portion being configured to interferingly engage each other, said inner wall surface of said inner gripping member having a groove means, said inner gripping member composed of a deformable and resilient material said inner gripping member having a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state, said inner gripping member being in said inwardly urged state when one of said outer actuator member and said inner gripping member is urged against the other of said outer actuator member and said inner gripping member, said inner gripping member being in said relaxed state when said outer actuator member is moved out of urged engagement with said inner gripping member; and c) a retaining means, said retaining means rotatably affixing said inner gripping member of said engagement means to said body, said retaining means being contained in said groove means of said body and said groove means of said inner gripping member when said groove means of said body and said groove means of said inner gripping member are concentrically and coaxially aligned.
- 10. The connector assembly of claim 9 wherein said first ramp portion is formed with at least two fingers that are movable from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state when said second ramp portion is urged against said first ramp portion.
- 11. The connector assembly of claim 9 wherein said first ramp portion is formed with at least three fingers that are movable from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state when said second ramp portion is urged against said first ramp portion.
- 12. The connector assembly of claim 9 wherein said inner wall surface of said outer actuator member comprises a first wall surface and a second wall surface, said first wall surface of said outer actuator member being integral with said second wall surface of said outer actuator member, said first wall surface of said outer actuator member having a frusto-conical configuration.
- 13. The connector assembly of claim 12 wherein said inner wall surface of said outer actuator member further comprises a flange means, said flange means of said outer actuator member being integral with said second wall surface of said outer actuator member.
- 14. The connector assembly of claim 9 wherein said retaining means is manufactured from a resilient material.
- 15. A connector assembly, said connector assembly comprising:a) a body; b) an engagement means, said engagement means including an inner gripping member telescopically received in an outer actuator member, said inner gripping member and said outer actuator member being slidably movable relative to each other, said inner gripping member having an outer wall surface that is formed with a force receiving ramp portion, said outer actuator member having an inner wall surface that is formed with a force exerting ramp portion, said force receiving ramp portion being complementary to said force exerting ramp portion, said force receiving ramp portion of said outer wall surface of said inner gripping member configured to interferingly engaging and cooperate with said force exerting ramp portion of said inner wall surface of said outer actuator member, said inner gripping member being composed of a deformable and resilient material, said inner gripping member having a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state, said inner gripping member being moved inwardly from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state when said one of said force exerting ramp portion and said force receiving ramp portion is urged against the other of said force exerting and said force receiving ramp portions, said inner gripping member being moved outwardly from said inwardly urged state to said relaxed state when said force exerting ramp portion is moved away from said force receiving ramp portion; and c) a retaining means, said retaining means rotatably affixing said inner gripping.
- 16. The connector assembly of claim 15 wherein said force receiving portion is formed with at least one slot that permits movement of said inner gripping member to move from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state when said force exerting portion is urged against said force receiving portion.
- 17. A method of interconnecting a first wire substrate with a second wire substrate, one of either of said first wire substrate or said second wire substrate having a mating connector assembly positioned thereon, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing a connector assembly having a body, an engagement means, and a retaining means, said retaining means rotatably affixing said engagement means on said body, said engagement means including an inner gripping member and an outer actuator member, said inner gripping member telescopically received in said outer actuator member, said inner gripping member and said outer actuator member being slidable relative to each other, said inner gripping member having an outer wall surface, said inner gripping member having a longitudinally extending passage, said passage being defined by a wall means, said outer actuator member having an inner wall surface that is complementary to said outer wall surface of said inner gripping member, said outer wall surface of said inner gripping member interferingly engaging said inner wall surface of said outer actuator member, said inner gripping member having a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state; b) positioning the mating connector assembly in the passage of said inner gripping member; c) moving said outer actuator member on and over said inner gripping member so as to move said inner gripping member from said relaxed state to said inwardly urged state; and d) continuing to move said outer actuator member on and over said inner gripping member until said wall means of said passage deform and come into gripping contact with said mating connector assembly.
- 18. The method of claim 17 including the step of forming said inner gripping member with at least two fingers, said fingers movable between said relaxed state and said inwardly urged state, said fingers contacting and gripping said mating connector assembly.
- 19. The method of claim 17 comprising the further step of providing a connector assembly having a body with a groove means that is configured to receive said retaining means.
US Referenced Citations (3)
Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
3885851 |
Bennett |
May 1975 |
|
3945701 |
Boeke et al. |
Mar 1976 |
|
5192219 |
Fowler et al. |
Mar 1993 |
|