Woodhead Industries, Inc.

David A Wandler

Robert J Guss, Iii

Simeon T Lee

An electrical connector (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an insert (16) having a plurality of connecting elements disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. A coupling nut (22) is disposed about the insert (16) and has inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange (34) having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36) forming teeth. A washer (24) includes asymmetrical projections or teeth on one surface which engage the annular flange of the insert when coupling nut (22) is tightened. The washer (24) further includes second symmetrical projections (50) on a second, opposed surface to form a driving engagement with corresponding teeth on the coupling nut. An outer sheath (60) may be assembled to the coupling nut ( 22) to permit the coupling nut to be rotated for tightening until a predetermined torque is reached, whereupon the sheath freely rotates about the tightened coupling nut.

Vibration resistant electrical coupling with tactile indication

An electrical coupling (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an elastomeric insert (16) having a plurality of inner cylindrical conductive contacts forming a socket and disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. The electrical coupling (10) further includes a coupling nut (22) disposed about the insert (16) and having inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36). A washer (24) disposed intermediate a second, opposed surface (26b) of the insert's peripheral flange (26) and the coupling nut's inner flange (34) includes first projections on a first surface thereof which engage the annular flange's second surface when the coupling nut (22) is tightened. The washer (24) further includes second projections (50) on a second, opposed surface thereof which are each positioned within a respective detent (36) of the coupling nut (22) to provide a locked connection. An outer sheath (18) may be assembled to the coupling nut (22) to permit the coupling nut to be rotated for tightening until a predetermined torque is reached, whereupon the sheath freely rotates about the tightened coupling nut. Other embodiments include the combination of a split washer (96) engaging an inner ratchet surface of the coupling nut (86) and a combination of spaced outer bosses (122a, 122b, 122c and 122d) around the insert (116) engaging either a circular (142) or an undulating (128) inner flange of the coupling nut to provide a locking feature with a tactile indication of connector tightening and locking.

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Burlington, WI, United States of America

David A Wandler