Flight Connector Corporation

Jerry T Steele

Lawrence Schwartz

Jan A Kilsdonk

A mechanical interlock system using ball detents for interlocking the first and second connector halves of an electrical connector assembly. In the preferred embodiment, two ball detents are utilized. The first connector half, or plug member, has recesses for receiving ball detents secured in the second connector half, or receptacle member. Slots are formed in each of the side walls of the receptacle member, each ball detent being positioned in an aperture formed between the slot and a receiving area in the receptacle member. A first portion of the surface of the ball detent extends into the slot and a second portion of the ball surface extends into the receiving area, the ball detents being secured in the aperture by a preloaded spring washer positioned in each slot. The second surface portion of each ball detent enters the recesses when the plug is inserted into the receptacle area thus forming the mechanical interlock.

Connector mechanical interlock using ball detents

An electrical connector assembly having first and second electrical connector halves. Coupling and decoupling is accomplished by a coupling nut mounted on the first electrical connector, the coupling nut having a screw thread adapted to receive a screw thread on the second connector. The first electrical connector half includes an annular recess formed about its circumference. A belt member having a plurality of resilient protrusions formed thereon is positioned within the annular groove. A split-ring member having inner and outer circumferences is then positioned about said belt type member in a manner such that ratchet teeth formed on the inner circumference of the split ring can engage the protrusions on said belt member. In one embodiment, the outer circumference of said split-ring member has plurality of apertures formed thereon, the apertures being aligned with apertures formed in the coupling nut. Fastening members positioned through the co-lined apertures join the coupling nut to the split-ring, the split-ring being rotatable with the coupling nut. The fastening members integrally join the coupling nut to the first electrical connector via the split-ring thus preventing the coupling nut from being removed from the electrical connector due to any vibration or other type of disturbance. The serrations on the inner circumference of the split-ring interact with the protrusions to provide an anti-rotation feature such that coupling may be accomplished with less effort whereby a greater resistance is provided to decoupling.

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Fountain Valley, CA, United States of America

Jerry T Steele