Quick-disconnect electrical connector coupling assembly for use with

Abstract

A quick-disconnect electrical connector coupling assembly has an electrical connector plug assembly which surrounds and mates with a receptacle shell. The electrical connector plug assembly may be quickly disconnected by the application of an external axially-directed force imparted by means of remote control through the use of a lanyard affixed to the assembly. The lanyard may be attached to a ring which surrounds the connector plug assembly. The electrical connector plug assembly comprises a first coupling ring surrounded by a second coupling ring. The first coupling ring has a plurality of apertured mountings which accommodate, in each mounting, the insertion of a floating land segment positioned atop a ramp spring segment. When the coupling is fully mated, the ramp spring segments protrude radially into the inner surface of the first coupling ring and abut a plurality of fixed bayonet pins to secure the mated connection. When an axially-directed external force pulls the second coupling ring away from the receptacle shell, the floating land segments move into an annular sloped recess of the second coupling ring and drive the ramp spring segments into retraction within the first coupling ring housing. Once the ramp spring segment is fully retracted, the electrical connector plug assembly may be removed immediately from the receptacle shell without interference from the fixed bayonet pins.