Separable connector module with improved current-carrying threaded joint

Abstract

This separable electrical connector module, which is movable through an operating stroke and is adapted to couple with a mating module, comprises: (a) a connector member including a copper portion containing a hole having a central longitudinal axis and internal threads surrounding the axis, and (b) a copper contact rod having one end that is externally threaded to provide external threads that mate with said internal threads and an opposite end adapted to engage a contact within the mating module. The external threads are restrained against rotation with respect to the mating internal threads by means comprising: (a) a passage in the connector member portion that intersects said internal threads in a predetermined location at one side of the central axis, and (b) a pin of plastic material tightly fitting within said passage and bearing against the external threads of the contact rod to provide a radial force on the contact rod that urges the external threads of the contact rod into high pressure engagement with the internal threads at the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from said predetermined location, thus maintaining a good electrical connection between the threads of the contact rod and the connector member despite repeated motion of the module through its operation stroke.