Abstract A quick disconnect electrical connector having a plug device and a receptacle device. Fixedly connected to either the plug device or the receptacle device is an outer sleeve structure axially movable with respect to the plug or receptacle member and resiliently biased in one direction of engagement of the plug and the receptacle. A lanyard or other structure is attached to the outer sleeve for receiving the disconnecting force. Attached to the other of the plug or receptacle devices are radially extending engaging structures which can be extending radially inwardly or outwardly. Engaging the radially extending structures is a coupling member which may be formed from several sections and which is radially outwardly expandable. If the coupling member is formed in a plurality of sections, it has a retaining mechanism adjacent to the end nearest the outer sleeve member. A coupling member has a radially and circumferentially extending structure to engage the radially extending structure on either the plug or receptacle means. Both the outer sleeve member and the coupling member have chamferred axially extending surfaces. The outer sleeve member on its internal surface on one end and coupling member on its outer surface. An inner circumferential surface near one end of the coupling member is tapered or chamferred to permit the expandable coupling member to pivot outwardly away from the plug or receptacle member. Each coupling member segment is self-aligning and mutually abutting. Each coupling member segment has a single complete track and detent.
An electrical connector comprising: first and second mating body members each having an axis; coupling means coaxially mounted to said first body member for telescopically engaging said second body member; radially extending means on said second body member adapted to engage said coupling means; said coupling means including a plurality of separable cylindrical segments each having a complete cam track with an opening at one end thereof and a terminus at the other end thereof, said cam track being disposed at an angle to the axis of said first body member for engaging and displacing said radially extending means along said cam track from said opening toward said terminus upon rotation of said second body member relative to said first body member; release means comprising a sleeve coaxially engaging said coupling means and axially movable relative to said first body member between a first position in which said cylindrical segments are constrained against separation due to peripheral engagement with a portion of said sleeve, and a second position in which said portion of said sleeve is disengaged from said cylindrical segments permitting sufficient separation thereof to release said radially extending means from said cam track.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
An electrical connector comprising: first and second mating body members each having an axis; coupling means coaxially mounted to said first body member for telescopically engaging said second body member; radially extending means on said second body member adapted to engage said coupling means; said coupling means including a plurality of separable cylindrical segments each having a complete cam track with an opening at one end thereof and a terminus at the other end thereof, said cam track being disposed at an angle to the axis of said first body member for engaging and displacing said radially extending means along said cam track from said opening toward said terminus upon rotation of said second body member relative to said first body member; release means comprising a sleeve coaxially engaging said coupling means and axially movable relative to said first body member between a first position in which said cylindrical segments are constrained against separation due to peripheral engagement with a portion of said sleeve, and a second position in which said portion of said sleeve is disengaged from said cylindrical segments permitting sufficient separation thereof to release said radially extending means from said cam track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An electrical connection in accordance with claim 1, wherein: each cam track includes a detent near the terminus thereof for retaining a radially extending means which has been displaced along said track into engagement therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
An electrical connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said portion of said sleeve which peripherally engages said cylindrical segments comprises a tapered, generally conical inner surface near one end thereof; and, the cylindrical segments of said coupling means define a tapered, generally conical outer surface for engaging said portion of said sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
An electrical connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said release means includes provision for coupling to a release force applying device such as a lanyard, for moving said sleeve axially relative to said first body member from said first position to said second position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An electrical connector in accordance with claim 4, further including: spring means interposed between said sleeve and said first body member, resiliently biasing said sleeve into said first position.