JP2018526781A - Push lock electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An inline multi-pin connector includes cylindrical male and female connector members that are electrically connected together by pushing the ends together and pushing together. Either the male or female connector member has a metal cylinder disposed around its conductive pin or socket that is adapted to engage with each other while the other connector member has an inner thread. It has. The metal cylinder is disposed on the outer periphery thereof and is urged radially outward to engage the thread of the other member and connect the two connector members, a plurality of resilient , Spaced arms or tabs. A coaxial seal, such as a compressible O-ring seal, is disposed between and in contact with the two members. The outer circumference of the cylindrical insulator of the inner member has alternating top and valleys, while the metal cylinder of the other member is positioned inside the corresponding opposite valley to prevent disconnection caused by vibration. With an inwardly extending resilient arm adapted to: [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates generally to quick connect / fast disconnect multi-pin electrical connectors, and in particular to push-lock electrical connectors that incorporate metal threads, high strength stable seals, and anti-vibration features.

  In-line electrical connectors tend to be of two basic types: threaded connectors or plug-in connectors. Threaded connectors incorporate mating threads on the plug and socket portions of the connector and require rotation of one or the other to connect the set of electrical cables together in a sealed manner. Connections and disconnections are labor intensive and require the application of a predetermined tightening torque to achieve an environmental seal or need to overcome this torque when cutting a pair of connector members . Tightening torque can cause unintentional loosening when the connector is subjected to vibration forces, resulting in loss of connector sealing and disruption of the pin-to-socket connection. The connection and disconnection of the two threaded connector members is also relatively slow and time consuming. On the other hand, plug-in connections are easily and quickly formed or disconnected. However, the connected members in the plug-in connection are more easily separated and disconnected from those in the screw connector. In addition, bayonet connections are not as compatible as threaded connections to form high strength tight seals. Finally, the screw and plug-in approaches are mutually exclusive since one cannot be connected to the other, which is sometimes inefficient and wasteful.

  Recent efforts in this area have created methods of using a threaded arrangement that is segmented on each of the two connecting members, which connect one connecting member on the other. It can be coupled by pushing axially and subsequently one or both of the connecting members rotating to bring the corresponding thread arrangement into engagement with each other. Thus, this approach includes pushing the two connector members together, similar to the bayonet approach, followed by the relative rotation of the two connector members to provide threaded engagement. This combined approach does not provide all the advantages when both approaches are taken individually. For example, the connection requires rotation of one or both of the connecting members, but the integrity and strength of the connection is limited by the partial thread arrangement that must be on both connecting members. In addition, the connector seal is limited by hand torque requirements to achieve environmental sealing. One approach in this area has lost the ability to "spring back" because it has withstood its use after a couple of connector member pairs have been connected and disconnected or has reached the elastic limit of plastic. Utilizes plastic segmented threads. The present invention addresses and overcomes these limitations by providing a push-type connection that provides complete thread engagement between two connecting members that use standard threads.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a push-type electrical connector having a threaded connection connecting two connector members.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a tightly sealed and closed compartment for a plurality of conductive elements in an in-line electrical connector.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vibration resistant connection between a male connection member and a female connection member of a push-type electrical connector.

  A further object is to quickly and between the male and female connection members of an in-line multi-pin electrical connector while reliably maintaining two connection members that are coupled together using a threaded connection arrangement. It is to provide easy push type engagement.

  A still further object of the present invention is to provide a sealed compartment for the contact element of an electrical connector, where the strength of the seal can be easily achieved regardless of the torque used to mate the connector member. Is to provide.

  The present invention is adapted for a quick locked connection by simply pushing the male and female connection members together when establishing a threaded sealed connection between the two connection members. Intended for in-line electrical connectors. The push-lock electrical connector further includes anti-vibration features that prevent relative rotational movement between the male and female connection members to ensure that electrical continuity is maintained. Push-lock electrical connectors also incorporate metal threads rather than plastic threads to increase reliability and extend connector operating life. Push-lock connectors are completely compatible with conventional threaded electrical connectors such as the M12 thread type.

  An additional related embodiment of the present invention contemplates an electrical connector having mating male and female connection members, both of which are secure, electrically isolated. And includes an elastic member capable of receiving and securely coupling to the other connecting member in an electromagnetically shielded manner. In one embodiment, the male connector member includes a cylindrical male insulator insert having an outer peripheral side wall that defines an open cylindrical space, the interior of the open cylindrical space having a plurality of elongated spacings. There are conductive pins arranged. The mating female connection member includes a plurality of spaced-apart sockets, each of which receives the female connection member as the male member when establishing electrical contact between the two connector members. It is adapted to receive a corresponding connector pin when inserted into an open cylindrical space. The side wall portion of the male member forming an open cylindrical space adapted to receive the female connector member in an interference fit manner extends longitudinally inwardly from the outer end of the male member. It contains at least one existing slot therein. A thin layer of elastic insulating material, such as that made of silicone, that allows the side wall of the male member to expand outwardly, is disposed on the inner surface of the male member side wall, and At least one slot therein is filled so that the male member can receive a mating female member having a range of diameters and engage in an interference fit manner. . The stretchable material also provides a mating male mold by elastically compressing radially inward when the male connector member carrying the conductive pin is inserted over the socket carrying end portion of the female member. It can be incorporated into the female connection member to accommodate a range of diameter dimensions and tolerances in the member. In the latter embodiment, the elastic layer may be disposed around the female connector member, or the female connector member may consist essentially of an elastoelectrically insulating material. In one embodiment, by making the resilient insulating layer conductive, this layer can also function as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield within the electrical connector.

  The appended claims set forth the novel features that characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as further objects and advantages thereof, relates to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the various views. Will be best understood.

1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a push lock electrical connector of the present invention mated with, or engaged with, a conventional M12 threaded electrical connector. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the push-lock electrical connector taken along the position line BB in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the push-lock electrical connector taken along the position line AA in FIG. 1. It is a side view of the male connection member of a push lock electric connector. It is a perspective view of the edge part of the male connection member of a push lock electric connector. It is a perspective view of the edge part of the male connection member of a push lock electric connector. It is a front view of the metal cylinder part which has an elastic tab incorporated in the push lock electric connector of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of a metal cylinder having a resilient tab incorporated into the push-lock electrical connector of the present invention. It is a top view of the metal cylinder part which has an elastic tab before being formed in the cylindrical shape incorporated in the push lock electric connector of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the male type insulator incorporated in the push lock electric connector of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the male insulator incorporated in the push-lock electrical connector of the present invention, and the cross-sectional view is cut along the position line CC in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a metal cylindrical portion having a vibration-proof elastic tab incorporated in the push-lock electrical connector of the present invention. 12 is a combination of an outer metal cylinder having a resilient tab cut along position line DD in FIG. 12 and an inner male insulator cut along position line CC in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, and this combination provides anti-vibration protection in the push-lock electrical connector of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the push-lock electrical connector of the present invention fitted to a conventional M12 threaded electrical connector. FIG. 15 is a side plan view of a portion of the male push-type electrical connector shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a male connector portion of the push lock electrical connector shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a metal cylinder used in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 18 is a horizontal plan view of the metal cylindrical portion shown in FIG. 17. It is a front view of the metal cylinder part shown by FIG. FIG. 15 is another perspective view of a metal cylinder used in the male electrical connector of FIG. 14. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a male outer coupling sleeve used with the metal cylinder shown in FIGS. 17-20. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a combination of a metal cylindrical portion incorporated in the male electrical connector of FIG. 14 and a male outer coupling sleeve. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tapered ring used in the electrical connector of FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a front view of a tapered ring used in the electrical connector of FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a male insulator insert used in the electrical connector of FIG. 14, the male insulator insert having a seal molded on its inner surface. . In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a push-lock electrical connector incorporating an insulator insert in the form of a thin layer of elastic material incorporated between a mated male and female connection member. It is a side view. FIG. 27 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the push-lock electrical connector shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the male insulator insert of the present invention incorporating a pair of spaced apart slots disposed on the sidewalls. FIG. 29 is a side view of the male insulator insert shown in FIG. 28. FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of the male insulator insert shown in FIG. 28 with a thin layer of resilient insulating material disposed over a portion according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of the male insulator insert of the present invention showing a pair of end slots therein. FIG. 31 shows a longitudinal section of a male insulator insert taken along position line AA of FIG. 31 showing a layer of electrically insulating material disposed on a surface according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. FIG. 4 shows various perspective views of an elastoelectric insulation layer applied to an open end portion of a male insulator insert, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows various perspective views of an elastoelectric insulation layer applied to an open end portion of a male insulator insert, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the female insulator insert is adapted to receive a male insulator insert having a range of diameters in an interference fit manner. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of an elastoelectrical insulation layer, or ring, used in the female insulator insert shown in FIG. FIG. 36 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female insulator insert of the present invention used in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is various perspective views of the elastoelectric insulation insert shown in FIG. 36 adapted for use with the female insulator insert of FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is various perspective views of the elastoelectric insulation insert shown in FIG. 36 adapted for use with the female insulator insert of FIG. 37.

  Referring to the above figures, the push-lock electrical connector 10 of the present invention will now be described in detail. The push-lock electrical connector 10 includes a male connection member 12 and a female connection member 14, and the male connection member includes a plurality of spaced apart male pins 24a to 24d, and the female connection member 14 includes: Each includes a plurality of spaced apart sockets 26a-26d that are adapted to receive a corresponding male pin in an interference fit manner as shown in FIG. The male connection member 12 further includes a male overmold 16 that is connected to the male insulator insert 21 on its end. A plurality of electrical conductors, i.e., wires (not shown for simplicity) are disposed within the first male overmold 16 and each of the wires corresponds to a corresponding one of the male pins 24a-24d. Connected to things. Each of the male pins 24a-24d is inserted through a corresponding slot in the male insulator 21 and extends into an open recess in the outer end of the male insulator. A metal cylinder 28 is coaxially aligned with and disposed between the adjacent portion of the outer male coupling sleeve 20 and the inner male insulator insert 21.

  The female connection member 14 includes a female overmold 18 that is attached to the female insulator insert 23 on its end portion. A female outer coupling sleeve 22 having threads 32 disposed on the inner surface is disposed about and engages the outer surface of the female insulator insert 23. A plurality of spaced apart female sockets 26a-26d are attached to the end of the female overmold 18 and are disposed in corresponding slots in the female insulator insert 23 and pass through the slots. It extends. Electrical leads, i.e., wires, not shown for simplicity, are each connected to a corresponding one of the female sockets 26a-26d. Each of the female sockets 26a to 26d receives a corresponding one of the male pins 24a to 24d by tightening fitting engagement, and a plurality of lead wires in the male connection member 12 and the female connection member 14 Adapted to establish electrical continuity between the plurality of leads. In order to establish an environment sealed to the male pin and female socket, an O-ring 34 is disposed between the female insulator 23 and the end portion of the male insulator 21 and they are In contact with. The male and female insulator inserts 21 and 22 are preferably made of plastic or another material having high dielectric properties.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the metal cylinder 28 is shown as having four resilient tabs 30a-30d arranged in a spaced apart manner on its outer periphery, It is not limited to this number of resilient tabs on the metal cylinder. Each of the four elastic tabs 30 a to 30 d is formed by stamping or otherwise deforming the side wall portion of the metal cylindrical portion 28, and each of the elastic tabs is formed by the male connecting member 12. Extends outward in a direction away from the open end portion. The orientation and resiliency of each of the four tabs 30a-30d allows the male connecting member 12 to be inserted or "pushed" into the female connecting member 14, and as soon as it is pushed, the four resilient The distal end of each of the tabs 30a-30d engages the inner thread 32 of the female outer coupling sleeve 22, as shown in FIG. When the distal end of each of the four resilient tabs 30a-30d engages a portion of the inner thread 32 of the female outer coupling sleeve 22, the male and female connection members 12, 14 are securely attached. Connected together. The elasticity of the tabs 30a-30d allows the corresponding distal end to be displaced radially inward when it contacts the top portion of the thread, after which the elasticity of the tab is within the female connection member 14. During insertion of the male connection member 12 into, the respective distal ends of the tabs are urged radially outward to engage directly adjacent thread portions. In order to seal the space in which the male pins 24a to 24d and the female sockets 26a to 26d are disposed, the distal end portion of the male insulator 21 engages the O-ring 34 and two connection members If the above-described sealing portion is formed between the male connecting member 12 and the female connecting member 14, the male connecting member 12 is completely inserted. After being inserted into the female connection member 14 and engaged with the thread 32, the distal end of the tab engages the inner part of the thread and the outer edge of the thread. In order to ensure that the male connection member 12 including the elastic tabs 30a-30d is clockwise or counterclockwise, to ensure that it is not in place and to ensure a stable engagement between the elastic tab and the thread. It may be necessary to rotate only a part of one rotation clockwise.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the first and second sealing portions 36 a and 36 b described above are disposed on the inner surface of the male insulator 21. Seals 36a and 36b also provide a seal against the space within push-lock electrical connector 10 in which connected male pins 24a-24d and female sockets 26a-26d are located. In short, the first and second sealing portions 36a and 36b do not require the O-ring 34 when providing a sealed environment for the connected male pins 24a to 24d and female sockets 26a to 26d. To. The above-described sealing portion has been described as being formed by the first and second sealing portions 36a and 36b disposed on the inner surface of the male insulator 21. The portion can also be positioned on the outer surface of the female insulator 23 to engage the inner surface of the male insulator 21 when forming the seal. Similarly, although two sealing portions 36a and 36b are disclosed, the present invention is not limited to two sealing portions. For example, more sealing portions may be provided between the male insulator 21 and the female insulator 23 in order to increase the strength of the sealing portion. Conversely, if the application requires a reduced strength seal, a single seal can be used.

  The illustrated and described embodiments of the invention have resilient tabs 30a-30d disposed within the male connection member 12 for engaging threads 32 within the female outer coupling sleeve 22. Although including a metal cylinder 28, the metal cylinder may alternatively be positioned within the female connection member 14 to engage an inner thread provided on the male insulator 21. The present invention also contemplates the use of pairs of metal cylinders each having a corresponding set of resilient tabs, one metal cylinder being disposed within the male connection member 12 and the other metal The cylindrical portion is disposed in the female connection member 14. The metal cylindrical portion disposed in the male connection member 12 firmly engages the inner portion of the female connection member 14, and at the same time, the metal cylinder portion in the female connection member connects the inner portion of the male connection member. Will engage securely. On the two metal cylinders, they can be arranged in mutual engagement to provide a stable, sealed connection between the male connection member 12 and the female connection member 14. In this latter embodiment, neither the male connection member 12 nor the female connection member 14 need necessarily include an inner thread.

  Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a plan view of the metal cylinder 28 in a flat configuration, which is in the form of a metal cylinder in the original manufacture. The metal cylindrical portion 28 is then subjected to a roll forming process to become a cylindrical shape. The aforementioned four elastic tabs 30 a to 30 d are formed inside the metal cylindrical portion 28. Each of the elastic tabs 30a-30d forms part of a thread and is adapted to engage a threaded surface characterized by a given pitch, i.e., slope, so that four elastic tabs The pitch of the array is given by the ratio A / B. Similarly, the pitch of each individual elastic tab is given by the ratio a / b, as shown in the circled portion of FIG. In this case, the pitch of the array of four resilient tabs is equal to the pitch of the individual resilient tabs. That is, A / B = a / b.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a perspective view of the male insulator insert 21 is shown. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the male insulator insert 21 taken along the position line CC in FIG. Along the position line C-C, the male insulator insert 21 has a waved outer surface 42 having a series of alternating raised portions, i.e., tops, 42a and recessed portions, i.e., valleys, 42b.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the metal cylinder portion 28 showing a pair of elastic tabs 30a and 30c arranged in a spaced manner on the outer periphery of the metal cylinder portion. First and second inwardly extending arms 45 a and 45 b are also formed on the side surface of the cylindrical metal portion 28. The arms 45a and 45b can be formed on the metal cylinder 28 by conventional means such as stamping similar to the way in which the resilient tabs 30a-30d are formed on the side walls of the metal cylinder. The distal ends of the inwardly extending resilient arms 45a and 45b are disposed on opposite sides of the adjacent raised portion 42a in the outer surface 42 of the male insulator 21, as shown in FIG. Adapted to engage the corresponding recessed portion 42b. In this way, the first and second inwardly extending arms 45a and 45b prevent relative rotation between the outer metal cylindrical portion 28 and the inner male insulator 21 caused by vibration, and thus Providing an anti-rotation function in preventing relative position changes of the two connector components caused by environmental vibrations or physical shocks that occur in the mated connector components.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 10, the male insulator 21 is on its inner periphery and is adapted for insertion into a generally U-shaped recess 23 a in the female insulator 23. And includes an inwardly extending rib 40. When the inner rib 40 is disposed in the recess 23a of the female insulator 23, the four male pins 24a to 24d are aligned with the four female sockets 26a to 26d when the connector is assembled. Appropriate electrical connections are ensured in the combined male and female connection members 12,14.

  Referring to FIG. 14, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a push lock electrical connector 50 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown. The same element identification numbers are provided for the connector elements common to the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 and the second embodiment shown in FIG. Components of the push-lock electrical connector 50 shown in FIG. 14 that are different from the corresponding components in the push-lock electrical connector 10 shown in FIG. 1 are provided with different element identification numbers. For example, the metal cylinder 52 in the push-lock electrical connector 50 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is different from the corresponding metal cylinder 28 in the embodiment shown in FIG. The male insulator insert 64 in the embodiment of the push-lock electrical connector 50 shown in FIG. 14 is also a male insulation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as described in the following paragraphs. Different from the body insert 21.

  Referring to FIGS. 15-19, a second embodiment of the metal cylinder 52 according to the present invention is shown. The metal cylindrical portion 52 includes four generally linear slots 54a-54d that are arranged in a spaced manner around a cylindrical surface on the side thereof. The space between each pair of adjacent slots defines a corresponding resilient arm of the metal cylinder 52. Thus, adjacent slots 54a and 54b define a first resilient arm 56a, while adjacent slots 54b and 54c define a second resilient arm 56b. Similarly, adjacent slots 54c and 54d define a third resilient arm 56c, while adjacent slots 54d and 54a define a fourth resilient arm 56d. Corresponding linear protrusions are disposed on the outer surface of each of the four resilient arms 56a-56d adjacent to the corresponding distal ends. Thus, the first linear protrusion 58a is disposed on the outer surface of the fourth resilient arm 56d and adjacent to its distal end, while the second linear protrusion 58b is One elastic arm 56a is disposed on the outer surface adjacent to its distal end. Similarly, a third linear protrusion 58c is disposed on the outer surface of the second resilient arm 56b and adjacent to its distal end, while the fourth linear protrusion 58d is A third resilient arm 56c is disposed on the outer surface adjacent to its distal end. Each of the four linear protrusions 58a-58d has a longitudinal axis XX ′ on the corresponding outer surface of the first to fourth resilient arms 56a-56d, as shown in FIG. Are disposed at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a plane orthogonal to the plane. The inclination angle α is equal to the inclination angle of the thread 32 disposed on the inner surface of the female outer coupling sleeve 22. The four linear protrusions 58a to 58d are arranged in a common row on the outer periphery of the metal cylindrical portion 52, and are arranged at the aforementioned inclination angle α. The engagement of the two opposing linear protrusions 58a and 58c with the inner thread 32 of the female outer connecting sleeve 22 is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. The perspective view of FIG. 16 of the male insulator insert 64 is disposed on the inner surface of the male insulator sleeve to engage the outer concentric surface of the female insulator insert 23 as in the previous embodiment. The first and second molded seals 36a and 36b are shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 20, and 22, the metal cylinder 52 includes a pair of end tabs 60a and 60b, the end tabs of the metal cylinder. Arranged on corresponding opposite end portions and extending outward along the length of the cylinder. A perspective view of the male outer coupling sleeve 62 incorporated in the second embodiment of the push lock electrical connector 50 shown in FIG. 14 is also shown in FIG. Male outer coupling sleeve 62 includes a cylindrical opening or slot 66 extending therethrough. First and second opposing slots 68 a and 68 b are disposed on opposing end portions of the cylindrical opening 66. When the metal cylinder 52 is inserted into the cylindrical opening 66 of the male outer coupling sleeve 62, each of the opposing slots 68a, 68b in the male outer coupling sleeve is on the end of the metal cylinder. It is adapted to receive a corresponding one of the opposed end tabs 60a, 60b. Each of the end tabs 60a, 60b is positioned within the corresponding one of the opposed slots 68a and 68b to connect these two components together securely and outwardly to engage it. Adapted to displacement. In some cases, conventional means such as welding may also be used to securely connect these two components. Thus, the metal cylinder 52 and the manual engagement and rotation or linear displacement of the male outer coupling sleeve result in a corresponding rotation or linear displacement of the inner metal cylinder attached thereto. A male outer connecting sleeve 62 is firmly and connected.

  Referring again to FIG. 14, there is shown a tapered ring 72 disposed about the outer surface of the male insulator insert 64 adjacent to and securely attached to one end of the male insulator insert. Yes. The end of the male insulator insert 64 includes an enlarged circular flange 64a disposed around a cylindrical opening at the end of the male insulator insert. A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tapered ring 72 is shown in FIG. 23, while an axial view or front view of the tapered ring is shown in FIG. Tapered ring 72 includes a circular opening 72a extending through the ring and an outer tapered surface 72b that is attached to the outer surface of male insulator insert 64 by conventional means such as welding. It is attached. Similarly, the tapered ring 72 need not be a separate piece, but it will be understood that it can be incorporated into the male insulator insert 64 by conventional manufacturing methods such as molding or die casting.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the metal cylinder 52 is between the outer surface of the male insulator insert 64 and the corresponding inner surface of the male outer sleeve 20 and female outer sleeve connector 22. Are disposed in a cylindrical space formed in the cylinder. As described above, the metal cylindrical portion 52 is fixedly attached to the inner cylindrical surface of the male outer connecting sleeve 20. When assembling the push lock electrical connector 50, the metal cylindrical portion 52 is inserted into the cylindrical space disposed around the male insulator insert 64 as described above. When the male connecting member 12 is completely inserted into the female connecting member 14 and the male outer connecting sleeve 20 is displaced to the left in the direction of the arrow 80 shown in FIG. The distal end, or tip, of the circular ring 72 engages the tapered surface 72b of the circular ring 72 and is radially outward toward the threads 32 disposed on the inner surface of the female outer coupling sleeve 22. To be energized. The aforementioned linear protrusions 58a to 58d are disposed on the outer surface of the metal cylindrical part 52 adjacent to the distal end thereof. In the sectional view of FIG. 14, two of these protrusions 58a are provided. Only 58 and 58c are shown. When the distal end of the metal cylinder 52 is bent radially outward by the tapered ring 72, the outer protrusions 58a-58d of the metal cylinder are in the case of the linear protrusions 58a and 58c in FIG. As shown, it is displaced radially outward and engages the inner thread 32 of the female outer coupling sleeve 22. Thus, all of the linear protrusions 58 a to 58 d disposed on the outer surface of the metal cylindrical portion 52 are inserted into the inner thread 32 of the female outer connection sleeve 22. A short coil spring 82 is disposed around the male insulator insert 64 and abuts and contacts the male overmold 16 and the male outer connecting sleeve 20, the coil spring being The male outer coupling sleeve is biased to the left in the direction of arrow 80 to maintain the distal end of the metal cylinder 52 in contact with the tapered ring 72, so that the metal cylinder 52 The distal end of the metal cylindrical portion is biased outward so that the linear protrusions 58a to 58d are maintained in a stable engagement state with the inner thread 52 of the female outer coupling sleeve 22. stay. When the linear projections 58a-58d of the metal cylindrical portion engage the inner thread 32 of the female outer connecting sleeve, the combination of the male connecting sleeve 20 and the metal cylindrical portion 52 is an electrical connector as desired. The O-ring seal 34 can be compressed by tightening with screws above. The coil spring 82 facilitates engagement of the plurality of outer protrusions 58a-58d of the metal cylindrical portion with the inner thread of the female outer connecting sleeve, but proper operation of the push lock electrical connector 10 of the present invention. Is not essential.

  Referring to FIG. 25, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a male insulator insert 76 is shown, with the open cylindrical end of the male insulator insert integral with the male insulator insert. And an enlarged end flange 76a and a tapered portion 76b. Thus, the tapered portion 76b of the male insulator insert 76 shown in FIG. 25 replaces the aforementioned tapered ring 72 shown in FIGS. 14, 23 and 24. A molded flexible seal 78 is disposed on the inner surface of the open end portion of the male insulator insert 76, and the flexible seal is the inner side of the male insulator insert. Spacing ring-shaped raised portions 78a and 78b that are secured to the surface and that form a seal between the male insulator insert 76 and the female insulator insert shown as element 23 in FIG. Is included. A molded flexible seal 78 is placed on and secured to the inner surface of the open end portion of the male insulator insert 76 and conforms to its contour.

  Thus, although several embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, those skilled in the art will be able to modify and disclose some of the structures shown while continuing to practice the principles of the present invention. An equivalent element could be substituted for the element being specified. For example, although the above-described embodiments of the present invention have been described as having four resilient arms, each having a corresponding outward thread engagement member, the present invention is limited to this particular configuration. Rather, it may have more or fewer of these structural members as the application and configuration of these components can be determined. In addition, although the cylindrical member is described as being radially disposed within the thread of the other connector member, the cylindrical resilient member is also disposed radially outward of the other connector member. And may be urged radially inward to engage the thread of the other connector member. Accordingly, all such modifications and substitutions are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

  Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, a side view and longitudinal cross-section of a push-lock electrical connector 90 incorporating an improved male insulator insert 100 having an elastoelectrical insulating layer 126 according to this embodiment of the invention. Each figure is shown. 28 and 29 are a perspective view and a side view of the male insulator insert 100 of the present invention, respectively. FIG. 30 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the male insulator insert of the present invention incorporating an elastic insulating layer therein. 31 and 32 are a front view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of the male insulator insert 100 of the present invention, according to this embodiment of the present invention. 33 and 34 are various perspective views of the inventive elastic insulating layer for incorporation into a male insulator insert for use in a push-lock electrical connector according to the present invention.

  The push-lock electrical connector 90 of the present invention includes a male connection member 92 and a female connection member 94. The male connection member 92 includes an outer male connection sleeve 93, while the female connection member 94 includes an outer female connection sleeve 95. A male insulator insert 100 according to the present invention is disposed inside the outer male coupling sleeve 93. Disposed inside the outer female connecting sleeve 95 is a female insulator insert 102 that may be constructed in accordance with the present invention in other embodiments. The use of elastoelectrical insulating material can be incorporated into either the male insulator insert 100 or the female insulator insert 102, but not both at the same time. The elastoelectrical insulation layer disposed within the male insulator insert 100 is shown as element 126 in FIG. 27 and is described in detail in the following paragraphs. The male insulator insert 100 is firmly attached to the male overmold 98 using first and second recesses 101a and 101b disposed on the outer end portion of the male insulator insert. . Similarly, the female insulator insert 102 is securely attached to the female overmold 98 using the third and fourth recesses 102a and 102b. Similar to the previous embodiment, the male insulator insert 100 is generally cylindrical and includes a plurality of receptacles, or slots, three of which are the elements 118a, 118b and 118c, which are adapted to receive and hold the first, second, and third conductive pins 106a, 106b, and 106c, respectively.

  As shown in the various figures, the male insulator insert 100 includes a generally cylindrical body 103 having the aforementioned spaced apart recesses 101a, 101b at a first outer end, and an inner side of the cylindrical body. An enlarged diameter end flange 107 is provided on the end. Arranged within the male insulator insert 100 is a generally circular base 113 having five spaced openings therein, three of which are shown in FIG. 28 as elements 115a. ~ 115c. Each of the five openings is adapted to receive and support a corresponding conductive pin, as shown for the three male pins 106a-106c in the cross-sectional view of FIG. In the illustrated male insulator insert 100, an axially positioned central opening 115b and three of the four outer openings 115a, 115c, 115d are shown, the fifth outer opening being simplified. It is not shown in any of the illustrative figures for the sake of simplicity.

  A metal cylinder 110 is disposed around and attached to the outer sidewall of the cylindrical body 103 of the male insulator insert, as shown in FIG. An outer thread adapted to securely engage an inner thread on the inner surface of the outer female coupling sleeve 95 is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the metal cylinder 110; The interengaging threads are shown as element 122 in FIG. Thus, the male connection member 92 is firmly attached to the female connection member 94.

  The female insulator insert 102 is inserted in a stable manner with a tight fit through a circular opening in the outer female coupling sleeve 95, so that the outer surface of the female insulator insert 102 is wrapped around the outer surface. The female connection sleeve can freely rotate. When the female insulator insert 102 is inserted into the open end portion of the male insulator insert 100 as shown in FIG. 27, the outer female coupling sleeve 95 rotates about the metal cylinder 110. Enables a stable connection between the male connection member 92 and the female connection member 94 together with their interlocking interlocking threads 122. The outer side portion of the female insulator insert 102 includes a flange 102a extending radially outward from the outer wall portion of the female insulator insert. The flange 102a is disposed between this flange and the aforementioned end flange 107 disposed on the inner edge portion of the male insulator insert 100, as shown in FIG. Adapted to engage and compress the generally circular O-ring seal 130. Further rotation of the outer female coupling sleeve 95 with respect to the male insulator insert 100 causes the O-ring seal to form a tighter seal between the male connection member 92 and the female connection member 94. 130 is further compressed.

  27, as described above, the inner end portion of the female insulator insert 102 is in tight fit engagement with the inner surface of the open end portion of the male insulator insert 100. Have been adapted. Female insulator insert 102 includes a plurality of spaced apart female sockets, three of which are shown in FIG. 27 as elements 124a, 124b, and 124c. Accordingly, the socket 124a is adapted to receive the conductive pins 106a in a tight fit manner, and the female sockets 124b and 124c are adapted to receive the conductive pins 106b and 106c, respectively. Thus, the male and female connection members 92 and 94 are electrically connected to each other.

  The cylindrical body portion 103 of the male insulator insert 100 comprises at least one elongated linear slot according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, first and second elongated linear slots 105a and 105b are shown disposed on opposing portions of the cylindrical body of the male insulator insert. Yes. Each of the first and second elongated slots 105a, 105b is slightly inward from the end flange 107 toward the opposite end of the cylindrical body 103 to a base member 113 attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical body. It extends too far. A discontinuous, generally circular sealing flange 120 is also disposed on the inner surface of the cylindrical body 103 and is aligned generally parallel to the opposite ends of the cylindrical body. The sealing flange 120 is discontinuous because it intersects the first and second slots 105 a and 105 b in the cylindrical body 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing flange 120 is comprised of two spaced sections, each generally forming a semicircle within the cylindrical body 103, adjacent to the two semicircles. Ends to be separated by either the first slot 105a or the second slot 105b. Similar to the case of the end flange 107, the sealing flange 120 is preferably formed integrally with the cylindrical body 103 by a molding process or the like. Sealing flange 120 forms a circumferential seal with the outer surface of female insulator insert 102 disposed within the open end portion of male insulator insert 100.

  According to this embodiment of the present invention, the first and second slots 105a, 105b in the end of the cylindrical body 103 of the insulator insert cause the two half of the cylindrical body formed by the two slots. The cylindrical portion can be curved outward to facilitate insertion of the female insulator insert 102 into the open end portion of the male insulator insert 100. This curvature allows the male insulator 100 to accept a female insulator insert having a wide radius. Specification tolerances in the manufacture of pushlock connector mating members provide a range of values for various connector components, such as male and female insulator inserts. These dimensional variations across the specification, which are acceptable, exist even within individual production runs and are caused by the accuracy limits inherent in the manufacturing process. Incorporating dimensional tolerance ranges for various connector parts and components facilitates manufacture and assembly of the connector and substantially reduces manufacturing and assembly costs. Although the cylindrical body 103 of the male insulator insert 100 is described and illustrated as having first and second spaced slots 105a, 105b, the present invention is limited to only a pair of slots. Instead, the present invention provides additional flexible peripheral sections of the cylindrical body, depending on the type of material comprising the connector and the degree of flexibility desired for the male and female insulator inserts 100. There can be additional elongated linear slots to form. As described above, the male insulator insert 100 can also comprise a single elongated linear slot.

  The cylindrical body of the male insulator insert while continuing to provide a high degree of electrical insulation within the female insulator insert 102 to the conductive pins and conductive pin receiving slots 118a, 118b, and 118c in the male insulator insert 100. In order to provide the first and second slots 105a, 105b in 103, an elastoelectric insulation layer 126 is provided on the inner surface of the open end of the cylindrical body of the male insulator insert according to this embodiment of the invention. It has been applied. The elastic insulating layer 126 is formed on the inner surface of the open end portion of the male insulator insert 100 that terminates at the end flange 107 as shown in FIGS. 27, 30, 31, and 32. Have been deposited. The elastic insulating layer 106 is deposited by conventional means such as spraying, dipping, or other conventional means. The present invention is formed by two mold processes in which the first mold is used to form the male insulating insert 100, the second mold process comprising the outer surface of the second mold and the male mold. It involves positioning the insulating material in the space between the inner surface of the insulator insert. The resilient insulating layer 126 includes an outer angled enlarged portion 126a that is adapted to closely engage and securely attach to the inner portion of the end flange 107 of the insulator insert. . The resilient insulating layer 126 extends radially inward to securely engage and attach to the sealing flange 120 disposed on the inner surface of the male insulator insert 100. It further includes an intermediate diameter circular portion 126c. Accordingly, the inner circular portion 126c of the elastic insulating layer 126 not only serves to electrically insulate the conductive member of the push lock connector 90, but also between the male insulator insert 100 and the female insulator insert 102. It also functions as a sealing part. The elastic insulation layer 126 is positioned in an annular slot in the inner portion of the cylindrical body 103 of the male insulator insert and is disposed within the male insulator insert 100 and the open end of the male insulator insert. It further includes an inner flange 126d that is adapted to form an inner seal with the female insulator insert 102. In a preferred embodiment, the male and female insulator inserts 100, 102 are made of a semi-rigid thermoplastic material, such as polycarbonate plastic, while the elastoelectrically insulating layer 126 is preferably thermoplastic, ie thermoset. Made of elastomer.

  The first and second elongated linear flanges 126e and 126f are disposed on the outer portion of the elastic insulating layer 126 as shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 33 and 34, and are male insulators. Positioned within the first and second slots 105 a and 105 b of the insert 100. The first and second full slot flanges 126e and 126f are adjacent to the male insulator insert 100 forming the first and second slots 105a and 105b in the cylindrical body 103 of the male insulator insert. Providing an insulating layer filling between the parts. When the female insulating insert 102 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the male insulating insert is inserted into the open end portion of the male insulating insert, the width of the slot increases. This insulating layer can continue to fill the first and second slots 105a and 105b. Thus, electrical insulation is maintained around the entire periphery of the open end portion of the male insulator insert 100 that engages and surrounds the female insulator insert 102. When the excessive female insulator insert 102 is removed from the open end portion of the male insulator insert 100, the opposing side portions of the cylindrical body 103 take their original relative positions, thus opening the male insulator insert. The diameter of the end portion is its original reduced diameter. As noted above, the elastoelectrically insulating layer 126 is preferably comprised of silicone, but may be substantially comprised of any electrically insulating plastic elastomeric composition such as polyurethane or low durometer epoxy. The thickness of each of the first and second slot overall flanges 126e, 126f of the elastic insulating layer is preferably about the thickness of the male insulator insert 100, which is typically 0.007. It is in the range of ~ 0.008 inch. Although elastic insulating layer 126 has been described primarily as being an electrical insulator, it may be made of a material that can provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection. In order to provide an EMI shielding function, the conductivity of the elastic electrical insulating layer 126 can be provided by introducing conductive particles made of carbon powder or the like into the elastic insulating layer. This approach for providing electrical isolation and / or EMI shielding protection could also be used between male and female connection members in a coaxial connector.

  Those skilled in the art will be able to modify some of the structures and materials illustrated and disclosed in the latest embodiment of the invention and continue to practice the principles of the invention while maintaining equivalents to those disclosed. New elements and materials could be substituted. For example, although only two spaced slots are disclosed within the cylindrical body of a male insulator insert, a single slot or more than two slots may be provided, and a single slot Alternatively, the same process disclosed above may be used to fill additional slots with electrically insulating or electromagnetic shielding material.

  Referring to FIG. 35, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a push lock connector 138 according to the present invention is shown. In FIG. 35, the components of the push lock connector 38 that are the same as the corresponding components in the push lock connector 90 shown in FIGS. A number is provided. The difference between the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 26-34 and the embodiment described herein is that in the male and female insulator inserts and the elastoelectricity attached to the insulator inserts. Present in the active insulating layer. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 35-39, the female insulator insert 102 includes and is attached to an elasto-electrical insulating layer or ring 140. Similar to the previous embodiment, the embodiment of the push-lock connector 138 shown in FIGS. 35-39 and described in the following paragraphs also includes male and female connection members 92, 94, outer males. Mold and female connection sleeves 93 and 95, and male and female overmolds 96 and 98 are provided.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the elastoelectrical insulating layer 140 is in the form of a cylindrical ring having an inner opening 140b, as shown in FIGS. 36, 38, and 39. Yes. The elastoelectric ring 140 is adapted to be positioned in a tight fit within an annular slot or recess 142 on the outer surface of the female insulator insert 102, as shown in FIG. . The inner portion of the outer surface of the elasto-electrical insulating ring 140 is adapted to a close mating engagement with the inner surface of the male insulator insert 132, as shown in FIG. 140a. The compressible and elastic composition of the electrically insulating ring 140 allows the use of a male insulator insert 132 having a range of inner diameters, which range manufactures the various components of the push lock connector 138. Resulting from manufacturing tolerances. As with the previous embodiment, the elastic electrically insulating material of the ring 140 is preferably compressible when a material such as silicone, polyurethane, or low durometer epoxy or inward radial force is applied. It can be made of any electrically insulating material and can be expanded outwardly to its original shape and dimensions when the radial compressive force is removed. The thickness of the elastoelectric insulation ring 140 is also similar to the aforementioned elastoelectric insulation layer attached to the male insulator insert, i.e., on the order or 0.007 to 0.008 inch. It is. The elastoelectric isolation ring 140 also includes a curved recess 140c as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, which is disposed on the inner surface of the female insulator insert 134. , Adapted for tight fitting engagement with inwardly extending alignment ribs. The alignment ribs of the female insulator insert are inward of the male insulator insert 100 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31 to facilitate the connection of the male and female connection members. It is linearly aligned with the extending alignment rib 109.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Accordingly, it is an object in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in the correct field of view based on the prior art.

Claims (27)

A generally cylindrical male and female connector member having a plurality of corresponding conductive pins and conductive sockets adapted to engage with each other in forming an electrical connection, and the conductive pins to the connector An insulator insert in the male connector member that is attached to the conductive pin to maintain a fixed position within, for use in a push-lock electrical connector,
A base portion attached to the conductive pin; and a peripheral resilient cylindrical side wall portion extending from the base portion and disposed around the conductive pin. A generally cylindrical housing defining an opening adapted to receive the female connector member in an interference fit manner, wherein an outward force is applied to the side wall portion. A generally cylindrical housing in which the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated slot in which the sidewall portion can move outwardly in a resilient manner;
The sidewall portion expands radially outward to receive a female connection member having a range of outer diameters in a tight fit manner, and a continuous layer of insulator around the interconnected pins and sockets Of elastoelectrically insulating material disposed on the inner surface of the side wall portion of the cylindrical housing and filling the at least one elongated slot therein. An insulator insert comprising: a thin layer;   The insulator insert of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical housing is made of plastic or other material having high dielectric properties.   The insulator insert according to claim 1, wherein the elastic electrically insulating material is silicone.   The sidewall portion includes first and second elongated slots disposed in opposite portions of the sidewall portion to facilitate outward curvature of the opposite portion of the sidewall portion; The insulator insert according to claim 1, wherein the layer of resilient insulating material fills the first and second elongated slots.   The insulator insert according to claim 1, wherein the side wall includes first to fourth elongated slots spaced evenly around the side wall.   The side wall portion is disposed on the inner surface so that it is easy to align the male connector member with the female connector member when the connector members are pushed together during connection. The insulator insert of claim 1 including orientation ribs.   The insulator insert according to claim 6, wherein the inward rib is formed integrally with the cylindrical housing and has a linear configuration.   At least one of the side walls disposed on the inner surface of the female connector member so as to engage and provide a stable, sealed connection thereto. The insulator insert of claim 1 including a retaining member.   The insulator of claim 8, wherein the at least one retaining member is in the form of a generally circular ring that extends around and is integrally formed with the entire inner surface of the sidewall. insert.   Arranged between the adjacent end portion of the side wall portion of the housing and the female connector member, and adapted to engage the sealing portion in contact with them in a sealed manner. The insulator insert according to claim 1, wherein the flange includes a distal end of the side wall.   11. Insulator insert according to claim 10, wherein the sealing part is in the form of a compressible circular O-ring.   The insulator insert of claim 1, wherein the layer of elastic material has a thickness on the order of the thickness of the generally cylindrical housing.   The insulator insert according to claim 12, wherein the thickness of the layer of stretchable material is on the order of 0.007 to 0.008 inches.   The insulator insert according to claim 1, wherein the elastic insulator material comprises a plastic elastomer.   The insulator insert according to claim 1, further comprising conductive particles disposed within the layer of elastoelectrically insulating material to provide an EMI shield.   The insulator insert according to claim 1, wherein the generally cylindrical housing is made of a plastic material such as polyurethane or low durometer epoxy. A generally cylindrical male and female connector member having a plurality of corresponding conductive pins and conductive sockets adapted to engage with each other in forming an electrical connection; and An insulator insert in the female connector member attached to the conductive socket to maintain a fixed position in the connector, for use with a push-lock electrical connector,
A generally cylindrical housing including a base portion attached to the conductive socket and a peripheral cylindrical outer wall having an annular outer recess slot extending therearound;
A generally circular continuous sealing member disposed on and around the peripheral outer wall of the cylindrical housing and extending outwardly from the outer wall, the sealing member comprising: Adapted to receive the generally cylindrical male connector member on its outer periphery with a tight fitting engagement and to securely connect the male connector member and the female connector member together in a sealed manner A generally circular continuous sealing member,
Of an electrically insulating elastic material disposed on the circular sealing member around its entire periphery and adapted to receive and engage a male connecting member on its generally circular outer periphery A thin layer, wherein the male connecting member has an inner diameter that can vary over a range of values, and the outer peripheral wall of the housing and the elastic material layer of the connector pins and sockets A thin layer of electrically insulating elastic material adapted to reduce the diameter to accommodate the inner diameter of the male connection member in the range while maintaining a continuous layer of the electrically insulating material around And an insulator insert.   18. Insulator insert according to claim 17, wherein the elastic electrically insulating material is silicone, polyurethane, or elastic epoxy.   18. An insulator insert according to claim 17, wherein the generally cylindrical housing is made of plastic or other material having high dielectric properties.   The cylindrical housing is positioned on its outer surface so that it is easier to align the female connector member with the male connector member when the connector members are pushed together to form an electrical connection. The insulator insert of claim 17 including a generally linear inward recess.   21. The insulator insert of claim 20, wherein the generally linear recess is formed integrally with the cylindrical housing.   The insulator of claim 17, wherein the male connector member has an outer sidewall, and the layer of elastic material has a thickness that is about the thickness of the outer sidewall of the male connector member. insert.   23. The insulator insert of claim 22, wherein the elastic material layer has a thickness on the order of 0.007 to 0.008 inches.   18. Insulator insert according to claim 17, wherein the elastic electrically insulating material comprises a plastic elastomer.   The insulator insert of claim 17, further comprising conductive particles disposed within a thin layer of elastoelectrically insulating plastic material to provide an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield.   The insulator insert of claim 17, wherein the generally cylindrical housing is made of a plastic material such as polyurethane or low durometer epoxy. A generally cylindrical male connector member and a female connector member each having a plurality of conductive pins and conductive sockets adapted to engage each other in forming an electrical connection, and a range of outer diameters; A connection arrangement that allows a male connector member to receive a female connector having, or allows a female connector member to receive a male connector having a range of inner diameters. For use with push-lock electrical connectors
A first generally cylindrical housing of the male connector member and a second generally cylindrical housing of the female connector member, extending from a first end of the first cylindrical housing. And the first cylindrical housing of the male connector member includes a generally cylindrical wall defining an open end within which the conductive pin is disposed; A first generally cylindrical housing and a first cylindrical housing, wherein the open end is adapted to receive the first end of the female connector member carrying the conductive socket in a tight-fitting manner; Two generally cylindrical housings;
First means disposed on the cylindrical wall to allow the cylindrical wall to expand radially outward to accommodate a larger diameter female connector member, or A second connector disposed in or on the outer surface of the female connector member so that the female connector member can accommodate a male connector member of reduced diameter contracted radially inward. Means of
Inserting a larger female connector member into the male connector member or smaller onto the female connector member while providing a continuous layer of elasto-electrical insulating material disposed around the pins and sockets In order to accommodate the insertion of the male connector member, the cylindrical wall can expand radially outward, or the outer surface of the female connector member can contract radially inward, respectively. A thin layer of elasto-electrically insulating material disposed on either the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the male connection member or the outer surface of the female member, An array.

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