[0001] This invention relates to a moisture seal for an electrical connector assembly.
[0002] Releasing electrical connector designs have heretofor been employed which produce
separation of a plug connector from a mating receptacle connector upon application
of a separating force. Some arrangements have included an operating sleeve mounted
so that upon application of an external separating force the operating sleeve is axially
shifted, which in turn produces a release of a retaining connection between the receptacle
and plug.
[0003] The retaining connection has included a camming arrangement, such as by threads engaging
or by a bayonet- type connection, wherein cam surfaces formed on a coupling member
carried within the operating sleeve interact with cam surfaces formed on the receptacle
to provide axial advancing movement of the receptacle into engagement with the plug
by rotation of the operating sleeve and retention upon their achieving connected relationship.
A releasing action is produced by a segmenting of the coupling member by provision
of arcuate segments which blossom radially outward, such as shown in "Releasing Electrical
Connector" U.S. Patent 4,279,458 issuing July 21, 1981 to Waldron et al, or which
pivot, such as shown in "Coupling Device" U.S. Patent 3,538,485 issuing November 3,
1970 to Hennessey, upon axial movement of the operating sleeve rearwardly from a connecting
first position to an axially retracted releasing second position induced by an external
separating force acting between the receptacle and the operating sleeve. The separating
force must act against compression springs which serve to constantly bias the operating
sleeve into the connecting first position, the operating sleeve serving to confine
the arcuate segments for connecting in the first position and, upon rearward movement,
uncovering the segments to allow radial outward releasing movement of the segments.
Once mated, an annular air gap exists between the operating sleeve and the arcuate
segments and between adjacent sidewalls of the individual segments. Unless otherwise
protected, these air gaps are subject to attack by air and moisture penetration.
[0004] Should moisture be received in the threaded front portion of the releasing connector
and/or about the plug, electrical breakdown from moisture penetration is possible.
Further, in many environments, such as where both moisture and cold temperatures prevail,
ice has a tendency to form. A current but severe ice resistance test required by a
United States military specification (MIL-C-38999H) imposes a requirement that a connector
operate at a -55°C after being immersed in water. If moisture is received in and then
freezes within any air gaps formed at the forward mating end, ice formation could
present a severe problem in that releasability could be prevented and/or increase
the requisite amount of releasing force needed to break the arcuate segments free
from the grip of frozen matter, a force which could be sufficient to break a releasing
lanyard before release of the connectors is accomplished.
[0005] The electrical connector art has provided resilient one-piece elastic members for
resisting moisture penetration. Provision of suitable undercuts to allow internal
mounting of the elastic member could increase total connector package size and require
costly machining. External mounting could require support surfaces on both connector
members.
[0006] Accordingly, a desirable electrical interconnection for connector bodies for use
in moisture and ice prone environments would include a moisture sealing connecting
arrangement that effectively prevents moisture from entering the mated forward portions
of the connector bodies, that provides moisture sealing for one connector part and
that easily adapts to presently available connectors.
[0007] In accord with this invention a plug connector is adapted to mate with an externally
threaded receptacle connector, an operating sleeve is mounted to the plug connector
and biased into a non-release position by a series of coil springs acting between
the operating sleeve and the plug connector, a plurality of threaded arcuate segments
are assembled within the operating sleeve and adapted to blossom radially outward
by a camming action, and a moisture seal protects the mated connectors, the moisture
seal characterized by each of the arcuate segments being comprised of a rigid material,
the outer surface of each segment being formed with a radially outward extending tapered
surface and the inner wall of the operating sleeve having a tapered surface to define
a frusto-conical portion which is adapted to uniformly contact the tapered surface
of the arcuate segments when biased thereaga'inst by the coil springs whereby the
segments are driven radially inward against one another.
[0008] One advantage of this invention is provision of assembly with a coupling member including
a self- contained, metallic moisture sealing connecting device consisting of radially
movable arcuate segments which both couples and seals forward portions of associated
connector members together to establish a full mating relationship. An advantage of
providing tapering frusto conical surfaces enhances axial centering and moisture sealing.
[0009] One way of carrying out the invention is described below with reference to the drawings
which illustrate one specific embodiment of this invention, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal view, partially in section, of a moisture sealed electrical
connector assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view of major components shown in the electrical
connector depicted in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 shows the electrical connector assembly of FIGURE 1 undergoing release.
FIGURE 4 is a partial end view taken along lines IV-IV of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 5 is a partial end view taken along lines V-V of FIGURE 3.
[0010] Referring now to the drawings and FIGURE 1 in particular, an electrical connector
assembly 100 includes a first connector member 10 (i.e. a receptacle) having a forward
mating end 12, a second connector member 20 (i.e. a plug) having a forward mating
end 22 (see FIGURE 2), the forward mating end of the plug connector mating by telescopically
interfitting the forward mating end of the receptacle, a coupling arrangement for
releasably coupling the plug to the receptacle and a moisture seal preventing moisture
from entering the mated forward mating ends of the connector members.
[0011] Typically, although not shown, each connector member 10, 20 would include a dielectric
insert and each respective insert would mount one or more pin and socket-type contacts
therein for completing an electrical interconnection therebetween. Alignment keys
23 (see FIGURE 2) on plug connector 20 are adapted to mate with corresponding keyways
(not shown) on the receptacle connector 10 so as to properly align the plug within
the receptacle for proper electrical contact engagement.
[0012] The receptacle connector member 10 comprises a generally cylindrical shell with the
forward mating end 12 thereof having thread 14 formed on its exterior.
[0013] The plug connector member 20 comprises a generally cylindrical shell having the forward
mating end 22, a rearward end 24, a radial flange 26 extending annularly and an annular
groove 28 rearward of and circumjacent of radial flange 26.
[0014] The coupling arrangement comprises a plurality of threaded arcuate coupling segments
30, a pair of spring retainer housings 40, the segments and housings being circumposed
in tandem about the plug connector, an operating sleeve 50 concentric with and circumposed
both around the coupling segments 30 and the spring retainer housings 40, a plurality
of coil springs 42 and an abutment arrangement formed by a snap ring 45 and a retaining
ring 44, each of the coupling segments 30 having a thread portion 32 thereon adapted
to engage with the mating thread 14 on the receptacle 10 and an inward radial flange
36 adapted to be received within the annular groove 28, each spring retainer housing
40 having an exterior provided with an annular slot 41, a plurality of longitudinal
slots 43 and a plurality of longitudinal grooves 47 having an end wall 49 and including
an inward radial flange 46 adapted to be received in annular groove 28, operating
sleeve 50 having an interior wall 52 provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs
53 and a plurality of longitudinal grooves 57 having therein an inner end wall 59,
the longitudinal ribs 53 being adapted to register with the longitudinal slots 43
and the sets of longitudinal grooves 47, 57 being adapted to register to form a cavity
to receive one of the coil springs 42, the snap and retaining rings 45, 44 being received
in annular slot 41 with the retaining ring 45 and the respective end walls 59 forming
spaced seats for each spring 42 to seat against. Longitudinal ribs 53 extend radially
inward from interior wall 52 of operating sleeve 50 and function to constrain the
arcuate segments 30, the retainer housings 40 and the operating sleeve 50 to rotate
as a unit during coupling advance of the plug.
[0015] A lanyard 60 is secured to operating sleeve 50 to transmit external releasing forces
to the mated assembly.
[0016] Preferably and in accord with this invention, each arcuate segment 30 includes an
exterior surface including an arcuate surface 34 and a radially outward tapered surface
36, a pair of spaced longitudinally extending side walls 35, 37 and a front face 39,
each of the segments 30 being sized and adapted to assemble and form a closed cylinder
for moisture sealing and to partially disassemble for uncoupling of the connector
assembly. In the moisture sealed position shown, the side wall 35 of one arcuate segment
is abutting the side wall 37 of the adjacent arcuate segment. Interior wall 52 of
operating sleeve 50 is generally cylindrical and includes a frusto-conical surface
54 radiating outwardly relative to the central axis of the operating sleeve to a transverse
forward end face or rim 55, the cylindrical and frusto-conical surfaces 52, 54 being
configured respectively to abut against the cylindrical arcuate and outward tapered
surfaces 34, 36 of the coupling segments, the springs 42 biasing the operating sleeve
50 forward whereby the operating sleeve drives each of the coupling segments 30 radially
inward.
[0017] Each arcuate segment 30 is comprised of a relatively rigid inelastic material (e.g.
metal) and each includes on its inner surface a thread feature which forms continuous
helical thread 32 when the segments are assembled. When assembled, each of the segments
have their adjacent respective sidewalls 35, 37 contacting.
[0018] FIGURE 2 shows plug 20 and disassembly of the coupling arrangement. The plug connector
forward mating end 22 includes alignment keys 23 and an end face 25. Six arcuate coupling
segments 30 are provided and each coupling segment includes an indented sidewall 35a,
37a adjacent its radial flange 36, adjacent indented sidewalls of the respective segments
when assembled interfitting and registering with ribs 53 on the operating sleeve.
[0019] FIGURE 3 shows uncoupling release about to occur between plug and receptacle connectors
10, 20 as a result of an external longitudinal force "F" being applied to lanyard
60. The external force is transmitted to the thread 32, 14 whereby the coupling segments
30 are cammed radially outward upon rearward movement of operating sleeve 50, the
release resulting by radial flange 36 moving radially outward from annular groove
28 relative to annular shoulder 26. Inner end wall 59 of the operating sleeve compresses
the spring 42 rearwardly against the ring 45 such that upon release of external force
"F" operating sleeve 50 is driven forward and the segments radially inward.
[0020] FIGURE 4 shows an end view of the moisture sealed condition (with the receptacle
removed for clarity) wherein the coupling segments 30 are assembled together and driven
radially inward by operating sleeve 50 with the interior frusto-conical wall 54 of
the operating sleeve circumposing the tapered outer surface 34 of each arcuate segment.
The tapered surfaces 34, 54 and adjacent side walls 35, 37 completely contact one
another and, due to the springs 42 driving the surfaces together, cooperate to resist
water entry.
[0021] FIGURE 5 shows an end view of a releasing condition (with the receptacle removed
for clarity) of the coupling arrangement and the disassembly which would result between
the plug from the receptable. The arcuate segments 30 "blossom" radially outward with
respective side walls 35, 37 of adjacent segments separating and outer surfaces 34
sliding outward relative to frusto-conical surface 54.
[0022] The mating tapered surfaces 34, 54 formed respectively on the arcuate segments 30
and operating sleeve 50 form an acute angle with respect to the primary axis of the
assembly, an angle preferably in the range of 25°-40°. Although providing mating surfaces
34, 54 with a steep angle (e.g. greater than 45°) relative to the primary axis would
work, an acute angle in the range of between 25°-40° offers a good balance of providing
a sufficient surface contact area to resist moisture entry. A steep angle, although
workable, would require that operating sleeve 50 have a relatively thick wall to provide
the same area of surface contact. Further, each mating tapered surface would be formed
at the same angle.
[0023] The arcuate segments, when assembled circumferentially around plug connector 20,
define a closed sleeve having the continuous mating tapered surface 34 and respective
adjacent indented sidewalls 35a, 37a confronting, the closed sleeve being adapted
to rotate and move radially outward relative to plug connector 20 respectively during
coupling rotation and release and the indented sidewalls 35a, 37a receiving from operating
sleeve 50 one longitudinal rib 53. Operating sleeve 50 is mounted around arcuate segments
30 for rotation therewith and axial movement thereto, the longitudinal ribs interfitting
between the indented sidewalls and the springs 42 biasing mating tapered surface 54
forward during coupling.
1. A moisture seal for an electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector
assembly of the type including a pair of electrical connector members (10, 20) having
forward end portions (12, 22) adapted for mating engagement along a primary axis and
means for coupling the connector members in mating engagement, the coupling means
being carried by one connector member (20) for connection to mating thread (14) on
the other connector member (10) and including an operating sleeve (50) disposed about
a plurality of arcuate threaded coupling segments (30) assembled therewithin, said
operating sleeve being adapted to shift axially by an external releasing force and
said coupling segments being adapted to move radially outward by a camming action
occurring between the coupled thread induced by the releasing force, said moisture
seal for sealing the forward end portions of the mated engagement against moisture,
the moisture seal characterized by:
first and second mating tapered surfaces (54, 34) formed respectively on said operating
sleeve (50) and on each of said arcuate segment (30), each of said arcuate segments
having a pair of angularly spaced longitudinally extending sidewalls (35, 37), the
assembled arcuate coupling segments defining a closed coupling sleeve having the second
mating tapered surface (34) with adjacent sidewalls (35, 37) contacting, said mating
tapered surfaces being (54, 34) being formed at the same angle relative to the primary
axis; and
means (42) for biasing said operating sleeve against the coupling segments whereby
said adjacent longitudinal sidewalls and said mating tapered surfaces are biased together.
2. The moisture seal as recited in Claim 1 wherein each said arcuate coupling segment
(30) is comprised of a relatively rigid material.
3. The moisture seal as recited in Claim 2 wherein each said coupling segment (30)
is comprised of metal.
4. The moisture seal as recited in Claim 1 wherein the operating sleeve includes a
transverse end face (55) and said first mating tapered surface (54) defines a frusto-conical
opening tapering radially inwardly therefrom in communication with the interior wall
(52).
5. The moisture seal as recited in Claim 1 wherein each said arcuate segment (30)
includes an outer exterior defined by a cylindrical surface (33) and by said second
mating tapered surface (34), said cylindrical surface (33) being circumposed partly
by the interior wall (52) of said operating sleeve.
6. The moisture seal as recited in Claim 1 wherein the mating tapering surfaces (34,
54) are defined by an acutely formed angle relative to the connector primary axis.
7. The moisture seal as recited in Claim 1 wherein the acutely formed angle is in
the range of between 25°-40° relative to the connector primary axis.
8. A connector assembly which includes first and second connector members (10, 20)
adapted for mating engagement and moisture sealing connecting means (30, 50) carried
by one connector member (20) for drawing said connector members into mating engagement
and for sealing the mated engagement from moisture, said moisture sealing connecting
means (30, 50) including a first sleeve (30) mounted around the one connector member
(20) for rotation thereto and axial movement therewith and a second sleeve (50) mounted
around the first sleeve (30) for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto,
said first sleeve (30) consisting of a plurality of arcuate circumferentially arranged
threaded segments, said first and second sleeves (30, 50) having cooperable interfitting
portions (35a, 37a; 53) preventing appreciable relative axial and rotational movement
thereof while permitting said segments to move radially outward relative to said one
connector member, said moisture sealing connecting means further characterized by:
first and second frusto-conical sealing surfaces (34, 54) disposed respectively, on
said first and second sleeves (30, 50), each sealing surface (34, 54) being tapered
at substantially the same angle relative to the primary axis of the connector, said
second sleeve (50) having an end face (55) and said second frusto-conical surface
(54) tapering inwardly therefrom, said arcuate segments (30) each being of the type
having an exterior including said second frusto-conical sealing surface (34) and a
pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls (35, 37); and
bias means (42) operating between the one connector member (20) and the second sleeve
(50) for biasing the frusto-conical surfaces (34, 54) together, said arcuate segments
being adapted to define a closed sleeve when circumferentially arranged around the
one connector member (20) and to blossom radially outwardly therefrom for releasing
the connector assembly from its mated relation upon axial movement of the frusto-conical
sealing surface of the second sleeve from engagement with the sealing surfaces of
the segments.
9. The assembly as recited in Claim 8 wherein each segment is comprised of a metallic
material.