Patent ID: 6226068
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A coupling arrangement, comprising:a first coupler half;a second coupler half arranged to be coupled to the first coupler half;complementary interengaging linear guide structures on the first and second coupler halves for guiding said second coupler half linearly into a coupled position relative to the first coupler half;a sleeve rotatably mounted on the second coupler half;a rotational force generating structure captured between said sleeve and said second coupler half for generating a rotational bias force that causes said sleeve to rotate in a first direction;a cam structure on the first coupler half and a follower structure on the sleeve for causing said sleeve to rotate relative to the first coupler half in a second direction against said rotational bias force when said first coupler half is guided linearly relative to said second coupler half towards said coupled position;a locking ramp on the first coupler half for engaging said follower structure and causing said first and second coupler halves to be drawn together following disengagement of said follower from said cam structure as said sleeve rotates in said first direction in response to said rotational bias force; whereinsaid cam structure and said locking ramp are formed by edge surfaces of an arcuate-shaped groove in the side of said first coupler half, said groove having an axial portion extending in a generally axial direction of said coupling arrangement, the edge surface of which forming said cam structure and a traverse portion extending generally transversely to the axial portion;said transverse portion of the groove including an edge surface inclined at an acute angle to said second rotational direction forming said locking ramp such that as the sleeve is rotated in said second direction in response to said force, said first and second coupler halves are drawn together.