Abstract:
A connector includes a connector body; a first sleeve rotatably coupled to the connector body; a second sleeve receiving the first sleeve and being movable axially between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the second sleeve having a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof; a ratchet ring positioned on the connector body, the ratchet ring having a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the second sleeve; and a biasing member biasing the second sleeve to the engaged position, wherein the teeth of the ratchet ring engage the teeth of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is in the engaged position, and the teeth of second sleeve being spaced from the teeth of the ratchet ring when the second sleeve is in the disengaged position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a locking and ratcheting connector. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Connectors can be susceptible to uncoupling due to vibration or other external forces. Disclosed herein is a connector that is capable of withstanding vibration or other external forces without uncoupling from another connector. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    According to one aspect of the invention, a connector for releasably connecting with a mating connector, comprises a connector body; a first sleeve rotatably coupled to said connector body and including means for connecting with the mating connector; a second sleeve receiving said first sleeve and being movable axially between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said second sleeve having a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof; a ratchet ring positioned on said connector body, said ratchet ring having a plurality of teeth corresponding to said plurality of teeth of said second sleeve; and a biasing member biasing said second sleeve to said engaged position, wherein said teeth of said ratchet ring engage said teeth of said second sleeve when said second sleeve is in said engaged position such that said first and second sleeves are not rotatable with respect to said connector body in at least one rotational direction, and said teeth of second sleeve being spaced from said teeth of said ratchet ring when said second sleeve is in said disengaged position such that said first and second sleeves are rotatable with respect to said connector body and the mating connector in two rotational directions. 
         [0004]    According to another aspect of the invention, a connector comprises a connector body; a first sleeve rotatably coupled to said connector body; a second sleeve defining an interior space in which said first sleeve is positioned, said second sleeve being movable axially with respect to said connector body between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said second sleeve having a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof; a ratchet ring positioned on said connector body, said ratchet ring having a plurality of teeth corresponding to said plurality of teeth of said second sleeve; and a biasing member biasing said second sleeve to said engaged position, wherein said teeth of said ratchet ring engage said teeth of said second sleeve when said second sleeve is in said engaged position thereby preventing rotation of said first and second sleeves with respect to the connector body in at least one rotational direction, wherein to move said second sleeve from said engaged position to said disengaged position, in which the first and second sleeves are rotatable with respect to the connector body in two different rotational directions, said second sleeve is moved away from said ratchet ring to separate said teeth of said second sleeve from said teeth of said ratchet ring. 
         [0005]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, a connector comprises a connector body; a first sleeve rotatably coupled to said connector body; a second sleeve defining an interior space in which said first sleeve is positioned, said second sleeve being movable axially with respect to said connector body between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said second sleeve having a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof; a ratchet ring arranged on said connector body such that the ratchet ring is axially fixed and non-rotatable with respect to said connector body, said ratchet ring having a plurality of teeth corresponding to said plurality of teeth of said second sleeve; and a biasing member biasing said second sleeve to said engaged position, wherein said teeth of said ratchet ring engage said teeth of said second sleeve when said second sleeve is in said engaged position, and said teeth of second sleeve being spaced from said teeth of said ratchet ring when said second sleeve is in said disengaged position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. Included in the drawings are the following figures: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is an elevation view taken from the left hand side of a connector according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation of the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation of the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along the lines  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along the lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along the lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are exploded views of the connector of  FIG. 1  taken from rear and front perspectives. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are cross-sectional views, like the view in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , of the connector (connector body omitted) shown in locked and unlocked configurations, respectively. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  depicts a mating connector that is configured to mate with the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]      FIGS. 1-8  depict a connector  1  that is capable of withstanding vibration or other external forces without uncoupling. The connector  1  may also be referred to as an adapter or a coupler. The connector  1  is shown in  FIG. 10 , for example, releasably mating to a mating connector  104 . The connector  1  may be used in various applications, such as a fluid application or an electrical application. 
         [0017]    Unless otherwise noted, each of the components of the connector  1  has a substantially cylindrical shape that is revolved about a longitudinal axis ‘A’ and each of the components has a substantially hollow interior. Also, as used herein, the term ‘distal’ refers to a position either at or toward a first end  2   a  of a connector body  2 , and the term ‘proximal’ refers to a position either at or toward the second end  2   b  of the connector body  2 . 
         [0018]    The connector  1  includes connector body  2  upon which the remaining components of the connector  1  are mounted either directly or indirectly. 
         [0019]    Connection means  2   c  are provided on the outer surface of the first end  2   a  of the connector body  2  for releasably mating with a backshell (not shown) or a strain relief (not shown), for example. According to this exemplary embodiment, the connection means  2   c  are male mechanical threads. The connection means  2   c  could be, for example, female mechanical threads, a bayonet connection, a clip, a clamp, a fastener, a post, a prong, a spring, a ring, a friction fit, or an adhesive. A bayonet-style connection is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,302, for example, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0020]    As best shown in  FIG. 10 , the second end  2   b  of the connector body  2  includes a series of axially-extending lugs  2   d  that are slidably positioned within axially-extending channels  105  (one shown) of the mating connector  104 . Engagement between the lugs  2   d  and the channels  105  permit axial translation, yet prevent relative rotation, between the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104 . It should be understood that the connector body  2  could include the channels and the mating connector  104  could include the lugs to achieve the same result. 
         [0021]    The interior region of the connector body  2  is hollow and the hollow space could be used to accommodate a cable (not shown) passing therethrough, for example. The cable could contain one or more wires or a passage for fluid for example. As another alternative, the hollow interior region of the connector body  2  could be used for the passage of fluid. 
         [0022]    The connector body  2  includes three axially extending channels  5  formed on its exterior surface. The channels  5  are evenly spaced apart about the circumference of the body  2 . The channels  5  interact with a ratchet ring  4  to prevent relative rotations between the body  2  and the ring  4 . The connector body  2  also includes a recess formed on its outer surface in which a retaining ring  3  is fixedly positioned. The purpose of the retaining ring  3  and the channels  5  will be described hereinafter. 
         [0023]    The ratchet ring  4  is radially positioned between the outer sleeve  8  and the connector body  2 , and is axially positioned between the inner sleeve  9  and the outer sleeve  8 . The ratchet ring  4  is positioned over the revolved exterior surface of the connector body  2  such that the ratchet ring  4  is fixedly connected to the body  2 . The ratchet ring  4  is incapable of rotation and translation with respect to the body  2 . More particularly, the ratchet ring  4  is incapable of translating upon the surface of the body  2  and along the longitudinal axis “A” because the ring  4  is sandwiched, along with an inner sleeve  9 , between the retaining ring  3  and a shoulder  2   e  (see  FIG. 4 ) that is formed on an exterior surface of the body  2 . 
         [0024]    As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the ratchet ring  4  is incapable of rotating upon the surface of the body  2  and about the longitudinal axis “A” because the ring  4  is keyed to the body  2 . More particularly, the ratchet ring  4  includes three lugs  6  which are positioned within respective channels  5  on the body  2 . Engagement between the lugs  6  and the channels  5  prevent rotation of the ratchet ring  4  about axis “A” with respect to the connector body  2 . 
         [0025]    Each lug  6  extends in a radial direction toward the longitudinal axis “A”. The lugs  6  are evenly spaced apart about the circumference of the ratchet ring  4 . It should be understood that the number and position of the lugs  6  and the channels  5  may vary so long as the lugs  6  and channels  5  cooperate together to prevent rotation of the ratchet ring  4  with respect to the connector body  2 . Also, although not shown, it should be understood that the lugs  6  could be provided on the body  2  and the channels  5  could be provided on the ratchet ring  2  to achieve the same result. 
         [0026]    A series of ratchet teeth  12  are provided on the distal end of the ratchet ring  4 . The teeth  12  are evenly spaced about the circumference of the ratchet ring  4 . Each ratchet tooth  12  is formed in the shape of a right triangle having a straight edge and a sloped edge. The ratchet teeth  12  engage mating ratchet teeth  13  on an outer sleeve  8 , as will be described with respect to the outer sleeve  8 . 
         [0027]    An inner sleeve  9  is mounted to the outer surface of the connector body  2  such that it is capable of rotating freely on the surface of the connector body  2 . The inner sleeve  9  is radially positioned between the outer sleeve  8  and the connector body  2 , and is axially positioned between the ratchet ring  4  and the shoulder  2   e  of the connector body  2 . The inner sleeve  9  is incapable of translating along the longitudinal axis “A,” with respect to the connector body  2  (or any other component of the coupling  1 ). The inner sleeve  9  is incapable of translation because it is sandwiched, along with the ratchet ring  4 , between the retaining ring  3  and the shoulder  2   e  (see  FIG. 4 ) that is formed on the exterior surface of the body  2 . 
         [0028]    Connection means  17  are provided on the inner revolved surface of the inner sleeve  9  for releasably mating with the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104  (see  FIG. 10 ). Upon mating the mating connector  104  with the connector  1 , the mating connector  104  is at least partially positioned within the annular space  19  (see  FIG. 4 ) that is defined between the body  2  and the inner sleeve  9 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the connection means  17  and  106  are mechanical threads. The connection means could be, for example, a bayonet connection, a clip, a clamp, a fastener, a post, a prong, a spring, a ring, a friction fit, or an adhesive. 
         [0029]    As best shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the outer surface of the inner sleeve  9  includes an outwardly extending shoulder  9   a  and three outwardly extending lugs  14 . Each lug  14  extends from the shoulder  9   a  in an axial direction toward the distal end of the inner sleeve  9 . The lugs  14  are evenly spaced apart about the circumference of the inner sleeve  9 . The inner sleeve  9  interacts with an outer sleeve  8 , as will be described hereinafter. 
         [0030]    The outer sleeve  8  is positioned over the circumference of the inner sleeve  9  such that the outer sleeve  8  is slidably, but non-rotatably, connected to the inner sleeve  9 . The outer surface of the outer sleeve  8  includes serrations  8   a  and cutouts  8   b  formed therein to enhance manual gripping of the outer sleeve  8  by a user of the coupling connector  1 . The outer surface of the outer sleeve  8  may also be referred to herein as a gripping surface. 
         [0031]    The outer sleeve  8  includes three axially extending channels  15  formed on its interior surface. The channels  15  are evenly spaced apart about the inner circumference of the outer sleeve  8 . Each channel  15  is sized to receive a lug  14  of the inner sleeve  9 . The keyed engagement between the lugs  14  and the channels  15  permits sliding of the outer sleeve  8  over the inner sleeve  9  in an axial direction (i.e., along axis “A”), while preventing rotation of the outer sleeve  8  with respect to the inner sleeve  9  (i.e., about axis “A”). Thus, the inner sleeve  9  and the outer sleeve  8  rotate together with respect to the ratchet ring  4  and the body  2 , which are rotationally fixed with respect to the sleeves  8  and  9 . 
         [0032]    It should be understood that the number and position of the lugs  14  and the channels  15  may vary so long as the lugs  14  and the channels  15  cooperate together to permit sliding of the outer sleeve  8  over the inner sleeve  9 , yet prevent rotation of the outer sleeve  8  with respect to the inner sleeve  9 . Stated differently, the inner sleeve  9  and the outer sleeve  8  must rotate together. Also, although not shown, it should be understood that the lugs  14  could be provided on the outer sleeve  8  and the channels  15  could be provided on the inner sleeve  9  to achieve the same result. 
         [0033]    A series of teeth  13  are formed on an interior facing surface on the distal end of the outer sleeve  8 . The teeth  13  are evenly spaced about the circumference of the outer sleeve  8 . Like the teeth  12  of the ratchet ring  4 , each ratchet tooth  13  is formed in the shape of a right triangle having a straight edge and a sloped edge. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the proximal end  8   c  of the outer sleeve  8  curves inwardly toward the longitudinal axis to encapsulate a spring retainer  7 . The spring retainer  7  is a cylindrical sleeve that is provided to captivate a spring  10  within the connector  1 . Like the outer sleeve  8 , the proximal end  7   a  of the spring retainer  7  is rolled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis to encapsulate the spring  10 . The spring retainer  7  is slidably positioned between the inner sleeve  9  and the outer sleeve  8 . The proximal end  7   a  of the spring retainer  7  can slide along the surface of the inner sleeve  9 . The spring retainer  7  may or may not be rotationally keyed to the sleeves  8  and  9 . The revolved interior surface of the spring retainer  7  rests on the outer surface of the inner sleeve  9  such that the spring  10  may not be disassembled from the connector  1 . It should be understood that the spring retainer  7  may be integrated with the proximal end  8   c  of the outer sleeve  8  to achieve the same purpose. 
         [0035]    As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the spring  10  is a resilient compression spring that is sandwiched between the proximal end  7   a  of the spring retainer  7  and the shoulder  9   a  of the inner sleeve  9 . The spring  10  is configured to bias the teeth  13  of the outer sleeve  8  against the teeth  12  of the ratchet ring  4 . Simply stated, the spring  10  is configured to urge the outer sleeve  8  to a locked position in which the teeth  12  and  13  are engaged with each other. 
         [0036]    Stated differently, the spring  10  urges the outer sleeve  8  in a proximal direction (by way of the spring retainer  7 ), while it also urges the shoulder  9   a  of the inner sleeve  9  in a distal direction. The shoulder  9   a  of the inner sleeve  9  consequently urges the ratchet ring  4  in a distal direction against the interior surface of the proximal end  8   d  of the outer sleeve  8 . Thus, the teeth  12  of the ratchet ring  4  are biased against the teeth  13  of the outer sleeve  8 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 10  depicts the connector  1  aligned and ready for mating with the mating connector  104 . The mating connector  104  includes a cylindrical body having connection means  106  on one end of the connector  104  for mating with the connection means  17  on the inner sleeve  9 , as previously described, and another connection means  108  on an opposite end of the connector  104  for mating with a backshell (not shown) or a strain relief (not shown), for example. 
         [0038]    Axially extending channels  105  (one shown) are disposed on the interior surface of the end of the mating connector  104  for slidably receiving lugs  2   d  on the connector body  2 . Engagement between the lugs  2   d  and the channels  105  permits relative translation, while preventing relative rotation, between the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104 . 
         [0039]    It should be understood that since the inner sleeve  9  is capable of rotation with respect to the connector body  2 , the inner sleeve  9  is also capable of rotation with respect to the mating connector  104 . More particularly, the inner sleeve  9  can be rotated onto the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104  (or vice versa) in a tightening direction without manually moving the outer sleeve  8 , however, the inner sleeve  9  cannot be rotated onto the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104  (or vice versa) in a loosening direction without manually moving the outer sleeve  8  in the direction shown in  FIG. 9B . In other words, once the connector  1  is mated to the mating connector  104 , a user must first pull the outer sleeve  8  in the direction shown in  FIG. 9B , and then rotate the outer sleeve  8  in a loosening direction to uncouple the connector  1  from the mating connector  104 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to the operation of the connector  1 , the connector  1  is connected to the mating connector  104  by performing the following steps: (a) manually aligning the lugs  2   d  of the body  2  within respective channels  105  of the mating connector  104 ; (b) manually engaging the connection means  17  of the inner sleeve  9  with the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104 ; and (c) manually rotating the outer sleeve  8  (which in turn rotates the inner sleeve  9 ) in a tightening direction, consequently engaging the connection means  17  of the inner sleeve  9  with the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104 . 
         [0041]    During rotation step (c), the mating connector  104  translates in an axial direction toward the connector body  2  (or vice versa) without rotating by virtue of the keyed engaged between the lugs  2   d  and the channels  105 . During rotation step (c), the teeth  13  of the outer sleeve  8  are engaged with the teeth  12  of the ratchet ring  4  by virtue of the biasing spring  10 . Rotating the outer sleeve  8  in the tightening direction causes the sloped surfaces of the teeth  12  and  13  to slide past each other, thereby permitting rotation of the outer sleeve  8  with respect to the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104  (i.e., assuming that the mating connector  104  is fixed in place and prevented from rotation). As the teeth  12  and  13  slide past each other, the outer sleeve  8  moves slightly forwards and backwards in an axial direction. Rotation of the outer sleeve  8  in the tightening direction is possible until the connection means  17  of the connector  1  is fully engaged with the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104 . 
         [0042]    The connector  1  is then maintained in the locked configuration, and it cannot be detached from the mating connector  104  without manual intervention by an end user. In the locked configuration, the sleeves  8  and  9  are prevented from inadvertently rotating in a loosening rotational direction with respect to the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104  due to vibration or other external forces. Attempting to rotate the outer sleeve  8  in the loosening rotational direction while the outer sleeve  8  is maintained in the locked configuration, either purposefully or inadvertently, causes the flat surfaces of the teeth  12  and  13  to bear on each other by virtue of the spring  10 , thereby preventing rotation of the outer sleeve  8  and the inner sleeve  9  in the loosening direction with respect to the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104 . Thus, the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104  are each prevented from rotating in the loosening rotational direction with respect to the inner sleeve  9 , or vice versa, thereby preventing detachment of the mating connector  104  from the connector  1 . 
         [0043]    To detach the mating connector  104  from the connector  1 , it is necessary to first move the outer sleeve  8  from the locked configuration of  FIG. 9A  to the unlocked configuration of  FIG. 9B  by pulling the outer sleeve  8  in the distal direction (see arrows in  FIG. 9B ) against the force of spring  10 . This causes the teeth  13  of the outer sleeve  8  to separate from the teeth  12  of the ratchet ring  4 . Once the teeth  12  and  13  are separated, the outer sleeve  8  is rotated in the loosening direction. Rotating the outer sleeve  8  in the loosening direction causes the inner sleeve  9  to rotate with respect to the connector body  2  and the mating connector  104 , thereby causing the connection means  17  of the inner sleeve  9  to separate and detach from the connection means  106  of the mating connector  104 . As the outer sleeve  8  and the inner sleeve  9  are rotated in the loosening direction, the mating connector  104  and the connector body  2  translate away from each other, and without relative rotation, by virtue of the keyed engaged between the lugs  2   d  and the channels  105 . 
         [0044]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.