Connector or bayonet style connector and methods for incorporating or using connector

A connector, a bayonet-style connector, and methods for using the connector or bayonet-style connector are provided. At least one connector includes a receiver having an inner volume to receive a connector, and having a pawl; and a pushbutton or actuator that operates to move or unlock the pawl so that a user can insert and lock and/or unlock and remove the connector using only a single hand of the user. At least one bayonet-style connector includes a connector portion having an opening; a receptacle portion that operates to slidingly accept the connector portion and that has a pawl that operates to engage with the opening to lock the connector portion in place; and an actuator that operates to impart force on the pawl to unlock the connector portion so that a user can remove the connector portion using only one hand of the user.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a bayonet style (or bayonet-style) connector and methods for using the connector, and more particularly to a bayonet style connector that operates using single-handed manipulation by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Push-in connectors such as Bayonet connectors, RJ-xx electrical connectors, LC and E2000 optical fiber connectors, or connectors for transmitting other types of signals or media, such as gases or liquids, are incorporated in a multitude of industries for use with a wide array of machinery and components.

By way of example, bayonet style connectors are well known and widely used in a range of different applications, and are designed for simple single-handed connection and disconnection. In general, bayonet connectors use an axial spring element to lock the connector in place at the end of a rotational cam motion (SeeFIG.1). These types of connectors are functional for single-handed connecting/disconnecting to a large, heavy, or anchored receiver (and/or other large, heavy, and/or anchored devices).

However, when single-handed connecting/disconnecting is attempted on a light and/or unattached receiver (and/or other device(s)), the instability of the receiver (or other device) in combination with the force exerted by the connecting/disconnecting motion leads to movement of the receiver (or other device), thus forcing one to embrace the receiver with a second hand in order to counter the force exerted on the connector.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved bayonet style connector, which can be truly manipulated single handedly (e.g., without a separate or additional tool), regardless of a weight, size, and/or stability of the receiver (or other device).

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a connecting apparatus and method for using the apparatus, capable of single-handed engagement and disengagement of the connector from a receiver (or other device).

In one or more embodiments, a connecting and/or disconnecting device or system may include: a receiver or receptacle having an inner volume that operates to receive a connector, and having a pawl or locking mechanism that operates to move towards and at least be partially positioned in a portion of the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle; and a pushbutton or actuator that operates to move or unlock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism operates to move away from and/or out of the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle, and/or operates to move or lock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism operates to move towards and/or into the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle.

In one or more embodiments, a device or system may further include: the connector positioned in the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle, wherein the pawl or locking mechanism further operates to engage with, and/or disengage from, a window or opening in a portion or side of the connector, and wherein the pushbutton or actuator operates to: (i) move or unlock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism disengages from the connector; and/or (ii) move or lock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism engages with the connector. The receiver or receptacle and/or the pawl or locking mechanism may operate to allow a user of the device or system to insert and lock, and/or unlock and remove, the connector using only a single hand of the user. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the following may occur or exist: (i) the connector includes at least one boss protruding beyond the outer surface of the connector; (ii) the receiver or receptacle includes a channel that operates to slidingly accept the boss, the channel having a substantially axial lead-in portion and a substantially circumferential cam portion; (iii) in a case where the boss reaches the end of the channel, and/or the end of the substantially circumferential cam portion of the channel, the window or opening of the connector is aligned with the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism engages with, and locks in place, the connector; and (iv) the connector is turned by a predetermined angle as the boss proceeds from the substantially axial lead-in portion and into and along the substantially circumferential cam portion. The connector may operate to move the pawl or locking mechanism out of the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle as the connector slides into or out of the inner volume in a case where the pawl or locking mechanism is misaligned with the opening or window of the connector, and the pawl or locking mechanism may engage with, and may lock in place, the connector in a case where the pawl or locking mechanism is aligned with the opening or window of the connector.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the following may occur or exist: (i) the pawl or locking mechanism is pivotably mounted to the receiver or receptacle; (ii) the pawl or locking mechanism is biased with a spring such that the spring biases the pawl or locking mechanism in one direction towards the inner volume or another direction away from the inner volume, and the pushbutton operates to counteract or override the bias of the spring; (iii) the pawl or locking mechanism is mounted in a side portion of the receiver or receptacle via a pin on one end of the pawl or locking mechanism, and the other end of the pawl or locking mechanism operates to interact with the pushbutton; and/or (iv) the spring is located on or in a portion of the pawl or locking mechanism.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the following may occur or exist: (i) the pushbutton or actuator operates to move linearly towards and away from the pawl or locking mechanism; (ii) the pushbutton or actuator is a linear actuator; and/or (iii) the pushbutton or actuator further comprises an intermediate sliding member not rigidly connected to the linear actuator.

One or more embodiments may further include a linear stage, a motor, and an actuator pin disposed on a shaft of the motor, wherein the linear stage operates to translate the motor and actuator pin and the motor operates to rotate the actuator pin on the shaft of the motor such that the actuator pin is positioned and presses against a first end of the pushbutton or actuator and a second end of the pushbutton or actuator engages with or interacts with the pawl or locking mechanism. The linear stage and the motor may operate to move or position the actuator pin automatically or manually to unlock or disengage the pawl or locking mechanism so that the pawl or locking mechanism is removed from the inner volume of the receptacle or receiver. In a case where a connector is positioned inside the receiver or receptacle and the pawl or locking mechanism is engaged with and locked the connector in place, the linear stage and the motor may operate to move or position the actuator pin automatically or manually to unlock or disengage the pawl or locking mechanism from the connector so that a user of the device or system can remove the connector from the receiver or receptacle using only one hand of the user. The linear stage may be flat or substantially flat, and may be positioned on a flat or substantially flat surface so that the device or system is stationary, immobilized, or operates without an axial force to disengage the pawl or locking mechanism or to remove the pawl or locking mechanism from the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle. In a case where a connector is positioned inside the receiver or receptacle and the pawl or locking mechanism is engaged with and locked the connector in place, the device or system may unlock the pawl or locking mechanism from the connector so that a user of the device or system can remove the connector from the receiver or receptacle with only a single hand of the user.

In one or more embodiments, a bayonet-style connector may not require application of an axial force to disengage, and may include: a connector portion having a substantially cylindrical outside surface, having an axis defined by the substantially cylindrical outside surface, having a boss rigidly attached to the connector portion and protruding outwards from the substantially cylindrical outside surface, and having a window or opening; a receptacle portion having a substantially cylindrical inside surface that operates to slidingly accept the connector portion, the receptacle portion having a channel that operates to slidingly accept the boss, the channel having a substantially axial lead-in portion and a substantially circumferential cam portion, and the receptacle portion having a pawl moveably mounted on the receptacle portion and biased to at least partially protrude springingly and returnably inward and internal to the inside surface; and an actuator that operates to impart force on the pawl, wherein the window or opening of the connector portion operates to receive at least a portion of the pawl, and the actuator operates to retract the pawl from the window or opening such that a user of the bayonet-style connector can remove the connector portion using only one hand of the user. The pawl may be pivotably mounted, and/or may be biased with a spring. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator, and/or may further comprise an intermediate sliding member not rigidly connected to the linear actuator.

In one or more embodiments, a method for controlling a device or system comprising a receiver or receptacle having an inner volume that operates to receive a connector having a window, and having a pawl or locking mechanism that operates to move towards and at least be partially positioned in a portion of the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle; and comprising a pushbutton or actuator that operates to move or unlock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism operates to move away from and/or out of the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle, and/or operates to move or lock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism operates to move towards and/or into the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle, may include: positioning the connector in the receiver or receptacle so that the pawl or locking mechanism engages with and is at least partially positioned in the window of the connector; and actuating the pushbutton or actuator to move or unlock the pawl or locking mechanism such that the pawl or locking mechanism is removed and disengages from the window of the connector so that a user of the device or system can remove the connector from the receptacle or receiver by using only one hand of the user. The actuating step may be performed automatically or manually. The method may further include controlling a linear stage, a motor, and an actuator pin disposed on a shaft of the motor of the device or system, wherein the linear stage operates to translate the motor and actuator pin and the motor operates to rotate the actuator pin on the shaft of the motor such that the actuator pin is positioned and presses against a first end of the pushbutton or actuator and a second end of the pushbutton or actuator engages with or interacts with the pawl or locking mechanism. The linear stage and the motor operate to move or position the actuator pin automatically or manually to unlock or disengage the pawl or locking mechanism so that the pawl or locking mechanism is removed from the inner volume of the receptacle or receiver. The method may further include positioning the linear stage and/or the device or system on a flat or substantially flat surface so that the device or system is stationary, immobilized, or operates without an axial force to disengage the pawl or locking mechanism or to remove the pawl or locking mechanism from the inner volume of the receiver or receptacle. One or more methods for controlling a device or system having a controller and/or for controlling a bayonet-style controller may include any other feature(s), including combinations thereof, discussed herein.

In one or more embodiments, a connector or bayonet-style connector may not use application of an axial force to disengage from a device or system and/or a receiver or receptacle of the device or system.

By way of at least one example, at least one embodiment of a connecting apparatus may comprise a cylindrical housing having at least one boss configured on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing, as well as having at least one locking boss configured on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing, other feature as shown or discussed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0294741, filed on Apr. 12, 2017 and published on Oct. 12, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and/or as shown or discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,869,828, issued on Jan. 16, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking boss is mounted on a resilient member, configured to resiliently allow the locking boss to depress beneath the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical housing.

In another exemplary embodiment, a receiver is provided to receive the connecting apparatus, wherein the receiver includes a cylindrical cavity configured to receive the cylindrical housing, at least one helical cam channel configured to receive the at least one boss, and a chamfer configured to contact the at least one locking boss. In another exemplary embodiment, the receiver also includes a shelf, protruding from the cylindrical cavity, configured to guide the connecting apparatus into the receiver.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one boss protrudes beyond the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical housing. According to another embodiment, the at least one locking boss may be used, and may protrude beyond the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical housing.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a handle may be used to control or affect the locking boss, and may be in indirect communication with the locking boss through a resilient hinge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It shall be noted that the following description is merely illustrative and exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure and its applications or uses. The relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in the embodiments do not limit the scope of the disclosure unless it is otherwise specifically stated. Techniques, methods, and devices which are well known by individuals skilled in the art may not have been discussed in detail since an individual skilled in the art would not need to know these details to enable the embodiments discussed below.

One or more devices or systems, and/or methods for use with same, are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, one or more technique(s) and/or structure(s) may be used to achieve a connector (e.g., a bayonet style connector) which can be operated with a single hand. In one or more embodiments, a device or system using a connector with one or more features of the present disclosure may be stationary, immobilized, on a surface (e.g., a flat surface), on a surface (e.g., a flat surface) but moveable, weighted down on a surface (e.g., a flat surface), etc.

Turning now to the details of the figures,FIG.2depicts at least one embodiment of a device or system1having a receiver (also referred to herein as a “receptacle” or a “cylindrical receptacle”)3that operates to receive a connector (e.g., such as the connector2as shown inFIG.2). As shown inFIG.2, the connector2is shown in a withdrawn or disconnected state such that the connector2is outside of (and/or not connected with) the receiver3. In one or more embodiments, the device or system1may have the cylindrical receptacle3rigidly attached to the device or system1.

The receptacle or receiver3has an inside or inner diameter such that the receptacle or receiver3is sized and shaped to accept the connector2therein. Preferably, the inside or inner diameter of the receptacle or receiver3is sized and/or shaped to closely accept the connector2. In one or more embodiments, the receptacle or receiver3includes a pawl or locking mechanism (e.g., the pawl or locking mechanism7as discussed below) that operates to engage with and/or disengage from a portion (e.g., a window or an opening, such as the window or the opening12discussed below) of the connector2such that the connector2may be inserted into and/or removed from the receptacle or receiver3with only one hand. In one or more embodiments, the pawl or locking mechanism7may be unlocked or disengaged automatically or manually by the device or system1to allow a user of the device or system1to remove the connector2with one hand of the user.

In one or more embodiments, the receptacle or receiver3may have a channel, which may have an axially aligned lead-in portion5and a generally circumferential or helical cam portion6(as best seen inFIG.3). In contrast with a standard bayonet connector, in one or more embodiments, there may be no locking portion at the end of the cam portion6of the channel. In one or more embodiments, the channel may be sized or shaped differently (e.g., without a cam portion, to accept a portion of the connector2having a different structural shape or size than the boss discussed below, etc.). In one or more embodiments, the receptacle or receiver3may not include an additional channel such that pawl7or other locking mechanism of the receptacle or receiver3may engage with and/or disengage from the connector2to perform the locking and unlocking feature(s) of the receptacle or receiver3and connector2arrangement.

In one or more embodiments, the connector2may include a boss (e.g., a cylindrical boss)4(seeFIG.2, for example) that is sized and/or shaped to slidably fit into the channel (e.g., the lead-in portion5, the helical cam portion6, the lead-in portion5and the helical cam portion6, etc.) of the receptacle or receiver3. The boss4may operate to help guide the connector2into and/or out of the receptacle or receiver3.

In one or more embodiments, the connector2may be rotated or turned after insertion into the receptacle or receiver3. For example, after insertion of the connector2into the receptacle or receiver3, the connector2may be turned a preset angle α until the boss4reaches the end of the channel6and stops. By way of another example, after insertion of the connector2into the receptacle or receiver3, the connector2may be turned a preset angle α until a predetermined portion (e.g., the opening or window12as shown inFIG.3) of the connector2aligns with the locking pawl7or other locking mechanism of the receptacle or receiver3(best seen inFIGS.5-8).

As best shown inFIGS.5-8, the receptacle or receiver3may include the pawl or locking mechanism7and a pushbutton14that operates to actuate the pawl or locking mechanism7as discussed below. The pawl or locking pawl7, may be sized and/or shaped to fit into and/or removed from the predetermined portion (e.g., the opening or window12) of the connector2. The pawl or locking mechanism7may be pivotally mounted on a pin13in the receptacle or receiver3, and may be located to counter position the predetermined portion (e.g., the opening or window12) of the connector2(e.g., when the connector2is inserted into and/or turned at the predetermined angle α (e.g., from an insertion position, within the channel or cam portion6, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the locking pawl7may be biased by a torsional spring9towards the axis of the cylindrical receptacle or receiver3and inwards of the cylindrical inner surface of the receptacle or receiver3(as shown, for example, in an initial, resting, or disengaged state inFIG.5). The pushbutton14may be slidably held in a bushing15(see e.g.,FIG.4), may be positioned at a rocking end of the pawl or locking mechanism7, and may operate, when or in a case where actuated (e.g., pressed), to bias the pawl or locking mechanism7from or away from the axis of the cylindrical receptacle or receiver3and to the outside of the cylindrical inner surface of the receptacle or receiver3against the bias spring9.

In one or more embodiments, the pawl or locking mechanism7and pushbutton14arrangement may operate in a reverse or different arrangement. For example, in one or more embodiments, the bias spring9or other bias element may bias the pawl or locking mechanism7away from the axis of the receptacle or receiver3(e.g., the bias spring9may operate in the opposite direction or in a different direction), and the pushbutton14may be arranged such that, when or in a case where actuated (e.g., pressed or pushed), the pushbutton14operates to bias the pawl or locking mechanism7towards the axis of the cylindrical receptacle or receiver3to lock the pawl or locking mechanism7into, or have the pawl or locking mechanism7engage with, the predetermined portion (e.g., the window or the opening) of the connector2.

In one or more embodiments, the device or system1may include a motor (e.g., a rotary motor)17to actuate a push button14of the device or system1(as shown inFIGS.3-4). In one or more embodiments (as best seen inFIGS.2-4), the motor17may be mounted on a stage, such as a linear stage18, of the device or system1. In one or more embodiments, the motor17may include an actuator pin16positioned or disposed (or rigidly mounted) on a shaft of the motor17. In one or more embodiments, the linear stage18and motor17arrangement operate to: (i) position and press the actuator pin16against an internal end (e.g., on an end of the pushbutton14facing away from the pawl or locking mechanism7(best seen inFIG.8) of the pushbutton14; and/or (ii) actuate the pushbutton14such that the pawl or locking mechanism7is disengaged from the connector2and/or moved away from the axis of the receptacle or receiver3so that the connector2may be removed from the receptacle or receiver3(e.g., by using one hand of the user of the device or system1). The motor17may be slid towards or away from the receptacle or receiver3via the linear stage18. The motor17and/or the pin16may operate to lock and/or unlock the pawl or locking mechanism7automatically or manually in a way that provides the user of the device or system1with the feature of being able to remove the connector2from the receptacle or receiver3using only one hand of the user.

Now focusing on the details ofFIGS.5-8of the present disclosure, the device or system1may lock or unlock the connector2using at least the following embodiment examples and/or using the following locking/unlocking method(s) or technique(s). For instance, as shown inFIG.5, in an initial or resting state of the receptacle or receiver3(e.g., disconnected from or not connected to the connector2), the pawl or locking mechanism7may operate as aforementioned. By way of at least one example, as shown inFIG.5, the pawl or locking mechanism7(or a portion thereof) may be protruding inside of or into the inner diameter of the receptacle or receiver3(e.g., when the pawl or locking mechanism7is biased inwardly by the spring9) such that a portion or end portion of the pawl or locking mechanism7is biased against an external end (e.g., an end facing towards the pawl or locking mechanism7) of the pushbutton14. By way of another example, in one or more embodiments, when (or in a case where) the connector2is inserted axially into the receiver or receptacle3(seeFIG.6) with the boss4fitting into the lead-in portion5of the channel, the outer cylindrical surface of the connector2may lift the pawl or locking mechanism7out of the inner cylindrical volume of the receptacle or receiver3against the spring9. When (or in a case where) the connector2reaches the end of the lead-in portion5, the connector2and/or the boss4of the connector2starts climbing the cam portion6, and continues until the connector2is turned to the angle α and reaches the end of rotational travel. At this point the connector window or opening12is positioned opposite (or directly opposite) to, or is aligned with, the pawl or locking mechanism7, and the spring9operates to push a locking portion7a(see e.g.,FIGS.6-8) of the pawl or locking mechanism7into the window or opening12(seeFIG.7) such that the pawl or locking mechanism7operates to lock the connector2to the device or system1and prevents the connector2from disconnecting. In one or more embodiments, the very low frictional force moment created by rotating the connector2may be countered by the substantially flat bottom portion of the device or system1housing (see e.g., the linear stage18) placed on any stationary or flat stationary surface.

To disconnect the connector2from the device or system1(seeFIG.8), in one or more embodiments, the rotary motor17may position the actuator pin16directly in line with the pushbutton14, and then the linear stage18translates the rotary motor17with the actuator pin16towards the connector portion (see e.g., the receiver3and connector2arrangement/combination) of the device1until the actuator pin16depresses the internal end (e.g., the end facing away from the pawl or locking mechanism7) of the pushbutton14. As aforementioned, the device or system1may operate such that the motor17automatically or manually actuates the pushbutton14allowing the user to move the connector2using one hand. The depressed or pushed pushbutton14translates the linear motion to the outer end (e.g., the end facing the pawl or locking mechanism7) of the pushbutton14, and presses on a cam portion7b(see e.g.,FIGS.6-8) of the pawl or locking mechanism7forcing the pawl or locking mechanism7to pivot out of the window or opening12of the connector2and release the connector2from the device or system1. At this stage, the connector2is no longer locked to the device or system1and may be removed now, such as, for example, by using one hand of the user of the device or system1. Again, one or more features of the present disclosure allow the user of the device or system1to plug/connect or unplug/disconnect a connector (e.g., a bayonet style connector, another type of connector, etc.) using just one hand. As aforementioned, the connector2may be unlocked or locked automatically from inside of or within the device or system1, and/or accidental unlocking or locking of the connector2by the user may be avoided or prevented.

It should be appreciated that, in one or more embodiments, at no point of a connection and/or disconnection cycle any axial or lateral force is applied to the device or system1to displace or move the device or system1. Preferably, the device or system1is supported externally by a surface (e.g., a flat stationary surface, a stationary surface, etc.) on which to dispose or place the device or system1. In one or more embodiments, the only external support of the device or system1may be the presence of a flat stationary surface to put the device or system1on with a flat bottom.

Preferably, the connector2is a bayonet style connector. However, in one or more embodiments, the connector2may have a different structure, size, and/or shape.

One or more embodiments of the device or system1may use any other connector features discussed herein, shown in the accompanying features, as discussed or shown in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0294741, filed on Apr. 12, 2017 and published on Oct. 12, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and/or as shown or discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,869,828, issued on Jan. 16, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In one or more embodiments, a locking boss may be used on the connector2such that the locking mechanism7(or another locking mechanism) engages with the locking boss to lock/unlock the connector2from the receiver or receptacle3. A locking boss may be used with a hinge on the connector2such that the locking mechanism7(or another locking mechanism) engages with the locking boss to lock/unlock the connector2from the receiver or receptacle3(and the locking boss may move resiliently between an engaged and a retracted position). A release handle or a button may be added to the device or system1to actuate the motor17to lock or unlock the pawl or locking mechanism7(such that the connector2may be locked or unlocked, inserted or removed, etc. from the device or system1by using one hand of the user once the motor17is finished actuating the pawl or locking mechanism7). The receptacle or receiver3may include one or more features of a receiver (e.g., a bayonet-type receiver) such as an internal cavity for accepting the connector2, and the internal cavity may include an inner or inside diameter that is configured to be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the connector2.

Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure (and are not limited thereto), and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.