Patent GB-693952-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to plug and socket type connectors provided with releasable locking means
IPC: H01R13/20
Filed: 1951-08-20
Abstract: 693,952. Two-part couplings. MODREY, H. J. Aug. 20, 1951, No. 19571/51. Class 38 (i). [Also in Group XXV] A plug-and-socket type coupling in which the two parts are releasably locked in engagement comprises Fig. 1, 2, a plug part 11 having a circular-section clamping rod 21 recessed at 30 to slidably house a looking slide 22 urged downwardly by a spring 23. The slide 22 has a portion 35 extending through a bore 32 in the rod 21 and carries an operating cross-bar 45 which moves in a slot 33 in the rod, the other end of the slide being formed with a head 34. The lower rod portion 26 is of reduced section and has a clamping head 27 eccentrically formed thereon having a lip 27<SP>1</SP>. The socket part 10 comprises a ring 13 fixed in a sleeve 15 and having its faces countersunk at 14, 14<SP>1</SP>. The size of the opening 12 defined by the ring 13 is such that the clamping head 27 may pass therethrough but not with the slide head 34; however, the opening 12 can receive the rod portion 26 together with the slide head 34. Hence, when the parts 10, 11 are brought together head 27 passes through the opening 12 and the head 34 is retracted, and on engagement of the lip 27<SP>1</SP> with the face 141 of the ring 13 spring 23 moves the head 34 into the opening 12 to complete the looking action. Release is effected by moving the cross-bar 45 to the upper end of the slot 33. A rubber grommet 47 on the rod 21 makes a seal at its lower end with a flange 17 of a sleeve 16 secured within the sleeve 15. The grommet 47 also seals the slot 33 since it fits closely around the cross-bar 45, movement of the latter being permitted by the resilience of the grommet. The wires to be connected may be passed through holes 19, 25, and the part 10 may be insulated. In a modification, Fig. 2A (not shown), the grommet 47 and cross-bar 45 are replaced by a sleeve connected to the slide 22 and slidable on the rod 21. In the construction of Fig. 3, the clamping rod 60 is connected to a cable 61 and slidably houses within a recess 70 a locking slide 72, having an insulating release trigger 75 which extends through a hole 78 in a flexible rubber cap 76. The clamping head 64 is formed by recessing the rod 60 at 65. The socket part 10 comprises a floating ring 50 laterally movable within a recess 55 in a sleeve 52 connected to a cable 56 and surrounded by a rubber cap 58. On insertion of the plug 11 the head 64 centres the ring 50 and passes therethrough, the slide head 73 being retracted. On reception of the ring 50 by the rod recess 65 the spring 79 moves the slide head 73 downwardly and the locking is completed. In the construction of Figs. 6, 7 a rectangular-section clamping rod 80 has an enlarged head 81, which co-operates with a similar-section socket, and an opening 82 for receiving a locking slide 83. A nose 87 on the slide is guided by a groove 86 in the side of the opening 82. Alternatively, Fig. 10 (not shown), the slide may be guided by cross-bars secured thereto on either side thereof and which engage the rod 80 by bridging across the opening 82. According to the construction of Figs. 11, 12, the clamping rod 100 is of sheet metal bent into semi-circular shape and formed with an offset clamping head 101. The flat side 102 of the rod 100 has an axial slot 103 which slidably receives the bent edges 106, 107, of a U-section sheet metal locking slide 104 controlled by a spring 108 whose other end abuts the ends 109 of a loop 110. The slide 104 may be moved from the bottom edge 111 of the slot 103 to unlock the coupling by lifting a ring 113 attached to a lip 112 on the slide.