Patent Publication Number: US-2018034183-A1

Title: Electrical connector with integrated anti-decoupling features

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connectors that use coupling nuts and have features that prevent inadvertent decoupling of the mating connector. 
     One known type of electrical connector includes a backshell having a passage therethrough that receives a plurality of cables (e.g., insulated wires). The electrical connector also includes a coupling nut that is rotatably mounted to an end of the connector shell. The coupling nut has internal or external threads that engage the end of the connector shell. The coupling nut is also configured to engage a mating connector and thereby connect the electrical connector and the mating connector. One example of the above electrical connector is an AS85049 connector. Other types of connectors exist that may utilize a coupling nut. 
     For certain applications, such as those that experience a substantial amount of shock and/or vibrations (e.g., military aircraft), the electrical connector includes an anti-decoupling mechanism that resists rotation of the coupling nut in a decoupling direction. For example, the electrical connector may include one or more retaining rings, spring clips, or spring fingers that engage the coupling nut and the backshell in a manner that impedes rotation of the coupling nut in the decoupling direction. These elements are typically small, metallic elements that are positioned between the coupling nut and the backshell. Although these elements can work effectively by impeding rotation in the decoupling direction, certain drawbacks may exist. For example, it can be challenging to position the elements between the coupling nut and the backshell. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an electrical connector that includes an anti-decoupling feature that is simpler and/or more cost effective than the decoupling mechanisms of known electrical connectors. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In an embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a connector shell having a passage therethrough configured to support an electrical pathway. The connector shell also includes an end section. A central axis extends through a center of the passage. The electrical connector also includes a coupling nut that is mounted to the end section of the connector shell and has a sleeve wall that surrounds and interfaces with the end section. The coupling nut is rotatable about the central axis. One of the sleeve wall of the coupling nut and the connector shell is shaped to include a spring arm, and the other includes a series of radial teeth that are disposed circumferentially around the central axis. The spring arm slidably engages the radial teeth in a ratchet-like manner as the coupling nut is rotated about the central axis. The spring arm and the radial teeth impede rotation in a first direction about the central axis and permit rotation in an opposite second direction about the central axis. 
     In an embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a connector shell having a passage therethrough configured to support an electrical pathway. A central axis extends through a center of the passage. The connector shell has an end section that includes a series of radial teeth disposed circumferentially around the central axis. The radial teeth face radially away from the central axis. The electrical connector also includes a coupling nut that is rotatably mounted to the end section of the connector shell. The coupling nut has a sleeve wall that surrounds and interfaces with the end section of the connector shell. The sleeve wall is shaped to include a spring arm. The spring arm slidably engages the radial teeth in a ratchet-like manner as the coupling nut is rotated about the central axis. The spring arm and the radial teeth impede rotation in a first direction and permit rotation in an opposite second direction. 
     In an embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a connector shell having a passage therethrough configured to support an electrical pathway. A central axis extends through a center of the passage. The connector shell has an end section that is shaped to include a spring arm. The electrical connector also includes a coupling nut that is rotatably mounted to the end section of the connector shell. The coupling nut has a sleeve wall that surrounds and interfaces with the end section of the connector shell. The sleeve wall is shaped to include a series of radial teeth disposed circumferentially around the central axis. The radial teeth face radially toward the central axis. The spring arm slidably engages the radial teeth in a ratchet-like manner as the coupling nut is rotated about the central axis. The spring arm and the radial teeth impede rotation in a first direction and permit rotation in an opposite second direction. 
     Optionally, one or more embodiments may be devoid of discrete elements that are disposed between the coupling nut and the connector shell. Optionally, one or more embodiments may be devoid of discrete elements that are disposed between the coupling nut and the connector shell, except for sealing members, such as o-rings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partially exploded view of an electrical connector in accordance with an embodiment that includes a connector shell and a coupling nut that is configured to rotatably engage the connector shell. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the electrical connector of  FIG. 1  when assembled. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the coupling nut that may be used with the electrical connector of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective sectional view of the electrical connector of  FIG. 1  illustrating an interaction between the connector shell and the coupling nut. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the electrical connector of  FIG. 1  illustrating a spring arm of the coupling nut engaged with radial teeth of the connector shell. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a coupling nut in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the coupling nut of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a multi-piece connector shell in accordance with an embodiment that includes an intermediate component. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the intermediate component of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of the multi-piece connector shell of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective sectional view of an electrical connector in accordance with an embodiment that includes the multi-piece connector shell of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective sectional view of the electrical connector of  FIG. 11  illustrating a spring arm engaged with radial teeth of the connector shell. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an electrical connector in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a partially exploded view of an electrical connector  100  having a connector shell  102  and a coupling nut  104  that is configured to rotatably engage the connector shell  102 . In  FIG. 1 , the coupling nut  104  is spaced apart from the connector shell  102 , but poised for engaging the connector shell  102 . When fully assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 , the electrical connector  100  is configured to engage a mating connector (not shown) in which the coupling nut  104  securely couples the electrical connector  100  and the mating connector in a mated engagement. In some embodiments, the connector shell  102  may be referred to as a backshell. 
     The connector shell  102  may comprise a conductive material that surrounds an electrical pathway extending through a passage  108  of the connector shell  102 . The connector shell  102  may electrically engage a corresponding shell or housing (not shown) of the mating connector to establish a continuous shield along the electrical pathway. The electrical connector  100  may be configured to satisfy various governmental and industry standards or specifications. In some embodiments, the electrical connector  100  may be referred to as a circular connector. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the connector shell  102  has an inner surface  106  that defines the passage  108  and an outer surface  110  that defines an exterior of the connector shell  102 . A central axis (or centerline)  112  extends through a center (e.g., geometric center) of the passage  108 . A forward portion of the central axis  112  is linear as shown in  FIG. 1 , but other portions of the central axis  112  may not be linear based upon the shape of the connector shell  102 . For example, the connector shell  102  may be a right-angle shell. The coupling nut  104  and the connector shell  102  are aligned with each other along the central axis  112 . 
     The coupling nut  104  includes a sleeve wall  114  that has an inner surface  116  ( FIG. 1 ) defining a coupling cavity  118 . The sleeve wall  114  also has an outer surface  120  that defines an exterior of the coupling nut  104 . The coupling cavity  118  is sized and shaped to receive an end section  122  ( FIG. 1 ) of the connector shell  102 . The coupling nut  104  also includes a front mating section  124  that is coupled to the sleeve wall  114 . The front mating section  124  includes a section wall  125  that extends in a forward direction that is parallel to the central axis  112  and circumferentially extends around the central axis  112 . The section wall  125  has threads  126  that extend around the central axis  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the threads  126  are internal threads that face radially-inward toward the central axis  112 , but it is contemplated that other embodiments may include external threads that face radially-outward. 
     Also shown, the sleeve wall  114  includes a retaining member  128  along the inner surface  116 . The retaining member  128  extends around the central axis  112  and projects radially inwardly toward the central axis  112 . The retaining member  128  is configured to rotatably secure the coupling nut  104  to the end section  122  of the connector shell  102 . For example, the retaining member  128  may directly engage a sloped surface  129  of the end section  122 . As such, the coupling nut  104  may resist being inadvertently withdrawn in a direction away from the connector shell  102 . 
     The passage  108  is configured to support an electrical pathway. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical pathway includes a plurality cables or insulated wires (e.g., a bundle of insulated wires) that extend through the passage  108  and are electrically terminated to a mating connector. In other embodiments, however, the electrical connector  100  may include a dielectric insert  130  (indicated in phantom) that is positioned in the passage  108  of the connector shell  102 . The dielectric insert  130  may shaped to define a gap or space between the dielectric insert  130  and the inner surface  106 . Alternatively, the dielectric insert  130  may be molded to complement the interior space of the passage  108  and engage the inner surface  106 . 
     The dielectric insert  130  is configured to hold one or more communication pathways that constitute the electrical pathway of the electrical connector  100 . For example, the dielectric insert  130  may hold electrical contacts  132  (also indicated in phantom) that are configured to electrically engage corresponding contacts (not shown) of the mating connector. The electrical contacts  132  may be positioned within and extend through the dielectric insert  130 . The electrical contacts  132  may be socket contacts that are configured to receive corresponding contact pins (not shown) of the mating connector. Alternatively, the electrical contacts  132  may be contact pins that are received by corresponding socket contacts of the mating connector. It should be understood, however, that various other types of electrical contacts may be supported by the dielectric insert  130 . 
     The connector shell  102  also includes a base section  134 . The base section  134  may be sized and shaped to engage other components (not shown) and receive one or more wires or cables (not shown). For example, the base section  134  may be shaped to provide strain relief or may be coupled to other components that provide strain relief. The end section  122  is positioned in front of the base section  134  and is configured to engage the coupling nut  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base section  134  and the end section  122  are portions of a unitary element. For example, the base section  134  and the end section  122  may be formed from the same mold. In other embodiments, the base section  134  and the end section  122  may be discrete components that are coupled to each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the end section  122  of the connector shell  102  has a leading edge  138  that extends around the central axis  112  and defines an opening  140  to the passage  108 . The end section  122  includes a plurality of radial teeth  136  along the outer surface  110  that are disposed circumferentially around the central axis  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radial teeth  136  face radially away from the central axis  112 . The radial teeth  136  are positioned immediately adjacent to the leading edge  138  or include the leading edge  138 . In other embodiments, the radial teeth  136  may have a different location relative to the central axis  112  such that the radial teeth  136  are spaced apart from the leading edge  138 . In some embodiments, the leading edge  138  of the connector shell  102  has an outer diameter and the front mating section  124  of the coupling nut  104  has an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the leading edge  138 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , the sleeve wall  114  of the coupling nut  104  surrounds and interfaces with the end section  122  of the connector shell  102 . The sleeve wall  114  is shaped to include a spring arm  144  that engages the end section  122 . For example, the sleeve wall  114  includes a wall opening  142 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wall opening  142  extends entirely through the sleeve wall  114  between the inner and outer surfaces  106 ,  120 . In other embodiments, however, the wall opening  142  may be a recess that extends only partially into the sleeve wall  114 . For example, the wall opening  142  may extend a depth into the sleeve wall  144  from the inner surface  106 . 
     The spring arm  144  is a resulting structure of the sleeve wall  114  that is defined by the surrounding wall opening  142 . More specifically, the spring arm  144  and at least a portion of the sleeve wall  114  that surrounds and interfaces with the end section  122  of the connector shell  102  are integrally formed. For example, the spring arm  144  and the portion of the sleeve wall  114  may be formed from a common mold or may be 3D printed. In particular embodiments, the coupling nut  104  is a single unitary element that is shaped to include the features shown in  FIG. 1 , including the spring arm  144  and the sleeve wall  114 . As described herein, the spring arm  144  slidably engages the radial teeth  136  ( FIG. 1 ) in a ratchet-like manner as the coupling nut  104  is rotated relative to the connector shell  102  and about the central axis  112 . 
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the coupling nut  104 . As shown, the coupling nut  104  includes the spring arm  144  and also includes a spring arm  150 . In other embodiments, the coupling nut  104  may include only one spring arm or more than two spring arms. Such an embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The spring arms  144 ,  150  may be referred to as first and second spring arms  144 ,  150 . Each of the spring arms  144 ,  150  couples to the remainder of the sleeve wall  114  at a base joint  152  and extends from the base joint  152  along an arm extension  154 . The arm extension  154  includes a contoured head  156  that is shaped to engage the radial teeth  136  ( FIG. 1 ). The contoured head  156  is shaped relative to the radial teeth  136  to generate a ratchet-like engagement between the contoured head  156  and the radial teeth  136 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second spring arms  144 ,  150  extend lengthwise in a circumferential direction, which may be similar to the second direction  148  ( FIG. 2 ). But the spring arms  144 ,  150  may extend in different directions in other embodiments. For example, the spring arms  144 ,  150  may extend lengthwise in a direction that is parallel to the central axis  112  or in other directions. The contoured head  156  may have a similar shape as described above for the contoured head  156  in the illustrated embodiment and generate a similar ratchet-like engagement with the radial teeth  136 . 
     Also shown, the retaining member  128  may be shaped from material of the sleeve wall  114  such that the retaining member  128  is an integral feature of the sleeve wall  114 . In particular, the retaining member  128  of  FIG. 3  includes a radially-inward projecting portion of the inner surface  106 . The retaining member  128  engages the sloped surface  129  ( FIG. 1 ) such that the coupling nut  104  is prevented from being inadvertently withdrawn when pulled away from the connector shell  102  ( FIG. 1 ) but is permitted to rotate about the central axis  112  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In other embodiments, however, the retaining member  128  may be a discrete (or separate) member that is coupled to the inner surface  106 . For example, the retaining member  128  may be similar to or identical to an retaining ring or spring. It should be understood, however, that other structural elements exists for coupling the coupling nut  104  to the connector shell  102 . For example, a separate coupling nut may be used to rotatably couple the coupling nut  104  to the connector shell  102 . 
     The sleeve wall  114  may form one or more flat or planar surfaces that are shaped, for example, to engage a tool (e.g., wrench). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sleeve wall  114  may form multiple wall sections  158 . For instance, the sleeve wall  114  includes six (6) wall sections  158  in which each wall section  158  has a planar portion of the outer surface  120 . However, the sleeve wall  114  may have other shapes, including a circular shape. Also shown, one of the wall sections  158  includes the spring arm  144  and another wall section  158  includes the spring arm  150 . The spring arms  144 ,  150  oppose each other with the coupling cavity  118  therebetween. The front mating section  124  has a rearward-facing surface  168 . The rearward facing surface  168  may function as a blocking surface that engages the leading edge  138  ( FIG. 1 ) of the connector shell  102 . More specifically, the rearward facing surface  168  has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the leading edge  138 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective sectional view of the electrical connector  100  depicting the coupling nut  104  operably engaged to the connector shell  102 . When operably engaged, the coupling nut  104  is mounted to the end section  122  of the connector shell  102  and is rotatable about the central axis  112 . An interface  160  is defined between the outer surface  110  of the connector shell  102  and the inner surface  106  of the coupling nut  104 . 
     When operably engaged, the spring arm  144  is slidably engaged to the radial teeth  136  in a ratchet-like manner. More specifically, the spring arm  144  may flex back-and-forth between different positions as the coupling nut  104  is rotated relative to the connector shell  102  and about the central axis  112 . The spring arm  144  and the radial teeth  136  impede rotation in a first direction  146  and permit rotation in an opposite second direction  148 . As used herein, the phrase “impede rotation in a [designated] direction” means that rotation in the designated direction is either entirely prevented (e.g., the coupling nut is incapable of rotating in the designated direction) or that rotation in the designated direction is resisted more than rotation in the opposite direction. For example, the spring arm  144  and the radial teeth  136  may impede rotation in the first direction  146 , but permit rotation in the second direction  148  by requiring at least twice the amount of force to rotate the coupling nut  104  in the first direction  146  than the second direction  148 . As another example, the spring arm  144  and the radial teeth  136  may impede rotation in the first direction  146  and permit rotation in the second direction  148  by blocking any rotation in the first direction  146 , but permitting rotation in the second direction  148 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the electrical connector  100  illustrating the ratchet-like engagement. As shown in greater detail, the spring arm  150  is coupled to a remainder of the sleeve wall  114  at the base joint  152 . The arm extension  154  extends from the base joint  152  to the contoured head  156 . In the illustrated embodiment, the contoured head  156  protrudes in a radially-inward direction. The inner surface  106  includes a passage portion  162  that defines nearly an entirety of the coupling cavity  118 . The passage portion  162  has a radius of curvature that approximately matches (or is approximately equal to) the radius of curvature of the outer surface  110  of the connector shell  102 . As shown, the contoured head  156  is biased to clear the passage portion  162  in a direction toward the radial teeth  136 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the radial teeth  136  may slidably engage (or have nominal gap therebetween) the passage portion  162  of the inner surface  106 . 
     The contoured head  156  is shaped relative to the radial teeth  136  to generate a ratchet-like engagement between the spring arm  150  and the radial teeth  136 . The contoured head  156  and the radial teeth  136  may be shaped to provide a mating resistance to the coupling nut  104  when rotated in the first direction  146  that is more than the mating resistance when rotated in the second direction  148 . For example, the contoured head  156  and the radial teeth  136  have respective first sides  172 ,  174  that engage each other and respective second sides  176 ,  178  that engage each other. The first sides  172 ,  174  are shaped to impede rotation in the first direction  146 , and the second sides  176 ,  178  are shaped to permit rotation in the second direction  148 . 
     More specifically, a shape or curvature of the first side  172  of the contoured head  156  relative to the shape or the curvature of the first side  174  of the radial teeth may determine the mating resistance for rotating in the first direction  146 . Likewise, a shape or curvature of the second side  176  of the contoured head  156  relative to the shape or the curvature of the second side  178  of the radial teeth  136  may determine the mating resistance for rotating in the second direction  148 . The mating resistance in the second direction  148  is less than the mating resistance in the first direction  146 . As shown, the spring arm  150  has a first position (represented in a solid line in  FIG. 5 ) when the spring arm  150  is undeflected and a second position (represented in a dashed line in  FIG. 5 ) when the spring arm  150  is deflected at its peak. 
     The sleeve wall  114  has an exterior boundary  166  that is defined by the outer surface  120  of the sleeve wall  114 . As shown, the spring arm  150  is positioned within the wall opening  142  such that an outer surface  164  of the spring arm  150  is disposed a depth from the exterior boundary  166  within the wall opening  142 . As the spring arm  150  moves between the first and second positions, the spring arm  150  move within the wall opening  142 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface  164  does not clear the exterior boundary  166 . As such, the spring arm  150  may move freely within the wall opening  142  without being obstructed by external objects, such as a tool that grips the coupling nut  104 . 
     Optionally, the electrical connector  100  may be devoid of discrete elements that are disposed between the coupling nut  104  and the connector shell  102 . Optionally, the electrical connector  100  may be devoid of discrete elements that are disposed between the coupling nut  104  and the connector shell  102 , except for elastic seal members (e.g., o-rings) that may form a seal between portions of the two. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are front and rear perspectives view of a coupling nut  200  in accordance with an embodiment. The coupling nut  200  is configured to be rotatably mounted to a connector shell (not shown), which may be similar or identical to the connector shell  102  ( FIG. 1 ). The coupling nut  200  may have features that are similar or identical to the features of the coupling nut  104  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the coupling nut  200  includes a sleeve wall  202  having a plurality of wall sections  204 . Unlike the coupling nut  104 , however, each of the wall sections  204  has a respective spring arm  206 . Each spring arm  206  has an identical shape as the spring arms  144 ,  150  ( FIG. 1 ), but the spring arm  206  may have other dimensions in other embodiments. Similar to the spring arms  144 ,  150 , the spring arms  206  are configured to slidably engage radial teeth (not shown) when the coupling nut  200  is rotatably mounted to an end section of a connector shell (not shown). Collectively, the spring arms  206  and the radial teeth impede rotation in a first direction and permit rotation in an opposite second direction. Also shown in  FIG. 7 , a front mating section  210  of the coupling nut  200  may define a rearward-facing surface  212 . Similar to the coupling nut  102 , the rearward-facing surface  212  is configured to engage a leading edge of the connector shell. 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a multi-piece connector shell  302  in accordance with an embodiment. The connector shell  302  is configured to form an electrical connector  300  ( FIG. 11 ) when a coupling nut  304  ( FIG. 11 ) is rotatably mounted to the connector shell  302 . The coupling nut  304  may be similar or identical to the coupling nut  104  ( FIG. 1 ). The connector shell  302  includes a shell base  306  and an intermediate component  308 . When the shell base  306  and the intermediate component  308  are combined, an end section  310  of the connector shell  302  is formed. 
     As shown, the shell base  306  has an inner surface  312  that defines a passage  314  and an outer surface  316  that defines an exterior of the shell base  306 . A central axis (or centerline)  315  extends through a center (e.g., geometric center) of the passage  314 . The shell base  306  has a leading edge  320  that defines an opening  322  to the passage  314 . The leading edge  320  extends circumferentially about the central axis  315 . 
     The shell base  306  includes radial teeth  324  along the outer surface  316  that are disposed circumferentially around the central axis  315 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radial teeth  324  face radially away from the central axis  315 . The radial teeth  324  are positioned immediately adjacent to the leading edge  320  or include the leading edge  320 . In other embodiments, however, the radial teeth  324  may have a different location such that the radial teeth  324  are spaced apart from the leading edge  320 . 
     As shown, the leading edge  320  of the shell base  306  is shaped to include open-sided slots  330 . The open-sided slots  330  open in a forward direction along the central axis  315  and separate different teeth sections  332 ,  333 ,  334  of the shell base  306 . Each of the teeth sections  332 - 334  includes a portion of the leading edge  320  and a plurality of the radial teeth  324 . Each of the teeth sections  332 - 334  also includes a corresponding inner surface  336 . The inner surfaces  336  are configured to interface with respective portions of the intermediate component  308 . 
     The intermediate component  308  is sized and shaped to be received within a portion of the passage  314 . The inner surface  312  may be shaped to complement a structure of the intermediate component  308 . For example, the inner surface  312  defines a forward-facing surface  352  that is configured to engage or interface with the intermediate component  308 . 
     The intermediate component  308  has an inner collar  340  and a forward section  342  coupled to the inner collar  340 . The forward section  342  includes a leading edge  346  of the intermediate component  308 . The forward section  342  has an outer diameter, and the insert collar  340  has an outer diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the forward section  342  is greater than the outer diameter of the insert collar  340  such that a rearward-facing surface  350  projects radially away from the insert collar  340 . The rearward-facing surface  350  is configured to interface with the forward-facing surface  352  when the intermediate component  308  is positioned within the passage  314 . Also shown, the leading edge  346  includes axial teeth  348  that project along the central axis  315  and are configured to engage a mating connector during a mating operation. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the intermediate component  308 . The forward section  342  has an outer surface  354  and radial extensions  356  that are circumferentially distributed about the central axis  315  ( FIG. 8 ) and project radially away from the outer surface  354 . Each of the radial extensions  356  is sized and shaped to be positioned within a corresponding open-sided slot  330  ( FIG. 8 ) of the shell base  306  ( FIG. 8 ). Each of the radial extensions  356  includes section teeth (or radial teeth)  358  that face radially away from the central axis  315  and an edge face  360  that faces in a forward direction along the central axis  315  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     The radial extensions  356 , however, are not required. In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate component  308  may include a longitudinal ridge or protrusion (not shown) that extends parallel to the central axis  315  along an outer surface  341  of the inner collar  340 . The longitudinal ridge may be sized and shaped to be inserted into a longitudinal channel (not shown) that extends parallel to the central axis  315  along the inner surface  312  of the shell base  306 . As such, the inner surface  312  and the outer surface  341  are shaped to complement each other. In another alternative embodiment, the intermediate component  308  may include a longitudinal channel along the outer surface  341  of the inner collar  340 , and the inner surface  312  of the shell base  306  may include a longitudinal ridge or protrusion that is received within the longitudinal channel. Alternatively, the longitudinal ridges may be substituted with posts or bosses that slide within the longitudinal channels. In such embodiments, the longitudinal channels may have non-linear shapes. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of the multi-piece connector shell  302  after the intermediate component  308  has been positioned within the passage  314  of the shell base  306 . When the intermediate component  308  is inserted into the passage  314 , each of the teeth sections  332 - 334  of the shell base  306  slides over a portion of the forward section  342  such that each of the teeth sections  332 - 334  interfaces with a portion of the outer surface  354 . 
     When combined, the intermediate component  308  and the shell base  306  form the end section  310 . The end section  310  may be similar to the end section  122  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the radial extensions  356  are positioned within corresponding open-sided slots  330 . The leading edge  320  of the shell base  306  and the edge faces  360  of the radial extensions  356  align with one another to form a substantially continuous or leading edge  362  of the connector shell  302  (or the end section  310 ). Likewise, the section teeth  358  are exposed to the exterior of the connector shell  302  and align with the radial teeth  324  so that a substantially continuous series of radial teeth  324 ,  358  is formed. Also shown, the axial teeth  348  are positioned adjacent to the radial teeth  324 ,  358 . A front end  364  of the connector shell  302  includes the leading edge  362  and the leading edge  346 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective sectional view of the electrical connector  300 , and  FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of the electrical connector  300 . With respect to  FIG. 11 , the coupling nut  304  may be similar or identical to the coupling nut  104  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the coupling nut  304  includes a sleeve wall  370  having an inner surface  372  and a spring arm  374 . When operably engaged, the coupling nut  304  is mounted to the end section  310  of the multi-piece connector shell  302  and is rotatable about the central axis  315 . An interface  376  is defined between the outer surface  316  of the connector shell  302  and the inner surface  372  of the coupling nut  304 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the spring arm  374  may be slidably engaged to the radial teeth  324 ,  358  in a ratchet-like manner. The spring arm  374  and the radial teeth  324 ,  358  may be shaped relative to one another to impede rotation in a first direction  380  ( FIG. 11 ), but permit rotation in the second direction  382  ( FIG. 11 ). More specifically, as the coupling nut  304  is rotated, the spring arm  374  engages the section teeth  358  of the intermediate component  308  and the radial teeth  324  of the shell base  306 . Accordingly, the multi-piece connector shell  302  and the coupling nut  304  may interact in a similar or identical manner as the connector shell  102  ( FIG. 1 ) and the coupling nut  104  ( FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an electrical connector  400  in accordance with an embodiment. The electrical connector  400  may include similar features as the electrical connector  100  ( FIG. 1 ) and the electrical connector  300  ( FIG. 11 ). For example, the electrical connector  400  has a connector shell  402  and a coupling nut  404  that is configured to rotatably engage the connector shell  402 . In  FIG. 13 , the coupling nut  404  is spaced apart from the connector shell  402 , but poised for engaging the connector shell  402 . 
     The coupling nut  404  includes a sleeve wall  414  that has an inner surface  416  defining a coupling cavity  418 . The sleeve wall  414  also has an outer surface  420  that defines an exterior of the coupling nut  404 . The coupling cavity  418  is sized and shaped to receive an end section  422  of the connector shell  402 . The coupling nut  404  also includes a front mating section  424  that is coupled to the sleeve wall  414  that is similar or identical to the front mating section  124  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     The end section  422  of the connector shell  402  includes an inner surface  406  that defines a passage  408 . Optionally, the electrical connector  400  may include a dielectric insert (not shown) that is positioned in the passage  408  of the connector shell  402 . The dielectric insert may be similar or identical to the dielectric insert  130  ( FIG. 1 ). The dielectric insert may support electrical contacts, such as the electrical contacts  132  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     The end section  422  includes a leading edge  438  that is configured to engage the coupling nut  404  within the coupling cavity  418 . More specifically, the leading edge  438  may engage a rearward-facing surface (not shown) of the front mating section  424 . The end section  422  also includes spring arms  444 ,  450 . The spring arms  444 ,  450  may be similar to the spring arm  144  ( FIG. 2 ), but the spring arms  444 ,  450  are configured to face radially outward and engage the inner surface  406  of the coupling nut  404 . More specifically, the spring arms  444 ,  450  are configured to engage the radial teeth  436  in a ratchet-like manner. 
     When operably engaged, the coupling nut  404  is mounted to the end section  422  of the connector shell  402  and is rotatable about a central axis  415 . An interface (not shown) would be defined between an outer surface  410  of the connector shell  402  and the inner surface  406  of the coupling nut  404 . The spring arms  444 ,  450  have contoured heads  456  that clear an exterior boundary defined by the outer surface  410  to engage the radial teeth  436 . The contoured heads  456  and the radial teeth  436  are shaped such that, when engaged in a ratchet-like manner, the spring arms  444 ,  450  and the radial teeth  436  may impede rotation in a first direction  446  but permit rotation in the second direction  448 . 
     Accordingly, an electrical connector  400  is provided. The electrical connector  400  may include electrical contacts (not shown), such as the electrical contacts  132  ( FIG. 1 ). The electrical connector  400  may also include a connector shell  402  having a passage  408  therethrough. The electrical contacts may be positioned within the passage  408 . A central axis  415  extends through a center of the passage  408 . The connector shell  402  has an end section  422  that is shaped to include a spring arm  444 . The electrical connector  400  also includes a coupling nut  404  that is rotatably mounted to the end section  422 . The coupling nut  404  has a sleeve wall  414  that surrounds and interfaces with the end section  422 . The sleeve wall  414  is shaped to include a series of radial teeth  436  that are disposed circumferentially around the central axis  415 . The radial teeth  436  face radially toward the central axis  415 . When the coupling nut  404  and the connector shell  402  are operably coupled, the spring arm  444  slidably engages the radial teeth  436  in a ratchet-like manner as the coupling nut  404  is rotated about the central axis  415 . The spring arm  444  and the radial teeth  436  may impede rotation in a first direction  446  and permit rotation in an opposite second direction  448 . Optionally, the electrical connector  400  may be devoid of discrete elements that are disposed between the coupling nut  404  and the connector shell  402 , except for elastic seal members (e.g., o-rings). 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The patentable scope should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used in the description, the phrase “in an exemplary embodiment” and the like means that the described embodiment is just one example. The phrase is not intended to limit the inventive subject matter to that embodiment. Other embodiments of the inventive subject matter may not include the recited feature or structure. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.