Patent Description:
This invention is directed generally to an electrical system and specifically to a system for handling the delivery of power signals and power, such as in an aircraft environment.

For the provision of electrical signals, and particularly power signals, in a structure such as an aircraft, a number of various solutions have been offered. For example, terminal blocks are often used. Such terminal blocks provide a plurality of terminals and connectors often have to be bolted down to the terminal blocks. Further, such terminal blocks present exposed "hot" or "live" contact surfaces that may be subject to arcing or other issues. Still further, such arrangements require time consuming installation steps in the connection and disconnection of the power terminals. In other arrangements, connectors might be used that utilize connector elements that screw together. But such configurations are not often utilized in a terminal block arrangement and are difficult to reconfigure for a multiple contact assembly.

Such power delivery systems in an aircraft environment are also subject to harsh environments and must be robust in their construction to be able to handle motion and vibration stresses that can jeopardize the electrical connection. Such systems must also address the issue of possible arcing because of the proximity to other connectors or other terminals. Still further such terminal blocks or equipment connections have to handle exposure to the elements and corrosive liquids.

Therefore, many needs still exist in this area of technology regarding providing an efficient and robust electrical connection, such as for providing a robust power signal delivery in an aircraft environment.

Cited prior art document <CIT> discloses a connector comprising a cylindrical body having a peripheral groove, a locking ring disposed about the body, and a spring member disposed about the cylindrical body and biasing the locking ring forwardly into a position such that the forward portion is disposed about the groove. A series of spring fingers are configured to snap into and out of engagement with the peripheral groove, the locking ring being configured to prevent disengagement of the fingers from the groove when in the forward position.

Cited prior art document <CIT> discloses a coaxial connector that comprises a center conductor having a dielectric substantially surrounding the outer surface of the center conductor. The connector also comprises a tubular outer conductor that surrounds the outer surface of the dielectric. The connector also comprises a first connector-securing feature that restricts disengagement of the coaxial connector, and a second connector-securing feature that restricts operability of the first connector-securing feature.

Cited prior art document <CIT> discloses a terminal block for making common electrical connections among varying numbers of conductors.

Cited prior art document <CIT> discloses a terminal junction system for making interconnections among a plurality of conductors, the system comprising terminal junction modules contained between the sidewalls of a channel-shaped frame member. The modules are retained in the channel-shaped frame member by means of inwardly directed bosses on the sidewalls of the frame, and clamp means are provided at each end of the module stack to prevent separation of the modules after they have been secured in their desired positions.

The invention is an electrical connector system according to claim <NUM> that aims to solve the shortcomings of the prior art.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below serve to explain the invention.

<FIG> illustrates a quick connect electrical connector system/assembly <NUM> in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The system <NUM> provides the ability to quickly connect and disconnect electrical cables, such as power cables, within an overall power system. The invention has particular applicability with respect to aircraft power systems, but can be utilized for other systems and structures as well.

System <NUM> includes a plurality of modules <NUM> that each include one or more electrical sockets <NUM>. The sockets <NUM> are configured for accepting power cables and connectors and securing those connectors as described herein. The modules <NUM> and their respective sockets <NUM> may be incorporated together, such as on a base structure <NUM> and may be appropriately secured with the base structure as described herein. The plurality of modules <NUM> may be stacked side-by-side on the base structure <NUM> and the system <NUM> may include one or more modules. Each of the modules <NUM> may include one or more sets of sockets <NUM> for the desired connections. Generally, a connector is provided across the module from one socket <NUM> on an end of the module to a counterpart socket <NUM> on the other end of the module as shown in <FIG> for example. For purposes of completion of the system, such as for esthetics, and also for providing an access area for the mechanisms, such as a screw or a bolt that mounts the system <NUM>, the system may incorporate one or more endcap structures <NUM> that also couple with base <NUM> and enclose the modules <NUM> to form the block assembly of system <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. While embodiments show a block assembly/system <NUM> having three independent modules <NUM>, a greater or lesser number might be utilized and the base structure <NUM> may be sized appropriately. As such, the system can be modified and added to with the desired number of modules per a customer's specification and connector requirements. As discussed herein, each of the modules <NUM> incorporates the electrical sockets <NUM> and internal mechanisms as well as the mechanisms for locking and unlocking connectors and cables with respect to the system <NUM> as described herein.

<FIG> illustrates the assembly <NUM> of the invention having a plurality of connectors <NUM> plugged into the individual sockets <NUM>. The various connectors <NUM> may be crimped or otherwise coupled with respective cables <NUM> to provide for electrical continuity through the connectors <NUM>, the sockets <NUM>, and through system <NUM> to sockets <NUM> and connectors <NUM> and cables <NUM> on the other side of the system as illustrated in <FIG>.

The modules <NUM> contain the sockets <NUM> and other mechanisms as described herein for providing an electrical connection through the module <NUM> as well as securing one or more of the connectors <NUM> and respective cables <NUM> in the modules <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. To that end, the modules <NUM> each include a body <NUM> that may be formed of an appropriate plastic or other insulating material, such as a polyamide-imide (PAI) material (e.g. Torlon). The body <NUM> encloses the various sockets <NUM>, which may be formed as part of a continuous electrical structure from end-to-end across the module for providing electrical continuity across the module. For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, socket structures <NUM> are illustrated formed together in a four socket block that might be incorporated into each module <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the sockets <NUM> are arranged in pairs 14a, 14b which are coupled together, end-to-end through an intermediate section <NUM> for forming a socket assembly. The internal structures of the sockets <NUM> provide electrical continuity in each of the socket pairs and may then be coupled together through a conductive element <NUM> and an appropriate bolt structure <NUM>. The bolt structure or other fastening structure extends through each of the socket intermediate sections <NUM> as well as the conductive structure to secure sockets together and form a unitary and conductive four socket block as shown in <FIG>. That block may than be encased or enclosed within each module body <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The conductive element <NUM> may be formed of an appropriate material such as electrical grade copper or aluminum, for example. The sockets <NUM> as well as intermediate section <NUM> may be formed of an appropriate conductive metal, such as electrical grade copper or aluminum, for example. Plugging a connector <NUM> and cable <NUM> into each of the sockets <NUM> will provide electrical continuity across the module to other respective sockets <NUM>, connectors <NUM> and cables <NUM> as desired. (See <FIG>.

Referring again to <FIG>, for securing the modules <NUM> into the system <NUM>, one embodiment of the invention might utilize a dovetail joint as shown. Specifically, each of the modules <NUM> and base structure <NUM> includes one half of a dovetail joint, such as the dovetail <NUM> or the slot <NUM> receiving the dovetail. As illustrated in <FIG>, the modules <NUM> are illustrated with the dovetail <NUM> whereas the base structure <NUM> is illustrated with the shaped slot <NUM>. However, an opposite configuration may be utilized for securing the modules <NUM>. More specifically, each of the modules <NUM> and their respective dovetail <NUM> is slid into a receiving slot <NUM> within the base structure <NUM>. One or more locking structures <NUM> slide within appropriately formed grooves <NUM> within the base structure <NUM> and engage with each of the dovetails <NUM> of the modules to secure the modules within the base structure <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the locking structures <NUM> are slid through the appropriate slots <NUM> in the base structure <NUM> and into engagement with each of the modules. Then, for securing the locking structures <NUM> and further securing the modules <NUM> within the base structure <NUM>, the end cap structures <NUM> may be put into place. The base structure <NUM> and end cap structures <NUM> may be formed with appropriate bolt holes, snap mechanisms, or other structures for mounting the system <NUM> to a structure, such as an appropriate aircraft structure depending upon the use of system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view is shown of the module <NUM> with the sockets <NUM> formed therein. As illustrated in <FIG> as well as <FIG>, the sockets <NUM> are recessed within the body <NUM> of each module <NUM> and the four socket block as illustrated in <FIG> is encased or otherwise secured within the module <NUM> to prevent movement of the sockets <NUM> and other hardware. The bolt <NUM> and locking washers <NUM> hold the socket assemblies together with the conductive structure <NUM>. Then the socket assemblies are secured with the bodies <NUM>. For example, grooves (not shown) formed in the conductive structure <NUM> may mate with corresponding keys (not shown) in the body elements <NUM> or other body or filler blocks to hold the socket assemblies in place within the bodies <NUM>. As further discussed herein, the internal structures of body <NUM> also form surfaces proximate to each socket that act as part of a mechanism for locking and unlocking connectors in the sockets.

The socket assemblies including the connectors <NUM>, intermediate sections <NUM> and conductive structure <NUM> are thus coupled together to form a conductive block or module <NUM> of connectors as shown. Each of the connectors of the module <NUM> is electrically coupled with another module. In that way, various power cables for power feeders may be coupled together in the module <NUM> for front-to-back connections, front-to-front (or back-to-back) connections. Also, various power cable arrangements may be accommodated. There may be one front cable to one back cable arrangement (one cable on each side of the module), as well as one front cable to two back cable arrangement (or vice versa). There might also be one front cable to another front cable arrangement ( or vice versa on the back side). Finally, all the sockets might be use with an arrangement of two cables on each side of the connector system.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the system <NUM> provides a quick connect and disconnect for securing and removing connectors <NUM> and cables <NUM> within system <NUM>. To that end, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each connector <NUM> plugged into system <NUM> may incorporate a pin or plug portion or plug <NUM> which plugs into a socket <NUM> and a crimp portion or interface portion <NUM> which interfaces with the cable <NUM>. The crimp portion <NUM> may incorporate various structures, such as illustrated in <CIT>, for coupling with a cable. The connector <NUM> interfaces with a conductor or wire of the cable <NUM>. Each connector <NUM>, in accordance with one feature of the invention, includes an insulating connector shroud <NUM> that covers part of the connector <NUM> including the plug <NUM>. The insulating shroud <NUM> may be formed of an appropriately insulative plastic material, such as PAI as noted herein. Referring to <FIG>, the shroud <NUM> includes a base <NUM> for interfacing with a portion of the connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a plurality of spring fingers <NUM> extending from the base to cover the plug <NUM>. In accordance with a feature of the invention, the shroud <NUM> is configured for engaging socket <NUM> and locking the connector <NUM> with the socket <NUM>. More specifically, referring to <FIG>, the socket <NUM> includes a body structure <NUM> having a plug-receiving portion <NUM> with an appropriate opening <NUM> for receiving the plug <NUM> of connector <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the shroud <NUM>, and particularly the spring fingers <NUM> are dimensioned to overlie the plug-receiving portion <NUM> of socket <NUM> when connector <NUM> and plug <NUM> are plugged into the socket. The shroud <NUM> locks connector <NUM> and plug <NUM> with respect to socket <NUM>. To that end, referring to <FIG>, each of the spring fingers <NUM> incorporate a flange portion <NUM> which protrudes radially inwardly with respect to the spring fingers <NUM> and shroud <NUM>. The flange portion <NUM> collectively form a spring-biased flange structure circumferentially around the shroud <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the spring fingers of the shroud <NUM> extend circumferentially around the shroud such that the flange portions <NUM> effectively form a circumferential flange structure that extends around the inside of the shroud as shown in <FIG>. This flange portions <NUM> and collective flange structure engage a groove <NUM> formed around the body <NUM> of socket <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the groove <NUM> is positioned toward one end of the socket <NUM> behind the plug-receiving portion <NUM>. To that end, the flange portions <NUM> of shroud <NUM> are positioned at the end of the spring fingers <NUM>. In that way, the shroud <NUM> and connector <NUM> are secured on the socket <NUM> with the plug <NUM> held securely within the plug-receiving portion <NUM> of the socket.

Referring to <FIG>, the spring fingers flex radially away from the socket body and specifically away from the pin receiving portion when the connector plug is inserted into the socket to allow the shroud <NUM>, and particularly the lock portions <NUM> on the spring fingers <NUM> to fit over the plug-receiving portion <NUM> of socket <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the spring fingers <NUM> are shown flexed with the lock portions <NUM> riding on an outer surface of the plug-receiving portion <NUM>. When connector <NUM>, and particularly, plug <NUM> is inserted further into socket <NUM>, the lock portions <NUM> under the spring bias of the spring fingers <NUM> will flex radially inwardly to drive the lock portions <NUM> into the groove to engage the groove <NUM>. As may be seen in <FIG>, the plug-receiving portion <NUM> of the socket <NUM> has a number of alignment surfaces <NUM> for aligning the plug in the pairs of sockets 14a, 14b. While one shape and type of plug <NUM> and plug-receiving portion <NUM> are illustrated, the invention is not limited to the types of connector structures that might use the features of the present invention. Furthermore, there may be additional conductive structures or inserts that might be used in the plug-receiving portion or with the plug for ensuring a robust electrical connection between the cables <NUM> and system <NUM>. As shown, the structure forming pairs of sockets 14a, 14b and intermediate section <NUM> might be formed as a unitary structure and a plurality such unitary structures may be stacked together and held together by a fastener as illustrated in <FIG> for forming a module in accordance with the invention.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the system includes the collar that is slidably mounted on the conductive socket <NUM>. The collar is configured for sliding between a locked position proximate to the socket groove <NUM> and an unlocked position away from that socket groove. More specifically, the collar <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> in the locked position and is illustrated in <FIG> in the unlocked position. In the locked position, the collar <NUM> is further configured for engaging the spring fingers <NUM> and particularly for engaging the lock portions <NUM> of the connector shroud to hold the finger lock portions engaged with groove <NUM> to lock the shroud and connector <NUM> in the socket, as illustrated in <FIG>. Particularly, collar <NUM> includes some portion thereof, such as ridge <NUM>, that overlies the lock portions <NUM> and part of the groove <NUM> and prevents the lock portions <NUM> and the spring fingers <NUM> from rising on the socket <NUM> so that the lock portions <NUM> stay locked into groove <NUM>. In that way, as illustrated in <FIG>, the spring fingers <NUM> cannot flex radially away from the socket <NUM>. In that way, the connector <NUM> and connector plug <NUM> are maintained plugged into the socket.

In order to then remove the connector <NUM>, the collar is configured to move to the unlocked position generally away from the socket groove <NUM>. This frees the end of the fingers and the lock portions <NUM> such that the fingers <NUM> may flex fully away from the socket. The lock portions <NUM> may then move out of the groove <NUM> so that the connector, including the plug <NUM> and shroud <NUM> may be removed from the socket <NUM>. For the purposes of engagement and disengagement for locking and unlocking the connector shroud and the connector, the lock portions <NUM> may include angled surfaces <NUM> that are complementary to respective angled surfaces <NUM> of the groove <NUM>. In that way, when the connectors pull rearwardly away from the socket as illustrated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, the lock portions <NUM> will slide up and out of the groove <NUM> through the interaction of the complementary angled surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Then the connector plug <NUM> may be unplugged from the socket <NUM> and removed. In connecting the connector <NUM> with the socket <NUM>, the connector plug <NUM> is plugged into the socket opening <NUM> with the spring fingers traveling over plug-receiving portion <NUM> so that the lock portions <NUM> slide along and fall into the groove <NUM>.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the collar <NUM> is biased towards the groove <NUM> or toward its locked position, as illustrated in <FIG>. To that end, a spring mechanism <NUM>, or other biasing element, may act on collar <NUM> to bias the collar forwardly toward the groove <NUM> and to the locked position as shown in <FIG> to engage the spring fingers <NUM>. The spring mechanism may act between the collar and a portion of the socket <NUM> or intermediate section <NUM> for biasing the collar. Then, to unlock the connector and connector shroud <NUM>, the collar has to be moved to an unlocked position away from the socket groove <NUM> against the bias of spring mechanism <NUM> or other biasing element. To that end, in accordance with the invention, a mechanism is utilized for acting on the collar <NUM> for moving the collar from the locked position to the unlocked position. Specifically, the mechanism, when acting on the collar, will slide the collar toward the unlocked position as illustrated in <FIG> and shown by arrows <NUM>. In that way, the spring fingers <NUM>, and particularly the lock portions <NUM> thereof flex radially outwardly and away from the socket groove <NUM> for the removal of the connector and shroud <NUM>.

When the connector is plugged into the socket initially, the collar <NUM> will be biased toward the locked position, as shown in <FIG>. In that position, the spring fingers, and particularly the lock portions <NUM>, would be prevented from flexing radially inwardly and into the groove <NUM>, because the collar <NUM> would be obstructing a portion of the groove. The outwardly flexed fingers, as illustrated in <FIG>, engage the collar as the connector plug is plugged into the socket and thereby push collar <NUM> rearwardly toward the unlocked position as shown in <FIG>. At the same time, the lock portions <NUM> engage groove <NUM>. Then, when the collar <NUM> has been pushed rearwardly a sufficient distance to expose the groove, the spring fingers <NUM> flex radially inwardly with the lock portions <NUM> sliding into the groove <NUM>. The collar is then no longer pushed to the unlocked position by the shroud. Under the bias of spring mechanism <NUM>, the collar <NUM> can again slide forwardly, over the spring fingers <NUM> of the shroud to the locked position as shown in <FIG>. The collar then locks the spring fingers <NUM> as shown because the collar can slide over the spring fingers <NUM> of the shroud.

Referring to <FIG>, one embodiment of the mechanism for moving the collar is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment is in the form of an interactive pinion gear <NUM> and rack gear <NUM>. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the pinion gear <NUM> is incorporated with the collar <NUM>. The collar is configured and positioned within the module body <NUM> to not only slide or translate between the locked and unlocked positions as shown, but also to rotate with respect to the socket <NUM>. The rotation of the collar <NUM>, also slides or translates the collar over the socket <NUM> under the operation of the mechanism. More specifically, translation of the rack gear <NUM> up and down acts on the pinion gear <NUM> and collar <NUM> and imparts the rotation of the collar <NUM> through that pinion gear. The rotation moves the collar <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the various sockets <NUM> are contained within a body or housing <NUM> forming the various modules <NUM>. Each socket includes a respective collar <NUM> associated with the socket and slidably mounted with respect to the socket. The collars each include respective pinion gears <NUM>. The pinion gear is reflected in a plurality of gear teeth <NUM> that are positioned circumferentially around at least part of the collar <NUM>. Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the collar <NUM> includes one or more cam surfaces <NUM> adjacent to the teeth <NUM>. Described herein, the teeth <NUM> and cam surfaces <NUM> operate with complementary cam surfaces <NUM> that are formed within the body <NUM> of the modules <NUM> proximate to the collars for engagement with the teeth <NUM> and surfaces <NUM>. The interactive pinion gear <NUM>, rack gear <NUM>, teeth <NUM> and cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> act together to provide a mechanism for moving the collar between a locked and unlocked position.

In one embodiment of the invention, in addition to the cam surfaces <NUM> on the collar, the teeth <NUM> are also configured to form a cam or cam surface. Specifically, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the teeth <NUM> on collar <NUM> have different lengths progressing circumferentially around the collar and forming the pinion gear <NUM>. Longer teeth <NUM> progressing to shorter teeth form a cam surface as illustrated in <FIG> and particularly <FIG>. The cam surfaces <NUM> and gear teeth cam surfaces extend around the circumference of the collar <NUM>. The gear teeth <NUM> of the pinion gear <NUM> and the cam surface formed thereby are positioned in the module body <NUM> to engage one or more complementary cam surfaces <NUM> formed in the module. So the collar cam surfaces <NUM> and pinion gear <NUM> act together to move the collar. Particularly, in a portion of the body <NUM> that houses the electrical connector system and elements, the complementary cam surfaces <NUM> might be formed around the socket <NUM> forwardly of he collar as illustrated in <FIG> to abut against the respective cam surfaces <NUM> and gear teeth <NUM> of the collar.

For engagement with the pinion gear teeth <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM> also includes engaging teeth <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> show translation of the rack gear <NUM> in accordance with the invention and the engagement with and rotation of the pinion gear <NUM> and collar <NUM>. As the rack gear <NUM> is translated and engages the pinion gear <NUM> and teeth <NUM>, the collar <NUM> is rotated. That rotation slides the cam surfaces <NUM> and the cam surface of the teeth <NUM> of the collar <NUM> against the respective module cam surfaces <NUM> formed in the body <NUM> of the module <NUM>. The various cam surfaces form inclined surfaces along their length that are inclined along the circumference of the collar and in the longitudinal dimension of the collar <NUM> as illustrated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>. As such, rotation of collar <NUM> and the engagement of the cam surfaces <NUM> and teeth <NUM> with cam surfaces <NUM> of the module, longitudinally translates the collar <NUM> in the module <NUM> with respect to the connector socket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the collar thereby moves longitudinally on the socket <NUM> from the locked position as illustrated in <FIG> to the unlocked position as illustrated in <FIG>. In that way, the shroud <NUM> may be unlocked in order to remove the connector and plug from the socket <NUM> as discussed.

Referring to <FIG>, the various sockets and slidable collar elements are contained within body <NUM> and within appropriate cavities and structures therein for supporting those various elements of the electrical connector system. As noted, in one embodiment, the body <NUM> of the module is configured and formed to create and position the complementary cam surfaces <NUM> proximate to the various collars <NUM> so the cam surfaces can act upon the collar. As may be appreciated, the module body <NUM> may be molded or otherwise fabricated to receive the socket structure as shown in <FIG> to make a complete module as illustrated in <FIG>. Module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, might incorporate four sockets and the various mechanism elements (e.g. cam surfaces <NUM>) for moving the collars between the locked and unlocked positions. Appropriate spaces are formed in the module body <NUM> to support the sockets and collars as well as the various pinion and rack gears and the biasing elements <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the rack gears <NUM> are supported in a way so as to be translated up and down as shown in <FIG>. To that end, each of the rack gears <NUM> includes engagement portions, shown in the form of pins <NUM>, that may be pushed downwardly for translating the rack gear <NUM> and turning the pinion gears <NUM> and collars <NUM> to rotate on the sockets <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment of the invention, a pair of sockets <NUM> may incorporate rack gears <NUM> that are positioned on opposite sides of the module <NUM>. To that end, translation of the opposing rack gears <NUM> will rotate the respective pinion gears and collars in opposite directions for a particular socket pair as illustrated in <FIG>. As such, the cam surfaces <NUM> are configured so that their respective inclined surfaces extend in opposite directions to each other within a socket pair <NUM> in the module. Similarly, on the opposing side of the module, the sockets might be similarly arranged in a pair with collars <NUM> also rotating in opposite directions. That is, while one collar rotates in a clockwise direction based upon the engagement of rack gear <NUM>, the other collar will rotate in a counterclockwise direction based upon engagement with the opposing rack gear <NUM>.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, each of the rack gears <NUM> might be biased with an appropriate biasing element <NUM>, such as a spring element, as illustrated in <FIG>. Particularly, each of the rack gears <NUM> also includes an appropriate portion <NUM> that engages the biasing element <NUM> so that the biasing element acts on the rack gear. The module body may contain the biasing element <NUM> in alignment with the rack gear portion <NUM>. The biasing element as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may bias each of the rack gears <NUM> in an upward position. To that end, the biasing element would be positioned between an appropriate surface or portion of the interior of the body of module <NUM> so as to act on portion <NUM> and the rack gear <NUM> to bias it vertically upward. This, in turn, will bias the collar and pinion gear to rotate in a certain direction so that it may move to the locked position as disclosed. Engagement of the button portion <NUM> will then push downwardly against bias element <NUM> for activating the mechanism that rotates the collars <NUM>. In that way, the bias element <NUM> operates with biasing element <NUM> for moving the collar <NUM> to the locked position.

The mechanism of the invention for acting on the collar is multifunctional including both the action to rotate the collar as well as the action to translate the collar along the socket to move it from the locket position to the unlocked position. The action on rack gear <NUM> in pushing the button portion downwardly thereby operates against the force of both the biasing element <NUM> and the biasing element <NUM> to rotate the collar and translate the collar to the unlocked position as illustrated in <FIG>. Upon release of the button portion <NUM>, the biasing elements <NUM> and <NUM> again act and ensure that the collar <NUM> is rotated back to the locked position. That is, the biasing element <NUM> operates to translate the rack gear <NUM> to rotate the collar while the biasing element <NUM> operates to translate the collar <NUM> and the cam surfaces thereon against the complementary cam surfaces of the module body thereby providing a further force for rotating collar <NUM> so that it can move back to the locked position of <FIG>. Of course, the invention might also just use one of the biasing elements <NUM>, <NUM> for providing the bias forces to bias the collar at rest to the locked position.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention as illustrated in <FIG>, the button portions <NUM> of the rack gears may be recessed within the body <NUM>. In that way, a tool might have to be utilized to engage the button portions <NUM> and drive them downwardly into body <NUM> to translate the rack gear <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, some section of the pin portion <NUM> may extend above body <NUM> of each of the modules <NUM> to be engaged more readily manually engaged without the use of a tool.

Therefore, in accordance with the operation of the invention, a connector and a connector plug may be plugged into the conductive socket <NUM> with the shroud <NUM> acting on collar <NUM> to push it back to the unlocked position as illustrated in <FIG>. Upon full insertion of the connector or at least sufficient insertion of the plug <NUM> to allow the lock portions <NUM> to engage groove <NUM>, the collar <NUM> may be free to rotate and slide back to the locked position under the bias of biasing elements <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, for plugging in the connector and locking it within the electrical connector system <NUM> of the invention, a person only has to plug the connector in to the socket of the module. The rotational and translational movement of the locking collar <NUM> occurs automatically from the force on the connector and associated shroud. Once locked, the connector cannot be removed due to the operation of the shroud holding the connector plug <NUM> in socket <NUM>. However, upon the desire to unplug a connector, one or more of the button portions <NUM> may be engaged to drive the rack gears and rotate the pinion gear to provide rotation and subsequent translation of one or more collars <NUM>. When moved to the unlocked position, the collar is free of the lock portions <NUM> and groove <NUM> and the spring fingers <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> are free to again flex so that the locking portions <NUM> may slide out of the groove <NUM>. This allows the plug of the connector to be unplugged from the socket for removal of the connector. Accordingly, the invention provides desirable locking mechanism for the connector once it is plugged into a module <NUM>.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the shroud <NUM> is removable and replaceable with respect to the connector <NUM>. That is, the shroud is replaceable without having to cut off or re-terminate the entire connector or other end fitting of the cable. To that end, the shroud may be formed of a plastic material that may be cut off or broken to remove it from the connector and install a new shroud. The shroud is secured with an element that remains with the broken shroud and a new shroud may be readily installed on the same connector <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the shroud assembly includes the shroud <NUM> and a cord lock element <NUM> that is inserted into the shroud to engage the connector <NUM>. More specifically, the shroud <NUM> includes a cord passage <NUM> that encircles the shroud and is accessed through opening <NUM>. The connector <NUM> has a corresponding groove <NUM> that is positioned on the connector <NUM> to coincide with the shroud passage <NUM>. The passage might be positioned in the base <NUM> of the shroud, for example. The shroud may be placed on the connector and abuts against the end of the plug <NUM> so that the cord passage overlies the groove. As may be appreciated, the shroud and connector may be formed and dimensioned, such as in diameter, so that when they come together as shown in <FIG>, the passage overlies the groove. As shown in <FIG>, the cord lock element can then be slid into the passage <NUM> through opening <NUM> and directed to encircle the passage and engage the groove <NUM> in the process. The passage <NUM> and groove <NUM> overlap and both simultaneously engage the cord lock element <NUM>. This then secures the shroud with the connector. Preferably, the cord lock element <NUM> is dimensioned to surround most of the passage and groove to secure the shroud. In one embodiment, a length of cord lock element may be pushed into the passage as shown in <FIG> and then broken off proximate the opening <NUM> when it fully encircles the passage <NUM>. In that way, the shroud is secured. If the shroud is then later cut or broken away, without affecting the connector, a new shroud may be put into place in the same manner.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, a shroud plug might be used to fit into any unused sockets. Such a plug includes the structure and features of the shroud <NUM> described herein but is in the form of a plug rather that being coupled with a connector. The plug locks and unlocks like the connector shroud as described.

Claim 1:
An electrical connector system comprising:
a connector (<NUM>) including a plug (<NUM>);
a shroud (<NUM>) extending over at least a portion of the plug and coupled with the plug;
a conductive socket (<NUM>) configured for receiving the plug of the connector, the socket including a groove (<NUM>) formed on an outer surface thereof;
the shroud including at least one spring finger (<NUM>) having a lock portion (<NUM>) thereon configured for engaging the groove for securing the connector in the socket;
a collar (<NUM>) slidably mounted on the conductive socket, the collar configured for sliding between a locked position proximate to the socket groove and an unlocked position;
the collar further configured for engaging the at least one spring finger of the connector shroud in the locked position to hold the finger lock portion engaged with the groove to lock the connector in the socket;
a mechanism configured for acting on the collar, the mechanism being movable for moving the collar from a locked position to an unlocked position.