Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a coupling nut comprising inner and outer sleeves mounted for corotation about a connector shell and about one another for movement between locked and unlocked positions and means for normally biasing the sleeves into the locked position, the connector shell having a plurality of ratchet teeth formed on an outer periphery thereof, the coupling nut including a plurality of spring beams adapted to have a medial tooth thereof normally biased from engagement with the ratchet teeth in the unlocked position and driven into engagement with the ratchet teeth in the locked position by drive pins disposed within openings on inner sleeve, outer sleeve having an inner surface for driving the drive pin and spring beam into the locked relationship and angularly spaced undercuts for receiving drive pin when actuating sleeve is turned to the unlocked position.

Connectors can be susceptible to uncoupling due to vibration or other external forces. Disclosed herein is a connector that is capable of withstanding vibration or other external forces without uncoupling from another connector.

According to the invention, a connector according to claim <NUM> is provided and comprises a connector body including an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis and gear teeth disposed on the outer surface. A first sleeve is rotatably coupled to said connector body, and said first sleeve has a sidewall including a hole formed in the sidewall. A moveable member is positioned in the hole of the first sleeve. A second sleeve is positioned over said first sleeve and is movable with respect to the first sleeve between a locked position and an unlocked position, said second sleeve having a sidewall including a recess. A releasable locking member is at least partially positioned between the moveable member and the gear teeth. The releasable locking member has a mating surface configured to engage the gear teeth of the connector body. In the unlocked position of the second sleeve, said recess is configured to at least partially rotationally align with said opening, and, upon rotation of said first sleeve, said moveable member is configured to translate into said recess of said second sleeve to facilitate sliding of said mating surface of said releasable locking member along said gear teeth of said connector body. In the locked position of the second sleeve, said recess is rotationally spaced from said opening, and, said mating surface of said releasable locking member is locked between said gear teeth of said connector body and said moveable member to prevent rotation of said first sleeve with respect to said connector body. The connector comprises a post provided on one of the first sleeve and the second sleeve and wherein the other sleeve among the first sleeve and the second sleeve are formed to include two openings, wherein in the unlocked position of the second sleeve, the post is mated with one opening of the two openings, and, in the locked position of the second sleeve, the post is mated with the other opening of the two openings.

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. Included in the drawings are the following figures:<FIG> is an elevation view taken from the left hand side of a connector according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the connector is shown in a locked state.

<FIG> depict a connector <NUM> that is capable of withstanding vibration or other external forces without uncoupling. The connector <NUM> may also be referred to as an adapter or a coupler. The connector <NUM> may be used in various applications, such as a fluid application or an electrical application. Although not shown herein, the connector <NUM> is configured to be mated to a mating connector, such as the mating connector <NUM> shown in <CIT>.

Unless otherwise specified, each of the components of the connector <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape that is revolved about a longitudinal axis 'A' and each of the components has a substantially hollow interior. Also, as used herein, the term 'distal' refers to a position either at or toward a first end 2a of a connector body <NUM>, and the term 'proximal' refers to a position either at or toward the second end 2b of the connector body <NUM>. The phrases 'inner,' 'inside facing' or 'interior facing' refer to a surface or feature that faces toward the longitudinal axis 'A', while the phrases 'outer,' 'outside facing' or 'exterior facing' refer to a surface or feature that faces away from the longitudinal axis 'A.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector <NUM> includes a connector body <NUM> upon which the remaining components of the connector <NUM> are mounted either directly or indirectly.

Connection means 2c are provided on the outer surface of the first end 2a of the connector body <NUM> for releasably mating with a backshell (not shown) or a strain relief (not shown), for example. According to this exemplary embodiment, the connection means 2c are male mechanical threads. The connection means 2c could be, for example, female mechanical threads, a bayonet connection, a clip, a clamp, a fastener, a post, a prong, a spring, a ring, a friction fit, or an adhesive.

The second end 2b of the connector body <NUM> includes a series of axially-extending lugs 2d that are slidably positioned within axially-extending channels <NUM> (one shown) of the mating connector <NUM> shown in <CIT>. Engagement between the lugs 2d and the channels <NUM> permit axial translation, yet prevent relative rotation, between the connector body <NUM> and the mating connector <NUM>. It should be understood that the connector body <NUM> could include the channels and the mating connector <NUM> could include the lugs to achieve the same result.

A series of gear teeth <NUM> extend radially outward from the outside facing surface of the connector body <NUM>, and are uniformly positioned about the circumference of the connector body <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may be positioned about the entire circumference of the connector body <NUM>. The fillet, face and flank of each tooth <NUM> extend in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis A. As will be described later, a series of springs <NUM> are configured to interact with the gear teeth <NUM>.

The connector body <NUM> also includes a recess <NUM> formed on its outer surface in which a retaining ring <NUM> is fixedly positioned. The recess <NUM> is positioned at an axial location between teeth <NUM> and connection means 2c.

The interior region of the connector body <NUM> includes components <NUM> comprising a dielectric material and electrical contacts for establish an electrical connection with mating connectors. Alternatively, the interior region of the connector body <NUM> may be hollow and the hollow space may be used to accommodate a cable (not shown) passing therethrough, for example. The cable may contain one or more wires or a passage for fluid for example. As another alternative, the hollow interior region of the connector body <NUM> may be used for the passage of fluid.

As best shown in <FIG>, an inner sleeve <NUM> is mounted to the outer surface of the connector body <NUM> such that, in the unlocked state of the connector <NUM>, the inner sleeve <NUM> is capable of rotating freely in clockwise and counterclockwise directions on the surface of the connector body <NUM>. The inner sleeve <NUM> is radially positioned between an outer sleeve <NUM> and the connector body <NUM>. An inwardly extending shoulder 9a at the distal end of the inner sleeve <NUM> that is axially positioned between the teeth <NUM> of the connector body <NUM> and a spring retainer <NUM>. Both the inner sleeve <NUM> and the spring retainer <NUM> are limited from translating along the longitudinal axis "A," with respect to the connector body <NUM>, because those components are sandwiched between the ring <NUM> and the distal face of the teeth <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The connection means <NUM> are provided on the inside facing surface of the inner sleeve <NUM> for releasably mating with the connection means <NUM> of the mating connector <NUM> of <CIT>. Upon mating the connector <NUM> with the connector <NUM>, the connector <NUM> is at least partially positioned within the annular space <NUM> that is defined between the body <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM>. According to this exemplary embodiment, the connection means <NUM> and <NUM> are mechanical threads. The connection means could be, for example, a bayonet connection, a clip, a clamp, a fastener, a post, a prong, a spring, a ring, a friction fit, or an adhesive.

A series of four circular through holes <NUM> are defined on the exterior surface of the inner sleeve <NUM> at a location distal of connection means <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the holes <NUM> are uniformly spaced about the circumference of the inner sleeve <NUM>. The holes <NUM> are also axially aligned along the longitudinal axis A. In an assembled from of the connector <NUM>, a ball <NUM> (also referred to herein as a moveable member) is positioned within each hole <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a series of four holes <NUM> are defined on the distal face of the inner sleeve <NUM>. Each hole <NUM> terminates at a cutout 22a, which is formed on the interior facing wall of the inner sleeve <NUM>. Each hole <NUM> extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The holes <NUM> are equally spaced in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis A, and are uniformly spaced apart by <NUM> degrees about the longitudinal axis A.

In an assembled form of the connector <NUM>, a single pin <NUM> is positioned within each hole <NUM>, and a hinge 6a of a spring <NUM> is rotatably positioned within respective cutouts 22a. The small-diameter end of each pin <NUM> is positioned through the hinge 6a of a respective spring <NUM> so as to captivate the hinge 6a in a respective cutout 22a of the inner sleeve <NUM>.

The outer surface of the inner sleeve <NUM> includes an outwardly extending shoulder 9b. The proximal end of the outer sleeve <NUM> is configured to abut the distal facing surface of the shoulder 9b. The shoulder 9b includes three sets of adjacent openings 14a and 14b (six total openings) and one set of openings 14a' and 14b' (two total openings) that extend in an axial direction through the shoulder 9b. The sets of adjacent openings 14a/14b and 14a'/14b' are uniformly spaced about the circumference of the shoulder 9b. Each opening 14a and 14b is sized and positioned to receive a post <NUM> extending from the proximal face of the outer sleeve <NUM>, and each opening 14a' and 14b' is sized and positioned to receive a post <NUM>' extending from the proximal face of the outer sleeve <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> includes three posts <NUM> and one post <NUM>'. Each post <NUM> is capable of mating with only one opening (i.e., either opening 14a or opening 14b) of a single set of adjacent openings 14a and 14b at any one time; and, post <NUM>' is capable of mating with only one opening (i.e., either opening 14a' or opening 14b') at any one time, as will be described in greater detail later.

The first set of adjacent openings 14a' and 14b' is different from the remaining three sets of adjacent openings 14a and 14b. More particularly, the first set of adjacent openings 14a' and 14b' are positioned further from the longitudinal axis A than the remaining three sets of adjacent openings 14a and 14b. Also, the first set of adjacent openings 14a' and 14b' are recesses formed on the outermost surface of the shoulder 9b, whereas the remaining three sets of adjacent openings 14a and 14b are circular holes formed through the thickness of the shoulder 9b.

Because the first set of adjacent openings 14a' and 14b' are positioned at a different distance from the longitudinal axis A than the remaining three sets of adjacent openings 14a and 14b, the inner sleeve <NUM> is keyed to the outer sleeve <NUM> so that each post <NUM> is assigned to a single set of openings 14a and 14b. It follows that the post <NUM>' is assigned to, and can only mate with, the first set of openings 14a' and 14b'. It also follows that the post <NUM>' is positioned further from the longitudinal axis A than the remaining three posts <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer sleeve <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical body that substantially surrounds and encloses the inner sleeve <NUM>, the connector body <NUM> and the spring retainer <NUM>. In use, the outer sleeve <NUM> is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis A, and, upon being translated in the distal direction, the outer sleeve <NUM> is configured to rotate about the inner sleeve <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> may be configured to rotate about the inner sleeve <NUM> to a limited degree and only between the positions shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, the outer sleeve <NUM> may be configured to rotate about the inner sleeve <NUM> by three-hundred and sixty degrees and without restriction.

The outer sleeve <NUM> includes a knurled revolved outside facing surface for grasping by a user. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the outside facing surface of the outer sleeve <NUM> may have other features for facilitating grasping by a user. The revolved outside surface of the outer sleeve <NUM> may include indicia identifying the locked and unlocked positions of the outer sleeve <NUM>.

As noted above, the outer sleeve <NUM> includes a set of three posts <NUM> that are configured to engage the openings 14a and 14b, and one post <NUM>' that is configured to engage the openings 14a' and 14b'. As best shown in <FIG>, each post <NUM> extends outwardly from the proximal end <NUM> of the outer sleeve <NUM>. Each post <NUM> may be cylindrical in shape. The posts <NUM>/<NUM>' are radially spaced about the circumference of the outer sleeve <NUM> in a uniform manner (i.e., separated by ninety degrees). The post <NUM>' is specially configured to engage only with openings 14a' and 14b'. The post <NUM>' is positioned further from the longitudinal axis A than the remaining three posts <NUM>, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other solutions exist for keying the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a series of four rectangular-shaped recesses <NUM> are formed on the inside facing surface of the outer sleeve <NUM>. Each recess <NUM> extends between the proximal end <NUM> and a shoulder 8a of the outer sleeve <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> are radially spaced about the circumference of the outer sleeve <NUM> in a uniform manner (i.e., separated by ninety degrees).

The shoulder 8a is formed on the inside facing surface of the outer sleeve <NUM> and extends inwardly. In an assembled form, the shoulder 8a is positioned to abut the distal end <NUM> and shoulder 9a of the inner sleeve <NUM>. An annular recess <NUM> is formed between the distal facing surface of the shoulder 8a and the proximal facing surface of the spring retainer <NUM>.

A wave spring <NUM> is positioned within the annular recess <NUM>. The shoulder 8a is configured to translate within the recess <NUM> against the bias of the wave spring <NUM>. More particularly, the outer sleeve <NUM> is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis A and in a distal direction by a predetermined amount with respect to the inner sleeve <NUM> and the spring retainer <NUM> against the bias of the wave spring <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, a series of four springs <NUM> are mounted to the interior face of the inner sleeve <NUM>. Although only one spring <NUM> will be described hereinafter, it should be understood that each spring <NUM> shares the same structure and function. Additionally, the spring <NUM> may vary from that which is shown and described and may be referred to herein more generally as a releasable locking member.

The spring <NUM> includes an elongated body formed of an elastic material, such as spring steel. A hinge 6a is provided at one end of the elongated body. As noted above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge 6a is mounted in a respective cutout 22a, which is formed on the interior facing surface of the inner sleeve <NUM>, by the small diameter end of the pin <NUM>. The hinge 6a may be capable of pivoting about the small diameter end of the pin <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a bend formed in the center of the spring <NUM> forms a tooth 6b of the spring <NUM>. In an assembled form of the connector <NUM>, the tooth 6b of the spring <NUM> engages with the gear teeth <NUM> of the connector body <NUM> to control rotation of the inner sleeve <NUM>, as will be described with respect to operation of the connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> includes four balls <NUM> that are each positioned in respective holes <NUM> of the first sleeve <NUM>. Each ball <NUM> has a diameter that is greater than the thickness of the first sleeve <NUM>. Each ball <NUM> could be replaced by a small cylinder or other member, if so desired. For that reason, a ball <NUM> may be more generally referred to hereinafter as a moveable member.

The connector <NUM> includes four releasable locking assemblies that operate together in unison to control rotation of the inner sleeve <NUM> about the connector body <NUM>. Each releasable locking assembly includes one spring <NUM>, one ball <NUM>, one hole <NUM> and one recess <NUM>. It should be understood that the number of releasable locking assemblies may vary from that which is shown and described. Also, although not shown, the spring and ball may be integrated together into one single resilient locking component.

Referring now to the operation of the connector <NUM>, starting from the unlocked state shown in <FIG>, the unlocked connector <NUM> is connected to the mating connector <NUM> of <CIT> B2by performing the following steps: (a) manually aligning the lugs 2d of the body <NUM> within respective channels <NUM> of the mating connector <NUM> of <CIT> (not shown herein); (b) manually engaging the connection means <NUM> of the inner sleeve <NUM> with the connection means <NUM> of the mating connector <NUM>; (c) manually rotating the outer sleeve <NUM> (which in turn rotates the inner sleeve <NUM> due to engagement between the posts <NUM> and the openings 14a) in a tightening direction, consequently engaging the connection means <NUM> of the inner sleeve <NUM> with the connection means <NUM> of the mating connector <NUM>; and (d) moving the outer sleeve <NUM> to the locked position in order to prevent inadvertent unlocking of the connector <NUM>.

During rotation step (c), the springs <NUM> rotate about the connector body <NUM> along with the sleeves <NUM> and <NUM>. In the unlocked state of the connector <NUM>, the recesses <NUM> of the outer sleeve <NUM> are radially aligned with respective holes <NUM> in the inner sleeve <NUM>. As the inner sleeve <NUM> rotates about the body <NUM>, the tooth 6b of each spring <NUM> moves along the toothed surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> (the body <NUM> remains stationary). The springs <NUM> flex outwardly toward the outer sleeve <NUM>, as each tooth 6b of the spring <NUM> moves from one tooth <NUM> on the body <NUM> to the next tooth <NUM> on the body <NUM>. As the springs <NUM> flex outwardly, the springs <NUM> push the balls <NUM> outward and into their respective recesses <NUM>. Stated differently, the clearance space provided by the recesses <NUM> permit the springs <NUM> to flex outwardly, which permits the teeth 6b of the springs <NUM> to slide along the toothed surface <NUM> as the sleeves <NUM> and <NUM> are rotated together. It should be understood that, in the unlocked state of the connector <NUM>, the holes <NUM> and recesses <NUM> rotate together such that the holes <NUM>, the recesses <NUM> and the balls <NUM> are always radially aligned with each other in the unlocked state of the connector <NUM>.

During rotation step (c), the mating connector <NUM> translates in an axial direction within the annular space <NUM> and toward the connector body <NUM> (or vice versa) without rotating by virtue of the keyed engaged between the lugs 2d and the channels <NUM>. Rotation of the outer sleeve <NUM> in the tightening direction is possible until the connection means <NUM> of the connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the connection means <NUM> of the mating connector <NUM>. Since the connector <NUM> is still in the unlocked state at this stage, the outer sleeve <NUM> (which in turn rotates the inner sleeve <NUM>) may be rotated in a loosening direction, which is opposite to the tightening direction.

During locking step (d), the outer sleeve <NUM> is retracted (i.e., moved distally) such that the shoulder 8a moves into the space <NUM> against the bias of spring <NUM>. Moving the outer sleeve <NUM> in the distal direction causes the posts <NUM> to exit and separate from their respective openings 14a. The outer sleeve <NUM> is then capable of being rotated relative to the inner sleeve <NUM>. While the outer sleeve <NUM> remains retracted, the user then rotates the outer sleeve <NUM> by a small angle until the posts <NUM> are aligned with the adjacent set of openings 14b. At this stage, the recesses <NUM> are misaligned with, or otherwise rotationally spaced from, the holes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The user then releases the outer sleeve <NUM>, which causes the spring <NUM> to translate the outer sleeve <NUM> in the proximal direction (and without rotation). As the outer sleeve <NUM> moves proximally, the posts <NUM> enter their respective openings 14b.

The connector <NUM> is then maintained in the locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the sleeves <NUM> and <NUM> are prevented from inadvertently rotating in a loosening rotational direction with respect to the connector body <NUM> and the mating connector <NUM> due to vibration or other external forces. Attempting to rotate the outer sleeve <NUM> in the loosening or tightening rotational direction while the outer sleeve <NUM> is maintained in the locked configuration, either purposefully or inadvertently, causes the surfaces of the teeth 6b and <NUM> to bear on each other (as opposed to slide past each other), thereby preventing rotation of the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM> in the loosening direction with respect to the connector body <NUM> and the mating connector <NUM>. Unlike the unlocked configuration of the connector <NUM>, the springs <NUM> are not permitted to flex in the outward direction in the locked configuration of the connector <NUM> because no clearance space exists for the balls <NUM> and spring <NUM> to move outwardly. As noted above, in the locked configuration, the recesses <NUM> are misaligned with the holes <NUM> in the locked configuration of the connector <NUM>, thus, no clearance space is provided to accommodate outward movement of the balls <NUM> and springs <NUM>.

Since the connector <NUM> is maintained in the locked configuration, it cannot be detached from the mating connector <NUM> without manual intervention by an end user. Thus, the connector body <NUM> and the mating connector <NUM> are each prevented from rotating in the loosening rotational direction with respect to the inner sleeve <NUM>, or vice versa, thereby preventing detachment of the mating connector <NUM> from the connector <NUM>.

To detach the mating connector <NUM> from the connector <NUM>, it is necessary to first move the outer sleeve <NUM> from the locked configuration of <FIG> to the unlocked configuration of <FIG> by pulling the outer sleeve <NUM> in the distal direction against the force of spring <NUM>. The user then rotates the outer sleeve <NUM> by a small angle until the posts <NUM> are aligned with the adjacent set of openings 14a. At this stage, recesses <NUM> are again aligned with the holes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The user then releases the outer sleeve <NUM>, which causes the spring <NUM> to translate the outer sleeve <NUM> in the proximal direction (and without rotation). As the outer sleeve <NUM> moves proximally, the posts <NUM> enter their respective openings 14a.

Claim 1:
Connector comprising:
a connector body (<NUM>) including an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis (A) and gear teeth (<NUM>) disposed on the outer surface;
a first sleeve (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to said connector body (<NUM>), said first sleeve (<NUM>) having a sidewall including a hole (<NUM>) formed in the sidewall;
a moveable member positioned in the hole (<NUM>) of the first sleeve (<NUM>);
a second sleeve (<NUM>) positioned over said first sleeve (<NUM>) and movable with respect to the first sleeve (<NUM>) between a locked position and an unlocked position, said second sleeve (<NUM>) having a sidewall including a recess (<NUM>);
a releasable locking member at least partially positioned between the moveable member and the gear teeth (<NUM>), said releasable locking member having a mating surface configured to engage the gear teeth (<NUM>) of the connector body (<NUM>),
wherein in the unlocked position of the second sleeve (<NUM>), said recess (<NUM>) is configured to at least partially rotationally align with said hole (<NUM>), and, upon rotation of said first sleeve (<NUM>), said moveable member is configured to translate into said recess (<NUM>) of said second sleeve (<NUM>) to facilitate sliding of said mating surface of said releasable locking member along said gear teeth (<NUM>) of said connector body (<NUM>), and
wherein in the locked position of the second sleeve (<NUM>), said recess (<NUM>) is rotationally spaced from said hole (<NUM>), and, said mating surface of said releasable locking member is locked between said gear teeth (<NUM>) of said connector body (<NUM>) and said moveable member to prevent rotation of said first sleeve (<NUM>) with respect to said connector body (<NUM>); characterized in that
a post (<NUM>) is provided on one of the first sleeve (<NUM>) and the second sleeve (<NUM>) and wherein the other sleeve among the first sleeve (<NUM>) and the second sleeve (<NUM>) is formed to include two openings (14a, 14b), wherein in the unlocked position of the second sleeve (<NUM>), the post (<NUM>) is mated with one opening (14a, 14b) of the two openings (14a, 14b), and, in the locked position of the second sleeve (<NUM>), the post (<NUM>) is mated with the other opening (14a, 14b) of the two openings (14a, 14b).