초록 ▼

The invention is an anti-decoupling mechanism for a connector assembly characterized by an axially extending portion (42) at the free end of a spring (40) which engages an axially extending shoulder (12) at the start of a thread (11) on one of the housings (10) during a portion of the final coupling

The invention is an anti-decoupling mechanism for a connector assembly characterized by an axially extending portion (42) at the free end of a spring (40) which engages an axially extending shoulder (12) at the start of a thread (11) on one of the housings (10) during a portion of the final coupling rotation of the coupling ring (30) around the first housing (10). During the final portion of coupling rotation of the coupling ring (30) the projection (41) is moved inwardly to increase the pressure between the projection (41) and the teeth (21) thereby resisting decoupling of the housings (10, 20) when the coupled connector assembly is subjected to vibration.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination with a connector assembly of the type having: a first tubular housing having around an outside portion thereof at least one thread, each thread having at its starting end an axially extending shoulder; a second tubular housing; a coupling ring having around the inside portion thereof

In combination with a connector assembly of the type having: a first tubular housing having around an outside portion thereof at least one thread, each thread having at its starting end an axially extending shoulder; a second tubular housing; a coupling ring having around the inside portion thereof at least one thread mated with a respective thread on said first housing; means for rotatably mounting said coupling ring to said second housing; and means for retarding rotation of said coupling ring including: a plurality of teeth annularly arranged on said second housing; at least one elongated spring having a projection thereon; and means for mounting each of said springs at one end to an inside portion of said coupling ring so that the projection on each of said springs engages said teeth on said second housing, the improvement wherein the means for retarding rotation of said coupling ring further includes: an axially extending portion at the free end of each of said springs adapted to engage a respective axially extending shoulder at the start of a thread on said first tubular housing and move said projection inwardly to increase the pressure between said projection and teeth during the final portion of coupling rotation of the coupling ring around said first tubular housing.