GB1058524A - Electrical connector lock mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

1,058,524. Disengaging two-part couplings. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ELECTRIC CORPORATION. Jan. 29, 1965 [Feb. 3, 1964], No. 4033/65. Heading H2E. A two-part multi-contact connector having pin-and-socket contacts 14, 20 (Fig. 2, not shown) has its two parts locked in the engaged position against the pressure of springs 46 by lock mechanism including a catch 124 on the socket part co-operating with main locking tangs 116 (Fig. 7), held in releasable locking position by the end 144 of a movable shaft 138. On energization of a solenoid 90 an armature 108 (Fig. 7) is drawn forward moving the edge of a secondary locking sleeve 182 from beneath a second set of locking tangs 176 and thereby allowing the compressed spring washers 180 to move end 144 of shaft 138 backwards out of the main tangs 116 which can then be sprung inwards and are no longer locked in catch 124. The springs 46 then force the plug member backwards withdrawing the pin contacts from the sockets. The movable shaft 138 is biased towards its locking position by springs 150, 152 having different resonant frequencies, spring 188 having a different frequency from either of these springs. Sealing against moisture is effected by bellows 158, rings 156, 82 and a resilient sleeve 59 (Fig. 2, not shown). Reengagement of the coupling halves and resetting of the locking mechanism is effected by suitable rotations of hand wheel 74.