Electrical connector assembly with snap fastening mechanism

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly 10 for use with a conductor includes a pin assembly 12 having pins 14, and a socket assembly 16 that mates with the pin assembly 12. The socket assembly 16 includes a socket body 20 configured to receive the pins 14. A finger collar 50 surrounds the socket body 20, and a fixed collar 52 surrounds the finger collar 50 and is rotatable thereon. The fixed collar 52 moves between an unfixed position and a fixed position. The finger collar 50 includes one or more flexible fingers 70 configured to flex to engage with the pin assembly 12 when the pin assembly 12 is mated with the socket assembly 14. The fixed collar 52 includes one or more windows 76 aligned with each flexible finger 70, the flexible fingers flex through the fixed collar to engage with the pin assembly 12 and flex to grip the pin assembly. The fixed collar 52 is further rotatable to a fixed position, moving the window 76 out of alignment with each flexible finger 70, preventing the flexible fingers 70 from bending further away from the pin assembly 12, and securing the socket assembly 16 in an engaged state with the pin assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors having a fixing mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] In structures such as aircraft, several electrical connector solutions have been proposed to supply various electrical signals and other signals, including power signals. Often, such solutions are labor-intensive and require various installation and connection techniques that are complex and labor-intensive, and several sets of dedicated tools are required. In other available solutions, some connection components need to be installed with the assistance of multiple fixtures. In still other solutions, the connection components need to be oriented or "clocked" during installation to ensure proper alignment and connection.

[0003] At the same time, as is understood, such electrical connections in an aircraft environment must be robust and withstand the harsh environment associated with the movement of the aircraft. The connector assembly needs to be able to handle movement and vibration stresses that could endanger the integrity of the electrical connection. However, the robustness of the assembly must always be balanced with the weight issue related to aircraft installations, where weight is always a factor. Furthermore, due to the need for all available space, the wiring and connectors must be small and efficient in their design.

[0004] In the use of electrical connectors and assemblies, repairing damaged wiring or connectors will be necessary in some installations. For example, it may be necessary to splice together wiring. Similarly, changes to the wiring method and layout may be necessary in other installations. Therefore, the need for quick disconnection and reconnection is a consideration and must also be addressed in various electrical wiring and connection scenarios, particularly in aircraft environments.

[0005] In connector systems, pin and socket connections are desirable configurations due to their robust nature, alignment mechanism, and ease and strength of connection. However, many such pin and socket connector solutions are often large in size, which can be counterproductive to space constraints and hinder installation in confined areas. Furthermore, many such connectors are screw-fastened together, which slows down the installation process, especially in high-density applications. Moreover, when used with existing connector systems, damage to one component may necessitate the complete replacement of the assembly. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, there is still much need in this technological field for providing efficient and robust electrical connections for various applications. There is a further demand for efficient and robust mounting solutions in aircraft environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrical connector, and associated cables using such a connector, includes a pin assembly containing pins that interact with a conductor, and a socket assembly for mating with the pin assembly, which interacts with another conductor, such as to form a cable. The socket assembly includes a socket body configured to receive the pins. A finger collar surrounds the socket body, and a fixed collar surrounds the finger collar and is rotatable thereon. The fixed collar moves between an unfixed position and a fixed position.

[0008] The finger collar includes one or more flexible fingers positioned around the finger collar, which are configured to flex to engage with the pin assembly when the pin assembly is mated with the socket assembly. The fixing collar includes one or more windows that align with each flexible finger when the fixing collar is in a non-fixed position. The flexible fingers can then flex through the fixing collar, flex to engage with the pin assembly, and grip the pin assembly. After the finger collar has engaged with the pin assembly, the fixing collar can rotate further to a fixed position. Further rotation moves the windows out of alignment with each flexible finger, and then prevents the flexible fingers from flexing further away from the pin assembly. Doing so holds the socket assembly engaged with the pin assembly, fixing the mated pin assembly and socket assembly together.

[0009] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part thereof illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the general description of the present invention set forth below, serve to describe the principles of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of an assembled connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a disassembled connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a front perspective view of a finger collar element used in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of a fixed collar element used in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a disassembled front perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a disassembled connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the pin assembly engaged with the socket assembly in a non-fixed position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, showing the pin assembly engaged with the socket assembly in an unfixed position. [Figure 8A] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8 along line 8A-8A. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8 along line 8B-8B. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the pin assembly engaged with the socket assembly in a non-fixed position. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, showing the pin assembly engaged with the socket assembly in an unfixed position. [Figure 10A] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along line 10A-10A. [Figure 10B] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along line 10B-10B. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the pin assembly engaged with the socket assembly in a fixed position. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, showing the pin assembly engaged with the socket assembly in a fixed position. [Figure 12A] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 12 along line 12A-12A. [Figure 12B]It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 along line 12B-12B. [Figure 13] It is a front perspective view of a cable assembled using a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and show somewhat simplified representations of various functions that illustrate the basic principles of the present invention. For example, certain design features of the specific series of operations disclosed herein, including the specific dimensions, directions, locations, and shapes of the various components shown, will in part be determined by the particular intended use and the environment of use. Some of the functions of the illustrated embodiments are enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, for example, for clarification or illustration purposes, a thin function may be made thick.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an electrical connector assembly or connector 10 according to the present invention. The electrical connector 10 is formed by fitting a male assembly or pin assembly 12 having pins 14 into a female assembly or socket assembly 16 having an opening 34 into the socket portion. According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical connector 10 incorporates a socket assembly 16 having a fixing mechanism for fixing the pin assembly 12 to the socket assembly 16 when the pin assembly 12 and the socket assembly 16 are fitted together in order to ensure a strong electrical connection. The connector can move between a fixed position and a non-fixed position.

[0013] Referring to Figure 2, the pin assembly 12 and the socket assembly 16 each incorporate bodies 18 and 20. The body 20 of the socket assembly 16 includes a crimping cylinder or crimping portion 22 for receiving conductors (see Figure 13) and a socket portion 24 for receiving the pins of the pin assembly 12. Similarly, the body 18 of the pin assembly includes a crimping cylinder or crimping portion 26 for receiving conductors and a pin portion 28 containing pins 14 configured to be mounted within the socket portion 24 when the connector is mated.

[0014] Referring to Figure 5, the electrical connector 10 is shown in an exploded view with various components separated from each of the assemblies. The pin portion 28 and pin 14 are configured to be received into the opening 34 of the socket portion 24 of the socket assembly 16 when the two assemblies are mated together to form an electrical connection. Each of the pin assembly 12 and the socket assembly 16 is made of a suitable conductive metal such as copper and / or aluminum. Each of the crimping portions 22, 26 is appropriately formed to receive the end of a conductor such as a wire. Referring to Figure 6, a wire may be received into the opening 40 of the crimping portion 22, and another conductor or wire may be received into the opening 42 of the crimping portion 26 of the pin assembly. Each of the openings 40, 42 may be appropriately formed to capture and hold the end of the wire when the crimping portions 22, 26 are properly crimped, such as by using a crimping tool. In this method, any electrical signal handled by the wiring passes through the appropriate socket portion 24 or pin portion 28, and therefore, when the electrical connector is mated as shown in Figure 1, the signal passes through the electrical connector and along the length of the wiring incorporating the electrical connector 10. According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical connector incorporates a fixing mechanism for securing the pin assembly within the socket assembly.

[0015] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, socket assembly 16 incorporates a finger collar 50 disposed on socket body 20, adjacent socket portion 24, and surrounding the socket body. The socket assembly also includes a fixed collar 52 coaxially disposed on the finger collar and rotatable on the finger collar and socket portion 24. The fixed collar can rotate between a non-fixed position and a fixed position, as further described herein. Fixed collar 52 and finger collar 50 cooperate to engage and secure pin assembly 12 to socket assembly 16, and in particular, to engage and secure pin 14 to socket portion 24. Referring again to FIG. 6, a conductive insert 60 can be utilized to assist in the electrical connection provided between the pin assembly and the socket assembly. In one embodiment, conductive insert 60 is a conductive spring made of a material such as beryllium copper, which is configured to receive pin 14 and is compressed between the inner wall 62 of socket portion 24 shown in FIG. 6 and the pin. A suitable conductive insert can be utilized to improve conductivity across the mating assemblies. Insert 60 ensures good signal transmission between pin 14 and socket portion 24 of body 20 of socket assembly 16.

[0016] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the finger collar incorporates at least one flexible finger 70 which bends relative to the finger collar 50. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the finger collar incorporates multiple flexible fingers 70, such as four fingers evenly spaced around the cylindrical base 72 of the finger collar 50. The finger collar 50 is formed from a suitable plastic material, such as a high-temperature polymer such as PEEK, so that the flexible fingers 70 can bend relative to the base and thereby engage with the pin assembly 12, and in particular with the pin portion 28 of the pin assembly. When the two assemblies are mated together as shown in Figure 2 to form a connector, the finger 70 bends radially outward to fit over the pin portion 28, engages with the pin portion's locking mechanism, and then bends radially back to its original position, engaging with the mechanism to lock the socket assembly to the pin assembly, as further described herein.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, according to one feature of the present invention, the fixed collar 52 incorporates at least one window 76 that aligns with at least one flexible finger 70 in the unfixed position of the fixed collar. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the fixed collar 52 includes multiple windows 76, such as four windows 76, each reflecting four flexible fingers 70. Naturally, more or fewer fingers 70 and windows 76 can also be implemented in the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, when the two assemblies 12 and 16 are fitted together, the fixed collar is rotated to the unfixed position and the windows 76 align with each flexible finger 70. In this manner, the flexible fingers can bend radially outward through the fixed collar and especially through the windows 76, so that when the pin 14 is received into the socket portion 24 of the socket assembly 16, the flexible fingers expand radially and engage with the pin portion 28 of the pin assembly. Once the pin assembly is fully positioned in the socket assembly, the flexible fingers 70 can bend back to their normal or resting position and engage with the pin assembly's locking mechanism. The locking collar can then rotate to a fixed position, moving the various windows 76 out of circumferential alignment with the flexible fingers 70. In the fixed position, the rigid sections 78 of the locking collar, interposed alternately between the open windows 76, are then aligned with the flexible fingers, covering them and preventing them from bending radially outward through the locking collar. The locking collar then keeps the flexible fingers engaged with the pin assembly 12, securing the mated pin assembly and socket assembly together.

[0018] According to another feature of the present invention, the fixed collar 52 incorporates at least one fixed indicator 80. The fixed indicator 80 is configured to flex radially outward from the fixed collar when the fixed collar is in a non-fixed position, and then further configured to be generally flush with the fixed collar when the fixed collar is in a fixed position. In the shown embodiment, the fixed collar 52 incorporates a plurality of fixed indicators 80, and in particular utilizes four fixed indicators that reflect four flexible fingers 70. The fixed indicators 80 are longitudinally aligned with a rigid section 78 on the fixed collar 52. One version of the fixed indicator 80 is in the form of a flexible tooth tip that flexes radially outward on the fixed collar 52. The fixed indicator is located at the end 84 of the fixed collar 52 opposite to the pin receiving end 86 of the fixed collar.

[0019] The fixed indicator 80 operably engages with the finger collar 50 in a function that indicates to the user whether the fixed collar 52 and socket assembly 16 are in a non-fixed position or a fixed position. In particular, the fixed indicator engages with notches in the finger collar. Referring to Figure 3, one or more notches 100 are formed within the base section 72 of the finger collar 50. In the shown embodiment, the notches 100 are arranged circumferentially around the base section 72 between the directions of the flexible fingers 70. As can be understood, the four notches 100 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the base section and in the angular direction around the base section. With respect to the flexible fingers 70, the notches 100 are offset generally by about 45 degrees from the center of the flexible fingers 70 and between the fingers. Aligned with the finger 70 are notches formed by a recess 110 deeper than the notch and by a slot 112 formed in the finger collar and the adjacent transition section 114. The slot 112 and the transition section 114 cooperate to receive the locking indicator when the locking collar is rotated to the locking position, as described above. The shown embodiment also uses four notches 110 spaced 90 degrees apart around the base section but offset from the notch 100.

[0020] Referring to Figure 4, a similarly aligned configuration of indicator 80 and window 76 is utilized in the fixed collar 52. In particular, the fixed indicator 80 is positioned at 90-degree intervals around the fixed collar and is generally offset by about 45 degrees from the center of window 76, which itself is positioned at 90-degree intervals around the fixed collar. The fixed collar 52 can be rotated to align the fixed indicator with the notch 100 or recess 110. In the non-fixed position, when the fixed collar 52 is rotated on the finger collar 50 of the socket assembly and indicator 80 is aligned with the notch 100, window 76 aligns with the flexible finger 70. The finger can then bend through the window. However, the depth of the notch is configured such that the fixed indicator does not return completely to a position flush with the outer surface of the fixed collar. The fixed indicator then rises visually and tactilely, indicating to the user that the connector's finger indicator is in the non-fixed position.

[0021] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, each of the fixed indicators, and in particular the tooth tips 82 that form the fixed indicators, incorporates a mechanism 102 configured to engage with each notch 100. In the shown embodiment, the notches can be rounded notches or recesses 100 formed in a shape complementary to the tooth tip mechanism 102. For example, each mechanism 102 of the flexible tooth tip 82 may have a complementary rounded shape that fits into a shaped notch 100. Referring to Figure 8B, each of the mechanisms 102 may have a depth 104 greater than the depth of the notch 100. In this manner, as shown in Figure 8B, the mechanism 102 and the tooth tips 82 associated with it extend over the outer surface 108 of the fixed collar. Thereafter, the fixed indicator 80 provides the user with both visual and tactile indication that the fixed collar is in an unfixed position. In that unfixed position, the flexible fingers 70 can bend through the window 76 of the fixed collar. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, when the fixed collar 52 is rotated to the fixed position, the fixed indicator engages with a deeper recess 110 formed in the finger collar 50. Referring particularly to Figure 3, the recess 110 includes slots 112 formed in the finger collar. In the shown embodiment, as shown, a plurality of slots 112 are formed, each angularly aligned with the flexible finger 70 and generally around the base section 72. The ends of the slots 112, which are engaged by the mechanism 102 of the tooth tip 82, incorporate rounded or angled transitions 114, further similarly shaped to the mechanism 102, to provide a smooth transition into the recess 110. The deeper recesses 110 then accept each mechanism 102 of the tooth tip 82, allowing the tooth tip to flex further radially inward than the notches 100. Referring to Figure 12B, in which the fixed collar is rotated to its fixed position, the tooth tips 82 forming each of the fixed indicators 80 then become generally flush with the fixed collar 52. That is, the slot 112 and the transition section 114 are configured to generally fully receive the mechanism 102 of the fixed indicators 80 so that the tooth tips 82 are flush.Thus, the visual and tactile indications of the unfixed color disappear, and the user can see and feel that the fixed color 52 is in a fixed position by the smooth outer surface 108 of the fixed color, thereby fixing the flexible finger 70 and the mated pin assembly 12 and socket assembly 16 together.

[0022] Referring next to Figure 7, the figure shows a connector 10 having a pin assembly 12 that first mates with a socket assembly 16. More specifically, the pins 14 and pin section 28 are received within the socket portion 24, with a finger collar 50 and a retaining collar 52 surrounding the pins 14 and pin section 28. As discussed herein, the finger collar 50 remains generally stationary on the socket portion 24 of the socket assembly while the retaining collar 52 rotates. A mating mechanism is utilized between the finger collar and the socket assembly to fix the finger collar in place and prevent it from rotating. Referring particularly to Figures 3 and 5, the socket portion 24 of the socket assembly 16 incorporates a plurality of retaining slots 120 that are angularly arranged around the socket assembly. To mate with the slots, the retaining collar incorporates a plurality of spaced and equally spaced fins 122 that are configured to fit inside the slots 120. When the finger collar 50 is positioned on the socket portion 24 of the socket assembly 16, the fins 122 align with the slots 120 and engage therein, preventing the finger collar 50 from rotating around the socket assembly. As discussed, the locking collar then rotates around the finger collar on the socket portion as the locking indicator 80 engages with each notch 100 or slot 110.

[0023] Referring to Figure 8, when the pin assembly and socket assembly are initially mated as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 8, the pin 14 is received into the socket opening 34, engages with the conductive insert 60, and compresses the insert between the inner wall 62 of the socket portion and the pin 14 for good conductivity across the connector. The pin portion 28 incorporates one or more seals to seal the pin 14 when mated with the socket assembly. For this purpose, several grooves are formed on the outer surface of the pin portion 28 to act as sealing seats or as fixing grooves for the fingers 70 of the finger collar 50. Referring again to Figure 8, groove 130 forms a sealing seat for a seal, such as an O-ring seal 136, which engages with the surface of the socket portion and acts as a damping seal. Another groove 132 forms a sealing seat for another seal 138, such as an O-ring seal. The seal 136 is compressed against a surface or protrusion 140 formed in the opening 34 of the socket portion. On the other hand, when the pin assembly and the socket assembly are both mated and secured, the seal 138 is positioned behind the seal 136, relative to the surface 142 around the socket portion. The arrow 150 indicates the direction of movement of the pin assembly when mated with the socket assembly.

[0024] Figures 8A and 8B show selective cross-sections illustrating the annular engagement of the finger collar 50 and the retaining collar 52 with the socket assembly and the pin assembly. In particular, the cross-section of Figure 8A shows the various fingers 70 of the outwardly flexed finger collar as they move over the pin portion 28 of the pin assembly 12 to engage with the retaining groove 134, as shown in Figure 8. Each of the fingers includes a shaped ridge 74, which is configured and shaped to engage with the retaining groove 134 when the assembly is fitted. Complementary cross-sectional shapes with respect to the ridge 74 and the retaining groove 134 can be seen in Figure 8. The flexible fingers 70 flex radially outward to pass over each section of the pin portion 28 having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the retaining groove 134, as seen in Figure 8.

[0025] Referring next to Figure 8B, the cross section shows the fixed collar 52 and fixed indicator 80, and each of its tooth tips 82 that flex in the fixed collar. The tooth tip mechanism 102 is positioned within each notch 100 in the finger collar. As described herein, the fixed indicator 80 is offset from the window 76, and therefore, when the mechanism 102 is positioned within the notch, the window 76 is aligned with the finger 70 so that the finger can flex through it. This allows the assemblies 12 and 16 to be mated, the pin 14 to be inserted into the socket portion 24, and the finger 70 to flex over the section of the pin portion 28 of the pin assembly. That is, the pin can be inserted into the socket.

[0026] Referring next to Figure 9, the pin assembly 12 is shown fully mated with or fully positioned in the socket assembly 16, but still in an unfixed position. By positioning the pin portion in the socket portion, each of the protrusions 74 of the flexible fingers is aligned with the fixing groove 134. The flexible fingers, which bend as shown in Figure 8, then bend back to their resting position, positioning each of the protrusions 74 of the flexible fingers in the fixing groove 134, thereby holding the two assemblies together. Referring to Figure 10, the seals 136 and 138 are positioned and compressed, and the pin 14 applies pressure to the conductive insert 60 for good electrical connection. The engagement of the fingers and protrusions 74 in the fixing groove 134 holds the pin portion 28 within the socket portion 24 against forces that would pull the two connector assemblies apart or disengage them. In the non-fixed position, the two assemblies 12 and 16 are pulled apart and separated, and then manually plugged together again based on the use of the connector.

[0027] Cross sections 10A and 10B then show the fitted assemblies in an unfixed position. The cross sections are similar to those in Figures 8A and 8B, except that the flexible fingers 70 are generally flush with the rest of the finger collar 50 when their ends are positioned within the fixed grooves 134. The windows 76 are still aligned over the flexible fingers 70, and the fingers 70 can still flex through the windows 76, such as pulling the assemblies out if necessary. The pin assemblies 12 and socket assemblies 16 can be separated or disengaged by sufficient manual force to slide the fingers 70 out of the grooves 134 so that they flex through each window 76.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, in order to secure the two assemblies 12 and 16 together, the fixing collar 52 is rotated to a fixed position on the finger collar 50 and the socket portion 24. In particular, as shown in Figure 11, the fixing collar 52 can be rotated in the direction of arrow 151, for example. As can be understood, the fixing collar 52 can also be rotated in other directions. As can be seen in Figures 10A and 10B, even when the assemblies 12 and 16 are fully fitted together and the flexible fingers are positioned in the fixing grooves 134, the fixing indicator 80 still indicates that the collar 52 is not fixed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10B, the mechanism 102 is located within the notch 100 and the fixing indicator extends over the outer surface 108 of the fixing collar 52.

[0029] The fixing collar 52 is rotated with sufficient force to slide the mechanism 102 out of the notches 100, making the fixing collar 52 rotatable. As the fixing collar rotates, the window 76 moves out of circumferential alignment with the fingers 70, and instead, the rigid section 78 of the fixing collar is positioned over each finger 70, as shown in Figure 12. The fixing collar is rotated until the mechanism 102 on the fixing indicator 80, particularly on the ends of the flexible tooth tips 82, aligns with the slots 112 formed in the finger collar 50. Referring particularly to Figure 3, the mechanism 102 of the fixing indicator engages with the slots 112 near a transition section 114 that works with the slots 112, which form recesses 110 that receive each mechanism 102 at each end of the tooth tips 82. The recesses 110 formed by the slot 112, and each transition section 114 on each side of the slot, create recesses that extend through the finger collar 50 and are therefore deeper than the depth of the notches 100. This allows each of the tooth tips 82 to flex and return to a completely coplanar position, and as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, they become flush with the outer surface 108 of the fixed collar 52.

[0030] The connector is now in a fixed position, and the finger 70 is held in place by a rigid section 78 of the fixing collar so as to engage with the fixing groove 134, preventing the finger from bending radially outward. In this manner, the interaction between the finger's protrusion 74 and the fixing groove 134 causes the finger collar 50 and the outer fixing collar 52 to engage with and hold the pin portion 28 of the assembly 12. This fixes the assembly together, preventing the plug portion from being pulled out of the socket portion or the coupling from being released. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the fixing indicator 80 is here located coplanar with the outer surface 108 of the fixing collar 52. The mechanism 102 of the fixing indicator 80 is located in a recess 110 and is coplanar with the rigid section 78 of the fixing collar that covers the flexible finger 70. In this manner, the fixing indicator 80 provides visual and tactile indication that the fixing collar 52 is in a fixed position and that the two assemblies are fixed together in their mated configuration.

[0031] Figure 13 shows a cable assembly formed according to the present invention using assemblies 12 and 16. Conductors are inserted into each of the assemblies at the crimping portions 22 and 26, etc., and are secured by appropriate crimping or by several other suitable methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art. Two separate conductors or cables, each containing a connector assembly 12 or 16, can be properly inserted together and then secured to make an electrical connection and produce a complete cable or a joined cable.

[0032] To remove the pin assembly 12 from the socket assembly 16, the locking collar 52 can be rotated again using a force that moves the locking indicator out of the recess 110. The collar 52 is then rotated to align the window 76 with the flexible finger 70 and the locking indicator 80 with the notch 100, raising the locking indicator and returning it to its raised or unlocked position, allowing the flexible finger 70 to flex again through the aligned and open window 76. In this way, the pin assembly can be removed from the socket assembly and the connector portion can be released.

[0033] The assemblies can be selectively mated and unmated multiple times. Without the need for special tools, the assemblies are secured together by twisting the retaining collar, and then released using a similar twist of the retaining collar, providing indication of the secured and unsecured states. The connector assemblies of the present invention provide a robust electrical connection and allow conductors and wires to be joined along their length without the use of special tools, mounting methods, or mounting directions. The flexible fingers 70 engage with circular retaining grooves 134 extending around the circumference of the pin assembly portion, so that the two mated assemblies can rotate relative to each other as needed, even when secured. Thus, the present invention offers significant advantages over conventional connectors and cable assemblies, and in particular advantages for use in aircraft wiring systems.

[0034] The present invention has been demonstrated by the description of its embodiments, and these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, but it is not the applicant's intention to limit, or in any way limit, the appended claims to such details. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention, in its broader embodiments, is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and examples shown and described. Accordingly, developments from such details can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 10 Electrical connectors 12-pin assembly 14 pins 16 Socket Assembly 18 Main unit 20 Main unit 22 Pressure-welded portion 24 Socket part 26. Press-fit portion 28 Pin section 34 Opening 40 openings 42 Opening 50 Finger Colors 52 Fixed Colors 60 conductive inserts 62 Inner wall 70 Fingers 72 Base Section 74 Ridge 76 windows 78. Hard section 80 Fixed Indicator 82 Tooth tip 84 End 86 Pin receiving end 100th increment 102 Tooth tip mechanism 104 depth 108 Outer surface 110 recess 112 slots 114 Transition Section 120 fixed slots 122 fins 130 Groove 132 Groove 134 Fixed groove 136 O-ring sealing 138 Sealing 140 Ridge 142 Surface 150 arrows 151 Arrow

Claims

1. It is an electrical connector, A pin assembly including a pin, A socket assembly that fits with the aforementioned pin assembly, comprising a socket body configured to receive the pins, a finger collar surrounding the socket body, and a fixing collar rotatable on the finger collar between a non-fixed position and a fixed position, and Equipped with, The finger collar includes at least one flexible finger that flexes and engages with the pin assembly when the pin assembly is fitted with the socket assembly. The fixed collar includes a window aligned with the at least one flexible finger in the non-fixed position, allowing the flexible finger to flex through the fixed collar to engage with the pin assembly. An electrical connector in which the fixed collar is rotatable to the fixed position, moves the window so as to move it out of alignment with the at least one flexible finger, thereby preventing the flexible finger from bending, maintaining the engagement between the finger and the pin assembly, and fixing the mated pin assembly and the socket assembly together.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the finger collar includes a plurality of flexible fingers that flex to engage the finger collar with the pin assembly when the pin assembly is mated with the socket assembly.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the fixed collar includes a plurality of windows configured to align with each flexible finger in the non-fixed position, allowing the flexible fingers to bend and engage with the pin assembly.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the fixed collar includes at least one fixed indicator thereon, the fixed indicator is configured to bend radially outward from the fixed collar when the fixed collar is in the non-fixed position, and to be generally flush with the fixed collar when the fixed position.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, further comprising at least one notch on the surface of the finger collar, wherein the fixing indicator engages with the notch to align the window of the fixing collar and the at least one flexible finger in the non-fixed position so that the flexible finger can bend through the fixing collar.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein the finger collar includes a recess for receiving the at least one fixing indicator when the fixing collar is in the fixing position, and the fixing indicator is coplane with the fixing collar.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible finger includes a raised mechanism thereon, the pin assembly includes a groove around it, and the raised mechanism falls into the groove when the pin assembly and the socket assembly are fitted together, thereby securing the socket assembly to the pin assembly.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein, in the fixed position, the fixed collar holds the flexible finger protrusion mechanism in the groove, thereby fixing the socket assembly to the pin assembly.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive insert disposed on the socket body, wherein the conductive insert is configured to receive the pins when the pin assembly is mated with the socket assembly.

10. It is an electrical connector, A first assembly comprising the main body, A second assembly comprising a body configured to fit with the body of the first assembly, the second assembly comprising a finger collar surrounding the body of the second assembly, and a fixed collar that can rotate on the finger collar between a non-fixed position and a fixed position. Equipped with, The finger collar includes at least one flexible finger that flexes when the first assembly is fitted with the second assembly and engages with the first assembly. The fixed collar includes a window aligned with the at least one flexible finger in the non-fixed position, allowing the flexible finger to flex through the fixed collar to engage with the first assembly. An electrical connector in which the fixed collar is rotatable to the fixed position, moves the window so as to move it out of alignment with the at least one flexible finger, thereby preventing the flexible finger from bending, maintaining the engagement of the finger with the first assembly, and fixing the mated first assembly and the second assembly together.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second assemblies includes a pin portion, and the other of the first and second assemblies includes a socket portion, and the pin portion engages with the socket portion to engage the first and second assemblies.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein the finger collar and the fixing collar are positioned on the socket portion, engage with the pin portion, and fix together the fitted first assembly and the second assembly.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein the finger collar includes a plurality of flexible fingers that flex to engage the finger collar with the body of the first assembly when the first assembly is fitted with the second assembly.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 13, wherein the fixed collar includes a plurality of windows configured to align with each flexible finger in the non-fixed position, allowing the flexible fingers to bend and engage with the first assembly.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein the fixed collar includes at least one fixed indicator thereon, the fixed indicator is configured to bend radially outward from the fixed collar when the fixed collar is in the non-fixed position, and to be generally flush with the fixed collar when the fixed position.

16. An electrical cable assembly, A first connector assembly having a first conductor and a body, wherein the first connector assembly is coupled to the first conductor, A second connector assembly having a second conductor and a body, wherein the second connector assembly is coupled to the second conductor and the second connector assembly having a second conductor and a body Equipped with, The body of the second assembly is configured to fit with the body of the first assembly, and includes a finger collar surrounding the body of the second assembly, and a fixing collar that is rotatable on the finger collar between a non-fixed position and a fixed position. The finger collar includes at least one flexible finger that flexes when the first assembly is fitted with the second assembly and engages with the first assembly. The fixed collar includes a window aligned with the at least one flexible finger in the non-fixed position, allowing the flexible finger to flex through the fixed collar to engage with the first assembly. An electrical cable assembly wherein the fixed collar is rotatable to the fixed position, moves the window so as to move it out of alignment with the at least one flexible finger, thereby preventing the flexible finger from bending, maintaining the engagement of the finger with the first assembly, and fixing the fitted first and second assemblies together to form the cable assembly.

17. The electrical cable assembly according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second assemblies includes a pin portion, and the other of the first and second assemblies includes a socket portion, and the pin portion engages with the socket portion to fit the first and second assemblies together.

18. The electrical cable assembly according to claim 17, wherein the finger collar and the fixing collar are arranged in the socket portion, engage with the pin portion, and fix together the fitted first assembly and the second assembly.

19. The electrical cable assembly according to claim 16, wherein the finger collar includes a plurality of flexible fingers, and the fixed collar includes a plurality of windows configured to align with each flexible finger, and the fingers bend so as to engage with the first assembly around the body of the first assembly when the first assembly is fitted into the second assembly.

20. The electrical cable assembly according to claim 16, wherein the fixed collar includes at least one fixed indicator thereon, the fixed indicator is configured to bend radially outward from the fixed collar when the fixed collar is in the non-fixed position, and to be generally flush with the fixed collar when the fixed position.

21. It is an electrical connector, The plug part, A socket portion that engages with the plug portion, comprising a socket body configured to receive the plug portion, a finger collar surrounding the socket body, and a fixing collar rotatable on the finger collar between a non-fixed position and a fixed position, and Equipped with, The finger collar includes at least one flexible element that bends when the plug portion is fitted with the socket portion and engages with the plug portion. The fixed collar includes an opening aligned with the at least one flexible element in the non-fixed position, and the flexible element is able to flex through the fixed collar so as to engage with the plug portion. An electrical connector in which the fixed collar is rotatable to the fixed position and moves the opening so as to move it out of alignment with the at least one flexible element, thereby preventing the flexible element from bending, maintaining the engagement between the finger and the plug portion, and fixing the mated plug portion and socket portion together.

22. The electrical connector according to claim 21, wherein the finger collar includes a plurality of flexible elements that flex to engage the finger collar with the plug portion when the plug portion is mated with the socket portion.

23. The electrical connector according to claim 22, wherein the fixed collar includes a plurality of openings configured to align with each flexible element in the non-fixed position, allowing the flexible elements to bend and engage with the plug portion.

24. The electrical connector according to claim 21, wherein the fixed collar includes at least one fixed indicator thereon, the fixed indicator is configured to bend radially outward from the fixed collar when the fixed collar is in the non-fixed position, and to be generally flush with the fixed collar when the fixed position.

25. The electrical connector according to claim 24, further comprising at least one notch on the surface of the finger collar, wherein the fixing indicator engages with the notch to align the opening of the fixing collar and the at least one flexible element in the non-fixed position so that the flexible element can bend through the fixing collar.

26. The electrical connector according to claim 24, wherein the finger collar includes a recess for receiving the at least one fixing indicator when the fixing collar is in the fixing position, and the fixing indicator is coplane with the fixing collar.

27. The electrical connector according to claim 21, wherein the at least one flexible element includes a mechanism thereon, the pin assembly includes a groove around it, and the mechanism of the flexible element falls into the groove when the plug portion and the socket portion are fitted together, thereby securing the socket portion to the plug portion.

28. The electrical connector according to claim 27, wherein, in the fixed position, the fixed collar holds the mechanism of the flexible element in the groove and fixes the socket portion to the plug portion.

29. The electrical connector according to claim 21, further comprising a conductive insert disposed on the socket body, wherein the conductive insert is configured to receive the plug portion when the plug portion is mated with the socket portion.

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