Quick Connect Electrical Connector System

Abstract

The electrical connector system 10 includes a connector 20 having a plug 50. A shroud 54 extends over and is coupled to a portion of the plug 50. A conductive socket 14 is configured to receive the plug 50 of the connector. The socket 14 includes a groove 72 formed on an outer surface. The shroud includes spring fingers having locking portions 70 configured to engage the grooves 72 to secure the connector 20 within the socket. A collar 80 is slidably mounted on the conductive socket 14 and configured to slide between a locked position adjacent the socket groove 72 and an unlocked position. The collar 80 is further configured to engage the spring fingers 58 of the connector shroud 54 in the locked position to hold the finger locking portions 70 engaged in the grooves 72 to lock the connector within the socket.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 568,683, filed Sep. 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electrical systems, and more particularly to systems for handling power signals and power delivery, such as in an aircraft environment. [Background technology]

[0003] A number of different solutions have been provided for delivering electrical signals, and particularly power signals, in structures such as aircraft. For example, terminal blocks are often used. While such terminal blocks provide multiple terminals, connectors often must be bolted to these terminal blocks. Furthermore, such terminal blocks expose "hot" or "live" contact surfaces that may be subject to arcing or other problems. Furthermore, such configurations require time-consuming grounding steps to connect and disconnect the power terminals. Other configurations may use connectors that use connector elements that are threaded together. However, such configurations are not commonly used in terminal block configurations and are difficult to reconfigure for multiple contact assemblies.

[0004] Additionally, such power delivery systems in aircraft environments are subject to harsh environments and must be structurally robust to handle motion and vibration stresses that can jeopardize electrical connections. Such systems must also address potential arcing issues due to proximity to other connectors or terminals. Furthermore, such terminal blocks or equipment connections must also handle exposure to the elements and corrosive liquids.

[0005] Thus, there remain many needs in the art for providing efficient and robust electrical connections, such as providing robust power signal delivery in an aircraft environment. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,385,449 [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; [Figure 1A] 2 is a perspective view of a connector of the electrical connection system in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is an internal perspective view of a modular element of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the modular element of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector component of the modular element of FIG. 3 according to the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the connector component of FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 4C] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the modular element of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 5A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a shroud element of one embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention. [Figure 5B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a shroud element of one embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention. [Figure 6A] 1 is a perspective view of a connector and socket interconnection of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6B] 1 is a perspective view of a connector and socket interconnection of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and socket interconnection of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; [Figure 7B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and socket interconnection of one embodiment of an electrical connection system according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1 illustrates a quick connect electrical connector system / assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 allows for the rapid connection and disconnection of electrical cables, such as power cables, within an overall electrical power system. The present invention has particular applicability with respect to aircraft electrical power systems, but may also be used with other systems and structures.

[0010] The system 10 includes multiple modules 12, each including one or more electrical sockets 14. The sockets 14 are configured to receive power cables and connectors and secure the connectors as described herein. The modules 12 and their respective sockets 14 may be assembled together, such as on a base structure 16, and appropriately secured to the base structure as described herein. Multiple modules 12 may be stacked side-by-side on the base structure 16, and the system 10 may include one or more modules. Each of the modules 12 may include one or more sets of sockets 14 for desired connections. Typically, connectors are provided throughout the module, from one socket 14 on one end of the module to a corresponding socket 14 on the other end of the module, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. For system completion purposes, such as aesthetics, and to further provide access areas for mechanisms, such as screws or bolts, for attaching the system 10, the system may incorporate one or more end cap structures 18 that further couple to the base 16 and enclose the modules 12 to form the block assembly of the system 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . While the embodiment shows the block assembly / system 10 with three individual modules 12, more or fewer modules 12 may be used, and the base structure 16 may be sized appropriately. Thus, the system can be modified with and added to any desired number of modules per customer specification and connector requirements. As discussed herein, each of the modules 12 incorporates an electrical socket 14 and internal mechanisms, as well as mechanisms for locking and unlocking connectors and cables for the system 10 as described herein.

[0011] Figure 1A shows an assembly 10 of the present invention with multiple connectors 20 plugged into individual sockets 14. As shown in Figure 1A, each connector 20 may be crimped or otherwise coupled to a respective cable 21 to provide electrical continuity through the connectors 20, sockets 14, and system 10 to the sockets 14, connectors 20, and cables 21 on the other side of the system.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1A , the module 12 houses the sockets 14 and other features described herein to enable electrical connections through the module 12 and to secure one or more of the connectors 20 and their respective cables 21 within the module 12. To this end, each module 12 includes a body 30, which may be formed from a suitable plastic or other insulating material, such as a polyamide-imide (PAI) material (e.g., Torlon®). The body 30 encapsulates the individual sockets 14, which may be formed as part of a continuous electrical structure that runs end-to-end throughout the module to provide electrical continuity throughout the module. For example, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4C , four socket structures 14 formed together as a socket block are illustrated that may be incorporated into each module 12. As shown in FIG. 4A , the sockets 14 are organized into pairs 14 a, 14 b that are coupled together end-to-end via a mid-section 32 to form a socket assembly. The internal structure of the sockets 14 provides electrical continuity for each socket pair and may be coupled together via conductive elements 34 and appropriate bolt structures 36. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, bolt structures or other fastening structures extend through each of the socket mid-sections 32 and the conductive structures to secure the sockets together and form a unitary and conductive four-socket block. This block may then be enclosed or encapsulated within each module body 30, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4C. The conductive elements 34 may be formed from a suitable material, such as electrical-grade copper or electrical-grade aluminum. The sockets 14 and mid-sections 32 may be formed from a suitable conductive metal, such as electrical-grade copper or electrical-grade aluminum. By plugging a connector 20 and cable 21 into each socket 14, electrical continuity is achieved throughout the module to each of the other sockets 14, connectors 20, and cables 21, as desired (see FIG. 1A).

[0013] Referring again to FIG. 2 , to secure the modules 12 within the system 10, one embodiment of the present invention may utilize dovetail joints, as shown. Specifically, the modules 12 and the base structure 16 each include one half of a dovetail joint, such as a dovetail 40 or a groove 42 for receiving the dovetail. As shown in FIG. 2 , the modules 12 have dovetails 40, and the base structure 16 is shown with a molded groove 42. However, the opposite configuration may be utilized to secure the modules 12. More specifically, the modules 12 and their respective dovetails 40 each slide into the receiving groove 42 in the base structure 16. One or more locking structures 44 slide into appropriately formed grooves 46 in the base structure 16 and engage each of the module's dovetails 40 to secure the module within the base structure 16. As shown in FIG. 2 , the locking structures 44 slide into the appropriate grooves 46 in the base structure 16 and are placed into engagement with each of the modules. The end cap structures 18 may then be placed in place to secure the locking structures 44 and further secure the module 12 within the base structure 16. Depending on the application of the system 10, the base structure 16 and the end cap structures 18 may be formed with suitable bolt holes, snap-fit ​​features, or other features for mounting the system 10 to a structure, such as, for example, a suitable aircraft structure.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 4C , a cross-sectional view of a module 12 with sockets 14 formed therein is shown. As shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 1, the sockets 14 are disposed within the body 30 of each module 12, and four socket blocks, such as those shown in FIG. 4B , are enclosed or otherwise secured within the module 12 to prevent movement of the sockets 14 and other hardware. Bolts 36 and lock washers 38 hold the socket assemblies together with the conductive structures 34. These socket assemblies are then secured to the body 30. For example, grooves (not shown) formed in the conductive structures 34 may mate with corresponding keys (not shown) in the body element 30 or other body or filler blocks to hold the socket assemblies in place within the body 30. As discussed further herein, the interior structure of the body 30 also forms surfaces near each socket that function as part of the mechanism for locking and unlocking the connector in the socket.

[0015] Thus, the socket assembly, including the connector 20, midsection 32, and conductive structure 34, is coupled together to form the connector's conductive block or module 12 as shown. Each of the connectors of module 12 is electrically coupled to another module. In this manner, individual power cables for power feeds can be coupled together within module 12 for front-to-rear or front-to-rear (or rear-to-rear) connections. Furthermore, various power cable configurations can be accommodated. These include one front cable-one rear cable configuration (one cable on each side of the module) and one front cable-two rear cable configurations (or vice versa). Furthermore, one front cable-another front cable configuration (or vice versa) is also possible. Finally, all sockets may be used in a configuration with two cables on each side of the connector system.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, system 10 provides quick connect and disconnect for securing and removing connectors 20 and cables 21 within system 10. To this end, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , each connector 20 plugged into system 10 may incorporate a pin or plug portion or plug 50 that plugs into socket 14 and a crimp or interfacing portion 52 that interfacing with cable 21. This crimp portion 52 may incorporate various features, such as those shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,277,693, for coupling to the cable. Connector 20 interfacing with the conductors or wires of cable 21. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each connector 20 includes an insulating connector shroud 54 that covers the portion of connector 20 including plug 50. Insulating shroud 54 may be formed from a suitable insulating plastic material, such as PAI, as listed herein. 4, shroud 54 includes a base 56 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) for mating with a portion of connector 20 and a plurality of spring fingers 58 extending from the base for covering plug 50. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, shroud 54 is configured to engage socket 14 and lock connector 20 therein. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 4, socket 14 includes a body structure 60 having a plug-receiving portion 62 with a suitable opening 64 for receiving plug 50 of connector 20.

[0017] 7A and 7B, the shroud 54, and particularly the spring fingers 58, are sized to overlie the plug-receiving portion 62 of the socket 14 when the connector 20 and plug 50 are plugged into the socket. The shroud 54 locks the connector 20 and plug 50 relative to the socket 14. To this end, and with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, each of the spring fingers 58 incorporates a flange portion 70 that projects radially inward relative to the spring finger 58 and the shroud 54. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the flange portions 70 together form a circumferential, spring-biased flange structure about the periphery of the shroud 54. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the spring fingers of the shroud 54 extend circumferentially around the shroud such that the flange portions 70 effectively form a circumferential flange structure extending around the interior of the shroud. The flange portion 70 and gathering flange structure engage a groove 72 formed around the periphery of the body 60 of the socket 14. Referring to Figure 4, the groove 72 is positioned deep into the plug-receiving portion 62 toward one end of the socket 14. To this end, the flange portion 70 of the shroud 54 is positioned at the end of the spring fingers 58. In this manner, the shroud 54 and connector 20 are secured onto the socket 14, with the plug 50 securely held within the plug-receiving portion 62 of the socket.

[0018] 7B, when a connector plug is inserted into the socket, the spring fingers flex radially away from the socket body and particularly away from the pin receiving portion, thereby allowing the locking portions 70 on the shroud 54, and particularly the spring fingers 58, to fit over the plug receiving portion 62 of the socket 14. As shown in FIG. 7B, the spring fingers 58 are shown flexed with the locking portions 70 resting on the outer surface of the plug receiving portion 62. As the connector 20, and particularly the plug 50, is inserted further into the socket 14, under the spring bias of the spring fingers 58, the locking portions 70 flex radially inward, thereby forcing the locking portions 70 into engagement with the grooves 72. As can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the plug receiving portion 62 of the socket 14 has a plurality of alignment surfaces 78 for aligning the plug within the pair of sockets 14a, 14b. While certain shapes and types of plug 50 and plug receiving portion 62 are shown, the present invention is not limited to the types of connector structures that may utilize the features of the present invention. Furthermore, additional conductive structures or inserts may be used within or with the plug receiving portion to ensure a robust electrical connection between cable 21 and system 10. As shown, the structures forming pair of sockets 14a, 14b and mid-section 32 may be formed as a unitary structure, and multiple such unitary structures may be stacked together and held together by fasteners, as shown in Figures 4A-4C, to form a module in accordance with the present invention.

[0019] According to another feature of the present invention, the system can include a collar slidably mounted on the conductive socket 14. The collar is configured to slide between a locked position near the socket groove 72 and an unlocked position away from the socket groove. More specifically, the collar 80 is shown in the locked position in FIG. 7A and in the unlocked position in FIG. 7B. In the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the collar 80 is further configured to engage the spring fingers 58, and particularly the locking portion 70 of the connector shroud, to hold the finger locking portion in engagement with the groove 72 and lock the shroud and connector 20 within the socket. In particular, the collar 80 includes some portion, such as a ridge 82, that overlaps a portion of the locking portion 70 and the groove 72 so that the locking portion 70 remains locked within the groove 72 and prevents the locking portion 70 and the spring fingers 58 from rising up on the socket 14. In this manner, the spring fingers 58 cannot flex radially away from the socket 14, as shown in FIG. 7A. In this way, the connector 20 and the connector plug 50 remain plugged into the socket.

[0020] To then remove the connector 20, the collar is configured to be moved to an unlocked position generally away from the socket groove 72. This releases the ends of the fingers and the locking portion 70, allowing the fingers 58 to flex completely away from the socket. The locking portion 70 can then be moved out of the groove 72 so that the connector, including the plug 50 and shroud 54, can be removed from the socket 14. For purposes of engagement and disengagement to lock and unlock the connector shroud and connector, the locking portion 70 can include angled surfaces 84 that are complementary to the respective angled surfaces 86 of the groove 72. In this manner, when the connector is retracted back away from the socket, as shown by arrow 87 in FIG. 7B , the interaction of the complementary angled surfaces 84 and 86 causes the locking portion 70 to slide upward and out of the groove 72. The connector plug 50 can then be unplugged and removed from the socket 14. In coupling the connector 20 to the socket 14, the connector plug 50 is plugged into the socket opening 64 with the spring fingers moving over the plug receiving portion 62 so that the locking portion 70 slides into the groove 72.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7A , collar 80 is biased toward groove 72 or toward its locked position. To this end, a spring mechanism 90 or other biasing element may act on collar 80 to bias the collar forward toward groove 72 and toward the locked position as shown in FIG. 7A , engaging spring fingers 58. This spring mechanism acts between the collar and a portion of socket 14 or mid-section 32 to bias the collar. To unlock the connector and connector shroud 54, the collar must then be moved away from socket groove 72 against the biasing force of spring mechanism 90 or other biasing element to an unlocked position. To this end, in another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is used to act on collar 80 to move the collar from the locked position to the unlocked position. Specifically, when this mechanism acts on the collar, it slides the collar toward the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 7B and indicated by arrow 91. In doing so, the spring fingers 58, and particularly the locking portions 70 thereof, flex radially outward and away from the socket grooves 72 to effect removal of the connector and shroud 54.

[0022] When the connector is initially plugged into the socket, collar 80 is biased toward the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7A . In this position, spring fingers, and particularly locking portion 70, are prevented from flexing radially inward and into groove 72 by collar 80 obstructing a portion of the groove. The outwardly flexed fingers, as shown in FIG. 7B , engage the collar when the connector plug is plugged into the socket, thereby pushing collar 80 rearward toward the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 7B . At the same time, locking portion 70 engages groove 72. Then, when collar 80 is pushed rearward a sufficient distance to expose the groove, spring fingers 58 flex radially inward with locking portion 70 sliding into groove 72. At this point, the collar is no longer urged toward the unlocked position by the shroud. Under the biasing force of spring mechanism 90, collar 80 can again slide forward over spring fingers 58 of the shroud to the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7A . The collar can then slide over the spring fingers 58 on the shroud, thereby locking them in place, as shown.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 4 , one embodiment of a mechanism for moving the collar is shown. The illustrated embodiment is in the form of an interlocking pinion gear 100 and rack gear 102. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the pinion gear 100 is incorporated into the collar 80. The collar is configured and positioned within the module body 30 to rotate relative to the socket 14, as well as slide or translate between the locked and unlocked positions as shown. Furthermore, rotation of the collar 80 causes the collar to slide or translate on the socket 14 under operation of the mechanism. More specifically, up and down translation of the rack gear 102 acts against the pinion gear 100 and collar 80, rotating the collar 80 through the pinion gear. This rotation moves the collar 80 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4-4C , individual sockets 14 are received within a body or housing 30 to form individual modules 12. Each socket includes a respective collar 80 associated with and slidably mounted relative to the socket. Each collar includes a respective pinion gear 100. The pinion gear is implemented as a plurality of gear teeth 110 circumferentially positioned around at least a portion of the collar 80. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6B , the collar 80 includes one or more cam surfaces 112 adjacent the teeth 110. As described herein, the teeth 110 and cam surfaces 112 cooperate with complementary cam surfaces 114 formed within the body 30 of the module 12 near the collar to engage the teeth 110 and surfaces 112. These interlocking pinion gears 100, rack gear 102, teeth 110, and cam surfaces 112, 114 function together to form a mechanism for moving the collar between locked and unlocked positions.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the cam surface 112 on the collar, the teeth 110 are further configured to form a cam or cam surface. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6A, the teeth 110 on the collar 80 have different lengths that taper circumferentially around the collar and form the pinion gear 100. As shown in FIG. 4 and particularly FIG. 6A, the cam surface is formed by tapering from the longer teeth 110 to the shorter teeth. The cam surface 112 and gear tooth cam surface extend along the periphery of the collar 80. The gear teeth 110 of the pinion gear 100 and the cam surface formed thereby are positioned in the module body 30 to engage one or more complementary cam surfaces 114 formed in the module. The collar cam surface 112 and the pinion gear 100 thereby act together to move the collar. In particular, in the portion of the body 30 that houses the electrical connector system and elements, complementary cam surfaces 114 may be formed around the socket 14 at the front of the collar to abut the respective cam surfaces 112 and gear teeth 110 of the collar, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6A-6B, rack gear 102 further includes engagement teeth 116 for engaging pinion gear teeth 110. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the translation of rack gear 102 and its engagement and rotation with pinion gear 100 and collar 80 in accordance with the present invention. As rack gear 102 translates and engages with pinion gear 100 and teeth 110, collar 80 is rotated. This rotation causes cam surfaces 112 on collar 80 and cam surfaces of teeth 110 to slide against respective module cam surfaces 114 formed in body 30 of module 12. The individual cam surfaces form sloped surfaces along their lengths, which are sloped both circumferentially around the collar and longitudinally around collar 80 as indicated by arrow 120 in Figure 6A. Thus, rotation of collar 80 and engagement of camming surface 112 and teeth 110 with camming surface 114 on the module translates collar 80 longitudinally in module 12 relative to connector socket 14. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, this causes the collar to move longitudinally on socket 14 from a locked position, as shown in Figure 7A, to an unlocked position, as shown in Figure 7B. In this manner, shroud 54 can be unlocked for removal of the connector and plug from socket 14 as discussed.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3 , the individual socket and slidable collar elements are housed within the body 30 and in suitable cavities and structures therein for supporting the individual elements of the electrical connector system. As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the module body 30 is configured and formed to form and position complementary cam surfaces 114 adjacent the individual collars 80, thereby allowing the cam surfaces to act against the collars. As will be appreciated, the module body 30 may be molded or otherwise manufactured to receive socket structures as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C to form a complete module as shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the module 12 may incorporate four sockets and various mechanical elements (e.g., cam surfaces 114) for moving the collars between locked and unlocked positions. Appropriate space is formed in the module body 30 to support the sockets and collars, various pinion and rack gears, and biasing elements 90, 126. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the rack gear 102 is supported in a manner that allows it to translate up and down. To this end, each of the rack gears 102 includes engagement portions, shown in the form of pins 122, that can be pressed downward to translate the rack gears 102 and rotate the pinion gear 100 and collar 80 on the socket 14. Referring to FIG. 3 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of sockets 14 may incorporate rack gears 102 positioned on opposite sides of the module 12. To this end, as shown in FIG. 3 , translation of the rack gears 102 causes the respective pinion gears and collars to rotate in opposite directions for a particular socket pair. To this end, the cam surfaces 114 are configured such that their respective inclined surfaces extend in opposite directions relative to each other within the pair of sockets 14 of the module. Similarly, on opposite sides of the module, the sockets may be similarly arranged in pairs with the collars 80 rotating in opposite directions; that is, one collar rotates clockwise upon engagement with the rack gear 102, and the other collar rotates counterclockwise upon engagement with the opposing rack gear 102.

[0028] According to another feature of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3 , each of the rack gears 102 may be biased with a suitable biasing element 126, such as a spring element. In particular, each of the rack gears 102 further includes a suitable portion 128 that engages the biasing element 126 so that the biasing element acts against the rack gear. The module body may house the biasing element 126 in alignment with the rack gear portion 128. A biasing element, such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , may bias each of the rack gears 102 toward an upward position. To this end, the biasing element is positioned between a suitable surface or portion within the body of the module 12 to act against portion 128 and the rack gear 102 to bias the portion vertically upward. This, in turn, biases the collar and pinion gear to rotate in a particular direction so that the collar can be moved to the disclosed locked position. Then, by operating the button portion 122, the biasing element 126 is depressed downward to activate a mechanism that rotates the collar 80. In this manner, biasing element 126 cooperates with biasing element 90 to move collar 80 into the locked position.

[0029] The mechanism of the present invention acting on the collar is multifunctional, both rotating the collar and translating the collar along the socket to move the collar from the locked position to the unlocked position. Thus, the action on rack gear 102 when the button portion is pressed downward counteracts the forces of both biasing element 90 and biasing element 126, causing the collar to rotate and translate to the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 7B . When button portion 122 is released, biasing elements 90 and 126 again act to ensure that collar 80 is rotated back to the locked position. That is, biasing element 126 operates to translate rack gear 102 to rotate the collar, while biasing element 90 operates to translate collar 80 and the camming surfaces thereon relative to complementary camming surfaces on the module body, thereby applying additional force to rotate collar 80, so that the collar can move back to the locked position of FIG. 7A . Of course, the present invention may utilize only one of the biasing elements 90, 126 to apply a biasing force to bias the resting collar into the locked position.

[0030] 1-3, rack gear button portions 122 may be located within body 30. In this manner, it may be necessary to use a tool to engage button portions 122 and drive them downwardly into body 30 to translate rack gear 102. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a section of pin portions 122 extends above body 30 of each of modules 12 for easier manual manipulation without the use of a tool.

[0031] Thus, according to this operation of the present invention, the connector and connector plug may be plugged into the conductive socket 14 with the shroud 54 acting against the collar 80 to push it back into the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 7B . Once the connector is fully inserted, or at least the plug 50 inserted far enough so that the locking portion 70 can engage the groove 72, the collar 80 may be rotatable and slidable back to the locked position under the biasing force of the biasing elements 90 and 126. Thus, a person need only plug the connector into the socket of the module to plug in and lock the connector within the electrical connector system 10 of the present invention. The rotational and translational movement of the locking collar 80 occurs automatically due to the forces on the connector and associated shroud. Once locked, the connector cannot be removed due to the action of the shroud, which retains the connector plug 50 within the socket 14. However, when it is desired to unplug the connector, one or more of the button portions 122 may be operated to drive the rack gear and rotate the pinion gear, thereby achieving rotation and subsequent translation of one or more collars 80. When moved to the unlocked position, the collars disengage from the locking portions 70 and grooves 72, and the spring fingers 58 of the shroud 54 are again free to flex, thereby allowing the locking portions 70 to slide out of the grooves 72. This allows the connector plug to be unplugged from the socket for removal of the connector. Thus, the present invention provides a desirable locking mechanism for a connector when it is plugged into a module 12.

[0032] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the shroud 54 is removable and replaceable with respect to the connector 20. That is, the shroud can be replaced without the need to cut or terminate the entire connector or other end accessories of the cable. To this end, the shroud can be formed from a plastic material that can be removed from the connector and cut or broken to install a new shroud. The shroud is secured with elements that remain integral with the broken shroud, allowing a new shroud to be easily installed on the same connector 20. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A, the shroud assembly includes the shroud 54 and a cord lock element 55 that is inserted within the shroud to engage the connector 20. More specifically, the shroud 54 includes a cord passage 57 that surrounds the shroud and is accessed through an opening 59. The connector 20 has a corresponding groove 61 positioned on the connector 20 to align with the shroud passage 57. The passage may be positioned, for example, in the base 56 of the shroud. The shroud may be placed over the connector and abut the end of plug 50 so that the cord passage overlies the groove. As will be appreciated, the shroud and connector may be shaped and sized, e.g., in diameter, so that the passage overlies the groove when they are assembled as shown in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , a cord locking element may then be slid through opening 59 and into passage 57, surrounding the passage and engaging groove 61 in the process. Passage 57 and groove 61 overlap and simultaneously engage cord locking element 55, which then secures the shroud to the connector. Preferably, cord locking element 55 is sized to surround most of the passage and groove to secure the shroud. In one embodiment, the cord locking element may be pushed into the passage, as shown in FIG. 5A , and then folded near opening 59 once it completely surrounds passage 57. In this manner, the shroud is secured. The shroud can then be later cut or broken without affecting the connector and a new shroud can be put into place in the same manner.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a shroud plug may be used to fit into any unused socket. Such a plug would have the structure and features of the shroud 54 described herein, but would take the form of a plug rather than being mated with a connector. The plug would lock and unlock in the same manner as the connector shroud described above.

[0034] While the present invention has been illustrated by describing one or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended that the appended claims be limited or in any way restricted to such details. The various features of the motor mounting assembly 10 shown and described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10 Quick Connect Electrical Connector Systems / Assemblies, Block Assemblies / Systems, Motor Mounting Assemblies, Systems 12 modules 14 Electric sockets, conductive sockets, socket structures, connector sockets 14a socket 14b socket 16 Base structure, base 18 End cap structure 20 Connectors 21 Cable 30 Body, module body, housing, body element 32 Mid Section, Socket Mid Section 34 Conductive elements, conductive structural parts 36 Bolt structure, bolt 38 Lock washer 40 Dovetail 42 Groove, receiving groove 44 Locking structure 46 Groove 50 Plug, Connector Plug 52 Crimp part, connecting part 54 Insulating Connector Shroud 55 Code Lock Elements 56 base 57 Cord passage, shroud passage, passage 58 Spring Finger 59 Aperture 60 Main body structure, main body 61 Groove 62 Plug receiving part 64 opening, socket opening 70 Flange part, lock part 72 groove, socket groove 78 Alignment Surface 80 colors, rock colors 82 Ridge 84 Angled Surface 86 Angled Surface 90 Spring mechanism, biasing element 100 Pinion Gear 102 Rack Gear 110 gear teeth, pinion gear teeth, teeth 112 Cam surface, color cam surface 114 Complementary cam surfaces, modular cam surfaces, cam surfaces 116 Engaging teeth 122 Pins, pin parts, button parts 126 energizing element 128 Appropriate Parts, Parts, Rack Gear Parts

Claims

1. a connector including a plug; a shroud extending over at least a portion of the plug and coupled to the plug; a conductive socket configured to receive the plug of the connector, the conductive socket including a groove formed in an outer surface of the conductive socket; 1. An electrical connector system comprising:

1. The electrical connector system of claim 1, wherein the shroud includes at least one spring finger, the spring finger having a locking portion configured to engage the groove to secure the connector to the conductive socket, the electrical connector system includes a collar slidably mounted to the conductive socket, the collar configured to slide between a locked position adjacent the groove of the conductive socket and an unlocked position; the collar is configured to lock at least one of the spring fingers of the shroud in the locked position, thereby maintaining the locking portion of the spring finger engaged in the groove to lock the connector to the conductive socket; the electrical connector system includes a mechanism coupled to the collar, the mechanism configured to act on the collar when the collar is in the locked position and engage to rotate the collar relative to the conductive socket to move it to the unlocked position, disengaging the collar from the spring finger and disengaging the spring finger from the groove.

2. 2. The electrical connector system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the spring fingers flexes radially away from the conductive socket when the plug of the connector is inserted into the conductive socket, the spring finger flexes radially inward to press the locking portion into the groove when the plug is further inserted into the conductive socket, and the collar retains the locking portion of the spring finger in the groove to lock the connector to the conductive socket.

3. 3. The electrical connector system of claim 2, wherein said electrical connector system comprises a plurality of spring fingers having locking portions, said spring fingers flexing to compress said locking portions into said grooves.

4. 4. The electrical connector system of claim 3, wherein said locking portions of said spring fingers together form a flange formation around said connector for locking said connector relative to said conductive socket.

5. 2. The electrical connector system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism includes an interconnected pinion gear and a rack gear, the collar configured to rotate relative to the conductive socket to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and at least one of the rack gear and the pinion gear coupled to the collar to rotate the collar when the rack gear and the pinion gear interconnect.

6. 6. The electrical connector system of claim 5, wherein the pinion gear is mounted to the collar, and translational movement of the rack gear rotates the collar via the pinion gear, thereby moving the collar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

7. 2. The electrical connector system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism includes a cam surface positioned adjacent the collar, the collar including a complementary cam surface, and the mechanism operates to rotate the collar and bring the complementary cam surface of the collar into opposition to the cam surface of the mechanism to move the collar from the locked position to the unlocked position.

8. 7. The electrical connector system of claim 6, wherein the mechanism includes a cam surface positioned adjacent the collar, the collar including a complementary cam surface opposed to the cam surface of the mechanism so that rotation of the collar via the pinion gear moves the collar from the locked position to the unlocked position.

9. 2. The electrical connector system of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element configured to act on the collar to bias the collar to slide onto the conductive socket toward the locked position.

10. 7. The electrical connector system of claim 6, wherein the electrical connector system includes a biasing element configured to act on the rack gear to bias the rack gear to translate in a predetermined direction and to rotate the collar.

11. a module including a plurality of conductive sockets each configured to receive a connector; a connector including a plug and a locking portion that is plugged into at least one of the conductive sockets; 1. An electrical connector system comprising: at least one of the conductive sockets of the module includes a groove formed in an outer surface of the conductive socket, the groove configured to receive the locking portion of the connector to secure the connector to the conductive socket; the electrical connector system includes a collar slidably mounted to the conductive socket, the collar configured to slide between a locked position adjacent the groove of the conductive socket and an unlocked position; the collar is configured to retain the locking portion of the connector in the locked position to hold the locking portion engaged in the groove and lock the connector to the conductive socket; the electrical connector system includes a mechanism coupled to the collar, the mechanism configured to act on the collar when the collar is in the locked position and to engage the collar while rotating it relative to the conductive socket to move it to the unlocked position so that the collar disengages from the locking portion and the locking portion disengages from the groove.

12. 12. The electrical connector system of claim 11, wherein the electrical connector system comprises a shroud extending over at least a portion of the plug and coupled to the plug, the shroud including at least one spring finger having a locking portion configured to engage the groove to secure the connector to the conductive socket.

13. 13. The electrical connector system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the spring fingers flexes radially away from the conductive socket when the plug of the connector is inserted into the conductive socket, the spring finger flexes radially inward to press the locking portion into the groove when the plug is further inserted into the conductive socket, and the collar retains the locking portion of the spring finger in the groove to lock the connector to the conductive socket.

14. 13. The electrical connector system of claim 12, wherein the electrical connector system comprises a plurality of spring fingers having locking portions, the spring fingers flexing to compress the locking portions into the grooves.

15. 12. The electrical connector system of claim 11, wherein the mechanism includes an interconnected pinion gear and rack gear, the collar configured to rotate relative to the conductive socket to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the pinion gear coupled to the collar to rotate the collar when the rack gear and the pinion gear interconnect.

16. 16. The electrical connector system of claim 15, wherein the mechanism includes a cam surface positioned adjacent the collar, the collar including a complementary cam surface, and the pinion gear operates to rotate the collar and bring the complementary cam surface of the collar into opposition to the cam surface of the module to move the collar from the locked position to the unlocked position.

17. 12. The electrical connector system of claim 11, wherein the electrical connector system comprises a biasing element configured to act on the collar to bias the collar to slide onto the conductive socket toward the locked position.

18. 16. The electrical connector system of claim 15, wherein the electrical connector system comprises a biasing element configured to act on the rack gear to bias the rack gear to translate in a predetermined direction and to rotate the collar.

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