GB676799A - Improvements in or relating to connector devices embodying separable connector elements - Google Patents

Abstract

676,799. Two-part couplings. FERRANTI, Ltd., STEWART, J., and ALLEN, C. Nov. 13, 1950 [Nov. 11, 1949], No. 28986/49. Class 38 (i). [Also in Group XXVIII] A coupling member 9 is movable in a rigid support 12 on presentation of the co-operating coupling member 1 and has hooks or claws 40 which are controlled by lever-and-spring mechanism so that on the continued presentation movement of the member 1, the claws engage behind an abutment 8 thereon and draw the members 1, 9 tightly together. Each claw 40 has a slot 44 comprising a longitudinal part 46 and an inclined part 48, in which slides a pin 16 secured on the support 12, and has a socket 42 which receives a rounded nose 35 constituting the shorter arm of a first-order lever 33. Each lever is pivoted on a ring 20 which may rotate about the body of the member 9 but cannot move otherwise thereon, and the longer lever arm 34 is urged by a spring 50 against a stop 52 on a chassis 15, to which the support 12 is secured. When the member 1 engages the member 9, the latter moves with it against the restoring spring 21 and causes the claws 40 to move along the pins 16, thereby bringing the claw-ends 41 behind the abutment 8 on the member 1. Further movement in the direction of presentation causes the levers 33 to pivot so that, the noses 35, by moving faster than the ring 20, bring the coupling-part 1 into firm locking engagement with the other part. The lever arms 34 are then moved away from the stops 52, the spring 50 being stressed further so as to maintain tight contact between the members 1, 9, Fig. 5. In a modification, Fig. 6, preferably for a wave-guide, the support 12 is box-shaped with a tubular slotted extension projecting from one wall 17 to support the coupling-member 9. The shorter lever arms are replaced by cranks 30 which engage the sockets 42 of the claws 40, the longer arms being controlled by helical springs 50.