Electrical connector set

Details Electrical connector set Electrical connector set

1999-12-13

2001-09-11

Vu, Hien (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Bayonet coupling part movable about its axis

C439S144000, C439S271000, C439S551000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06287136

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an electrical connector set of the turn and lock type. The invention is applicable, for example, to provide an electrical connection in a marine environment, for example to provide an electrical connection to a trolling motor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical connectors for trolling motors are subjected to vibration, and often rough usage as well, resulting in undesirable breaks in electrical transmission as well as deterioration of the electrical contacts employed in the plug and receptacle components thereof due to water or moist air intrusion.
It is known to provide locking arrangements which cooperate with a plug and a receptacle to keep these two components together as a unit. Typically, these locking arrangements utilize structure external of the plug and receptacle to accomplish this end. Lock mechanisms of this type are exposed and can be relatively easily damaged or otherwise rendered inoperative or less than optimally operative.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrical connector set including a receptacle and plug which does not rely on exposed mechanisms to maintain a fluid-tight connection between the plug and receptacle. The invention is characterized by its simplicity, low cost and ease of use.
The receptacle of the invention includes a receptacle body having an outer plug engagement surface for engaging a plug and a recess, the recess being defined by an inner peripheral wall of the receptacle body extending inwardly from the plug engagement surface and an end wall of the receptacle body adjoining the inner peripheral wall and spaced from the plug engagement surface.
The receptacle additionally includes receptacle electrical connectors located in the receptacle body. The end wall defines a plurality of openings communicating with the receptacle electrical connectors.
The electrical connector set also includes a plug for selective attachment to the receptacle. The plug includes a plug body having an outer receptacle engagement surface for engaging the receptacle, a projection having a distal end projecting outwardly from the outer receptacle engagement surface and a plurality of plug electrical connectors extending outwardly from the distal end of the projection.
The projection is positionable in the recess of the receptacle to place the plug electrical connectors into the openings defined by the end wall of the receptacle. Subsequent relative rotational movement between the receptacle and the plug is effective to releasably lockingly engage the receptacle electrical connectors and the plug electrical connectors.
Also included in the electrical connector set is a seal located between the receptacle and the plug for providing a liquid-tight seal between the receptacle and the plug when the receptacle electrical connectors and the plug electrical connectors are releasably lockingly engaged.
Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3123423 (1964-03-01), Schmitt
patent: 4060299 (1977-11-01), Williams
patent: 4199207 (1980-04-01), Lee
patent: 5120237 (1992-06-01), Fussell
patent: 5199893 (1993-04-01), Fussell
patent: 5823833 (1998-10-01), Castaldo
patent: 6123578 (2000-09-01), Truett

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