Frictional locking receptacle with release operated by actuator

摘要

A method and apparatus for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection can be secured by frictional engagement between the plug and receptacle housings. This can be accomplished by forcing a wedge into an interface between the housings or expanding a locking element, such as an elastomeric ring, into the interface. Such locking and releasing of the secure connection can be actuated using a locking nut.

主权项

1. A locking electrical plug for use in forming a secure electrical connection by mating engagement with a receptacle, said receptacle including a receptacle housing, wherein said plug includes multiple prongs and said receptacle includes multiple sockets for receiving said prongs, wherein said prongs and sockets are arranged so as to define a specific mating orientation for said receptacle and said plug, comprising:
a plug housing structure forming said plug and housing said prongs for selectively establishing and breaking said electrical connection, said plug housing configured to matingly engage a portion of said receptacle housing when said receptacle and said plug are in said specific mating orientation, comprising: a first plug housing portion; and a second plug housing portion moveable relative to said first plug housing portion between first and second positions, wherein, in said first position, said receptacle housing and said plug housing are frictionally locked at least at an interface portion therebetween so as to resist breaking of said connection and, in said second position, said receptacle housing and said plug housing can be easily separated, said interface portion corresponding to a first flat surface of said receptacle housing and a second flat surface of said plug housing; and an actuator assembly for moving said second plug housing portion between said first and second positions.