Lockable electrical connector assemblies

摘要

Lockable electrical connector assemblies that couple electrical connectors to prevent the electrical connectors from unintentionally disconnecting are disclosed. The electrical connector assembly has a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a retention ring that has one end surrounding and able to rotate about the second electrical connector. The first electrical connector preferably has tabs that extend away from the first electrical connector. The retention ring has a second end shaped to receive and lock the tabs of the male electrical connector. To form a locked connection, a user rotates the retention ring that causes the retention ring to confine the tabs of the first electrical connector. The user continues to rotate the retention ring until retention ring is placed into a locked position.

主权项

1. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a first electrical connector having a first housing coupled to a first set of electrical contacts, the housing having one or more tabs extending radially outward from the housing; a second electrical connector having a second housing coupled to a second set of electrical contacts adapted to mate with the first set of electrical contacts, the housing having a generally cylindrical section; and, a retention ring having a first section configured for receiving the one or more tabs of the first electrical connector and securing the tabs within the first section, and a second tubular section adapted to surround and rotationally couple to the generally cylindrical section of the second electrical connector,wherein:
the second housing further comprises a recessed groove formed on a generally cylindrical section; and, the second tubular section of the retention ring further comprises a protrusion protruding inward on the inner surface of the second tubular section, the protrusion configured for slidably coupling within the recessed groove of the second electrical connector.