Connector with anti-decoupling mechanism

Abstract

The connector assembly may include a ratcheting feature which prevents the coupling nut from turning due to vibration or shock. The coupling nut may include an engagement surface. The engagement surface may be a series of peaks and valleys. The connector may include a spring washer. The spring washer may be located between the coupling nut and the connector body. The spring washer may include a protrusion. The protrusion engages the engagement surface. In a second embodiment, the coupling nut may include a spring pin. The connector body may include an engagement surface. The engagement surface may be a series of peaks and valleys. The spring pin engages the engagement surface. The spring pin may be made of multiple components, for example, a pin and a spring. In another embodiment, the spring pin may be a single component.

1 . A connector comprising a connector body, a coupling nut, and a spring washer, the coupling nut includes an engagement surface, the spring washer includes a protrusion, the protrusion engages the engagement surface, the engagement between the protrusion and the engagement surface prevents rotation of the coupling nut below a predetermined rotational force on the coupling nut. 
     
     
         2 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the spring washer includes an offset portion. 
     
     
         3 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the offset portion engages the connector body. 
     
     
         4 . The connector as in  claim 3  wherein the connector body includes a flange, the offset portion engages the flange. 
     
     
         5 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the spring washer has a retention feature to prevent rotation of the spring washer. 
     
     
         6 . The connector as in  claim 5  wherein the retention feature is a tab on the spring washer. 
     
     
         7 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the connector has a holding feature to prevent the removal of the coupling nut from the connector body. 
     
     
         8 . The connector as in  claim 7  wherein the connector body includes a groove, the holding feature includes a lock ring, the lock ring engages the groove. 
     
     
         9 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the connector body includes a fiber optic component. 
     
     
         10 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the connector body includes an electrical component. 
     
     
         11 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the engagement surface includes peaks and valleys. 
     
     
         12 . The connector as in  claim 1  wherein the coupling nut has threads to engage a mating connector. 
     
     
         13 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The connector as in claim I wherein the spring washer includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion engages the engagement surface. 
     
     
         22 . The connector as in  claim 6  wherein the tab engages the connector body 
     
     
         23 . The connector as in  claim 22  wherein the connector body includes a notch, the tab engages the notch. 
     
     
         24 . The connector as in  claim 6  wherein the retention feature includes a second tab on the spring washer. 
     
     
         25 . The connector as in  claim 24  wherein the tab engages the connector body, the second tab engages the connector body. 
     
     
         26 . The connector as in  claim 25  wherein the connector body includes a notch and a second notch, the tab engages the notch, the second tab engages the second notch. 
     
     
         27 . The connector as in  claim 2  wherein the spring washer includes a terminal portion.