HEAVY DUTY CONNECTOR

• US 3,801,757 A
• Filed: 08/02/1972
• Issued: 04/02/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hubbell, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Frank C. Jaconette Jr, Vincent L. Carissimi
• Inventors: Carissimi, Vincent L., Jaconette, Frank C. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Jr., David
• Application Number:
  US05/277,467
• Time in Patent Office: 608 Days
• Field of Search: 200/5B,51.07,51.08,51.09 339/45B,45M,75R,75M,91R
• US Class Current: 200/50.28
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/62933 Comprising exclusively pivoting lever
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/713 the switch being a safety switch

Abstract

Apparatus for facilitating engagement and disengagement in electrical connectors, particularly where large electrical loads are transmitted therethrough. A pivotal handle is disposed on the connector plug to protect the operator from electrical hazard and to maintain a relatively compact plug profile. Cooperation between the handle and the connector outlet creates a mechanical lock to preclude inadvertent disengagement and also achieves a relatively large mechanical advantage when disengagement is intended. Furthermore, this cooperation establishes an electrical interlock which interrupts power to the connector outlet whenever the mechanical lock ceases to exist.

Claims

1. In an electrical connector apparatus comprising:

an outlet including female contacts and an electrical switch;

a plug including male contacts, said plug and said outlet mating along a common axis with said male contacts slidably engaging said female contacts to effect the electrical connection; and

a pivotal handle securing to said plug about a pivotal axis perpendicular to said common axis, said handle including a latch and an arm, said latch being pivotal about said pivotal axis to cooperate with said outlet and said electrical switch in establishing a mechanical lock and an electrical interlock between said plug and said outlet, said electrical interlock interrupting electrical power to said outlet whenever said mechanical lock ceases to exist.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plug has a transfer axis parallel to said common axis and forces applied along said transfer axis are distributed over said plug to result in balanced turning moments about any axis in a plane perpendicular to said common axis, said pivotal axis being perpendicular to said transfer axis;

said handle includes a gripping bar extending across said plug, said gripping bar being configured to lie flat against said plug and having no significant affect on the overall profile height of said plug;

a portion of said gripping bar overhangs said plug, said portion establishing a gripping lip to facilitate the use of said handle during disengagement;

said arm includes a cam, said cam being rotatable about said pivotal axis to bear against said outlet in developing separating forces between said plug and said outlet.