Lock mechanism for a connector

• US 5,603,623 A
• Filed: 12/01/1994
• Issued: 02/18/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Century Medical Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho, Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Nishikawa, Kazuo, Nakamura, Kenji
• Primary Examiner(s): VU, HIEN D
• Application Number:
  US08/256,203
• Time in Patent Office: 810 Days
• Field of Search: 439/372, 439/373, 439/304, 439/144, 439/147, 439/136, 439/133
• US Class Current: 439/144
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6395 for wall or panel outlets

Abstract

A lock mechanism for a built-in connector (2) fixed in a casing (10) constituting the main body of a diagnostic apparatus, etc., to an external plug (3) connected to a cable of a measurement sensor, etc. The built-in connector (2) is fixed inside the open portion of a panel (11) of the casing (10) of the apparatus, and shutters (4; 6; 7) for closing the open portion (13) are arranged in front of the built-in connector (2) in such a fashion as to form an opening (12) for receiving the plug (3) between the front of the connector and the shutters (4; 6; 7). The plug is locked when its rear portion is engaged with notches (41, 61, 71) formed in the shutters.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a built-in electrical connector, said connector being fixed inside an open portion of a panel in a casing, said connector being a type of connector which engages a plug connected to an electrical cord, said lock mechanism comprising:

a curved shutter for closing said open portion of said panel, said shutter being arranged in a front portion of said built-in connector, an opening being formed for receiving said plug between said front portion of said connector and said shutter;

at least one notch formed in said shutter, wherein said plug is locked into said connector when a rear portion of said plug is engaged in said notch formed in said shutter; and

a pair of parallel components attached to said shutter by an axle and supported inside said panel, such that said shutter is capable of rotating about said axle to retract into said open portion of said panel;

said shutter forming an arc such that the entire arc is on the same side of said axle as said open portion of said panel, such that said shutter will close under its own weight.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a user-movable knob consisting of an arc-shaped protrusion of said parallel components beyond said shutter.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 2 further comprising a series of horizontal ridges on said protrusions to facilitate user grasping.