Exploring 6 Locking Mechanisms for Connectors

Connectors feature various locking mechanisms, including pin locks, Latch Locking, levers, push-pull, screws, and snap-in types. These represent common styles but are not exhaustive. Locking of connectors can support a variety of functions, such as assisted coupling and uncoupling, as well as improving the environmental durability of the connection. It also improves mechanical performance and prevents accidental decoupling.

1.Pin Locks

Pin locks have a male end on one half of the connector and a female socket on the other. They are operated by aligning the two halves, pushing them together, and rotating the collar until a click is heard. They typically couple or decouple with a 1/3 turn. Pin locks are commonly found in circular connectors used for power, signal, or RF contacts, demonstrating resistance to impact and vibration.

2.Latch Locking

Latch locking employs a spring compression mechanism to prevent the separation or relative movement of the connector’s two halves. Depending on the design, pulling, pressing, or rotating the connector is required to release the two halves. The spring latch locking in circular connectors is typically made of steel springs to facilitate quick on-site coupling and support high mating cycles. The latch locking in rectangular connectors often uses simpler plastic latch locking, suitable for low-cost applications with minimal mating cycles.

3.Lever

Some rectangular connectors utilize an external clamping mechanism rather than an internal one. These designs are more robust compared to simple latch locks. In a typical design, one half features a lever arm that can be inserted into a groove on the other half. The lever moves horizontally to bring the two halves together, and the connection is often accompanied by a clicking sound. Lever locking is highly resistant to shock and vibration. It is commonly used in applications such as industrial equipment and transportation systems.

4.Push-Pull Locking

Push-pull locking is sometimes referred to as push-in or push-push locking. When the two halves are pressed together, the internal latch in the plug retracts and inserts into a matching groove inside the socket. Once the two halves are locked together, a simple pull will not accidentally disconnect them. Disconnecting requires squeezing the connector body while pulling the two halves apart. Some designs require a twist and squeeze of the connector body for added security. The simplicity of these designs supports compact solutions. Push-pull locking is used in applications that require frequent and rapid connections and disconnections, where accidental disconnection is highly undesirable, such as in medical systems.

5.Screw Locking

Screw locking utilizes a threaded coupler, providing improved environmental resistance against the impact and vibration performance of bayonet locks. Circular connectors employ a different screw locking design compared to rectangular connectors. For circular connectors, the threads are located on the two halves of the connector. Some rectangular connectors use a central screw on one half of the connector and a corresponding socket on the other half. These connectors often employ dowels to align the two parts. Other types of rectangular connectors such as D-sub backshells. Using the jackscrew mechanism, there is a jackscrew on each side of the backshell and the panel connector has threads for inserting the jackscrews.

6.Snap-In Locking

Snap-in locks, also known as snap-lock or push-in locks, are simple, cost-effective, and compact in structure. They only need to snap together with a relatively small force and are easily pulled apart. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the application. They allow for quick connections, but the minimal holding strength, compared to other locking methods like push-pull locking, increases the risk of unintentional disconnection. Snap-in locks are not used in applications such as healthcare but are suitable for applications like electrical testing equipment that require quick and frequent coupling and decoupling, and the compact design is beneficial.

Summary

There are various connector locking mechanisms to choose from. They provide different levels of secure connections, with some being more complex than others. Different designs have been optimized for a range of application requirements, spanning from communication connections to industrial, Harsh Environment, healthcare, and testing and measurement systems.