Locking Systems

The primary function of connectors is to maintain electrical continuity. Mechanical assistance with the coupling and uncoupling of connectors is known as locking. A secure locking system is essential for fastening the two parts in the operating position and ensuring an effective seal. The effective coupling of connectors is often referred to as mating.

Over time, various solutions for locking mechanisms have been devised, the most common being:

Push-pull couplings
Screw thread couplings
Breakaway couplings
Push and press release couplings

The choice of locking mechanism is dependent upon the connector's use and the environment it is subject to.

Technical Requirements

Uncompromised signals, data or power rely on dependable connections. Shocks, vibration, infiltration or simple mishandling can lead to disconnection. The result of which could be significant loss or damage to equipment, data or even life.

However necessary it may be, repeated connection and disconnection can pose challenges to connector design. A reliable locking system protects the contacts from wear and tear, extending the lifespan of the connector and reducing the costs of maintenance.

Ergonomic design is also critical. A connector which is easy to manipulate is quicker to use and reduces maintenance costs. A compact connector occupies less space and, in the case of LEMO's original Push-Pull connectors, requires no tools to disengage a secure connection.

These considerations are essential to the manufacture of resilient, high-performance connectors.

The Advantages of LEMO Solutions

The Original Push-Pull Self-Latching system

LEMO invented the Push-Pull locking system

The design provides secure mating with a simple axial push of the plug into the socket. The innovative advance is provided by the locking mechanism which cannot be broken by pulling on the cable or any other component. Disconnection can only be achieved by pulling on the connector's outer release sleeve, thereby disengaging the latches and withdrawing the plug from the socket.

LEMO's Push-Pull technology at a glance

Ergonomy

Eliminate torque during the mating process for a rapid, robust yet easy connection. A coloured mark visually aligns the plug with the socket. Confirmation of mating is both audible and tangible.

Compactness

LEMO Push-Pull connectors require finger clearance only on two sides of the connector since they are disconnected and withdrawn by a simple pulling motion. Reduced finger clearance creates greater density on a panel.

Reliability

LEMO's female cylindrical contacts maintain a reliable electromechanical connection which usually outlives the equipment they are fitted to.

Durability

LEMO's innovative design recesses the lock with the shell, providing greater protection from ingress and wear and tear.

Cable Management

A collet provides cable strain relief, protecting cables from stress or damage.

EMC Protection

Electromagnetic shielding provide screen efficiency superior to that of standard screened cables and most other connectors.

Alternative Locking Systems

LEMO's portfolio of connectors
come with a variety of locking mechanisms:

Screw-Locking

In underwater applications, screw-locking has certain advantages over Push-Pull connectors. Screw-locking entirely removes the risk of mechanical play between the interfaces. Even under high hydrostatic pressure, the seal is resistant to ingress. In environments where marine life is present, a screw-locking mechanism is also far less likely to be infiltrated by micro-organisms.

Breakaway couplings

Also known as quick disconnect or quick-release connectors are engineered to maintain the connection until a predetermined application of force safely disengages the connection. If quick release connections seem counter intuitive, consider a patient connected to equipment which could be snagged or damaged by a sudden movement. A critical technical factor is understanding the desired 'de-mating' force - too little could lead to over-frequent disconnection; too much could lead to damage.

Ratchet 3/4 turn connection system

This rapid connection for high vibration environments achieves full mating with a single hand movement. Sufficient torque can be applied by hand - no tools are required. Stable nut engagement in the socket prevents cross-threading, and a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism ensures ultra high resistance to shock, vibration and tension.

Do you
have a
challenging
project?

No matter how harsh the environment may be, LEMO has a solution ready for you to implement today.

If not, we promise to relentlessly innovate and develop one for you.
Please take a moment to reach out and describe your project, technical specifications and deadlines. We’re standing by and looking forward to hearing from you – and adding your business to our thousands of longstanding satisfied customers, partners and employees – very soon.

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