Coupling nut having an anti-decoupling device

An electrical connector assembly having an anti-decoupling device comprising:

• first and second shells (100, 200) with each including, respectively, a dielectric insert (120, 220) and said second shell (200) further including a radially extending coupling pin (280) on an outside portion thereof;
• a coupling nut (300) rotatably disposed about said first shell (100) and including a longitudinal guideway (148) for receiving the coupling pin (280);
• and an anti-decoupling device for preventing unwanted disconnection between the shells, said anti-decoupling device characterized by a first end face (124) associated with said first shell (100) being adapted to abut a second end face (222) associated with said second shell (200) for limiting axial advance of the shells but allowing continued rotation of the coupling nut;
• said coupling nut (300) including a slot arrangement for receiving the coupling pin and including a longitudinal slot (146) and first and second laterally extending slots (142, 144) joined at their adjacent ends by the longitudinal slot (146), said first lateral slot (142) being joined at its other end to the guideway (148), said slot arrangement forming integrally of the coupling nut (300) a deflectable latch spring (160) including a detent (162) formed thereon for receiving and securing said coupling pin (280), longitudinally advancing the coupling nut (300) causing the end faces (124, 222) to abut and the coupling pin (280) to be presented into the first lateral slot (142) and against the latch spring (160), rotating the coupling nut driving the coupling pin against the latch spring and the latch spring to deflect rearward whereby the coupling pin advances to the detent, whereupon the latch spring deflects forward and the detent captivates the coupling pin.