Mining cable coupler connectors and related assemblies and methods

A mining cable coupler assembly comprising:

• an outer housing comprising:
• a first tube shaped housing having first and second opposite ends;
• a second tube shaped housing having first and second opposite ends with an elongated annular slot defined in an outer wall of the second housing at the first end;
• wherein the first and second housings are coupled at least in part by the first end of the first housing being received in the annular slot of the second housing;
• a first connector held in the first housing;
• and
• a second connector held in the second housing;
• wherein:
• the first connector comprises a rear portion including a barrel configured to receive a first conductor, a front portion comprising one of a plug and a socket, and a central portion between the rear portion and the front portion;
• the second connector comprises a rear portion including a barrel configured to receive a second conductor, a front portion comprising the other one of a plug and a socket, and a central portion between the rear portion and the front portion;
• the first and second connectors are coupled by the plug of one of the first and second connectors being received in the socket of the other one of the first and second connectors.

A method for electrically connecting mining cables, the method comprising:

• (a) providing:
• a first connector comprising a front portion including a plug and a rear portion including a barrel;
• a second connector comprising a front portion including a socket having a channel defined therein and a rear portion including a barrel, wherein an annular groove is defined in an inner surface of the channel;
• an annular spring held in the annular groove;
• a first tube shaped housing having first and second opposite ends with an elongated annular slot defined in an outer wall of the first housing at the first end;
• a second tube shaped housing having first and second opposite ends;
• (b) receiving a first mining cable conductor in the barrel of the first connector;
• (c) securing the first mining cable conductor in the barrel of the first connector;
• (d) inserting the first connector with the secured first mining cable conductor into the second end of the first housing toward the first end of the first housing such that the plug is adjacent the first end of the first housing;
• (e) receiving a second mining cable conductor in the barrel of the second connector;
• (f) securing the second mining cable conductor in the barrel of the second connector;
• (g) inserting the second connector with the secured second mining cable conductor into the second end of the second housing toward the first end of the second housing such that the socket is adjacent the first end of the second housing;
• (h) coupling the first and second housings including receiving the first end of the second housing in the annular slot of the first housing;
• and
• (i) coupling the first and second connectors including receiving the plug of the first connector in the socket of the second connector such that the plug resiliently contacts the spring to electrically connect the first mining cable conductor and the second mining cable conductor.