Connection assembly with fast and secure fastening

Abstract

A connection assembly (1) comprising a first connector (100) and a second connector (200), the first connector comprising a post (120). The body (210) of the second connector (200) comprises a fastening channel (212). The post can be passed into the fastening channel as a result of a movement in a fastening direction (X+), in order to reach a fastened position. In the fastened position, the post cannot be moved in a release direction (X−) opposite the fastening direction (X+). The connectors are configured such that only an external action applied to the post (120) allows the post to transition from the fastened position to a free position in which the post can be moved in translation in the release direction. In the fastened position, the post is within a predetermined angular range. The connection assembly further comprises angular return means for returning the post to within said predetermined angular range with respect to the axis of the post when the post is fastened to the body of the first connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of connection assemblies. Here, a connection assembly means a first connector and a second connector that need to be attached to each other. These connectors are generally provided to connect together cables or at least communication circuits, in order to allow the exchange of information between a first circuit connected to the first connector and a second circuit connected to the second connector.

[0002] The present disclosure more precisely relates to connection assemblies that must be miniaturized, for which the available space for connecting and disconnecting the connection connectors is very small. The present disclosure therefore particularly relates to connection assemblies arranged to meet the MIL-DTL-32139 standard, commonly referred to as "nano-D" format. BACKGROUND

[0003] In order to meet the above-mentioned constraints, connection assemblies of the known type comprise a first connector and a second connector that are fastened to each other in a fastened position by means of a screw. The screw ensures a reliable and certified fastening; however, the connection and disconnection operations are long, the screwing operation and the predetermined torque are necessary, and the screwing operation and the predetermined torque can be difficult if there is only a small space available for screwing and unscrewing the screw.

[0004] A known alternative proposed by patent US8449314 consists of a connection assembly whose connectors are attached to each other in a fastened position by means of fastening hooks. These hooks are fastened to the second connector by means of counterbores machined on their lateral faces. This fastening mode has satisfactory reliability; however, the use of hooks can cause problems if the available space for the connection and disconnection operations is very small.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a connection assembly that can ensure a reliable connection but whose connectors can be connected and disconnected in a simple and quick manner and in a very small volume. SUMMARY

[0006] In order to meet this need, the following connection assembly is proposed.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the connection assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector. The first connector comprises a post having an axis. The second connector's body comprises a fastening channel for the post, and the second connector's body is arranged to allow the post to pass into the fastening channel by moving forward in a fastening direction by the post, until the post reaches a fastened position. The first connector and the second connector are configured so that, in the fastened position, the post is prevented from moving in a disassembly direction by an abutment device, the disassembly direction being a direction opposite to the fastening direction. The first connector and the second connector are configured so that only an external action applied to the post allows the post to pass from the fastened position to a free position in which the post is disengaged from the abutment device and the post can be moved in translation in the disassembly direction. In the fastened position, the post is within a predetermined angular range. The connection assembly further comprises an angular return device comprising, for example, a spring, configured to return the post within the predetermined angular range with respect to the axis of the post when the post is fastened to the body of the first connector before being fastened to the second connector.

[0008] In this document, the term "post" designates any component (or assembly of components) consisting essentially of an elongated part that can be placed in a hole of corresponding shape.

[0009] In this document, the term "direction" designates a direction defined by a straight line or a set of parallel straight lines. The directions can all have an orientation depending on the context.

[0010] Generally, in the fastened position, the post passes through a guide channel arranged in the body of the first connector and the end of the post is placed in the fastening channel of the second body. Thus, in the fastened position, the post ensures the alignment of the body of the first connector with respect to the body of the second connector. However, more generally, the alignment of the body of the first connector with the body of the second connector can be ensured by any means.

[0011] The connection assembly presented above can naturally comprise more than one post for fastening the two connectors to each other. Each post can have all or part of the characteristics and functions indicated for the post presented here. For example, one or more of the posts can be only an axial guide post arranged to facilitate maintaining the alignment of the first connector with the second connector in the fastened position, but not having the function of maintaining the first connector in an axial position with respect to the connector.

[0012] Preferably, the connection assembly is configured so that the connection of the column occurs automatically during the placement of the column in the fastening channel (by displacement in translation). This means that, during this movement, the abutment means which prevent the movement of the column in the opposite direction (in the disassembly direction) are set in place without the need for external action and provide the retaining function of this abutment means.

[0013] In different embodiments (which can be combined with each other as long as they are technically compatible), the connection assembly can have all or part of the following additional features:

[0014] According to a second aspect, in some embodiments, the external action comprises (and advantageously can consist only of) the application of a torque which allows the column to be rotated about its axis when it is in the fastening angular position and thus to pass from the fastening angular position to a free angular position different from the fastening angular position. In the free angular position, the column is in the free position. In this embodiment, in the fastening position and in the free position, the column can or can not occupy the same axial position.

[0015] According to a third aspect, in some embodiments, one end of the column has a circumferential surface; in a first angular sector, the circumferential surface has a recessed surface delimited in front by a first shoulder (138) in the fastening direction, the recessed surface being positioned radially recessed with respect to the first shoulder; the abutment means comprise a retaining tab axially fixed to the second connector; and the first connector and the second connector are configured so that, when the column is in the fastening position, the retaining tab is radially positioned in front of the recessed surface and the retaining tab is retained in front of the first shoulder when viewed in the fastening direction.

[0016] In this embodiment, when the column is in the fastening position, any movement of the first shoulder in the disassembly direction is blocked by the retaining tab, due to the fact that the retaining tab is retained in front of the first shoulder (viewed in the fastening direction). Thus, in this case, the column cannot move in the disassembly direction.

[0017] Thus, the connection assembly can comprise retaining means configured to retain the retaining tab in front of the first shoulder in the fastening direction when the column is in the fastening position (i.e. the first shoulder is aligned with the retaining tab when viewed in the fastening direction; and moreover this first shoulder is axially positioned in front of the retaining tab).

[0018] In one variant of this embodiment, the recessed surface is rearwardly delimited along the tightening direction by a second shoulder. The recessed surface is positioned radially recessed with respect to the second shoulder. Thus, in this embodiment, the external action can comprise an axial thrust which displaces the post along the tightening direction. The first and second connectors are configured so that, when the post is moved along the tightening direction under the effect of this axial thrust, the second shoulder moves until it is axially at the retention tab, thereby driving said retention tab radially towards the outside.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect, in some embodiments, in the second angular sector, said circumferential surface has a disassembly surface which has no shoulder in the tightening direction; and said first and second connectors are configured so that, when said post is in said free position, said retention tab is positioned radially (i.e. as viewed along the radial direction) in front of said disassembly surface.

[0020] In this embodiment, the fact that "said disassembly surface has no shoulder in the tightening direction" means that the disassembly surface is a surface which has no protrusion or step or any other relief feature so as to be able to remain in contact with the disassembly surface from the tightening position until the complete disengagement of the post from the tightening channel, while blocking the movement of the retention tab on this disassembly surface.

[0021] In this implementation, in the free position, since the retention tab is positioned radially in front of the disassembly surface, its movement with respect to the disassembly direction is not blocked by a shoulder and thus allows the post to be moved in the disassembly direction, thereby disconnecting the two connectors from each other.

[0022] The retention tab or retention pawl is a component or assembly of components of any shape. Furthermore, the second connector can not comprise a single tab, but a plurality of retention tabs, each having all or part of the previously indicated characteristics.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, in some embodiments, said retention tab is formed integrally with the body of said second connector, or said retention tab can be a part of a retention component fastened to the body of said second connector, preferably said retention component being a strip-like portion.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect, in some embodiments the connection assembly comprises a tab return means (or biasing means), in particular a resilient return (in particular a resilient bias), configured to hold the retaining tab in the fastening channel, at the same radial position as the shoulder of the post (as seen in the fastening direction), in the absence of the post. Thus, when the tab is in this radial position and the post is in the fastened position, the tab blocks axial movement of the first shoulder of the post and thereby prevents removal of the post from the channel.

[0025] In this case, the connection assembly is preferably configured such that connection of the post is achieved by moving the post in the fastening channel (in a translational manner) only. During this movement, the retaining tab will engage itself against the shoulder of the post, thereby ensuring its axial fastening.

[0026] The connection assembly is configured to allow movement of the post from a disassembly position, in which the post is at a distance from the second connector, to a fastened position.

[0027] In certain embodiments, during movement of the retaining tab (and thus, in the absence of the post, the retaining tab is positioned in the fastening channel due to the tab return means), the retaining tab is driven radially outward by the shoulder during displacement of the post in the fastening channel, and then, when the shoulder moves forward beyond the retaining tab, is replaced by the retaining tab towards the inside of the front of the recessed surface in the radial direction.

[0028] According to a seventh aspect, in some embodiments, wherein the retaining tab is part of a retaining member fastened to the body of the second connector, the tab return means consists of the retaining member, the retaining tab being integrally formed with the retaining member.

[0029] According to an eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first connector comprises an angular abutment and the post comprises an angular abutment, the angular abutments being configured to come into contact with each other when the angular return means returns the post to within the predetermined angular range. The post is then placed in a fastened angular position, i.e. an angular position that allows the recessed surface to be placed directly facing the retaining tab in the radial direction during connection of the first connector to the second connector. The angular return means can for example comprise a torsion spring, for example a helical torsion spring.

[0030] Preferably, the first and second connectors are configured so that the post can be translated from a free position to a disengaged position in which the post is placed further back than in the fastened position and in which the second connector allows the post to exit the fastening channel of the second connector whatever the angular position of the post.

[0031] Thus, according to a ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first connector comprises an axial return means, for example a spring, configured to move the post in the disassembly direction until a disengaged position in which the post is placed further back than the axial position of the post in the fastened position relative to the body of the first connector and in which the second connector allows the post to exit the fastening channel of the second connector whatever the angular position of the post when the post is in the free position.

[0032] Preferably, the connectors are configured so that the difference in axial position of the post between the free position and the disengaged position is visible.

[0033] According to a tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the angular return means and the axial return means mainly consist of the same helical spring configured to act in torsion and in compression. In particular, this spring can be arranged around the post.

[0034] According to an eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first connector comprises an axial abutment means allowing to limit the axial movement of the post in the disassembly direction relative to the first body when the post is fastened to the body of the first connector before being fastened to the second connector.

[0035] According to a twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the axial abutment means comprise a stop ring positioned around the post and a shoulder formed on the inner surface of the guide channel against which the stop ring comes when the post is moved in the disassembly direction. The stop ring can for example be an open ring positioned in a circumferential groove of the post.

[0036] According to a thirteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the connection assembly comprises separation means configured to elastically separate the first connector relative to the second connector in the fastening direction when the first and second connectors are connected to each other. These separation means allow to position the retaining tab against the first shoulder when the post is in the fastened position.

[0037] These separation devices can in particular comprise at least one separation strip (slit wing) which can be placed between the first connector and the second connector.

[0038] According to a fourteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the external action comprises an axial thrust which moves the post in the tightening direction. In this case, the post can operate in particular according to the "push-latch" principle: to disconnect the post from the second connector, it is first necessary to press the post gently in the tightening direction, in order to loosen it from the second connector; then, by moving the post in translation in the disassembly direction, i.e. in the opposite direction to the tightening direction, it is possible to disengage the post from the second connector and from the rest of the first connector.

[0039] Advantageously, according to the present disclosure, the post can pass from the tightened position to the free position only through an action on the post itself. This action can take place substantially along the axis of the post, when the post passes through the second connector, and not on the side of the connectors. Thus, the disconnection of the post can take place in a reduced volume. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection assembly in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, before the two connectors are connected to each other.

[0041] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the connection assembly of Figure 1 .

[0042] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connection assembly of Figure 1 , in the tightened position.

[0043] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a first partial cross-sectional view of the connection assembly of Figure 1 , in the tightened position.

[0044] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a second partial cross-sectional view of the connection assembly of Figure 1 , in the free position.

[0045] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly of Figure 1 , at the start of the operation of connecting the two connectors to each other.

[0046] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly at the end of the operation of connecting the two connectors to each other Figure 1

[0047] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly at the end of the operation of connecting the two connectors to each other Figure 1

[0048] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly at the beginning of the operation of disconnecting the two connectors from each other Figure 1

[0049] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly during the operation of disconnecting the two connectors from each other Figure 1

[0050] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly at the end of the operation of disconnecting the two connectors from each other Figure 1

[0051] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of the connection assembly, in particular showing the head of the post Figure 1

[0052] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 is a side view of the spring of the connection assembly of Figure 1

[0053] [ Figure 14 ] Figure 14 is a side view of the spring of the connection assembly of Figure 1

[0054] [ Figure 15 ] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the post constituting the connection assembly of the second embodiment of the disclosure

[0055] [ Figure 16 ] Figure 16 is a partial perspective view showing the connection assembly of the third embodiment of the disclosure

[0056] [ Figure 17 ] Figure 17 is a partial longitudinal section view showing the connection assembly of the fourth embodiment of the disclosure

[0057] [ Figure 18 ] Figure 18 ​​​​​​​​is a partial longitudinal section view of a connection assembly illustrating a fifth embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] A connection assembly 1 constituting an example of a first embodiment of the disclosure will now be presented with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 14

[0059] The connection assembly 1 comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200. These connectors are configured to allow the connection of conductors designed for the communication of telecommunication signals or to allow the transmission of electric current. Each of the connectors 100 and 200 can be fastened to a fixed support, in particular to an electronic board such as a PCB, and / or to a telecommunication cable comprising a certain number of conductors allowing the transmission of telecommunication signals and / or electric current.

[0060] The connector 100 is configured to be connected to the connector 200 by simply moving this connector 100 along a fastening direction X+ (the disassembly direction X- being the opposite direction) until the connector 100 reaches a final position called fastened position (the connector 200 remaining fixed). The side pointing in the direction indicated by the fastening direction X+ is called the “front side”, while the opposite side is called the “rear side”.

[0061] In the proposed embodiment, the connection assembly 1 is symmetrical with respect to a plane xOz containing the axis X (plane y = 0). Thus, identical reference signs are assigned to the components or parts of the connection assembly 1 positioned symmetrically on one side and on the other side of the plane of symmetry xOz, and only half of the connectors positioned on the same side of the plane xOz are described.

[0062] The connector 100 comprises a main body 110 and two posts 120 (the connector 100 can comprise only a single post, or the connector 100 can even comprise 3, 4, 5 or more posts). Although the posts can be formed integrally with the main body 110, in this embodiment the posts are distinct components from the main body 110.

[0063] The post 120 has a head 122 and a stem 124, both of which are generally cylindrical and coaxial. To assemble the first connector 100, the post is fastened to the main body 110 of the first connector 100 by passing the post 120 through a guide channel 112 provided in the main body 110. The post 120 is configured to be introduced into the corresponding channel 112 following the fastening direction X+. However, the post 120 cannot exceed a maximum displacement position, since the head 122 cannot pass into the channel 112 in a central section 114 of the channel 112, the central section 114 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head 122.

[0064] ​The stop ring 130 is then fastened to the post 120 by clamping it in the circumferential groove 128 of the post (for this purpose, the stop ring 130 is made of a suitably elastic material). The ring 130, which is an open ring, is introduced into the post from the front end 125 of the post. The guide channel 112 comprises a circumferential abutment 116 at which the inner diameter of the guide channel 112 changes from a value slightly greater than the outer diameter of the ring 130 to a value less than the outer diameter of the ring 130, along the disassembly direction. The abutment 116 thus prevents movement of the post 120 along the disassembly direction beyond a certain position at which the stop ring 130 abuts against the abutment 116. Thus, once the ring 130 is assembled on the post 120, the ring 130 cannot be disassembled (unless it has been withdrawn first).

[0065] The connector 200 comprises a main body 210 and a retaining member 220. The retaining member 220 has a retaining tab 222.

[0066] In the main body 210, a fastening channel 212 is formed for each post 120. Each fastening channel 212 of the main body 210 is arranged so as to be positionable in front of the guide channel 112 of the main body 110, and each fastening channel 212 of the main body 210 has an inner diameter substantially equal to (ignoring the clearance) the outer diameter of the stem portion 124. Thus, when the post 120 is in the fastened position, and the front portion of the post 120 is engaged in the fastening channel 212, the guide channel 112 and the fastening channel 212 are held coaxially facing each other by the post.

[0067] In addition, at the front end 125 of the post (when the post 120 is in the fastened position (the front end 125 of the post 120 is positioned in the channel 212), the post 120 has a circumferential surface 132. This circumferential surface 132 comprises: Figure 3

[0068] • a disassembly surface 134 located in a second angular sector S2.

[0069] • a disassembly surface 134 located in a second angular sector S2.

[0070] The recessed surface 136 located between the first shoulder 138 and the second shoulder 139 forms a notch 137 in the circumferential surface 132.

[0071] In this embodiment, from the axial position of the tab 222 (in the fastened position of the post) until the point of the post, the disassembly surface 134 is a surface having a substantially constant cross-section (in a plane perpendicular to the axis X), regardless of the position along the fastening direction X+. In this embodiment, this cross-section forms a circular arc with the axis X as center and radius R. ​

[0072] Since the cross section of the dismounting surface is constant whatever the position along the fastening direction X+, the dismounting surface 134 has no shoulder, no protrusion able to stop the tab 222 from moving until the post 120 due to the sliding on this surface 134.

[0073] The recessed surface 136 delimited in front by the first shoulder 138 is positioned radially recessed with respect to this shoulder, i.e. this recessed surface 136 is positioned radially at a distance d from the axis X which is less than the radius R of the shoulder 138.

[0074] In this embodiment, the shoulder 138 has a cylindrical shape with the same radius R as the dismounting surface 134. It follows that the recessed surface 136 forms a recessed surface not only with respect to the shoulder 138 but also with respect to the dismounting surface 134.

[0075] The second connector is also equipped with a retaining member 220. Although this retaining member can be formed integrally with the body 210 (as Figure 17 illustrated), in the proposed embodiment, this retaining member is a distinct member rigidly fastened to the body 210. This retaining member 220 is a member formed of a curved and cut metal strip portion and this retaining member has a large elastic deformation range.

[0076] The body 210 and the retaining member 220 are configured to allow the retaining member 220 to be rigidly fastened to the body 210. This fastening can be provided by any appropriate means.

[0077] The tab 222 of the retaining member 220 is inclined with respect to the fastening direction so that this tab 222 gets closer to the axis X as it moves forward along the fastening direction X+. When the retaining member 220 and the post 120 are in the fastened position, the tab 222 is positioned in front of the fastening surface 136. The end of the tab is then supported on both this fastening surface 136 and the shoulder 138. As Figure 4 illustrated, in this fastened position, the retaining tab 222 is retained in the same radial position as the shoulder 138 (at the same distance from the axis X) and thus prevents the post 120 from leaving the fastening channel 212.

[0078] The first connector 100 is also equipped with a spring 140. This spring 140 is a spring which acts both in torsion and in compression and in the meaning of the present disclosure, this spring is an example of angular return means and axial return means (or angular biasing means and axial biasing means).

[0079] In practice, the spring 140 is configured to, when the post 120 is assembled in the guide channel 112 and in the fastening channel 212, cause the post 120 to turn about the axis of the post and thus at least return the post 120 to a certain position or angular range. This movement serves to place the post 120 in an angular position, referred to as the "fastening angular position", in which, if the post 120 is engaged in the channel 112 and in the channel 212, the tab 222 will become supported on the recessed surface 136: this angular position is in particular the angular position shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As will be explained below, the post 120 is placed in the fastening angular position not only as a result of the spring 140, but also as a result of the effect of the spring 140 combined with the presence of the angular abutments 142 and 144.

[0080] Conversely, Figure 5 An angular position, referred to as the "free angular position" (or "disassembly angular position"), is shown in which the tab 222 is not supported on the fastening surface 136, but on the disassembly surface 134.

[0081] During the connection of the first connector 100 with the second connector 200, the post is engaged in the channel 112 and in the channel 212. During this movement, in order to allow the tab 222 to be placed against the recessed surface 136, it is necessary to have the post in an angular position corresponding to the angular position in which the tab is held (fastening angular position). In order to place the post in this desired angular position in some way, in addition to the spring 140, the body 110 comprises an abutment 142 and the head 122 of the post comprises a corresponding abutment 144. These abutments are configured so as to block the rotation of the post 120 (with respect to the axis of the guide channel) in the desired angular position. Furthermore, the body 110 and the head 122 of the post comprise abutments 146, 148 which prevent the post from turning too much in the opposite direction of rotation. The head of the post 122 comprises a hexagonal hole 150 through which the head of the post 122 can be turned by means of an Allen wrench (any other head shape which allows the post to be driven in rotation about the axis of the post is of course also possible).

[0082] The spring 140 not only acts in a torsional manner, but also in a compressive manner, for holding the post 120 in the desired angular position for the fastening of the post.

[0083] In practice, in the fastening position, the spring 140 is compressed along the axis X of the post 120 Figure 3). Due to the fact that the movement of the post in the disassembly direction (X-) is prevented axially by the retention tab 222, the head of the post is located axially at the end of the body 110 and does not extend beyond the body 110 in the disassembly direction (i.e. does not extend beyond the plane P of the end of the body 110 on one side of the disassembly direction).

[0084] Conversely, assuming that the post is in the Figure 5 free position, illustrated, the post is pressed back by the spring 140 until the stop ring 130 abuts against the abutment 116 (the spring then acts as an "axial return device"). In this free position, the head 122 of the post extends visually beyond the body 110: this thus allows the visual distinction between the case where the post is fastened in the assembled position Figure 13 , the head 122 not extending beyond the body 110, and the case where it is in the disassembly position Figure 14 , the head 122 extending above the plane P delimiting said body 110.

[0085] Advantageously, when the connector 100 is not fastened to the connector 200, the spring 140 maintains said post in a "ready-to-connect" position for each post 120, since the spring will then maintain each post in the fastening angular position. This "ready-to-connect" position allows a quick and secure locking of the connection and is in some cases invisible. The end of the post is tapered to ensure the pre-guiding of the post.

[0086] In addition to the tab 222, the retention means also act to pre-define the relative positioning of the first connector 100 with respect to the second connector 200. To this end, the retention means 220 comprise two separate slats (split wings) 224. These slats are elastic, they are positioned substantially in a transverse plane with respect to the axis of the posts 120 (X constant), but they are slightly inclined with respect to this plane. The connectors 100 and 200 are configured so that, in the fastening position, the slats are clamped between the facing walls of the bodies 110 and 210. Thus, due to the elasticity of the slats, these slats tend to separate the two bodies 110, 210 from each other in the assembly direction. On the one hand, these separation forces cause the tab 222 to be supported against the shoulder 138 of the post 120; on the other hand, these separation forces ensure that the lower surface 126 of the head 122 of the post abuts in fact on the support surface 118 of the housing 110. Thus, the possible gap that can exist between the body 110 and the head 122 is occupied and thus the connector 100 is fastened to the connector 200 without a gap (the separation force of each retention means 220 can for example be greater than 5 N) and there is no risk of disconnection even in the presence of vibrations.

[0087] The connection between the connector 100 and the connector 200 is done in the following way:

[0088] In advance, the first connector 100 is assembled: each post 120 is placed in one of the passages 112 of the body 110 of the first connector, and each post 120 is equipped with the stop ring 130 of that post.

[0089] S10) The connector 100 is positioned in front of the connector 200 in such a way that the axis of the post 120 merges with the axis of the fastening passage 212 in which that post 120 must be placed. (As mentioned previously, the following description relates only to a single post 120, but the explanations made for that post are applicable to all the posts).

[0090] S20) The connector 100 is brought closer to the connector 200 by moving the connector 100 in the fastening direction X+. The post 120 is automatically placed in the fastening angular position, thanks to the return torsion of the spring 140 and the angular abutments 142, 144.

[0091] The end 125 of the post engages in the fastening passage 212. At this stage, Figure 6 ) the tab 222, which returns (along the axis X) to the position in the fastening passage in front of the post 120, is driven radially outwards by the end 125 of the post, thus allowing the post to continue its forward movement Figure 7 ).

[0092] Once the two connectors 100 and 200 are in contact (and the elastic strip 224 is compressed), the forward movement of the first connector stops. At this point, the head 122 of the post still extends beyond the rear face of the housing 110.

[0093] S30) To complete the connection, the heads 122 of the two posts are then pushed manually or with a tool (alternately or simultaneously) until the lower surface 126 of the head 122 of the post comes into contact with the support surface 118 of the housing 110. The connectors then reach the fastened position.

[0094] During this movement, when the post 120 reaches the fastened position, the tab 222 is no longer radially in front of the shoulder 138, but reaches the front of the recessed surface 136: the tab 222 is then pressed against this recessed surface with an audible noise. The spring 140 then returns towards the rear of the post 120, so that the tab 222 is pressed against abutment against the shoulder 138 Figure 8 ).

[0095] At this point, the elastic strip 224 is in compression between the two connectors 100 and 200, and tends to separate the body 110 from the body 210. Under the effect of this pressure, the post 120 returns backwards, so that the end of the tab 222 remains firmly supported against the shoulder 138.

[0096] To disconnect connector 100 from connector 200, follow the procedure below.

[0097] The connector was initially in the fastened position. Figure 8 ).

[0098] S120) Using an Allen wrench, the column 120 is rotated about its axis X. Figure 9 , Figure 10 During this movement, the column moves from the fastening angle position ( Figure 4 Entering the free angle position ( Figure 5 The end of the tab 222 is gradually pushed back radially by the recessed surface 136 and comes into contact with the disassembly surface 134. In the free angle position, the shoulder 138 no longer prevents the post 120 from moving in the disassembly direction, and the first connector 100 can move rearward.

[0099] (S130) While holding the post 120 in the free angle position (to prevent the post 120 from returning to the fastened angle position under the return torque of the spring 140), the post moves in the disassembly direction (relative to the first connector, or while the post is moving) at least until the recessed surface 136 is no longer axially positioned at the tab 222. The position thus obtained is referred to as the "disengaged position": this is the axial position of the post positioned further back than the free position, in which the second connector (i.e., the tab 222) no longer prevents the post 120 from leaving the channel 212, regardless of the angular position of the post.

[0100] (S140) Finally, by continuing to hold post 120 in the free position, or by allowing post 120 to return to the fastening angle position, the first connector 100 moves in the disassembly direction, thereby allowing the first connector 100 to disconnect from the second connector 200.

[0101] To avoid the risk that the post may accidentally return to the locked angle position after it has been placed in the free angle position (but before it reaches the disengaged position), which would have the effect that tab 222 presses against the recessed surface again and thus prevents the post from leaving, in some embodiments, a device may be provided to prevent the post from rotating once it has been placed in the free angle position.

[0102] Therefore, in some embodiments, the disassembly surface 134 and the retaining tab can be configured such that once the post is placed in a free position (and can move in the disassembly direction), the post is constrained to remain in a fixed angular position relative to the axis of the post.

[0103] In particular, the shape fit between the tab and the disassembly surface allows for a rotational stop that does not necessarily prevent the post from sliding relative to the second connector.

[0104] For example, the disassembly surface may include guide grooves, such as Figure 16 The groove 135 shown is identical to the first embodiment, except that the guide groove 135 is provided in the disassembly surface 134.

[0105] During the disconnection of connector 100, in step S120), post 120 rotates about its axis. Protrusion 222 (radially) is located in front of disassembly surface 134. Therefore, protrusion 222 is positioned at the bottom of recess 135, and thus, despite the return torque applied by spring 140, rotation of post 120 about its own axis is prevented. Therefore, in step S130, post 120 can be removed from channel 212 without the risk of the protrusion 222 itself obstructing the movement by abutting against the first shoulder 138.

[0106] In addition, to facilitate the removal of the tab 222 from the notch 137, the following additional steps can be provided at the start of the disconnection procedure before step S120:

[0107] S110) Column 120 moves slightly in the fastening direction.

[0108] As in Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, this step is performed if the first connector is configured to allow the post to advance in the fastening direction while the connector is in the fastened position.

[0109] In this embodiment, connector 100 is configured such that post 120 can move in the fastening direction in step 110, the first step of the disconnection procedure. This movement allows shoulder 139 to push tab 222 back and disengage tab 222 from recess 137. In step S120, this facilitates rotation of post about its axis.

[0110] Second Embodiment

[0111] Now we will combine Figure 15 The second embodiment is presented. Except for the following points, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. For simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for both the first and second embodiments.

[0112] In this second embodiment, the column 120 is arranged as in the first embodiment, except for the ends of the column. Therefore, the shape of the fastening channel 212 formed in the body 210 is adapted to the specific shape of the column 120 in this embodiment.

[0113] In this second embodiment, at the end 125 of the post 120, the disassembly surface 134 and the recessed surface 136 have the same radius R2, which is smaller than the radius R of the first shoulder 138.

[0114] The operation, and in particular the connection and disconnection operation, of the two connectors 100, 200 with respect to each other is the same in this embodiment as in the first embodiment. However, when the post 120 is pivoted to allow the post to transition from the fastened angular position to the free angular position, the recessed surface 136 does not have to push the tab 222 radially back due to the fact that both the disassembly surface 134 and the recessed surface 136 are surfaces having the same radius R2.

[0115] While the application has been described by reference to specific example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit of the application as defined in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A connection assembly (1) comprising a first connector (100) and a second connector (200), and wherein, The first connector (100) comprises a post (120) having an axis; The body (210) of the second connector (200) comprises a fastening channel (212) for the post, and the body of the second connector is arranged to allow the post (120) to pass into the fastening channel by moving forward in a fastening direction (X+), until the post reaches a fastening position; The first connector and the second connector are configured so that, in the fastening position, the post is prevented from moving in a disassembly direction (X-) opposite the fastening direction (X+) by abutment means; and The first connector and the second connector are configured so that only an external action applied to the post (120) allows the post to pass from the fastening position to a free position in which the post is disengaged from the abutment means and can move in translation in the disassembly direction; The connection assembly is characterized in that: in the fastening position, the post (120) is within a predetermined angular range; and The connection assembly (1) also comprises angular return means configured to return the post (120) within the predetermined angular range with respect to the axis of the post when the post is fastened to the body (110) of the first connector (100) before being fastened to the second connector (200).

2. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The angular return means comprise a spring (140).

3. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The external action comprises the application of a torque which allows the post (120) to be rotated about its axis when it is in the fastening position, and thus to pass from a fastening angular position to a free angular position different from the fastening angular position.

4. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein one end (125) of the post has a peripheral surface (132); in a first angular sector (SI), the peripheral surface (132) has a recessed surface (136) delimited in front in the fastening direction by a first shoulder (138), the recessed surface (136) being positioned radially recessed with respect to the first shoulder (138); the abutment means comprise a retaining tab (222) axially fixed to the second connector; and the first connector and the second connector are configured so that, when the post is in the fastening position, the retaining tab (222) is positioned radially in front of the recessed surface (136) and is retained in front of the first shoulder (138) when viewed in the fastening direction.

5. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein in a second angular sector (S2), the peripheral surface (132) has a disassembly surface (134) which has no shoulder in the fastening direction (X+); The first connector and the second connector are configured so that, when the post (120) is in the free position, the retaining tab (222) is radially positioned in front of the disassembly surface (134).

6. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein The retaining tab (222) is formed integrally with the body (210) of the second connector, or the retaining tab is part of a retaining member (220) fastened to the body (210) of the second connector, the retaining member being a strip-like portion.

7. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 4, comprising a tab return device configured to retain the retaining tab (222) in the fastening channel, at the same radial position as the first shoulder (138) of the post (120), in the absence of the post (120).

8. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein The tab return device is elastically returning.

9. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 7, the tab return device of the connection assembly consisting of the retaining member (220), the retaining tab (222) being formed integrally with the retaining member (220).

10. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, the first connector of the connection assembly comprising an angular abutment (142) and the post comprising an angular abutment (144), the angular abutment (142) of the first connector and the angular abutment (144) of the post being configured so that, when the angular return device returns the post within the predetermined angular range, the angular abutment (142) of the first connector and the angular abutment (144) of the post come into contact with each other.

11. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The first connector comprises an axial return device configured to move the post along the disassembly direction (X-) until a disengagement position in which the post (120) is placed behind the axial position of the post in the fastened position with respect to the body (110) of the first connector, and in which the second connector allows the post to exit the fastening channel of the second connector, regardless of the angular position of the post.

12. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein The axial return device is a spring (140).

13. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein The angular return device and the axial return device mainly consist of the same helical spring configured to act in torsion and in compression.

14. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The first connector comprises an axial abutment device (116, 130) allowing to limit the axial movement of the post (120) with respect to the body (110) of the first connector along the disassembly direction when the post (120) is placed in the guide channel (112) of the body (110) of the first connector (100).

15. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein The axial abutment means (116, 130) comprise a shoulder (116) formed on the inner surface of the guide channel (112) and a stop ring (130) positioned around the post, the stop ring (130) becoming abutted against the shoulder (116) when the post (120) is moved in the disassembly direction.

16. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, comprising separation means configured to elastically separate the first connector (100) with respect to the second connector (200) in the tightening direction (X+) when the first connector (100) and the second connector (200) are connected to each other.

17. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The external action comprises an axial thrust that moves the post in the tightening direction.

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