Connector with an intermediate piece mounted rotatably in the housing and operable by a tool for sliding a locking cover onto a complementary connector

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors.

[0002] The invention aims in particular to improve the mutual locking between two complementary connector housings, in particular multi-contact connectors, when they are in the connected configuration.

[0003] Although described with reference to a preferred application, aeronautics, and more particularly, the field of equipment on board an aircraft, the invention can be implemented in any other application. Technique antérieure

[0004] In many connector applications, it is known to mutually lock a connector with the complementary one of the same assembly, once their connection configuration has been completed, that is to say the coupling between their respective contacts has been ensured.

[0005] This is particularly necessary when the environment in which the connection assembly is present is subject to significant environmental constraints, as may be the case in aircraft and in particular when the assembly is mounted on a panel of equipment on board an aircraft.

[0006] Several solutions have already been implemented as means of locking.

[0007] First of all, a screw-nut locking system is known, which is found for example in the connection assemblies marketed by the Applicant under the name EPX ®< B2: the base carries a nut fixed to the housing in its central part between the two contact inserts, while the socket has a central hole through which a screw can be screwed into the nut to obtain the desired locking.

[0008] A quarter-turn fixing system is also known, which is found for example in the connection assemblies marketed by the Applicant under the name EPX ®< A, EPX ®< B1: the base carries on either side of the central housing a male cylinder provided with two lugs projecting outwards, and the socket carries a female cylinder with slots opposite each of the male cylinders.

[0009] We have represented in figure 1 a socket 2 with its housing 20 as it exists under the name EPX ®< B1: the fixing is ensured by means of a screwdriver, by quarter-turn screwing according to arrow R, of the interface imprint 21 of each female cylinder 22 which allows the sliding of the lugs in the corresponding slots 23 to one of their ends to obtain the desired locking. On the other hand, the actuation, generally successive, of these two quarter-turn imprints 21 risks causing misalignment. An operator can even imperfectly lock the second one without noticing it. On the other hand, the implementation time is also longer. The document

[0010] DE102011005508A1 discloses a connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0011] Finally, it is widely known to implement a locking cover which is actuated by manual sliding on the housing of one of the connectors, the cover comprising shapes cooperating with complementary shapes of the housing of the complementary connector to obtain the translational locking of the cover and therefore the desired locking.

[0012] Thus, patent EP1708313B1 proposes a connection assembly comprising a locking cover between two multi-contact connectors, one of which is fixed to a support, the movement of the cover comprising locking teeth being carried out manually by sliding on the housing.

[0013] Patent EP2503651B1 also discloses a locking cover to be moved manually on the housing of one of the two multi-contact connectors, the other being already mounted on an electronic equipment panel.

[0014] It was reproduced in figures 2A And 2B, a connection assembly 1 with plug 2 and base 3 which implements such a locking cover 4. This connection assembly 1 is mounted on a panel P which is for example that of a housing of electronic equipment, in particular equipment on board an aircraft or in a cut-off panel. More precisely, the base 3 is mounted in an opening of the panel P to which the housing 30 of the base 3 is fixed by means of screws 5.

[0015] The substantially U-shaped locking cover 4 is slidably mounted on the housing 20 of the socket 2 between its front connection face 24 and its rear face 25, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis X. Each of the branches of the U internally comprises slots 40 with adapted shapes. Each of the longitudinal faces 31 of the housing 30 of the base 3 is provided with two lugs 32.

[0016] To achieve the lock as illustrated in figure 2B , an operator exerts, with his finger, a lateral thrust force T on the cover 4 from its unlocked position. The locking of the cover 4 in its locked position is obtained by the wedging of each lug 32 of the housing 30 inside a slot 40 of the cover 4.

[0017] While the various locks with the different means detailed above have proven their effectiveness and reliability, the inventors have come to the conclusion that they could not meet the problems they have recently faced.

[0018] Indeed, first of all, in the application concerned, the available space which has been allocated to mount a plurality of connection assemblies on an electronic equipment panel is very limited.

[0019] To illustrate this space constraint, we have illustrated in figure 3 , the required arrangement in adjacent columns of several connection assemblies 1.1 to 1.6 individually mounted in an aircraft electronic equipment panel P. As is apparent from this figure 3 , the minimum space E between two adjacent assemblies 1.1, 1.2 is very small. However, this space does not allow an operator to place a finger there to manually slide a locking cover like that described in the aforementioned patents EP1708313B1 and EP2503651B1.

[0020] Then, it remained necessary to apply the usual coupling forces to guarantee electrical continuity between the two boxes, which is impossible to do manually in this new environment.

[0021] There is therefore a need to further improve the mutual locking between complementary connectors in a connected configuration, in particular in order to have the possibility of easy locking in an environment with limited available space and / or which requires the application of a significant locking force.

[0022] The invention aims to meet all or part of this need. Exposé de l'invention

[0023] To do this, the invention relates, according to one of its aspects, to a connector, in particular a multi-contact connector, comprising: a housing with a longitudinal axis (X), comprising a front face, called the connection face, by which the connection to a complementary type connector comprising a complementary housing is made, and a rear face, a cover for locking the connector to the complementary connector, said cover being mounted on the housing and adapted to slide, transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the housing, between an unlocking position and a locking position between the housing and the complementary housing, a mechanism for transforming rotational movement into sliding of the locking cover, the mechanism comprising an interface part with a tool, the part being mounted free to rotate in a housing of the housing and adapted to be rotated by the tool, according to an angular stroke causing the locking cover to slide from its unlocking position to its locking position and vice versa.

[0024] By "conversely" is meant here and within the scope of the invention that rotation by the tool along the angular travel in the opposite direction causes the cover to slide from its locking position to its unlocking position.

[0025] Preferably, the interface part is adapted to be rotated by a rotational movement of the tool. More preferably, the interface part can be rotated about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the tool, more preferably about the axis of rotation of the tool.

[0026] According to the invention, the axis around which the interface part can be rotated is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the housing.

[0027] Preferably, the interface part is housed in a housing passing through one side of the housing, preferably such that the interface between the interface part and the tool is carried out along the longitudinal axis of the housing from the front or rear face of the latter.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the interface part comprises an interface imprint with the tool, arranged on the side of the rear face of the housing.

[0029] Preferably, the tool interface cavity is arranged on a side edge of the housing. More preferably, the part interface cavity is a hollow hexagonal cavity. Of course, any type of cavity can be considered.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the mechanism is a sliding mechanism, in which: the interface part comprises at its periphery a pin projecting towards the front face of the housing, the cover comprises a groove of complementary shape with that of the pin, the pin being mounted to slide in the groove, the shape of which is such that when the interface part is rotated by the tool over the angular travel, the pin sliding in the groove slides the cover from its unlocked position to its locked position and vice versa.

[0031] Advantageously, the end-of-travel position of the pin in the groove is adapted to generate for the operator carrying out the locking with the tool, a sensitive indication of finalized locking in the locking position of the cover or close to it. Advantageously again, the pin can continue to slide in the groove beyond the locking position while generating for the operator a sensation of collapse of the rotational torque.

[0032] Preferably, the angular travel causing the hood to slide from its unlocked position to its locked position is at least 180°.

[0033] According to another advantageous variant embodiment, the interface part comprises, at its periphery, a lug projecting from the side of the rear face of the housing, the lug forming a stop of the interface part against a relief made in the housing or integral with the latter, in the locking position and / or in the unlocking position of the cover.

[0034] The lug is preferably visible to the operator performing the locking with the tool in any position of the hood.

[0035] According to another advantageous variant embodiment, the connector comprises at least one visual indicator arranged so as to be visible to an operator in any position from the unlocked position of the cover to its locked position in which it is hidden.

[0036] Advantageously, the interface part comprises, as a visual indicator, a visible colored area from the unlocked position of the cover to its locked position in which the area is hidden by a relief made in the housing or integral with the latter. This relief serves as a stop for the lug of the interface part.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cover and the interface part are dimensioned so as to generate a locking force of at least 100 N.

[0038] The connector may constitute a multi-contact connector, in which the housing houses at least one insert comprising cells which extend along the longitudinal axis (X) and which each house a contact.

[0039] Advantageously, the locking cover has a substantially U-shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0040] The invention also relates to an electrical connection assembly, comprising: a connector as described above, a complementary connector.

[0041] In other words, the invention essentially consists of a mechanism for transforming the rotational movement by a tool of an interface part housed in the housing of a connector, into a translation in a plane perpendicular to the coupling direction of a locking cover to lock the housing of the connector to that of a complementary connector.

[0042] The mechanism is very advantageously made up of a sliding mechanism with a protruding pin at the periphery of the interface part which slides in a groove of the housing by rotation of the tool. This sliding causes the translation in a plane perpendicular to the coupling direction of the connector of the locking cover from its unlocking position to its locking position.

[0043] The sensitive indication allows the operator to feel that the locking is correctly carried out.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for assembling the connector and the complementary connector of the assembly as described above, the method comprising the following steps: make the connection by their front face between connector and complementary connector, rotate the interface part using a tool, so as to slide in translation the locking cover from its unlocking position to its locking position in which it is blocked relative to the connector housing.

[0045] The advantages of the invention are numerous compared to existing ones, among which we can cite: a repetitive and precise locking position of the locking cover; easy locking for operators even in very confined spaces; the possibility for operators to apply with an easily handled tool, a very high locking force, which makes the equipped connection assembly perfectly compatible with applications in environments subject to significant vibrations.

[0046] The applications envisaged for the invention are numerous, among which we can cite electrical connections within aircraft.

[0047] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures. Brève description des dessins

[0048] [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 represents in perspective view an example of a quarter-turn locking system used for mutual locking between two multi-contact connectors of an electrical connection assembly according to the state of the art. Fig 2A ] there figure 2A is a top view and partially in section and in transparency of an electrical connection assembly according to the state of the art, with a mutual locking cover of the multi-contact connectors in its unlocked position. Fig 2B ] there figure 2B is a top view and partially in section and in transparency of an electrical connection assembly according to the figure 2A but with the locking hood in its locking position; [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a front view of an electronic equipment panel with a required example of an arrangement of a plurality of multi-contact connector electrical connection assemblies. Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a multi-contact connector of the socket type, with a locking cover according to the invention, to be moved by means of a tool of the hexagonal key type. Fig 4A ] there figure 4A is a detailed perspective view of the figure 4 without the tool. [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 is a perspective view of the housing, the locking cover and the interface part according to the invention of the connector according to the figure 4 . [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is a front and transparent view of the connector and the locking cover in the locking position, showing the sliding mechanism according to the invention. Fig 7A ] there figure 7A is a perspective view showing a step of mounting in an electronic equipment panel a connection assembly according to the invention. Fig 7B ] there figure 7B is a perspective view showing a subsequent assembly step to the step of the figure 7A , in the electronic equipment panel of the connection assembly. [ Fig 7C ] there figure 7C resumes the figure 4A and illustrates the unlocking position of the locking cover according to the invention, with the visual indication for an operator of this position. Fig 7D ] there figure 7D is a perspective view showing a subsequent assembly step to the step of the figure 7C , according to which the connection between the two connectors of the connection assembly is made and the locking of the two connectors of the connection assembly is not yet made (locking cover in open position). [ Fig 7E ] there figure 7E resumes the figure 4A but illustrates the locking position of the locking cover according to the invention, with the visual indication for an operator of this position. Fig 8A ] there figure 8A is a detailed perspective view of the rear of a connector and cover with the locking tool, in the unlocked position. Fig 8B ] there figure 8B is a detailed perspective view of the rear of a connector and the cover with the locking tool, in an intermediate position between the unlocked position and the locked position. Fig 8C ] there figure 8C is a detailed perspective view of the rear of a connector and cover with the locking tool, in the locking position. Fig 9A ] there figure 9A , corresponding to the figure 8A is a front view, through transparency, of the connector and the locking cover, in the unlocked position. Fig 9B ] there figure 9B , corresponding to the figure 8B , is a front view and through transparency, of the connector and the locking cover, in an intermediate position between the unlocked position and the locked position. Fig 9C ] there figure 9C , corresponding to the figure 8C is a front view, through transparency, of the connector and the locking cover, in the locking position. Description détaillée

[0049] Throughout the present application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference to an electrical connector according to the invention with a housing and its locking cover in a horizontally arranged configuration.

[0050] Likewise, the terms “internal” and “external” are to be understood in relation to the housing of the electrical connector according to the invention.

[0051] For the sake of clarity, the same numerical reference is used for the same element of an electrical connection assembly according to the state of the art and of an electrical connection assembly according to the invention.

[0052] THE figures 1 à 3 have already been described in detail in the preamble. They will therefore not be commented on below.

[0053] It has been represented on the figure 4 an example of a plug-type connector according to the invention, generally designated by the reference 2.

[0054] The multi-contact connector 2 of male type, in particular a plug, is intended to be connected to a complementary connector 3 of female type, in particular a base.

[0055] Connectors 2 and 3 are intended to carry optical, radiofrequency, electrical or power signals.

[0056] This multi-contact connector 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a housing 20 which, in the example described, is made from a single piece of plastic material. The front face 24 and the rear face 25 of the housing 20 are parallel and extend perpendicular to the axis X. An insert 26 with a plurality of cells is housed in the housing 20. Each cell is intended to house a contact, not shown.

[0057] A locking cover 4 is slidably mounted on the housing 20, transversely to the longitudinal axis X to mutually lock the connectors 2 and 3 when they are in the connected configuration, that is to say coupled to each other. As illustrated, the locking cover has, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), a substantially U-shaped shape.

[0058] According to the invention, a sliding mechanism 6 is provided to transform the rotational movement of a tool H into a translation of the locking cover 4 from its unlocking position in which the two connectors 2, 3 are unlocked to its locking position in which they are locked.

[0059] The sliding mechanism 6 firstly comprises an interface part 60, which can cooperate with the tool H, preferably a hexagonal section key. The interface part 60 is mounted freely rotatable in a housing 200 of the connector housing 20.

[0060] More specifically, the interface part 60 further comprises an imprint 61 for interfacing with the tool H, preferably a hollow hexagonal imprint. In the example illustrated, the imprint 61 is arranged on the side of the rear face of the housing, on a lateral edge of the latter.

[0061] The interface part 60 comprises at its periphery a pin 62 projecting towards the front face 24 of the housing 20.

[0062] The locking cover 4 comprises, inside the bottom 41 of the U-shape, a groove 42 of a shape complementary to that of the pin.

[0063] As shown in figure 6 , the pin 62 is slidably mounted in the groove 42. The shape of the groove 42 is such that when the interface part 60 is rotated by the tool H over an angular travel, of at least 180° in the example illustrated, the pin 62 sliding in the groove 42 slides the cover from its unlocking position to its locking position as detailed below.

[0064] The interface part 60 comprising, at its periphery, a lug 63 projecting from the side of the rear face 25 of the housing 20. This lug 63 is in abutment against a relief 27 secured or integrated in the housing 20 both in the locking position and in the unlocking position of the cover 4.

[0065] The interface part 60 finally comprises, as a visual indicator, an area of ​​apparent color 64, that is to say visible to an operator, from the unlocking position of the cover 4 to its locking position in which the area is hidden by the relief 27 and / or the housing 20 itself.

[0066] The method of fixing, connecting and locking a connection assembly to a panel P in accordance with the invention is now described with reference to Figures 8A to 8F. The panel P is for example integrated into a housing of electronic equipment, for example equipment on board an aircraft or in a cut-off panel.

[0067] Etape a / : the operator approaches the opening O of the panel P the base 3 with its housing 30 in which is housed at least one insert 35 with contact housing cells ( figure 7A ). Etape b / : the operator then inserts the base 3 into the opening O of the panel P, centers it, then fixes it to the panel with fixing screws ( figure 7B ).

[0068] Etape c / : the operator then grasps the plug-type connector 2 with its locking cover 4 in its unlocked position ( figure 7C ). The operator is assured that the cover 4 is in this unlocked position because, on the one hand, the lug 63 is in abutment against the relief 27 and, on the other hand, the colored zone 64 is completely visible, which visually indicates to the operator said unlocked position.

[0069] Etape d / : the operator then approaches the plug 2, with its contacts inserted and fixed in the insert 26 housed in the housing 20 opposite the base 3 so as to couple them mutually by their front face 24, 34 to make the connection ( figure 7D ).

[0070] Etape e / : once this connection is made, the operator can then proceed to lock them together by sliding the locking cover 4 on the box 3 from its unlocked position ( figure 7D ) to its locking position ( figure 7E ).

[0071] To do this, it houses a hexagonal key H in the hexagonal recess 61 and performs a rotation of at least 180°.

[0072] The operator is assured that the cover 4 is in the locking position because on the one hand the lug 63 is in abutment against the relief 27 and on the other hand, the colored zone 64 is completely invisible to the operator because it is masked ( figure 7E ), and that finally he perceived the collapse of the rotational torque to be applied.

[0073] The actual locking is done by blocking the cover 4 in its locking position obtained by wedging in the housing 30, that is to say by wedging each lug 32 of the housing 30 inside a groove 40 of the cover 4.

[0074] We specify with reference to the figures 8A à 8C And 9A à 9C , the operation of the sliding mechanism 6.

[0075] In the unlocking position of the hood 4, the lug 63 is in abutment against the relief 27 and the colored zone 64 is completely visible, which visually indicates to the operator said unlocking position ( figure 8A ). The pin 62 is housed in a central part of the groove 42 ( figure 9A ).

[0076] When the operator has turned the key H through an angle of approximately 90°, the cover 4 is in an intermediate sliding position, the lug 63 is then free of any stop and the colored zone 64 is still visible, which visually indicates to the operator that he has not reached the locking position ( figure 8B ). The pin 62 is housed in the lower end of the groove 42 ( figure 9B ).

[0077] When the operator has turned the key H by an additional angle of approximately 90°, i.e. a travel of approximately 180° from the unlocked position, the cover 4 is in its locked position, the lug 63 is then in low abutment against the relief 27 and the colored zone 64 is completely masked ( figure 8C ). The pin 62 is housed in the upper part of the groove 42 ( figure 9C ).

[0078] The end position of the pin 62 in the groove 42 advantageously makes it possible to create, near the locking position of the cover 4, a sensitive indication of finalized locking.

[0079] Indeed, when this complete locking position is reached and the cover 4 locked by wedging, the pin 62 can continue to move in the groove 42, which results for the operator in a sensation of collapse of effort, that is to say a much lower rotation torque.

[0080] Other variations and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Connector (2), in particular a multi-contact connector, comprising: - a casing (20) with a longitudinal axis (X), comprising a front face, referred to as connection face, which is used for connecting to a connector of complementary type comprising a complementary casing, and a rear face, - a cap (4) for locking the connector to the complementary connector, said cap being mounted on the casing and designed to slide transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the casing between an unlocking position and a locking position between the casing and complementary casing, - a mechanism (6) for transforming a movement in rotation of the locking cap (4) into a sliding movement, the mechanism comprising an interface part (60) for a tool (H), the part being mounted so as to rotate freely in a housing (200) of the casing, the connector (2) being characterized in that the interface part (60) is designed to be rotated by the tool about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the casing over an angular travel, which causes the locking cap to slide from its unlocking position to its locking position and vice versa.

2. Connector (2) according to Claim 1, the interface part (60) comprising a socket (61) as an interface for the tool, preferably a hollow hexagonal socket.

3. Connector (2) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, the interface part being designed to be rotated by a movement in rotation of the tool.

4. Connector (2) according to Claim 3, the interface part being designed to be rotated about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the tool, preferably about the axis of rotation of the tool.

5. Connector (2) according to Claim 4, the mechanism being a sliding mechanism, in which: - the interface part comprises at its periphery a pin (62) projecting towards the front face (24) of the casing, - the cap (4) comprises a groove (42) of complementary shape to that of the pin, the pin being mounted so as to slide in the groove, the shape of which is such that, when the interface part is rotated by the tool over the angular travel, the pin sliding in the groove slides the cap from its unlocking position to its locking position and vice versa.

6. Connector (2) according to Claim 5, the end-of-travel position of the pin (62) in the groove (42) being designed to generate, for the operator effecting the locking with the tool (H), a haptic indication of finalized locking of the cap (4) in the locking position or in the vicinity of said position.

7. Connector (2) according to Claim 6, the pin (62) being able to continue to slide in the groove (42) beyond the locking position and to generate for the operator a sensation of sudden reduction of the rotational torque.

8. Connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, the interface part comprising at its periphery a lug (63) projecting from the side of the rear face (25) of the casing, the lug forming an abutment for the interface part against a relief (27) formed in the casing or attached to the latter, in the locking position and / or in the unlocking position of the cap.

9. Connector (2) according to Claim 8, the lug (63) being visible to the operator effecting the locking with the tool (H) in any position of the cap.

10. Connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one visual indicator (64) arranged so as to be visible to an operator in any position, from the unlocking position of the cap to its locking position in which it is concealed.

11. Connector (2) according to Claim 10, the interface part comprising a visible coloured zone as visual indicator (64).

12. Connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, the cap and the interface part being dimensioned so as to generate a locking force of at least 100 N.

13. Connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, the locking cap being substantially U-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

14. Electrical connection assembly (1), comprising: - a connector (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, - a complementary connector (3).

15. Method for assembling the connector (2) and the complementary connector (3) of the assembly according to Claim 14, the method including the following steps: - connecting the connector and complementary connector via their front faces (24, 34), - rotating the interface part (60) by means of a tool (H), so as to cause the locking cap (4) to slide in translation from its unlocking position to its locking position in which it is immobilized relative to the casing (20) of the connector (2).