XLR CONNECTOR WITH RADIAL OUTPUT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of connectors, and more particularly to XLR connectors with radial output.

[0002] XLR connectors are plugs used primarily in audio engineering to connect multiple devices via a cable equipped with XLR connectors. One end of the XLR connector has pins for plugging into a device, while the other end has contacts to which a cable is connected. The connector has as many pins as there are contacts, with each contact connected to a corresponding pin to transmit each signal separately from one end of the cable to the other. XLR connectors can have between three and seven pins, with three-pin XLR connectors making up the vast majority of XLR connectors used in sound reinforcement.

[0003] XLR connectors are circular in cross-section, and can take two forms: either the cable to which the connector is connected extends, once fitted with the connector, in line with the connector, or the cable to which the connector is connected extends perpendicularly to the connector, in which case the connector is said to have a "radial output".

[0004] Such XLR connectors with radial output are particularly useful in configurations where there is not enough space for the cable equipped with the connector to extend beyond the connector once the connector is plugged in.

[0005] Common radial output XLR connectors are generally formed of a connector body and a cap having a skirt in which a radial opening is formed, the cap being intended to be attached to the connector body.

[0006] In practice, the cable is connected to the connector contacts and then bent. Once the cable is bent, the cap is attached to the connector body by aligning the opening in the cap's skirt with the bent portion of the cable, and then the skirt is pushed into the connector body. Radial screws (usually two diametrically opposed) passing through the connector body are then screwed in to rest against, but not tighten against, the cap's skirt, thus securing the cap to the connector body.

[0007] These well-known connectors have the drawback of not securely holding the cable to the connector and not properly securing the cap to the body. The screws only need to make contact with the cap's skirt, resting against it but not tightening it excessively or becoming firmly attached, which would deform the skirt. As a result, the cap is merely held onto the body. Furthermore, due to its weak attachment to the body, the cap cannot exert any force on the cable, which can then easily be disconnected from the contacts if it is pulled unintentionally. Such a disconnection can damage both the cable and the connector contacts.

[0008] The document GB2493378A describes the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of prior art radial XLR connectors by proposing radial XLR connectors in which the retaining element exerts a force on the cable along the longitudinal direction of the connector body. This helps to keep the cable in the connector in case of unintended strain, while also ensuring a strong connection between the retaining element and the connector body. Indeed, in the event of unintended strain on the cable, and because the cable is firmly pressed against the radial walls at the connector entry, effective strain relief is achieved, thus preventing any risk of damage to the connector contacts and / or attachment points (e.g., solder joints).

[0010] The present invention therefore relates to a radial output XLR connector, comprising: a cylindrical body having a longitudinal direction, an insert mounted in the body along its longitudinal direction and having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the body, a cable connection end and a plug-in end, the cable connection end having contacts configured to be connected to a cable, the plug-in end having terminals configured to be plugged into a socket, each contact being connected to a corresponding pin in the insert, a head configured to be fixed on the body opposite the cable connection end of the insert and comprising at least one radial opening allowing the passage of a cable for its connection to the contacts of the insert, characterized by the fact that the head includes a flange having at least one radial opening, and a flange retaining element on the body configured to exert a force on the flange along the longitudinal direction of the body and oriented towards the insert.

[0011] Thus, the clamp exerts a force on the angled part of the cable, pressing the cable into the connector, which allows the cable to be clamped between the clamp and the body and to be better held in case of untimely pulling on the cable.

[0012] In addition, the retaining element also allows for better retention of the head on the body: where existing radial output XLR connectors immobilized the cap relative to the body, the radial output XLR connector according to the present invention exerts a force on the head to press them against each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector and mechanically secures the head to the connector.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the cable connection body includes a collar in which a groove is formed, at least one notch connecting the groove to the free end of the collar, the flange being constituted by a cap having a radial opening, the retaining member being constituted by at least one radial projection formed in the cap and configured to become fixed to the groove by insertion of at least one projection into at least one notch and rotation of the cap to engage at least one notch in the groove.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the radial opening is tapered. The opening is thus beveled, allowing it to adapt to cables of varying widths, and also, by rotating the cap, the tapered shape of the opening allows the edge of the opening to come into contact with the cable sheath to further secure it.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the cable connection body includes a collar on which a thread is formed, the flange being constituted by a ring which has at least one radial opening, the flange being configured to be attached over the thread, the retaining member being constituted by a cap having a tapping configured to screw onto the thread of the collar and press the flange against the body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the flange comprises several radial outlets. This allows for easier positioning of the flange on the cable and body once the cable is soldered to the contacts.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the radial outlets have different diameters to accommodate different cable diameters.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the XLR connector is a male connector, with the terminals on the plug-in end side being male pins.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the XLR connector is a female connector, with the terminals on the plug-in end side being female pins.

[0020] Advantageously, the size of the flange opening will be chosen to fit snugly on the cable, so that once the connector is mounted, a peripheral constraint is exerted on the cable at the radial opening to hold it against the body.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the collar includes a notch formed longitudinally in its side wall, extending from the base of the collar and opening onto the collar neck to allow the passage of cable C through the collar neck. This results in a more compact connector.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a rib is formed at the base of the notch to lock the cable C. The cable C, once bent, is indeed held by the rib, or any other surface effect (several ribs, relief...) and prevents damage to the cable solder on the contacts during an untimely pull on the cable.

[0023] In one embodiment, projections extend from the lateral surface of the insert opposite each contact, the projections being separated by gaps. These projections prevent any short circuit between the cable and the contacts on the one hand, and the other metal parts of the connector on the other.

[0024] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustration and not limitation, will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, on which: [ Fig.1 [ ] is a rear perspective view of a female XLR connector according to a first embodiment. Fig.2 ] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.1 ]. Fig.3 ] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.1 ]. Fig.3a ] is a view of the connector insert of the [ Fig.1 ]. Fig.3b ] is a view of the connector collar of the [ Fig.1 ]. Fig.4 [ ] is a rear perspective view of a male XLR connector according to the first embodiment. Fig.5 ] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.4 ]. Fig.6 ] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.4 ]. Fig.7 [ ] is a rear perspective view of a female XLR connector according to a second embodiment. ] Fig.8 ] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.7 ]. Fig.9 ] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.7 ]. Fig.10 [ ] is a rear perspective view of a male XLR connector according to the second embodiment. ] Fig.11 ] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.10 ]. Fig.12 ] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the [ Fig.10 ].

[0025] In the following description, the front and rear parts of the connector refer to two opposite ends of the connector along its length. By convention, the front part of the connector is the end to which the cable is attached, and the rear part is the end intended to be plugged in. Therefore, the adjectives "front" and "rear" used to describe a part in this description should be interpreted in relation to their orientation within the connector.

[0026] If we refer to Figures 1 à 3 , we can see that a female XLR 100 connector, with radial output, has been represented there, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0027] The XLR 100 connector according to this first embodiment is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generatrix of the cylinder. The XLR 100 connector comprises a body 101, an insert 102, and a head 103.

[0028] The body 101 is generally cylindrical in shape, hollow, and consists of a front part 104 and a rear part 105, formed in one piece, generally of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0029] The peripheral surface of the front part 104 includes a threaded end part 106 and a base part 107, of a larger diameter than the threaded end part 106.

[0030] A notch 104a is formed on the free edge of the threaded end portion 106, with radial grooves 104b separating each notch. The role of the notch 104a and the grooves 104b will be described below in connection with the description of the insert 102.

[0031] The rear part 105 is cylindrical, with a diameter smaller than the base part 107, a longitudinal rib 105a being formed on the surface of the rear part 105, and serving as a keying feature when inserting the XLR connector 100. It is understood that the invention is not limited in this respect and that a connector according to the invention may not include a keying feature.

[0032] Two cylindrical sections with the same axis 110a and 110b are formed in the body 101, delimited by a shoulder 111 whose role will be described below, the front cylindrical section 110a at the front of the body 101 being of greater diameter than the rear cylindrical section 110b at the rear of the body 101.

[0033] An alignment feature 112 is optionally formed at the end of the rear cylindrical section 110b. Its function will be described below. The invention is not limited in this respect, and an alignment feature is not required for mounting the insert in the body.

[0034] The insert 102 is also generally cylindrical, formed from injection-molded plastic material, and is intended to make the signal connection between the pins 113 and the contacts 114 at both ends of the insert 102.

[0035] Each contact 114 is connected bijectively to one of the pins 113 via hollow metal rods 113a.

[0036] The contacts 114 are formed on the front part 115 of the insert 102, the pins 113 being formed on the rear part 116 of the insert 102.

[0037] A longitudinal groove 117 is formed on the outer surface of the rear portion 116 of the insert 102. This groove is designed to cooperate with the keying feature 112 to ensure proper positioning of the insert 102 within the body 101, thus preventing any rotation around the axis of revolution of the insert 102 during the insertion of the connector 100. This, in conjunction with the rib 105a, leads to optimal alignment of the pins 113 with the pins of the opposite connector (into which the connector 100, not shown here, is inserted). Recesses 118 are also formed on the outer surface of the rear portion 116 to save material.

[0038] The front part 115 is larger in diameter than the rear part 116, forming a shoulder 119 intended to butt against the shoulder 111 formed in the body 101 to form a stop for the insertion of the insert 102 into the body 101, the insert 102 once inserted into the body 101 being flush with the free edge of the front part 104.

[0039] The front part 115 of insert 102 shown partially in [ Fig.3a The connector features projections 115a extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert 102, in line with the lateral surface of the insert 102, opposite each contact 114. These projections 115a are separated by spaces 115b (three projections 115a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector as shown). The projections 115a are located at the periphery of the contacts 114 and serve to prevent any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 101 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 115b, for their part, facilitate access to the connection terminals during the assembly (soldering) of cable C onto the contacts 114.

[0040] The head 103 consists of four elements: a collar 120, a ring 121, a flange 122 and a cap 123.

[0041] The collar 120 is cylindrical, hollow, and rests at its rear end on a base 124 open for the passage of the wires of cable C to the contacts 114 of the insert 102. Radial ribs 125 are formed on the rear surface of the base 124 and are intended to ensure correct positioning of the base 124 on the body 101, by positioning the ribs 125 in the grooves 104b. These ribs 125 also allow selection of the cable exit angle relative to the contacts 114 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0042] A thread 120a is formed on the external surface of the collar 120, to allow the screwing of the cap 123 as will be described below, with a shoulder 126 formed between the thread 120a and the base 124.

[0043] A 120b U-shaped notch (visible in [ Fig.3b ]) is formed in the thread 120a, the notch 120b extending from the base 124 to open on the free edge of the collar 120 corresponding to the free end of the neck, having a rounded edge on the base side 124 and which carries a rib 120c (or other surface effect) allowing the passage of the cable C for its connection to the contacts 114. The rib 120c allows the cable C to be retained, once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 114.

[0044] The rib 120c (or other surface effect) is not essential to the present invention, but is just an additional element which helps to increase the tension relief effect, which is otherwise ensured by the simple clamping (choke) of the bent part of the cable C between the flange 122 and collar 120.

[0045] The 120 collar is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0046] The ring 121 includes a tapped hole 127 for screwing the ring 121 onto the thread 106 of the threaded front part 104 of the body 101. A bead 128 with a knurling-type surface effect is formed on the rear part of the ring 121, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 101.

[0047] The front opening of the ring 121 has a right-angled return 129 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 124 of the collar 120, in order to lock the collar 120 in position on the body 101, the ribs 125 being engaged in the grooves 104b, when screwing the ring 121 onto the body 101.

[0048] Ring 121 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0049] The flange 122 is ring-shaped, cylindrical in shape, with an internal surface in two parts: a front part 130 with a smooth surface, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the thread 120a of the collar 120 to allow the flange 122 to pass over the thread 120a, and a rear part 131, also with a smooth surface, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the front part 130, the front parts 130 and rear parts 131 being separated by a shoulder 132, with a gap formed between the shoulder 132 and the shoulder 126 of the collar 120 when the connector 100 is mounted, to allow the effective pressing of the cable C against the radial part of the U-shaped notch 120b of the collar 120 and by extension against the body 101.

[0050] Radial openings 133 are formed in the peripheral surface of the flange 122, with different opening sizes to accommodate different cable sizes C.

[0051] The 122 flange is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0052] The cap 123 has a thread 134 for screwing the cap 123 onto the collar 120. The external surface of the cap 123 also has a knurled surface effect to facilitate screwing.

[0053] The 123 cap is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0054] In practice, the cable C is inserted into the ring 121 then into the collar 120 and is then connected to the contacts 114 of the insert 102. The insert 102 is subsequently inserted into the body 101, then the collar 120 is brought into contact with the insert 102 and held by the ring 121 screwed onto the body 101 to secure the assembly (collar 120 and insert 102) to it.

[0055] Cable C is then bent and passed through one of the radial openings 133 in the flange 122 corresponding to its diameter. The cap 123 is then screwed onto the flange 122, and thus indirectly onto cable C, until cable C butts against the body 101, resulting in a cable firmly connected to the XLR connector 100. The rib 120c is optional but nevertheless provides additional protection to the strain relief effect, which is otherwise ensured by simply clamping (constricting) the bent portion of the cable between the flange 122 and the collar 120.

[0056] If we now refer to Figures 4 à 6 , we can see that a male XLR 200 connector with radial output has been represented according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0057] The connector 200 is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generator of the cylinder, and comprises a body 201, an insert 202 and a head 203.

[0058] The 201 body is cylindrical and hollow, and can for example be made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0059] It comprises a front part 204 and a rear part 205.

[0060] The front portion 204 has a thread 206 on its outer peripheral part, the function of which will be described below. A notch 204a is formed on the free end of the front portion 204, with radial grooves 204b formed between the notches of the notch 204a. The function of this notch 204a will be described below in connection with the description of the head 203.

[0061] Two hollow cylindrical sections 206 and 207 are formed in the body 201, the front section 206 being of smaller diameter than the rear section 207, with a shoulder 208 separating the two sections and serving as a stop when the insert 202 is introduced into the body 201, as will be described below.

[0062] A longitudinal groove 205a is formed in the rear section 207, serving as a keying feature when inserting the connector 200. The invention is not limited in this respect, however, and can be envisaged without this keying feature 205a.

[0063] The insert 202 is cylindrical, formed from injection-molded plastic material around the pins 213 which protrude from the rear part of the insert 202.

[0064] The contacts 214 for connecting to cable C are formed in the front part 215 of the insert 202, with a keying feature 217 having the form of a longitudinal rib formed on the external surface of the insert 202 to ensure its insertion in the correct direction into the body 201, this longitudinal rib being intended to fit into a corresponding groove (not shown) formed in the front section 206 of the body 201. The keying feature 217 prevents any rotation around the axis of revolution of the insert 202 during the insertion of the connector 200 leading, in conjunction with the rib 205a, to optimal alignment of the plugs 213 with the pins of the opposite connector (into which the connector 200, not shown here, is inserted).A peripheral groove 219 is formed on the rear face of the insert 202 from which the pins 213 protrude, this peripheral groove 219 being intended to butt against the shoulder 208 of the body 201 when the insert 202 is introduced into the body 201, the front part of the insert 202 then being flush with the free edge of the front part 204 of the body 201.

[0065] The front portion 215 of the insert 202 has projections 215a extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert 202, in line with the lateral surface of the insert 202, opposite each contact 214. The projections 215a are separated by spaces 215b (three projections 215a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector). The projections 215a are located at the periphery of the contacts 214 and serve to prevent any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 201 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 215b, for their part, facilitate access to the connection terminals during the assembly (soldering) of the cable C to the contacts 214.

[0066] The structure of the front part 215 is identical to that shown in [ Fig.3a and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0067] The head 203 consists of four elements: a collar 220, a ring 221, a flange 222 and a cap 223.

[0068] The collar 220 is cylindrical, hollow, and rests at its rear end on a base 224 open for the passage of the wires of cable C to the contacts 214 of the insert 202. Radial ribs 225 are formed on the rear surface of the base 224 and are intended to ensure correct positioning of the base 224 on the body 201, by positioning the ribs 225 in the grooves 204b. These ribs 225 also allow selection of the cable exit angle relative to the contacts 214 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0069] A thread 220a is formed on the external surface of the collar 220, to allow the screwing of the cap 223 as will be described below, with a shoulder 226 formed between the thread 220a and the base 224.

[0070] A notch 220b is formed in the thread 220a, the notch 220b extending from the base 224 towards the free edge of the flange 220, having a rounded edge on the base side 224 and bearing a rib 220c (or other surface feature) allowing the passage of cable C for its connection to the contacts 214. The rib 220c helps to retain cable C once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 214. The rib 220c is optional but nevertheless provides additional security to the strain relief effect, which is otherwise ensured by the simple clamping (constriction) of the bent portion of the cable between the flange 222 and the flange 220.

[0071] The 220 collar is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0072] The ring 221 includes a tapped hole 227 for screwing the ring 221 onto the thread 206 of the threaded front part 204 of the body 201. A bead 228 with a knurled surface effect is formed on the rear part of the ring 221, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 201.

[0073] The front opening of the ring 221 has a right-angled return 229 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 224 of the collar 220, in order to lock the collar 220 in position on the body 201, the ribs 225 being engaged in the grooves 204b, when screwing the ring 221 onto the body 201.

[0074] The 221 ring is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0075] The flange 222 is ring-shaped, cylindrical in form, with an internal surface in two parts: a front part 230 with a smooth surface, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the thread 220a of the collar 220 to allow the flange 222 to pass over the thread 220a, and a rear part 231, also with a smooth surface, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the front part 230, the front parts 230 and rear parts 231 being separated by a shoulder 232, with a gap formed between the shoulder 232 and the shoulder 226 of the collar 220 when the connector 200 is mounted to allow the effective pressing of the cable C against the body 201.

[0076] Radial openings 233 are formed in the peripheral surface of the flange 222, with different opening sizes to accommodate different sizes of C cables.

[0077] The 222 flange is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0078] The cap 223 has a threaded hole 234 for screwing the cap 223 onto the collar 220. The external surface of the cap 223 also has a knurled surface effect to facilitate screwing.

[0079] The 223 cap is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0080] In practice, the cable C is inserted into the ring 221 then into the collar 220 and is then connected to the contacts 214 of the insert 202. The insert 202 is then inserted into the body 201, then the collar 220 is brought into contact with the insert 202 and held by the ring 221 screwed onto the body 201 to secure the assembly (collar 220 and insert 202) to it.

[0081] The cable C is then bent and made to pass through one of the radial openings 233 of the flange 222 corresponding to its diameter.

[0082] The cap 223 is finally screwed onto the flange 222, and thus indirectly onto the cable C, until the cable C comes to rest against the body 201, allowing a cable to be firmly connected to the XLR connector 200.

[0083] If we refer to Figures 7 à 9 , we can see that a female XLR 300 connector, with radial output, has been represented there, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0084] The XLR 300 connector according to this second embodiment is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generatrix of the cylinder. The XLR 300 connector comprises a body 301, an insert 302, and a head 303.

[0085] The body 301 is generally cylindrical in shape, hollow, and consists of a front part 304 and a rear part 305, formed in one piece, generally of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0086] The peripheral surface of the front part 304 includes a threaded end part 306 and a base part 307, of a larger diameter than the threaded end part 306.

[0087] A notch 304a is formed on the free edge of the threaded end portion 306, with radial grooves 304b separating each notch. The role of the notch 304a will be described below in connection with the description of the insert 302.

[0088] The rear part 305 is cylindrical, with a diameter smaller than the base part 307, a longitudinal rib 305a being formed on the surface of the rear part 305, and serving as a keying feature when inserting the XLR connector 300. It is understood that the invention is not limited in this respect and that a connector according to the invention may not include a keying feature.

[0089] Two cylindrical sections with the same axis 310a and 310b are formed in the body 301, delimited by a shoulder 311 whose role will be described below, the front cylindrical section 310a at the front of the body 301 being of greater diameter than the rear cylindrical section 310b at the rear of the body 301.

[0090] A keying feature 312 is formed at the end of the rear cylindrical section 310. Its function will be described below. The invention is not limited in this respect, and a keying feature is not required for mounting the insert in the body. However, the keying feature 312, in conjunction with the rib 305, ensures the correct alignment of the pins 313 with those of the connector into which the connector 300 is inserted.

[0091] Insert 302 is also generally cylindrical, formed from injection-molded plastic, and is intended to make the signal connection between pins 313 and contacts 314 at both ends of insert 302.

[0092] Each contact 314 is connected bijectively to one of the pins 313 via hollow metal rods 313a.

[0093] The contacts 314 are formed on the front part 315 of the insert 302, the pins 313 being formed on the rear part 316 of the insert 302.

[0094] A longitudinal groove 317 is formed on the outer surface of the rear portion 316 of the insert 302. This groove is designed to cooperate with the keying feature 312 to ensure proper positioning of the insert 302 within the body 301 and prevent any rotation around the axis of revolution of the insert 302 during the insertion of the connector 300. This, in conjunction with the rib 305a, leads to optimal alignment of the pins 313 with the pins of the opposite connector (into which the connector 300, not shown here, is inserted). Recesses 318 are also formed on the outer surface of the rear portion 316 to save material.

[0095] The front part 315 is larger in diameter than the rear part 316, forming a shoulder 319 intended to butt against the shoulder 311 formed in the body 301 to form a stop for the insertion of the insert 302 into the body 301, the insert 302 once inserted into the body 301 being flush with the free edge of the front part 304.

[0096] Similar to the first embodiment, the front portion 315 of the insert 302 has projections 315a extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert 302, in line with the lateral surface of the insert 302, opposite each contact 314. The projections 315a are separated by spaces 315b (three projections 315a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector). The projections 315a are located at the periphery of the contacts 314 and serve to prevent any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 301 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 315b, for their part, facilitate access to the connection terminals during the assembly (soldering) of the cable C onto the contacts 314.

[0097] The head 303 consists of three elements: a collar 320, a ring 321, and a cap 322.

[0098] The collar 320 is analogous to the collar 120 of the first embodiment, cylindrical and hollow, and rests at its rear end on a base 324 open for the passage of the wires of cable C to the contacts 314 of the insert 302, radial ribs 325 being formed on the rear surface of the base 324 and being intended to ensure correct positioning of the base 324 on the body 301, by positioning the ribs 325 in the grooves 304b.

[0099] These ribs 325 also allow the cable exit angle to be chosen relative to the contacts 314 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0100] A groove 320a is formed on the external surface of the collar 320 with notches 320b connecting the groove 320a to the free front edge of the collar 320, to allow the cap 322 to be secured as described below, with a shoulder 326 formed between the groove 320a and the base 324.

[0101] As in the first embodiment, a notch 320b is formed in the thread 320a, the notch 320b extending from the base 324 towards the free edge of the collar 320, having a rounded edge on the base side 324 and which carries a rib 320c (or other surface effect) allowing the passage of the cable C for its connection to the contacts 314. The rib 320c allows the cable C to be retained, once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 314.

[0102] The 320 collar is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0103] The ring 321 includes a tapped hole 327 for screwing the ring 321 onto the thread 306 of the threaded front part 304 of the body 301. A bead 328 with a knurled surface effect is formed on the rear part of the ring 321, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 301.

[0104] The front opening of the ring 321 has a right-angled return 329 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 324 of the collar 320, in order to lock the collar 320 in position on the body 301, the ribs 325 being engaged in the grooves 304b, when screwing the ring 321 onto the body 301.

[0105] The 321 ring is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0106] The cap 322 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic and has a base 330 from which extends rearward a skirt 331 in the peripheral surface of which is formed a tapered opening 333.

[0107] Lugs 334 are formed in the inner surface of the cap 322, extending radially inward towards the inside of the cap 322, these lugs 334 being intended to be inserted into the notches 320b of the collar 320.

[0108] In practice, the cable C is inserted into the ring 321 then into the collar 320 and is then connected to the contacts 314 of the insert 302. The insert 302 is then inserted into the body 301, then the collar 320 is brought into contact with the insert 302 and held by the ring 321 screwed onto the body 301 to secure the assembly (collar 320 and insert 302) to it.

[0109] Cable C is then bent and made to pass through the radial opening of collar 320.

[0110] The cap 322 is finally introduced onto the collar 320 with the lugs 334 passing through the notches 320b then the cap 322 is turned to circulate the lugs 334 in the groove until the radial opening 333 comes into contact with the cable C to press it against the radial surface of the collar 320 and by extension against the body 301.

[0111] If we now refer to Figures 10 à 12 , we can see that a male XLR 400 connector with radial output has been represented according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0112] The connector 400 is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generator of the cylinder and comprises a body 401, an insert 402 and a head 403.

[0113] The 401 body is cylindrical and hollow, and can for example be made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0114] It comprises a front part 404 and a rear part 405.

[0115] The front portion 404 has a thread 406 on its outer peripheral part, the function of which will be described below. A notch 404a is formed on the free end of the front portion 404, with radial grooves 404b formed between the notches of the notch 404a. The function of this notch 404a will be described below in connection with the description of the head 403.

[0116] Two hollow cylindrical sections 406 and 407 are formed in the body 401, the front section 406 being of smaller diameter than the rear section 407, with a shoulder 408 separating the two sections and serving as a stop when the insert 402 is introduced into the body 401, as will be described below.

[0117] A longitudinal groove 405a is formed in the rear section 407, serving as a keying feature when inserting the connector 400. The invention is not limited in this respect, however, and can be envisaged without this keying feature 405a.

[0118] As with the first embodiment, the insert 402 is cylindrical, formed from injection-molded plastic material around the pins 413 which protrude from the rear part of the insert 402.

[0119] The contacts 414 for connecting to cable C are formed in the front part of the insert 402, with a keying feature 417 in the form of a longitudinal rib formed on the external surface of the insert 402 to ensure its correct insertion into the body 401, this longitudinal rib being intended to fit into a corresponding groove (not shown) formed in the front section 406 of the body 402. A peripheral groove 419 is formed on the rear face of the insert 402 from which the pins 413 protrude, this peripheral groove 419 being intended to abut against the shoulder 408 of the body 401 when the insert 402 is inserted into the body 401, the front part of the insert 402 then being flush with the free edge of the front part 404 of the body 401.

[0120] Similar to the first embodiment, the front portion 415 of the insert 402 has projections 415a extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert 402, in line with the lateral surface of the insert 402, opposite each contact 414. The projections 415a are separated by spaces 415b (three projections 415a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector). The projections 415a are located at the periphery of the contacts 414 and serve to prevent any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 401 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 415b, for their part, facilitate access to the connection terminals during the assembly (soldering) of the cable C onto the contacts 414.

[0121] The head 403 consists of three elements: a collar 420, a ring 421, and a cap 422.

[0122] The collar 420 is cylindrical and rests at its rear end on a base 424 open for the passage of the wires of cable C to the contacts 414 of the insert 402, radial ribs 425 being formed on the rear surface of the base 424 and being intended to ensure correct positioning of the base 424 on the body 401, by positioning the ribs 425 in the grooves 404b.

[0123] These ribs 425 also allow the cable exit angle to be chosen relative to the contacts 414 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0124] A groove 420a is formed on the external surface of the collar 420 with notches 420b connecting the groove 420a to the free front edge of the collar 420, to allow the cap 422 to be secured as described below, with a shoulder 426 formed between the groove 420a and the base 424.

[0125] As in the first embodiment, a notch 420b is formed in the thread 420a, the notch 420b extending from the base 424 towards the free edge of the collar 420, having a rounded edge on the base side 424 and which carries a rib 420c (or other surface feature) allowing the passage of the cable C for its connection to the contacts 414. The rib 420c allows the cable C to be retained once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 414.

[0126] The 420 collar is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0127] The ring 421 includes a tapped hole 427 for screwing the ring 421 onto the thread 406 of the threaded front part 404 of the body 401. A bead 428 with a knurled surface effect is formed on the rear part of the ring 421, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 401.

[0128] The front opening of the ring 421 has a right-angled return 429 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 424 of the collar 420, in order to lock the collar 420 in position on the body 401, the ribs 425 being engaged in the grooves 404b, when screwing the ring 421 onto the body 401.

[0129] The 421 ring is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0130] The cap 422 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic and has a base 430 from which extends rearward a skirt 431 in the peripheral surface of which is formed a tapered opening 433.

[0131] Lugs 434 are formed in the inner surface of the cap 422, extending radially inward towards the inside of the cap 422, these lugs 434 being intended to be inserted into the notches 420b of the collar 420.

[0132] In practice, the cable C is inserted into the ring 421 then into the collar 420 and is then connected to the contacts 414 of the insert 402. The insert 402 is then inserted into the body 401, then the collar 420 is brought into contact with the insert 402 and held by the ring 421 screwed onto the body 401 to secure the assembly (collar 420 and insert 402) to it.

[0133] Cable C is then bent and made to pass through the radial opening of collar 420.

[0134] The cap 422 is finally introduced onto the collar 420 with the lugs 434 passing through the notches 420b then the cap 422 is turned to circulate the lugs 434 in the groove until the radial opening 433 comes into contact with the cable C to press it against the radial surface of the collar 420 and by extension against the body 401.

Claims

1. - A right angle XLR connector (100; 200), comprising: - a cylindrical body (101; 201) having a longitudinal direction, - an insert (102; 202) mounted in the body (101; 201) along its longitudinal direction and having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the body (101; 201), one end for connecting to a cable (C) and one plugging end, the connection end to a cable (C) carrying contacts (114; 214) configured to be connected to a cable (C), the plugging end carrying terminals (113; 213) configured to be plugged into a socket, each contact (114; 214) being connected to a corresponding pin (113; 213) in the insert (102; 202), - a head (103; 203) configured to be fixed on the body (101; 201) facing the cable connection end of the insert (102; 202) and comprising at least one radial opening (133; 233) allowing the passage of a cable (C) for its connection to the contacts (114; 214) of the insert (102; 202), wherein the head (103; 203) comprises a flange (122; 222) including the at least one radial opening (133; 233), and a holding member for the flange (122; 222) on the body (101; 201) configured to exert on the flange (122; 222) a force in the longitudinal direction of the body (101; 201) and oriented towards the insert (102; 202), the body (101; 201) on the cable connection side comprising a collar (120; 220) in which is formed a thread (120a; 220a) characterized in that the collar (120; 220) further comprises a notch (120b; 220b) formed longitudinally in its lateral wall, extending from the base of the collar (120; 220) and opening onto the neck of the collar (120; 220) to allow the passage of the cable C through the neck of the collar (120; 220), wherein the flange (122; 222) is constituted by a ring that has at least one radial opening (133; 233), wherein the flange (122; 222) is configured to be attached over the thread (120a; 220a), wherein the holding member is constituted by a cap (123; 223) carrying an internal thread (134; 234) configured to be screwed onto the thread (120a; 220a) of the collar (120; 220) and press the flange (122; 222) against the body (101; 201).

2. - The right angle XLR connector (100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange (122; 222) comprises several radial outlets (133; 233).

3. - The right angle XLR connector (100; 200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the radial outlets (133; 233) have different diameters to adapt to different cable diameters.

4. - The right angle XLR connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the XLR connector is a male connector, the terminals on the plugging end being male pins.

5. - The right angle XLR connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the XLR connector is a female connector, the terminals on the plugging end being female pins.

6. - The right angle XLR connector according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a rib (120c; 220c) is formed at the base of the notch (120b; 220b) to block the cable C.

7. - The right angle XLR connector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that projections (115a; 215a) extend in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert (102; 202) facing each contact (114; 214), the projections (115a; 215a) being separated by spaces (115b; 215b).