Connector with lever for assisting with connection and method for packaging such a connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a lever-assisted connector (3). Locking means (4) for the lever (3) are slidably mounted on it between three positions: a locked position in which the locking means (4) of the lever (3) block the lever (3) in its closed position, an unlocked position in which the locking means (4) of the lever (3) release the lever (3) to allow its rotation to its open position, and a delivery position, distinct from the locked and unlocked positions, in which the lever (3) can be in the closed position without being blocked by the locking means (4). In the delivery position, the locking means (4) are not constrained.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of connectors, and in particular that of automotive connectors. The invention relates in particular to a connector comprising a lever and locking means as well as a method for packaging a connector.

[0002] Connectors are used to transmit signals or electrical energy between cables, devices (computers, lighting, etc.) or motors. In particular, electrical connectors have electrical contacts in varying numbers, or even of varying sizes.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to avoid musculoskeletal disorders for operators responsible for assembling and connecting the connectors together, in order to ensure an easy and reliable connection, and in order to avoid the risk of faulty connections, the connectors, and in particular connectors for the automotive industry, may be equipped with a coupling assistance lever.

[0004] Thus, connectors are known with a lever mounted in rotation on a housing, the lever comprising two lever arms articulated around an axis of rotation, each respectively on a face of the housing, perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Each of these arms is provided with teeth cooperating with racks of a counter-connector. The lever is then movable between two positions: an open position, corresponding to a pre-coupling or start of coupling position of the connector with a counter-connector, and a closed position, corresponding to a fully coupled position of the connector with the counter-connector. In other words, the lever is placed in the open position when the connector is arranged opposite a counter-connector to couple the connector with the counter-connector. Then, the lever is tilted from this open position to its closed position.During this operation, the teeth of the lever engage with the racks of the counter-connector, to mate and connect the connector with the counter-connector. When the lever is in the closed position, the connector and counter-connector are completely mated and connected.

[0005] This type of connector may be provided with locking means which lock the lever in its closed position, in order to prevent the lever from tilting, inadvertently or under the effect of vibrations, towards its open position and the connector and counter-connector from disconnecting.

[0006] Connectors of this type are described, for example, in document EP2675021A2 or in document EP2863490A1.

[0007] For reasons of space and / or to limit the risk of breaking the lever, it is preferable that, during storage and delivery periods, the lever is in the closed position, but not locked.

[0008] Thus, there is provided a connector according to claim 1.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, in addition to the fact that the connector can be packaged by limiting the volume it occupies and reducing or avoiding the lever being broken, the connector can be stored for long periods without the effectiveness of the lever locking means degrading over time.

[0010] Indeed, the locking means with which the connectors are equipped are often in the form of a lock made by molding a plastic material. It is therefore necessary to avoid elements of the locking means being kept under stress for long periods. Under the effect of temperature and / or time, the plastic material can creep and / or deform, which can lead to malfunction and / or loss of reliability of the locking means.

[0011] Thus, advantageously, the locking means do not remain under stress for extended periods. There are in fact two particular periods during which a connector can remain without movement of the lever and the locking means. These are, on the one hand, the periods of storage and delivery before the connector is used, and on the other hand the period of use when the connector is operatively connected with a counter-connector.

[0012] Thus, the connector according to the invention may comprise locking means which comprise at least one flexible branch cooperating with the housing to block the lever in the closed position, this flexible branch not being under stress (i.e. not under permanent stress) when the locking means are in the delivery position or in the locking position.

[0013] The connector according to the invention may, in addition, optionally include one or other of the characteristics mentioned in claims 2 to 10, considered in isolation or in combination with one or more others.

[0014] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method of packaging a connector, according to claim 11.

[0015] In this method, the connector is packaged, for example, in a box, by placing the lever in the closed position and the locking means in a delivery position, distinct from the locking and unlocking positions, in which the locking means are not under stress.

[0016] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows as well as on the attached drawings. In these drawings: there figure 1schematically represents in perspective and in exploded form an exemplary embodiment of a connector according to the invention, the figure 2 schematically represents in perspective the connector of the figure 1 , with the lever in the closed position; the figure 3 schematically represents in perspective the connector of the figure 1 , with the lever in the open position; the Figures 4 and 5 represent, schematically in perspective, a part of the connector of the figures 1 to 3 , with the lever in the closed position with the lever locking means respectively in the delivery position and in the locking position; the figures 6 and 7 schematically represent, in perspective and in section, part of the connector of the figures 1 to 3, with the lever in the closed position and with the lever locking means respectively in the delivery position and in the locking position, the lever having been hidden to better see the interaction of the locking means with the connector housing; figures 8 and 9 represent, schematically in section and top view, part of the connector of the figures 1 to 3 , with the lever in the closed position with the lever locking means respectively in the delivery position and in the locking position; the Figures 10 and 11 represent, schematically seen from above and in section, respectively in two different planes, a part of the connector of the figures 1 to 3 , with the lever in the closed position and with the lever locking means in the delivery position; figures 12 and 13 represent, schematically in section, a part of the connector of the figures 1 to 3, respectively with the lever in the open position and in the closed position, and with the lever locking means in the unlocked position; figures 14 and 15 represent, schematically seen from above and in section, respectively in two different planes, a part of the connector of the figures 1 to 3 , with the lever in the closed position with the lever locking means in the locking position.

[0017] In the various figures, similar or identical elements bear the same references.

[0018] An exemplary embodiment of a connector according to the invention is shown in the figure 1 The connector 1 comprises a housing 2, a lever 3 and locking means 4. These elements are made of molded resin having dielectric properties.

[0019] The housing 2 has a coupling face 5 with a counter-connector (not shown) and a wire guide passage 6. The coupling face 5 is provided with contacts (not shown) electrically connected to wires or cables (not shown) exiting the connector 1 through the wire guide passage 6. These contacts are intended to be connected with contacts of the counter-connector (not shown), by bringing the connector 1 and the counter-connector towards each other, by fitting them into each other, in a coupling direction D, then by coupling them to each other by rotating the lever 3, around an axis of rotation A, from an open position of the lever ( figure 3 ) to a closed position of the lever ( figure 2). The open position corresponds to a position in which the connector 1 is positioned to be mated with a counter-connector. The closed position corresponds to a position in which the connector 1 is completely mated with the counter-connector and in which the contacts of the connector and the counter-connector are electrically connected to each other.

[0020] The axis of rotation A of the lever 3 is parallel to the coupling face 5 and perpendicular to the coupling direction D with the counter-connector. The lever 3 comprises two arms 7. The arms 7 are connected by one of their ends to a handle 8. Their other end is provided with a flange 9 rotatably mounted on the housing 2 around the axis of rotation A. Each flange 9 is provided with teeth 10 configured to cooperate with a respective rack present on the counter-connector, in order to couple the connector 1 with the counter-connector when the lever 3 is tilted from its open position ( figure 3 ) to its closed position ( figure 2 ).

[0021] The locking means 4 are presented, in the exemplary embodiment described here, in the form of a lock mounted to slide on the lever 3 in a translation direction T, parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. More particularly, the lock is mounted to move in translation on the handle 8 between successively, along the direction T, a delivery position, an unlocking position and a locking position.

[0022] The lock comprises an actuating surface 11 under which is located a slider 12. This slider 12 comprises two branches 13 extending longitudinally between an end connected to a base 14 (see figures 10, 12 and 15 ) and a free end. The branches 13 are flexible and can elastically deform and flex towards the base 14. The base 14 has two ribs 15 each extending laterally towards the outside of the connector (see figures 1 , 4, 6 and 7). These ribs 15 extend longitudinally in the direction T. They penetrate and slide, in the direction T, in slides 16 formed in the handle 8 of the lever 3.

[0023] Each branch 13 comprises a locking tooth 17 and an unlocking tooth 18. These locking teeth 17 and unlocking teeth 18 extend from each of the branches 13, towards the outside of the connector 1, parallel to the axis of rotation A of the lever 3 (see figures 1 , 6 and 7 ). Each locking tooth 17 is shaped to cooperate with the lever 3 and prevent the free movement of the lock 4 from its unlocked position to its locked position ( figure 12 ) and vice versa ( Figure 15 ). Each unlocking tooth 18 is shaped to cooperate with the housing 2, when the lock 4 is in the unlocking position and the lever 3 is tilted from its open position to its closed position ( Figure 13), and thus deflect the branches 13 each comprising the unlocking teeth 18 so that the lock 4 escapes the stopper 26 and can be moved from its unlocking position to its locking position.

[0024] The connector 1 is packaged for storage and transport, for example in a box, in bulk or in a cell provided for this purpose. In accordance with the invention, it is packaged, as shown in the figure 2 , by placing the lever 3 in the closed position and the locking means 4 in the delivery position.

[0025] As shown in the figure 4, when the lever 4 is in the closed position, it is locked in this position by means of primary locking means. According to the exemplary embodiment described here, these primary locking means comprise a lug 19 and an opening 20 formed in a locking tab 21, elastic and coming in a manner with the housing 2. In the closed position of the lever 3 ( Figures 4 and 5 ), the lug 19 is engaged in the opening 20. However, the lock 4 in the delivery position does not interact with the elastic tab 21. It is then sufficient to press on the free end of the tab 21 to disengage the lug 19 from the opening 20 and release the lever 3.

[0026] On the other hand, as shown in the Figure 5, when the lever 3 is in the closed position and it is desired to lock it in this position so that it does not tilt inadvertently, for example because pressure has been involuntarily exerted on the tab 21, the lock 4 must be positioned in the locked position. The lock 4 thus forms secondary locking means.

[0027] More particularly, the lock 4 comprises two hooks 22 located opposite each other, each respectively, at a longitudinal edge of the tongue 21. Each hook 22 has a U shape (when seen in cross section). Each hook 22 thus forms a gutter or slide in which a rib 23 extending the tongue 21, laterally, outwards, can engage.

[0028] In the delivery position of the lock 4, the ribs 23 do not penetrate into the hooks 22. There is no interference between the tab 21 and the lock 4. The flexibility of the tab 21 can thus be used to release the lug 19 from the opening 20 ( figure 4 ). Lever 3 can be released from tab 21 by bending the latter.

[0029] In the locking position of the lock 4, the ribs 23 are engaged in the hooks 22 preventing the tongue 23 from bending under the effect of pressure exerted on its free end ( Figure 5 ). This prevents the lever 3 from being disengaged from the tab 21 and being able to be tilted into its open position. This prevents unintentional uncoupling and disconnection of the connector 1 and the counter-connector.

[0030] As shown in the figures 6, 8 , 10 and 11, when the lock is in the delivery position, the branches 13 are not constrained. The locking teeth 17 and unlocking teeth 18 do not interfere with the housing 2, nor with the lever 3. They fit freely in notches or recesses 24 provided on the internal face of the walls of the housing 2.

[0031] Likewise, as depicted on the figures 7, 9 , 14 and 15 , when the lock 4 is in the locking position, the branches 13 are not constrained. The locking teeth 17 and unlocking teeth 18 do not interfere with the housing 2, nor with the lever 3. In particular, they fit freely in the notches or recesses 24 provided on the internal face of the walls of the housing 2.

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in the figure 13 , when the lock 4 is in the unlocked position, the branches 13 are constrained. The unlocking teeth 18 interfere with the housing 2, to flex the branches 13.

[0033] The operating procedure for using the locking means 4 is described below.

[0034] When the connector 1 is to be used to be connected to a counter-connector, an operator exerts pressure on the free end of the tab 21. This releases the lug 19 from the opening 20. The lock 4 being in the delivery position, the hooks 22 do not interfere with the tab 21. The operator can then tilt the lever 3 from its closed position ( figure 2 ) to its open position ( figure 3 ).

[0035] Once the lever 3 is in the open position, the lock 4 is moved, in the direction T, from its delivery position to its unlocked position. During this maneuver, protrusions 25 placed on the lock 4 and on the lever 3 interfere to offer a slight resistance that the operator can easily overcome ( figure 11). This gives the operator the sensation of moving through a notch. After moving through this notch, the lock 4 is blocked by the locking teeth 17 which are in abutment against stops 26 made of the same material as the lever 3 and which prevent the lock 4 from moving further towards its locking position ( Figure 12 ). Furthermore, the protrusions 25 also interfere to retain the lock in this unlocked position ( Figure 13 ).

[0036] The respective coupling faces 12 of the connector 1 and the counter-connector are presented facing each other. The connector 1 and the counter-connector begin to be fitted into each other until the teeth 10 of the lever 3 can cooperate with the racks of the counter-connector.

[0037] The operator can then tilt lever 3 from its open position to its closed position, to fully mate connector 1 with the counter-connector.

[0038] When lever 3 is in the closed position, as lock 4 is in the unlocked position ( figure 13 ), the unlocking teeth 18 each interfere respectively with a rib 27 provided on the internal face of the wall of the housing, which causes the elastic branches to flex (see also the rib 27 on the figures 6 and 7 ). The free end of the branches 13 then approaches the base 14. The bending of the branches 13 makes it possible to release the locking teeth 17 which were blocked (as on the figure 12 ), each respectively by the stops 26 formed on the internal face of the arms 7 of the lever 3.

[0039] Lock 4 can then be moved to its locking position ( figures 7, 9 , 14 and 15 ). The beveled shapes of the unlocking teeth 18 facilitate this movement.

[0040] When the lock 4 is in the locking position, the locking teeth 17 and unlocking teeth 18 are again housed in notches or recesses 24 provided on the internal face of the walls of the housing 2. The branches 13 are no longer stressed. The stress exerted on the branches 13 is limited to the duration of the passage into the unlocking position of the lock 4. This unlocking position corresponds to an intermediate position in which the lock is not intended to remain for a long time (and in any case not long enough for the plastic material to creep and for the branches 3 to be deformed compared to the rest position in which they are found when the lock is in the delivery position or in the locking position).

[0041] To uncouple connector 1 and the counter-connector, the operator moves lock 4 from its locking position ( figures 14 and 15 ) to its unlocked position ( figure 13 ). The beveled shapes of the locking teeth 17 facilitate this movement (see figure 15 ). The branches 13 bend when they pass over the stops 26 of the lever 3. Then, by continuing to move the lock 4 towards its unlocking position, the unlocking teeth 18 are placed on the ribs 27. By moving the lock again towards its delivery position, the initial position is returned which allows the lug 19 to be released from the opening 20 by pressing on the free end of the tab 21. Thus, the lever 3 can be tilted towards its open position by uncoupling the connector 1 and the counter-connector.

Claims

1. Connector (1) comprising - a housing (2), - a mate-assist lever (3) articulated on the housing (2), about an axis of rotation (A), between at least one open position, in which a counter-connector can be coupled to the connector (1) in a coupling direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) of the lever (3), and a closed position, in which the connector (1) and the counter-connector are coupled together, - primary locking means (19, 20, 21) for locking the lever (3) in the closed position; - secondary locking means (4) of the lever (3) movable between a locking position in which the secondary locking means (4) of the lever (3) co-operate with the primary locking means (19, 20, 21) to lock the lever (3) in its closed position and an unlocking position in which the secondary locking means (4) of the lever (3) release the lever (3) to allow the lever (3) to rotate about the axis of rotation (A), towards its open position, and in which the secondary locking means (4) - cannot be moved from their unlocked position to their locked position when the lever (3) is in the open position, and - can be moved from their unlocked position to their locked position after rotation of the lever (3) from its open position to its closed position, characterised by the fact that the secondary locking means (4) are configured to be able to occupy a delivery position, distinct from the locking and unlocking positions, in which the lever (3) can be in the closed position without being locked by the secondary locking means (4), and in which the secondary locking means (4) are not under constraint from either the housing (2) or the lever (3).

2. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary locking means (4) - can be moved from their delivery position to their unlocked position when the lever (3) is in open position.

3. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, in which the secondary locking means (4) comprise at least one elastically flexible branch (13) cooperating with the housing (2) to lock the lever (3) in the closed position, this branch (13) not being under constraint when the secondary locking means (4) are in the delivery position or in the locking position.

4. A connector according to claim 3, wherein the branch (13) cooperates with the housing (2) by engagement of a tooth (18) in a notch (24), the tooth (18) and the notch (24) each being provided respectively on the branch (13) or on the housing, without the branch (13) being deflected when the secondary locking means (4) are in the delivery position or in the locking position.

5. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary locking means (4) are slidably mounted on the lever (3) between successively the delivery, unlocking and locking positions, and vice versa.

6. A connector as claimed in claim 5, wherein the secondary locking means (4) are slidably mounted on the lever (3) in a direction (D) substantially lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) of the lever (3).

7. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary locking means (4) are slidably mounted on the lever (3) and are blocked by a stop (26) on the lever (3) to prevent movement from their unlocked position to their locked position, when the lever (3) is in the open position, and the secondary locking means (4) cooperate with the housing (2), when they are in the unlocked position and the lever (3) is pivoted to the closed position, to escape the stop (26) and allow them to be moved from their unlocked position to their locked position.

8. Connector according to claim 7, wherein the secondary locking means (4) are constituted by a latch configured to be moved between the delivery, unlocking and locking positions, and vice versa, this latch (4) comprising at least one unlocking tooth (18) extending from a branch (13), towards the outside of the connector, parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the lever (3), and shaped to cooperate with the housing (2) when the lock (4) is in the unlocked position and the lever (3) is rotated from its open position to its closed position, and thus to deflect the branch (13) comprising this unlocking tooth (18) so that the lock (4) escapes from the stop (26) and can be moved from its unlocked position to its locked position.

9. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary locking means (4) consist of a latch configured to be moved between the delivery, unlocking and locking positions, and vice versa, this latch (4) comprising at least one locking tooth (17) extending from a branch (13), towards the outside of the connector (1), parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the lever (3), and shaped to cooperate with the lever (3) and prevent the movement of the latch (4) from its unlocked position to its locked position.

10. A connector according to one of the preceding claims, in which the housing comprises a resilient locking tongue (21) configured to lock the lever (3) in the closed position and in which the secondary locking means (4) are constituted by a latch configured to be moved between the delivery, unlocking and locking positions, and vice versa, this latch (4) comprising at least one hook (22) configured to - cooperate with the tongue (21) when the bolt (4) is in the locked position and thus prevent the lever (3) from being disengaged from the tongue (21), and - do not interfere with the tongue (21) when the lock is in the delivery position so that the lever (3) can be released from the tongue (21) by bending it.

11. A method of packaging a connector, wherein the connector (1) comprises - a housing (2), - a connection assistance lever (3) articulated on the housing (2), about an axis of rotation (A), between at least one open position, corresponding to a position of coupling of the connector (1) with a counter-connector, and a closed position, corresponding to a coupled position of the connector (1) with a counter-connector, - primary locking means (19, 20, 21) for locking the lever (3) in the closed position; - secondary locking means (4) of the lever (3), sliding between a locking position in which the secondary locking means (4) of the lever (3) cooperate with the primary locking means (19, 20, 21) to block the lever (3) in its closed position and an unlocking position in which the secondary locking means (4) of the lever (3) release the primary locking means to allow rotation of the lever (3) about the axis of rotation (A), towards its open position, and in which the secondary locking means (4) - cannot be moved from their unlocked position to their locked position when the lever (3) is in the open position, and - can be moved from their unlocked position to their locked position by rotating the lever (3) from its open position to its closed position, characterised in that the connector (1) is packaged by placing the lever (3) in the closed position and the secondary locking means (4) in a delivery position, distinct from the locking and unlocking positions, in which the lever (3) can be in the closed position without being blocked by the secondary locking means (4), and in which the secondary locking means (4) are not under contrainst either from the housing (2) or from the lever (3).

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