Assembly comprising a first connector, a second connector and an encoding system selectively allowing the connection

Abstract

Assembly (10) comprising: - a first connector (12), and a second connector (14) movable in axial translation relative to the first connector, - a first part (16) fixed on the first connector, and a first envelope (18) movable in axial rotation relative to the first part between a first plurality of positions, - a first locking member (20) blocking the first envelope, - a second part (22) fixed on the second connector, and a second envelope (24) movable in axial rotation relative to the second part between a second plurality of positions, - a second locking member (26) blocking the second envelope, the first envelope, the first part, the second envelope, and the second part having shapes realizing a coding allowing the connection only if the position of the first envelope corresponds to the position of the second envelope.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a first connector, and a second connector movable in translation relative to the first connector along a connection axis between a disconnected position and a connected position.

[0002] Connectors are, for example, electrical connectors. In order to avoid an unintended connection between a first connector and a second connector whose connection is not desired, it is known to use a coding system, also called a "keying" system, which allows the connection between a first connector and a second compatible connector, and mechanically prohibits any connection between a first connector and a second connector whose connection is not desired, for example for electrical reasons.

[0003] A common method for implementing a coding system involves machining specific surfaces on the first and second connectors to either allow or prevent their connection. This coding system is permanent and cannot be modified; it is often referred to as a keying system. To modify the coding system—for example, to make a first connector compatible with a second connector that was not previously compatible, or to make a first and second connector incompatible that were previously compatible—a specific end piece or insert with the machined surfaces for each connector is used. Thus, to change the coding, the end piece of one or both connectors is replaced with new ones.

[0004] This latter method has the disadvantage that modifying the coding is relatively complex, and requires the use of a plurality of interchangeable tips or parts that can be easily misplaced.

[0005] US patent 4,193,655 A describes an assembly in which parts are fixed to connectors and received axially within housings surrounding the parts. These parts are not mounted for rotation relative to the housings. Neither the parts nor the housings cooperate to form a plurality of recesses suitable for a locking mechanism. Rather, a portion of each part forms a protrusion received in a recess formed solely by each of the housings.

[0006] Thus, to change the coding, it is necessary to remove each part from its corresponding housing by axial translation, then replace it in another position, with the protrusion being received by translation into another of the housing's recesses. The same applies to the second connector. The other part must be removed from the other housing to change the relative position of the part and the housing.

[0007] One aim of the invention is therefore to provide an assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, with a more user-friendly coding system.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to an assembly according to claim 1.

[0009] According to particular embodiments, the assembly comprises one or more of the features corresponding to claims 2 to 10, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0010] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the attached drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view passing through the connection axis of an assembly according to the invention; the figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first piece and the first envelope shown on the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a schematic, exploded perspective view, showing in particular the first piece and the first envelope represented on the figures 1 And 2 , the first blocking element and the first locking element; the figure 4 is a schematic, exploded perspective view showing the second part, the second casing, the second locking mechanism, and the second locking mechanism depicted on the figure 1 ; there figure 5 is a view analogous to the figure 4 the parts being shown from a different angle of view, relative to the axis of connection.

[0011] With reference to the figure 1 , we describe a set 10 according to the invention.

[0012] The assembly 10 comprises a first connector 12, and a second connector 14 movable in translation relative to the first connector along a connection axis X between a connected position (represented on the figure 1 ), in which the first connector and the second connector are mechanically connected to each other, and a disconnected position (not shown, but can be deduced from the figure 1 by axially separating the first connector and the second connector from each other).

[0013] The assembly 10 comprises a first part 16 fixed to the first connector 12, and a first casing 18 surrounding the first part around the connection axis X and mounted to rotate about the connection axis relative to the first part between a first plurality of positions (one of which is shown on the figure 1 , the others being deduced by successive rotations of the envelope 18 around the connection axis X). The assembly 10 also includes a first locking member 20 adapted to lock the first envelope 18 in rotation in one of the positions of the first plurality of positions.

[0014] Symmetrically, the assembly 10 comprises a second part 22 fixed to the second connector 14, and a second casing 24 surrounding the second part 22 around the connection axis X and rotatably free to rotate about the connection axis relative to the second part between a second plurality of positions (one of which is shown on the figure 1 , the others being deduced by rotations of the second envelope 24 around the connection axis X). The assembly 10 includes a second locking member 26 adapted to lock the second envelope 24 in rotation in one of the positions of the second plurality of positions.

[0015] Advantageously, assembly 10 further includes a first locking member 28 ( figure 3 ) and a second locking mechanism 30 ( figure 4 ), respectively adapted to block the first locking member 20 and the second locking member 26 in axial translation respectively with respect to the first part 16 and the second part 22.

[0016] The first part 16, the first envelope 18 and the first locking member 20, on the one hand, and the second part 12, the second envelope 24 and the second locking member 26, on the other hand, are adapted to form together a coding system.

[0017] In the example shown, the first connector 12 and the second connector 14 are electrical connectors. They are therefore electrically connected to each other in the connected position, and electrically disconnected in the disconnected position.

[0018] In an alternative not shown, the first connector 12 and the second connector 14 are pneumatic or hydraulic connectors, i.e. connectors allowing the passage of a gaseous fluid, for example air, or liquid, for example oil, in the connected position.

[0019] In the example shown, the first connector 12 is a male connector having a distal part 32 ( figure 1 ) intended to be received in a housing 34 defined by the second connector 14, which is therefore a female connector in the example. The first connector 12 defines, for example, a proximal housing 36 intended to receive an electrical cable not shown.

[0020] By "distal" and "proximal" we mean elements located respectively on the far side of the electrical cable, or on the contrary close to the electrical cable along the connection axis X. In the first connector 12, the distal side is that of the part 32, while the proximal side is that of the housing 36.

[0021] The second connector 14 advantageously comprises a plurality of axially oriented tabs 38 radially defining the housing 34. The second connector 14 defines, for example, a housing 40 for receiving an electrical cable (not shown). Advantageously, the second electrical connector 14 includes one or more retaining elements 42, for example, C-shaped metal rings, adapted to hold the tabs 38 against the portion 32 of the first connector 12.

[0022] The first connector 12 and the second connector 14 are advantageously substantially axisymmetric.

[0023] The first part 16 and the first envelope 18, on the one hand, and the second part 22 and the second envelope 24, on the other hand, have shapes adapted so that, when the first envelope is in any of the positions of the first plurality of positions, the second connector 14 can move from the disconnected position to the connected position if the second envelope 24 is in one of the (predefined) positions of the second plurality of positions. In the example shown, the first envelope slides over the second envelope, and the first part slides over the second part during this movement. Conversely, if the second envelope 24 is in any other position of the second plurality of positions (i.e., not the predefined one), the movement from the disconnected position to the connected position is blocked, with the first part 16 abutting axially against the second part 22 in the example shown.

[0024] Thus, in the example shown, the first envelope 18 at least partially covers the second envelope 24 in the connected position.

[0025] According to an unshown variant, the second envelope 24 at least partially covers the first envelope 18 in the connected position. In this variant, the first envelope 18 is adapted to slide into the second envelope 24 when moving from the disconnected to the connected position.

[0026] In the example shown, the first piece 16 at least partially covers the second piece 22 in the connected position.

[0027] According to an unshown variant, the second part 22 at least partially covers the first part 16 in the connected position. The first part 16 is then adapted to slide into the second part 22 when moving from the disconnected to the connected position.

[0028] According to an unrepresented variant, the first piece 16 and / or the second piece 22 are made up of several elements joined together.

[0029] The first part 16 includes a proximal part 44 fixed on the first connector 12, and a distal part 46 defining a generally cylindrical housing 48 to receive the second part 22 in the connected position.

[0030] The distal part 46 defines a coding recess 50 ( figure 2 ) axially oriented, and advantageously other recesses 52, for example three in number.

[0031] In this document, "hollowing out" means a shape that can be obtained by hollowing out, but also by other means, including molding.

[0032] Coding recess 50 and the other recesses 52 open axially on the distal side.

[0033] Coding recess 50, for example, is wider in the circumferential direction than recesses 52. The recesses 52, for example, are structurally analogous to each other.

[0034] For example, the coding recess 50 and the recesses 52 are located at approximately 90° to each other around the connection axis X.

[0035] The coding recess 50 and the recess 52 are, in the example shown, located on a radially inner face 53 of the distal part 46, since the first piece 16 is intended to cover the second piece 22 in the connected position.

[0036] For example, the coding recess 50 and the recesses 52 form grooves.

[0037] As an alternative (not shown), these recesses have, for example, a rounded profile and edges.

[0038] As seen on the figure 3 The proximal part 44 defines a first plurality of notches 54 distributed angularly around the connection axis X on a radially external surface 56 of the proximal part 44. In the example shown, there are five notches 54. This number is at least two, and can be three, four, six or more.

[0039] As seen on the figure 1 , the first envelope 18 comprises a proximal part 58 mounted on the proximal part 44 of the first piece 16, and a distal part 60 delimiting with the distal part 46 of the first piece 16 a housing 62 of generally annular shape to receive the second envelope 24 in the connected position.

[0040] The distal part 60 defines, for example, two guide rails 64 ( figure 2 ) axially oriented.

[0041] According to an unrepresented variant, a single guide rail 64 is sufficient.

[0042] In the example shown, the guide rails 64 are located on a radially interior surface 68 of the first envelope 18.

[0043] The distal part 60 includes a first visual sign 70 ( figure 3 ), for example a coloured mark, intended to be aligned axially with a second visual sign 72 analogous to the second envelope 24 ( figure 5 ).

[0044] The proximal part 58 defines a first notch 74 ( figure 3 ) adapted to cooperate with one of the notches of the first plurality of notches 54 to form a housing 76 ( figure 1 ). The proximal part 58 has a third visual sign 78 representing a given position occupied by the first envelope 18 among the first plurality of positions.

[0045] The housing 76 formed by the first notch 74 and one of the notches of the first plurality of notches 54 is adapted to axially receive the first locking member 20 in order to lock the first envelope 18 in rotation in one of the positions of the first plurality of positions.

[0046] The third visual sign 78 is, for example, a colored ring located in a circumferential groove 80 ( figure 3 ) defined by the proximal part 58.

[0047] The second piece 22 ( figures 1 , 4 And 5 ) includes a proximal part 82 fixed on the second connector 14, and a distal part 84 surrounding the lamellae 38 around the connection axis X.

[0048] The proximal part 82 defines a second plurality of notches 86 distributed angularly around the connection axis X and located on a radially external surface 88 of the proximal part 82.

[0049] The distal part 84 is intended to be at least partially received in the housing 48 in the connected position, i.e. radially between the distal part 32 of the first connector 12 and the distal part 46 of the first part 16.

[0050] The distal part 84 of the second part 22 has a radially external surface 90 forming a coding protrusion 92 ( figure 4 ) adapted to slide axially in the coding recess 50 of the first part 16 when moving from the disconnected position to the connected position. In the example shown, the distal part 84 also defines three other protrusions 96 ( figures 4 And 5 ) adapted to cooperate with the recesses 52 of the first piece 16 during this passage.

[0051] The second envelope 24 comprises a proximal part 98 rotatably mounted on the second connector 14 between the plurality of second positions around the connection axis X, and a distal part 100 intended to be received at least partially in the housing 62 in the connected position, i.e. radially between the distal part 46 of the first piece 16 and the distal part 60 of the first envelope 18.

[0052] A radially interior surface 102 of the second envelope 22 defines a second notch 104 ( figures 4 And 5 ) adapted to cooperate respectively with one of the notches of the second plurality of notches 86 according to the angular position occupied by the second envelope 24 among the second plurality of positions, and this to form a second housing 106 ( figure 1 ). The proximal part 98 advantageously includes a fourth visual sign 108, for example a colored ring received in a circumferential groove 110 defined by the proximal part 98.

[0053] The second housing 106 is adapted to axially receive the second locking member 26 to lock the second envelope 24 in rotation relative to the second part 22 in one of the positions of the second plurality of positions.

[0054] The fourth visual sign 108 is representative of the position that the second envelope 24 occupies among this plurality of positions.

[0055] The distal part 100 of the second envelope 24, for example, has a general cylindrical shape defining with the distal part 84 of the first part 22 a housing 112 ( figure 1 ) intended to receive at least a portion of the distal part 46 of the first part 16 in the connected position.

[0056] The distal part 100 has a radially external surface 114 defining two guide recesses 116 ( figures 4 And 5 ) axial adapted to receive the guide rails 64 of the first envelope 18 when passing from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0057] Alternatively, the distal part 100 defines only one guide recess 116.

[0058] In the example shown, the guide recesses 116 are diametrically opposed with respect to the connection axis X.

[0059] According to other variants not shown, the distal part 100 defines more than two guide recesses 116.

[0060] The 116 recesses, for example, form gorges.

[0061] As an alternative (not shown), they have, for example, a rounded profile and edges.

[0062] The second visual sign 72 ( figure 5 ) is advantageously included in the distal part 100. When the second visual sign 72 is aligned axially with the first visual sign 70, the guide recesses 116 are aligned with the guide rails 64.

[0063] The first locking member 20 and the second locking member 26 are advantageously structurally analogous to each other, and are, for example, pins. Each of the first locking member 20 and the second locking member 26 comprises a main part 118 ( figure 5 ) advantageously cylindrical, and a gripping part 120 intended to be grasped by an operator (not shown).

[0064] The gripping part 120 is advantageously located in the axial extension of the main part 118. The gripping part 120 of the first locking member 20 and of the second locking member 26 is located relative to the main part 118 on the proximal side respectively of the first connector 12 and of the second connector 14.

[0065] The main part 118 defines a stop surface 122 respectively for the first locking member 28 and the second locking member 30.

[0066] The stop surface 122 and the gripping part 120 are advantageously formed by a shoulder 124 respectively of the first locking member 20 and the second locking member 26.

[0067] The first locking member 28 and the second locking member 30 are advantageously made up of two rings 126, 128 advantageously having interruptions 130, 132. In the example, they therefore have a "C" shape.

[0068] Each of the first locking member 28 and the second locking member 30 is adapted to be received respectively in retention grooves 134, 136 extending around the connection axis X on the radially inner surfaces 68, 102 of the first envelope 18 and the second envelope 24.

[0069] The first locking member 28 and the second locking member 30 are adapted to abut axially against the abutment surfaces 122 respectively of the first locking member 20 and the second locking member 26, the gripping part 120 being for example located on the radially outside side of the elastic rings 126, 128.

[0070] The operation of assembly 10 will now be described.

[0071] Set 10 is initially in the disconnected position.

[0072] To perform the coding on the side of the first connector 12, the first locking member 28 is removed from the first housing 76. The first envelope 18 is then free to rotate relative to the first 16 around the connection axis X.

[0073] The operator then places the first envelope 24 in one of the positions of the first plurality of positions, placing the first notch 74 in angular correspondence with one of the notches of the first plurality of notches 54. This forms a new first housing 76 defined by the first notch 74 and the notch chosen from the first plurality of notches 54. The operator inserts the first locking member 20 into the first housing 76 thus defined, which locks the first envelope 18 in rotation relative to the first part 16, that is to say, locks the first envelope 18 in one of the positions of the first plurality of positions.

[0074] Advantageously, the operator places the first locking member 28 in the retention groove 134. The first locking member 28 butts axially against the first blocking member 20, preventing the latter from coming out of the first housing 76.

[0075] Optionally, the operator places the third visual sign 78 in the groove 80, choosing it in a color representative of the position chosen from the first plurality of positions.

[0076] Next, the operator performs the coding on the side of the second connector 14 in the same way.

[0077] More specifically, it removes the locking member 26 from the second housing 106 in which it was located, in order to free the second casing 24, which is rotating relative to the first part 22 around the connection axis X. The operator selects one of the positions from the second plurality of positions by aligning the second notch 104 angularly with one of the notches in the second plurality of notches 86. This defines a new first housing 106.

[0078] The operator then introduces the second locking member 26 into the second housing 106, in order to lock the second envelope 24 in rotation relative to the second part 22 around the connection axis X, that is to say in the position chosen from the second plurality of positions.

[0079] Advantageously, the operator places the second locking member 30 in the retention groove 136. The second locking member 30 then abuts axially against the stop surface 122 of the second locking member 26, preventing the latter from coming out of the second housing 106.

[0080] The operator may install the fourth visual sign 108 in the groove 110 of the second envelope 24, the color of the fourth visual organ being representative of the position chosen from the second plurality of positions.

[0081] The coding is then complete. On the side of the first connector 12, it is defined by the position of the first envelope 18, chosen from the first plurality of positions, that is to say, in the example, by the relative angular positions of the guide rails 64 and the coding recess 50. In the example, there are as many possible codings of the first connector 12 as there are notches in the first plurality of notches 54.

[0082] On the side of the second connector 14, the coding is defined by the position of the second envelope 24 chosen from the second plurality of positions, that is to say, in the example shown, by the relative angular positions of the guide recesses 116 and the coding protrusion 92. In the example, there are therefore as many possible codings of the second connector 14 as there are notches in the second plurality of notches 86.

[0083] The possible codings of the first connector 12 and the second connector 14 correspond one to one.

[0084] Advantageously, thanks to the third visual sign 78 and the fourth visual sign 108, the operator knows in advance whether he can connect the first connector 12 and the second connector 14. Indeed, in principle, if the third visual sign 78 and the fourth visual sign 108 correspond, this means that the coding of the first connector 12 and the coding of the second connector 14 are compatible with each other.

[0085] In this case, the operator can bring the first connector 12 and the second connector 14 closer together along the connection axis X. To do this, the operator aligns the first visual marker 70 and the second visual marker 72 angularly, that is, aligns them axially. Thus, the guide rails 64 of the first enclosure 24 are aligned with the guide recesses 116 of the second enclosure 24. The interpenetration of the first enclosure 18 and the second enclosure 24 is therefore possible along the connection axis X.

[0086] Since the codings of the first connector 12 and the second connector 14 are compatible, the coding protrusion 92 of the second part 22 is also axially aligned with the coding recess 50 of the first part 16. In the example, the protrusions 96 are also aligned with the recesses 52.

[0087] Therefore, the first part 16 and the second part 22 can also interpenetrate axially, which allows the passage from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0088] On the contrary, if the codings chosen for the first connector 12 and the second connector 14 were incompatible, the coding protrusion 92 would not be aligned with the coding recess 50, but offset angularly from it around the connection axis X. The interpenetration of the first part 16 and the second part 22 would then not be possible, which would prevent the passage from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0089] Thanks to the features described above, changing the coding is easy: simply unlock at least one of the envelopes and lock it in a different position using the locking mechanisms 20 and 26. This does not require any structural modification of the parts. At most, the visual indicators 78 or 108, which are only there to guide the operator, need to be changed.

[0090] As highlighted above, many variants (not shown) of set 10 are possible.

[0091] According to one variant, the second envelope 24 partially surrounds the first envelope 18 in the connected position. In this case, the guide rails 64 are no longer on a radially inner surface of the first envelope 18, but on a radially outer surface.

[0092] According to other variants, the guide rail(s) 64 are not defined by the first envelope 18, but by the second envelope 24, the guide recesses then being defined by the first envelope.

[0093] According to another variant, the second part 22 partially surrounds the first part 16 around the X-axis connection. In this case, the coding protrusion 92 is not defined by a radially external surface of the second part 22, but by a radially internal surface. Similarly, the coding recess 50 is not defined by a radially internal surface of the first part 16, but by a radially external surface.

[0094] According to yet another variant, the coding protrusion 92 is not defined by the second piece 22, but by the first piece 16, and the coding recess 50 is not defined by the first piece, but by the second piece.

[0095] In general, we have seen that the first envelope 18 and the second envelope 24 provide a guiding function when moving from the disconnected position to the connected position, the first part 16 and the second part 22 provide a function of blocking the connection when the codings are incompatible, or on the contrary allowing the connection when the codings are compatible.

[0096] According to other variants, the guiding function is ensured by the first part 16 and the second part 22, while the locking-unlocking function is ensured by the first envelope 18 and the second envelope 24.

[0097] More generally, the guiding and blocking functions can be combined, as the first envelope 18 and the second envelope 22 only slide axially on each other if they are presented in a certain angular configuration, and the first part 16 and the second part 22 only slide axially on each other if they are presented to each other in a certain angular configuration. Thus, when the angular offset between the first envelope 18 and the first part 16 is equal to the angular offset between the second part 22 and the second envelope 24, the codings are compatible. A contrario, when these angular offsets are different from each other, the codings are incompatible, because either the first envelope 16 and the second envelope 24 butt into each other, or the first piece 16 and the second piece 22 butt into each other.

Claims

1. Assembly (10) comprising: - a first connector (12), and a second connector (14) that can be moved in translation relative to the first connector (12) along a connection axis (X) between a disconnected position, in which the second connector (14) is spaced apart from the first connector (12), and a connected position, in which the first connector (12) and the second connector (14) are connected to each other, - a first part (16) attached to the first connector (12), and a first sleeve (18) surrounding the first part (16) about the connection axis (X), one of the first sleeve (18) and the first part (16) defining at least one first notch (74), and the other of the first sleeve (18) and the first part (16) defining a first plurality of notches (54), the first sleeve (18) being rotatable about the connection axis (X) relative to the first part (16) between a first plurality of positions in which the first notch (74) cooperates with a respective one of the first plurality of notches (54) to form a first housing (76), the assembly (10) comprising at least a first blocking device (20) suitable for being received in the first housing (76) and for blocking the first sleeve (18) against rotating in one of the first plurality of positions, the first blocking device (20) being adapted for being inserted into the first housing (76) by an operator, and - a second part (22) attached to the second connector (14), and a second sleeve (24) surrounding the second part (22) about the connection axis (X), one of the second sleeve (24) and the second part (22) defining at least a second notch (104), and the other of the second sleeve (24) and the second part (22) defining a second plurality of notches (86), the second sleeve (24) being rotatable about the connection axis (X) relative to the second part (22) between a second plurality of positions in which the second notch (104) respectively cooperates with one of the second plurality of notches (86) to form a second housing (106), the assembly (10) comprising at least one second blocking device (26) suitable for being received in the second housing (106) and to block the second sleeve (24) against rotating in one of the second plurality of positions, the second blocking device (26) being adapted for being inserted into the second housing (106) by the operator, the first sleeve (18) and the first part (16), on the one hand, and the second sleeve (24) and the second part (22), on the other hand, having shapes suitable for, when the first sleeve (18) is in any one of the first plurality of positions: - allowing the second connector (14) to move from the disconnected position to the connected position when the second sleeve (24) is in a corresponding one of the second plurality of positions, the first sleeve (18) sliding into or over the second sleeve (24), and the first part (16) sliding into or over the second part (22) during said movement, and - blocking said movement if the second sleeve (24) is in any other of the second plurality of positions, the first sleeve (18) abutting the second sleeve (24), or the first part (16) abutting the second part (22).

2. Assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first connector (12) and the second connector (14) are both electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic connectors.

3. Assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the first sleeve (18) defines at least one axially oriented guide rail (64), and - the second sleeve (24) defines at least one axial guide recess (116) suitable for receiving the guide rail (64) axially and to block the second sleeve (24) from rotating relative to the first sleeve (18) about the connection axis (X) when the second connector (14) moves from the disconnected position to the connected position.

4. Assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first sleeve (18) comprises a first visual sign (70), and the second sleeve (24) comprises a second visual sign (72), the first visual sign (70) and the second visual sign (72) being axially aligned when the guide rail (64) is received in the guide recess (116).

5. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - one of the first part (16) and the second part (22) defines at least one axially oriented coding recess (50), and - the other of the first part (16) and the second part (22) defines at least one radial coding protrusion (92) suitable for being axially received in the coding recess (50) when the second sleeve (24) is in the said one of the second plurality of positions to allow movement of the second connector (14) from the disconnected position to the connected position and suitable for abutting axially against said one of the first part (16) and the second part (22) when the second sleeve (24) is in any other of the second plurality of positions to block said movement.

6. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first blocking device (20) and the second blocking device (26) are pins.

7. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: - each of the first locking device (20) and the second locking device (26) comprises a main portion (118) suitable for being inserted into the first housing (76) and the second housing (106) respectively, and a gripping part (120) intended to be grasped by an operator, and / or - the assembly (10) further comprises a first locking device (28) adapted to be secured to the first housing (18) or to the first part (16) and to block the first blocking device (20) in the first housing (76) by abutting axially against an abutment surface (122) defined by the first blocking device (20), and comprises a second locking device (30) suitable for being fixed to the second sleeve (24) or to the second part (22) and for blocking the second blocking device (26) in the second housing (106) by abutting axially against an abutment surface (122) defined by the second blocking device (26).

8. Assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the first locking device (28) and the second locking device (30) respectively comprise a snap ring (126, 128), the first sleeve (18) and the second sleeve (24) defining a retention groove (134, 136) suitable for receiving the snap ring (126, 128), the retention groove (134, 136) extending about the connection axis (X) on a radially inner surface (68, 102) of the first sleeve (18) and the second sleeve (24) respectively.

9. Assembly (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the gripping part (120) and the abutment surface (122) of the main part (118) are formed by a shoulder (124) of the first blocking device (20) and the second blocking device (26) respectively.

10. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first sleeve (18) includes a third visual sign (78), and the second sleeve (24) includes a fourth visual sign (108), the third visual sign (78) being indicative of a given position occupied by the first sleeve (18) among the first plurality of positions, and the fourth visual sign (108) being indicative of a given position occupied by the second sleeve (24) among the second plurality of positions.

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