Locking device for an electrical or electronic connector

Abstract

The locking device (1) for an electrical or electronic connector (2) comprising first and second (10) connection members comprises: - a frame (4) receiving the first connection member (9), and - a locking member (15) cooperating with the second connection member (10) in order to prevent a disconnection of the connector. The locking member is mounted on the frame (4) in such a way as to be movable between a locking position, in which it prevents a disconnection of the connector, and an unlocking position, in which it enables a disconnection of the connector. The locking member comprises manoeuvring means (16) intended to be placed in contact with a finger of a user in order to move the locking member between the locking and unlocking positions. An indentation (7) is formed in the frame and has an opening, the first connection member being arranged in the frame opposite the opening.

Description

Locking device for an electrical or electronic connector

[0001] The invention relates to the field of locking devices for electrical or electronic connectors. The invention relates more particularly to electronic payment terminals comprising such locking devices and connection members for electrical or electronic connectors.

[0002] The art of locking devices for electrical or electronic connectors is already known in the state of the art, making it possible to maintain the connection between the connection members of an electrical or electronic connector. The connection members of a connector typically comprise a cable provided with a male or female plug on the one hand intended to fit into a complementary female or male socket on the other hand. These locking devices are intended to prevent any accidental disconnection between the plug and the socket, in particular when the cable carrying the plug is stressed, while avoiding weakening or stressing the connector. In the prior art, these locking devices typically comprise screwing means making it possible to hold the plug and the socket of the connector in position.Therefore, the user must have a tool to unscrew the screwing means in order to unlock the locking means and therefore disconnect the connector. Similarly, a tool is required to lock the locking device.

[0003] Such devices have several disadvantages. First, they are expensive and complex to produce because the screwing means generally include metal inserts to be added to the device to cooperate with a screw that is also metal. In some cases, it is possible to reduce costs by using plastic inserts and screws, but the resulting locking device is then fragile. In addition, in all cases, these locking devices require the use of a tool to lock or unlock the locking device, which is not practical for the user.

[0004] The invention aims in particular to provide a locking device for an electrical or electronic connector allowing simple, economical and tool-free locking of the connector.

[0005] To this end, the subject of the invention is a locking device for an electrical or electronic connector comprising first and second complementary connection members which can be fitted into one another, the locking device comprising:- a frame intended to receive the first connection member,- a locking member intended to cooperate with the second connection member in order to prevent a disconnection between the first and second connection members, in which the locking member is mounted to move on the frame between a locking position in which it cooperates with the second connection member to prevent a disconnection between the first and second connection members and an unlocking position in which it allows a disconnection between the first and second connection members,and in which the locking member comprises operating means intended to be brought into contact with a finger of a user to move the locking member between the locking and unlocking positions, characterized in that a recess is provided in the frame and has an opening, the first connection member being arranged in the frame opposite the opening.,

[0006] The locking member ensures that the connection between the first and second connection members of the connector is locked. It also relieves the connector of stresses experienced when the second connection member is stressed, for example via a connection cable to which it is attached.

[0007] Thanks to the locking device according to the invention, the user does not need a tool to move the locking member between its locking position and its unlocking position; it can be operated simply via the operating means between these positions. It is also noted that the locking member is mounted on the frame when it is in the locking position but also when it is in the unlocking position. This simplifies the use of the locking device since the user does not need to remove part of the locking device when it is in the unlocking position, at the risk of losing it. This also allows one-handed operation of the locking device when unlocking.

[0008] The presence of the recess provided in the frame has several advantages. First of all, this recess has a protective function. Indeed, the arrangement of the first connection member in the frame opposite the opening of the recess makes it possible to protect the first connection member from possible impacts with external elements which would be likely to damage it and therefore harm the electrical or electronic connection. It is noted in particular that the arrangement of the first connection member opposite the opening of the recess makes it possible to arrange this first connection member at a distance from the side walls of the frame in order to better protect it from possible impacts. In addition, it is easy to provide for the recess to be sized so as to be able to receive at least a part of the second connection member when the latter is connected to the first connection member.The recess then further protects the second connection member and thus reduces the risk of disconnection and damage to the connector. Furthermore, the second connection member is, in a conventional manner, attached to a connection cable capable of transmitting electronic data or electrical energy. It is thus easy to provide for the recess to be configured so as to be able to receive at least one end of this cable attached to the second connection member. Thus, the recess forms a means of protection making it possible to limit the risks of involuntary twisting of the cable at its connection end with the second connection member. Indeed, the junction between the cable and the second connection member is a weak point that is important to protect in order to avoid any risk of damage, such as a partial or total section.

[0009] Furthermore, the recess forms a guiding means for the second connecting member in the insertion direction so that the second connecting member is perfectly aligned with the first connecting member so as to reduce the risk of damage to the connecting members when they are fitted together. Indeed, in order not to alter the transmission of data or electrical energy between the first member and the second connecting member, it is important that these members are not deformed, in particular during incorrect handling or by exerting physical stress on the first connecting member or on the second connecting member.

[0010] An electrical connector is a connector used for the transmission and supply of electrical energy. Such connectors are, for example, those defined in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60320, such as a connector comprising a pair of C5 / C6 connection members. An electronic connector is a connector used for the transmission of information or data, particularly used in computing. Such electronic connectors are, for example and in a non-exhaustive manner, USB connectors (USB-A, USB-B, USB-C etc.), Ethernet (RJ45), HDMI, DisplayPort or MiniDisplayPort. Some connectors can provide both an electrical and electronic connection, for example USB connectors.

[0011] The connector comprises first and second complementary connecting members which can be fitted into each other and which correspond respectively to a socket and a plug of the connector. In one embodiment, the socket is a male connecting member and the plug is a female connecting member. In another embodiment, the socket is a female connecting member and the plug is a male connecting member.

[0012] The invention may also include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] The recess is formed in a lower wall of the frame and has a generally parallelepiped shape flared at a first longitudinal end opening onto an upper end of the frame, the opening being formed in the recess at a second longitudinal end of the recess, opposite the first longitudinal end. The parallelepiped shape of the recess makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the locking device and to facilitate the guiding of the second connection member in the recess during connection. The use of the device is thus facilitated and the risk of damage to the connector linked to handling errors is reduced. In addition, the flared shape of this recess at its first longitudinal end makes it easier to introduce the second connection member into the recess and therefore to facilitate the connection between the first and second connection members.

[0014] The locking member is configured to move from the unlocking position to the locking position by a movement in a direction orthogonal to a direction of insertion of the second connection member into the first connection member. This configuration gives the locking member good resistance to tearing by traction on the second connection member by opposing the direction of withdrawal of this second connection member. This configuration is particularly useful when traction is accidentally exerted on a cable to which the second connection member is attached.

[0015] The locking device further comprises means for locking by cooperation of shapes of the locking member in the unlocked position. Thus, the locking means are maintained in a simple and inexpensive manner in the unlocked position when necessary, for example while awaiting a connection between the first and second connection members of the connector, which facilitates the use of the locking device. According to one embodiment, the locking member and the frame comprise complementary reliefs forming the locking means. These complementary reliefs are intended to fit together when the locking member is in the unlocked position and are configured to maintain it in this position. It may be provided that the locking member comprises a male relief and that the frame comprises a complementary female relief.This embodiment has the advantage that when the locking member moves relative to the frame, it is not scratched by the relief of the frame and is therefore not damaged. It is also possible to provide that the locking member comprises a female relief and that the frame comprises a complementary male relief. This embodiment has the advantage that when the locking member moves relative to the frame, it does not scratch the frame which is therefore not damaged.

[0016] The locking device further comprises means for locking by cooperation of shapes of the locking member in the locking position. Thus, the locking means are maintained in a simple and inexpensive manner in the locking position when necessary, for example as long as the connection between the first and second connection members of the connector is desired, which facilitates the use of the locking device. This configuration is particularly advantageous for maintaining the locking device in the locking position even in the event of more or less significant stress on the second connection member in the direction of disconnection.

[0017] The operating means of the locking member comprise a disengagement pin, the locking member forming an elastic core so that when a user presses on the disengagement pin against an elastic return force of the locking member, the locking means by cooperation of shapes of the locking member in the locking position are disengaged, allowing movement of the locking member to the unlocking position. Thus, the disengagement of the locking means can be carried out simply and intuitively by a user. By pressing on the disengagement pin, the user slightly elastically deforms the core of the locking member so as to disengage the locking means, that is to say to separate the complementary shapes so as to render the locking means inoperative and thus allow passage from the locking position to the unlocking position.It is noted that this disengagement can be carried out by a user using only one hand, which is particularly practical.

[0018] At least a portion of the locking member is retracted into the frame in the locking position. In this way, the resistance to tearing of the locking member is improved because part of the force experienced by the locking member is taken up by the frame, thus relieving the locking member.

[0019] The locking member forms a slide that can be moved in a translational movement. This is a simple and robust embodiment of the locking member. To move from a locking position to an unlocking position or from an unlocking position to a locking position, a user operates the operating means of the locking member with his finger to slide it in a first direction to lock the locking member and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to unlock the locking member. This is a simple and intuitive movement for the user to perform and simple and inexpensive to implement on the locking device.

[0020] The locking member is movable by rotation. This is a simple and robust embodiment of the locking member. To move from a locking position to an unlocking position or from an unlocking position to a locking position, a user operates the operating means of the locking member with his finger in order to pivot the locking member in a first direction of rotation and lock the locking member and in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction, in order to unlock the locking member. This is a simple and intuitive movement for the user to perform and simple and inexpensive to implement on the locking device.

[0021] A connection member for an electrical or electronic connector is also described, comprising a complementary locking member intended to cooperate with the locking member of a locking device as described previously to prevent a disconnection between the connection member, called the second connection member, and a first complementary connection member which can be fitted into one another when the locking member is in the locking position.

[0022] The connecting member, called the second connecting member, is typically a plug for an electrical or electronic connector as described above. This plug may be male or female and is complementary to the first connecting member, also called a socket, which is female or male, respectively. The cooperation between the complementary locking member and the locking member thus makes it possible to prevent disconnection between the first and second connecting members of the electrical or electronic connector.

[0023] Advantageously, the complementary locking member comprises a locking stop extending in projection from a face of the connection member and intended to cooperate with the locking member to prevent a disconnection between the first and second connection members of the electrical or electronic connector when the locking member is in the locking position. This locking stop, in addition to preventing the disconnection between the first and second connection members, makes it possible to absorb the forces undergone by the connector, and in particular the second connection member and, possibly, a connection cable fixed to the second connection member. Thus, the connector is protected, the risk of breakage or wear is reduced, and the service life of the device is consequently extended.

[0024] Preferably, the complementary locking member further comprises a guide stop extending in projection from the same face of the connection member as the locking stop and intended to participate, in cooperation with the locking stop, in guiding the locking member during a movement of the latter between an unlocking position and a locking position. The guide stop and the locking stop together form a guide framing the locking member in order to ensure that the movement of the latter between its unlocking position and its locking position is carried out according to an agreed movement. This avoids the presence of slight offsets in the positioning of the locking member which could create play which would impair its locking function.

[0025] The invention also relates to an electronic payment terminal, characterized in that it comprises a locking device as described above and an electrical or electronic connector comprising a connection member as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0026] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of non-limiting examples and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0027] is a perspective view of a lower face of an electronic payment terminal comprising a locking device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0028] is a view of a portion of the underside of the electronic payment terminal, in which the locking device is in the locked position;

[0029] is a view similar to in which the locking device is in the unlocked position;

[0030] is an exploded view of a locking member of the locking device shown in Figures 1 to 3 and of the first and second connection members of the electronic connector of the electronic payment terminal shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0031] is a perspective view of a part of an electronic payment terminal comprising a locking device according to a second embodiment of the invention and in which the locking device is in the locking position.

[0032] is a view similar to in which the locking device is in the unlocked position.

[0033] is a view similar to in which the locking device frame is not shown. Detailed description

[0034] Two embodiments of a locking device 1 for an electrical or electronic connector 2 according to the invention, integrated into an electronic payment terminal 3 according to the invention, are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0035] The first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 4. The electronic payment terminal 3 conventionally comprises a magnetic card reader on one of its side walls and a chip card reader at its lower end, readers into which a payment card (not shown) can be inserted to carry out a banking transaction for example. Of course, according to other embodiments, the terminal used could be another type of terminal, for example a terminal for controlling access to a parking lot or a secure room.

[0036] The locking device 1 comprises a frame 4, also called a housing. The frame 4 forms in particular the side walls 5 and the bottom wall 6 of the electronic payment terminal 3 and houses the various electronic components of the electronic payment terminal 3 which are known per se and will not be detailed here. A recess 7 is provided in the bottom wall 6 of the frame 4, this recess 7 having a generally parallelepiped shape flared at its end opening onto the upper end of the electronic payment terminal 3 (see figures 1 to 3). Opposite this flared end, the recess 7 has an opening 8 in the frame 4. It will be noted that the bottom wall 6 of the frame 4 is intended to be arranged on a substantially flat surface, for example a table top or on a checkout counter.

[0037] The electrical or electronic connector 2 is in this case a USB type A connector (see). Such a connector 2 is suitable for transmitting data as well as for transmitting electrical energy. The connector 2 comprises a first connection member 9, also called a socket, which is here of the female type and a second connection member 10, also called a plug, which is here of the male type. It will be noted that the second connection member 10 comprises a first part 10A intended to be in contact, in particular in electrical or electronic contact, by fitting with the first connection member 9 and a second part 10B forming an insulating operating sheath. The first connection member 9 and the second connection member 10 are thus complementary and can be fitted into each other to establish an electrical or electronic connection.The first connection member 9 is received in the frame 4 which comprises fixing means (not shown) making it possible to hold the first connection member 9 opposite the opening 8 of the recess 7 (see figures 2 and 3).

[0038] The second part 10B of the second connection member 10 comprises a member, called the complementary locking member 11. In the present embodiment, this complementary locking member 11 comprises a locking stop 12 extending projecting from one face of the second connection member 10 and a guide stop 13 extending projecting from the same face of the second connection member 10 as the locking stop 12 (see). The second connection member 10 is provided at one of its ends with a cable 14 capable of transmitting data or electrical energy. When a connection between the first member 9 and the second connection member 10 is desired, the second connection member 10 is inserted into the recess 7 from the flared end thereof to its other end where the opening 8 is located allowing access to the first connection member 9.This insertion is therefore made according to an insertion direction represented by the arrow A in Figures 2 and 3. It will be noted that the recess 7 allows the opening 8, to access the first connection member 9, to be sufficiently set back from one of the side walls 5 of the frame 4 and the upper end of the terminal 3 to house, in the recess 7, the second part 10B of the second connection member 10 and a part of the cable 14, in particular when the first 9 and second connection members 10 are fitted together. Thus, the recess 7 forms a means of protection making it possible to limit the risks of involuntary twisting of the cable 14 at its connecting end with the second connection member 10. Indeed, the junction between the cable 14 and the second connection member 10 is a weak point that is important to protect in order to avoid any risk of degradation, such as a partial or total section.Furthermore, the recess 7 forms a guide means for the second connection member 10 in the insertion direction so that the second part 10B of the second connection member 10 is perfectly aligned with the first connection member 9 so as to reduce the risk of damage to the connection members when they are fitted together. Indeed, in order not to alter the transmission of data or electrical energy between the first member 9 and the second connection member 10, it is important that these members are not deformed, in particular during incorrect handling or by exerting physical stress on the first connection member 9 or on the second part 10B of the second connection member 10.

[0039] The locking device 1 further comprises a locking member 15 intended to cooperate with the second part 10B of the second connection member 10 in order to prevent a disconnection between the first 9 and second connection members 10. In the present embodiment, the locking member 15 forms a slide movable in a translational movement. The locking member 15 is thus mounted to slide on the frame 4 between a locking position (see) in which it cooperates with the second connection member 10 to prevent a disconnection between the first 9 and second connection members 10 and an unlocking position (see) in which it allows a disconnection between the first 9 and second connection members 10. The locking member 15 is partly retracted behind the frame 4, whether in the unlocking position or in the locking position.This retraction is advantageous in the locking position since it increases the resistance to tearing of the locking member 15. It is noted that the transition from the locking position to the unlocking position is done by retracting the locking member 15 a little further behind the frame 4, which has the advantage of being space-saving.

[0040] The locking member 15 further comprises operating means 16, here comprising a disengagement pin 17. The operating means 16 are intended to be brought into contact with a user's finger to move the locking member 15 between the locking and unlocking positions. The locking member 15 is configured to move from the locking position to the unlocking position in a direction B orthogonal to the direction of insertion A of the second connection member 10 into the first connection member 9 (see). In the present case, this move from the unlocking position to the locking position consists of a rectilinear translation by sliding of the slider in the direction B.

[0041] The locking device 1 further comprises means for locking by cooperation of shapes of the locking member 15 in the unlocked position (see). In the present case, these locking means comprise complementary reliefs present on the locking member 15 and the frame 4. Thus, the locking member 15 comprises at a first of its longitudinal ends two cavities 18 having the shape of half-spheres formed on a face of the locking member 15 opposite the frame 4 when the locking member 15 is mounted on the frame 4. The frame 4 itself comprises two lugs 19 each having a shape complementary to that of one of the cavities 18. The cavities 18 and the lugs 19 are configured so as to be opposite each other when the locking member 15 is in the unlocked position, the cavities 18 and the lugs 19 then fitting together so as to block the locking member 15 in the unlocked position.The means for locking the locking member 15 in the unlocking position are configured to be able to be disengaged when sufficient force is provided by a user who maneuvers the locking member 15, for example via the maneuvering means 16, in the locking direction B. The presence of these locking means makes it possible to easily insert the second connection member 10 without having to worry about maintaining the locking member 15 in the unlocking position. Depending on the embodiments, the number, shape and distribution of the complementary reliefs may change. For example, it may be provided that the locking member 15 carries the lugs and that the frame 4 comprises the cavities.

[0042] The locking device 1 further comprises means for locking by cooperation of shapes of the locking member 15 in the locking position (see). In the present case, these locking means comprise complementary reliefs present on the locking member 15 and the frame 4. Thus, the locking member 15 comprises at a second of its longitudinal ends two lugs 20 comprising in particular a face extending orthogonally from the face of the locking member 15 opposite the frame 4 when the locking member 15 is mounted on the frame 4. The frame 4 itself comprises two cavities 21 having a shape complementary to that of the lugs 20. The lugs 20 and the cavities 21 are positioned so as to be opposite each other when the locking member 15 is in the locking position, the cavities 21 and lugs 20 then fitting together so as to block the locking member 15 in the locking position.Unlike the means for locking the locking member 15 in the unlocked position, the means for locking the locking member 15 in the locked position do not, in the present case, allow disengagement when sufficient force is provided by a user who maneuvers the locking member 15. This is notably due to the cooperation between the orthogonal flat face of each of the lugs 20 and the complementary shape of each of the respective cavities 21 of the frame 4. Thus, the disengagement of the means for locking the locking member 15 in the locked position requires the use of the disengagement pin 17. This makes it possible to further improve the locking by reducing the risk of accidental disengagement of the means for locking the locking member 15 in the locked position.When a user presses the disengagement pin 17 while the locking member 15 is in the locking position, the core of the locking member 15 deforms elastically so that the lugs 20 come out of the cavities 21 of the frame 4 and therefore disengages the locking means, thereby allowing the locking member 15 to move by sliding towards the unlocking position. When the locking member 15 is moved into the locking position, the elastic return force of the core of the locking member 15 allows the lugs 20 to be automatically inserted into the cavities 21 when they are opposite each other, in the manner of a mechanism of the striker and bolt type.

[0043] The locking stop 12 of the complementary locking member 11 of the second part 10B of the second connection member 10 is intended to cooperate with the locking member 15 to prevent a disconnection between the second connection member 10 and the first connection member 9 when the locking member 15 is in the locking position. This cooperation is achieved in particular by the locking stop 12 coming into abutment against the locking member 15 in the locking position when the second connection member 10 is pulled in the direction opposite to the insertion direction A. This stop thus prevents the withdrawal of the second connection member 10 and therefore the disconnection between the first 9 and second 10 connection members.The cooperation between the complementary locking member 11 and the locking member 15 also prevents movement in an upward direction with reference to the, that is to say in a direction orthogonal to the direction of insertion A of the second connection member 10. Indeed, the complementary locking member 11 comprises a complementary locking stop 22 formed by a portion of the upper wall of the second connection member 10 located between the locking stop 12 and the guide stop 13. This complementary locking stop 22, in the event of an attempt to move the second connection member 10 upwards, comes into abutment against the lower wall 23 of the locking member 15 and cooperates with it in order to prevent movement of the second connection member 10 and therefore a disconnection between the first 9 and second 10 connection members.This avoids stressing connector 2 in directions which could damage it or cause connector 2 to become disconnected.

[0044] The guide stop 13 of the complementary locking member 11 is intended to participate, in cooperation with the locking stop 12, in guiding the locking member 15 during a movement of the latter between an unlocking position and a locking position or between a locking position and an unlocking position. It defines with the locking stop 12 a portion of guide rail for the locking member 15 during a sliding of the latter between its locking and unlocking positions.

[0045] The operation of the electronic payment terminal 3 comprising the locking device 1 as described above is described below.

[0046] Initially, a connection between the first 9 and second 10 connection members of the connector 2 is desired. These two members are therefore disconnected and the locking member 15 of the locking device is held in the unlocked position by the locking means in the unlocked position. To make the connection, a user inserts, in the insertion direction A, the second connection member 10 into the recess 7 of the frame up to the opening 8 allowing access to the first connection member 9 so as to connect these two members (see).

[0047] In a second step, locking of the connection of the connector 2 is desired. For this, a user operates with his finger the operating means 16, here formed by the disengagement pin 17, so as to slide the locking member 15 in the direction B towards the locking position. The force applied by the user's finger must be sufficient to allow the locking means to be disengaged from the locking member 15 in the unlocking position. Once the locking means are disengaged, the user continues to slide the locking member 15 by passing it between the locking stop 12 and the guide stop 13 until the disengagement pin 17 abuts against a wall of the frame 4 and the lugs 20 and the cavities 21 of the locking means of the locking member 15 in the locking position fit together so as to maintain the locking member 15 in the locking position (see).Once this position has been acquired, the connection is locked and secured; it is no longer possible to separate the first connection member 9 and the second connection member 10 from the connector 2. Furthermore, in the event that the cable 14 is stressed involuntarily or accidentally, the locking device 1 makes it possible to relieve the force applied to the connector so that it is not stressed excessively, which reduces the risk of wear and malfunction of the connector 2.

[0048] In a third step, a disconnection between the first 9 and second 10 connection members is desired. For this, the user presses the disengagement pin 17 so as to disengage the locking means in the locking position of the locking member 15 as described previously, then, still using the disengagement pin 17 to maneuver the locking member 15, slides this locking member 15 towards the unlocking position until the locking means of the locking member 15 are engaged in the unlocking position (see). The user can then disconnect the connector 2 by pulling on the second connection member 10 or the cable 14 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction A until the second connection member 10 is released from the recess 7 of the frame 4.

[0049] It is noted that, advantageously, for locking and unlocking the locking device 1, the user did not need a tool, only his finger operating the operating means 16, and in particular the disengagement pin 17, was sufficient. This makes the locking device 1 particularly simple and practical to use.

[0050] The second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5 to 7. For the sake of clarity, the same reference numerals have been used for the homologous elements between the two embodiments. The second embodiment is described only with respect to its differences from the first embodiment, the elements not described being then considered as identical to the first embodiment.

[0051] The main difference between the first and second embodiments lies in the nature of the movement carried out by the locking member 15 between its locking and unlocking positions. In the second embodiment, the locking member 15 is not a slide which slides between these positions but a locking member 15 which can be moved by rotation.

[0052] The locking member 15 of this embodiment thus has the shape of a curved finger which is mounted to pivot in rotation about an axis of rotation C (see). The frame 4 comprises a housing 24 intended to receive the mechanism of the locking member 15 allowing it to carry out this pivoting. The radially external surface of the locking member 15 is notched, which constitutes the means 16 for operating the locking member 15. In order to facilitate the handling of the locking member 15, a recess is provided in the frame 4 which is provided with an opening 25 for access to the means 16 for operating the locking member 15 (see figures 5 and 6).

[0053] Unlike the first embodiment, the complementary locking member 11 does not comprise a guide stop but only a locking stop 12. Furthermore, it is noted that in the present case the USB connector is of type C. It will also be noted that in the example described, the axis C is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the direction of insertion of the second connection member 10 into the recess 7. Thus, the locking member 15 is not, in the locking position, in contact with the cable 14 but only with the locking stop 12. Consequently, the locking member 15 does not risk damaging the cable 14, for example by crushing or by cutting.

[0054] The means for blocking the locking member 15 in the locking position comprise in this embodiment only a single lug 20 carried by the locking member 15 and having a shape complementary to a cavity (not shown) present in the frame 4. In this embodiment, the disengagement of the means for blocking the locking member 15 in the locking position does not require a disengagement pin; the user simply has to apply sufficient force in the direction of unlocking using the means 16 for operating the locking member 15.

[0055] The operation of the electronic payment terminal 3 comprising the locking device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention is described below.

[0056] Initially, a connection between the first (not shown) and second 10 connection members of the connector is desired. These two members are therefore disconnected and the locking member 15 of the locking device is held in the unlocked position by locking means in the unlocked position (not shown). To make the connection, a user inserts, in the insertion direction A, the second connection member 10 into the recess 7 of the frame up to the opening 8 allowing access to the first connection member so as to connect these two members (see).

[0057] In a second step, locking of the connector connection is desired. For this, a user operates with his finger the operating means 16, here formed by the notches of the notched edge of the curved finger, so as to pivot the locking member 15 around the axis C towards the locking position. The force applied by the user's finger must be sufficient to allow the locking means of the locking member 15 to be disengaged in the unlocking position. Once the locking means are disengaged, the user continues to pivot the locking member 15 by rolling the notched edge with his finger until the lug 20 and the cavity of the locking means in the locking position fit together so as to maintain the locking member 15 in the locking position (see).Once this position is acquired, the connection is locked and secured, it is no longer possible to separate the first connection member and the second connection member 10 from the connector. Furthermore, in the event that the cable 14 is stressed involuntarily or accidentally, the locking device 1 makes it possible to relieve the force applied to the connector so that it is not stressed excessively, which reduces the risk of wear and malfunction of the connector.

[0058] In a third step, a disconnection between the first and second 10 connection members is desired. For this, the user exerts a force on the notches of the operating means 16 in the opposite direction to that in which the force was exerted to move into the locking position until this force is sufficient to disengage the locking means of the locking member 15 in the locking position. Then, still using the notched edge, the user pivots the locking member 15 with his finger towards the unlocking position until the locking means of the locking member 15 are engaged in the unlocking position (see). The user can then disconnect the connector by pulling on the second connection member 10 or the cable 14 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction A until the second connection member 10 is released from the recess 7 of the frame 4.

[0059] As for the first embodiment, it is noted that, advantageously, for locking and unlocking the locking device 1, the user did not need a tool, only his finger operating the operating means 16, here the notched edge of the locking member 15, was sufficient. This makes the locking device 1 particularly simple and practical to use.

[0060] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art. It is in particular possible to provide that the complementary locking member has a shape other than that of a locking stop, whether or not supplemented by a guide stop. For example, the complementary locking member forms a through orifice through which the locking member is intended to pass when moving from the unlocking position to the locking position. List of references

[0061] 1: locking device2: electrical or electronic connector3: electronic payment terminal4: frame5: side wall of the frame6: bottom wall of the frame7: recess in the frame8: access opening in the recess9: first connection member10: second connection member10A: first part of the second connection member10B: second part of the second connection member11: complementary locking member12: locking stop13: guide stop14: cable15: locking member16: operating means of the locking member17: disengagement pin18: cavity of the locking means in the unlocked position19: lug of the locking means in the unlocked position20: lug of the locking means in the locked position21: cavity of the locking means in the unlocked position22: complementary locking stop23: bottom wall of the locking member24: housing25: access opening to the operating means.

Claims

Locking device (1) for an electrical or electronic connector (2) comprising first (9) and second (10) complementary connecting members that can be inserted into each other, the locking device (1) comprising: - a frame (4) for receiving the first connecting member (9), - a locking member (15) for cooperating with the second connecting member (10) to prevent disconnection between the first (9) and second (10) connecting members, wherein the locking member (15) is movably mounted on the frame (4) between a locked position in which it cooperates with the second connecting member (10) to prevent disconnection between the first and second connecting members and an unlocked position in which it allows disconnection between the first and second connecting members,and wherein the locking member (15) comprises operating means (16) intended to be brought into contact with a user's finger to move the locking member (15) between the locking and unlocking positions, characterized in that a recess (7) is provided in the frame (4) and has an opening (8), the first connecting member (9) being arranged in the frame (4) opposite the opening (8). Locking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (7) is formed in a lower wall (6) of the frame (4) and has a general parallelepiped shape flared at a first longitudinal end opening onto an upper end of the frame (4), the opening (8) being formed in the recess (7) at a second longitudinal end of the recess (7), opposite the first longitudinal end Locking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member (15) is configured to move from the unlock position to the locking position by means of a movement along a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction (A) of the second connecting member (10) in the first connecting member (9). Device (1) for locking any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means (18, 19) for locking by cooperation of forms of the locking member (15) in the unlocking position. Locking device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means (20, 21) for locking by cooperation of forms of the locking member (15) in the locked position. Locking device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the means (16) for operating the locking member (15) comprise a disengagement pin (17), the locking member (15) forming an elastic core such that when a user presses the disengagement pin (17) against an elastic restoring force of the locking member (15), the locking means (20, 21) by cooperation of forms of the locking member (15) in the locked position are disengaged, allowing a movement of the locking member (15) into the unlocked position. Locking device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the locking member (15) is retracted into the frame (4) in the locked position. Locking device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (15) forms a slide that can be moved in a translational movement. Locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking member (15) is movable by rotation. electronic payment terminal (3), characterized in that it comprises a locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an electrical or electronic connector (2) comprising a connecting member (10), the connecting member (10) comprising a complementary locking member (11) intended to cooperate with the locking member (15) of a locking device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims to prevent a disconnection between the connecting member, referred to as the second connecting member (10), and a first complementary and nestable connecting member (9) when the locking member (15) is in the locked position. Electronic payment terminal (3) according to claim 10, wherein the complementary locking member (11) comprises a locking stop (12) extending in projection from a face of the connecting member (10) and intended to cooperate with the locking member (15) to prevent a disconnection between the first (9) and second (10) connecting members of the electrical or electronic connector (2) when the locking member (15) is in the locked position. Electronic payment terminal (3) according to claim 11, wherein the additional locking member (11) further comprises a guide stop (13) extending in projection from the same face of the connecting member (10) as the locking stop (12) and intended to participate, in cooperation with the locking stop (12), in guiding the locking member (15) during a movement of the latter between an unlocking position and a locking position.

Images