Xlr connector with radial outlet

Abstract

The invention relates to an XLR connector (100) with radial outlet, comprising: - a cylindrical body (101) having a longitudinal direction ,- an insert (102) mounted in the body (101), - a head (103) configured to be fastened to the body (101) and comprising at least one radial opening (133) allowing the passage of a cable (C) for connecting it to contacts (114) of the insert (102), characterized in that the head (103) comprises a flange (122) comprising the at least one radial opening (133), and a member for holding the flange (122) on the body (101) that is configured to exert on the flange (122) a force in the longitudinal direction of the body (101) and oriented towards the insert (102).

Description

RADIAL OUTPUT XLR CONNECTOR

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

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

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

[0004] Such radial output XLR connectors are particularly suitable for configurations where there is not enough space for the cable fitted with the connector to extend into the extension of the connector once the connector is connected.

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

[0006] In practice, the cable is connected to the connector contacts and then bent. Once the cable is bent, the cap is attached to the connector body by aligning the opening in the cap skirt with the bent part of the cable, then the skirt is pushed into the connector body. Radial screws (usually two diametrically opposed) passing through the connector body are then screwed in to rest without being fixed on the cap skirt and thus secure the cap and the connector body.

[0007] These known connectors have the disadvantages that the cable is not held securely on the connector and that the cap is not held securely on the body. Indeed, the screws must only come into contact with the skirt of the cap, resting on it but without tightening it too much or becoming integral with it without deforming the skirt, which means that the cap is simply held on the body. In addition, because of its weak hold on the body, the cap cannot exert any force on the cable, which can then easily be disconnected from the contacts in the event of inopportune traction on the cable, such a disconnection being able to damage both the cable and the contacts of the connector.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art radial output XLR connectors, by proposing radial output XLR connectors for which the member that holds the cable on the connector exerts a force on the cable in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, which helps to hold the cable in the connector in the event of inopportune traction on the cable, while ensuring strong attachment of the holding member to the connector body. Indeed, in the event of inopportune traction on the cable, and because the latter is firmly pressed against the radial walls at the connector entrance, effective strain relief is achieved, thus avoiding any risk of damage to the connector contacts and / or attachment points (e.g. soldering).

[0009] The present invention therefore relates to an XLR connector with radial output, comprising:

[0010] - a cylindrical body having a longitudinal direction,

[0011] - an insert mounted in the body in its longitudinal direction and having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the body, a cable connection end and a plug-in end, the cable connection end carrying contacts configured to be connected to a cable, the plug-in end carrying terminals configured to be plugged into a socket, each contact being connected to a corresponding pin in the insert,

[0012] - a head configured to be fixed on the body opposite the cable connection end of the insert and comprising at least one radial opening allowing the passage of a cable for its connection to the contacts of the insert,

[0013] characterized in that the head comprises a flange comprising at least one radial opening, and a member for holding the flange on the body configured to exert a force on the flange in the longitudinal direction of the body and oriented towards the insert.

[0014] Thus, the clamp exerts a force on the bent part of the cable, pressing the cable into the connector, which allows the cable to be clamped between the clamp and the body and to hold it better in the event of inopportune traction on the cable.

[0015] In addition, the holding member also allows the head to be better held on the body: where existing radial output XLR connectors immobilized the cap relative to the body, the radial output XLR connector according to the present invention exerts a force on the head to press them against each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector and mechanically secures the head to the connector.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the body on the side for connection to a cable comprises a collar in which a groove is formed, at least one notch connecting the groove to the free end of the collar, the flange being constituted by a cap comprising a radial opening, the holding member being constituted by at least one radial projection formed in the cap and configured to be secured to the groove by insertion of the at least one projection into the at least one notch and rotation of the cap to engage the at least one notch in the groove.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the radial opening is tapered. The opening is thus bevel-shaped, and allows on the one hand to adapt to cables of variable width, but also by turning the cap, the tapered shape of the opening will allow the edge of the opening to be brought into contact with the cable sheath to block it even better.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the body on the side for connection to a cable comprises a collar on which a thread is formed, the flange being constituted by a ring which has at least one radial opening, the flange being configured to be attached over the thread, the holding member being constituted by a cap carrying a thread configured to screw onto the thread of the collar and press the flange against the body.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the flange includes several radial outlets. This allows easier positioning of the flange on the cable and the body once the cable is soldered to the contacts.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the radial outlets have different diameters to accommodate different cable diameters.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the XLR connector is a male connector, the terminals on the plug-in end side being male pins.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the XLR connector is a female connector, the terminals on the plug-in end side being female pins.

[0023] Advantageously, the dimension of the flange opening will be chosen to be a tight fit on the cable, in order to exert, once the connector is mounted, a peripheral stress on the cable at the radial opening to hold it against the body.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the collar comprises a notch formed longitudinally in its side wall, extending from the base of the collar and opening onto the neck of the collar to allow the passage of the cable C through the neck of the collar. Better compactness of the connector is thus obtained.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a rib is formed at the base of the notch to block the cable C. The cable C, once bent, is in fact retained by the rib, or any other surface effect (several ribs, relief, etc.) and prevents damage to the cable solder on the contacts during inopportune traction on the cable.

[0026] According to one embodiment, projections extend in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert opposite each contact, the projections being separated by spaces. These projections thus make it possible to avoid any short circuit between the cable and the contacts on the one hand, and the other metal parts of the connector on the other hand.

[0027] To better illustrate the subject of the present invention, embodiments of the invention, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, will now be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0028] is a rear perspective view of a female XLR connector according to a first embodiment.

[0029] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the.

[0030] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the.

[0031] is a view of the connector insert of the.

[0032] is a view of the connector flange of the.

[0033] is a rear perspective view of a male XLR connector according to the first embodiment.

[0034] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the.

[0035] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the.

[0036] is a rear perspective view of a female XLR connector according to a second embodiment.

[0037] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the.

[0038] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the.

[0039] is a rear perspective view of a male XLR connector according to the second embodiment.

[0040] is a cross-sectional view of the XLR connector of the.

[0041] is an exploded view of the XLR connector of the.

[0042] In the following description, the front and rear parts of the connector designate two opposite ends of the connector in the longitudinal direction thereof, the front part of the connector will by convention be the end of the connector on which the cable is connected, the rear part being the one intended to be plugged in. The adjectives front and rear used to describe a part in the present description will therefore be interpreted in relation to their orientation in the connector.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, it can be seen that a female XLR 100 connector, with radial output, according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown there.

[0044] The XLR connector 100 according to this first embodiment is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generator of the cylinder. The XLR connector 100 comprises a body 101, an insert 102 and a head 103.

[0045] The body 101 is generally cylindrical in shape, hollow, and consists of a front part 104 and a rear part 105, formed in one piece, generally of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0046] The peripheral surface of the front portion 104 comprises a threaded end portion 106 and a base portion 107, of larger diameter than the threaded end portion 106.

[0047] A crenellation 104a is formed on the free edge of the threaded end portion 106, with radial grooves 104b separating each crenellation. The role of the crenellation 104a and the grooves 104b will be described below in connection with the description of the insert 102.

[0048] The rear part 105 is cylindrical, with a diameter smaller than the base part 107, a longitudinal rib 105a being formed on the surface of the rear part 105, and serving as a keying device when plugging in the XLR connector 100. It is understood that the invention is not limited in this respect and that a connector according to the invention may not include a keying device.

[0049] Two cylindrical sections of the same axis 110a and 110b are formed in the body 101, delimited by a shoulder 111 whose role will be described below, the front cylindrical section 110a at the front of the body 101 being of larger diameter than the rear cylindrical section 110b at the rear of the body 101.

[0050] A keying device 112 is optionally formed at the end of the rear cylindrical section 110b. Its function will be described below. The invention is also not limited in this respect, and it is not necessary to have a keying device for mounting the insert in the body.

[0051] The insert 102 is also generally cylindrical, formed of injection molded plastic, and is intended to provide the signal connection between the pins 113 and the contacts 114 at both ends of the insert 102.

[0052] Each contact 114 is bijectively connected to one of the pins 113 via hollow metal rods 113a.

[0053] The contacts 114 are formed on the front portion 115 of the insert 102, the pins 113 being formed on the rear portion 116 of the insert 102.

[0054] A longitudinal groove 117 is formed on the external surface of the rear part 116 of the insert 102, and is intended to cooperate with the keying device 112 to ensure adequate positioning of the insert 102 in the body 101 and thus prevent any rotation around the axis of revolution of the insert 102 during the insertion of the connector 100 leading, in association with the rib 105a, to an optimal alignment of the plugs 113 with the pins of the opposite connector (on which the connector 100, not shown here, is inserted). Recesses 118 are also formed on the external surface of the rear part 116 for the sake of saving material.

[0055] The front part 115 is of larger diameter than the rear part 116, forming a shoulder 119 intended to come into abutment against the shoulder 111 formed in the body 101 to form a stop for introducing the insert 102 into the body 101, the insert 102 once introduced into the body 101 being flush with the free edge of the front part 104.

[0056] The front part 115 of the insert 102 shown partially has projections 115a extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert 102 in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert 102, opposite each contact 114, the projections 115a being separated by spaces 115b (three projections 115a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector as shown). The projections 115a are located at the periphery of the contacts 114 and have the function of preventing any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 101 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 115b allow for easier access to the connection terminals during assembly (soldering) of the cable C on the contacts 114.

[0057] The head 103 consists of four elements: a collar 120, a ring 121, a flange 122 and a cap 123.

[0058] The collar 120 is cylindrical, hollow, and rests at its rear end on a base 124 open for the passage of the wires of the cable C towards the contacts 114 of the insert 102, radial ribs 125 being formed on the rear surface of the base 124 and being intended to guarantee correct positioning of the base 124 on the body 101, by positioning the ribs 125 in the grooves 104b. These ribs 125 also make it possible to choose the exit angle of the cable relative to the contacts 114 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0059] A thread 120a is formed on the outer surface of the collar 120, to allow the cap 123 to be screwed on as will be described below, with a shoulder 126 formed between the thread 120a and the base 124.

[0060] A U-shaped notch 120b (visible in) is formed in the thread 120a, the notch 120b extending from the base 124 to open on the free edge of the collar 120 corresponding to the free end of the neck, having a rounded edge on the base 124 side and which carries a rib 120c (or other surface effect) allowing the passage of the cable C for its connection to the contacts 114. The rib 120c makes it possible to retain the cable C, once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 114.

[0061] The rib 120c (or other surface effect) is not essential to the present invention, but is just an additional element which contributes to increasing the strain relief effect, which moreover is ensured by the simple plating (throttling) of the bent part of the cable C between the flange 122 and collar 120.

[0062] The collar 120 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0063] The ring 121 comprises a thread 127 for screwing the ring 121 onto the thread 106 of the threaded front part 104 of the body 101. A bead 128 with a knurling-type surface effect is formed on the rear part of the ring 121, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 101.

[0064] The front opening of the ring 121 has a right-angled return 129 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 124 of the collar 120, in order to lock the collar 120 in position on the body 101, the ribs 125 being engaged in the grooves 104b, when screwing the ring 121 onto the body 101.

[0065] The ring 121 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0066] The flange 122 is ring-shaped, cylindrical in shape, with an internal surface in two parts: a front part 130 of smooth surface, of diameter greater than the diameter of the thread 120a of the collar 120 to allow the flange 122 to pass over the thread 120a, and a rear part 131, also of smooth surface, of diameter greater than the diameter of the front part 130, the front 130 and rear 131 parts being separated by a shoulder 132, with a clearance formed between the shoulder 132 and the shoulder 126 of the collar 120 when the connector 100 is mounted, to allow the effective pressing of the cable C against the radial part of the U-shaped notch 120b of the collar 120 and by extension against the body 101.

[0067] Radial openings 133 are formed in the peripheral surface of the flange 122, with different opening sizes to accommodate different cable sizes C.

[0068] The flange 122 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0069] The cap 123 has a thread 134 intended for screwing the cap 123 onto the collar 120. The external surface of the cap 123 also has a knurling-type surface effect to facilitate its screwing.

[0070] The cap 123 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0071] In practice, the cable C is introduced into the ring 121 then into the collar 120 and is then connected to the contacts 114 of the insert 102. The insert 102 is subsequently introduced into the body 101, then the collar 120 is brought into contact with the insert 102 and held by the ring 121 screwed onto the body 101 to secure the assembly (collar 120 and insert 102) to it.

[0072] The cable C is then bent and made to pass through one of the radial openings 133 of the flange 122 corresponding to its diameter. The cap 123 is finally screwed to apply itself to the flange 122, and therefore indirectly the cable C, until the cable C comes into abutment against the body 101, making it possible to obtain a cable firmly connected to the XLR connector 100. The rib 120c is optional but nevertheless provides additional security to the strain relief effect, which is moreover ensured by the simple plating (throttling) of the bent part of the cable between the flange 122 and the collar 120.

[0073] If we now refer to Figures 4 to 6, we can see that there is shown a male XLR 200 connector with radial output according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0074] The connector 200 is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generator of the cylinder, and comprises a body 201, an insert 202 and a head 203.

[0075] The body 201 is hollow cylindrical, and may for example be made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0076] It includes a front part 204 and a rear part 205.

[0077] The front portion 204 has a thread 206 on its outer peripheral portion, the role of which will be described below. A crenellation 204a is formed on the free end of the front portion 204, with radial grooves 204b formed between the crenellations of the crenellation 204a. The role of this crenellation 204a will be described below in connection with the description of the head 203.

[0078] Two hollow cylindrical sections 206 and 207 are formed in the body 201, the front section 206 being of smaller diameter than the rear section 207, with a shoulder 208 separating the two sections and serving as a stop during the insertion of the insert 202 into the body 201, as will be described below.

[0079] A longitudinal groove 205a is formed in the rear section 207, serving as a keying device when inserting the connector 200. The invention is however not limited in this respect, and can be envisaged without this keying device 205a.

[0080] The insert 202 is cylindrical, formed from injection-molded plastic around pins 213 which protrude from the rear portion of the insert 202.

[0081] The contacts 214 for connection to the cable C are formed in the front part 215 of the insert 202, with a keying device 217 having the form of a longitudinal rib formed on the external surface of the insert 202 to ensure its insertion in the correct direction into the body 201, this longitudinal rib being intended to be inserted into a corresponding groove (not shown) formed in the front section 206 of the body 201. The keying device 217 makes it possible to prevent any rotation around the axis of revolution of the insert 202 during the insertion of the connector 200 leading, in association with the rib 205a, to an optimal alignment of the plugs 213 with the pins of the opposite connector (on which the connector 200, not shown here, is inserted).A peripheral groove 219 is formed on the rear face of the insert 202 from which the pins 213 protrude, this peripheral groove 219 being intended to come into abutment against the shoulder 208 of the body 201 when the insert 202 is introduced into the body 201, the front part of the insert 202 then being flush with the free edge of the front part 204 of the body 201.

[0082] The front part 215 of the insert 202 has projections 215a extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert 202 in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert 202, opposite each contact 214, the projections 215a being separated by spaces 215b (three projections 215a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector). The projections 215a are located at the periphery of the contacts 214 and have the function of preventing any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 201 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 215b allow for easier access to the connection terminals during assembly (soldering) of the cable C on the contacts 214.

[0083] The structure of the front part 215 is identical to that shown in and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0084] The head 203 consists of four elements: a collar 220, a ring 221, a flange 222 and a cap 223.

[0085] The collar 220 is cylindrical, hollow, and rests at its rear end on a base 224 open for the passage of the wires of the cable C towards the contacts 214 of the insert 202, radial ribs 225 being formed on the rear surface of the base 224 and being intended to guarantee correct positioning of the base 224 on the body 201, by positioning the ribs 225 in the grooves 204b. These ribs 225 also make it possible to choose the exit angle of the cable relative to the contacts 214 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0086] A thread 220a is formed on the outer surface of the collar 220, to allow the cap 223 to be screwed on as will be described below, with a shoulder 226 formed between the thread 220a and the base 224.

[0087] A notch 220b is formed in the thread 220a, the notch 220b extending from the base 224 toward the free edge of the collar 220, having a rounded base-side edge 224 and which carries a rib 220c (or other effect of

[0088] surface) allowing the passage of cable C for its connection to contacts 214. Rib 220c allows cable C to be retained, once it has been bent after its connection to contacts 214. Rib 220c is optional but nevertheless provides additional security to the strain relief effect, which is moreover ensured by the simple plating (throttling) of the bent part of the cable between flange 222 and collar 220.

[0089] The collar 220 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0090] The ring 221 comprises a thread 227 for screwing the ring 221 onto the thread 206 of the threaded front part 204 of the body 201. A bead 228 with a knurling-type surface effect is formed on the rear part of the ring 221, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 201.

[0091] The front opening of the ring 221 has a right-angled return 229 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 224 of the collar 220, in order to lock the collar 220 in position on the body 201, the ribs 225 being engaged in the grooves 204b, when screwing the ring 221 onto the body 201.

[0092] The ring 221 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0093] The flange 222 is ring-shaped, cylindrical in shape, with an internal surface in two parts: a front part 230 of smooth surface, of diameter greater than the diameter of the thread 220a of the collar 220 to allow the flange 222 to pass over the thread 220a, and a rear part 231, also of smooth surface, of diameter greater than the diameter of the front part 230, the front 230 and rear 231 parts being separated by a shoulder 232, with a clearance formed between the shoulder 232 and the shoulder 226 of the collar 220 when the connector 200 is mounted to allow the effective pressing of the cable C against the body 201.

[0094] Radial openings 233 are formed in the peripheral surface of the flange 222, with different opening sizes to accommodate different cable sizes C.

[0095] The flange 222 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0096] The cap 223 has a thread 234 intended for screwing the cap 223 onto the collar 220. The external surface of the cap 223 also has a knurling-type surface effect to facilitate its screwing.

[0097] The cap 223 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0098] In practice, the cable C is introduced into the ring 221 then into the collar 220 and is then connected to the contacts 214 of the insert 202. The insert 202 is then introduced into the body 201, then the collar 220 is brought into contact with the insert 202 and held by the ring 221 screwed onto the body 201 to secure the assembly (collar 220 and insert 202) to it.

[0099] The cable C is then bent and made to pass through one of the radial openings 233 of the flange 222 corresponding to its diameter.

[0100] The cap 223 is finally screwed to apply to the flange 222, and therefore indirectly the cable C, until the cable C comes into abutment against the body 201, making it possible to obtain a cable firmly connected to the XLR connector 200.

[0101] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, it can be seen that a female XLR 300 connector, with radial output, according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown there.

[0102] The XLR connector 300 according to this second embodiment is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generator of the cylinder. The XLR connector 300 comprises a body 301, an insert 302 and a head 303.

[0103] The body 301 is generally cylindrical in shape, hollow, and consists of a front portion 304 and a rear portion 305, formed in one piece, generally of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0104] The peripheral surface of the front portion 304 comprises a threaded end portion 306 and a base portion 307, of larger diameter than the threaded end portion 306.

[0105] A crenellation 304a is formed on the free edge of the threaded end portion 306, with radial grooves 304b separating each crenellation. The role of the crenellation 304a will be described below in connection with the description of the insert 302.

[0106] The rear part 305 is cylindrical, with a diameter smaller than the base part 307, a longitudinal rib 305a being formed on the surface of the rear part 305, and serving as a keying device when plugging in the XLR connector 300. It is understood that the invention is not limited in this respect and that a connector according to the invention may not include a keying device.

[0107] Two cylindrical sections of the same axis 310a and 310b are formed in the body 301, delimited by a shoulder 311 whose role will be described below, the front cylindrical section 310a at the front of the body 301 being of larger diameter than the rear cylindrical section 310b at the rear of the body 301.

[0108] A keying device 312 is formed at the end of the rear cylindrical section 310. Its role will be described below. The invention is also not limited in this respect, and it is not necessary to have a keying device for mounting the insert in the body. The keying device 312, however, ensures, in conjunction with the rib 305, the correct alignment of the pins 313 with those of the connector into which the connector 300 is plugged.

[0109] The insert 302 is also generally cylindrical, formed of injection molded plastic, and is intended to provide the signal connection between the pins 313 and the contacts 314 at both ends of the insert 302.

[0110] Each contact 314 is bijectively connected to one of the pins 313 via hollow metal rods 313a.

[0111] The contacts 314 are formed on the front portion 315 of the insert 302, the pins 313 being formed on the rear portion 316 of the insert 302.

[0112] A longitudinal groove 317 is formed on the external surface of the rear portion 316 of the insert 302, and is intended to cooperate with the keying device 312 to ensure adequate positioning of the insert 302 in the body 301 and to prevent any rotation about the axis of revolution of the insert 302 during the insertion of the connector 300 leading, in association with the rib 305a, to an optimal alignment of the plugs 313 with the pins of the opposite connector (on which the connector 300, not shown here, is inserted). Recesses 318 are also formed on the external surface of the rear portion 316 for the sake of saving material.

[0113] The front part 315 is of larger diameter than the rear part 316, forming a shoulder 319 intended to come into abutment against the shoulder 311 formed in the body 301 to form a stop for introducing the insert 302 into the body 301, the insert 302 once introduced into the body 301 being flush with the free edge of the front part 304.

[0114] In a manner similar to the first embodiment, the front portion 315 of the insert 302 has projections 315a extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert 302 in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert 302, opposite each contact 314, the projections 315a being separated by spaces 315b (three projections 315a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector). The projections 315a are located at the periphery of the contacts 314 and have the function of preventing any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 301 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 315b make it possible to facilitate access to the connection terminals during the assembly (soldering) of the cable C on the contacts 314.

[0115] The head 303 consists of three elements: a collar 320, a ring 321, and a cap 322.

[0116] The collar 320 is similar to the collar 120 of the first embodiment, cylindrical and hollow, and rests at its rear end on a base 324 open for the passage of the wires of the cable C towards the contacts 314 of the insert 302, radial ribs 325 being formed on the rear surface of the base 324 and being intended to guarantee correct positioning of the base 324 on the body 301, by positioning the ribs 325 in the grooves 304b.

[0117] These ribs 325 also make it possible to choose the exit angle of the cable relative to the contacts 314 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0118] A groove 320a is formed on the outer surface of the collar 320 with notches 320b connecting the groove 320a to the front free edge of the collar 320, to allow the cap 322 to be secured as will be described below, with a shoulder 326 formed between the groove 320a and the base 324.

[0119] As for the first embodiment, a notch 320b is formed in the thread 320a, the notch 320b extending from the base 324 towards the free edge of the collar 320, having a rounded base-side edge 324 and which carries a rib 320c (or other surface effect) allowing the passage of the cable C for its connection to the contacts 314. The rib 320c makes it possible to retain the cable C, once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 314.

[0120] The collar 320 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0121] The ring 321 includes a thread 327 for screwing the ring 321 onto the thread 306 of the threaded front portion 304 of the body 301. A bead 328 with a knurling-type surface effect is formed on the rear portion of the ring 321, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 301.

[0122] The front opening of the ring 321 has a right-angled return 329 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 324 of the collar 320, in order to lock the collar 320 in position on the body 301, the ribs 325 being engaged in the grooves 304b, when screwing the ring 321 onto the body 301.

[0123] The ring 321 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0124] The cap 322 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic and has a base 330 from which extends rearwardly a skirt 331 in the peripheral surface of which a tapered opening 333 is formed.

[0125] Lugs 334 are formed in the inner surface of the cap 322, extending radially inwardly towards the inside of the cap 322, these lugs 334 being intended to be inserted into the notches 320b of the collar 320.

[0126] In practice, the cable C is introduced into the ring 321 then into the collar 320 and is then connected to the contacts 314 of the insert 302. The insert 302 is then introduced into the body 301, then the collar 320 is brought into contact with the insert 302 and held by the ring 321 screwed onto the body 301 to secure the assembly (collar 320 and insert 302) to it.

[0127] Cable C is then bent and made to pass through the radial opening of collar 320.

[0128] The cap 322 is finally introduced onto the collar 320 with the lugs 334 passing through the notches 320b then the cap 322 is turned to circulate the lugs 334 in the groove until the radial opening 333 comes into contact with the cable C to press it against the radial surface of the collar 320 and by extension against the body 301.

[0129] If we now refer to Figures 10 to 12, we can see that there is shown a male XLR 400 connector with radial output according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0130] The connector 400 is substantially cylindrical, with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of the generator of the cylinder and comprises a body 401, an insert 402 and a head 403.

[0131] The body 401 is hollow cylindrical, and may for example be made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0132] It includes a 404 front part and a 405 rear part.

[0133] The front portion 404 has a thread 406 on its outer peripheral portion, the role of which will be described below. A crenellation 404a is formed on the free end of the front portion 404, with radial grooves 404b formed between the crenellations of the crenellation 404a. The role of this crenellation 404a will be described below in connection with the description of the head 403.

[0134] Two hollow cylindrical sections 406 and 407 are formed in the body 401, the front section 406 being of smaller diameter than the rear section 407, with a shoulder 408 separating the two sections and serving as a stop when insert 402 is inserted into the body 401, as will be described below.

[0135] A longitudinal groove 405a is formed in the rear section 407, serving as a keying device when inserting the connector 400. The invention is however not limited in this respect, and can be envisaged without this keying device 405a.

[0136] As with the first embodiment, the insert 402 is cylindrical, formed from injection-molded plastic around the pins 413 which protrude from the rear portion of the insert 402.

[0137] The contacts 414 for connection to the cable C are formed in the front part of the insert 402, with a key 417 having the form of a longitudinal rib formed on the external surface of the insert 402 to ensure its insertion in the correct direction into the body 401, this longitudinal rib being intended to be inserted into a corresponding groove (not shown) formed in the front section 406 of the body 402. A peripheral groove 419 is formed on the rear face of the insert 402 from which the pins 413 project, this peripheral groove 419 being intended to abut against the shoulder 408 of the body 401 when the insert 402 is introduced into the body 401, the front part of the insert 402 then being flush with the free edge of the front part 404 of the body 401.

[0138] In a manner similar to the first embodiment, the front portion 415 of the insert 402 has projections 415a extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert 402 in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert 402, opposite each contact 414, the projections 415a being separated by spaces 415b (three projections 415a in the case of a three-pin XLR connector). The projections 415a are located at the periphery of the contacts 414 and have the function of preventing any electrical contact (short circuit) with the body 401 (when the latter is metallic). The spaces 415b make it possible to facilitate access to the connection terminals during the assembly (soldering) of the cable C on the contacts 414.

[0139] The head 403 consists of three elements: a collar 420, a ring 421, and a cap 422.

[0140] The collar 420 is cylindrical and rests at its rear end on a base 424 open for the passage of the wires of the cable C towards the contacts 414 of the insert 402, radial ribs 425 being formed on the rear surface of the base 424 and being intended to guarantee correct positioning of the base 424 on the body 401, by positioning the ribs 425 in the grooves 404b.

[0141] These ribs 425 also make it possible to choose the exit angle of the cable relative to the contacts 414 (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) in the case shown.

[0142] A groove 420a is formed on the outer surface of the collar 420 with notches 420b connecting the groove 420a to the front free edge of the collar 420, to allow the cap 422 to be secured as will be described below, with a shoulder 426 formed between the groove 420a and the base 424.

[0143] As for the first embodiment, a notch 420b is formed in the thread 420a, the notch 420b extending from the base 424 towards the free edge of the collar 420, having a rounded edge on the base 424 side and which carries a rib 420c (or other surface effect) allowing the passage of the cable C for its connection to the contacts 414. The rib 420c makes it possible to retain the cable C, once it has been bent after its connection to the contacts 414.

[0144] The collar 420 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic.

[0145] The ring 421 includes a thread 427 for screwing the ring 421 onto the thread 406 of the threaded front portion 404 of the body 401. A bead 428 with a knurling-type surface effect is formed on the rear portion of the ring 421, to improve its grip when screwing it onto the body 401.

[0146] The front opening of the ring 421 has a right-angled return 429 to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 424 of the collar 420, in order to lock the collar 420 in position on the body 401, the ribs 425 being engaged in the grooves 404b, when screwing the ring 421 onto the body 401.

[0147] The ring 421 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in certain cases, of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0148] The cap 422 is advantageously made of cast or machined metal (zinc or copper alloy) and in some cases, of injection-molded plastic and has a base 430 from which extends rearwardly a skirt 431 in the peripheral surface of which a tapered opening 433 is formed.

[0149] Lugs 434 are formed in the inner surface of the cap 422, extending radially inwardly towards the inside of the cap 422, these lugs 434 being intended to be inserted into the notches 420b of the collar 420.

[0150] In practice, cable C is introduced into the ring

[0151] 421 then into the collar 420 and is then connected to the contacts 414 of the insert 402. The insert 402 is then introduced into the body 401, then the collar 420 is brought into contact with the insert 402 and held by the ring 421 screwed onto the body 401 to secure the assembly (collar 420 and insert 402) to it.

[0152] Cable C is then bent and made to pass through the radial opening of collar 420.

[0153] The cap 422 is finally introduced onto the collar 420 with the lugs 434 passing through the notches 420b then the cap 422 is turned to circulate the lugs 434 in the groove until the radial opening 433 comes into contact with the cable C to press it against the radial surface of the collar 420 and by extension against the body 401.

Claims

– Radial output XLR connector (100; 200), comprising:- a cylindrical body (101; 201) having a longitudinal direction,- an insert (102; 202) mounted in the body (101; 201) in its longitudinal direction and having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the body (101; 201), a cable connection end (C) and a plug-in end, the cable connection end (C) carrying contacts (114; 214) configured to be connected to a cable (C), the plug-in end carrying terminals (113; 213) configured to be plugged into a socket, each contact (114; 214) being connected to a corresponding pin (113; 213) in the insert (102; 202),- a head (103; 203) configured to be fixed on the body (101; 201) opposite the cable connection end of the insert (102; 202) and comprising at least one radial opening (133; 233) allowing the passage of a cable (C) for its connection to the contacts (114;214) of the insert (102; 202), characterized in that the head (103; 203) comprises a flange (122; 222) comprising at least one radial opening (133; 233), and a member for holding the flange (122; 222) on the body (101; 201) configured to exert on the flange (122; 222) a force in the longitudinal direction of the body (101; 201) and oriented towards the insert (102; 202), the body (101; 201) on the side for connection to a cable comprising a collar (120; 220) in which a thread (120a; 220a) is formed, and a notch (120b; 220b) formed longitudinally in its side wall, extending from the base of the collar (120; 220) and opening on the neck of the collar (120; 220) to allow the passage of the cable C through the neck of the collar (120; 220), the flange (122; 222) being constituted by a ring which has at least one radial opening (133; 233), the flange (122; 222) being configured to be attached over the thread (120a;220a), the holding member being constituted by a cap (123; 223) carrying a thread (134; 234) configured to screw onto the thread (120a; 220a) of the collar (120; 220) and press the flange (122; 222) against the body (101; 201).; – XLR connector with radial output (100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange (122; 222) comprises several radial outputs (133; 233). – Radial output XLR connector (100; 200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the radial outputs (133; 233) have different diameters to adapt to different cable diameters. – XLR connector with radial output according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the XLR connector is a male connector, the terminals on the plug-in end side being male pins. – XLR connector with radial output according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the XLR connector is a female connector, the terminals on the plug-in end side being female pins. – XLR connector with radial output according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a rib (120c; 220c) is formed at the base of the notch (120b; 220b) to block the cable C. – XLR connector with radial output according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that projections (115a; 215a) extend in the extension of the lateral surface of the insert (102; 202) opposite each contact (114; 214), the projections (115a; 215a) being separated by spaces (115b; 215b).

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