Connector set with locking device

Abstract

An assembly of electrical connectors comprising a connector (1) and a counter-connector (2). The connector (1) includes a sliding locking device (5) mounted, along a locking direction (V), on a housing (3) from a pre-locking position to a locking position. The connector (1) also includes a latch (7). The latch (7) has a locking surface (42) for locking the connector (1) to the counter-connector (2). The latch (7) extends, between a junction that connects it to the housing body (3) and at least the locking surface (42), in a direction opposite to the locking direction (V). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 8

Description

Title of the invention: Connector assembly with locking device Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of connectivity and in particular automotive connectivity. State of the art

[0002] The assembly of automotive electrical connectors is often carried out manually by an operator. Furthermore, for this operator, it is a repetitive operation. It may also happen that this manual operation of coupling two connectors is carried out without any visual, audible or sensory feedback (due to the size of the spaces in which the assembly and connection must be carried out, the surrounding noise, the use of gloves, etc.). The connectors are then equipped with devices to ensure the position of the contacts (well known as the "TPA" device from the expression Terminal Position Assurance in English) so as to ensure the correct positioning of the contact points in order to optimize the reliability of the electrical connection.The connectors are also equipped with devices to ensure their complete mating (well known as "CPA" devices from the expression Connector Position Assurance in English) which also allow the connectors to be locked when they are correctly and completely mated. This helps to reinforce the mechanical strength of the connection. In this document, the "CPA" device for ensuring the position of the connectors is called "locking device".

[0003] Generally, this type of locking device must be moved, after complete coupling of a connector with another connector or counter-connector, to a locking position. In order to warn the operator of a defective or incomplete coupling, the movement of the locking device into its locking position is only possible if the coupling is correctly carried out. Thus, for example, a latch ensures primary locking of the coupled connector and counter-connector. On the other hand, this latch blocks the movement of the locking device to its locking position as long as the coupling is incomplete. In particular, connectors are known which are provided with a latch comprising a protrusion or a tooth adapted to engage in a notch or a window provided on the housing of a counter-connector in order to lock the connector and the counter-connector with each other, once they are completely coupled.An example of such a connector, provided with a locking device movable between a pre-position. locking and a locking position, is described for example in the patent document published under number EP 3 016 213 Bl.

[0004] An alternative to the known configurations of the state of the art for the connector and its locking device is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0005] Thus, there is provided an electrical connector assembly comprising a connector and a counter-connector. The connector and the counter-connector are coupled to each other, upon movement of one relative to the other, in a coupling direction, to a final coupling position. The connector comprises a housing and a locking device slidably mounted on the housing. The locking device is then movable in a locking direction between a pre-locking position and a locking position. The housing comprises a housing body and a latch provided with a locking surface.

[0006] Furthermore, the latch extends, between a junction which connects it to the body of the housing and at least the locking surface, in a direction opposite to the coupling direction.

[0007] Thanks to these provisions, the connector is provided with a so-called “rear latch”, unlike the connector described in the patent document published under number EP 3 016 213 B1 which is provided with a so-called “front latch”. The latch of the connector assembly is a so-called “rear latch” since the locking surface is located towards the rear of the connector, while it is hinged towards the front of the connector. A rear latch may possibly have a certain number of advantages, including: - it is compatible with a more compact locking device, - it can be used with or without a locking device (a front latch connector cannot operate without a locking device), - the locking device is compatible with a non-waterproof connector, in fact, most non-waterproof connectors have a rear latch, and therefore do not allow the use of a locking device designed for a front latch, - its orientation makes it less fragile compared to its interaction with a counter-connector (the counter-connector and the free end of the latch cannot collide head-on when mating the connector with the counter-connector), - it is compatible with tool-free disconnection of the connector and the counter-connector.

[0008] The set of connectors therefore comprises a connector with an intelligent locking system (“Smart Locking System” or “SLS” in English).

[0009] This set of connectors optionally includes one and / or the other of the charac following characteristics, each considered independently of the other, or each in combination with one or more others:

[0010] - the latch is provided with a locking surface;

[0011] - the latch flexes from a locking position to a retracted position; in the locking position, the locking surface cooperates with the locking device to block the movement of the locking device, towards the locking position, when the latter is in the pre-locking position; in the retracted position, the counter-connector cooperates with the latch to release the locking device from the locking surface;

[0012] - the locking surface is located along the latch (parallel to the directions coupling and locking), on the same side as the locking surface, relative to the junction which connects the latch to the body of the housing;

[0013] - the counter-connector has a skirt inside which the latch is essen fully housed, when the connector and the counter-connector are in the final mating position;

[0014] - the locking device comprises a locking arm essentially housed inside the skirt, when the connector and the counter-connector are in the final mating position;

[0015] - the latch has a protrusion, or a tooth, and the counter-connector has a notch, or window, into which the protrusion, or tooth, fits to allow the latch to return to the locking position, wherein the protrusion, or tooth, cooperates with the counter-connector to provide primary locking of the connector and the counter-connector in the mating position;

[0016] - the locking device comprises a locking arm with a lug, or a finger, cooperating with the counter-connector, to keep the locking arm flexed and allow the locking device to move from its pre-locking position to its locking position, this lug, or this finger, being housed in the notch, or the window, when the locking device is in the locking position;

[0017] - the locking device comprises a support surface which cooperates with the latch to provide secondary locking of the connector and counter-connector in the mating position;

[0018] - the locking device comprises a wall, or a roof, covering at least partially, a free end of the latch when the locking device is in the locking position;

[0019] - the locking device comprises an unlocking surface cooperating with the latch, to release it from the counter-connector, when the locking device is moved from its locking position to its pre-locking position.

[0020] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an electrical connector. In particular, it may be a connector for connection with a counter-connector comprising a skirt in which a notch or a window is provided in which a protrusion or a tooth is inserted, to lock the connector and the counter-connector together. This type of counter-connector is relatively standard, but those forming the technological background are not connected to a connector comprising a locking device ("CPA") making it possible to ensure the complete coupling position of the connector relative to the counter-connector.

[0021] Thus the connector comprises a housing and a locking device slidably mounted on the housing, in a locking direction between a pre-locking position and a locking position. The housing comprises a housing body and a latch provided with a protrusion, or a tooth, with a locking surface. Furthermore, the latch extends, between a junction which connects it to the housing body and the locking surface, in a direction opposite to the locking direction. Advantageously, the protrusion, or the tooth, comprising the first locking surface is adapted to penetrate into the notch.

[0022] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for connecting and disconnecting an electrical connector with a counter-connector. In particular, it may be a method in which the connector comprises a housing and a locking device slidably mounted on the housing, in a locking direction, between a pre-locking position and a locking position. According to this method, pressure is exerted on the locking device, while the latter is in its pre-locking position. This pressure, during this first phase, makes it possible to move the connector and the counter-connector relative to each other, to a final coupling position in which the connector and the counter-connector are completely coupled. During this first phase, the locking device remains in the pre-locking position.When the pressure on the locking device is continued, while the connector and the counter-connector are fully coupled, the locking device is brought, during a second phase, into its locking position. To uncouple the connector and the counter-connector, the locking device is brought from its locking position to its pre-locking position, only by exerting traction on the locking device, while the connector and the counter-connector are in their final coupling position. In other words, it is not necessary to use a tool to move the locking device from its locking position to its pre-locking position.When the locking device is in the pre-locking position and the locking device is continued to be pulled, while it is in the pre-locking position, the connector and the counter-connector can be disconnected.

[0023] This method therefore makes it possible to carry out a coupling or decoupling function in a single step. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:

[0025] [fig. 1] schematically represents in perspective, a first example of mode of production of a set of electrical connectors;

[0026] [fig.2] schematically represents in perspective and in partially cutaway view (with the protective cavity roof removed) the connector of the connector assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0027] [fig.3] schematically represents in perspective the locking device of the connector shown in Figure 2;

[0028] [fig.4] schematically represents in perspective the locking device of the connector shown in Figure 3, seen from another angle and with enlarged parts;

[0029] [fig.5] schematically represents in longitudinal section, the embodiment of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1, the connector and the counter-connector being partially engaged with each other;

[0030] [fig.6] schematically represents in longitudinal section, the embodiment of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figures 1 and 5, the connector and the counter-connector being further engaged with each other compared to their position shown in Figure 5;

[0031] [fig.7] schematically represents in longitudinal section, the embodiment of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the connector and the counter-connector being in the fully mated position while the locking device remains in the pre-locked position;

[0032] [fig.8] schematically represents in longitudinal section, the embodiment of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figures 1, 5 to 7, the connector and the counter-connector being in the fully mated position while the locking device is in the locked position;

[0033] [fig.9] schematically represents in longitudinal section, in a plane perpen dicular to that of figures 5 to 8, the connector of the set of electrical connectors shown in figure 1;

[0034] [fig. 10] schematically represents in longitudinal section, in the plane of the figure 9, a detail of the interaction of the locking device with the connector housing of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1, on which it is mounted;

[0035] [fig.l 1] schematically represents, seen from above, the set of electrical connectors of figure 1, the connector and counter-connector being in the fully mated position;

[0036] [fig. 12] schematically represents in longitudinal section, in a plane parallel to that of figures 5 to 7, the first embodiment of the set of electrical connectors, the connector and the counter-connector being in the fully mated position while the locking device is pulled towards its pre-locked position;

[0037] [fig. 13] schematically represents in longitudinal section, in the plane of figures 5 to 7, the first embodiment of the set of electrical connectors, the connector, counter-connector and the locking device being in the same position as in figure 12;

[0038] [fig. 14] schematically represents in longitudinal section, in the plane of figure 9 or figure 10, a detail of the interaction of the locking device with the connector housing of the set of electrical connectors shown in figure 1, on which it is mounted;

[0039] [fig. 15] schematically represents in perspective the connector of the second embodiment of the set of connectors;

[0040] [fig. 16] represents in perspective the locking device of the connector shown in figure 15;

[0041] [fig. 17] schematically represents in longitudinal section the set of connectors according to the second embodiment, the connectors and counter-connectors being just positioned and introduced into each other, with the locking device in the pre-locking position;

[0042] [fig. 18] is a representation similar to figure 17, with the connectors and counter-connectors in an intermediate position between the position corresponding to figure 17 and the position of figure 19 in which they are fully coupled;

[0043] [fig. 19] is a representation similar to that of figures 17 and 18, with the connectors and counter-connectors in the fully mated position and the locking device in the locked position;

[0044] [fig.20] is a representation similar to that of figures 17 to 19, with the connectors and counter-connectors in the fully mated position and the locking device in the pre-locking position;

[0045] [fig.21] is a longitudinal section similar to that of figures 17 to 19, but in a different plan, with the connectors and counter-connectors in the fully mated position and the locking device in the pre-locking position;

[0046] [fig.22] is a longitudinal section similar to that of figure 21, with the connectors and counter-connectors in the fully mated position and the locking device in a position in which it is pulled more than in the pre-locking position; and

[0047] [fig.23] is a longitudinal section similar to that of figure 20, with the connectors and counter-connectors in the fully mated position and the locking device in a position in which it is pulled more than in the pre-locking position.

[0048] In the figures, the same numerical references designate identical or similar elements. Detailed description

[0049] A first example embodiment of a set 100 of electrical connectors is shown in Figure 1. This set 100 of electrical connectors comprises a connector 1 and a counter-connector 2. In this example, the connector 1 is a female connector and the counter-connector 2 is a male connector (but it could be the other way around). The connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 are aligned in a mating direction A. They are oriented so as to be mated to each other, upon movement of one relative to the other, parallel to the mating direction A to a final mating position.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the connector 1 comprises a housing 3, a front grille 4 and a locking device 5.

[0051] The housing 3 is made of a single piece, for example molded from plastic. It comprises a housing body 6 and a latch 7. The housing body 6 has cavities 8 intended to accommodate female electrical contacts 9 (see for example figures 5 to 8). Electrical wires 10 are electrically connected to the contacts 9 and exit through the rear face 11 of the housing 3. The cavities 8 are open on the front face 12 of the housing 3 at the level of openings 13 through which pins 14 of male contacts of the counter-connector 2 are introduced. The housing 3 has a lower face 15 and an upper face 16. The upper face 16 is provided with walls 17 extending longitudinally parallel to the coupling direction A and upwards, away from the upper face 16. A longitudinal slot 18 is provided through each of the walls 17 (see figure 2).

[0052] The locking device 5 acts as a connector position assurance device (CPA). Thus, it prevents incorrect coupling of the connector 1 with the counter-connector 2. The locking device 5 is slidably mounted on the housing 3, in a locking direction V, between a pre-locking position and a locking position. In this case, the locking direction V corresponds to the direction coupling A. In Figures 1 and 2, the locking device 5 is in the pre-locking position. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the locking device 5 is made of a single piece, for example molded from plastic. The locking device 5 comprises an actuating portion 22, two retention branches 23 and a locking arm 24. The actuating portion 22 comprises a thrust surface 25 and two pull fins 26. The thrust surface 25 extends essentially in a plane perpendicular to the locking direction V and directed towards the rear of the connector 1, when the locking device 5 is mounted on the housing 3. The thrust surface 25 is intended to receive the pressure of an operator's finger in order to move the locking device 5 from its pre-locking position to its locking position.The traction fins 26 allow the locking device 5 to be gripped between two fingers (thumb and index finger for example) in order to pull the locking device 5 from its locking position to its pre-locking position. The two retention branches 23 extend essentially, in a plane (plane of the sheet relative to FIG. 9), parallel to the locking direction V between an end connected to the actuating portion 22 and a free end 27. The two retention branches 23 are flexible and their free ends 27 can be elastically brought together towards each other. The retention branches 23 each comprise, on an external face, a retention lug 28 and a locking lug 29, and on an internal face, close to the free end 27, a deflection ramp 30.Each retention branch 23 comprises, from the actuating portion 22 towards its free end 27, a locking lug 29, then a retention lug 28, then a deflection ramp 30. As explained later, the retention lugs 28 make it possible to retain the locking device 5 on the housing 3, in the pre-locking position. The locking lugs 29 make it possible to retain the locking device 5 on the housing 3, in the locking position. Each deflection ramp 30 is intended to interact with the latch 7 of the housing 3.

[0053] The locking arm 24 extends essentially parallel to the locking direction V between an end connected to the actuating portion 22 and a free end 31. The locking arm 24 is flexible and is articulated at its connection with the actuating portion 22. Its free end 31 can be elastically moved in a direction P essentially perpendicular to the plane in which the retention branches 23 extend (see for example FIGS. 5 to 7). At its free end 31, the locking arm 24 comprises two stop surfaces 32 and a finger 33 (see FIG. 4).

[0054] The abutment surfaces 32 are essentially perpendicular to the locking direction V and directed away from the thrust surface 25. As explained further far, the stop surfaces 32 are intended to interfere with the latch 7 of the housing 3 to prevent the movement of the locking device 5 from its pre-locking position to its locking position. The finger 33 makes it possible to release the stop surfaces 32 in order to allow the movement of the locking device to its locking position. The finger 33 comprises a retraction ramp 34 directed upwards and towards the actuating portion 22.

[0055] The latch 7 is integral with the housing 3. It is formed of an arm 38 extending essentially parallel to the locking direction V, between a fixed end secured to the housing 3 and a free end 35. The fixed end, which forms a junction with the body of the housing 6, is located further towards the front of the housing 3 than the free end 35. The latch 7 is flexible and articulated on the housing 3 at its fixed end. The free end 35 can be elastically displaced in the direction P. The latch 7 comprises two blocking surfaces 36 and two locking surfaces 42 essentially perpendicular to the locking direction V and directed away from the stop surfaces 32. Thus, the latch 7 is a so-called “rear latch” since the blocking surfaces 36 and locking surfaces 42 are located towards the rear of the connector 1, while it is articulated towards the front of the connector 1.The latch 7 therefore extends, between a junction which connects it to the body of the housing 6 and at least as far as the blocking 36 and locking 42 surfaces, in a direction opposite to the locking direction V. The blocking surfaces 36 are adapted to cooperate with the stop surfaces 32 of the locking device 5 in order to prevent the latter from moving from its pre-locking position to its locking position, while the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 are not correctly coupled (see figure 5). The blocking surfaces 36 are each carried respectively by a tooth 37 forming a lock. The two teeth 37 extend from the arm 38 of the latch 7 upwards, in other words away from the upper face 16 of the housing 3, projecting from the top thereof (see for example figure 2). The two teeth 37 are spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the locking direction V.The space 39 between the two teeth 37 allows the passage of the finger 33 of the locking device 5. Each of the teeth 37 comprises a ramp 40 oriented obliquely upwards and towards the front of the connector 1. Each ramp 40 is adapted to cooperate with an activation surface 41 located on the counter-connector 2 in order to deflect the arm 38 of the latch 7 towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3 (see for example figure 6). Each of the teeth 37 also comprises a locking surface 42 located above each locking surface 36. These locking surfaces 42 are adapted to cooperate with the counter-connector 2 to maintain the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 in the final coupling position. The latch 7 also comprises inclined faces 43 intended to cooperate with the ramps of . deflection 30 (see for example figures 8 and 12).

[0056] The counter-connector 2 also comprises a housing made of a single piece, for example molded from plastic. The counter-connector 2 comprises cavities (not shown) in which male contacts are mounted. As shown in Figure 1, the counter-connector 2 has a coupling face 44 with an opening into which the connector 1 is inserted. The counter-connector also comprises a skirt 54 with an upper face 45. More particularly, the counter-connector 2 comprises a skirt 54 inside which the latch 7 is essentially housed, when the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 are in the final coupling position. A window 46 is made in the upper face 45. The window 46 is adapted to receive the teeth 37 of the latch 7 when the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 are in the final coupling position.The housing of the counter-connector 2 thus comprises, on its upper face 45, a beam 47 separating the window 46 of the opening of the coupling face 44. This beam 47 comprises an activation surface 41 at the opening, adapted to cooperate with the ramps 40 of the latch 7 in order to deflect the arm 38 of the latch 7 towards the housing 3 of the connector 1. This beam 47 also comprises a blocking face 49 adapted to cooperate with the locking surfaces 42 of the latch 7.

[0057] The sequence of coupling and uncoupling of connector 1 and counter-connector 2 is described below.

[0058] The locking device 5 is mounted on the housing 3 of the connector 1 by inserting the retention legs 23 into grooves provided on the top of the connector 1. This insertion is carried out by moving the locking device 5 from the rear of the housing 3 and possibly pushing on the pushing surface 25 to move it from the rear to the front of the housing 3, in the locking direction V. During this insertion, the retention legs 23 are deflected towards each other until the retention lugs 28 enter the slots 18 made in the walls 17 located on the upper face 16 of the housing 3 (see Figure 2). When the retention lugs 28 are placed in the slots 18, the retention legs 23 spring back into a position in which they are not constrained.Furthermore, the forward movement of the locking device 5 is stopped when the stop surfaces 32 interfere with the locking surfaces 36 of the latch 7 (see figure 5). The latch 7 is then in a locking position and the locking device 5 is secured to the housing and in the pre-locking position.

[0059] The connector 1 provided with the locking device 5 is arranged opposite the counter-connector 2, then the front end of the connector 1 is introduced into the opening in the coupling face 44 of the counter-connector 2. The locking device 5 being blocked in the pre-locking position on the housing 3 by the cooperation of the stop surfaces 32 with the locking surfaces 36, the pressure of the operator on the pushing surface 25 allows the connector 1 to be further engaged in the counter-connector 2. The connector 1 is therefore engaged in the counter-connector 2 until the ramps 40 interfere with the activation surface 41 (see figure 6). By continuing to exert pressure on the thrust surface 25, the operator forces the latch 7 to retract under the beam 47 by the effect of the sliding of the ramps 40 on the activation surface 41 of the beam 47. This causes a movement of the teeth 37 towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3. The teeth 37 themselves then cooperate, by engagement of two complementary wedge shapes (at the base of the stop 32 and blocking 36 surfaces), with the locking arm 24 forcing the latter to also lower towards the upper surface 16 of the housing 3.The finger 33 is thus also lowered and passes under the beam 47 under and by which, it remains held so that the locking arm 24 remains deformed, lowered towards the upper surface 16 of the housing 3. In other words, the latch 7 has flexed from a locking position to a retracted position (see Figure 7). On the other hand, as soon as the teeth 37 of the latch 7 reach the level of the window 46, they penetrate into it, the latch 7 returns elastically to the less stressed position (little or no stress) and the locking surfaces 42 are placed behind the blocking face 49 of the beam 47 to lock the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 completely coupled, that is to say in the final coupling position. This provides a primary locking function for connector 1 and counter-connector 2. In this position, latch 7 is raised to a position further away from the upper face 16 of housing 3 of connector 1.It thus releases the locking arm 24 and the operator in the same movement, by exerting pressure on the thrust surface 25, and by inertial or swallow effect, moves the locking device 5 towards, then into, its locking position. In this movement, the retention branches 23 are again elastically deformed by the locking lugs 29 (See Figure 9), which comprise ramps adapted to cooperate with the walls 17. When the locking lugs 29 reach the slots 18, the retention branches 23 return elastically to their unstressed position and the locking device 5 is locked in this locking position, along the locking direction V. As shown in Figure 10, it is locked in the slots 18, towards the front by the retention lugs 28 and towards the rear, by the locking lugs 29.

[0060] Furthermore, in this movement, the free end 35 of the latch 7 is placed in a protective cavity 50 made on the locking device 5. In this protective cavity 50, the free end 35 of the latch 7 is protected by a roof 51 (see figure 8) so that the free end 35 of the latch 7 is more difficult to access and cannot be lowered inadvertently (which could unlock the connector 1 and counter-connector 2 by deactivating the primary locking). In addition, in this protective cavity 50, the free end 35 of the latch 7 is held raised by a support surface 52 so as to support the latch 7 in its locked position. In this locked position, the latch 7 is deflected little or not at all. Thanks to the support surface 52, the locking device 7 maintains the locking surfaces 42 behind the locking face 49 of the beam 47, to lock the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 fully coupled, and provides secondary locking of the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2.

[0061] In this embodiment, the locking arm 24 is inserted and protected under the skirt 54 of the counter-connector 2, when the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 are in the final coupling position.

[0062] To disconnect the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2, the operator pulls on the traction fins 26 of the locking device 5 (see arrows in Figure 11). The locking device 5 is then moved from its locking position to its pre-locking position. During this movement of the locking device 5, the locking lugs 29, thanks to their ramps, impose a bending of the retention branches 23 towards each other (see Figure 10). The free end 35 of the latch 7 is released from the protective cavity 50. In particular, the front end of the latch 7 no longer rests on the support surface 52. Thanks to the cooperation of the beam 47 and the retraction ramp 34 located on the finger 33 of the locking arm 24, the locking arm 24 is lowered under the beam 47, towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3. But the locking surfaces 42 remain engaged behind the blocking face 49 of the beam 47.This therefore makes it possible to pull on the locking device 5 to bring it towards its pre-locking position without driving the connector 1, until the deflection ramps 30 interact with the latch 7 (see Figure 12). The passage of each of the deflection ramps 30 over an inclined face 43, or unlocking surface, forces the latch 7 to flex towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3. Thus, the locking surfaces 42 are disengaged and released from the blocking face 49 of the beam 47 (see Figure 13). The connector 1 is then unlocked from the counter-connector 2 and continuing to pull on the traction fins 26 allows the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 to be completely uncoupled. In fact, the retention lugs 28 each comprise a retention surface 53 cooperating with the housing 3 at one end of the slots 18 so as to prevent the locking device 5 from being released from the housing 3 (see figure 14).

[0063] Another embodiment of a set of connectors is shown in Figures 15 to 23. This embodiment differs essentially from the first embodiment in that the locking arm 24 is not inserted under the skirt 54 of the counter-connector 2, when the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 are in final mating position. The structure of the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 of this second embodiment has many similarities with that of the first embodiment. These similarities will therefore, for the most part, not be described again, since it is possible to refer to the first embodiment for a detailed description.

[0064] The sequence of coupling and uncoupling of the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 of the set of connectors according to this second embodiment is described below.

[0065] The locking device 5 is mounted on the housing 3 of the connector 1 in a manner identical to that described in relation to the first embodiment. The description of this assembly will therefore not be repeated.

[0066] The connector 1 provided with the locking device 5 is arranged opposite the counter-connector 2, then the front end of the connector 1 is introduced into the opening in the coupling face 44 of the counter-connector 2. The locking device 5 being locked in the pre-locking position on the housing 3 by the cooperation of the stop surfaces 32 with the blocking surfaces 36, the pressure of the operator on the pushing surface 25 makes it possible to further engage the connector 1 in the counter-connector 2. The connector 1 is therefore engaged in the counter-connector 2 until the ramps 34 interfere with the activation surface 41 (see figure 18). By continuing to exert pressure on the thrust surface 25, the operator forces the latch 7 to retract under the beam 47 by the effect of the sliding of the ramps 34 on the activation surface 41 of the beam 47. This causes the teeth 37 to move towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3.In other words, the latch 7 has flexed from a locking position to a retracted position. This flexion of the latch 7 causes a stop surface 56 located at the free end 35 of the latch 7 to cooperate with a complementary stop surface 57 located on the locking device 5. Thus, the locking device 5 remains locked in the pre-locking position and continues to drive the housing 3 when the operator presses the pushing surface 25. The operator thus continues to engage the connector 1 in the counter-connector 2, by pressing on the pushing surface 25 and causes the free end 31 of the locking arm 24 to interact with the beam 47. A ramp 55 is arranged on a lug 59 placed in the vicinity of the free end 31 of the locking arm 24.This ramp 55 has a surface facing forward and towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3 which allows the free end 31 of the locking arm 24 to rise above the beam 47, away from the upper face 16. As soon as the teeth 37 of the latch 7 reach the level of the window 46, they penetrate into the latter, the latch 7 returns elastically to a less constrained position (little or no constraint) and the locking surfaces 42 are placed behind the blocking face 49 of the beam 47 to ver. rust the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 fully coupled, that is to say in the final coupling position (see figure 19). This provides a primary locking function for the connector 1 and counter-connector 2. In this position the latch 7 is raised to a position further away from the upper face 16 of the housing 3 of the connector 1. The stop surface 56 located at the free end 35 of the latch 7 is released from the complementary stop surface 57 located on the locking device 5. The forward movement of the locking device 5, from its pre-locking position to its locking position is then released and the operator in the same movement, by exerting pressure on the thrust surface 25, and by inertial or swallow effect, moves the locking device 5 to, then into, its locking position.In this movement, the retention branches 23 are again elastically deformed by the locking lugs 29, which comprise ramps adapted to cooperate with the walls 17. When the locking lugs 29 reach the slots 18, the retention branches 23 return elastically to their unstressed position and the locking device 5 is locked in this locking position, along the locking direction V. In addition, the lug 59 has come to be placed in the window 46, behind the teeth 37 of the latch 7, thus also contributing to the locking of the locking device 5 in this locking position.

[0067] Furthermore, in this movement, the free end 35 of the latch 7 is placed in a protective cavity 50 made on the locking device 5. In this protective cavity 50, the free end 35 of the latch 7 is protected by a roof 51 so that the free end 35 of the latch 7 is more difficult to access and cannot be inadvertently lowered (which could unlock the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 by deactivating the primary locking). In addition, in this protective cavity 50, the free end 35 of the latch 7 is kept raised by a support surface 52 so as to support the latch 7 in its locked position. In this locked position, the latch 7 is deflected little or not at all.By means of this support surface 52, the locking device 7 holds the locking surfaces 42 behind the locking face 49 of the beam 47, to lock the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 fully coupled, and provides secondary locking of the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2.

[0068] To disconnect the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2, the operator pulls on a rim 58 located on the actuating portion 22 of the locking device 5. The locking device 5 is then moved from its locking position to its pre-locking position. During this movement of the locking device 5, the locking lugs 29, thanks to their ramps, impose a bending of the retention branches 23 towards each other. In parallel, the free end 31 of the locking arm 24 is guided upwards by inclined guide surfaces 60 located on the latch 7. The free end 31 of the locking arm 24 thus passes over the teeth 37, then the beam 47 (see figure 20). The free end 35 of the latch 7 is released from the protective cavity 50. In particular, the front end of the latch 7 no longer rests on the support surface 52. Thanks to the cooperation of the beam 47 and the retraction ramp 34 located on the lug 59 of the locking arm 24, the locking arm 24 is raised above the beam 47, away from the upper face 16 of the housing 3. But the locking surfaces 42 remain engaged behind the blocking face 49 of the beam 47. This therefore makes it possible to pull on the locking device 5 to bring it beyond its pre-locking position without driving the connector 1, until the deflection ramps 30 interact with the latch 7 (see Figure 21).The passage of each of the deflection ramps 30 over an inclined face 43, or unlocking surface, forces the latch 7 to flex towards the upper face 16 of the housing 3 (see Figure 22). Thus, the locking surfaces 42 are disengaged and released from the locking face 49 of the beam 47 (see Figure 23). The connector 1 is then unlocked from the counter-connector 2 and continuing to pull on the traction fins 26 allows the connector 1 and the counter-connector 2 to be completely uncoupled. Indeed, the retention lugs 28 each comprise a retention surface 53 cooperating with the housing 3 at one end of the slots 18 so as to prevent the locking device 5 from being released from the housing 3.When the operator releases the locking device 5, the elasticity of the latch 7, through the cooperation of each of the deflection ramps 30 on an inclined face 43, allows the locking device 5 to return slightly backwards, to the pre-locking position (see figure 17).

Claims

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly comprising a connector (1) and a counter-connector (2), the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) being intended to be coupled to each other, upon movement of one relative to the other, in a coupling direction (A), to a final coupling position, the connector (1) comprising a housing (3) and a locking device (5) slidably mounted on the housing (3), in a locking direction (V) between a pre-locking position and a locking position, the housing (3) comprising a housing body (6) and a latch (7) provided with a locking surface (42), for locking the connector (1) with the counter-connector (2), characterized in that the latch (7) extends, between a junction which connects it to the housing body (6) and at least the locking surface (42), in a direction opposite to the coupling direction (HAS).

2. A connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the latch (7) is provided with a locking surface (36), wherein the latch (7) flexes from a locking position to a retracted position, in the locking position the locking surface (36) cooperates with the locking device (5) to block movement, to the locking position, of the locking device (5), when the latter is in the pre-locking position, and in the retracted position, the counter-connector (2) cooperates with the latch (7) to release the locking device (5) from the locking surface (36), and wherein the locking surface (36) is located along the latch (7) on the same side as the locking surface (42), relative to the junction which connects the latch (7) to the body of the housing (6).

3. A connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the counter-connector (2) comprises a skirt (54) within which the latch (7) is essentially housed, when the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) are in the final mating position.

4. A connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein the locking device (5) comprises a locking arm (24) essentially housed inside the skirt (54) when the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) are in the final mating position.

5. A set of connectors according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (7) comprises a protrusion, or a tooth (37), and the counter-connector (2) comprises a notch, or a window (46), into which the protrusion, or the tooth (37), is inserted, to allow the latch to return elastically to the locking position, wherein the protrusion, or the tooth (37), cooperates with the counter-connector (2) to ensure primary locking of the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) in the mating position.

6. A connector assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking device (5) comprises a locking arm (24) provided with a lug, or a finger (33), cooperating with the counter-connector (2) to keep the locking arm (24) bent and allow the locking device (5) to move from its pre-locking position to its locking position, this lug, or this finger (33), being housed in the notch, or the window (46), when the locking device (5) is in the locking position.

7. A connector assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking device (5) comprises a support surface (52) which cooperates with the latch (7) to provide secondary locking of the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2), in the mating position.

8. A connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device comprises a wall, or a roof (51), at least partially covering a free end (35) of the latch (7) when the locking device (5) is in the locking position.

9. A connector assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking device (5) comprises an unlocking surface (43) cooperating with the latch (7) to release it from the counter-connector (2) when the locking device (5) is moved from its locking position to its pre-locking position.

10. Electrical connector for connection with a counter-connector (2), the connector (1) comprising a housing (3) and a locking device (5) slidably mounted on the housing (3), in a locking direction (V) between a pre-locking position and a locking position, the housing (3) comprising a housing body (6) and a latch (7) provided with a protuberance, or a tooth (37), with a locking surface (42), characterized in that the latch (7) extends, between a junction which connects to the housing body (6) and the locking surface (42) in a direction opposite to the locking direction (V).

11. A method of connecting and disconnecting an electrical connector assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein pressure is exerted on the locking device (5), while the latter is in its pre-locking position, to move the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) relative to each other, to a final coupling position in which the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) are completely coupled, and wherein pressure is continued on the locking device (5), after the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) have been placed in their final coupling position, to bring the locking device (5) into its locking position, characterized in that the locking device (5) is brought from its locking position to its pre-locking position, only by exerting traction on the locking device (5),while the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) are in their final coupling position, and the connector (1) and the counter-connector (2) are disconnected by continuing this traction on the locking device (5), while the latter is in the pre-locking position.,

Images