Locking system for screw fixing and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking system for screw-fastening a connector to a corresponding connector, comprising a connector (200), at least one screw (100a, 100b) that can be screwed in a direction (s) for fastening the connector (200) to a corresponding connector (300), and a locking device (1) arranged on the connector (200) so as to be movable in a locking direction (v) between a locked position, in which the screw fastening is locked, and an unlocked position, the locking direction (v) corresponding to the direction (s) in which the screw (100a, 100b) can be screwed. The invention further relates to a locking device (1) for the locking system, a connector assembly comprising the locking system, and a method for locking a screw fastening. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2B

Description

Title of the invention: Locking system for screw fastening and connector assembly. Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system for screw-fastening a connector to a corresponding connector, as well as a locking device for the locking system and a connector assembly comprising the locking system. The invention also relates to a method for locking a screw-fastening. Technological background of the invention

[0002] It is known in the art to provide screw fasteners for joining two connecting parts together. Typically, one connecting part comprises a nut, and the other connecting part comprises a bore. By screwing a screw through the bore into the nut, a screw fastening of the two parts is achieved. Devices for securing the screw have been proposed, such as, for example, thread-locking adhesives, washers, or serrated or grooved screw heads.

[0003] It is also known in the art to provide connector position assurance (CPA) devices for ensuring the connection between two connectors, for example, electrical or hydraulic connectors. These devices are typically arranged on the connectors so that, once the connectors are correctly matched, they can be moved from an unlocked position to a locking position. In the locking position, the connector pairing benefits from an additional degree of security. However, connector position assurance devices are typically not suitable for connector couplings that include screw fastening. Object of the invention

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a connector position assurance solution for screw fixing of a connector with a homologous connector. Brief description of the invention

[0005] In this regard, the invention relates to a locking system for screw-fixing a connector with a corresponding connector, comprising a connector, at least one screw that can be screwed in a screwing direction to fix the connector with the corresponding connector, and a locking device. The locking device is arranged on the connector so as to be movable in a locking direction between a locked position, in which the screw fixing is locked, and an unlocked position, the locking direction corresponding to the screwing direction in which the screw is screwed in.

[0006] The locking system according to the invention provides a connector position assurance (CPA) device to ensure the assembly of a connector with a corresponding connector comprising a screw fastening. By arranging the locking direction of the locking device to correspond to the screw tightening direction, i.e., parallel to the screw tightening direction, the locking device can advantageously be brought into position when the locking device is moved from the locked or unlocked position. In particular, by arranging the locking direction of the locking device to correspond to the screw tightening direction, the locking device can advantageously interact with the screw depending on the screw tightening state.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the screw may be an electrically conductive screw, the connector being an electrical connector, in particular for a bus bar, the connector being configured to be electrically matched with the corresponding connector in a matching direction, and the screw fastening being an electrical screw connection, in particular an electrical connection intended for a voltage of at least 200V. A locking system according to this aspect of the invention can be specially adapted for locking high-voltage screw electrical connections, such as those implemented, for example, at charging sockets or battery terminals of electric or hybrid vehicles. Such electrical connections are particularly exposed to harsh environments, for example, including strong vibrations and high temperatures, and therefore benefit from a significantly higher degree of security.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the pairing direction can correspond to the screwing direction. By arranging the locking direction of the locking device and the screwing direction of the screw to correspond to the pairing direction of the connectors, i.e., parallel to each other, the assembly, screwing and locking of the connectors can be carried out manually quickly and simply.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking device may include a main body, the main body comprising at least one internal wall defining a cavity, the cavity comprising a receiving opening configured to receive a screw head, and the internal wall comprising at least one projection projecting into the cavity at a predetermined distance from the receiving opening, in particular the projection being configured as a stop for the received screw head.

[0010] The protrusion projecting into the cavity can mechanically interact with a screw received by the receiving opening. In particular, the screw can act as a stop for the screw head both in the unlocked position of the locking device, for example before tightening the screw, and in the locked position of the locking device, for example after tightening the screw. The predetermined distance of the receiving opening can correspond to a screw tightening distance and thus allow verification of the screw's complete tightening when moving the locking device from the locked position to the locked position.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, in the locked position of the locking device, the projection prevents movement of the screw in the direction opposite to the tightening direction. Thus, in the locked position, the projection can prevent unintentional loosening of the screw.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the screw can be received in the receiving opening of the cavity, and the received screw is held by a friction connection between the screw and the inner wall at the screw head. This allows the locking device to be assembled with the screw(s) independently, before and independently of the connector assembly, thus making the assembly of the entire system, in particular the arrangement of the locking device and the screw at the connector, faster and simpler.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the connector may include a mounting portion, the locking device comprising a lip folded outwards onto the main body along the locking direction, the lip being configured to engage with the mounting portion and to arrange the locking device at the connector. According to this aspect, the arrangement of the locking device at the connector is facilitated, in particular without obstructing internal elements of the device, for example, a cavity as described above.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the mounting part encloses a receptacle for receiving the locking device, and the rim is configured to engage with the mounting part when the locking device is inserted into the receptacle. The arrangement of the locking device at the connector is thus more ergonomic.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking device may include a sealing gasket housed in the pocket formed between the exterior of the main body and the folded-over edge. This ensures the sealing of the movable arrangement of the locking device at the connector, thereby reducing the risk of contamination, corrosion, and short circuits in the connector.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the rim may include a hook, and the mounting part includes two notches configured to house the hook, one of the at At least two notches correspond to the locked position of the device, and at least two notches correspond to the unlocked position. Accordingly, a stable arrangement of the locking device on the connector is achieved in both the locked and unlocked positions, thanks to the complementary shape of the hook and the notches. Even in the unlocked position, the locking device 1 is retained on the connector 200, and therefore the locking device 1 is not at risk of being lost.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the notch corresponding to the locked position is deeper than the notch corresponding to the unlocked position. Thus, the stability of the screw fastening locking mechanism can be increased.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the screw may include a cover at the screw head, in particular an electrically insulating cover, the cover being configured to retain the screw in the cavity by a frictional connection between the cover and the inner wall, in particular an electrically insulating frictional connection. The cover can then improve the frictional connection of the screw with the device and, in particular, create electrical insulation with respect to a threaded portion of the screw.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood may include a sealing means to make the frictional connection between the hood and the inner wall watertight. This can improve the sealing of the locking system and thus reduce the risk of corrosion and short circuits.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity may include a second opening opposite the receiving opening, the cavity passing through the main body from the receiving opening to the second opening along the locking direction, in particular the cavity being configured to allow a screw-driving tool to screw or unscrew the screw. The cavity passing through the main body allows visual access to the heads of the screw received in the cavity, which facilitates verification of the angular orientation and the level of screw penetration, as well as the installation of the cover. Furthermore, the through cavity may allow for simple and quick screw-driving of the screw(s) by passing a screw-driving tool transversely through the cavity to the screw head.

[0021] The invention also relates to a locking device for a system according to one of the above aspects, the locking device being arrangable at a connector of the system so as to be movable along a locking direction between a locked position, in which the screw fastener is locked, and an unlocked position, and characterized in that the locking direction corresponds to the screwing direction along which at least one screw of the screw fastener can be tightened. This locking device makes it possible to obtain the advantages of the systems as described above.

[0022] The invention also relates to an assembly of connectors, comprising a locking system according to one of the aspects described above, and a corresponding connector, the corresponding connector comprising at least one nut for the screw, the connector and the corresponding connector being matched so that, in the unlocked position of the locking device, the screw can be screwed into, and / or unscrewed from the nut, so that in the locked position of the locking device, the locking device prevents the screw from being unscrewed, and so that the device can only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the screw is screwed in, in particular up to a stop of the connector.

[0023] This assembly implements the advantages of the system and device of aspects of the invention described in the preceding.

[0024] Another object of the invention relates to a method for locking a screw fastener of a connector with a corresponding connector, the corresponding connector comprising at least one nut for the screw fastener, the method comprising the steps of a. Provision of the locking system according to one of the aspects described above, by arranging the screw in the locking device so that the screw is held in a cavity of the locking device, b. Matching the system connector with the corresponding connector, so as to place the screw in interface with a nut of the corresponding connector, c. Screwing the screw into the nut, in particular until a stop on the connector. d. Movement of the device from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0025] This method allows for the implementation of a locking system and / or device according to the invention to provide a connector position assurance solution for screw fastening of a connector to a corresponding connector. Furthermore, this method eliminates a screw verification step from an assembly line. Indeed, thanks to the inventive method, simply moving the locking device confirms that the screw(s) on the connector are fully tightened, i.e., until they reach a stop. Therefore, if a screw is not fully tightened, the locking device cannot be moved to the locked position, immediately alerting an installer to a screwing deficiency.

[0026] The technical features described may be freely combined one by one or adapted to particular embodiments, insofar as the spirit of the invention as described above is respected. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The objects, features and advantages of the invention as set forth above will be more fully understood and appreciated by studying the following more detailed description of the invention, together with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention, and a corresponding connector, in an unpaired state.

[0029] Fig. 2A illustrates the locking device of the locking system of Fig. 1 in perspective.

[0030] Fig. 2B illustrates the locking system of Fig. 1 in section.

[0031] Figure [Fig. 3A] illustrates the locking system of Figure [Fig. 1] in a first state of lockdown

[0032] Figure 3B illustrates the locking system of Figure 1 in a second locking state

[0033] Fig. 3C illustrates the locking system of Fig. 1 in a third locking state.

[0034] Fig. 3D illustrates the locking system of Fig. 1 in a fourth locking state.

[0035] In the following, reference signs to identical figures are used to designate elements of the same nature.

[0036] For reasons of readability of the figures, the illustrated elements are not necessarily represented to scale, nor relative to each other, nor in their relative Cartesian dimensions. Detailed description of the drawings

[0037] [Fig.1] illustrates a locking system 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention, as well as a corresponding connector 300. [Fig.1] corresponds to a perspective view of the locking system 1000 and the corresponding connector 300 in a close but unpaired state.

[0038] The locking system 1000 includes a locking device 1, a connector 200, and two screws for screw fixing of the connector 200 and the corresponding connector 300. The two screws are not visible on [Fig.1] but are shown and described below.

[0039] The connector 200 includes an outer housing 201. The outer housing 201 includes a matching portion 203 configured to be matched with the corresponding connector 300 along a matching direction D_a parallel to the x-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system. The outer housing 201 also includes a mounting portion 205 configured for the arrangement of the locking device 1.

[0040] Two metallic bus bars 207a, 207b covered with insulating material 208a, 208b are received in a superimposed arrangement in a rear part 209 of the outer casing 201. A cover 211 closes the rear part 209 of the connector 200 receiving the bus bars 207a, 207b.

[0041] The locking device 1 comprises a main body 3, in particular molded in one piece from plastic by injection. The main body 3 comprises an inner wall 5 defining a cavity 7. In addition, the main body comprises two rims 13a, 13b folded outwards from the cavity 7 on the main body 3.

[0042] The rims 13a, 13b are arranged on either side of the main body 3, on opposite sides of the main body 3 in a direction y orthogonal to the direction x. The rim 13a comprises two arms 15a, 15b extending from a screw edge 17 of the main body 3 in the matching direction D_a and connected at their distal end by a crossbar 19a. The rim 13b, partially obstructed by the main body 3 in [Fig. 1], is visible in [Fig. 2A] and has a structure equivalent to the rim 13a.

[0043] The locking device 1 further includes a sealing gasket 21 arranged circumferentially around the main body 3. The sealing gasket 21 is positioned on the main body 3 so as to be housed in the pockets 22a, 22b formed by the edges 13a, 13b folded over the main body 3. In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 21 is a radial multi-lip gasket made of a flexible material, for example, silicone. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing gasket may be a compression gasket made of a flexible material, for example, silicone.

[0044] Pockets 22a, 22b also receive the mounting portion 205 of the connector 200 when the locking device 1 is arranged at the connector 200. [Fig. 1] also shows that the mounting portion 205 includes a ramp element 225a that separates two notches 223a2. These elements of the mounting portion will be described in more detail later.

[0045] In the view of [Fig. 1], the device 1 is arranged at connector 200 in an unlocked position. The locking device is configured to be moved along a locking direction D_v in a locked position. The locking direction D_v corresponds to, i.e., is parallel to, the matching direction D_a.

[0046] The internal structure, technical operation, and arrangements of the locking device 1 at the connector 200 will be described in more detail later.

[0047] The corresponding connector 300 comprises two connection terminals 301a, 301b, each equipped with a metal nut 303a, 303b. The connection terminals 301a, 301b are surrounded by a double-walled support structure 305 defining an interstitial space 307. The interstitial space 307 is configured to receive the matching portion 203 of the connector 200 when paired with the connector 200.

[0048] In the described embodiment, connector 200 is a moving-side electrical connector for two busbars, and counterpart connector 300 is a fixed, or stationary, connector for a charging socket of an electric motor vehicle. Thus, an electrical connection between connector 200 and counterpart connector 300 is suitable for voltages above 100V, particularly above 200V, for example up to 500V.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the corresponding connector 300 may be movable and the connector 200 may be fixed. Alternatively, the connector 200 may be a connector for wired cables, for example, with lug terminations. Alternatively, the connector 300 may be a battery terminal connector.

[0050] In different embodiments of the invention, instead of using electrical connectors such as connectors 200 and 300 for an electric vehicle, other types of connectors such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical connectors may be used. The invention described in the generic part and thereafter is correspondingly applicable to any type of connector fastened together by screws.

[0051] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of the locking system 1000 described with reference to Figure 1, in which two screws 100a, 100b are arranged. The screws 100a, 100b are electrically conductive screws, making them suitable for securing the electrical connection between the connector 200 and the corresponding connector 300.

[0052] Figure 2A shows that the main body 3 comprises a lower part 23 facing in the matching direction D_a and an upper part 25 facing in the opposite direction to the matching direction D_a. The lower part 23 comprises two compartments 27a, 27b. In each of the compartments 27a, 27b, a screw 100a, 100b is respectively arranged. In particular, each of the screws 100a, 100b comprises a screw head 101a, 101b not visible in Figure 2A, but visible in Figure 2B, the screw heads 101a, 101b being received in the respective compartments 27a, 27b.

[0053] Furthermore, each screw 100a, 100b includes a threaded part 103a, 103b, which extends from the screw heads 101a, 101b arranged in the device in the matching direction D_a, beyond the main body 3. Thus, the screwing direction D_s of the screws is corresponding to, or parallel to, the matching direction D_a.

[0054] Figure 2A illustrates, as already described with reference to Figure 1, that the main body 3 has an internal wall 5 defining a cavity 7. Furthermore, the main body 3 has, at its upper part 23, the screwing edge 17, from which extend the arms 15a, 15b of the flanges 13a, 13b folded over the main body 3. The flanges 13a, 13b are adapted for easy handling, in particular for deflection Easy elastic deflection is achieved at the respective crossbars 19a and 19b along the y-direction orthogonal to the matching direction D_a. To increase the ease of elastic deflection, the space between the arms 15a and 15b connected by the bar 19a can be enlarged to reduce material resistance. Furthermore, the crossbar 19a can be fitted with one or more external protrusions to facilitate gripping the edges 13a and 13b.

[0055] The upper part 25 of the main body 3 further comprises a central partition 29, separating the cavity 7 into two cavity parts 7a, 7b at the level of the upper part 25. In particular, the central partition 29 is disposed at the level corresponding to the boundary between the two compartments 27a, 27b of the lower part 23 of the main body 3. Since the locking device 1 is essentially hollow, the central partition 29 makes it possible in particular to increase the robustness and resistance to deformation of said device 1.

[0056] It should be noted that the locking system 1000 and the locking device 1 correspond to embodiments of the invention with two screws, in particular screws 100a, 100b, here arranged in the respective compartments 25a, 25b for fixing bus bar terminals 207a, 207b to the respective connection terminals 301a, 301b. However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the locking system and / or the locking device may comprise only one, or a plurality, of screws, for example three or four.

[0057] The locking device 1 corresponds to an embodiment of an aspect of the invention.

[0058] Fig. 2B illustrates the locking system 1000 of Fig. 1 in an unlocked position of the locking device 1. Fig. 2B is a sectional view along a section centered on the locking device 1 in a plane parallel to the xy plane.

[0059] Thus, [Fig. 2B] illustrates the interior of the connector 200 and the locking device 1. It is shown that the cover 211 closing the rear portion 209 of the housing 201 includes a sealing gasket 213 specific to the geometry and path of the bus bars 207a, 207b, to ensure a watertight seal for the rear portion 209 receiving the bus bars 207a, 207b. Correspondingly, the matching portion 203 includes a multi-lip matching gasket 215 to ensure a watertight seal with the corresponding connector 300.

[0060] Inside the outer housing 201 of the connector 200, a molded insulating sleeve 217 guides and stabilizes the bus bars 207a, 207b. Each bus bar 207a, 207b, covered with insulating material 208a, 208b, terminates in a respective terminal 219a, 219b free of insulating material. The path of the bus bar 207a to the terminal 219a is hidden in [Fig. 2B] and separated from the path of the bus bar 207b to the terminal 219b by a guide partition 218. The guide partition 218 is internally molded in sock 217 and partitions bus bars 207a, 207 in an electrically insulating manner.

[0061] Each terminal 219a, 219b is equipped, for example by welding or riveting, with an end piece 221a, 221b. Each end piece 221a, 221b includes respectively a bore 222a, 222b, through which the respective screw 100a, 100b, in particular the threaded part 103a, 103b of the screw 100a 100b, is passed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the tips 221a, 221b are cylindrical electrically conductive tips, suitable for energizing above 100V, in particular above 200V, for example up to 500V. For better resistance to the effects of electrical heating, the tips 221a, 221b are preferably made of copper with a surface treatment, for example silver plating. In other embodiments, the ends can be made of other materials suitable for the application of the locking system, and can have another shape, for example hexagonal or parallelepiped, in particular in accordance with the shape of the connection terminals 301a, 301b of the corresponding connector 300. The mounting part 205 of the housing 201 extends in the opposite direction to the pairing direction D_a, and includes, externally, two pairs of notches, 223al, 223a2, and 223b1, 223b2.The pair of notches 223b 1, 223b2 is arranged on the mounting part 205 on the side of the connector 200 facing the rear part 209 of the housing 201. The pair of notches 223a 1, 223a2 is arranged on the mounting part 205 in a manner symmetrically opposite to the pair of notches 223b 1, 223b2.

[0063] The notches 223al, 223a2, and 223b1, 223b2 are configured to receive and house in complementary form a hook 31a, 31b, described later, of the locking device 1. Each pair of notches 223al, 223a2, and 223b1, 223b2 includes a first notch 223al, 223b1 corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking device 1, shown in [Fig.1] and 2A. Each pair of notches 223al, 223a2, and 223bl, 223b2 includes a second notch 223a2, 223b2 corresponding to the locked position of the device 1. In each pair of notches 223al, 223a2, and 223bl, 223b2, the second notch 223a2, 223b2 is offset by a distance DI relative to the first notch 223al, 223a2 in a locking direction D_v. The distance DI corresponds to a distance of 50% to 75% of the maximum extent of the mounting portion 205 according to the locking direction D_v.

[0064] Furthermore, in each pair of notches 223al, 223a2, and 223bl, 223b2, the second notch 223a2, 223b2 is deeper than the first notch 223al, 223b 1, in order to increase the stability of the locked position and reduce the risks of unintentional movement of the device 1. In addition, this increases the retention force of the screws 100a, 100b, as explained below.

[0065] Between the first notch 223al, 223b 1 and the second notch 223a2, 223b2 of each pair of notches 223al, 223a2, and 223bl, 223b2, the mounting portion 205 includes a respective ramp element 225a, 225b. The ramp element 225a, 225b is arranged along the distance DI in the locking direction D_v so as to widen the circumference of the mounting portion in the locking direction D_v. The ramp element 225a, 225b generally increases the resistance to displacement of the device 1 in the locking direction D_v.

[0066] It will be understood from Figures 3A to 3D, and [Fig. 3C] in particular, that the ramp element primarily and additionally prevents the device 1 from remaining stationary in an intermediate position between the locked and unlocked positions, that is, it prevents the hook 31a, 31b from being lodged at an intermediate point between the first 223a1, 223b1 and the second 223a2, 223b2 notch. Thanks to the ramp element 225a, 225b, the locking device 1 returns to the unlocked position if the hook 31a, 31b has not passed beyond the ramp element 225a, 225b.

[0067] The mounting portion 205 defines a receptacle 227 for receiving the main body 3 of the locking device 1 in the locking direction D_v. Thus, the receptacle 227 has a shape in the yz plane corresponding to the shape of the main body 3, slightly enlarged to facilitate a first insertion step, in particular enlarged between 1% and 10%. Furthermore, in order to guide the main body 3 in a second insertion step, a circumferential protrusion 229 of length D2 in the receptacle 227 tightens the shape of the receptacle 227 in the yz plane to that of the main body 3. The length D2 corresponds to a distance between 1% and 10% of the maximum extent of the receptacle along the y direction orthogonal to the locking direction D_v.

[0068] The inner circumferential protrusion 229 thus creates a space in the receptacle 227 to receive the sealing gasket 21 of the locking device 1 when said device 1 is moved into the locked position. Thus, in the locked position of the locking device 1, the sealing gasket 21 is tightly housed in the receptacle 227, between the mounting part 225 and the main body 3.

[0069] Figure 2B further illustrates the interior of the locking device 1, in particular the cavity 7 defined by the inner wall 5. The cavity 7 is divided, at the upper part 25 of the body 3, into two parts 7a, 7b by the partition 29. At the lower part 23 of the main body 3, said body 3 is divided into two compartments 27a, 27b separated by an intercompartmental space 33. Each compartment 27a, 27b includes a receiving opening 9a, 9b, facing from the cavity 7 in the matching direction D_a. A second opening 10 opens the cavity 7, on the opposite side from the openings 9a, 9b facing in the matching direction D_a. Thus, The cavity 7 passes through the main body 3 from one end to the other along the locking direction D_v, from the second opening 10 to the receiving openings 9a, 9b. Thus, a tool, for example a suitable screwing tool, can pass through the main body 3 to access the screws 100a, 100b.

[0070] As indicated above, the rims 13a, 13b respectively include a hook 31a, 31b. The hooks 31a, 31b are arranged at the crossbar 19a, 19b of the rims 13a, 13b and extend, in a direction y orthogonal to the locking direction D_v, inwards, i.e. towards the main body 3.

[0071] An inner edge 33 projects into the cavity 7 from the inner wall 5, at the boundary between the lower part 23 and the upper part 25 of the body. The inner edge 33 is arranged circumferentially in a yz plane orthogonal to the x direction parallel to the pairing direction D_a.

[0072] In each compartment 27a, 27b, a projection 1la, 11b projects into the cavity 7 from the inner wall 5. The projections 1la, 11b project into the cavity 7 at a distance D3 from the respective receiving openings 9a, 9b of the compartments 27a, 27b along the screwing direction D_s. The distance D3 corresponds to a distance of 10% to 40%, in particular 20% to 30%, of the maximum extent of the locking device 1 along the locking direction D_v.

[0073] The projections 1la, 11b act as stops for the screws 100a, 100b received in the compartments 27a, 27b by the openings 9a, 9b, in particular for the heads 101a, 101b of the screws 100a, 100b. Thus, the projections lia, 11b block a movement of the screw in the opposite direction to the screwing direction D_s and the locking direction D_v beyond the projections lia, 11b.

[0074] Each screw 100a, 100b includes a cap 105a, 105b. The caps 105a, 105b comprise an inner portion overmolded onto the screw head 107a, 107b, and a laminated outer portion 109a, 109b enclosing the overmolded inner portion 107a, 107b. The overmolded inner portion 107a, 107b provides electrical insulation for the metallic and electrically conductive screws 100a, 100b. The overmolded inner portion 107a, 107b molds the shape of the head 101a, 101b, so as to produce form elements suitable for allowing a screw-driving tool passed into the respective cavity 7a, 7b to screw the screws 100a, 100b.

[0075] The screws 100a, 100b are held in the compartments 27a, 27b by means of the outer laminated portions 109a, 109b which establish a watertight friction connection between the heads 101a, 101b of the screws 100a, 100b and the portions of the inner wall 5 defining the cavity portions 7a, 7b defined by the compartments 27a, 27b. Thus, the locking device 1 and the screws 100a, 100b can be assembled independently and upstream of the assembly of the connector 200. In particular, the Locking device 1 assembled with screws 100a, 100b can be arranged at connector 200 after a first matching step between connector 200 and counterpart connector 300.

[0076] A locking method according to an embodiment of the invention will be described hereafter with reference to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D. Figures 3A to 3D illustrate the locking system 1000 assembled with the corresponding connector, in four different locking states of the screw fastening. The assembly of the system 1000 and the corresponding connector 300, illustrated in Figures 3A to 3D and described hereafter, corresponds to a connector assembly according to one aspect of the invention.

[0077] In a first step A of the locking process, prior to the state of [Fig. 3A], the locking system 1000 is provided and arranged as illustrated in [Fig. 2A]. The screws 100a, 100b are inserted and received in the openings 9a, 9b of the cavity 7 and are held in the compartments 27a, 27b of the main body 3. In particular, the screws 100a, 100b are held by friction in the locking device 1 by means of the outer laminated portions 109a, 109b of the caps 105a, 105b of the screws 100a, 100b.

[0078] In a second step B of the locking process, the connector 200 of the locking system 1000 is matched with the corresponding connector 300 so as to position the screws 100a, 100b in interface with the nuts 303a, 303b of the corresponding connector 300. In particular, the matching portion 203 of the housing 201 of the connector 200 engages with the support structure 305 of the corresponding connector 300 to match the connectors 200, 300. For example, in this embodiment, the matching portion 203 of the housing 201 also includes a double wall and an interstitial space 231 in the double wall. Thus, the matching sealing gasket 215 is hermetically sealed during the matching of the connectors 200, 300.

[0079] Figure 3A illustrates the locking system 1000 following step B of the locking process. The locking system 1000 is then in a first locked state with the corresponding connector 300. In this state, the connector 200 and the connector 300 are paired, but the screws 100a, 100b are not screwed in, i.e. the screw fixing of the pairing of the connectors 200, 300 is not implemented.

[0080] Thus, electrical contact between the ends 223a, 233b and the terminals 301a, 301b, as well as between the threaded portions 103a, 103b of the screws 100a, 100b, and the nuts 303a, 303b, is not secure. Mechanical contact between the respective electrical contact surfaces 224a, 224b and 302a, 302b of the ends 223a, 233b and the terminals 301a, 301b is not subjected to sufficient mechanical force. The electrical contact resistance is therefore high.

[0081] In this state illustrated in [Fig. 3A], the locking device 1 is in the unlocked position and the hooks 31a, 31b of the edges 13a, 13b are housed in the first notches 223al, 223b 1. The locking device 1 cannot be moved along the locking direction D_v, because a movement of the locking device 1 is transmitted to the screws 100a, 100b by the projections lia, 11b. The unscrewed screws 100a, 100b are blocked at the level of the nuts 303a, 303b, insofar as the nuts cannot accommodate a purely translational movement.

[0082] In a third step C of the locking process, the screws 100a, 100b are screwed into the respective nuts 303a, 303b of the counterpart connector 300. For this purpose, a screwing tool can be passed through the cavity 7 via the main body 3, and the screws 100a, 100b can be screwed in along a screwing direction D_s corresponding to, i.e., parallel to, the locking direction D_v

[0083] Figure 3B illustrates the locking system 1000 in a second locking state, during the third step of the locking process, in which one screw 100b is screwed in, and another screw 100a is not yet screwed in. The threaded portion 103b of the screw 100b is screwed into the nut 303b until it reaches a stop 233b on the head 101b of the screw 100b at the tip 221b. The other screw 100a is not yet screwed in, and therefore blocks the movement of the locking device 1 in the locking direction D_v at the projection 1, as already shown in Figure 3A. The locking device 1 is then still in the unlocked position.

[0084] Thanks to the intercompartmental space 33 between compartments 27a, 27b, a degree of elasticity of compartments 27a, 27b is obtained at least in the yz plane orthogonal to the screwing direction D_s parallel to the x direction. This facilitates the manual centering of screws 100a, 100b on nuts 303a, 303b using a screwing tool.

[0085] Figure 3C illustrates the locking system 1000 in a third locking state. The third locking state is a hypothetical state described for illustrative purposes of the invention. In this example, the screw 100b is fully screwed in up to the stop 233b, as already described in relation to Figure 3B. The other screw 100a is partially screwed in. That is, the threaded portion 103a engages with the nut 303a, but the screw 100a is not fully screwed in the screwing direction D_s until the head 101a engages the stop 233a of the end piece 221a.

[0086] The locking device 1 is moved in the locking direction D_v parallel to the screwing direction D_s. The hooks 31a, 31b are dislodged from the first notches 223al, 223b1 and moved along the ramp elements 225a, 225b. Since the screw 100a is only partially screwed in, the screw head 101a blocks the progression of the locking device 1 in the locking direction D_v at the protrusion 1. Thus, the hooks 31a, 31b cannot be accommodated in the notches 223a2, 223b2. The locking device 1 is then returned to the unlocked position by elastic force from the action of the ramp elements 225a, 225b on the edges 13a, 13b.

[0087] Thus, the locking device 1 can only be moved into the locked position when the screws 100a, 100b are fully tightened, so that any obstruction at the projections 11a, 11b is overcome. A locking device 1 in the locked position therefore ensures the position, i.e., the complete tightening up to a predetermined stop, of the screws 100a, 100b.

[0088] Following step C of the locking process, the screws 100a, 100b are screwed into the respective nuts 303a, 303b of the counterpart connector 300.

[0089] In a fourth step D of the locking process, the locking device 1 is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0090] Figure 3D illustrates the locking system 1000 in a fourth locking state, following step D of the locking process. The screws 100a, 100b are screwed in until they reach the designated stops 233a, 233b. The locking device 1 is then no longer blocked in the locking direction D_v by the action of the projections 11a, 11b on the heads 101a, 101b of the screws 100a, 100b.

[0091] In the locked position illustrated in [Fig. 3D], the projections 1a, 11b prevent the screws 100a, 100b from being unscrewed, particularly in the direction opposite to the screwing direction D_s. Thanks to the complementary shape of the hooks 31a, 31b in the deep notches 223a2, 223b2, the locked position is robust and resistant to accidental shocks or high-amplitude vibrations. To unpair the locking system 1000 from the corresponding connector 300, the locking device 1 must first be brought back into the unlocked position, for example, by manually bending the edges 13a, 13b. Only then can the screws 100a, 100b be unscrewed.

[0092] The embodiments of the invention described in this section with reference to Figures 1 to 3D make it possible to achieve the advantages of the invention described in the generic part. In particular, the locking system 1000, the device 1, the assembly of the connectors 200 and 300, and the locking method described, each provide, according to different aspects of the invention, a connector position assurance solution for screw fastening of a connector to a similar connector.

[0093] Numerical references 1 locking device 3 main bodies 5 inner wall 7 cavity 9a, 9b reception opening 10-second opening lia, 11b protrusion 13a, 13b edge 15a, 15b arm of the rim 13a 17 screw edge 19 crossbar of the device 21 sealing gasket 22a, 22b pocket formed by a rim folded over the main body 23 lower part of the body 25 upper body 27a, 27b lower compartment 29 partition 31a, 31b crochet 33 intercompartmental space 35 inner edge 100a, 100b locking system screws 101a, 101b screw head 103a, 103b threaded part of screw 105a, 105b hood 107a, 107b inner overmolded part 109a, 109b outer laminated part 200 connector 201 outdoor unit 203 Part of the case pairing 205 Part of the case assembly 207a, 207 bus bar 208a, 208b insulating material 209 rear part of the case 211 lid 213 dedicated sealing gasket 215 Matching sealing gasket 217 connector sock 218 guide partition 219a, 219b bus terminal bar 221a, 221b bus bar end 222a, 222b bore in a tip 223a 1, 223b 1 first notch 223a2, 223b2 second notch 224a, 224b tip contact surface 225a, 225b ramp element 227 receptacle 229 circumferential protrusion 231 interstitial space of the double wall of the matching part 233a, 233b screw stop of the bit 300 homologous connector 301a, 301b connection terminal 302a, 302b terminal contact surface 303a, 303b nut 305 support structure 307 interstitial space of the support structure 1000 locking system DI length of protrusion in the receptacle D2 distance offset between first and second notch D3 predetermined distance from the projection of the receiving opening x, y, z Cartesian directions D_a matching direction D_s screwing direction D_v locking direction

Claims

Claims

1. A locking system for screw fastening of a connector with a mating connector, comprising a connector (200), at least one screw (100a, 100b) screwable in a screwing direction (s) for fastening the connector (200) with a mating connector (300), and a locking device (1) arranged at the connector (200) so as to be movable in a locking direction (v) between a locked position, in which the screw fastening is locked, and an unlocked position, the locking direction (v) corresponding to the screwing direction (s) in which the screw (100a, 100b) is screwable, the locking device (1) comprising a main body (3), the main body (3) of the locking device (1) comprising at least one inner wall (5) defining a cavity (7), the cavity (7) comprising a receiving opening (9a, 9b) configured to receive a head (101a, 101b) of the screw (100a, 100b),and the inner wall (5) comprising at least one projection (11a, 11b) projecting into the cavity (7) at a predetermined distance (D3) from the receiving opening (9a, 9b), the projection (11a, 11b) being configured as a stop for the head (101a, 101b) of the received screw (100a, 100b) and, in the locked position of the locking device (1), the projection (11a, 11b) blocks a movement of the screw (100a, 100b) in the direction opposite to the screwing direction.,

2. System according to claim 1, the screw (100a, 100b) being an electrically conductive screw, the connector (200) being an electrical connector, in particular for a bus bar, the connector (200) being configured to be electrically mated with the mating connector (300) in a mating direction (a), and the screw attachment being an electrical screw connection, in particular an electrical connection intended for a voltage of at least 200V.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the screw (100a, 100b) is received in the receiving opening (9a, 9b) of the cavity (7), and wherein the received screw (100a, 100b) is held by a frictional connection between the screw (100a, 110b) and the inner wall (5) at the head (101a, 101b) of the screw (100a, 100b).

4. A system according to claim 1, the connector (200) comprising a mounting portion (205), and the locking device (1) comprising a flange (13a, 13b) folded outwardly on the main body (3) along the locking direction (v), the flange (13a, 13b) being configured to engage the mounting portion (205) and arrange the locking device (1) at the connector (200), in particular the locking device (1) further comprising a seal (21) housed in the pocket (22a, 22b) formed between the exterior of the main body (3) and the folded flange (13a, 13b).

5. A system according to claim 4, the rim (13a, 13b) comprising a hook (31a, 31b), and the mounting portion (205) comprising two notches (223al, 223a2, 223bl, 223b2) configured to accommodate the hook (31a, 31b), one (223al, 223bl) of the at least two notches (223al, 223a2, 223b 1, 223b2) corresponding to the locked position of the locking device (1), and the other (223a2, 223b2) of the at least two notches (223al, 223a2, 223b 1, 223b2) corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking device (1).

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, the screw (100a, 100b) comprising a cap (105a, 105b) at the head (101a, 101b) of the screw (100a, 100b), in particular an electrically insulating cap (105a, 105b), the cap (105a, 105b) being configured to hold the screw (100a, 100b) in the cavity (7) by a frictional connection between the cap (105a, 105b) and the inner wall (5).

7. System according to one of claims 3 to 6, the cavity (7) comprising a second opening (10) opposite the receiving opening (9a, 9b), the cavity (7) passing through the main body (3) from the receiving opening (9a, 9b) to the second opening (21) along the locking direction (v), in particular the cavity (7) being configured to allow a screwing tool to screw or unscrew the screw (100a, 100b).

8. A locking device for a system according to one of claims 1 to 7, the locking device (1) being arrangeable at a connector (100) of the system (1000) so as to be movable in a locking direction (v) between a locked position, in which the screw fastening is locked, and an unlocked position, and characterized in that the locking direction (v) corresponds to the screwing direction (s) in which at least one screw (100a, 100b) of the screw fastening is screwable, and the locking device (1) comprises a main body (3), the main body (3) comprises at least one inner wall (5) defining a cavity (7), the cavity (7) comprising a receiving opening (9a, 9b) configured to receive a head (101a, 101b) of a screw (100a, 100b), and the inner wall (5) comprising at least one projection (lia,11b) projecting into the cavity (7) at a predetermined distance (D3) from the receiving opening (9a, 9b), the projection (11a, 11b) being configured as a stop for the received screw head (101a, 101b) of the screw (100a, 100b), and in the locked position of the locking device (1), the projection (11a, 11b) blocks a, movement of the screw (100a, 100b) in the direction opposite to the screwing direction.

9. Connector assembly, comprising a locking system (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a mating connector (300), the mating connector (300) comprising at least one nut (303a, 303b) for the screw (100a, 100b), the connector (200) and the mating connector (300) being mated in such a way that, in the unlocked position of the locking device (1), the screw (100a, 100b) is screwable into, and / or unscrewable from, the nut (303a, 303b), in the locked position of the locking device (1), the locking device (1) blocks unscrewing of the screw (100a, 100b), and in such a way that the device (1) is movable from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the screw (100a, 100b) is screwed, in particular up to a stop (233a, 233b) of the connector (200).

10. A method of locking a screw fastener of a connector (200) with a mating connector (300), the mating connector (300) comprising at least one nut (303a, 303b) for a screw (100a, 100b) of the screw fastener, the method comprising the steps of a) Providing the locking system (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 7, by arranging the screw (100a, 100b) in the locking device (1) such that the screw (100a, 100b) is held in a cavity (7) of the locking device (1), b) Matching the connector (200) of the locking system (1000) with the mating connector (300), such that the screw (100a, 100b) is interfaced with a nut (303a, 303b) of the mating connector (300), c) Screwing the screw (100a, 100b) into the nut (303a, 303b), in particular up to a stop (233a, 233b) of the connector (200). d) Moving the locking device (1) from the unlocked position to the locked position.

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