Electrical connector configured to prevent the occurrence of a series electric arc, assembly and associated process

Abstract

A female electrical connector configured to be connected to a male electrical connector, the female electrical connector comprising a female connection pin, an insulating element and an electrically conductive peripheral envelope, forming an overall recess configured to receive a male connection pin of the male electrical connector so as to permit: in a connection position, electrical conduction between a first female surface and a first male surface, a third electrically conductive female surface being in contact with a second electrically non-conductive male surface so as to prohibit any modification of an electrical reference potential of the peripheral envelope;and in a partially disconnected position, electrical conduction occurs between the first female surface and the first male surface, the third electrically conductive female surface being in contact with the first electrically conductive male surface so as to modify the potential of the peripheral envelope. Abstract figure: Figure 3;

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical connector configured to prevent the occurrence of a series electric arc, associated assembly and method Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of connectors for connecting electrical cables and more particularly, connectors for electrical cables in an aircraft. The invention relates in particular to a female electrical connector configured to avoid the occurrence of series electrical arcs, a male electrical connector configured to be assembled with said female connector, and a set of connectors comprising said female connector and said male connector.

[0002] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, various restrictions on carbon emissions have been, are being, or will be adopted by various States. In particular, an ambitious standard applies both to new types of aircraft and those currently in circulation, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to make them compliant with current regulations. Civil aviation has been mobilizing for several years now to make a contribution to the fight against climate change.

[0003] Technological research efforts have already made it possible to significantly improve the environmental performance of aircraft. The Applicant takes into consideration the impacting factors in all phases of design and development to obtain less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly aeronautical components and products whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental impacts with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft. Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0004] This sustained research and development work covers new generations of aircraft engines, the lightening of aircraft, particularly through the materials used and lighter on-board equipment, the development of the use of electrical technologies to ensure propulsion, and finally aeronautical biofuels.

[0005] In a known manner, in this context of aircraft electrification, an aircraft comprises a plurality of electrical cables, making it possible, for example, to connect electrically equipment necessary for flight controls and / or passenger comfort.

[0006] To connect two electrical cables, it is known to equip, on the one hand, a first electrical cable with a male electrical connector and, on the other hand, a second electrical cable with a female electrical connector. Each male and female electrical connector can also be connected to several electrical cables. Such an assembly is known as a "harness".

[0007] Referring to [Fig. 1], there is shown an assembly 100 of a male electrical connector 101 and a female electrical connector 102 which allows, in this example, to connect two pluralities of IEC, CE2 electrical cables. The assembly could alternatively connect only two IEC, CE2 electrical cables. The male electrical connector 101 comprises a body 111, defining a cavity 113, and a plurality of male connection pins 112 mounted projecting in the cavity 113. Each male connection pin 112 is also designated “electrical contact” and is known by the English designation “pin”. Each male connection pin 112 is electrically connected to an electrical cable of the first plurality of IEC electrical cables.

[0008] The female electrical connector 102 comprises a body 121 configured to be inserted into the cavity 113 of the body 111 of the male electrical connector 101, so as to connect the male electrical connector 101 and the female electrical connector 102. The female electrical connector 102 also comprises an electrically non-conductive insulating member 123, mounted in the body 121. The female electrical connector 102 comprises a plurality of female connection pins 122 (known by the English designation "socket") defined in the insulating member 123, each female connection pin 122 being electrically connected to an electrical cable of the second plurality of electrical cables CE2. In practice, in [Fig.l], the male electrical connector 101 comprises three male connection pins 112 and the female electrical connector 102 comprises three female connection pins 122.

[0009] In a known manner, when inserting the body 121 of the female electrical connector 102 into the cavity 113 of the male electrical connector 101, each male connection pin 112 interconnects respectively with each female connection pin 122, so as to electrically connect, in this example, each first IEC electrical cable and each second CE2 electrical cable.

[0010] As is known, so-called fault electric arcs, parallel or series, can appear in such connectors 101, 102. An electric arc corresponds to a disruptive electric discharge with high current and self-sustained at low voltage levels.

[0011] A series arc corresponds to an electrical discontinuity which appears for example during hot disconnection of the male connector pins from the female connector pins, due for example to a manufacturing problem, a bad connection during installation or during a maintenance operation. In the aeronautical field, hot disconnection of male and female electrical connectors can also be promoted by environmental constraints, such as mechanical vibrations and thermal cycles related to variations in aircraft altitude. Such environmental conditions can lead to corrosion of the electrical contacts (known as "fretting corrosion" in English), a precursor event to the appearance of a series arc.

[0012] A parallel arc induces, in a known manner, a high current throughout the duration of the arc. It appears between two electrical cables or electrical contacts of the same electrical connector (male or female), for example in the event of a fault in the insulation of the electrical cables or the body, due for example to the degradation of the insulating member or to the presence of a liquid or solid conductive foreign body.

[0013] As is known, current aircraft incorporate means for detecting and protecting against certain types of faults, in particular overcurrents linked to leakage currents and short circuits, which makes it possible to protect the aircraft's electrical network and ensure the safety and integrity of flights. Such detection means make it possible to measure the electrical current flowing in the electrical cables in real time. Thus, most parallel electrical arcs can be detected on the electrical network of an aircraft, via these detection means. Once these parallel arcs have been detected, a cut-off system is used to isolate the faulty line, in the manner of a circuit breaker.

[0014] Series electric arcs have only a minor impact on the electrical current flowing through the network, and are therefore difficult to identify. However, on current networks, their consequences are relatively low and therefore considered acceptable. In other words, on current networks, there is no system for identifying them.

[0015] However, current projects for more electric aircraft and electric hybridization involve an increase in onboard electrical power and require a review of the overall strategy, known as mitigation, for fault electric arcs, including taking into account the mitigation of the series arc. Indeed, the increase in voltage levels and / or the imposition of the use of a distributed DC voltage, which are notably envisaged, leads to an increase in the risk of the occurrence of fault arcs, including series arcs. The densification of the wiring linked to the increase in the number of onboard equipment and the complexity of this equipment are also aggravating factors.

[0016] In this context, the invention aims to address the problem of preventing arcs series electrical systems on board aircraft to meet the need for flight safety and integrity.

[0017] In the prior art, devices are known which make it possible to locally detect a series electric arc on sets of electrical connectors. For example, document US10122123B1 discloses a female electrical connector which comprises several connection pins each connected to different polarities. The electrical connector comprises a conductive spring strip which makes it possible to electrically connect two pins of the female electrical connector when the connector is not plugged into a male electrical connector. Thus, the spring strip makes it possible to generate a parallel electric arc before a series electric arc occurs, which makes it possible to avoid the risk of such a fault occurring. However, in document US10122123B1, the risk of a series electric arc occurring is only avoided when the male electrical connector and the female electrical connector are not connected.In other words, the female electrical connector in this document does not protect the electrical system against a series electric arc which could occur during hot disconnection of the male connection pins with the female connection pins.

[0018] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing an electrical connector making it possible to prevent the occurrence of series electric arcs, even in the event of partial or total disconnection of the male and female connection pins. The invention aims at a simple and secure electrical connector which can be easily installed on electrical networks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention relates to a female electrical connector configured to be connected to a male electrical connector according to a connection position, the male electrical connector comprising at least one male connection pin connected to a first electrical cable, the male connection pin consecutively defining along a first axis a first electrically conductive outer surface designated "first male surface" and a second electrically non-conductive outer surface designated "second male surface", the second male surface and the first male surface being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the first axis, the female electrical connector comprising a proximal end configured to be in contact with the male electrical connector and a distal end which is opposite the proximal end,the female electrical connector extending along a second axis oriented from rear to front from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0020] The female electrical connector comprises: • at least one electrically conductive female connection pin configured to be electrically connected to a second electrical cable, the female connection pin comprising a first recess defining a first electrically conductive interior surface designated “first female surface”, • an electrically non-conductive insulating member, the insulating member being mounted externally to the female connection pin, the insulating member comprising at least one second recess defining a second electrically non-conductive inner surface designated “second female surface”, • an electrically conductive peripheral envelope mounted externally to the insulating member, the peripheral envelope comprising at least a third recess defining a third electrically conductive interior surface designated “third female surface”, the peripheral envelope being configured to be brought to a reference electrical potential, • the first female surface, the second female surface and the third female surface being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the second axis from back to front to form an overall recess configured to receive the male connection pin of the male electrical connector so as to allow, • on the one hand, in the connection position, electrical conduction between the first female surface and the first male surface, the third female surface being in contact with the second male surface so as to prevent any modification of the reference electrical potential of the peripheral envelope, and • on the other hand, in a position of partial disconnection, an electrical conduction between the first female surface and the first male surface, the third female surface being in contact with the first male surface so as to modify the reference electrical potential of the peripheral envelope and avoid any risk of the appearance of a series electric arc.

[0021] The female electrical connector according to the invention advantageously allows, in the event of disconnection of an opposite male electrical connector, for the male connection pin to be brought into contact with the electrically conductive peripheral casing. The contact between the male connection pin and the peripheral casing causes a parallel electric arc which can easily be detected. In particular, the contact between the male connection pin and the peripheral casing causes a modification of the potential of the latter, such a variation in potential being able to be easily measured and detected. In other words, thanks to the female electrical connector according to the invention, a partial disconnection with the male electrical connector causes the appearance of a parallel electric arc before a series electric arc appears, which makes it possible to anticipate any damage. The sustainability of the electrical network is thus ensured.

[0022] The invention also relates to a female electrical connector configured to be connected to a male electrical connector, the female electrical connector having a proximal end configured to be in contact with the male electrical connector and a distal end which is opposite the proximal end, the female electrical connector extending along a second axis oriented from the rear to the front from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0023] The female electrical connector comprises: • at least one electrically conductive female connection pin configured to be electrically connected to a second electrical cable, the female connection pin comprising a first recess defining a first electrically conductive interior surface designated “first female surface”, • an electrically non-conductive insulating member, the insulating member being mounted externally to the female connection pin, the insulating member comprising at least one second recess defining a second electrically non-conductive inner surface designated “second female surface”, • an electrically conductive peripheral envelope mounted externally to the insulating member, the peripheral envelope comprising at least a third recess defining a third electrically conductive interior surface designated “third female surface”, • the first female surface, the second female surface and the third female surface being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the second axis from back to front to form an overall recess configured to receive a male connection pin of the male electrical connector.

[0024] In a first embodiment, the electrically conductive peripheral casing of the female electrical connector comprises a body in which the third recess defining the third female surface is directly formed.

[0025] In a second embodiment, the peripheral casing of the female electrical connector comprises a body comprising an axial housing in which is mounted in an attached manner a conductive member in which the third female surface is formed. Such an embodiment makes it possible to dissociate the peripheral casing from the element in contact with the male connection pin, which allows to use a less expensive electrically conductive material. An add-on component can also be integrated simply and quickly into existing female electrical connectors of the same type, which, for example, eliminates the need to completely replace existing electrical connectors.

[0026] Preferably, the conductive member is a ring, which allows optimal contact with the male connection pin in the event of partial disconnection.

[0027] Preferably, the conductive member is made of an electrically conductive material, for example copper or aluminum, allowing optimal electrical conduction. In this embodiment, it is also advantageously possible to dissociate the material of the peripheral envelope from the material of the conductive member, which makes it possible, for example, to optimize the manufacturing costs of the female electrical connector while ensuring that effective electrical contact is generated in the event of contact with the male connection pin.

[0028] In one embodiment, the female electrical connector comprising a plurality of female connection pins and wherein the insulating member comprising a plurality of second recesses and the peripheral casing comprising a plurality of third recesses, the female electrical connector comprises a plurality of overall recesses, each configured to receive a male connection pin of a plurality of male connection pins of the male electrical connector. The female electrical connector can thus easily cooperate with a male electrical connector comprising a plurality of male connection pins to electrically connect a plurality of electrical cables, while ensuring that a connection fault is detected regardless of which male connection pin comes into contact first with the peripheral casing.In such an embodiment, a parallel electric arc may advantageously be generated from each male connection pin.

[0029] The invention also relates to an assembly of a female electrical connector as described above and a male electrical connector, the female electrical connector and the male electrical connector being configured to be connected in a connection position, the male electrical connector comprising a proximal end configured to be in contact with the female electrical connector and a distal end which is opposite the proximal end, the male electrical connector extending along a first axis oriented from the rear to the front from the distal end to the proximal end, the male electrical connector comprising: • at least one electrically conductive male connection pin configured to be electrically connected to a first electrical cable, a proximal portion of the male connection pin defining a first conductive outer surface designated “first male surface”, and • an electrically non-conductive insulating sheath mounted peripherally on a distal portion of the male connection pin, the insulating sheath defining a second non-conductive exterior surface designated “second male surface”, the second male surface and the first male surface being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the first axis from rear to front, • the male connection pin being configured to be received in the overall recess of the female electrical connector so as to allow, • on the one hand, in the connection position, electrical conduction between the first male surface and the first female surface, the second male surface being in contact with the third female surface so as to prevent electrical contact between the male connection pin and the peripheral casing of the female electrical connector and thus prevent any modification of the reference electrical potential of the peripheral casing, and • on the other hand, in a position of partial disconnection, an electrical conduction between the first male surface and the first female surface, the first male surface also being in contact with the third female surface so as to modify the reference electrical potential of the peripheral envelope and avoid any risk of the appearance of a series electric arc.

[0030] The assembly of the female electrical connector and the male electrical connector advantageously allows contact between the first electrically conductive male surface and the third electrically conductive female surface to ensure that a parallel electrical arc is generated in the event of partial disconnection of the connectors, thus making it possible to anticipate the occurrence of a series electrical arc, while ensuring that no short circuit occurs when the two connectors are properly connected. Indeed, the insulating sheath makes it possible to ensure that the conductive portion of the male connection pin is not in contact with the peripheral casing by preventing any electrical conductivity between the two elements in the connection position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second non-conductive female surface extending between the first female surface and the third conductive female surface has a length along the second axis of between 0.1 and 100 mm. Preferably, the length of the second female surface is between 1 and 100 mm, more preferably between 1 and 50 mm, so as to sufficiently distance the two conductive female surfaces from each other to avoid any risk of an electric arc occurring inside the female connection pin.

[0032] Preferably, the first female surface has a length, the first male surface has a length and the length of the first male surface is greater than the length of the first female surface, so as to allow optimal electrical conduction between the female connection pin and the male connection pin in the connection position.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the first female surface has a length, the second female surface has a length, the first male surface has a length, and the length of the first male surface is less than the sum of the length of the first female surface and the length of the second female surface, so as to sufficiently distance the first male surface from the third female surface and thus avoid electrical conduction between the male connection pin and the third conductive female surface in the connection position.

[0034] Preferably, the second female surface has a length, the third female surface has a length, the first male surface has a length and the length of the first male surface is greater than the sum of the length of the second female surface and the length of the third female surface, so as to ensure contact between the first male surface and the third female surface in the partial connection position and thus ensure generation of an electric arc.

[0035] Preferably, the third female surface has a length and the second male surface has a length and the length of the second non-conductive male surface is greater than the length of the third conductive female surface, so as to avoid electrical conduction between the conductive portion of the male connection pin and the third female surface.

[0036] The invention also relates to an assembly of a female electrical connector as described above, a male electrical connector (in particular a male electrical connector as described above) and a cut-off device configured to cut off the electric current in the event of a change in the reference electric potential. Such an assembly makes it possible to ensure that the electric current in an electrical network is cut off in the event of the appearance of a parallel electric arc. In other words, the cut-off device advantageously makes it possible to cut off the electric current in the event of the female electrical connector and the male electrical connector being disconnected before a series electric arc appears.

[0037] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one assembly as described previously for connecting at least one electrical source to an electrical load.

[0038] Finally, the invention relates to a method of disconnecting an assembly of a male electrical connector and a female electrical connector as described above, the male electrical connector and the female electrical connector being ini initially in a connection position, one of the electrical connectors being electrically powered, the first female surface of the female electrical connector being in contact with the first male surface, the third female surface being in contact with the second male surface, the peripheral casing of the female electrical connector being initially at a reference potential, the method comprises: • a step of partially disinserting the male electrical connector and the female electrical connector so as to bring the first male surface into contact with the third female surface, and • a step of measuring an electrical potential of the peripheral envelope and comparing the measured electrical potential with the reference potential. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0039] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0040] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a longitudinal sectional view of an assembly of a male electrical connector and a female electrical connector of the prior art.

[0041] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of an assembly of a male electrical connector, a female electrical connector and a cut-off module according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0042] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of a longitudinal sectional view of a male electrical connector and a female electrical connector in a non-connection position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig.4] is a close-up view in longitudinal section of a female electrical connector according to a second embodiment.

[0044] [Fig.5] is a close-up longitudinal sectional view of the male electrical connector of [Fig.3].

[0045] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a longitudinal sectional view of a male connecting pin and a female connecting pin in a connecting position.

[0046] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the flow of an electric current in the connection pins of [Fig.6] according to an example of the direction of flow of the current, in the connection position.

[0047] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a longitudinal sectional view of a male connection pin and a female connection pin in a partially connected position.

[0048] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the flow of an electric current in the connection pins of [Fig.8] according to an example of the direction of flow of the current, in the partial connection position.

[0049] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The invention relates to a set of electrical cable connectors intended to be mounted in an electrical power distribution network, in particular in an aircraft. This document presents the example of an assembly in an aircraft, however it goes without saying that the set of electrical cable connectors could just as easily be mounted in any type of electrical network.

[0051] An aircraft comprises, in a known manner, a plurality of electrical cables for powering equipment such as flight controls or controls necessary for passenger comfort. With reference to [Fig. 2], two electrical cables CEI, CE2 are connected by means of an assembly 9 formed by a male electrical connector 1 and a female electrical connector 2 according to the invention. The electrical cables CEI, CE2 are also electrically connected on the one hand to a power generation source 6 upstream and on the other hand to one or more electrical loads 7 downstream.

[0052] In this example, a cut-off module 5 is associated with the power generation source 6 so as to cut off the power supply in the event of detection of a fault, for example an electric arc, in particular a parallel arc as will be presented later.

[0053] Figures 3 to 9 show a male electrical connector 1 connected to a first IEC electrical cable and a female electrical connector 2 connected to a second CE2 electrical cable according to one embodiment of the invention. In this example, the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are each connected to a single IEC, CE2 electrical cable. The male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 could alternatively each be connected to a plurality of CE electrical cables.

[0054] The male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to each other. More specifically, the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are configured to move between a PNC non-connection position (shown in [Fig. 3]), in which the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are spaced apart from each other, and a PC connection position (shown in Figures 6 and 7), in which the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are mechanically connected and electrically connected. Subsequently, a partial disconnection position PCP is also defined (shown in Figures 8 and 9) in which the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are being electrically disconnected and are only partially connected. Such a partial disconnection position PCP may result from an accidental change in the connection position PC and lead to the occurrence of an electric arc due to the proximity of the male electrical connector 1 to the female electrical connector 2.

[0055] Such positions will be described in more detail later.

[0056] With reference to [Fig.3] and [Fig.5], the male electrical connector 1 extends along a first axis XI oriented from the rear to the front. In this document the rear and the front of the male electrical connector 1 are defined with reference to the connection of two connectors. More precisely, the front of the male electrical connector 1 corresponds to the end of the male electrical connector 1 oriented towards the female electrical connector 2 when the two connectors are mounted opposite each other to be connected. Subsequently, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined with respect to the front and the rear of the male electrical connector 1.

[0057] Thus, with reference to [Fig. 3], the male electrical connector 1 comprises a proximal end 14 configured to be in contact with the female electrical connector 2 and a distal end 15 opposite the proximal end 14. In this example, the first axis XI extends from the rear to the front from the distal end 15 towards the proximal end 14.

[0058] The male electrical connector 1 comprises an electrically conductive outer peripheral housing 11 which defines a fitting cavity 13 for the female electrical connector 2. The housing 11 has in this example the shape of a cylindrical crown. The housing 11 could alternatively have a different shape, for example rectangular or square. The structure of such a male electrical connector 1 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail in this document.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the male electrical connector 1 comprises an electrically conductive male connection pin 12 projecting into the mating cavity 13. The male connection pin 12 is configured to be received in a female connection pin 22 of the female electrical connector 2 in order to electrically connect them, as will be described in more detail later. The male connection pin 12 is further configured to be electrically connected to a first IEC electrical cable, as shown in [Fig. 3]. This document presents the example of a male electrical connector 1 comprising a single pin male connection pin 12, however the male electrical connector 1 could alternatively comprise a plurality of male connection pins 12, each then being connected to one of a plurality of IEC electrical cables. In this example, the male connection pin 12 has a cylindrical shape. However, it could alternatively have a different shape, for example a rectangular or square parallelepiped shape.

[0060] The male electrical connector 1 comprises an electrically insulating member 16 mounted in the housing 11 at the distal end 15 and configured to prevent any electrical conduction between the male connection pin 12 and the electrically conductive housing 11.

[0061] Still with reference to [Fig. 5], the male connection pin 12 extends longitudinally along the first axis XI and comprises a proximal portion 18 oriented towards the front of the male electrical connector 1 and an opposite distal portion 19. The proximal portion 18 defines a first electrically conductive exterior surface designated “first male surface” ML

[0062] Preferably, the proximal portion 18 and therefore the first male surface M1 have a length L18 along the first axis XI of between 0.2 and 50 mm. The distal portion 19 and therefore the second male surface M2 have a length L19 along the first axis XI of between 0.2 and 10 mm.

[0063] According to the invention, the male electrical connector 1 comprises an electrically non-conductive insulating sheath 4 mounted on the distal portion 19 of the male connection pin 12. The insulating sheath 4 extends at the periphery of the distal portion 19, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The insulating sheath 4 defines a second non-conductive outer surface designated “second male surface” M2.

[0064] In one embodiment, the insulating sheath 4 is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0065] With reference to [Fig. 5], the second male surface M2 and the first male surface M1 are aligned consecutively and adjacently along the first axis XI from rear to front. In practice, the distal portion 19 of the male connection pin 12 is preferably machined so as to have a distal diameter D19 smaller than the proximal diameter D18 of the proximal portion 18. The insulating sheath 4 thus has a thickness Ep corresponding to the difference between the proximal diameter 18 and the distal diameter 19, so as to fill the machined portion and to allow an external alignment of the first male surface M1 and the second male surface M2. In this example, the thickness Ep of the insulating sheath 4 is between 0.1 and 1 mm.

[0066] As a reminder, the male electrical connector 1 is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to the female electrical connector 2. The female electrical connector 2 will now be presented.

[0067] With reference to [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], the female electrical connector 2 extends along a second axis X2 oriented from the rear to the front of the connector. In a similar manner to the male electrical connector 1, the rear and the front of the female electrical connector 2 are defined with reference to the connection of the two connectors. In other words, the second axis X2 extends in a direction opposite to the first axis XI of the male electrical connector 1.

[0068] The female electrical connector 2 comprises a proximal end 23 configured to be in contact with the male electrical connector 1 and a distal end 24 opposite the proximal end 23. The second axis X2 extends from the rear to the front of the female electrical connector 2 from the distal end 24 to the proximal end 23.

[0069] With reference to [Fig. 4], the female electrical connector 2 comprises an electrically conductive female connection pin 22, an electrically non-conductive insulating member 26, external to the female connection pin 22, and an electrically conductive peripheral casing 25, external to the insulating member 26. The terms “inner” and “outer” are defined radially relative to the second axis X2.

[0070] The female connection pin 22 is configured to be electrically connected to a second electrical cable CE2, as shown in [Fig. 3]. This document presents the example of a female electrical connector 2 comprising a single female connection pin 22, however the female electrical connector 2 could alternatively comprise a plurality of female connection pins 22, each then being connected to an electrical cable CE2 of a plurality of electrical cables CE2.

[0071] With reference to [Fig. 4], the female connection pin 22 extends along the second axis X2 and comprises a first recess 22-E configured to receive at least in part the male connection pin 12 of the male electrical connector 1 in order to electrically connect them. The first recess 22-E defines a first electrically conductive inner surface designated “first female surface” FL In this example, the first recess 22-E extends along the second axis X2 and is open towards the front of the female connection pin 22 to allow the insertion of the male connection pin 12 opposite. The first recess 22-E preferably has a cylindrical shape to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with the male connection pin 12.The first recess 22-E could alternatively have a different shape, for example a rectangular or square parallelepiped shape depending on the shape of the male connection pin 12, the male connection pin 12 and the first recess 22-E formed in the female connection pin 22 having complementary shapes.

[0072] In this example, the first recess 22-E and therefore the first female surface F1 have a length L22 along the second axis X2 of between 0.2 and 50 mm, preferably 10 mm.

[0073] The length L18 of the first male surface M1 is greater than the length L22 of the first female surface F1 to allow optimal conduction between the female connection pin 22 and the male connection pin 12 in the connection position PC.

[0074] Still with reference to [Fig. 4], the electrically non-conductive insulating member 26 is mounted externally to the female connection pin 22. More precisely, the insulating member 26 extends peripherally around the female connection pin 22, so as to electrically insulate it. The insulating member 26 comprises an insulating proximal portion 27 which extends in front of the female connection pin 22 along the second axis X2.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the insulating member 26 comprises a second recess 26-E which extends along the second axis X2 and which is formed in the insulating proximal portion 27. The second recess 26-E defines a second electrically non-conductive inner surface designated “second female surface” F2 and shown in [Fig. 4]. The second female surface F2 and the first female surface F1 are consecutive and adjacent along the second axis X2. In other words, the first recess 22-E and the second recess 26-E are aligned along the second axis X2 and the male connection pin 12 is configured to also be inserted at least partially into the second recess 26-E in front of the first recess 22-E.

[0076] In this example, the second recess 26-E and therefore the second female surface F2 have a length L26 along the second axis X2 of between 0.1 and 100 mm, preferably of between 1 and 50 mm, more preferably of the order of 10 mm. Such a distance makes it possible to keep any conductive member sufficiently far from the female connection pin 22 to avoid any risk of an electric arc occurring between the female connection pin 22 and the electrically conductive peripheral casing 25 which will be described in more detail later.

[0077] An insulating member 26 is described comprising a single second recess 26-E, however the insulating member 26 could alternatively comprise a plurality of second recesses 26-E, in particular in the case of a female electrical connector 2 comprising a plurality of female connection pins 22. In this embodiment, each second recess 26-E extends respectively along the second axis X2 in the extension of one of the first recesses 22-E of the female connection pins 22.

[0078] The insulating member 26 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material.

[0079] Still with reference to [Fig. 4], the electrically conductive peripheral envelope 25 is mounted externally to the insulating member 26. More precisely, the peripheral envelope 25 extends peripherally around the insulating member 26. The peripheral envelope 25 comprises a conductive proximal portion 28 which extends in front of the insulating proximal portion 27 of the insulating member 26 along the second axis X2.

[0080] The peripheral casing 25 is configured to be inserted into the fitting cavity 13 of the male electrical connector 1 to mechanically connect them. The peripheral casing 25 has in this example a cylindrical shape, so as to cooperate easily with the male electrical connector 1. Alternatively, the peripheral casing 25 could have a different shape, for example a rectangular or square parallelepiped shape, so as to cooperate with the male electrical connector 1.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral envelope 25 comprises a third recess 25-E formed in the conductive proximal portion 28. In this example, the third recess 25-E extends along the second axis X2 and passes through the conductive proximal portion 28. The third recess 25-E defines a third electrically conductive interior surface designated “third female surface” F3 and shown in [Fig. 4]. The third female surface F3 is adjacent to the second female surface F2. In other words, the first recess 22-E, the second recess 26-E and the third recess 25-E are aligned along the second axis X2 and the male connection pin 12 is configured to be successively inserted from the front to the rear of the second axis X2 into the third recess 25-E, into the second recess 26-E and into the first recess 22-E. In other words, as shown in [Fig.4], the first recess 22-E, the second recess 26-E and the third recess 25-E form an overall recess EG configured to receive the male connection pin 12. .

[0082] In this example, the third recess 25-E and therefore the third female surface F3 have a length L25 along the second axis X2 of between 0.1 and 1 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

[0083] Thus, the first female surface F1 and the third female surface F3 conductive are separated by the second female surface F2 non-conductive by a distance L26.

[0084] Preferably, the length L18 of the first conductive male surface M1 of the male connection pin 12 is less than the sum of the lengths L22, L26 of the first female surface F1 and of the second female surface F2 in order to avoid conduction between the male connection pin 12 and the third conductive female surface F3 in the connection position PC.

[0085] The length L18 of the first conductive male surface M1 is further preferably greater than the sum of the lengths L26, L25 of the second female surface F2 and the third female surface F3, in order to allow arc detection in the partial connection position PCP.

[0086] More preferably, the length L19 of the second non-conductive male surface M2 of the male connection pin 12 is greater than the length L25 of the third conductive female surface F3 to avoid electrical conduction with the latter.

[0087] The peripheral casing 25 is electrically connected to the electrical distribution network and is made of a material whose properties allow excellent electrical conduction, for example aluminum or copper. The peripheral casing 25 thus makes it possible to ensure electrical continuity with the electrical distribution network, as will be described in more detail later. According to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral casing 25 thus has a reference electrical potential PREF. The peripheral casing 25 is preferably connected to the cut-off module 5 in order to control a cut-off of the power supply in the event of a variation in the reference electrical potential PREF.

[0088] A peripheral casing 25 is described comprising a single third recess 25-E, however the peripheral casing 25 could alternatively comprise a plurality of third recesses 25-E, in particular in the case of a female electrical connector 2 comprising a plurality of female connection pins 22. In this embodiment, each third recess 25-E extends respectively in the extension of one of the second recesses 26-E of the insulating member 26 and of one of the first recesses 22-E of the female connection pins 22.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 4], the peripheral envelope 25 comprises a body comprising two distinct parts. In this example, the peripheral envelope 25 comprises in its proximal conductive portion 28 a central axial housing 29 in which a conductive member 3 is mounted in an attached manner. The third recess 25-E is formed in the conductive member 3 as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. In this example, the conductive member 3 is in the form of a ring, however the conductive member 3 could alternatively have a different shape.

[0090] Such an embodiment makes it possible, for example, to form the conductive member 3 in a material different from the material of the peripheral envelope 25 in order to generate a parallel electric arc more quickly and more efficiently in the event of contact between the conductive member 3 and the first male surface M1, as will be described in more detail below. By way of example, the conductive member 3 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example copper or aluminum.

[0091] As previously described, the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are configured to move between a connection position PC, in which the male connection pin 12 is fully inserted into the recess global EG, a partial connection position PCP, in which the male connection pin 12 is partially inserted into the global recess EG, and a non-connection position PNC in which the male connection pin 12 is distant from the global recess EG.

[0092] According to the invention, in the connection position PC (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), the first male surface M1 is configured to be in contact with the first female surface F1 so as to ensure electrical conduction between the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 and to allow the passage of an electric current ELEC between the first electrical cable CEI and the second electrical cable CE2. In this connection position PC, the second male surface M2 is configured to be in contact with the third female surface F3 so as to prevent electrical contact between the male connection pin 12 and the peripheral casing 25 of the female electrical connector 2, via in this example the conductive member 3, and thus avoid any risk of an electric arc occurring. The reference electrical potential PREF of the peripheral casing 25 is thus configured to remain unchanged.

[0093] In the partial connection position PCP (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), the first male surface M1 is configured to always be in contact with the first female surface F1, causing electrical conduction between the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2. In this partial disconnection position PCP, the first male surface M1 is configured to also be in contact with the third female surface F3, so as to modify the electrical potential of the peripheral casing 25 by allowing the passage of an electric current ELEC between the female connection pin 22 and the peripheral casing 25, in this example, via the conductive member 3.In the alternative embodiment in which the peripheral casing 25 of the female electrical connector 2 directly comprises the third recess 25-E defining the third female surface F3, in the same way, the electrical potential of the peripheral casing 25 is modified in the partial disconnection position PCP, allowing the passage of an electric current ELEC and making it possible to anticipate a series electric arc type fault and to detect the disconnection.

[0094] The female electrical connector 2 according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to generate a parallel electric arc in the event of partial disinsertion of the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2, which makes it possible to anticipate a series electric arc type fault and to detect the disconnection by detecting a modification of the potential of the peripheral casing 25, as will be described below. The cut-off module 5 is configured to control a cut-off of the power supply in the event of a variation in the reference electrical potential PREF.

[0095] A method for disinsertion of a male electrical connector 1 and a female electrical connector 2 will now be described according to an embodiment of the invention. In this method, the assembly formed by the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 is initially in the connection position PC shown in Figures 6 and 7, the electrical cables IEC, CE2 being powered. In other words, the male connection pin 12 is initially fully inserted into the overall recess EG of the female electrical connector 2. The electrical power is transmitted from the first female surface F1 to the first male surface M1 without loss.

[0096] With reference to [Fig.8], the method comprises a step of progressive disinsertion El of the male connection pin 12 of the male electrical connector 1 from the overall recess EG of the female electrical connector 2. In this figure, the male electrical connector 1 and the female electrical connector 2 are in the process of being disinserted, in other words, in the partial disconnection position PCP.

[0097] The first male surface M1 and the second male surface M2 are then moved progressively back and forth along the first axis XI of the male electrical connector 1. In other words, in this disinsertion step El, the first male surface M1 in contact with the first female surface Fl progressively approaches the third female surface F3 of the third recess 25-E formed in the electrically conductive peripheral envelope 25 and initially at the reference potential PREF.

[0098] In a second step E2, the first male surface M1 is brought into contact with the third female surface F3. In the event of an electric arc occurring between the male connection pin 12 and the female connection pin 22, the energy of the arc is guided into the third female surface F3. The electrical potential of the peripheral envelope 25 is then modified.

[0099] Advantageously, as long as the first male surface M1 is in contact with the first female surface F1, the first male surface M1 makes it possible to dissipate its energy via the third female surface F3 given that the length of M1 is greater than the sum of the lengths L25, L26 of the second female surface F2 and of the third female surface F3.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, a potential measuring device is connected to the peripheral casing 25. This function can for example be provided by the cut-off device 5. The method then comprises a step E3 of measuring the electrical potential PE of the peripheral casing 25 and of comparing, by the measuring device, the measured electrical potential PE with the reference potential PREF. In the event of detection of a measured potential greater than the reference potential PREF, the method comprises a step of activating the cut-off module 5, of so as to ensure protection and isolation of the disconnection fault.

[0101] Thanks to the invention, a series arc fault can advantageously be avoided by generating a parallel arc early and predictably. The arc thus generated can easily be detected by the electrical network, which is thus protected from more significant series arc faults.

Claims

Claims

1. Female electrical connector (2) configured to be connected to a male electrical connector (1) according to a connection position (PC), the male electrical connector (1) comprising at least one male connection pin (12) connected to a first electrical cable (IEC), the male connection pin (12) consecutively defining along a first axis (XI) a first electrically conductive outer surface designated "first male surface" (Ml) and a second electrically non-conductive outer surface designated "second male surface" (M2), the second male surface (M2) and the first male surface (Ml) being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the first axis (XI), the female electrical connector (2) comprising a proximal end (23) configured to be in contact with the male electrical connector (1) and a distal end (24) which is opposite the proximal end (23),the female electrical connector (2) extending along a second axis (X2) oriented from rear to front from the distal end (24) to the proximal end (23), the female electrical connector (2) comprising: • at least one electrically conductive female connection pin (22) configured to be electrically connected to a second electrical cable (CE2), the female connection pin (22) comprising a first recess (22-E) defining a first electrically conductive inner surface designated “first female surface” (F1), • an electrically non-conductive insulating member (26), the insulating member (26) being mounted externally to the female connection pin (22), the insulating member (26) comprising at least one second recess (26-E) defining a second electrically non-conductive inner surface designated “second female surface” (F2), • an electrically conductive peripheral envelope (25) mounted externally to the insulating member (26), the peripheral envelope (25) comprising at least a third recess (25-E) defining a third electrically conductive inner surface designated “third female surface” (F3), the peripheral casing (25) being configured to be brought to a reference electrical potential (PREF), • the first female surface (F1), the second female surface (F2) and the third female surface (F3) being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the second axis (X2) from the back to the front to form an overall recess (EG) configured to receive the male connection pin (12) of the male electrical connector (1) so as to allow, • on the one hand, in the connection position (PC), electrical conduction between the first female surface (F1) and the first male surface (M1), the third female surface (F3) being in contact with the second male surface (M2) so as to prevent any modification of the reference electrical potential (PREF) of the peripheral casing (25), and • on the other hand,in a partial disconnection position (PCP), an electrical conduction between the first female surface (Fl) and the first male surface (Ml), the third female surface (F3) being in contact with the first male surface (Ml) so as to modify the reference electrical potential (PREF) of the peripheral casing (25) and avoid any risk of the appearance of a series electric arc.,

2. Female electrical connector (2) according to claim 1, in which the peripheral casing (25) comprises a body comprising an axial housing (29) in which is mounted in an attached manner a conductive member (3) in which the third female surface (F3) is formed.

3. A female electrical connector (2) according to claim 2, wherein the conductive member (3) is made of an electrically conductive material, for example copper or aluminum.

4. Female electrical connector (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a plurality of female connection pins (22) and in which the insulating member (26) comprises a plurality of second recesses (26-E) and the peripheral casing (25) comprises a plurality of third recesses (25-E), the female electrical connector (2) comprises a plurality of global recesses (EG), each configured to receive a male connection pin (12) of a plurality of male connection pins (12) of the male electrical connector (1).

5. An assembly of a female electrical connector (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and a male electrical connector (1), the female electrical connector (2) and the male electrical connector (1) being configured to be connected in a connection position (PC), the male electrical connector (1) comprising a proximal end (14) configured to be in contact with the female electrical connector (2) and a distal end (15) which is opposite the proximal end (14), the male electrical connector (1) extending along a first axis (XI) oriented from the rear to the front from the distal end (15) towards the proximal end (14), the male electrical connector (1) comprising: • at least one electrically conductive male connection pin (12) configured to be electrically connected to a first electrical cable (IEC), a proximal portion (18) of the male connection pin (12) defining a first conductive exterior surface designated “first male surface” (Ml), and • an electrically non-conductive insulating sheath (4) mounted peripherally on a distal portion (19) of the male connection pin (12), the insulating sheath (4) defining a second non-conductive outer surface designated “second male surface” (M2), the second male surface (M2) and the first male surface (M1) being aligned consecutively and adjacently along the first axis (X1) from back to front, • the male connection pin (12) being configured to be received in the overall recess (EG) of the female electrical connector (2) so as to allow, • on the one hand, in the connection position (PC), an electrical conduction between the first male surface (Ml) and the first female surface (Fl), the second male surface (M2) being in contact with the third female surface (F3) so as to prevent electrical contact between the male connection pin (12) and the peripheral casing (25) of the female electrical connector (2) and thus prevent any modification of the reference electrical potential (PREF) of the peripheral casing (25), and • on the other hand, in a partial disconnection position (PCP), an electrical conduction between the first male surface (Ml) and the first female surface (Fl), the first male surface (Ml) also being in contact with the third female surface (F3) so as to modify the reference electrical potential (PREF) of the peripheral casing (25) and avoid any risk of a series electric arc occurring.

6. An assembly of a female electrical connector (2) and a male electrical connector (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second non-conductive female surface (F2) extending between the first conductive female surface (F1) and the third conductive female surface (F3) has a length (L26) along the second axis (X2) of between 0.1 and 50 mm.

7. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 6, in which the first female surface (Fl) has a length (L22), the first male surface (Ml) has a length (L18) and the length (L18) of the first male surface (Ml) is greater than the length (L22) of the first female surface (Fl).

8. Assembly of a female electrical connector (2) and a male electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7 and a cut-off device (5) configured to cut off the electric current in the event of a modification of the reference electric potential (PREF).

9. Aircraft comprising at least one assembly according to claim 8 for connecting at least one electrical source (6) to an electrical load (7).

10. Method for disconnecting an assembly (9) of a male electrical connector (1) and a female electrical connector (2) according to one of the claims- dications 5 to 7, the male electrical connector (1) and the female electrical connector (2) being initially in a connection position (PC), one of the electrical connectors (1, 2) being electrically powered, the first female surface (Fl) of the female electrical connector (2) being in contact with the first male surface (Ml), the third female surface (F3) being in contact with the second male surface (M2), the peripheral casing (25) of the female electrical connector (2) being initially at a reference potential (PREF), the method comprising: • a step of partial disinsertion (El) of the male electrical connector (1) and the female electrical connector (2) so as to bring the first male surface (Ml) into contact with the third female surface (F3), and • a step of measuring (E3) an electrical potential (PE) of the peripheral envelope (25) and comparing the measured electrical potential (PE) with the reference potential (PREF).

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