Device for securing an electrical connection

Abstract

The present invention relates to a securing device (1) for securing an electrical connection (2), the securing device (1) comprising the electrical connection (2), which comprises at least one first connector (3), a second connector (4) and a locking member (5) retaining the two connectors relative to one another along a direction of insertion OA, the locking member (5) being accessible at least according to a direction intersecting the direction of insertion OA of the first connector (3) with respect to the second connector (4), the securing device (1) being characterized in that it comprises a securing member (8) arranged around the electrical connection (2), the securing member (8) being configured to prevent access to the locking member (5) according to the direction intersecting the direction of insertion OA of the first connector (3) with respect to the second connector (4).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for securing an electrical connection

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of means for securing an assembly between two electrical connectors. The invention is particularly applicable to the field of anti-theft systems for motor vehicles.

[0002] A vehicle typically includes an anti-theft system. A classic example is a steering column lock. Another type involves a transmission lock. In both cases, these anti-theft systems render the vehicle undrivable.

[0003] Regulation UN-R116 permits the use of automatic parking brake systems as anti-theft devices. These systems must have a certain level of tamper resistance to prevent them from being easily or simply disabled. When using an automatic parking brake as an anti-theft device, it is necessary to delay the release of the brake on each wheel in some way.

[0004] One of the weaknesses of the automatic parking brake known to date is the accessibility of the electrical connector of the electric actuator which, once disconnected, allows access to the electrical terminals and thus allows the brake to be released in too short a time.

[0005] The invention falls within this context and resolves, at least partially, the drawback of the prior art cited above. The invention protects the connector against external attack. The underlying idea of ​​the invention is to increase the time required to access the electrical terminals when the vehicle is on its wheels.

[0006] Thus, the invention essentially relates to a device for securing an electrical connection, the securing device comprising said electrical connection which includes at least a first connector, a second connector and a locking member retaining the two connectors relative to each other along an insertion direction of the first connector relative to the second connector, the locking member being accessible at least in a direction secant to the insertion direction of the first connector relative to the second connector, the securing device being characterized in that it includes a locking member disposed around the electrical connection, the locking member being configured to prevent access to the locking member in the direction secant to the insertion direction of the first connector relative to the second connector.

[0007] By increasing the time required to access the electrical connection and making it more difficult to dismantle its components, the invention increases the time criminals spend at the scene of the theft and thus increases the risks they take. Such risk-taking may lead these criminals to lose interest in vehicles equipped with the invention.

[0008] The locking device may include at least one flexible tab which can be operated from the side of the electrical connection, i.e. by exerting a force on the flexible tab in a secant direction and advantageously perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the two connectors relative to each other.

[0009] The safety device is configured to prevent access to the locking device in a direction intersecting an insertion direction by covering the area where the locking device can be operated. In doing so, the locking device is no longer actuated from the side of the electrical connection, although it remains operable by other means and in directions difficult to reach when the vehicle is on the ground, resting on its wheels.

[0010] The first and second connectors are electrical connectors. They therefore comprise at least two electrical terminals connected on one side to an electric actuator and on the other to a vehicle's electrical harness.

[0011] In a first embodiment, the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector that surrounds the male connector. The second connector thus caps and covers the first connector. The second connector, here the female connector, is located at the end of the electrical harness, while the first connector, i.e., the male connector, is an integral part of a housing that contains the electric actuator.

[0012] According to a second embodiment, the second connector is a male connector, and the first connector is a female connector that surrounds the male connector. In this case, the second connector is inserted inside the female connector. The second connector, here the male connector, is located at the end of the electrical harness, while the first connector, i.e., the female connector, is an integral part of a housing that contains the electric actuator.

[0013] According to an optional feature, the locking element has a cross-section complementary to a cross-section of the electrical connection. Such a cross-section corresponds to the area of ​​a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction and passing through the locking element. The cross-section of the electrical connection is either the cross-section of the second connector when it is a female connector surrounding the male connector, as in the first embodiment, or the cross-section of the first connector when it is a female connector surrounding the male connector, as in the second embodiment. For both embodiments, this cross-section is an area of a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction and passing through the second connector, for the first embodiment, or through the first connector, for the second embodiment.

[0014] By complementary, we mean that the perimeter of one section follows the perimeter of the other section.

[0015] According to an optional feature, the locking device includes a fastening means that secures the locking device to the electrical connection. In the first embodiment, the fastening means engages with the male connector. In the second embodiment, the fastening means engages with the female connector.

[0016] In either of these examples, the fastening means includes at least one clip that attaches the locking device to the electrical connection, either to the first or second connector, depending on the embodiment. The fastening means also includes a shoulder, with the electrical connection interposed between the clip and the shoulder. This sandwiched arrangement allows the locking device to be firmly attached to the electrical connection.

[0017] Advantageously, the locking element has an opening allowing access to the locking element in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the first connector relative to the second connector. Access to the locking element along the direction parallel to the sliding direction between the connectors is complex and difficult when the vehicle is on the ground resting on its wheels. Conversely, this access is easier when the vehicle is on a lift at an automotive service center. The opening is, for example, defined by a free edge of the locking element through which the second connector is inserted onto, or threaded into, the first connector, depending on the embodiment implemented.

[0018] Advantageously, the locking device and the electrical connection are positioned relative to each other with a clearance of less than 1 mm. This limits the range of movement that could damage the locking device, as it moves 0.5 mm on either side of the electrical connection. The fastening means is designed to withstand this range of movement without breaking.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, the locking element comprises at least one flexible tab configured to be operated in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first connector relative to the second connector, and in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to the insertion direction of the first connector relative to the second connector. Operating the locking element in the intersecting direction allows the electrical connection to be accessed even in the absence of the locking element. Operating the locking element... blocking along the parallel, or substantially parallel, direction allows intervention on the electrical connection in the presence of the safety device.

[0020] The invention also covers a vehicle brake caliper comprising a device for securing an electrical connection as described herein, the brake caliper comprising at least one electrical actuator powered via the electrical connection, said electrical connection being secured by the securing device. It is understood here that the securing device has a specific use within a brake caliper, to restrict access to the caliper's electrical connector.

[0021] Finally, the invention relates to an anti-theft system for a vehicle comprising at least one brake caliper as described in this document.

[0022] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0023] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of the security device according to the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the security device illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0025] [Fig.3] is a perspective and bottom view of the securing device according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.4] is a perspective and top view of the securing device according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a brake caliper which includes an example of an embodiment of a securing device according to the present invention.

[0028] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features, if this selection is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 show a safety device 1 according to the present invention. The function of this safety device 1 is to slow down or hinder an attempt to electrically disconnect an electrical connection 2. The latter comprises at least a first connector 3 and a second connector 4, these two connectors being electrical connection elements. The electrical connection 2 also includes a locking element 5 whose role is to retain the two connectors. relative to each other when they are interconnected. The locking element 5 forms a lock that prevents any accidental separation of the two connectors 3, 4. In other words, the locking element 5 must be intentionally operated in order to separate the second connector 4 from the first connector 3.

[0030] The relative movement between the first connector 3 and the second connector 4 is a movement that occurs along an insertion direction OA, as illustrated on an orthonormal coordinate system visible in [Fig. 2]. When the first connector 3 is inserted with the second connector 4, the direction of movement of the second connector 4 is from point A to point O. When the two connectors 3 and 4 are to be separated, the second connector 4 is moved from point O to point A.

[0031] The locking element 5 is accessible from two distinct directions, each illustrated by arrows labeled 6 and 7. The first access direction 6 of the locking element 5 is a direction intersecting the insertion direction OA, for example, perpendicular to this insertion direction OA. The locking element 5 is thus operated by acting upon it from the side of the connectors 3 and 4.

[0032] The locking device 5 is also accessible via a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to the insertion direction OA described above. This second access direction 7 is difficult to reach when the vehicle is resting on its wheels and on the ground, because the wheel is then at least partially housed in a wheel arch of the vehicle and other vehicle components interfere with this second access direction 7, which has the effect of limiting access to the locking device 5.

[0033] According to the invention, the locking device 1 comprises a locking member 8 arranged around the electrical connection 2. The locking member 8 forms a band that surrounds the electrical connection 2, in particular the second connector 4. The role of the locking member 8 is to prevent access to the blocking member 5 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction OA. In other words, the locking member 8 is positioned directly opposite the blocking member 5 and prevents any access to it in the first direction of accessibility 6.

[0034] The locking element 8 has a cross-section complementary to a cross-section of the electrical connection 2. More specifically, the locking element 8 has a cross-section complementary to a cross-section of the second connector 4. The complementarity of the cross-sections is observed by comparing an orthogonal projection of the locking element 8 onto an OCB plane illustrated in [Fig. 2] with an orthogonal projection of the second connector 4 onto the same plane. Complementarity is considered to exist when the perimeter of the projection of the securing element 8 follows at least 75% of the perimeter of the projection of the second connector 4.

[0035] In the case illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the first connector 3 has a general tubular shape 9, delimiting a volume within which there are at least two electrical terminals. These are electrically connected to an electrical actuator of a component that receives the safety device 1, the object of the invention.

[0036] On an external face of the tubular shape 9 are a locking element 10 and a locating element 11. The locking element 10 is part of the locking member 5 described above. The locking element 10 may be a finger projecting from the external surface of the tubular shape 9. Alternatively, the locking element 10 may be a hole made in the material constituting the external surface of the tubular shape 9, such a hole opening onto the external surface.

[0037] The orienting element 11 includes a rib which extends in a straight line along the external surface of the tubular shape 9. This rib protrudes from this external surface but it could also be a groove formed in the material constituting the tubular shape 9. This orienting element 11 extends parallel to the insertion direction OA.

[0038] The second connector 4 includes a blind sleeve 12 that defines a space containing at least two electrical lugs configured to connect to the electrical terminals of the first connector 3. This blind sleeve 12 carries a component of the locking element 5. This component is a flexible tab 13 housed in a protective rail 14. The rail protrudes from an outer face of the blind sleeve 12 and defines a space where the flexible tab 13 can move from its locking position between the two connectors 3 and 4 to its position separating the connectors 3 and 4. The flexible tab 13 cooperates with the locking element 10 to lock the two connectors 3 and 4 relative to each other. The protective rail 14 surrounds the flexible tab 13 and protects it from external mechanical damage. The protective rail 14 includes a window 21 which opens onto the flexible tongue 13.

[0039] The blind shaft 12 also includes a groove 15 which is part of the keying element 11. This groove 15 delimits a groove in which the rib of the first connector 3 extends.

[0040] The blind barrel 12 has a cable gland 16 through which one or more electrical cables pass to be connected to the electrical terminals. This cable gland protrudes from the bottom of the blind barrel 12. This cable gland is watertight.

[0041] The locking device 8 comprises a peripheral wall 17 which includes a first projection 18 and a second projection 19. The peripheral wall 17 delimits an internal volume 20 of the locking device 8, and it is within this volume internally, the electrical connection 2 extends, which the invention protects. This peripheral wall 17 is the one that surrounds and delimits the section of the safety device 8, the latter being complementary to the section of the second connector 4.

[0042] The first protrusion 18 defines a first zone intended to receive the protective rail 14 and the flexible tab 13. The second protrusion 19 defines a second zone intended to receive the groove 15 of the second connector 4. Once the locking device 8 is positioned around the electrical connection 2, the protective rail 14 extends into the first zone and its window 21 is then obstructed by the first protrusion 17.

[0043] The peripheral wall 17 of the locking member 5 terminates at a free edge 22, formed by a thickness of the peripheral wall 17. This free edge 22 delimits an opening 23 through which it is possible to access the locking member 5, by placing a tool which extends parallel, or substantially parallel, to the second direction of accessibility 7.

[0044] Figure 3 shows in perspective the method of fixing the locking member 8 on the electrical connection 2, here on the first connector 3. The latter is carried by an arm 24 which extends from the component which receives the locking device 1 according to the invention.

[0045] The locking element 8 includes a fastening means 25 whose role is to secure the locking element 8 to the electrical connection 2, for example, to the first connector 3 or to the arm 24. To this end, the fastening means 25 includes at least one clip 26, also called a locking lug, which engages with an edge 27 of the first connector 3. In the case illustrated in [Fig. 3], the fastening means 25 includes two clips 26. The fastening means 25 also includes a shoulder 28 formed at a free end of the peripheral wall 17. This shoulder 28 bears against a side of the first connector 3 and / or a side of the arm 24. The locking element 8 is secured by interposing a base of the first connector 3 between the shoulder 28 and at least one clip 26.

[0046] Figure 4 shows the positioning of the locking element 8 relative to the second connector 4, as seen from a top view. This figure illustrates the close proximity between the peripheral wall 17 and the outer face of the blind shaft 12. The total clearance between this peripheral wall 17 and the outer face of the blind shaft 12 is a maximum of 1 mm, or 0.5 mm on each side. This clearance limits tilting movement and thus prevents damage to the fastening means 25.

[0047] This [Fig. 4] also shows the presence of an opening 29 in the upper part of the flexible tab 13. This opening 29 allows a tool to be inserted in a direction similar to or parallel to the second access direction 7 (visible (on figures 1 and 2), to tilt and unlock the locking device 5 when the vehicle is serviced in after-sales.

[0048] It is noted that the flexible tongue 13 is made flexible by means of two cutouts 30 arranged on either side of the flexible tongue 13, these cutouts 30 allowing the flexible tongue 13 to be rotated around an axis passing through the end of the cutouts 30.

[0049] Fig. 4 also highlights the complementary shape between the section of the second connector 4 and the section of the internal volume of the securing organ 8.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a particular application of the locking device 1 described above. This figure shows a brake caliper 31 which can be used as a vehicle immobilizing component in an anti-theft system for said vehicle.

[0051] The brake caliper 31 comprises a body 32 in which at least one piston moves. The body 32 and the piston define an area where the brake pads and a brake disc are installed. The body 31 includes mounting lugs 33 and 34 that allow the brake caliper 31 to be slidably attached to a caliper bracket.

[0052] The brake caliper 31 includes an electric actuator 35 that acts on at least one of the pistons of the brake caliper 31. This electric actuator 35 exerts a force on the brake pads, at least when the vehicle's anti-theft system is activated, so as to prevent any movement of the vehicle. This electric actuator 35 is electrically powered via the electrical connection 2, which consists of the first connector 3 and the second connector 4. The electric actuator 35 includes the arm 24 from which the first connector 3 protrudes. The electrical connection is secured by the locking device 1, which is the subject of the invention and described above.

[0053] The above description and the figures to which the description refers show a first embodiment of the invention in which the first connector 3 is a male connector and the second connector 4 is a female connector. In other words, the first connector is arranged inside the second connector, the latter surrounding it peripherally.

[0054] The invention is not limited to this first embodiment and covers a second embodiment in which the first connector 3 is a female connector and the second connector 4 is a male connector. In other words, the first connector is arranged around the second connector, the latter being housed inside the first connector.

[0055] In both embodiments described above, the electrical connection includes the locking element accessible at least in the direction intersecting the insertion direction between the first and second connectors. In other words, whether the first connector is a male or female connector and the second connector is respectively a female or A male connector has a locking mechanism for these two connectors, and this locking mechanism is operable on the side of the electrical connection. The invention is thus useful for both the first and second embodiments. The above description therefore provides for the possibility of interchanging the specific structure of the first connector with the specific structure of the second connector in its interactions with other elements of the invention, particularly the complementarity of the cross-sections or the relative positioning of the elements.

[0056] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose by restricting access to the mechanical link between the first and second connectors. The invention increases the time required to access this electrical connection. It also complicates the separation of the two connectors when the vehicle is on the ground. Ultimately, the invention deters a thief who might want to steal the vehicle from targeting one equipped with the invention.Variants not described here could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include at least a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector which cooperates with the first electrical connector, a means ensuring the mechanical link between the first connector and the second connector when they are plugged into each other and an element which reduces access to the means ensuring the mechanical link between the first connector and the second connector when they are plugged into each other.

Claims

Demands

1. A securing device (1) for an electrical connection (2), the securing device (1) comprising said electrical connection (2) which includes at least a first connector (3), a second connector (4) and a locking member (5) retaining the two connectors relative to each other along an insertion direction (OA) of the first connector (3) relative to the second connector (4), the locking member (5) being accessible at least in a direction secant to the insertion direction (OA) of the first connector (3) relative to the second connector (4), the securing device (1) being characterized in that it includes a securing member (8) disposed around the electrical connection (2), the securing member (8) being configured to prevent access to the locking member (5) in the direction secant to the insertion direction (OA) of the first connector (3) relative to the second connector (4).

2. A securing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connector (3) is a male connector, the second connector (4) being a female connector which surrounds the male connector.

3. A securing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second connector (4) is a male connector, the first connector (3) is a female connector which surrounds the male connector.

4. A locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking member (8) has a cross-section of shape complementary to a cross-section of the electrical connection (2).

5. A locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking member (8) comprises a fastening means (25) which secures the locking member (8) to the electrical connection (2).

6. A locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking member (8) has an opening (23) allowing access to the locking member (5) in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (OA) of the first connector (3) relative to the second connector (4).

7. A locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking member (8) and the electrical connection (2) are arranged relative to each other with a clearance of less than 1 mm.

8. A locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking member (5) comprises at least one flexible tab (13) configured to be operated in the direction secant to the insertion direction (OA) of the first connector (3) relative to the second connector (4) and in the direction parallel to the insertion direction (OA) of the first connector (3) relative to the second connector (4).

9. Brake caliper (31) of a vehicle comprising a securing device (1) for an electrical connection (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the brake caliper (31) comprising at least one electric actuator (35) electrically powered via the electrical connection (2), said electrical connection (2) being secured by the securing device (8).

10. Anti-theft system for a vehicle comprising at least one brake caliper (31) according to claim 9.

Images