EP0549386A1 - Self-centering automatic connector - Google Patents

Abstract

This connecter, which comprises, inter alia, a plug (10), a socket (20) and an adapter (30), is intended to provide the junction of connection members (OL) by translational movement in a given direction. This connecter is equipped with a polariser (40) and is fitted with a positioner (70) with a bayonet mounting (71), elastic stressing means (72), a rotation orienter-limiter (73) and an axial centring device (74). Application to automatic joining. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a connector intended to ensure the continuity of links and, more particularly, a self-centering automatic connector which ensures the joining of at least one connection by engagement in a given direction translation.

In many sectors of activity, it is necessary to ensure the continuity of connections, for example electrical, mechanical or even pneumatic or hydraulic fluids, while a part of the cables or conduits are carried by two separate parts intended to be joined temporarily or definitive. Most often, these parts to be joined occupy a variable relative position within a prefixed tolerance range and which results from the vagaries of manufacturing, assembly and mounting. In particular, the differences between such parts are manifested not only by lack of agreement in registration and orientation but also by absence of agreement in distance and in inclination.

It is therefore understood that when such parts must carry cables or pipes which must be ensured continuity, it is not easy to automatically ensure the junction of the links. This is why, it is then necessary to use a connector which can compensate for the differences in location and orientation between the parts of the cables or conduits to be joined and which are carried directly or indirectly by the two parts to be joined.

If this type of difficulty can be overcome relatively easily when the assemblies are done manually, it is quite different when one wishes to operate automatically, in particular with the help of robots and automata. Indeed, in such situation are added to the inaccuracies of manufacturing of the parts and their presentation to the assembly and the assembly, the imprecisions of operation of the manipulators animated by robots or automata.

This type of difficulty is encountered, for example, in the automobile industry when it is necessary to join to a shell or structure an anterior facade which carries equipment such as hood locks, fan units, headlights or other lighting or signaling and, sometimes, headlight wipers and / or headlight washers. Indeed, during the mechanical meeting of such a facade prior to the hull or structure, it is also necessary to ensure the continuity of the connections of the various supply, command or control circuits which use electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic or using linkage, linkage or similar mechanisms.

We therefore understand all the difficulties that govern the design of a connector which must operate automatically and which must overcome manufacturing and installation imperfections.

The object of the invention is to construct an automatic self-centering connector to ensure the continuity of links by engagement by translation in a given direction.

The subject of the invention is a self-centering automatic connector for ensuring the continuity of links by translation engagement in a given direction and which comprises, inter alia, a plug and a base intended to be carried each by one of two respectively different parts to be joined and subject to having a variable relative position within a prefixed tolerance range. This connector, the plug of which includes a base for joining it to one of these parts, a body and in it channels intended to receive connecting members, and the base of which comprises a base for joining it to the other of these parts, a body and a bottom is remarkable in that it comprises an adapter which is intended to receive by translation in this direction this plug and which is intended to be mounted on this base so as to be movable relative to the latter and which comprises a mouth, a body, in this body channels intended to receive connecting members, a flange outside this body, a polarizing device which is intended to ensure the alignment of the connecting members of the channels of this plug and of this adapter to establish the continuity of the connections and which is worn in part by the adapter and partly by the plug, and a positioner provided with a bayonet mount to place it on the base, elastic biasing means tending to keep in contact adapter and base so as to first fix the original initial distance in this direction separating this flange and this bottom and then to be able to bring these flange and bottom together, with a rotation limiter-orienter intended first of all to fix the original initial position in rotation in this direction of these adapter and base and then to allow such relative rotation in this direction only between prefixed limits and an axial centering device intended first of all to maintain initially coaxial in this direction these adapter and base and then to allow them to shift.

• la Figure 1 est une vue perspective éclatée schématique d'un mode de réalisation d'un connecteur automatique auto-centrable selon l'invention;
• la Figure 2 est une vue de détail partielle d'un constituant d'un connecteur selon l'invention de la Figure 1;
• la Figure 3 est une vue perspective partielle schématique d'un connecteur automatique auto-centrable selon l'invention partiellement assemblé;
• la Figure 4 est une vue en élévation du connecteur de la Figure 1 partiellement assemblé en position initiale en cours de jonction, avec coupes méridiennes locales et écorchés;
• la Figure 5 est une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 4 du connecteur selon la Figure 1 assemblé, jonction faite;
• les Figures 6A et 6B sont des vues schématiques partielles, en coupe respectivement éclatée et assemblée, de détails d'une variante d'exécution d'un connecteur automatique auto-centrable selon l'invention; et,
• les Figures 7A et 7B sont des vues similaires à celles des Figures 6A et 6B de détails d'une autre variante d'exécution d'un connecteur automatique auto-centrable selon l'invention

Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from reading the description and the claims which follow, as well as from examining the appended drawing, given only by way of example, where:

• Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a connector automatic self-centering according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a partial detail view of a component of a connector according to the invention of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a schematic partial perspective view of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention partially assembled;
• Figure 4 is an elevational view of the connector of Figure 1 partially assembled in the initial position during junction, with local meridian sections and cut away;
• Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 of the connector according to Figure 1 assembled, junction made;
• Figures 6A and 6B are partial schematic views, in exploded and assembled section respectively, of details of an alternative embodiment of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention; and,
• Figures 7A and 7B are views similar to those of Figures 6A and 6B of details of another alternative embodiment of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention

Since connectors and in particular those used in the automobile industry are well known in the art, the following will only describe what relates directly or indirectly to the invention. For the rest, the person skilled in the art considered will draw on the conventional solutions available to him to deal with the particular problems with which he is confronted.

In what follows, a homologous element is always identified by the same reference number whatever the embodiment of the invention or its variant.

For the convenience of the description, each of the components of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention will be described successively before describing the assembly, operation and, if necessary, manufacture.

A connector according to the invention is intended to be carried in part by each of two different pieces P, the relative position of which, as far as location, distance, orientation and inclination, is variable inside d 'a tolerance domain prefixed. Such a connector is held on the parts using MF fixing means of any known conventional type, such as holes in which are engaged bolts, self-tapping screws, rivets or the like, or else using so-called fast fixing means, for example snap-fastening or the like well known in the industry. Such a connector also carries OL connecting members intended to abut links to ensure the continuity of electric cables, pneumatic or hydraulic fluid lines, linkages or rigid mechanical linkages or partially flexible. To do this, pins or fittings are used which include, for example, as is conventional, complementary male and female elements which fit together.

As can be seen in the figures of the drawing, an automatic self-centering connector according to the invention comprises, inter alia, a plug 10, a base 20 and an adapter 30.

As can be seen, the plug 10 comprises a base 11, a body 12 with an external wall 121 and an internal wall 122, as well as channels 13 piercing this body and this base, as it appears in the figures of the drawing. For example, the base 11 is quadrangular and provided with holes as fixing means MF. The outer 121 and inner 122 walls are preferably cylindrical and coaxial in a given direction Δ. The channels 13 are intended to receive OL connecting members for example as illustrated in the various Figures 6 and 7.

As can be seen, the base 20 comprises a base 21, a body 22 with an external wall 221 and an internal wall 222, and a bottom 23. For example, the base 21 is quadrangular and provided with holes as means of fixing MF. The outer 221 and inner 222 walls are preferably cylindrical and coaxial in this given direction Δ. The bottom 23 is preferably pierced with an opening 231 intended to allow free passage to a bundle C of electric cable and / or fluid lines, for example pneumatic or hydraulic, or even to a mechanical linkage or linkage.

The adapter 30 includes a mouth 31, a body 32, channels 33 and a flange 34. As can be seen, the mouth 31 is preferably in the form of a divergent truncated cone and widening towards the 'outside. The body 32 is delimited by an outer wall 321 and an inner wall 322 which are preferably cylindrical and coaxial in the given direction Δ. The channels 33 pierce the body 32 and are intended to receive OL connecting members as illustrated, for example, in Figures 6 and 7. The flange 34, outside the body 32, comprises a plate 341 and a flank 342 The plate 341 is flat, perpendicular to the direction Δ and serves as a reference for the reasons which will be understood later. The sidewall 342 is preferably cylindrical and coaxial with the outer 321 and inner 322 walls of the body 32.

As will be understood later, the plug, the base and the adapter are intended to be engaged with one another by a translation in the direction Δ given. It is therefore understood that the dimensions of the external and internal walls specific to each of these constituents, as well as those of the collar are chosen so as to allow such interpenetration.

Preferably, a keying device 40 is intended to facilitate the mutual engagement of the plug 10 and the adapter 30 of the connector according to the invention. This coding device comprises complementary members, male and female, intended to cooperate and which are carried one by the plug and the other by the adapter. As can be seen, this key 40 comprises at least one groove 41 which is formed outside the body 12 of the plug 10, in its outer wall 121, and which is oriented parallel to the given direction. This key 40 also includes at least one tongue 42 which is placed inside the mouth 31 and the body 32 of the adapter 30 and, in particular, which is carried by the internal wall 222 and which is oriented parallel to this given direction. Preferably, this tongue 42 is provided with a chamfer 421, for example double directed opposite the collar 34, converging towards the outside. We will return later to this keying device 40. It will only be noted that the arrangement may be opposite to that described and shown. It is understood that these grooves and tongues form the complementary male and female members of the polarizer.

If necessary, the connector according to the invention is also provided with a locking device 50. This device, as can be observed, is carried partly by the plug 10 and partly by the adapter 30 As can be seen, this locking device 50 comprises a guide 51, for example in the form of a trapezoidal funnel, formed in the mouth 31 of the adapter. This locking device 50 also comprises a keeper 52 outside on the body 32 of the adapter 30. This keeper 52 comprises a slender groove 521 on the outer wall 321 of the adapter 30 and which is oriented parallel to this given direction, as well as a notch 522 in the extension of this groove. As can be seen, if necessary, this notch 522 pierces the outer wall 321. This locking device 50 also includes a bolt 53 outside the body 12 of the plug 10. The bolt 53 is made up of an elastic blade 531 which is terminated by a spout 532 with a bevel 533. This spout 532 with its bevel 533 are intended to cooperate with these grooves 521 and notch 522 as will be understood later. It will only be noted that the arrangement may be the reverse of that described and illustrated.

If necessary, the connector according to the invention also comprises a sealing arrangement 60. This sealing arrangement 60 is distributed, in part, between the plug 10 and the adapter 30. As can be seen, this sealing arrangement 60 comprises a housing 61 formed in the edge of the body 32 and intended to receive a lining 62. This housing 61 is, for example, an annular groove in which an O-ring is placed, for example. This sealing arrangement 60 also includes a shoulder 63 intended to come to bear on the lining 62. As can be seen, this shoulder 61 is formed on the end edge of the body 12 of the plug 10. An arrangement reverse can be adopted.

The self-centering automatic connector according to the invention essentially comprises a positioner 70 which is carried partly by the base 20 and partly by the adapter 30. As can be seen, the positioner 70 is provided with a bayonet mount 71 for placing the adapter 30 on the base 20, elastic biasing means 72 tending to keep these adapter and base in contact so as to first fix the original initial distance in the direction given Δ separating the collar 34 and the bottom 23 and then being able, if necessary, to bring these collar and bottom together, with a rotation limiter-orienter 73 intended first of all to fix the original initial position in rotation in this given direction of the adapter 30 and the base 20 and then to allow such relative rotation in this direction only between prefixed limits, and an axial centering device 74 intended first of all to initially maintain coaxial in this direction the adapter 30 and the base 20 and then allow them to offset. All this will become clear later.

This bayonet fitting 71 comprises at least one clearance 711 made in the flange 34 and a corresponding flange 712 carried by the base 21 of the base 20 and directed inwards. The size specific to these clearance 711 and rim 712 allows the introduction of the adapter 30 into the base 20 by a translation in this given direction Δ and the retention of the adapter 30 in the base 20 after a rotation in this direction. This rim 712 has a reference plane 713 oriented facing the bottom 23 and perpendicular to the given direction Δ for the reasons that will be understood later. If necessary, this rim is continued by a radial partition 714 parallel to the given direction.

These elastic biasing means 72 normally tend to apply these flange 34 and flange 712, and more particularly their plate 341 and plane 713, respectively. As can be seen, these elastic biasing means 72 are either carried by the bottom 23 of the base 20 and are then supported by example on the collar 34 or the body 32 of the adapter 30 or, conversely, these elastic biasing means 72 are carried by the collar 34 or the body 32 of the adapter 30 and then bear on the bottom 23 of the base 20 As can be seen, these elastic biasing means 72 comprise at least one strip 721 and, preferably two diametrically opposite, for example.

This orientation limiter-limiter 73 comprises at least one notch 731 in the collar 34 of the adapter 30 and at least one corresponding prismatic stud 732 intended to be placed there and carried locally by the flange 712. As will be seen, the top of this pad 732 is directed towards the bottom 23 of the base 20 and the dimension of the base of this pad is practically equal to the dimension of the notch 731 so that when these flange 34 and flange 712 are in contact, these notch 731 and stud 732 fix the original initial position in rotation in the given direction Δ of the adapter 30 and the base 20. The dimensions in question are also chosen so that when the flange 34 and the flange 712 are separated at the against the forces developed by the elastic biasing means 72, the notch 731 and the stud 732 allow relative rotation in this direction while limiting the amplitude of this rotation when the radial faces in rega rd of the notch and the stud come locally to the contact. All this will become clear later.

This axial centering device 74 comprises a ramp 741 in a female cone which is formed on the inner wall 222 of the body 22 of the base 20 and which is configured so as to diverge towards the bottom 23 of the base. This axial centering device 74 also includes an edge 742 or the like of the flange 34 of the adapter 30. This edge 742 or the like is for example the intersection of the plate 341 and sidewall 342. This edge 742 is intended to cooperate with the ramp 741 so that when the collar 34 and flange 712 are in contact with their plate and plane, these ramp and edge determine the original initial coaxial centering in this direction Δ of l adapter and base. This edge 742 and this ramp 741 are also arranged so that when the flange 34 and the flange 712 are separated against the forces developed by the elastic biasing means 72, this ramp 741 and this edge 742 which are no longer at contact allow the adapter 30 and the base 20 to be offset. All this will appear later.

Originally, it is assumed that, on the one hand, the plug 10 and, on the other hand, the adapter 30 have been fitted with OL connecting members which are capable of ensuring the continuity of circuits, conduits or mechanisms when brought into contact by a translation in this given direction Δ. It is then assumed that the plug 10 and the base 20 have each been mounted and fixed on each of the pieces P intended to receive them and that it is necessary to adapt one to the other while remembering that these two different pieces are subject to have a variable relative position within a prefixed tolerance range. The plug, on the one hand, and the base, on the other hand, are retained on these parts P by fast, conventional MF fixing means, or not, suitably adapted which may be the same or very different. All these operations can be done manually and / or automatically for all or part.

The adapter 30 is then mounted on the base 20. To do this, the bayonet mount 71 is used. The clearance 711 and the flange 712 are recorded so that they are face to face in a direction parallel to the given direction Δ, and the adapter 30 and the base are made to slide relatively to one another 20 so that the plate 341 of the flange 34 is located at a level below the reference plane 713. This insertion of the adapter into the base, or vice versa, takes place against the elastic biasing means 72. then rotates relatively to each other the adapter 30 and base 20 by a rotation in the given direction, in the appropriate direction, until the notch 731 is approximately plumb with the prismatic stud 732, and in any case opposite its top, the rotation limiting orienter 73. This placing face to face of the top of the prismatic stud and of the notch is facilitated, if necessary, by the partition 714 which serves as a stop to limit the initial rotation. The force exerted against the elastic biasing means 72 is then released. It should be observed that the elastic biasing means 72 tend to push the adapter 30 out of the base 20; if the notch 731 and the prismatic stud 732 are not perfectly aligned, their facing faces which slide against one another perfect the centering in rotation as the flange 34 and the flange 712 come closer. At the end of the race, the plate 341 is applied against the reference plane 713, the base of the pad 732 is engaged in the notch 731 practically without play due to the relative dimensions adopted, and the edge 742 is in contact with the ramp in female cone 741.

From the above, it is understood that the initial relative positions of the base and of the adapter in translation in this given direction Δ and in orientation in this same direction, are ensured, on the one hand, by the bayonet mounting 71 and, on the other hand, by the rotation limiter orienter 73 respectively. It is also understood that the concentricity or "coaxiality" of the base 20 and of the adapter 30 results from the contact of the edge 742 and the female cone ramp 741 of the axial centering device 74. It will also be noted that elastic biasing means 72, which are unique, act simultaneously on the bayonet fitting 71, the rotation-limiting orienter 73 and the axial centering device 74 to define the original single initial relative position of the base 20 and of the adapter 30, a position which is perfectly defined in terms of location and orientation. The base and the adapter are in the situation illustrated in Figure 3.

We now approach the two parts P to be joined as shown in Figure 4, one of these parts carrying the plug 10 and the other of these parts carrying the base 20 with the adapter 30 mounted and oriented relatively as shown previously. This approach operation is, for example, done automatically.

If the two parts P occupy their "theoretical" position, the plug 10 and the adapter 30 are in principle "exactly" coaxial in this given direction Δ and a translation in this common direction which tends to bring the two parts together ensures the socket of the plug and adapter and therefore the junction of the OL connecting members which therefore also ensure the continuity of the circuits.

It is clear that this "ideal" situation is only extremely rare and that it is quite exceptional that the plug and adapter are "perfectly" coaxial. Most often, the particular axis specific to the plug and the particular axis specific to the adapter, if they are parallel are not then confused, or even they are inclined relatively to each other without for as much necessarily be intersecting. This only reflects "errors", however, in a fixed tolerance range, location and / or orientation of the two parts to be joined.

Whatever it is, we then approach the two parts to be joined and the connector according to the invention operates automatically to operate a self-centering, if we do not lose sight of the fact that the variable relative positions of the two parts are however located at within a prefixed tolerance range which has been taken into account in particular at least to choose the relative dimensions of the mouth 31 and the chamfer 421 which has been discussed above.

While the two parts P approach each other, the body 12 of the plug 10 engages in the mouth 31 of the adapter 30. The complementary male and female members of the key 40 are on the relative trajectory of each other. The plug 10 and the adapter 30 not being in the theoretical position, the latter meet and the contact thus established generates forces which are exerted against the elastic stress 72. The adapter 30 is then somewhat pushed back into the base 20. When it retreats into the base 20, the adapter 30 moves so that, simultaneously, the plate 341 separates from the plane 713, that the edge 742 separates from the ramp 741 and that the notch 731 separates from the stud 732. As can be observed, the adapter 30 is no longer subjected, on the one hand, to the forces exerted by the plug 10 on it and, from on the other hand, that the opposing efforts developed in reaction by the elastic biasing means 72. It can therefore be seen that the adapter 30 is now free both to tilt relative to the base 20, to shift transversely in that -this with a limited amplitude which results both from the given play existing between the f throwing of the flange and the inner wall of the body, of the angle of the ramp and of the degree of insertion of the adapter into the base and, also, of turning with a limited amplitude which results in the times the size of the notch, the angle of the prismatic stud and the degree of insertion of the adapter into the base. The adapter 30 having somehow become "floating" in the base 20, it is understood that it can spontaneously align and center on the plug 10 under the action of the polarizer 40 whose chamfer, allows autoguiding. The length of this chamfer measured in the direction Δ, depends in particular on the dimensions of the mouth so that mutual engagement of the connecting members can only be done when the "coaxality" is obtained. Continued translation in the given direction Δ therefore allows the junction of the connecting members and therefore the formation of the continuity of the circuits.

The distance which separates the bottom of the base from the plane of the rim is chosen so that in the case, moreover improbable, where the coupling of the complementary connecting members would not have been done at the end of the stroke of approximation of the two pieces to be joined, the adapter can be and remain, fully inserted into the base by the plug without however the edge of the body of the adapter close to the flange meet, butt or otherwise "heel" the bottom of the base. A security "guard" remains.

If the connector according to the invention is provided with a locking device 50 which has been discussed previously, it is understandable that at the end of the stroke the spout with its bevel of the bolt 53 could have engaged automatically in the notch of the strike 52 in the manner of an escapement mechanism, as is conventional. The continuity of the links is then made unwavering.

Similarly, if the connector according to the invention is equipped with a sealing arrangement 60, this plays its role at the end of the race since the shoulder comes to bear on the lining which it compresses in its housing. After compression, the locking device locks the plug on the adapter due to the specific configuration given to the bolt and strike.

The components of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention are, for example, made essentially using synthetic materials and are obtained, for example, by molding. If necessary, the body of the plug and / or of the adapter is not in one piece and then consists of a sheath or the like in which is engaged a plug or the like intended to receive the connecting members. Such sheath and plug are secured in any suitable conventional manner, for example gluing, welding, elastic snap-fitting, if necessary.

Reference will now be made to the various FIGS. 6 and 7 in which there are shown diagrammatically alternative embodiments of OL connecting members intended in particular for a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention, in particular for occupying the channels of the body and adapter.

As will be observed in the two illustrated embodiments, the connecting members which cooperate form couples. According to a feature of the invention, at least one of the cooperating connecting members of each pair is mounted movable parallel to this given direction Δ and resiliently biased relative to the other of these cooperating connecting members of this couple, for s '' move closer or farther away. According to another feature of the invention, at least one of the cooperating connecting members of each pair is mounted movable perpendicular to this given direction.

As can be seen by examining the various Figures 6 and 7, the cooperating OL connecting members form couples of which one of the members plays the role of a male element and the other that of a female element. One of these couple connecting members is engaged in a channel 13 of the body 12 of the plug 10 while the other of these couple connecting members is engaged in a channel 33 of the body 32 of the 'adapter 30.

The variant embodiment of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention in FIGS. 6A and 6B corresponds to the situation where it is necessary to ensure the continuity of a mechanical control, for example obtained at least partially using cables or the like, flexible known in the art as "Bowden cable". As can be seen in this figure, these OL connecting members comprise at least one socket 91 with which one of the ends of cable sections 92 is associated. One end of a cable section carries a terminal acorn 920 and, a a certain distance from it, a stop 921. The free part, opposite to the stop, of the glans 920 is convergent as one moves away from the cable which carries it; this part is for example conical, spherical or the like. The other part of this glans, facing stop 921, is for example flat and perpendicular to the axis of the cable which leaves it. A spring 922 is arranged between the edge of the body 13 of the plug 10 and the stop 921. Between the glans 920 and the stop 921 is fixed on the cable a stop 923, preferably frustoconical as illustrated; this stop is placed on the cable to be immobilized there as shown. A socket 91, the female socket, which will be carried by the adapter 30 is provided with a retainer 93 which has, on the outside, a conical or prismatic foot 930, and which is crossed, axially, by a cavity 931 , preferably one-eyed. The open end of this cavity, near the prismatic foot 930 is provided with a lug, a lip or the like 932 in shape, in cross section meridian, approximately of a barb or the like with an inclined plane, if necessary, converging towards the interior of the cavity and with an approximately rectilinear plane, perpendicular to the axis of the cavity, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. This end of the sleeve which carries the retainer is relatively flexible and elastic so that it can deform towards the center; longitudinal slots give this flexibility if necessary.

As can be seen, the channel 33 of the adapter 30 is provided at that of its ends which will face the channel 13 of the plug, with a range 331 flared outwards intended to receive the foot 930 of the retainer. 93, and is provided at its opposite end with an inlet 332 flared towards the outside.

The end of the other cable section 92 is fixed, for example by crimping, welding or the like, in the vicinity of the end of the sleeve 91 opposite the stop 93 as illustrated. The transverse dimension given to the glans 920 allows it to pass normally without notable effort the lip or lug 932 when it is pushed from the outside into the cavity 931 and the female socket is in the position illustrated in FIG. 6B.

The channel 13 is provided in the vicinity of its end intended to be opposite the adapter 30 of elastic fingers 131, inclined towards the axis, acting in the manner of barbs or the like.

The female socket 91 is engaged in the channel 33 by the bearing 331 or the entry 332 flared outwards. The dimensions given to the channel and to the socket in general thus engaged one in the other, are such that the socket can slide there axially. The female socket 91 is held in the channel 33 normally in the position where it is illustrated in FIG. 6B, its foot 930 kept in contact with the carried 331 for example by an elastic stress. The other male socket with the other section of cable is kept pressed against the body 13 by the elastic stress developed by the spring 922.

The end of the cable section 92 which carries the tassel 920 is capable of bending at its exit from the socket which it crosses so that when the plug 10 approaches the adapter 30, the tassel 930 which has its part free conical, spherical or the like, is guided towards the cavity 931 by crossing the fingers 131. The action of the spring 922 which, if necessary, is compressed somewhat momentarily constrains the glans 930 which has crossed the lug or lip 932 to take the position illustrated in FIG. 6B, the stop 923 resting against the fingertips 131.

If now there is a pull on the section of cable 92 secured to the female socket 91 in the direction indicated by an arrow, as if we were trying to separate this socket from the body 32 of the adapter 30, we see that the prismatic foot 930 or conical is forced to follow the bearing 331 by sliding so that the lug or lips 932 approach and the end of the cable section and the flat part of the glans; the glans is finally clamped and gripped. Continued traction on the end of the cable section secured to the female socket causes the female socket to cause the end of the cable section passing through the male socket in its movement, also pulling on it. The continuity of the mechanical control is then ensured. When the force exerted on the cable is relaxed, the female socket returns to its initial position thanks to its inherent elasticity, for example. It will be noted that it is always possible to separate the two ends of the cable sections in the situation illustrated in FIG. 6B since if the two parts which carry the plug and the adapter are moved away by through the base, the glans can cross the lug or lip and free itself from the cavity. The cable in question is for example that which controls the opening of the lock of an engine compartment cover or of a boot lid.

The variant embodiment of a self-centering automatic connector according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B corresponds to the case where the OL connecting members are in the manner of connections which must ensure the continuity of a pipe, for example hydraulic, for conveying a liquid to the nozzles of a headlight washer for example.

Here again, the connecting members are in the form of sockets 91, one male and the other female, which are both pierced right through an axial channel 910 and which carry, for example , outside a hedgehog 911 or the like intended to receive and anchor the end of a flexible pipe for example. The male of these sockets 91 which is associated with the body 12 of the plug 10, is provided with a groove 916 delimited by fingers or elastic lip 917 and by a rib 918. The dimensions of this groove 916 and of the channel 13 in which this socket is intended to be placed are such that the socket can move relative to the channel, perpendicular to the given direction Δ. Opposite the hedgehog, this male socket ends in a nipple or the like 912. The other female of these sockets 91 which is associated with the body 32 of the adapter 30 comprises a chamber 913 intended to receive the nipple or the like 911 the male socket, with the interposition of a seal 914, for example an O-ring intended to rest on a seat 900 of the chamber 913; the entrance to this room is flared in a funnel as illustrated. The channel 33 formed in the body 32 of the adapter 30 includes a constriction 331 and at least one spur or the like 332 as drawn. The female sleeve 91 is provided with a collar 915 which is situated, as illustrated, between the neck 331 and the spur (s) 332 when the sleeve is in place in its channel. A spring 919 is housed between the collar 915 and the constriction 331 as illustrated. As can be observed, the spurs 332 have a configuration similar to that of the fingers 131 or of the lugs or lips 932 and a similar behavior. It will however be observed that they allow the passage of the collar 915 in an irreversible manner and that they operate in the manner of an escapement mechanism. Once in place, for example by elastic deformation, the collar which has passed through the spur (s) is retained by them and cannot escape them under the thrust of the spring 919.

When the two parts to be joined are brought together and the procedure is as previously indicated, the two sockets come into contact with one another and engage with one another; their mutual insertion is facilitated by the fact that it has degrees of freedom in translation relative to the given direction Δ both perpendicularly and parallel to it. The connection established is, here again reversible, as can be seen on examining the figures in the drawing.

It is easy to imagine that the variant embodiment according to FIGS. 7A and 7B is also suitable for establishing electrical connections, if the sockets are metallic, the seal not being essential. Other types of known pins are also suitable.

It will be noted that a connector according to the invention can be equipped with a single type of connecting members or several simultaneously and that the male and female elements can all be grouped on the plug or the adapter or else distributed between these last.

From the above, we understand all the interest of the self-centering automatic connector according to the invention, whether or not it is equipped with the improved connecting members indicated above. We immediately grasp all the advantages brought in particular for the automotive industry when it is necessary to operate automatically using robots or automata to bring together different parts which are subject to having a variable relative position in location and / or orientation within a prefixed tolerance range.

Claims (19)

1 - Self-centering automatic connector to ensure the continuity of links by engagement by translation in a given direction (Δ), comprising, inter alia, a plug and a base intended to be each carried by one of two different parts subject to have a variable relative position within a fixed tolerance range, this connector, the plug (10) of which comprises a base (11) for joining it to one of these parts, a body (12) and in the latter of the channels (13) intended to receive connecting members, and the base (20) of which comprises a base (21) for joining it to the other of these parts, a body (22) and a bottom (23 ), being remarkable in that it comprises an adapter (30) which is intended to receive by translation this plug (10) and which is intended to be mounted on this base (20) so as to be relatively mobile to the latter ( 20) and which comprises a mouthpiece (31), a body (32), channels ( 33) intended to receive connecting members, a flange (34) outside this body (32), a polarizing device (40) which is intended to ensure the alignment of the connecting members of the channels (13, 33) of this plug (10) and of the adapter (30) to establish the continuity of the connections and which is carried partly by the adapter (30) and partly by the plug (10), and a positioner (70) provided a bayonet mount (71) for (30) placing it on the base (20), elastic biasing means (72) tending to keep in contact adapter (30) and base (20) so as to first fix the original initial distance in this direction (Δ) separating this flange (34) and this bottom (23) and then to bring these flange (34) and bottom (23) together, with a rotation-limiting orienter (73) intended first to fix the original initial position in rotation according to this direction (Δ) of these adapter (30) and base (20) and then to allow such relative rotation in this direction (Δ) only between prefixed limits, and of an axial centralizer (74) intended to first to maintain initially coaxial in this direction (Δ) these adapter (30) and base (20) and then to allow them to be offset. 2 - Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the bayonet fitting (71) comprises at least one clearance (711) in the flange (34) of the adapter (30) and at least one corresponding flange (712) carried by the base (21) of the base (20) and directed inward, the size proper to these clearances (711) and flange (712) allow the introduction of the adapter (30) into the base (20) by a translation in this direction (Δ) and the retention of the adapter (30) in the base (20) after a rotation in this direction (Δ), and in that these elastic biasing means (72) tend to apply in contact these flange (34) and flange (712). 3 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that these elastic biasing means (72) are carried by the bottom (23) of the base (20) and bear on the flange (34) or on the body (32) of the adapter (30). 4 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that these elastic biasing means (72) are carried by the body (32) or the flange (34) of the adapter (30) and are supported on the bottom (13) of the base (20). 5 - Connector according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that these elastic biasing means (72) comprise at least one strip (721). 6 - Connector according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that this rotation-limiting orienter (73) comprises at least one notch (731) in the collar (34) of the adapter (30) and at least one corresponding prismatic stud (732), intended to be carried there by the rim (712) and the top of which is directed towards the bottom (23) of the base (20), the dimension of the base of this stud (732) being practically equal to the dimension of this notch ( 731) so that when these flange (34) and flange (712) are in contact these notches (731) and stud (732) fix the original initial position in rotation in this direction (Δ) of these adapter (30) and base (20) and so that when these flange (34) and flange (712) are separated against the forces developed by the elastic biasing means (72), these notch (731) and stud (732) allow such relative rotation in this direction (Δ) and limit the amplitude. 7 - Connector according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that this axial centralizer (74) comprises a ramp (741) in female cone carried by the body (22) of the base (20) and diverge towards the bottom (23) of the latter (20) and an edge (742) of the collar (34) of the adapter (30) intended to cooperate with this ramp (741) so that when these collar (34) and flange (712 ) are in contact these ramp (741) and edge (742) determine the original initial coaxial centering in this direction (Δ) of these adapter (30) and base (20) and so that when these flange (34) and flange ( 712) are separated against the forces developed by the elastic biasing means (72) these ramp (741) and edge (742) allow these adapter (30) and base (20) to be offset. 8 - Connector according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the polarizing device (40) comprises complementary male and female members (41, 42) intended to cooperate, carried one by the plug (10) and the other by the adapter (30). 9 - A connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the complementary members of this key (40) are at least one groove (41) which is formed outside the body (12) of the plug (10) and which is oriented parallel to this direction (Δ) and at least one tongue (42) which is carried inside these mouths (31) and body (32) of this adapter (30), which is oriented parallel to this direction (Δ ) and which is provided with a chamfer (421) directed opposite this flange (34). 10 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a locking device (50) which is carried partly by this plug (10) and partly by this adapter (30) and which is intended to hold these plug (10) and adapter (30) together after assembly in order to make the continuity of the connections unbreakable. 11 - Connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking device (50) comprises a guide (51) in the form of a funnel in the mouth (31) of the adapter (30), a keeper (52) outside on the body (32) of the adapter (30) and a bolt (53) outside the body (12) of the plug (10). 12 - Connector according to claim 11, characterized in that the keeper (52) comprises a slender groove (521) oriented parallel to this direction (Δ) and a notch (522) in the extension of the latter, and in that that the bolt (53) comprises an elastic blade (531) terminated by a spout (532) with a bevel (533) intended to cooperate with these groove (521) and notch (522). 13 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a sealing arrangement (60) between plug (10) and adapter (30). 14 - Connector according to claim 13, characterized in that this sealing arrangement (60) comprises a housing (61) with a lining (62) and a shoulder (63) intended to come to bear on the lining (62 ). 15 - Connector according to claim 14, characterized in that housing (61) and gasket (62) are located on the adapter (30), and the shoulder (63) is located on the plug (10). 16 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the cooperating connecting members (OL) comprise pairs of pins or the like for electrical contact. 17 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the connecting members (OL) comprise coupling couples or the like for hydraulic or even pneumatic fluid junction. 18 - Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the connecting members (OL) comprise pairs of ends, fittings or the like for mechanical connection. 19 - Connector according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that at least one of the connecting members (OL) cooperating with each pair is mounted movable parallel to this direction (Δ) and is resiliently stressed relative to the other of these cooperating connecting members of this pair, and in that at least one of the cooperating connecting members (OL) of each pair is mounted movable perpendicular to this direction (Δ).

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