EP1708313B1 - Multi-contact connector - Google Patents

Multi-contact connector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1708313B1
EP1708313B1 EP06300261A EP06300261A EP1708313B1 EP 1708313 B1 EP1708313 B1 EP 1708313B1 EP 06300261 A EP06300261 A EP 06300261A EP 06300261 A EP06300261 A EP 06300261A EP 1708313 B1 EP1708313 B1 EP 1708313B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
locking
case
housing
zones
assembly according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP06300261A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1708313A3 (en
EP1708313A2 (en
Inventor
Marnix Van Der Mee
Bernard Van Den Meerschaut
Stéphane Moyon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Radiall SA
Original Assignee
Radiall SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Radiall SA filed Critical Radiall SA
Publication of EP1708313A2 publication Critical patent/EP1708313A2/en
Publication of EP1708313A3 publication Critical patent/EP1708313A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1708313B1 publication Critical patent/EP1708313B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62905—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances comprising a camming member
    • H01R13/62927—Comprising supplementary or additional locking means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
    • H01R13/6275—Latching arms not integral with the housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62905—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances comprising a camming member
    • H01R13/62911—U-shaped sliding element

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a multicontact connector housing and such a multicontact connector, used in particular in the field of equipment on board an aircraft.
  • the document US 926 8103 discloses a multicontact connector with a mechanism to prevent its uncoupling with two locking zones with series of teeth.
  • the invention aims in particular to improve the assembly of two multicontact connector housings.
  • One of the first and second heights may, where appropriate, be zero.
  • the invention facilitates the locking of the second housing on the first and prevent the unlocking of the second housing relative to the first when the assembly is subjected to vibration.
  • the invention makes it possible to ensure relatively fine incrementation during locking while maintaining a sufficiently large tooth size for, on the one hand, their feasibility and, on the other hand, guaranteeing effective braking.
  • the invention makes it possible to ensure that at least one of the locking zones is correctly engaged on the corresponding locking zone, because of the offset between the different locking zones.
  • the difference between the first and second height is equal to a multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth.
  • This configuration is advantageous when the locking cap of the second housing has exactly two elastically deformable tabs spaced along the first axis.
  • the difference may be equal to a multiple of one third of the pitch of the series of teeth when each of the first and second housings comprise three interlocking zones spaced along the first axis.
  • the tabs of the locking cap may all be identical or different.
  • the locking zones of the first housing may have different numbers of teeth or not.
  • the locking zones of at least one of the first and second housings are substantially aligned on the first axis.
  • the first housing having a housing body, the locking regions of the first housing are preferably formed on a side face of the housing body.
  • the elastically deformable tabs may each extend in a window of the locking cap, for example.
  • the first housing comprises two pairs of locking zones that are symmetrical with respect to a plane, each pair preferably being made on a lateral face of the first housing
  • the locking cover of the second housing may comprise two pairs of elastically deformable tabs, each tab being adapted to cooperate with an associated locking zone of the first housing.
  • the first housing comprises at least one raised locking element, in particular a pin, and the locking cap at least one slot in which the locking element of the first housing is slidable when the cover moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, so that when the cover is in the locked position, the cooperation of the locking with the slot secures the two housings together in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.
  • Each slot of the locking cap may for example have a shape substantially in L.
  • the locking cap is preferably slidably mounted on the body of the second housing.
  • the body of the second housing comprises at least one guide groove, including two parallel guide grooves, in each of which can slide a flange of the locking cap.
  • the locking cover comprises at least one elastically deformable tab, in particular two elastically deformable tabs, each being adapted to cooperate with a guide notch formed on the body of the second casing.
  • the first and second housings may be of the circular type, the series of teeth of the first housing being able to extend for example along a circumference of the first housing, over an angular sector in particular of 360 °, and the elastically deformable tabs of the second housing being able to example have a cross section in an arc.
  • At least one of the housing bodies is made for example of metal, plastic with a metallized coating or plastic with a conductive filler.
  • the subject of the invention is also a multicontact connector housing comprising at least two locking zones each having a series of teeth perpendicular to a first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart, the locking zones being made on one side substantially plane of a housing body.
  • the invention further relates to a multicontact connector housing having a housing body and a movable locking cover relative to the housing body, parallel to a first axis, between an unlocked position and a position locked, the locking cap comprising at least two elastically deformable tabs each provided with a locking zone with a series of teeth perpendicular to the first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart.
  • the invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising one of the housings as defined above.
  • the locking of the connector housing on the support can be performed manually, without tools, while ensuring a satisfactory attachment of the connector housing on the support.
  • the locking member is slidably mounted on the housing body.
  • the housing body and the locking element form a housing receiving the resilient return member.
  • the locking element comprises at least one elastically deformable tab adapted to be applied to a first stop of the housing body when the locking element is in the unlocked position.
  • the housing body comprises a second stop on which the elastically deformable tab can be applied to limit the stroke of the locking element when the latter is moved on a stroke beyond the locked position.
  • the locking element remains integral with the housing body and it reduces or even eliminates the risk of misplacing one or more component parts of the connector housing.
  • the locking element comprises a button connected to the elastically deformable tab, the button defining a bearing surface allowing a user to exercise, in particular with the aid of a finger, a force on the tab elastically deformable to lock the locking member on the support.
  • the housing body advantageously comprises a slot through which the button extends.
  • the locking element comprises a groove perpendicular to the sliding direction of the locking element and arranged to cooperate with said support when the locking element is in the locked position.
  • the housing body and the locking element respectively comprise first and second registration surfaces, preferably planar, arranged so that, when the locking element is in the unlocked position, the first and second surfaces in a first relative position, in which these surfaces are for example offset, and when the locking element is in the locked position, the first and second surfaces of in a second relative position, in which these surfaces are for example substantially aligned.
  • first and second registration surfaces may be, if desired, of different colors.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to check visually whether the locking of the locking element has been carried out correctly.
  • the locking element comprises an actuating part provided for example with a slot, arranged to provide a grip for a user to move, in particular with the aid of a tool, the locking element towards the unlocked position, against the force exerted by the elastic return member.
  • an actuating part provided for example with a slot, arranged to provide a grip for a user to move, in particular with the aid of a tool, the locking element towards the unlocked position, against the force exerted by the elastic return member.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to reset, if necessary, the locking element, for example by means of a screwdriver, for later use.
  • the locking element is made in one piece, in particular plastic.
  • the elastic return member comprises a spring, in particular a helical spring.
  • the elastic return member may comprise any other element, for example an elastomer block.
  • the fixing portion of the housing body comprises at least one tab, in particular deformable, arranged to be applied on the support when the housing is mounted on the support, in particular to achieve a mechanical and electrical connection of the connector on the support.
  • the housing body is electrically conductive.
  • the housing body comprises at least one housing arranged to receive at least one insulating block for mounting electrical contact elements.
  • the invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above and electrical contact elements mounted in the connector housing.
  • the invention also relates to a support for receiving at least one multicontact connector housing, the support comprising two substantially rectilinear edges and parallel, the support comprising, on at least one of the two edges, at least one indexing notch.
  • the connector housing and the bracket can be arranged so that the housing can be mounted on the carrier only at a notch.
  • the support may comprise two substantially coplanar edge portions, the attachment portion of the housing body engaging one of said edge portions and the locking member on the other edge portion.
  • the invention further relates to an assembly comprising a support and a multicontact connector housing as defined above, the connector housing being removably mounted on the support.
  • the invention further relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a multicontact connector housing having a housing body having a cable tie portion arranged to allow cables to be attached thereto, preferably using a fastener separate from the housing body, for example a conductive or insulating collar, the fastening portion projecting from the rear of the housing body and preferably having a cross-section substantially of U.
  • the cable tie portion may form a cable exit area grounded with a fastener such as a conductive collar, in the case where the housing incorporates a conductive shield cover .
  • the attachment portion is made in one piece or not with the rest of the housing body.
  • the housing body may have a longitudinal recess extending substantially from a housing of the housing body for receiving an insulating block for electrical contact elements, to the attachment portion.
  • This recess can allow for example to guide cables connected to the electrical contact elements, into the output zone of the connector housing.
  • the longitudinal recess extends substantially perpendicular to the connection face.
  • the housing comprises a conductive shielding cover arranged to be assembled to the housing body, preferably removably.
  • the housing body and the shielding cap assembled together advantageously form a complete shielding surface.
  • the housing can be used with a shielding cover mounted on it or without a shielding cover, depending on the desired functions.
  • the shielding cap comprises a rear portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section, this rear portion being arranged to cooperate with the attachment portion of the casing body to form an opening. tubular housing for introducing cables into the housing.
  • the shielding cap comprises at least one attachment shank protruding outside the tubular opening and arranged to allow to attach cables leaving the opening .
  • the shielding cap comprises at least one resiliently deformable tab arranged to cooperate with the casing body snap-fastening in order to maintain the shielding cap on the casing body.
  • This elastically deformable tab also makes it possible to ensure, if desired, a satisfactory mass continuity and / or shielding between the housing body and the shielding cap, in particular without the intermediary of an insert clamping element.
  • the shielding cap comprises a plurality of elastically deformable tabs on two perpendicular edges of the shielding cap.
  • At least one of the elastically deformable tabs is applied to the outside of the case body when the shielding cap is assembled on the case body.
  • This elastically deformable tab may extend for example on a lower edge of the shielding cap.
  • the shielding cap can be made for example of metal, plastic with a metallized coating or plastic incorporating a conductive filler.
  • the connector housing may be of rectangular or circular type.
  • the invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above, and contact elements mounted on the connector, these contact elements being connected to cables, which are secured to the attachment portion of the housing body, for example using an insert such as a collar, the housing may be without shielding cap.
  • the invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above, and electrical contact elements mounted on the connector, the housing comprising a shielding cap mounted on a housing body, the contact elements being connected to cables fixed on a catching lug of the shielding cap, for example by means of an attached clamping piece such as a collar.
  • the invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above, and electrical contact elements, these contact elements being connected to cables, these cables being introduced into a sheath with a fixed braid on the cable tie portion of the housing body and on the rear portion of the shield of the connector housing, this ground strap being maintained for example by means of a reported clamping piece such as a conductive collar.
  • FIG. 1 a multicontact connector housing 1 of rectangular type, mounted on a support 2.
  • the housing 1 comprises a housing body 3 made for example of plastic material having a metallized coating.
  • the body 3 comprises a base 5 of generally rectangular shape X axis on which is connected a fixing portion 6 having two parallel legs 7, as shown in the figure 2 .
  • These tabs 7 may be slightly elastically deformable to allow a satisfactory attachment of these tabs 7 on the support 2, as will be seen later.
  • the base 5 has two grooves 9 parallel to the axis X, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the base 5 further comprises a registration surface 10 extending perpendicularly to the axis X.
  • the housing 1 further has a rectangular connection face 15 through which the housing 1 is coupled to a complementary multicontact connector housing.
  • the housing 1 further has a housing 16 for receiving an insulating block for fixing electrical contact elements, this housing 16 being perpendicular to the X axis and extending above the base 5, as shown in FIG. the figure 1 .
  • the housing 1 has a longitudinal recess 17 extending along the X axis from the housing 16 into a cable attachment portion 18 protruding from the rear of the housing 1.
  • the attachment portion 18 is arranged to allow cables to be attached to this portion, as will be seen later.
  • This attachment portion 18 has a substantially U-shaped cross section.
  • the housing 16 is defined by two lateral walls 20 on each of which two locking zones 21 are formed.
  • each locking zone 21 comprises a series of teeth 22 perpendicular to a Y axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart, the two locking zones 21 being separated from each other by a space having a first height h 1 measured along the Y axis.
  • the two locking zones 21 of a side face 20 are different from each other, the teeth 22 having for example a different length.
  • the zones 21 may all be identical.
  • the locking zones 21 of a lateral face 20 are symmetrical with the zones 21 on the other lateral face 20 with respect to a plane passing through the X and Y axes.
  • the housing 1 comprises on each side face 20 two relief locking elements 24, formed in the example each considered by a pin, whose role will be explained later.
  • the housing 1 further comprises a locking member 30 slidably mounted on the base 5 of the housing body 3.
  • the locking element 30 is made of plastic material, preferably in one piece.
  • the locking member 30 has two parallel ribs 31 for slidingly engaging the corresponding grooves 9 in the base 5, as shown in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the locking element 30 further has a substantially planar registration surface 32.
  • the locking element 30 forms with the base 5 a housing 34 intended to receive an elastic return member 35, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 .
  • the elastic return member 35 is constituted by a helical spring.
  • the elastic return member 35 is applied at one end to the locking element 30 and at the opposite end to the housing body 3.
  • the locking element 30 has an actuating portion 36 provided with a slot 37, this actuating portion 36 providing a grip for a user to move, using a tool such as a screwdriver, the locking element 30 against the force exerted by the resilient return member 35.
  • the locking element 30 has, opposite the actuating part 36, an elastically deformable tab 38 arranged to be applied on a first abutment 39 of the casing body 3 when the locking element 30 is in a unlocked position, as shown on the figure 3 .
  • the first stop 39 is made for example on the underside of the base 5 of the casing body 3.
  • the locking element 30 further comprises a button 40 connected to the elastically deformable tab 38, the button 40 defining a bearing surface 41 allowing a user to exert, particularly with the aid of a finger, a force on the elastically deformable tab in order to disengage it from the first stop 39.
  • the button 40 extends through a slot 44 made on the base 5 of the casing body 3.
  • the housing body 3 further has a second stop 43 made on the underside of the base 5 and on which the elastically deformable tab 38 can be applied to limit the stroke of the locking element 30 when the latter is disengaged from the first stop 39 and the connector housing 1 is unassembled with the support 2.
  • the locking element 30 can be separated from the housing body 3, when the connector housing 1 is not used, being for example stored before use.
  • the locking element 30 has a groove 46 extending perpendicularly to the X axis and arranged to cooperate with the support 2 when the locking element is in a locked position, as shown in FIG. figure 4 .
  • the registration surface 10 of the housing body 3 and that of the locking element 30 extend substantially in continuity with one another when the locking element 30 is in the locked position, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 and 5 .
  • the marking surfaces 10 and 32 are offset relative to each other along the X axis.
  • the user can visually check whether the locking member 30 is in a proper locking position, if any.
  • the support 2 has a longitudinal shape along an axis Z, perpendicular to the axis X.
  • the support 2 has in cross section, perpendicular to the axis Z, a central portion 50 having a substantially U-shaped and two portions at the edge 51, on either side of this central portion 50, these edge portions 51 s extending in a plane defined by the X and Z axes.
  • These portions 51 define parallel edges 52 parallel to the Z axis and have notches 53 regularly spaced on each edge 52, these notches 53 serving as indexing elements when mounting the housing 1 on the support 2.
  • the support 2 is made of metal.
  • the groove 46 engages the edge portion 51 of the support 2, due to the force exerted by the elastic return member 35 on the locking member 30 .
  • the connector housing 1 is thus held on the support 2, on the one hand, thanks to the locking element 30 in engagement with an edge portion 51 of the support 2 and, on the other hand, thanks to the bracketed tabs 7 with the other portion at the edge 51, as illustrated on the figure 2 .
  • These tabs 7 may be slightly elastically deformable, so as to apply with a residual stress on the edge portion 51 of the support 2.
  • the connector housing 1 can be assembled, if desired, with a second multicontact connector housing 60, as shown in FIG. figure 6 .
  • the second housing 60 has a connection face 61 through which the housing 60 is assembled with the housing 1.
  • the second housing 60 includes a housing body 62 and a locking hood 63 movable relative to the housing body 62 parallel to the Y axis between an unlocked position and a locked position.
  • the locking cover 63 comprises two pairs of elastically deformable tabs 65 each provided with a locking zone 66 with a series of teeth 67 perpendicular to the Y axis.
  • each locking zone 66 of an elastically deformable tab 65 being intended to cooperate with a locking zone 21 of the housing 1 when the two housings 1 and 60 are assembled and the locking cap 63 is in the locked position.
  • the locking zones 66 of the second housing 60 are separated from each other, along the Y axis, by a space having a second height h 2 measured along this axis Y, different from the height h 1 above.
  • the series of teeth of the locking zones 21 and 66 on the housings 1 and 60 all have the same pitch and the difference between the first and second heights h 1 and h 2 is different from a multiple of no series of teeth.
  • this difference between h 1 and h 2 is equal to a multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth.
  • the deviation h 1 is multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth and h 2 multiple of a step of the series of teeth.
  • the difference h 1 is a multiple of one step of the series of teeth and h 2 which is a multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth.
  • This offset of a half-step makes it possible to ensure a relatively fine incrementation during the locking of the cover 63 on the casing body 1.
  • the tabs 65 are each made in a window 69 of the locking cap 63.
  • the locking cover 63 has two pairs of slots 70 in each of which a locking element 24 of the housing 1 can slide when the cover 63 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, so that when the cover is in position locked, the cooperation of the locking element 24 with the corresponding slot 70 secures the two housings 1 and 60 together in the X direction.
  • each slot 70 has a shape substantially in L.
  • the locking cover 63 is slidably mounted on the housing body 62.
  • the housing body 62 may comprise two parallel guide grooves 72 and in each of which can slide a flange 73 of the locking cover 63, as shown in FIG. figure 8 .
  • the locking cover 63 comprises two elastically deformable tabs 74, each being able to cooperate with a guide notch 75 made on the casing body 62.
  • the housing body 62 has a cable tie portion 18 like the housing 1.
  • the assembly of the housings 1 and 60 is made in a relatively simple manner, bringing these two housings facing each other, engaging the reliefs 24 in the slots 70 and sliding the cover 63 along the Y axis in order to immobilize the cover 63 with respect to the housing body 62 through the cooperation of the locking zones 21 and 66 and that of the locking elements 24 in the slots 70.
  • the locked position of the hood 63 is illustrated on the figure 7 .
  • the connector housing 60 receives an insulating block 90 fixed in the housing 16 and having cells into which electrical contact elements 91 are introduced.
  • Each contact element 91 is connected to a cable 92.
  • the wire harness 92 is fixed to the cable tie portion 18 of the housing 60 by means of a clamping collar 93 made of a conductive material, for example metal.
  • the connector housing 1 may comprise, if desired, a shielding cap 95 made for example of metal, or electrically conductive plastic material or plastic material with a conductive coating.
  • the shielding cap 95 has two leading edges 96 extending parallel to the Y axis and two lower edges 97 extending parallel to the X axis.
  • the shielding cap 95 has on its edges 96 and 97 elastically deformable tabs 98 and 99, respectively.
  • the housing body 3 has grooves 100 parallel to the Y axis and in which the resiliently deformable tabs 98 of the shielding cap 95 can snap-engage.
  • the elastically deformable tabs 99 are applied on an outer face 102 of the casing body 3.
  • the shielding cap 95 comprises a rear portion 105 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, this rear portion 105 being arranged to cooperate with the fastening portion 18 of the casing body 3 in order to form a tubular opening 106 for introducing cables in the housing, as shown in the Figures 9 and 10 .
  • the shielding cap 95 further includes a hooking tail 108 projecting out of the tubular opening 106 and arranged to allow attachment of cables exiting the opening 106 as shown in FIG. figure 11 .
  • the cable harness 92 may be attached to the attachment shank 108, for example by means of a clamping collar 110 made of a conductive material, this collar 110 being placed on the attachment shank 108.
  • the invention thus offers a satisfactory modularity as regards the use of the various elements of the connector.
  • the cables 92 can be introduced into a sheath with a mass braid 112 fixed on the cable tie portion of the housing body and on the rear portion of the shielding cap 95.
  • This mass braid 112 is held for example by means of a clamping piece 113 attached to this braid 112.
  • One of the heights h 1 and h 2 may for example be zero, in which case two locking zones 21 of the housing body 3 may for example be adjacent to each other.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

Abstract

The connector has a multi-contact connector case (1) presenting a housing defined by two lateral walls (20) on which locking zones (21) are formed. The zones are separated from each other by a space comprising a height (h 1) measured along the Y-axis. Another multi-contact connector case (60) has a locking enclosure (63) comprising two pairs of elastically deformable prongs (65) provided with locking zones (66) that are separated by a space comprising a height (h 2) measured along the Y-axis. The difference between the heights is different for a multiple of a pitch of teeth of the zones. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling multi-contact connector cases in a removable manner.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts et un tel connecteur multicontacts, utilisé notamment dans le domaine d'équipements embarqués à bord d'un aéronef. Le document US 926 8103 décrit un connecteur multicontacts avec un mécanisme pour empêcher son désaccouplement avec deux zones de verrouillage avec des séries de dents.The present invention relates to a multicontact connector housing and such a multicontact connector, used in particular in the field of equipment on board an aircraft. The document US 926 8103 discloses a multicontact connector with a mechanism to prevent its uncoupling with two locking zones with series of teeth.

L'invention vise notamment à améliorer l'assemblage de deux boîtiers de connecteur multicontacts.The invention aims in particular to improve the assembly of two multicontact connector housings.

L'invention a ainsi pour objet un ensemble de connexion comportant :

  • un premier boîtier de connecteur multicontacts comportant au moins deux zones de verrouillage avec chacune une série de dents perpendiculaires à un premier axe, les dents de chaque série étant régulièrement espacées, les deux zones de verrouillage étant séparées l'une de l'autre par un espace ayant une première hauteur mesurée suivant ledit premier axe,
  • un deuxième boîtier de connecteur multicontacts apte à être assemblé, de préférence de manière amovible, avec le premier boîtier, le deuxième boîtier comportant un corps de boîtier et un capot de verrouillage mobile par rapport au corps de boîtier, parallèlement audit premier axe, entre une position déverrouillée et une position verrouillée, le capot de verrouillage comprenant au moins deux pattes élastiquement déformables pourvues chacune d'une zone de verrouillage avec une série de dents perpendiculaires au premier axe, les dents de chaque série étant régulièrement espacées, chaque zone de verrouillage d'une patte élastiquement déformable coopérant avec une zone de verrouillage du premier boîtier lorsque les deux boîtiers sont assemblés et le capot de verrouillage est dans la position verrouillée, les zones de verrouillage du deuxième boîtier étant séparées l'une de l'autre par un espace ayant une deuxième hauteur mesurée suivant ledit premier axe, différente de la première hauteur,
les séries de dents des zones de verrouillage sur les deux boîtiers ayant toutes le même pas, l'écart entre les première et deuxième hauteurs étant différent d'un multiple du pas des séries de dents.The invention thus relates to a connection assembly comprising:
  • a first multicontact connector housing having at least two locking regions each having a series of teeth perpendicular to a first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart, the two locking zones being separated from one another by a space having a first height measured along said first axis,
  • a second multicontact connector housing adapted to be assembled, preferably removably, with the first housing, the second housing having a housing body and a locking cover movable relative to the housing body, parallel to said first axis, between a housing unlocked position and a locked position, the locking cap comprising at least two elastically deformable tabs each provided with a locking zone with a series of teeth perpendicular to the first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart, each locking zone d an elastically deformable tab cooperating with a locking zone of the first housing when the two housings are assembled and the locking hood is in the locked position, the locking zones of the second housing being separated from one another by a space having a second height measured according to said first xe, different from the first height,
the series of teeth of the locking zones on the two housings all having the same pitch, the difference between the first and second heights being different from a multiple of the pitch of the series of teeth.

L'une des première et deuxième hauteurs peut, le cas échéant, être nulle.One of the first and second heights may, where appropriate, be zero.

L'invention permet de faciliter le verrouillage du deuxième boîtier sur le premier et prévenir le déverrouillage du deuxième boîtier par rapport au premier lorsque l'ensemble est soumis à des vibrations.The invention facilitates the locking of the second housing on the first and prevent the unlocking of the second housing relative to the first when the assembly is subjected to vibration.

De plus, l'invention permet d'assurer une incrémentation relativement fine lors du verrouillage tout en conservant une taille de dents suffisamment importante pour, d'une part, leur faisabilité et, d'autre part, garantir un freinage efficace.In addition, the invention makes it possible to ensure relatively fine incrementation during locking while maintaining a sufficiently large tooth size for, on the one hand, their feasibility and, on the other hand, guaranteeing effective braking.

En effet, l'invention permet d'assurer qu'au moins l'une des zones de verrouillage soit engagée correctement sur la zone de verrouillage correspondante, du fait du décalage entre les différentes zones de verrouillage.Indeed, the invention makes it possible to ensure that at least one of the locking zones is correctly engaged on the corresponding locking zone, because of the offset between the different locking zones.

Dans un exemple de mise en en oeuvre de l'invention, l'écart entre les première et deuxième hauteurs est égal à un multiple d'un demi-pas des séries de dents.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the difference between the first and second height is equal to a multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth.

Cette configuration est avantageuse lorsque le capot de verrouillage du deuxième boîtier comporte exactement deux pattes élastiquement déformables espacées suivant le premier axe.This configuration is advantageous when the locking cap of the second housing has exactly two elastically deformable tabs spaced along the first axis.

L'écart peut être égal à un multiple d'un tiers du pas des séries de dents lorsque chacun des premier et deuxième boîtiers comportent trois zones de verrouillage espacées suivant le premier axe.The difference may be equal to a multiple of one third of the pitch of the series of teeth when each of the first and second housings comprise three interlocking zones spaced along the first axis.

Les pattes du capot de verrouillage peuvent être toutes identiques ou non.The tabs of the locking cap may all be identical or different.

Les zones de verrouillage du premier boîtier peuvent présenter des nombres de dents différents ou non.The locking zones of the first housing may have different numbers of teeth or not.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, les zones de verrouillage de l'un au moins des premier et deuxième boîtiers sont sensiblement alignées sur le premier axe.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the locking zones of at least one of the first and second housings are substantially aligned on the first axis.

Le premier boîtier comportant un corps de boîtier, les zones de verrouillage du premier boîtier sont réalisées de préférence sur une face latérale du corps de boîtier.The first housing having a housing body, the locking regions of the first housing are preferably formed on a side face of the housing body.

Les pattes élastiquement déformables peuvent s'étendre chacune dans une fenêtre du capot de verrouillage, par exemple.The elastically deformable tabs may each extend in a window of the locking cap, for example.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le premier boîtier comporte deux paires de zones de verrouillage symétriques par rapport à un plan, chaque paire étant de préférence réalisée sur une face latérale du premier boîtier, le capot de verrouillage du deuxième boîtier pouvant comporter deux paires de pattes élastiquement déformables, chaque patte étant apte à coopérer avec une zone de verrouillage associée du premier boîtier.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the first housing comprises two pairs of locking zones that are symmetrical with respect to a plane, each pair preferably being made on a lateral face of the first housing, the locking cover of the second housing may comprise two pairs of elastically deformable tabs, each tab being adapted to cooperate with an associated locking zone of the first housing.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le premier boîtier comporte au moins un élément de blocage en relief, notamment un picot, et le capot de verrouillage au moins une fente dans laquelle l'élément de blocage du premier boîtier peut coulisser lorsque le capot passe de la position déverrouillée vers la position verrouillée, de manière à ce que, lorsque le capot est en position verrouillée, la coopération de l'élément de blocage avec la fente solidarise les deux boîtiers ensemble dans une direction perpendiculaire au premier axe.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the first housing comprises at least one raised locking element, in particular a pin, and the locking cap at least one slot in which the locking element of the first housing is slidable when the cover moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, so that when the cover is in the locked position, the cooperation of the locking with the slot secures the two housings together in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Chaque fente du capot de verrouillage peut présenter par exemple une forme sensiblement en L.Each slot of the locking cap may for example have a shape substantially in L.

Le capot de verrouillage est monté de préférence de manière coulissante sur le corps du deuxième boîtier.The locking cap is preferably slidably mounted on the body of the second housing.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le corps du deuxième boîtier comporte au moins une rainure de guidage, notamment deux rainures de guidage parallèles, dans chacune desquelles peut coulisser un rebord du capot de verrouillage.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the body of the second housing comprises at least one guide groove, including two parallel guide grooves, in each of which can slide a flange of the locking cap.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le capot de verrouillage comporte au moins une patte élastiquement déformable, notamment deux pattes élastiquement déformables, chacune étant apte à coopérer avec une encoche de guidage réalisée sur le corps du deuxième boîtier.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the locking cover comprises at least one elastically deformable tab, in particular two elastically deformable tabs, each being adapted to cooperate with a guide notch formed on the body of the second casing.

Les premier et deuxième boîtiers peuvent être du type circulaire, les séries de dents du premier boîtier pouvant s'étendre par exemple suivant une circonférence du premier boîtier, sur un secteur angulaire notamment de 360°, et les pattes élastiquement déformables du deuxième boîtier pouvant par exemple présenter une section transversale en arc de cercle.The first and second housings may be of the circular type, the series of teeth of the first housing being able to extend for example along a circumference of the first housing, over an angular sector in particular of 360 °, and the elastically deformable tabs of the second housing being able to example have a cross section in an arc.

L'un au moins des corps de boîtier est réalisé par exemple en métal, en matière plastique avec un revêtement métallisé ou en matière plastique avec une charge conductrice.At least one of the housing bodies is made for example of metal, plastic with a metallized coating or plastic with a conductive filler.

L'invention a encore pour objet un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts comportant au moins deux zones de verrouillage avec chacune une série de dents perpendiculaires à un premier axe, les dents de chaque série étant régulièrement espacées, les zones de verrouillage étant réalisées sur une face sensiblement plane d'un corps du boîtier.The subject of the invention is also a multicontact connector housing comprising at least two locking zones each having a series of teeth perpendicular to a first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart, the locking zones being made on one side substantially plane of a housing body.

L'invention a encore pour objet un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts comportant un corps de boîtier et un capot de verrouillage mobile par rapport au corps de boîtier, parallèlement à un premier axe, entre une position déverrouillée et une position verrouillée, le capot de verrouillage comprenant au moins deux pattes élastiquement déformables pourvues chacune d'une zone de verrouillage avec une série de dents perpendiculaires au premier axe, les dents de chaque série étant régulièrement espacées.The invention further relates to a multicontact connector housing having a housing body and a movable locking cover relative to the housing body, parallel to a first axis, between an unlocked position and a position locked, the locking cap comprising at least two elastically deformable tabs each provided with a locking zone with a series of teeth perpendicular to the first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart.

L'invention a encore pour objet un connecteur multicontacts comportant l'un des boîtiers tels que définis ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising one of the housings as defined above.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé pour assembler, de préférence de manière amovible, les premier et deuxième boîtiers de connecteur de l'ensemble tel que défini ci-dessus, le procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • positionner les premier et deuxième boîtiers l'un par rapport à l'autre en engageant le ou les éléments de blocage du premier boîtier dans la ou les fentes du capot de verrouillage,
  • faire coulisser en translation le capot de verrouillage par rapport au corps du deuxième boîtier de manière à engager les zones de verrouillage du capot de verrouillage sur celles du premier boîtier de connecteur et amener le ou les éléments de blocage en fin de course dans la ou les fentes correspondantes du capot de verrouillage, en vue de réaliser le blocage du capot de verrouillage par rapport au premier boîtier.
The invention further relates to a method for assembling, preferably removably, the first and second connector housings of the assembly as defined above, the method comprising the following steps:
  • positioning the first and second housings relative to each other by engaging the one or more locking elements of the first housing in the slot or slits of the locking cover,
  • translational sliding the locking cap relative to the body of the second housing so as to engage the locking zones of the locking cap on those of the first connector housing and bring the locking element (s) at the end of the stroke into the one or more corresponding slots of the locking cap, for locking the locking cap relative to the first housing.

Grâce à l'invention, le verrouillage du boîtier de connecteur sur le support peut être réalisé manuellement, sans outil, tout en assurant un accrochage satisfaisant du boîtier de connecteur sur le support.Thanks to the invention, the locking of the connector housing on the support can be performed manually, without tools, while ensuring a satisfactory attachment of the connector housing on the support.

Le montage du boîtier de connecteur sur le support peut ainsi être relativement simple.Mounting the connector housing on the support can thus be relatively simple.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'élément de verrouillage est monté de manière coulissante sur le corps de boîtier.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the locking member is slidably mounted on the housing body.

Avantageusement, le corps de boîtier et l'élément de verrouillage forment un logement recevant l'organe de rappel élastique.Advantageously, the housing body and the locking element form a housing receiving the resilient return member.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'élément de verrouillage comporte au moins une patte élastiquement déformable apte à s'appliquer sur une première butée du corps de boîtier lorsque l'élément de verrouillage est dans la position déverrouillée.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the locking element comprises at least one elastically deformable tab adapted to be applied to a first stop of the housing body when the locking element is in the unlocked position.

De préférence, le corps de boîtier comporte une deuxième butée sur laquelle la patte élastiquement déformable peut s'appliquer pour limiter la course de l'élément de verrouillage lorsque celui-ci est déplacé sur une course au-delà de la position verrouillée.Preferably, the housing body comprises a second stop on which the elastically deformable tab can be applied to limit the stroke of the locking element when the latter is moved on a stroke beyond the locked position.

Ainsi, l'élément de verrouillage reste solidaire du corps de boîtier et l'on réduit, voire supprime, le risque d'égarer une ou plusieurs pièces constitutives du boîtier de connecteur.Thus, the locking element remains integral with the housing body and it reduces or even eliminates the risk of misplacing one or more component parts of the connector housing.

Avantageusement, l'élément de verrouillage comporte un bouton se raccordant à la patte élastiquement déformable, le bouton définissant une surface d'appui permettant à un utilisateur d'exercer, notamment à l'aide d'un doigt, une force sur la patte élastiquement déformable en vue de verrouiller l'élément de verrouillage sur le support.Advantageously, the locking element comprises a button connected to the elastically deformable tab, the button defining a bearing surface allowing a user to exercise, in particular with the aid of a finger, a force on the tab elastically deformable to lock the locking member on the support.

Le corps de boîtier comporte avantageusement une fente à travers laquelle s'étend le bouton.The housing body advantageously comprises a slot through which the button extends.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'élément de verrouillage comporte une rainure perpendiculaire à la direction de coulissement de l'élément de verrouillage et agencé pour coopérer avec ledit support lorsque l'élément de verrouillage est en position verrouillée.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the locking element comprises a groove perpendicular to the sliding direction of the locking element and arranged to cooperate with said support when the locking element is in the locked position.

Avantageusement, le corps de boîtier et l'élément de verrouillage comportent respectivement des première et deuxième surfaces de repérage, de préférence planes, agencées de manière à ce que, lorsque l'élément de verrouillage est dans la position déverrouillée, les première et deuxième surfaces de repérage sont dans une première position relative, dans laquelle ces surfaces sont par exemple décalées, et lorsque l'élément de verrouillage est dans la position verrouillée, les première et deuxième surfaces de repérage sont dans une deuxième position relative, dans laquelle ces surfaces sont par exemple sensiblement alignées. Ces première et deuxième surfaces de repérage peuvent être, si on le souhaite, de couleurs différentes.Advantageously, the housing body and the locking element respectively comprise first and second registration surfaces, preferably planar, arranged so that, when the locking element is in the unlocked position, the first and second surfaces in a first relative position, in which these surfaces are for example offset, and when the locking element is in the locked position, the first and second surfaces of in a second relative position, in which these surfaces are for example substantially aligned. These first and second registration surfaces may be, if desired, of different colors.

L'invention permet ainsi de vérifier visuellement si le verrouillage de l'élément de verrouillage a été réalisé de manière correcte.The invention thus makes it possible to check visually whether the locking of the locking element has been carried out correctly.

De préférence, l'élément de verrouillage comporte une partie d'actionnement pourvue par exemple d'une fente, agencée pour offrir une prise à un utilisateur pour déplacer, notamment à l'aide d'un outil, l'élément de verrouillage vers la position déverrouillée, à l'encontre de l'effort exercé par l'organe de rappel élastique.Preferably, the locking element comprises an actuating part provided for example with a slot, arranged to provide a grip for a user to move, in particular with the aid of a tool, the locking element towards the unlocked position, against the force exerted by the elastic return member.

L'invention permet ainsi de réarmer, le cas échéant, l'élément de verrouillage, par exemple à l'aide d'un tournevis, pour une utilisation ultérieure.The invention thus makes it possible to reset, if necessary, the locking element, for example by means of a screwdriver, for later use.

De préférence, l'élément de verrouillage est réalisé d'un seul tenant, notamment en matière plastique.Preferably, the locking element is made in one piece, in particular plastic.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'organe de rappel élastique comporte un ressort, notamment un ressort hélicoïdal.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the elastic return member comprises a spring, in particular a helical spring.

En variante, l'organe de rappel élastique peut comporter tout autre élément, par exemple un bloc en élastomère.As a variant, the elastic return member may comprise any other element, for example an elastomer block.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, la partie de fixation du corps de boîtier comporte au moins une patte, notamment déformable, agencée pour s'appliquer sur le support lorsque le boîtier est monté sur le support, afin notamment de réaliser une liaison mécanique et électrique du connecteur sur le support.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the fixing portion of the housing body comprises at least one tab, in particular deformable, arranged to be applied on the support when the housing is mounted on the support, in particular to achieve a mechanical and electrical connection of the connector on the support.

La mise en place de la ou des pattes de la partie de fixation du corps de boîtier sur le support assure une fonction auto-nettoyante.Placing the one or more lugs of the fastening portion of the casing body on the support provides a self-cleaning function.

De préférence, le corps de boîtier est électriquement conducteur.Preferably, the housing body is electrically conductive.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le corps de boîtier comporte au moins un logement agencé pour recevoir au moins un bloc isolant pour le montage d'éléments de contact électrique.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the housing body comprises at least one housing arranged to receive at least one insulating block for mounting electrical contact elements.

L'invention a encore pour objet un connecteur multicontacts comportant un boîtier tel que défini ci-dessus et des éléments de contact électriques montés dans le boîtier de connecteur.The invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above and electrical contact elements mounted in the connector housing.

L'invention a encore pour objet un support pour recevoir au moins un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts, le support comportant deux bords sensiblement rectilignes et parallèles, le support comportant, sur l'un au moins des deux bords, au moins une encoche d'indexation.The invention also relates to a support for receiving at least one multicontact connector housing, the support comprising two substantially rectilinear edges and parallel, the support comprising, on at least one of the two edges, at least one indexing notch.

Le boîtier de connecteur et le support peuvent être agencés de manière à ce que le boîtier puisse être monté sur le support uniquement au niveau d'une encoche.The connector housing and the bracket can be arranged so that the housing can be mounted on the carrier only at a notch.

Le support peut comporter deux portions en bordure sensiblement coplanaires, la partie de fixation du corps de boîtier venant en prise sur l'une desdites portions en bordure et l'élément de verrouillage sur l'autre portion en bordure.The support may comprise two substantially coplanar edge portions, the attachment portion of the housing body engaging one of said edge portions and the locking member on the other edge portion.

L'invention a encore pour objet un ensemble comportant un support et un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts tels que définis ci-dessus, le boîtier de connecteur étant monté de manière amovible sur le support.The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a support and a multicontact connector housing as defined above, the connector housing being removably mounted on the support.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé de montage d'un boîtier de connecteur tel que défini ci-dessus sur un support, le procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • placer le boîtier de connecteur sur le support, l'élément de verrouillage étant en position déverrouillée, puis
  • actionner l'élément de verrouillage afin de l'amener dans la position verrouillée sur le support, de préférence manuellement et sans l'aide d'outil.
The invention further relates to a method of mounting a connector housing as defined above on a support, the method comprising the following steps:
  • place the connector housing on the support, the locking element being in the unlocked position, then
  • actuating the locking element to bring it into the locked position on the support, preferably manually and without the aid of a tool.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé pour démonter un boîtier de connecteur tel que défini ci-dessus, monté sur un support, l'élément de verrouillage étant initialement en position verrouillée, le procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • déplacer l'élément de verrouillage vers la position déverrouillée, notamment à l'aide d'un outil coopérant avec la partie d'actionnement de l'élément de verrouillage.
  • séparer le boîtier de connecteur du support.
The invention further relates to a method for dismounting a connector housing as defined above, mounted on a support, the locking element being initially in the locked position, the method comprising the following steps:
  • move the locking element to the unlocked position, in particular by means of a tool cooperating with the actuating part of the locking element.
  • separate the connector housing from the bracket.

L'invention a encore pour objet, indépendamment ou en combinaison avec ce qui précède, un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts comportant un corps de boîtier pourvu d'une portion d'attache pour câbles agencée pour permettre d'attacher des câbles à cette portion, de préférence à l'aide d'une pièce d'attache distincte du corps de boîtier, par exemple un collier conducteur ou isolant, la portion d'attache faisant saillie à l'arrière du corps de boîtier et présentant de préférence une section transversale sensiblement en U.The invention further relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a multicontact connector housing having a housing body having a cable tie portion arranged to allow cables to be attached thereto, preferably using a fastener separate from the housing body, for example a conductive or insulating collar, the fastening portion projecting from the rear of the housing body and preferably having a cross-section substantially of U.

La portion d'attache pour câbles peut former une zone de sortie pour câbles avec mise à la masse à l'aide d'une pièce d'attache telle qu'un collier conducteur, dans le cas où le boîtier intègre un capot de blindage conducteur.The cable tie portion may form a cable exit area grounded with a fastener such as a conductive collar, in the case where the housing incorporates a conductive shield cover .

La portion d'attache est réalisée d'un seul tenant ou non avec le reste du corps de boîtier.The attachment portion is made in one piece or not with the rest of the housing body.

Le corps de boîtier peut comporter un renfoncement longitudinal s'étendant sensiblement depuis un logement du corps de boîtier destiné à recevoir un bloc isolant pour éléments de contact électrique, jusque sur la portion d'attache.The housing body may have a longitudinal recess extending substantially from a housing of the housing body for receiving an insulating block for electrical contact elements, to the attachment portion.

Ce renfoncement peut permettre par exemple de guider des câbles reliés aux éléments de contact électrique, jusque dans la zone de sortie du boîtier de connecteur.This recess can allow for example to guide cables connected to the electrical contact elements, into the output zone of the connector housing.

Lorsque le boîtier comporte une face de connexion, le renfoncement longitudinal s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement à la face de connexion.When the housing has a connection face, the longitudinal recess extends substantially perpendicular to the connection face.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le boîtier comporte un capot de blindage conducteur agencé pour pouvoir être assemblé au corps de boîtier, de préférence de manière amovible.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the housing comprises a conductive shielding cover arranged to be assembled to the housing body, preferably removably.

Le corps de boîtier et le capot de blindage assemblés ensemble forment avantageusement une surface de blindage complète.The housing body and the shielding cap assembled together advantageously form a complete shielding surface.

Le boîtier peut être utilisé avec un capot de blindage monté dessus ou sans capot de blindage, selon les fonctions souhaitées.The housing can be used with a shielding cover mounted on it or without a shielding cover, depending on the desired functions.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le capot de blindage comporte une portion arrière présentant une section transversale sensiblement en U, cette portion arrière étant agencée pour coopérer avec la portion d'attache du corps de boîtier afin de former une ouverture tubulaire du boîtier permettant d'introduire des câbles dans le boîtier.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the shielding cap comprises a rear portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section, this rear portion being arranged to cooperate with the attachment portion of the casing body to form an opening. tubular housing for introducing cables into the housing.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le capot de blindage comporte au moins une queue d'accrochage faisant saillie à l'extérieur de l'ouverture tubulaire et agencée pour permettre d'y attacher des câbles sortant de l'ouverture.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the shielding cap comprises at least one attachment shank protruding outside the tubular opening and arranged to allow to attach cables leaving the opening .

De préférence, le capot de blindage comporte au moins une patte élastiquement déformable agencée pour coopérer avec le corps de boîtier par encliquetage afin de maintenir le capot de blindage sur le corps de boîtier.Preferably, the shielding cap comprises at least one resiliently deformable tab arranged to cooperate with the casing body snap-fastening in order to maintain the shielding cap on the casing body.

Cette patte élastiquement déformable permet également d'assurer, si on le souhaite, une continuité de masse satisfaisante et/ou blindage entre le corps de boîtier et le capot de blindage, notamment sans l'intermédiaire de pièce de serrage rapportée.This elastically deformable tab also makes it possible to ensure, if desired, a satisfactory mass continuity and / or shielding between the housing body and the shielding cap, in particular without the intermediary of an insert clamping element.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le capot de blindage comporte une pluralité de pattes élastiquement déformables sur deux bords perpendiculaires du capot de blindage.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the shielding cap comprises a plurality of elastically deformable tabs on two perpendicular edges of the shielding cap.

De préférence, l'une au moins des pattes élastiquement déformables s'applique sur l'extérieur du corps de boîtier lorsque le capot de blindage est assemblé sur le corps de boîtier.Preferably, at least one of the elastically deformable tabs is applied to the outside of the case body when the shielding cap is assembled on the case body.

Cette patte élastiquement déformable peut s'étendre par exemple sur un bord inférieur du capot de blindage.This elastically deformable tab may extend for example on a lower edge of the shielding cap.

Le capot de blindage peut être réalisé par exemple en métal, en matière plastique avec un revêtement métallisé ou en matière plastique incorporant une charge conductrice.The shielding cap can be made for example of metal, plastic with a metallized coating or plastic incorporating a conductive filler.

Le boîtier de connecteur peut être de type rectangulaire ou circulaire.The connector housing may be of rectangular or circular type.

L'invention a encore pour objet un connecteur multicontacts comportant un boîtier tel que défini ci-dessus, et des éléments de contact montés sur le connecteur, ces éléments de contact étant reliés à des câbles, lesquels sont solidarisés sur la portion d'attache du corps de boîtier, par exemple à l'aide d'une pièce rapportée telle qu'un collier, le boîtier pouvant être dépourvu de capot de blindage.The invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above, and contact elements mounted on the connector, these contact elements being connected to cables, which are secured to the attachment portion of the housing body, for example using an insert such as a collar, the housing may be without shielding cap.

L'invention a encore pour objet un connecteur multicontacts comportant un boîtier tel que défini ci-dessus, et des éléments de contact électrique montés sur le connecteur, le boîtier comportant un capot de blindage monté sur un corps de boîtier, les éléments de contact étant reliés à des câbles fixés sur une queue d'accrochage du capot de blindage, par exemple à l'aide d'une pièce de serrage rapportée telle qu'un collier.The invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above, and electrical contact elements mounted on the connector, the housing comprising a shielding cap mounted on a housing body, the contact elements being connected to cables fixed on a catching lug of the shielding cap, for example by means of an attached clamping piece such as a collar.

L'invention a encore pour objet un connecteur multicontacts comportant un boîtier tel que défini ci-dessus, et des éléments de contact électrique, ces éléments de contact étant reliés à des câbles, ces câbles étant introduits dans une gaine avec une tresse de masse fixée sur la portion d'attache câbles du corps de boîtier et sur la portion arrière du capot de blindage du boîtier de connecteur, cette tresse de masse étant maintenue par exemple au moyen d'une pièce de serrage rapportée telle qu'un collier conducteur.The invention also relates to a multicontact connector comprising a housing as defined above, and electrical contact elements, these contact elements being connected to cables, these cables being introduced into a sheath with a fixed braid on the cable tie portion of the housing body and on the rear portion of the shield of the connector housing, this ground strap being maintained for example by means of a reported clamping piece such as a conductive collar.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé de montage d'un connecteur tel que défini ci-dessus, le procédé comportant l'étape suivante :

  • fixer les câbles reliés aux éléments de contact, soit sur la portion d'attache câbles du corps de boîtier, soit sur la portion arrière et/ou la queue d'accrochage du capot de blindage, soit en utilisant une tresse de masse dans laquelle sont introduits les câbles, cette tresse étant maintenue sur le boîtier à l'aide d'un élément rapporté tel qu'un collier de serrage conducteur.
The invention also relates to a method of mounting a connector as defined above, the method comprising the following step:
  • fix the cables connected to the contact elements, either on the cable tie portion of the casing body, or on the rear portion and / or the hood latch shielding, or by using a ground strap in which the cables are introduced, this braid being held on the housing by means of an insert such as a conductive clamp.

Le procédé peut comporter en outre l'étape suivante :

  • assembler le capot de blindage avec le corps de boîtier en amenant le capot de manière oblique par rapport au corps de boîtier, afin de l'immobiliser dans les trois directions de l'espace.
The method may further comprise the following step:
  • assembling the shielding cap with the housing body by moving the hood obliquely relative to the housing body to immobilize it in the three directions of space.

La présente invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'exemples de mise en oeuvre non limitatifs de l'invention, et à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts monté sur un support, conformément à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessous, schématique et partielle, de l'ensemble de la figure 1,
  • les figures 3 et 4 représentent, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe, l'ensemble de la figure 1 dans deux positions différentes,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de détail, schématique et partielle, du boîtier de connecteur de la figure 1,
  • la figure 6 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en perspective, deux boîtiers de connecteur conformes à l'invention, avant leur assemblage,
  • la figure 7 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, deux boîtiers de connecteur conformes à l'invention, après assemblage,
  • la figure 8 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, le corps de boîtier et un capot de verrouillage conformes à l'invention,
  • les figures 9 et 10 représentent, schématiquement et partiellement, des éléments d'un boîtier de connecteur respectivement avant et après assemblage, et
  • les figures 11 et 12 représentent, schématiquement et partiellement, des connecteurs conformes à différents exemples de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.
The present invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description of examples of non-limiting implementation of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:
  • the figure 1 represents, schematically and partially, a multicontact connector housing mounted on a support, according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 is a bottom view, schematic and partial, of the whole of the figure 1 ,
  • the Figures 3 and 4 represent, schematically and partially, in section, the whole of the figure 1 in two different positions,
  • the figure 5 is a detail view, schematic and partial, of the connector housing of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 6 represents, schematically and partially, in perspective, two connector housings according to the invention, before their assembly,
  • the figure 7 represents, schematically and partially, two connector housings according to the invention, after assembly,
  • the figure 8 represents, schematically and partially, the housing body and a locking cover according to the invention,
  • the Figures 9 and 10 represent, schematically and partially, elements of a connector housing respectively before and after assembly, and
  • the Figures 11 and 12 represent, schematically and partially, connectors according to different examples of implementation of the invention.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts 1 de type rectangulaire, monté sur un support 2.We have shown on the figure 1 a multicontact connector housing 1 of rectangular type, mounted on a support 2.

Le boîtier 1 comporte un corps de boîtier 3 réalisé par exemple en matière plastique présentant un revêtement métallisé.The housing 1 comprises a housing body 3 made for example of plastic material having a metallized coating.

Le corps 3 comporte une base 5 de forme généralement rectangulaire d'axe X sur laquelle se raccorde une partie de fixation 6 comportant deux pattes 7 parallèles, comme illustré sur la figure 2.The body 3 comprises a base 5 of generally rectangular shape X axis on which is connected a fixing portion 6 having two parallel legs 7, as shown in the figure 2 .

Ces pattes 7 peuvent être légèrement élastiquement déformables afin de permettre un accrochage satisfaisant de ces pattes 7 sur le support 2, comme on le verra ultérieurement.These tabs 7 may be slightly elastically deformable to allow a satisfactory attachment of these tabs 7 on the support 2, as will be seen later.

La base 5 comporte deux rainures 9 parallèles à l'axe X, comme illustré sur la figure 5.The base 5 has two grooves 9 parallel to the axis X, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 .

La base 5 comporte en outre une surface de repérage 10 s'étendant perpendiculairement à l'axe X.The base 5 further comprises a registration surface 10 extending perpendicularly to the axis X.

Le boîtier 1 présente en outre une face de connexion rectangulaire 15 par laquelle le boîtier 1 est accouplé à un boîtier de connecteur multicontacts complémentaire.The housing 1 further has a rectangular connection face 15 through which the housing 1 is coupled to a complementary multicontact connector housing.

Le boîtier 1 présente en outre un logement 16 destiné à recevoir un bloc isolant pour la fixation d'éléments de contact électrique, ce logement 16 étant perpendiculaire à l'axe X et s'étendant au-dessus de la base 5, comme illustré sur la figure 1.The housing 1 further has a housing 16 for receiving an insulating block for fixing electrical contact elements, this housing 16 being perpendicular to the X axis and extending above the base 5, as shown in FIG. the figure 1 .

Le boîtier 1 comporte un renfoncement longitudinal 17 s'étendant suivant l'axe X depuis le logement 16 jusque dans une portion d'attache pour câbles 18 faisant saillie à l'arrière du boîtier 1.The housing 1 has a longitudinal recess 17 extending along the X axis from the housing 16 into a cable attachment portion 18 protruding from the rear of the housing 1.

La portion d'attache 18 est agencée pour permettre d'attacher des câbles à cette portion, comme on le verra par la suite.The attachment portion 18 is arranged to allow cables to be attached to this portion, as will be seen later.

Cette portion d'attache 18 présente une section transversale sensiblement en U.This attachment portion 18 has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

Le logement 16 est défini par deux parois latérales 20 sur chacune desquelles sont réalisées deux zones de verrouillage 21.The housing 16 is defined by two lateral walls 20 on each of which two locking zones 21 are formed.

Comme illustré sur la figure 6, chaque zone de verrouillage 21 comporte une série de dents 22 perpendiculaires à un axe Y, les dents de chaque série étant régulièrement espacées, les deux zones de verrouillage 21 étant séparées l'une de l'autre par un espace ayant une première hauteur h1 mesurée suivant l'axe Y.As illustrated on the figure 6 each locking zone 21 comprises a series of teeth 22 perpendicular to a Y axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced apart, the two locking zones 21 being separated from each other by a space having a first height h 1 measured along the Y axis.

Dans l'exemple considéré, les deux zones de verrouillage 21 d'une face latérale 20 sont différentes l'une de l'autre, les dents 22 présentant par exemple une longueur différente.In the example, the two locking zones 21 of a side face 20 are different from each other, the teeth 22 having for example a different length.

En variante, les zones 21 peuvent être toutes identiques.Alternatively, the zones 21 may all be identical.

Les zones de verrouillage 21 d'une face latérale 20 sont symétriques des zones 21 sur l'autre face latérale 20 par rapport à un plan passant par les axes X et Y.The locking zones 21 of a lateral face 20 are symmetrical with the zones 21 on the other lateral face 20 with respect to a plane passing through the X and Y axes.

Le boîtier 1 comporte sur chaque face latérale 20 deux éléments de blocage en relief 24, formés dans l'exemple considéré chacun par un picot, dont le rôle sera expliqué plus loin.The housing 1 comprises on each side face 20 two relief locking elements 24, formed in the example each considered by a pin, whose role will be explained later.

Le boîtier 1 comporte en outre un élément de verrouillage 30 monté de manière coulissante sur la base 5 du corps de boîtier 3.The housing 1 further comprises a locking member 30 slidably mounted on the base 5 of the housing body 3.

Dans l'exemple considéré, l'élément de verrouillage 30 est réalisé en matière plastique, de préférence d'un seul tenant.In the example considered, the locking element 30 is made of plastic material, preferably in one piece.

L'élément de verrouillage 30 comporte deux nervures 31 parallèles destinées à s'engager de manière coulissante dans les rainures 9 correspondantes de la base 5, comme illustré sur la figure 5.The locking member 30 has two parallel ribs 31 for slidingly engaging the corresponding grooves 9 in the base 5, as shown in FIG. figure 5 .

L'élément de verrouillage 30 présente en outre une surface de repérage 32 sensiblement plane.The locking element 30 further has a substantially planar registration surface 32.

L'élément de verrouillage 30 forme avec la base 5 un logement 34 destiné à recevoir un organe de rappel élastique 35, comme illustré sur les figures 3 et 4.The locking element 30 forms with the base 5 a housing 34 intended to receive an elastic return member 35, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 .

Dans l'exemple considéré, l'organe de rappel élastique 35 est constitué par un ressort hélicoïdal.In the example considered, the elastic return member 35 is constituted by a helical spring.

L'organe de rappel élastique 35 s'applique à une extrémité sur l'élément de verrouillage 30 et à l'extrémité opposée sur le corps de boîtier 3.The elastic return member 35 is applied at one end to the locking element 30 and at the opposite end to the housing body 3.

L'élément de verrouillage 30 comporte une partie d'actionnement 36 pourvue d'une fente 37, cette partie d'actionnement 36 offrant une prise à un utilisateur pour déplacer, à l'aide d'un outil tel qu'un tournevis, l'élément de verrouillage 30 contre l'effort exercé par l'organe de rappel élastique 35.The locking element 30 has an actuating portion 36 provided with a slot 37, this actuating portion 36 providing a grip for a user to move, using a tool such as a screwdriver, the locking element 30 against the force exerted by the resilient return member 35.

L'élément de verrouillage 30 comporte, à l'opposé de la partie d'actionnement 36, une patte élastiquement déformable 38 agencée pour s'appliquer sur une première butée 39 du corps de boîtier 3 lorsque l'élément de verrouillage 30 est dans une position déverrouillée, comme illustré sur la figure 3.The locking element 30 has, opposite the actuating part 36, an elastically deformable tab 38 arranged to be applied on a first abutment 39 of the casing body 3 when the locking element 30 is in a unlocked position, as shown on the figure 3 .

La première butée 39 est réalisée par exemple sur le dessous de la base 5 du corps de boîtier 3.The first stop 39 is made for example on the underside of the base 5 of the casing body 3.

L'élément de verrouillage 30 comporte en outre un bouton 40 se raccordant à la patte élastiquement déformable 38, le bouton 40 définissant une surface d'appui 41 permettant à un utilisateur d'exercer, notamment à l'aide d'un doigt, une force sur la patte élastiquement déformable en vue de désengager celle-ci de la première butée 39.The locking element 30 further comprises a button 40 connected to the elastically deformable tab 38, the button 40 defining a bearing surface 41 allowing a user to exert, particularly with the aid of a finger, a force on the elastically deformable tab in order to disengage it from the first stop 39.

Le bouton 40 s'étend à travers une fente 44 réalisée sur la base 5 du corps de boîtier 3.The button 40 extends through a slot 44 made on the base 5 of the casing body 3.

Le corps de boîtier 3 présente en outre une deuxième butée 43 réalisée sur le dessous de la base 5 et sur laquelle la patte élastiquement déformable 38 peut s'appliquer pour limiter la course de l'élément de verrouillage 30 lorsque celui-ci est désengagé de la première butée 39 et le boîtier de connecteur 1 est non assemblé avec le support 2.The housing body 3 further has a second stop 43 made on the underside of the base 5 and on which the elastically deformable tab 38 can be applied to limit the stroke of the locking element 30 when the latter is disengaged from the first stop 39 and the connector housing 1 is unassembled with the support 2.

Ainsi, on évite que l'élément de verrouillage 30 puisse être séparé du corps de boîtier 3, lorsque le boîtier de connecteur 1 est non utilisé, étant par exemple stocké avant l'utilisation.Thus, it is avoided that the locking element 30 can be separated from the housing body 3, when the connector housing 1 is not used, being for example stored before use.

L'élément de verrouillage 30 présente une rainure 46 s'étendant perpendiculairement à l'axe X et agencé pour coopérer avec le support 2 lorsque l'élément de verrouillage est dans une position verrouillée, comme illustré sur la figure 4.The locking element 30 has a groove 46 extending perpendicularly to the X axis and arranged to cooperate with the support 2 when the locking element is in a locked position, as shown in FIG. figure 4 .

La surface de repérage 10 du corps de boîtier 3 et celle 32 de l'élément de verrouillage 30 s'étendent sensiblement dans la continuité l'une de l'autre lorsque l'élément de verrouillage 30 est en position verrouillée, comme illustré sur les figures 4 et 5.The registration surface 10 of the housing body 3 and that of the locking element 30 extend substantially in continuity with one another when the locking element 30 is in the locked position, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 and 5 .

En revanche, lorsque l'élément de verrouillage 30 est en position déverrouillée, en appui sur la première butée 39, ou a parcouru une course au-delà de la position de verrouillage, étant en appui sur la deuxième butée 43, les surfaces de repérage 10 et 32 sont décalées l'une par rapport à l'autre suivant l'axe X.On the other hand, when the locking element 30 is in the unlocked position, resting on the first stop 39, or has traveled a stroke beyond the locking position, bearing on the second stop 43, the marking surfaces 10 and 32 are offset relative to each other along the X axis.

Ainsi, l'utilisateur peut vérifier visuellement si l'élément de verrouillage 30 est dans une position correcte de verrouillage, le cas échéant.Thus, the user can visually check whether the locking member 30 is in a proper locking position, if any.

On va maintenant décrire plus en détail le support 2.We will now describe in more detail the support 2.

Le support 2 présente une forme longitudinale suivant un axe Z, perpendiculaire à l'axe X.The support 2 has a longitudinal shape along an axis Z, perpendicular to the axis X.

Le support 2 présente en section transversale, perpendiculaire à l'axe Z, une portion centrale 50 ayant une forme sensiblement en U et deux portions en bordure 51, de part et d'autre de cette portion centrale 50, ces portions en bordure 51 s'étendant dans un plan défini par les axes X et Z.The support 2 has in cross section, perpendicular to the axis Z, a central portion 50 having a substantially U-shaped and two portions at the edge 51, on either side of this central portion 50, these edge portions 51 s extending in a plane defined by the X and Z axes.

Ces portions 51 définissent des bords parallèles 52 parallèles à l'axe Z et présentent des encoches 53 régulièrement espacées sur chaque bord 52, ces encoches 53 servant d'éléments d'indexation lors du montage du boîtier 1 sur le support 2.These portions 51 define parallel edges 52 parallel to the Z axis and have notches 53 regularly spaced on each edge 52, these notches 53 serving as indexing elements when mounting the housing 1 on the support 2.

Dans l'exemple considéré, le support 2 est réalisé en métal.In the example considered, the support 2 is made of metal.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 4, lorsque l'élément de verrouillage 30 est dans la position verrouillée, la rainure 46 s'engage sur la portion en bordure 51 du support 2, grâce à la force exercée par l'organe de rappel élastique 35 sur l'élément de verrouillage 30.As can be seen on the figure 4 when the locking element 30 is in the locked position, the groove 46 engages the edge portion 51 of the support 2, due to the force exerted by the elastic return member 35 on the locking member 30 .

Le boîtier de connecteur 1 est ainsi maintenu sur le support 2, d'une part, grâce à l'élément de verrouillage 30 en prise avec une portion en bordure 51 du support 2 et, d'autre part, grâce aux pattes 7 en prise avec l'autre portion en bordure 51, comme illustré sur la figure 2.The connector housing 1 is thus held on the support 2, on the one hand, thanks to the locking element 30 in engagement with an edge portion 51 of the support 2 and, on the other hand, thanks to the bracketed tabs 7 with the other portion at the edge 51, as illustrated on the figure 2 .

Ces pattes 7 peuvent être légèrement élastiquement déformables, afin de s'appliquer avec une contrainte résiduelle sur la portion en bordure 51 du support 2.These tabs 7 may be slightly elastically deformable, so as to apply with a residual stress on the edge portion 51 of the support 2.

Ainsi, il est possible d'établir un ancrage mécanique efficace du boîtier 1 sur le support 2 tout en permettant une liaison électrique satisfaisante entre le support 2 et le boîtier de connecteur 1.Thus, it is possible to establish an effective mechanical anchoring of the housing 1 on the support 2 while allowing a satisfactory electrical connection between the support 2 and the connector housing 1.

Le boîtier de connecteur 1 peut être assemblé, si on le souhaite, avec un deuxième boîtier de connecteur multicontacts 60, comme illustré sur la figure 6.The connector housing 1 can be assembled, if desired, with a second multicontact connector housing 60, as shown in FIG. figure 6 .

Le deuxième boîtier 60 présente une face de connexion 61 par laquelle le boîtier 60 est assemblé avec le boîtier 1.The second housing 60 has a connection face 61 through which the housing 60 is assembled with the housing 1.

Le deuxième boîtier 60 comporte un corps de boîtier 62 et un capot de verrouillage 63 mobile par rapport au corps de boîtier 62 parallèlement à l'axe Y, entre une position déverrouillée et une position verrouillée.The second housing 60 includes a housing body 62 and a locking hood 63 movable relative to the housing body 62 parallel to the Y axis between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Le capot de verrouillage 63 comprend deux paires de pattes élastiquement déformables 65 pourvues chacune d'une zone de verrouillage 66 avec une série de dents 67 perpendiculaires à l'axe Y.The locking cover 63 comprises two pairs of elastically deformable tabs 65 each provided with a locking zone 66 with a series of teeth 67 perpendicular to the Y axis.

Les dents 67 de chaque série sont régulièrement espacées, chaque zone de verrouillage 66 d'une patte élastiquement déformable 65 étant destinée à coopérer avec une zone de verrouillage 21 du boîtier 1 lorsque les deux boîtiers 1 et 60 sont assemblés et le capot de verrouillage 63 est dans la position verrouillée.The teeth 67 of each series are regularly spaced, each locking zone 66 of an elastically deformable tab 65 being intended to cooperate with a locking zone 21 of the housing 1 when the two housings 1 and 60 are assembled and the locking cap 63 is in the locked position.

Les zones de verrouillage 66 du deuxième boîtier 60 sont séparées l'une de l'autre, suivant l'axe Y, par un espace ayant une deuxième hauteur h2 mesurée suivant cet axe Y, différente de la hauteur h1 précitée.The locking zones 66 of the second housing 60 are separated from each other, along the Y axis, by a space having a second height h 2 measured along this axis Y, different from the height h 1 above.

Dans l'exemple considéré, les séries de dents des zones de verrouillage 21 et 66 sur les boîtiers 1 et 60 présentent toutes le même pas et l'écart entre les première et deuxième hauteurs h1 et h2 est différent d'un multiple du pas des séries de dents.In the example considered, the series of teeth of the locking zones 21 and 66 on the housings 1 and 60 all have the same pitch and the difference between the first and second heights h 1 and h 2 is different from a multiple of no series of teeth.

Dans l'exemple considéré, cet écart entre h1 et h2 est égal à un multiple d'un demi-pas des séries de dents.In the example considered, this difference between h 1 and h 2 is equal to a multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth.

Par exemple, l'écart h1 est multiple d'un demi-pas des séries de dents et h2 multiple d'un pas des séries de dents.For example, the deviation h 1 is multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth and h 2 multiple of a step of the series of teeth.

En variante, l'écart h1 est multiple d'un pas des séries de dents et h2 multiple d'un demi-pas des séries de dents.In a variant, the difference h 1 is a multiple of one step of the series of teeth and h 2 which is a multiple of a half-step of the series of teeth.

Ce décalage d'un demi-pas permet d'assurer une incrémentation relativement fine lors du verrouillage du capot 63 sur le corps de boîtier 1.This offset of a half-step makes it possible to ensure a relatively fine incrementation during the locking of the cover 63 on the casing body 1.

Dans l'exemple considéré, les pattes 65 sont réalisées chacune dans une fenêtre 69 du capot de verrouillage 63.In the example considered, the tabs 65 are each made in a window 69 of the locking cap 63.

Le capot de verrouillage 63 présente deux paires de fentes 70 dans chacune desquelles un élément de blocage 24 du boîtier 1 peut coulisser lorsque le capot 63 passe de la position déverrouillée vers la position verrouillée, de manière à ce que, lorsque le capot est en position verrouillée, la coopération de l'élément de blocage 24 avec la fente 70 correspondante solidarise les deux boîtiers 1 et 60 ensemble dans la direction X.The locking cover 63 has two pairs of slots 70 in each of which a locking element 24 of the housing 1 can slide when the cover 63 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, so that when the cover is in position locked, the cooperation of the locking element 24 with the corresponding slot 70 secures the two housings 1 and 60 together in the X direction.

Dans l'exemple considéré, chaque fente 70 présente une forme sensiblement en L.In the example considered, each slot 70 has a shape substantially in L.

Le capot de verrouillage 63 est monté de manière coulissante sur le corps de boîtier 62.The locking cover 63 is slidably mounted on the housing body 62.

A cet effet, le corps de boîtier 62 peut comporter deux rainures de guidage 72 parallèles et dans chacune desquelles peut coulisser un rebord 73 du capot de verrouillage 63, comme illustré sur la figure 8.For this purpose, the housing body 62 may comprise two parallel guide grooves 72 and in each of which can slide a flange 73 of the locking cover 63, as shown in FIG. figure 8 .

Le capot de verrouillage 63 comporte deux pattes élastiquement déformables 74, chacune étant apte à coopérer avec une encoche 75 de guidage réalisée sur le corps de boîtier 62.The locking cover 63 comprises two elastically deformable tabs 74, each being able to cooperate with a guide notch 75 made on the casing body 62.

Dans l'exemple considéré, comme illustré sur la figure 8, le corps de boîtier 62 comporte une portion d'attache pour câbles 18 à l'instar du boîtier 1.In the example considered, as illustrated on the figure 8 , the housing body 62 has a cable tie portion 18 like the housing 1.

L'assemblage des boîtiers 1 et 60 est réalisé de manière relativement simple, en amenant ces deux boîtiers l'un en face de l'autre, engageant les reliefs 24 dans les fentes 70 et en faisant coulisser le capot 63 suivant l'axe Y afin d'immobiliser le capot 63 par rapport au corps de boîtier 62 grâce à la coopération des zones de verrouillage 21 et 66 et celle des éléments de blocage 24 dans les fentes 70.The assembly of the housings 1 and 60 is made in a relatively simple manner, bringing these two housings facing each other, engaging the reliefs 24 in the slots 70 and sliding the cover 63 along the Y axis in order to immobilize the cover 63 with respect to the housing body 62 through the cooperation of the locking zones 21 and 66 and that of the locking elements 24 in the slots 70.

La position verrouillée du capot 63 est illustrée sur la figure 7.The locked position of the hood 63 is illustrated on the figure 7 .

Comme on peut le voir sur cette figure 7, le boîtier de connecteur 60 reçoit un bloc isolant 90 fixé dans le logement 16 et présentant des alvéoles dans lesquelles sont introduits des éléments de contact électrique 91.As we can see on this figure 7 , the connector housing 60 receives an insulating block 90 fixed in the housing 16 and having cells into which electrical contact elements 91 are introduced.

Chaque élément de contact 91 est relié à un câble 92.Each contact element 91 is connected to a cable 92.

Le faisceau de câbles 92 est fixé à la portion d'attache câbles 18 du boîtier 60 à l'aide d'un collier de serrage 93 réalisé en un matériau conducteur, par exemple en métal.The wire harness 92 is fixed to the cable tie portion 18 of the housing 60 by means of a clamping collar 93 made of a conductive material, for example metal.

On peut ainsi obtenir une mise à la masse des câbles 92 avec le corps de boîtier 62, la portion d'attache 18 formant une zone de sortie des câbles 92.It is thus possible to obtain a grounding of the cables 92 with the housing body 62, the fastening portion 18 forming an exit zone of the cables 92.

Comme illustré sur les figures 9 et 10, le boîtier de connecteur 1 peut comporter, si on le souhaite, un capot de blindage 95 réalisé par exemple en métal, ou en matériau plastique électriquement conducteur ou en matériau plastique avec un revêtement conducteur.As illustrated on Figures 9 and 10 , the connector housing 1 may comprise, if desired, a shielding cap 95 made for example of metal, or electrically conductive plastic material or plastic material with a conductive coating.

Le capot de blindage 95 comporte deux bords avant 96 s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe Y et deux bords inférieurs 97 s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe X.The shielding cap 95 has two leading edges 96 extending parallel to the Y axis and two lower edges 97 extending parallel to the X axis.

Le capot de blindage 95 comporte sur ses bords 96 et 97 des pattes élastiquement déformables 98, respectivement 99.The shielding cap 95 has on its edges 96 and 97 elastically deformable tabs 98 and 99, respectively.

Le corps de boîtier 3 comporte des rainures 100 parallèles à l'axe Y et dans lesquelles peuvent s'engager par encliquetage les pattes élastiquement déformables 98 du capot de blindage 95.The housing body 3 has grooves 100 parallel to the Y axis and in which the resiliently deformable tabs 98 of the shielding cap 95 can snap-engage.

Après assemblage, comme illustré sur la figure 10, les pattes élastiquement déformables 99 viennent s'appliquer sur une face extérieure 102 du corps de boîtier 3.After assembly, as shown on the figure 10 , the elastically deformable tabs 99 are applied on an outer face 102 of the casing body 3.

Le contact des pattes 98 et 99 sur le corps de boîtier 3 assure une continuité de masse ou un blindage satisfaisant entre le capot de blindage 95 et le corps de boîtier 3, sans nécessiter de moyen de serrage supplémentaire entre ces deux éléments.The contact of the tabs 98 and 99 on the casing body 3 ensures satisfactory ground continuity or shielding between the shielding cap 95 and the casing body 3, without the need for additional clamping means between these two elements.

Le capot de blindage 95 comporte une portion arrière 105 présentant une section transversale sensiblement en U, cette portion arrière 105 étant agencée pour coopérer avec la portion d'attache 18 du corps de boîtier 3 afin de former une ouverture tubulaire 106 permettant d'introduire des câbles dans le boîtier, comme illustré sur les figures 9 et 10.The shielding cap 95 comprises a rear portion 105 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, this rear portion 105 being arranged to cooperate with the fastening portion 18 of the casing body 3 in order to form a tubular opening 106 for introducing cables in the housing, as shown in the Figures 9 and 10 .

La capot de blindage 95 comporte en outre une queue d'accrochage 108 faisant saillie à l'extérieur de l'ouverture tubulaire 106 et agencée pour permettre d'y attacher des câbles sortant de l'ouverture 106, comme illustré sur la figure 11.The shielding cap 95 further includes a hooking tail 108 projecting out of the tubular opening 106 and arranged to allow attachment of cables exiting the opening 106 as shown in FIG. figure 11 .

Le faisceau de câbles 92 peut être fixé à la queue d'accrochage 108 par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un collier de serrage 110 réalisé en un matériau conducteur, ce collier 110 étant mis en place sur la queue d'accrochage 108.The cable harness 92 may be attached to the attachment shank 108, for example by means of a clamping collar 110 made of a conductive material, this collar 110 being placed on the attachment shank 108.

Ainsi, comme on peut le constater, selon l'utilisation souhaitée, il est possible d'utiliser le capot de blindage 95 ou non.Thus, as can be seen, depending on the desired use, it is possible to use the shielding cover 95 or not.

L'invention offre ainsi une modularité satisfaisante en ce qui concerne l'utilisation des différents éléments du connecteur.The invention thus offers a satisfactory modularity as regards the use of the various elements of the connector.

Comme illustré sur la figure 12, les câbles 92 peuvent être introduits dans une gaine avec une tresse de masse 112 fixée sur la portion d'attache câbles du corps de boîtier et sur la portion arrière du capot de blindage 95.As illustrated on the figure 12 , the cables 92 can be introduced into a sheath with a mass braid 112 fixed on the cable tie portion of the housing body and on the rear portion of the shielding cap 95.

Cette tresse de masse 112 est maintenue par exemple au moyen d'une pièce de serrage 113 rapportée sur cette tresse 112.This mass braid 112 is held for example by means of a clamping piece 113 attached to this braid 112.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de mise en oeuvre qui viennent d'être décrits.Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

L'une des hauteurs h1 et h2 peut par exemple être nulle, auquel cas deux zones de verrouillage 21 du corps de boîtier 3 peuvent par exemple être adjacentes l'une de l'autre.One of the heights h 1 and h 2 may for example be zero, in which case two locking zones 21 of the housing body 3 may for example be adjacent to each other.

Claims (14)

  1. A connection assembly comprising:
    · a first multi-contact connector case (1) including at least two locking zones (21) each having a series of teeth (22) perpendicular to a first axis (Y), the teeth in each series being regularly spaced apart, the two locking zones being separated from each other by a gap having a first height (h1) measured along said first axis (Y); and
    • a second multi-contact connector case (60) suitable for being assembled with the first case (61), preferably in removable manner, the second case comprising a case body (62) and a locking cap (63) movable relative to the case body parallel to said first axis (Y) between an unlocked position and a locked position, the locking cap having at least two elastically deformable tabs (65), each provided with a locking zone (66) having a series of teeth (67) perpendicular to the first axis (Y), the teeth in each series being regularly spaced apart, each locking zone (66) of an elastically deformable tab (65) co-operating with a locking zone (21) of the first case when the two cases are assembled together and the locking cap is in the locked position, the lacking zones of the second case being separated from each other by a gap having a second height (h2) measured along said first axis (Y), the second height being different from the first height;
    the series of teeth in the locking zones of both cases all having the same pitch, and the difference between the first (h1) and second (h2) heights not being equal to a multiple of the pitch of the series of teeth.
  2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the difference between the first (h1) and second (h2) heights is equal to a multiple of half the pitch of the series of teeth.
  3. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the tabs (65) of the locking cap (63) are all identical.
  4. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the locking zones (21) of the first case have numbers of teeth that are different.
  5. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the locking zones of at least one of the first and second cases are substantially in alignment on the first axis.
  6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the first case has a case body (3), and the locking zones of the first case are made on a side face (20) of the case body.
  7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that each of the elastically deformable tabs (65) extends in a window (69) in the locking cap (63).
  8. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the first case has two pairs of locking zones (21) disposed symmetrically about a plane, each pair being preferably made on a side face (20) of the case body, the locking cap of the second case including two pairs of elastically deformable tabs (65), each tab being suitable for co-operating with an associated locking zone (21) of the first case.
  9. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the first case includes at least one blocking element (24) in relief, in particular a stud, and the locking cap (63) includes at least one slot (70) in which the blocking element of the first case can slide when the cap passes from the unlocked position towards the locked position so that when the cap is in the locked position, co-operation between the blocking element (24) and the slot (70) holds the two cases together in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.
  10. An assembly according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that each slot (70) of the locking cap is substantially L-shaped.
  11. An assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the locking cap (63) is slidably mounted on the body of the second case.
  12. An assembly according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the body of the second case comprises at least one guide groove (72), in particular two parallel guide grooves, each of which can slidably receive a rim (73) of the locking cap (63).
  13. An assembly according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized by the fact that the locking cap (63) comprises at least one elastically deformable tab (74), in particular two elastically deformable tabs, each being suitable for co-operating with a guide notch (75) formed in the body of the second case.
  14. A method of assembling together the first and second cases of the connector of assembly according to any preceding claim, preferably in removable manner, the method comprising the following steps:
    positioning the first and second cases relative to each other by engaging the blocking element(s) of the first case in the slot (s) of the locking cap; and
    • causing the locking cap to slide in translation relative to the body of the second case so as to engage the locking zones (66) of the locking cap on the locking zones (21) of the first case and, at the end of the stroke, so as to bring the blocking element(s) (24) into the corresponding slot(s) (70) of the locking cap in order to block the locking cap relative to the first case.
EP06300261A 2005-03-31 2006-03-22 Multi-contact connector Active EP1708313B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0550845A FR2884059B1 (en) 2005-03-31 2005-03-31 MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1708313A2 EP1708313A2 (en) 2006-10-04
EP1708313A3 EP1708313A3 (en) 2007-06-20
EP1708313B1 true EP1708313B1 (en) 2011-03-02

Family

ID=35285321

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06300261A Active EP1708313B1 (en) 2005-03-31 2006-03-22 Multi-contact connector

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US7329138B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1708313B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE500636T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006020368D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2362108T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2884059B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3107997A1 (en) 2020-03-09 2021-09-10 Radiall Connector with interface piece rotatably mounted in the housing and actuated by tool for sliding from a locking cover to a complementary connector.
EP4228104A1 (en) 2022-02-14 2023-08-16 Radiall Connector provided with a locking cover to a complementary connector and means for securing the locking and the related coupling between connectors, and method for mating the connector and the complementary connector

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WO2008050183A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-05-02 Fci Connector with improved latch
FR2931305B1 (en) 2008-05-14 2010-06-04 Radiall Sa MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR WITH LOCKING PART INTEGRATED IN THE THICKNESS OF A HOUSING
FR2931306B1 (en) 2008-05-15 2012-04-27 Radiall Sa MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR WITH INTEGRATED ROTATING LOCKING PART
FR2973170B1 (en) 2011-03-23 2013-04-05 Radiall Sa MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR TO BE MOUNTED ON A PANEL
FR2989845B1 (en) 2012-04-18 2014-05-23 Radiall Sa MULTI-CONTACTS CONNECTOR BASE, QUICKLY FASTENED TO A PANEL AND ASSOCIATED MOUNTING / DISMANTLING METHODS
FR2989846B1 (en) 2012-04-18 2014-05-23 Radiall Sa CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY WITH MULTICONTACT CONNECTORS WITH KEY DETROMPING SYSTEM
JP2014017135A (en) * 2012-07-10 2014-01-30 Tyco Electronics Japan Kk Connector
US9093787B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-07-28 Amphenol Corporation Latching connector assembly
DE102016120063B4 (en) * 2016-10-20 2018-07-19 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg connector
JP2018181404A (en) * 2017-04-03 2018-11-15 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Electric connector
JP6592475B2 (en) * 2017-04-27 2019-10-16 矢崎総業株式会社 Lever fitting type connector
US10044142B1 (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-08-07 Valeo North America, Inc. Connector locking holder
FR3068834B1 (en) 2017-07-07 2021-01-08 Radiall Sa HYDRAULIC TOOL FOR DISCONNECTING A CONNECTION ASSEMBLY, ESPECIALLY WITH MULTICONTACT CONNECTORS

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US4268103A (en) * 1979-02-02 1981-05-19 The Bendix Corporation Electrical connector assembly having anti-decoupling mechanism
US4627683A (en) * 1984-08-07 1986-12-09 Rainbow Trading Co., Inc. Electrical outlet
GB9312513D0 (en) * 1993-06-17 1993-08-04 Amp Gmbh Electrical connector having improved sliding cam
US5486117A (en) * 1994-08-09 1996-01-23 Molex Incorporated Locking system for an electrical connector assembly
US6302721B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2001-10-16 International Business Machines Corporation Latching adapter for installation on a cable connector

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3107997A1 (en) 2020-03-09 2021-09-10 Radiall Connector with interface piece rotatably mounted in the housing and actuated by tool for sliding from a locking cover to a complementary connector.
EP3879639A1 (en) 2020-03-09 2021-09-15 Radiall Connector with an interface part mounted in rotation in the housing and operable by a tool for sliding from a locking cover to a complementary connector
US11509096B2 (en) 2020-03-09 2022-11-22 Radiall Connector with interface part mounted to rotate in the casing and adapted to be actuated by a tool to slide a cap locking it onto a complementary connector
EP4228104A1 (en) 2022-02-14 2023-08-16 Radiall Connector provided with a locking cover to a complementary connector and means for securing the locking and the related coupling between connectors, and method for mating the connector and the complementary connector
FR3132798A1 (en) 2022-02-14 2023-08-18 Radiall Connector provided with a cap for locking a complementary connector and means(s) for securing the locking and the related coupling between connectors.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1708313A3 (en) 2007-06-20
US7329138B2 (en) 2008-02-12
FR2884059A1 (en) 2006-10-06
DE602006020368D1 (en) 2011-04-14
EP1708313A2 (en) 2006-10-04
ATE500636T1 (en) 2011-03-15
US20060223373A1 (en) 2006-10-05
FR2884059B1 (en) 2007-05-25
ES2362108T3 (en) 2011-06-28

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