EP2654131A2 - Connector assembly with multi-terminal connectors with polarisation system by keys - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly (1) has a set of multi-contact connectors (2, 3), and a coupled-together pair of two polarizing keys (7, 8), where each key is of elongate shape along an axis (X) and projects from one of a set of housings (4, 5) beyond its connection faces (41, 51). Each end portion of one of two keys is adapted to engage via complementary shapes with a single end portion of other of two keys. Each key is adapted to be fastened via one or other of its end portions to the housings of the connectors in a set of given angular positions relative to the axis.

Description

The present invention relates to a connection assembly having multi-contact connectors connected together and keying keys allowing only the desired connection.

Patent application is known EP 1 708 313 in the name of the Applicant a connection assembly comprising a first multicontact connector and a second complementary type multicontact connector. Each connector comprises a housing receiving contacts and the connection assembly comprises a cover for locking the first connector and the second connector.

There is also known a connection assembly comprising multicontact connectors, sold by the applicant under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB - 1900 series. In this connection assembly, in addition to their mechanical and electrical connection provided by their connection faces, the coupling Mechanical connectors is also provided by foolproof keys in the form of hexagon screws F1 and M1 whose end portion is a tongue or a corresponding groove. A hexagonal screw protrudes on each of the two lateral ends of the housing of the male connector and on each of the two lateral ends of the housing of the female connector. Each screw head has a notch made on a pan of the hexagon and which is a first visual coding mark. At each of its two lateral ends of each housing are engraved, near the hexagonal housing complementary to a screw head, a second visual coding mark in the form of a letter A or B and, above each pan. of the hexagonal housing, a third visual coding mark in the form of a number successively from 1 to 6. Thus, to perform an encoding with the four keying keys in the form of screws, each of them is inserted in a housing hexagonal complementary to a lateral end of a housing, by matching the first visual coding mark, namely the notch of the screw head with the second and third visual coding marks, namely the letter A or B and one of the numbers 1 to 6. Such a keying system with four foolproof keys distributed individually on each lateral end of a connector housing or female is advantageous because it allows a coding distortion age up to 36 combinations. It is however not completely satisfactory, because it authorizes the visualization of the codes that by the rear face of the boxes and especially it requires the use Systematic extraction tool to remove the foolproof keys from their home. Indeed, each coding key snapped into a connector housing can be disassembled on the side of the connecting face (connector coupling side) necessarily by pressure of the extractor tool.

The inventors have proposed a connection assembly described above, sold under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB - 1900 series and further equipped with a sliding cover on one of the boxes and allowing the locking of two multi-contact connectors between them, such as for example that described in the patent application EP 1 708 313 . However, in its unlocked position, such a cover can come only in relation to one of the lateral ends of the boxes, which implies in fact the impossibility of making the keying of this side side by means of the screws as provided in the marketed set. In other words, the inventors have come to the conclusion that improving the commercial connection assembly by providing it with a mutual interlocking cap of the connectors involves having a polarization only on one of the two lateral ends of the boxes. However, retaining the keying by the screws as currently realized and described above, this also implies a coding with a limited number equal to 6 combinations.

There is therefore a need to improve a connection assembly comprising two complementary connectors, in particular multi-contact connectors, such as the one sold under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB-1900 Series, in particular with a view to equipping it with a mutual locking cap between connectors and a coding system on one side end with the possibility of coding with a large number of combinations.

There is also a need to eliminate the use of tools in case of disassembly of a fob key of a connector, in particular a multi-contact connector.

The present invention aims to meet all or part of the aforementioned needs.

• un premier connecteur, notamment un connecteur multicontacts et,
• un deuxième connecteur, notamment un connecteur multicontacts, de type complémentaire au premier connecteur, les premier et deuxième connecteurs comportant chacun un boitier s'étendant selon un axe (X) et comportant une face de connexion, les premier et deuxième connecteurs étant connectés entre eux par leurs faces de connexions,
• au moins une paire de deux clés de détrompage accouplées entre elles, chaque clé étant de forme allongée selon un axe (X1, X2) et faisant saillie d'un boitier (4, 5) au-delà de sa face de connexion (41, 51),

caractérisé par le fait que chaque clé comporte à chacune de ses extrémités une portion dont la surface périphérique est munie d'au moins une forme saillante et/ou en creux, par le fait que chaque portion d'extrémité d'une des deux clés est adaptée pour s'emboiter par complément de formes avec une seule portion d'extrémité de l'autre des deux clés selon leur axe confondu (X1=X2) et selon une seule position angulaire entre elles, et par le fait que chaque clé de détrompage est adaptée pour être fixée par l'une ou l'autre de ses portions d'extrémités au boitier du premier et/ou du deuxième connecteur selon une pluralité de positions angulaires données par rapport à l'axe X.It achieves it, according to one of its aspects, using a connection set comprising:

• a first connector, in particular a multicontact connector and,
• a second connector, in particular a multicontact connector, of complementary type to the first connector, the first and second connectors each having a housing extending along an axis (X) and having a connection face, the first and second connectors being connected together by their connection faces,
• at least one pair of two coding keys coupled together, each key being of elongated shape along an axis (X1, X2) and projecting from a housing (4, 5) beyond its connection face (41, 51)

characterized in that each key has at each of its ends a portion whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one projecting and / or recessed shape, in that each end portion of one of the two keys is adapted to fit by complementary shapes with a single end portion of the other of the two keys along their coincident axis (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them, and by the fact that each key coding is adapted to be fixed by one or other of its end portions to the housing of the first and / or second connector according to a plurality of given angular positions with respect to the X axis.

Because of the interlocking reversibility of the end portions of the two coding keys, it is thus possible according to the invention to double the number of coding combinations on the same zone of the connection assembly.

Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to propose a connection assembly with multi-contact connectors with a number of important coding combinations while providing it with a mutual locking cap between connectors, slidably mounted on a connector housing.

According to one embodiment, each key protrudes from only one of the lateral ends of a housing beyond its connection face.

To easily identify the coding, it is advantageously provided that an end portion of a key has at its end or on its outer periphery a first visual indicator distinct from that of the other end portion of the same key, each first visual indicator being visible from outside the housing when the corresponding key is fixed in the housing. Advantageously, the end portion of one of the two keys of the pair comprises the same first visual indicator as the end portion of the other of the two keys of the pair with which it is adapted to fit.

Preferably, the first visual indicators are letters (A, B).

According to an advantageous characteristic, the first visual indicators are made by engraving on the keys. Preferably, the etching is derived from a shape made in the mold of the keys when they are made by molding. Alternatively, this engraving may be an operation performed directly on the keys already made themselves.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the connection face of the housing respectively of the first and the second connector is adapted to allow manual mounting and disassembly of each key. By "manual assembly and disassembly" is meant in the context of the present invention, the possibility of carrying out assembly and disassembly only by hand without the aid of any tool. Preferably, the manual assembly and disassembly of each key is made from the connection face of the boxes. Thus, an operator can easily and quickly realize the fixing of the keys and disassembly of the boxes in a combination of coding determined.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a key comprises a fastening flange in its central portion between the two end portions, the collar cooperating by snapping with at least one fastening lug, elastically deformable, formed in the housing of the first or the second connector to fix the key in the case. The bracket (s) can be directly molded and integrated into the housing of a connector. This provides a simple and inexpensive fixing system key fooling. The bracket (s) may be similar to what is usually referred to in English as "clips".

Each box may further comprise a shoulder against which the rear of the fastening collar is in abutment while the front of the collar is snapped with the (the) tab (s). This is a kind of dual system for positioning and holding a key in the housing: at the front by the or the fastening lugs and back by abutting against the shoulder.

The flange advantageously comprises on its outer periphery a plurality of second visual indicators defining the plurality of angular positions of the key relative to the axis (X) and a lateral end of a housing comprises a viewing window for viewing one second visual indicators when the corresponding key is fixed in the box.

According to an advantageous variant, the flange has a polygonal outer section, transversely to the axis (X1, X2) of the key and the lateral end of the housing delimits around the lug (s) a polygonal internal section housing. , complementary to that of the flange, the housing and the collar cooperating by interlocking complementary polygonal sections to define one of the plurality of given angular positions of the key relative to the axis X of the housing. In other words, according to this variant, it advantageously locks in rotation around their axes, key fooling in the given angular position since the faces of the polygonal section of the flange blocked by those complementary housing.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the outer section of the flange is octagonal.

The viewing window can be arranged laterally in the housing. This is advantageous, especially in the factory for manufacturing and assembling harnesses or connectors when an operator tests the connection of the assembly with keying by the keys according to the invention. Indeed, the operator can then easily view on the side of the connectors if the coding code of the second visual indicators is actually the one sought.

The plurality of second visual indicators is preferably a successive series of numbers, such as from 1 to 8. It can be achieved by engraving on the keys. Preferably, the etching is derived from a shape made in the mold of the keys when they are made by molding. Alternatively, this engraving may be an operation performed directly on the keys already made themselves.

According to a first embodiment, at least the flanges of the two keys have the same transverse dimensions and the boxes of the first and second connectors are adapted to accommodate either a key portion, male or female type. In other words, according to this first mode, it is possible to mount / disassemble one or the other of the two keys on the plug or on the base of the connection assembly. This allows to double the number of coding combinations between the boxes of the two connectors. Thus, if a key has its two male end portions and the other key has its two end portions of the female type, it is possible to accommodate either a male key in any box of the record or in that of the base and in the same way, one can accommodate indifferently the corresponding female key in the box of the plug or that of the base.

According to a second embodiment, as an alternative to the first embodiment, at least the flanges of the two keys have different transverse dimensions and the lateral end of the case of the first connector is adapted to house only the female-type portion of the key at the larger flange when engaged by the (the) tab (s) while the housing of the second connector is adapted to prevent said key to the largest flange to be snapped by the (the) tab (s).

According to this second mode, the assembly may comprise a solid cylinder projecting from the lateral end of the housing of the first connector to prevent a male type portion of key from being housed. The second embodiment eliminates the possibility of mounting either a key in a box of the plug or that of the base. Thus, when only a female key must be mounted in a housing of the first connector, such as a plug, its largest collar prevents it from being snapped into the housing of the second connector. And the male key can in this case be housed in the first connector, preferably because of the presence of the solid cylinder with which it enters mechanical interference in case of attempted housing. In other words, this second embodiment allows an operator to avoid a possible key reversal error between the boxes respectively of the first and the second connector.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the first and second visual indicators together define a coding coding according to several combinations (A1 to A8, B1 to B8). The number of coding combinations may be 32.

The two end portions of a key are preferably of the male type, while the two end portions of the other key of the pair are preferably of the female type. Advantageously, for a pair of two keys according to the invention, one key is only of the male type and the other only of the female type.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a female-type key portion is constituted by a cylinder inside which is formed a rectilinear groove along the cylinder, while a male-type portion of a key is constituted by a cylinder on which is formed at least one rectilinear rib along the cylinder, complementary to the groove.

Preferably, three rectilinear grooves are formed inside the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions and three ribs are formed on the cylinder being spaced from each other at the same angular positions as those of the grooves. Define a number of three grooves and three corresponding ribs is preferred because it allows on the one hand to have a better mechanical guidance when coupling between the two keying keys and on the other hand to have a better mechanical strength for the keys in case of mating error.

The connection assembly according to the invention can be adapted to be mounted on a panel.

The first and second connectors are advantageously adapted to be mutually locked. Thus, the first connector may comprise a cover slidably mounted on the housing between a locking position in which it cooperates with at least one locking pin of the second connector and an unlocking position in which it projects from a lateral end of the opposite housing. to that on which protrudes the corresponding key of coding.

The invention also relates to a set of keying keys, intended to be implemented in a connection assembly according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pair of two key coding, each key being elongated along an axis (X1, X2) and having at each of its ends a portion whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one protruding shape and / or recessed, in that each end portion of one of the two keys of one and the same pair is adapted to fit together with complementary shapes with a single end portion of the other of the two keys of the same pair along their coincident axis (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de connexion selon un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, cet ensemble comprenant un premier connecteur multicontacts et un deuxième connecteur multicontacts et une paire de clés de détrompage avant leur fixation respective avec un des connecteurs multi-contacts,
• la figure 2 est une autre vue en perspective de l'ensemble de connexion selon la figure 1 mais avec les clés de détrompage fixées chacune à l'un des connecteurs multi-contacts,
• les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en perspective montrant un exemple de mise en oeuvre de deux clés de détrompage selon l'invention, selon deux orientations différentes et non accouplées entre elles,
• les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues en perspective et en coupe des deux clés de détrompage selon les figures 3A et 3B mais accouplées entre elles,
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté des deux connecteurs selon les figures 1 et 2 avec des clés de détrompage selon l'invention fixées chacune à un boitier de connecteur et en configuration avant accouplement selon une combinaison de codage déterminée,
• la figure 6 est une vue de détail en perspective montrant la fixation d'une des clés de détrompage à un boitier d'un connecteur,
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective similaire à celle de la figure 2 mais en coupe partielle montrant la fixation de chacune des deux clés de détrompage à un boitier d'un connecteur,
• la figure 8 est similaire à la figure 7 mais selon un deuxième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues de de détail en perspective et en coupe partielle de l'exemple de mise en oeuvre selon la figure 8 et montrant l'impossibilité du montage indifférent des clés de détrompage dans l'un ou l'autre des boitiers de connecteurs,
• les figures 11A à 11C représentent différentes étapes lors de la connexion des connecteurs et du détrompage avec les clés d'un ensemble de connexion selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection assembly according to a first exemplary implementation of the invention, this assembly comprising a first multicontact connector and a second multicontact connector and a pair of keying keys before their respective attachment with one of the multi-contact connectors,
• the figure 2 is another perspective view of the connection set according to the figure 1 but with the keying keys each fixed to one of the multi-contact connectors,
• the Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views showing an example of implementation of two keying keys according to the invention, according to two different orientations and not coupled to each other,
• the Figures 4A and 4B are views in perspective and in section of the two keying keys according to the Figures 3A and 3B but coupled together,
• the figure 5 is a side view of the two connectors according to the Figures 1 and 2 with keying keys according to the invention, each fixed to a connector housing and in the configuration before coupling according to a determined coding combination,
• the figure 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the fixing of one of the keying keys to a housing of a connector,
• the figure 7 is a perspective view similar to that of the figure 2 but in partial section showing the fixing of each of the two keying keys to a housing of a connector,
• the figure 8 is similar to the figure 7 but according to a second example of implementation of the invention
• the Figures 9 and 10 are views of detail in perspective and in partial section of the example of implementation according to the figure 8 and showing the impossibility of indifferent mounting of keying keys in one or other of the connector housings,
• the Figures 11A to 11C represent different steps when connecting the connectors and keying with the keys of a connection assembly according to the invention.

Throughout the present application, the terms "before", "back", "upper" and "bottom" are to be considered with reference to a connection assembly according to the invention with the two connectors 2, 3 connected to each other. Thus, the front face of the connector 3, which can also be referred to as the connection face, is the face on the side of which the connection with the complementary connector 2 is made.

Representatives Figures 1, 2 , 7 and 8 a connection assembly designated generally by 1 according to a first example of implementation of the invention. This connection assembly 1 comprises a first multicontact connector generally designated by 2 and a second multi-contact connector generally designated 3. The multicontact connectors 2 and 3 are of complementary type, the first connector 2 being for example of the male type being in particular a plug, while that the second connector 3 is of the female type, being in particular a base.

In all the figures described, the first connector 2 is a female plug and the second connector 3 is a male socket.

Each multi-contact connector 2, 3 carries optical, electrical or power signals. Alternatively, signals or power of different types can be carried by each of the multi-contact connectors and contacts of different size and type are then simultaneously disposed within them.

The contacts may be single or multiple contacts such as coaxial or triaxial contacts, quadrax contacts, RJ45s or any type of high-speed contacts. These contacts may also be optical contacts with lenticular contacts of "expanded beam" type or contacts "physical contact" type ARINC 801 or EN 4531 or optoelectronic contacts.

The first multi-contact connector 2 comprises first a housing 4 which is, in the example described, made in one piece of plastic material.

The housing 4 comprises a plurality of cells 42, formed in the housing 4, from a rear face 40 to a front face 41, which can also be designated by connection face, facing the second connector 3 when the connectors 2 and 3 are locked.

In the example described, the faces 40 and 41 are parallel and extend perpendicularly to the rectilinear axis X of the cells 42, this straight axis X being called thereafter "connector axis".

The housing 4 may comprise two arms 43 extending beyond the connection face 41 on each side thereof, these arms 43 may include guide grooves 44 detailed thereafter. When the casing has a rectangular shape in section perpendicular to the X axis, the arms 43 may extend only parallel to the short sides of the casing 4. The casing 4 may be made in one or two parts to facilitate the installation. in place of maintenance parts which will be described below.

Although not shown, the first connector 2 may comprise an attachment portion extending in extension of the housing 4 along the X axis from the rear face 40. This attachment portion comprises for example two branches each having a hooked end. removably on the housing 4 and another end connected to a joining portion. The joining portion may define a plurality of attachment areas. Although not shown, each attachment zone may have a semicircular receiving surface on which the cables to which the first connector 2 is connected can be supported and / or fixed.

The first connector 2 may comprise a not shown front seal to be arranged on the connection face 41 of the casing 4 and this front seal may comprise passages facing the cells 42 when the seal is in place on the connection face 41. front seal is for example made of silicone.

The first connector 2 may comprise a rear seal 4 'to be arranged against the rear face 40 of the casing 4. Similar to the front seal, this rear seal 4' may comprise as many passages as the casing 4 comprises cells 42, the passages of the rear seal coming opposite the cells 42 when the rear seal 4 'is in place on the rear face 40 of the housing.

The cells 42 receive a portion of the contacts 45 of the first connector 2. As best illustrated in FIG. Figures 11A to 11C when they are in place in the housing 4, the contacts 45 also extend out of the cells 42, that is to say, where appropriate in the passages of the front seal 30 and cantilevered. The contacts 45 thus comprise a portion received in the cells 42 and a portion projecting beyond the connection face 41 of the housing 4. The portion received in the cells 42 may have a length of between 50 and 75% of the length contacts 45.

A not shown holding part may be disposed in each cell 42 near the rear face 40, this holding part being able to ensure the attachment of a contact 45 in the housing 4. Alternatively, the holding parts may be molded and integrated in the housing 4, in particular in the case where the housing 4 is made in two parts.

According to the invention, the first connector 2 comprises at one of its lateral ends, an outgrowth 46 forming a housing of cylindrical inner shape over most of its height h2 which constitutes its bottom. Two fastening tabs 47, elastically deformable, are provided, for example being diametrically opposed one to the other, around the housing 46 at the upper end 48 of the outgrowth. The upper end 48 of this protrusion 46 has a polygonal inner cross section, which is octagonal in the example described. A shoulder 49 is formed between the bottom of the housing and the upper end 48 of the protrusion.

The functions of the housing of the protrusion 46, the brackets 47 and the shoulder 49 will be detailed later.

Similarly to the first connector 2 which has just been described, the second connector 3 of the connection assembly 1 may comprise a housing 5 made in one piece, a cable attachment part not shown and a rear seal 5 ' .

The housing 5 comprises a plurality of cells 52, formed from a rear face 50 to a front face 51, which can also be designated by connection face, facing the first connector 2 when the connectors 2 and 3 are locked.

In the example described, the faces 50 and 51 are parallel and extend perpendicularly to the rectilinear axis X of the cells 52, this rectilinear axis X is also called hereinafter "connector axis".

The cells 52 receive unrepresented contacts of the complementary type of the contacts 45, for cells 42 opposite.

As best represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , one or more locking pins 53 may be provided at least on the upper face of the housing 5. Other locking pins may also be provided on the underside of the housing 5. The locking pins 53 are in the examples considered made in one piece with the housing 5.

Unlike the first connector 2, the second connector 3 may comprise means for fixing to a panel that are not shown.

Also unlike the first connector 2, and as better visible to Figures 11A to 11C , the second multi-contact connector 3 also has at one of its lateral ends, a protrusion 54 on which protrudes a guide pin 55 for guiding the connector 3 in an opening of a panel.

According to the invention, similarly to the first connector 2, the second multi-contact connector 3 also comprises at the other of its lateral ends, a protuberance 56 forming a cylindrical inner housing on the major part h3 of its height which constitutes its bottom. Two elastically deformable fixing lugs 57 are formed, for example by being diametrically opposite one another, around the housing 56 at the upper end 58 of the protuberance. The upper end 58 of this protrusion 56 has a polygonal inner cross section, which is octagonal in the example described. A shoulder 59 is formed between the bottom of the housing and the upper end 58 of the protrusion.

The functions of the housing of the protrusion 56, the brackets 57 and the shoulder 59 will be detailed later.

The second connector 3 finally has guide ribs 34 on each side of the front face 51 of the housing to cooperate with the guide grooves 44 of the first connector 2 in order to provide a guide in translation along the X axis of the connectors during their connection. This will be detailed later with reference to Figures 11A to 11C .

The two multi-contact connectors 2, 3 of the connection assembly are advantageously configured to be mutually locked. More precisely, a locking cover 6 is slidably mounted transversely relative to the housing 4 of the first connector 2 between a locking position and an unlocking position, and vice versa.

As best represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , this locking cover 6 may have a U-shaped section in a plane perpendicular to the X axis of the connector 2. The cover 6 then has a bottom 60 coming opposite a lateral face 43 of the housing 4 and two branches 61 parallel respectively facing a portion of the upper face of the housing 4 and a portion of the lower face of the housing 4.

As shown on Figures 1 and 2 , one or more windows 62 may be formed in one of the branches 61, or in each branch 61. These windows 62 may have, when viewed in plan view or below the case 4, a shape substantially in L. larger dimension measured between two opposite edges of a window 62 defines the amplitude of the sliding movement of the locking cover 6 with respect to the housing 4 as it moves from a locking position to an unlocking position.

As shown on Figures 1 and 2 to achieve the mutual interlocking between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the procedure is as follows.

In a first step, the first connector 2 with the locking cover 6 in the unlocked position is pushed, for example by hand, to the second connector 3 which has been previously introduced through an opening of a panel and secured to this panel. At the end of this step, the locking cover 6 is in contact with the housings 4 and 5. Still at the end of this step, the locking pins 53 of the housing 5 are received in the small portion of the L formed by each groove 62 of the locking cap 6.

In a subsequent step, a force is exerted, for example by hand, perpendicular to the axis X. This force causes the sliding of the locking cover 6 relative to the housings 4 and 5, transversely to the axis X.

The sliding of the cover 6 causes the advance of each pin 53 along the large portion of the L of each groove 62. At the end of this step, each pin 53 is abutted against an edge of the groove 62 and blocked in the latter. The cover 6 is then in the locked position, solidarisant one to the other connectors 2 and 3.

As can be seen on the Figures 11A to 11C the maximum space induced by the connection assembly 1 is in the example described imposed by the distance L between the two growth means 54, 56 of the housing 5 of the second connector 3.

In an exemplary embodiment of the connection assembly 1 according to the invention, the length measured along the axis X between the rear face 40 of the housing 4 and the free end of each arm 43 is 25 mm. Still in this example, the height of the housing 4 measured between its upper face and its lower face is 14 mm, the width of the cover 6 is 62 mm and the amplitude according to which the cover 6 moves when it passes from the unlocked position in the locked position and vice versa is 8 mm.

Regarding the second connector 3, the distance L between the two protuberances 54, 56, measured perpendicular to the X axis is 80 mm, the height of the housing 5 is 14 mm, the length of the housing 5 measured along the X axis between two opposite faces is 23.50 mm.

The values of the above distances are of course only given as an indication, the values being able in other examples to be lower or higher than those above.

The connection assembly 1 according to the invention further comprises a coding system consisting of a pair of two coding keys 7, 8, each key being of elongate shape along an axis (X1, X2),

According to the invention, each key 7, 8 projects at only one of the lateral ends 46, 56 of a housing 4, 5 beyond its connection face 41, 51.

According to the invention also, each key 7, 8 comprises at each of its ends a portion 70, 71; 80, 81 whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one protruding form 83, 84 and / or recessed 73, 74.

According to the invention, each end portion 70, 71 of one of the two keys 7 is adapted to fit in shape complement with a single end portion, respectively 80, 81, the other of the two keys 8 along their axis coincide (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them.

Finally, according to the invention, each key 7, 8 is adapted to be fixed by one 70, 80 or the other 71, 81 of its end portions to the housing 4 of the first connector 2 and / or the housing 5 of the second connector 3 according to a plurality of given angular positions with respect to the axis (X).

In all the figures described, the key 7 is a female key that is to say with its two end portions 70, 71 of the female type and the key 8 is of the male type with its two end portions 80, 81 of the male type.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B , the female key 7 comprises an end portion 70 on which is engraved a visual indicator A and a second end portion 71 on which is engraved a visual indicator B.

The two end portions 70, 71 are separated by an octagonal section fastening flange 72. A successive series of digits 1 to 8 is engraved on the flange 72. More precisely, a number is engraved on each face of the octagonal section so as to form the successive series. This successive series is visible in ascending order when the key 7 is rotated about its axis in the counter-clockwise direction.

The end portion 70 is a cylinder inside which are formed three straight grooves 74 along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.

The end portion 71 is a cylinder inside which are formed three grooves 73 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions. The spacing between the grooves 73 of the end portion 71 is different from that between the grooves 74 of the end portion 70.

In the illustrated example, two adjacent grooves 74 are spaced from each other by an angle of 90 ° while the third groove 74 is spaced from each of the other two grooves 74 by an angle of 135 °.

In the illustrated example, two adjacent grooves 73 are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 ° while the third groove 73 is spaced from each of the other two grooves 73 by an angle of 90 °.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B , the male key 8 comprises an end portion 80 on which is engraved a visual indicator A and a second end portion 81 on which is engraved a visual indicator B.

The two end portions 80, 81 are separated by a flange 82 of octagonal section fastening. A successive series of digits 1 to 8 is engraved on the flange 82. More precisely, a number is engraved on each face of the octagonal section so as to form the successive series. This successive series is visible in ascending order when the key 8 is turned about its axis in the clockwise direction.

The end portion 80 is a cylinder on which are formed three ribs 84 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.

The end portion 81 is a cylinder on which are formed three ribs 83 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions. The spacing between the ribs 83 of the end portion 81 is different from that between the ribs 84 of the end portion 80.

The three rectilinear ribs 83 are of complementary shape with the three grooves 73 being spaced apart from each other in the same angular positions. Thus, in the illustrated example, two adjacent ribs 83 are spaced apart from each other at an angle of 180 ° while the third rib 83 is spaced from each of the other two ribs 83 at an angle of 90 °.

The three rectilinear ribs 84 are of complementary shape with the three grooves 74 being spaced apart from each other in the same angular positions. Thus, in the illustrated example, two adjacent ribs 84 are spaced from each other by an angle of 90 ° while the third rib 84 is spaced from each of the other two ribs 84 by an angle of 135 ° .

In other words, fitting by complementary shapes is possible only between the ribs 73 and grooves 83 defining a coding B and between the ribs 74 and grooves 84 defining a coding A.

In Figures 4A and 4B , there is shown a coupling between the end portions 70, 80 complementary keys 7, 8 defining a coding according to eight combinations A1, A2, .... A8. Similarly, Figures 4A and 4B , there is shown a coupling between the end portions 71, 81 complementary keys 7, 8 defining a coding according to eight possible combinations B1, B2, .... B8.

As explained below, as a function of the relative angular position of the keys 7, 8 with respect to the X axis of the boxes 4, 5 of the connectors 2, 3, it is possible to define a given coding associated with the letter A or B and a given number 1 to 8 according to a maximum number of 32 combinations.

In an exemplary embodiment of the connection assembly 1 according to the invention, each key 7 or 8 has a length 1 of 15 mm and a diameter Ø of flange 72, 82, that is to say between two sections of the hex facing each other of the order of 5.5 mm. The housing 46, 56 have a length h of the order of 10 mm.

The values of the above distances are of course only given as an indication, the values being able in other examples to be lower or higher than those above.

We will now describe the manual mounting of keying keys 7, 8 in the boxes 4, 5 of the two connectors 2, 3.

One manually takes one of the keys 7 or 8 by positioning on the one hand according to the end portion 70 or 71, 80 or 81 he wishes to accommodate in the housing 46 or 56 formed by one of the outgrowths of boxes 4 or 5. This orientation therefore allows visualize one or the other B of the first visual indicators that one wishes apparent after the editing.

The key 7 or 8 is also positioned according to the desired angular position relative to the axis X. In other words, according to the example described, the faces of the octagonal section are positioned according to the number 1 to 8 that the we want to visualize laterally to the case 4 or 5.

Then, the key 7 or 8 is inserted in the housing 46 or 56 until its fastening flange 72, 82 comes firstly against the shoulder 49, 59 made in the housing and secondly snap into place with the two brackets 47 or 57.

Once this snap step performed, the key 7 or 8 is fixed to the housing 4 or 5 of the connector 2 or 3 selected and the angular positioning determined with respect to the X axis is achieved.

The same steps are performed for the other key 8 or 7 with the other housing 5 or 4 of the other connector 3 or 2, taking care to respect the corresponding positioning of the end portion 71 or 70, 81 or 80 in the housing 56 or 46 and the corresponding angular positioning around the axis X.

To proceed to the manual disassembly of each of the two keys 7, 8 it is sufficient to exert a traction force manually on it from the rear to the front of the connector 2, 3 in which it is housed. A simple traction force is indeed sufficient to remove the snap-fastening tabs 47, 57 on the flange 72, 82 of the key 7, 8.

An example of combination A5 is shown in figure 5 . In this figure, we see that the male key 8 is snapped inside the housing 56 of the second connector 3 so as to show on the one hand laterally the digit 5 which can be visualized by the viewing window 90 provided for this effect in the protrusion 56 and secondly end letter A which can be viewed in connection front view of said second connector. Similarly, we see on this figure 5 that the female key 7 is snapped inside the housing 46 of the first connector 2 so as to show on the one hand laterally the digit 5 which can be visualized by the viewing window 91 provided for this purpose in the protrusion 46 and, on the other hand, laterally the letter A, which can therefore be viewed in side view of said first connector 2. Thus, an operator making at the factory the mounting of the coding keys 7, 8 in their respective connector 2, 3 can easily visualize and therefore control the correct code according to the determined combination, as the code A5 on the figure 5 .

On the Figures 1 to 7 a first embodiment according to the invention is shown according to which the mounting of the female key 7 or of the male key 8 indifferently on the first connector 2 or on the second connector 3. This mode is advantageous makes it possible to double the number combinations of coding between the housings 4, 5, up to 32 combinations in the illustrated example.

According to this first embodiment, the flanges 72, 82 of the two keys 7, 8 have the same transverse dimensions and each housing 46, 56 of housing 4, 5 can accommodate either an end portion 70, 71 of female key 7 or a portion end 80, 81 of the male key 8 with a possible snap-together indifferently due to the same dimensioning and arrangement of the shoulders 49, 59 and the brackets 47, 57. This first mode may, however, have a disadvantage because it may involve a risk mounting error if inadvertently an operator mounts a male key 8 instead of a female 7 and vice versa.

On the Figures 8 to 10 there is shown a second embodiment which makes it possible to eliminate the disadvantage of the first mode. In other words, according to this second embodiment, the female key 7 can be mounted in only one connector, the first connector 2 in the example shown. Similarly, the male key 8 can be mounted in only one connector, the second connector in the example described.

In this second embodiment, the transverse dimensions of the flange 72 of the female key 7 are enlarged relative to that 82 of the male key 8, which prevents the mounting of the female key 7 in the housing 56 of the housing 5 adapted only for housing the male key 8. According to this second mode, the transverse dimensions of the end portions 70, 71 of the female key can also be enlarged. The mechanical interference that results between the female key 7 and the housing 56 is represented by figure 9 : in this figure, it is clearly seen that the female key 7 abuts against the periphery of the housing 56 without being able to be housed therein.

According to this second mode also, the bottom of the housing 46 of the housing 4 adapted only to house the female key 7 is equipped with a solid cylinder 9. When the female key 7 is inserted in the housing 46, the solid cylinder 9 enters the interior of one of end portions 70, 71 without posing any mounting problem. In case of an attempt housing of the male key 8 in the housing 46, the solid cylinder 9 abuts against the male key 8 and thus prevents its attachment by snapping. The mechanical interference between the solid cylinder 9 and the male key 8 is represented in FIG. figure 10 : in this figure, it is clearly seen that the male key 8 abuts against the full cylinder 9.

It goes without saying that if in Figures 8 to 10 , it is shown the impossibility of mounting respectively the female key 7 in the second connector 3 (base), and the male key 8 in the first connector 2 (plug), we can also provide the opposite.

The connection steps, that is to say of mechanical and electrical connection between connectors 2 and 3 and their contacts and mechanical coupling by the foolproof keys 7, 8 are represented in FIG. Figures 11A to 11C .

Firstly, the boxes 4, 5 of the connectors 2, 3 are aligned along their axis X by facing their connection faces 41, 51. In this alignment, the guide grooves 44 are brought into contact with each other in the arm 43 of the housing 4 first connector 2 with the guide ribs 34 of the housing 5 of the second connector 3, as shown in FIG. figure 11A .

Then, while sliding the boxes 4, 5 towards one another through the grooves 44 and guide ribs 34 until it comes into contact with the two keying keys 7, 8, as shown in FIG. Figure 11B .

If the interlocking of the two opposite end portions 70, 80 or 71, 81 of the two coding keys 7, 8 is possible then the casings 4, 5 are continued to slide towards each other, which makes it possible to continue the connection between boxes 4, 5 and the mechanical coupling between coding keys 7, 8, as represented in FIG. figure 11C .

When the connection is finished, the connection faces 41, 51 are in plane contact with each other.

The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

The expression "comprising a" shall be understood as meaning "containing at least one", except when the opposite is specified.

Claims (15)

Connection assembly (1) comprising: a first connector, in particular a multicontact connector (2) and, a second connector, in particular a multicontact connector (3), of complementary type to the first connector, the first and second connectors each comprising a housing (4, 5) extending along an axis (X) and comprising a connection face, the first and second connectors being connected together by their connection faces, - At least one pair of two coding keys (7, 8) coupled together, each key being of elongate shape along an axis (X1, X2) and projecting from a housing (4, 5) beyond its connection face (41, 51), characterized in that each key has at each of its ends a portion (70, 71; 80, 81) whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one protruding shape and / or hollow, in that each portion of end of one of the two wrenches is adapted to fit by complementary shapes with a single end portion of the other of the two keys along their coincident axis (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them, and in that each keying key is adapted to be fixed by one or other of its end portions to the housing of the first and / or second connector according to a plurality of angular positions given with respect to the axis (X). Connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pair of two keying keys coupled between it, each key protruding from only one of the lateral ends (46, 56) of a housing ( 4, 5) beyond its connecting face (41, 51). Connection assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an end portion (70 or 71; 80 or 81) of a key has at its end or on its outer periphery a first visual indicator ( A or B) distinct (B or A) from that of the other end portion of the same key, each first visual indicator being visible from outside the case when the corresponding key is fixed in the housing. Connection assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the end portion (70 or 71; 80 or 81) of one of the two keys (7, 8) of the pair has the same first visual indicator (A or B) than the end portion of the other of the two keys of the pair with which it is adapted to nest. Connection assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first visual indicators are letters (A, B). Connection assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (4, 5) respectively of the first and second connector is adapted to allow manual mounting and disassembly of each key. Connection assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a key (7, 8) has a fastening flange (72, 82) in its central portion between the two end portions (70, 71; 80, 81), the flange cooperating by snapping with at least one fixing lug (47, 57), elastically deformable, formed in a housing of the first or the second connector for fixing the key in the housing (4, 5). Connection assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the flange (72, 82) has on its outer periphery a plurality of second visual indicators, such as numbers from 1 to 8, defining the plurality of angular positions of the key. relative to the axis (X) and in that a lateral end (46, 56) of a housing (4, 5) comprises a viewing window (90, 91) for displaying one of the second indicators visual when the corresponding key is fixed in the case. Connection assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the flange (72, 82) has a polygonal outer section, transversely to the axis (X1, X2) of the key and by the fact that the housing delimits around the (the) lug (s), a housing of polygonal internal section, complementary to that of the collar, the housing and the collar cooperating by interlocking complementary polygonal sections to define one of the plurality of positions angular data of the key relative to the X axis of the box. Connection assembly (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the plurality of second visual indicators is a successive series of numbers, such as 1 to 8. Connection assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least the flanges (72, 82) of the two keys have the same transverse dimensions and in that the housings (4,5 ) of the first and second connector are adapted to accommodate either a key portion (7, 8), male type or female type. Connection assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least the flanges (72, 82) of the two keys have different transverse dimensions and in that the housing (4) of the first connector (2) is adapted to house only the female-type portion of the key (7) at the largest flange when engaged by the tab (es) while the housing (5) of the second connector (3) ) is adapted to prevent said key (7) at the largest flange from being snapped by the tab (s). Connection assembly (1) according to one of claims 3 to 4 in combination with one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the first and second visual indicators together define a coding coding according to several combinations (A1 to A8, B1 to B8). Connection assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a female-type portion (70, 71) of key is constituted by a cylinder inside which is provided at least one groove ( 74, 73) rectilinear along the cylinder, while a portion of the male type (80, 81) key is constituted by a cylinder on which is formed at least one rib (84, 83) rectilinear along the cylinder, complementary at the groove (74, 73). Set of keying keys, intended to be implemented in a connection assembly according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pair of two coding keys (7, 8), each key being of elongated shape along an axis (X1, X2) and having at each of its ends a portion (70, 71; 80, 81) whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one projecting and / or recessed shape (73, 74; 83, 84) , in that each end portion of one of the two keys of one and the same pair is adapted to fit together in a complement of shapes with a single end portion of the other of the two keys of the same pair along their coincident axis (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them.

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